Spokesperson Finance Ministry, Muzammil Aslam has said that the inflation in the country is mainly because of international commodity prices, and soon the Pakistani market will be stable in terms of prices.
Addressing a news conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, Muzammil Aslam said that global inflation was increased due to COVID-19, which also affected Pakistan. He said that Pakistan’s economy was improving, adding that the exports increased by 18% while the imports decreased by 23% over the last year.
To a question, he said that no doubt Pakistan was far better than India in terms of economy, and the country was now on the path to prosperity.
He noted that a decrease in imports with an increase in exports would reduce the trade deficit. He said that Pakistan was facing difficulties importing goods, as there was inflation in the world market, leading to an increase in prices in the commodities brought into Pakistan.
Muzammil Aslam said that egg prices remained stable this year as compared to the last year. Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, he added, were high during the COVID pandemic and Pakistan’s currency was showing continuity.
He underlined that sugar was abundant in the country and prices were stable. He said that the price of sugar was Rs. 80 to 83 per kilogram.
He maintained that Pakistan’s deficit had come down from $5 billion to $3 billion. He observed that COVID-19 devalued the currencies of many countries, and the depreciation of the Pakistani Rupee against the dollar had led to inflation in the country. This was the main reason why prices were not stabilizing in the country, he explained.
He said that sugar had been imported into the country which is now abundant and we will not have to import it. Similarly, we have not had to import wheat. Muzammil Aslam said that Pakistan imports 80% of its cooking oil which has affected the common man.
He reiterated that the recent 13 percent inflation figures in the country were not high and there had been no increase in inflation as compared to December 2021. He emphasized that the price of flour was stable as compared to the last year.
He hoped that Pakistan’s economy would grow strong and stable. He asserted that despite multiple challenges, particularly COVID-19, the country’s economy performed well during 2021 and was moving in the right direction with the support of the government’s prudent policies.
He further said that the country’s exports were gradually increasing and likely to touch $30 billion by the end of this fiscal year, while inflows of home remittances would be about $32 billion.
Pakistan has also revised up its economic growth rate for 2020-21 to 5.37 percent from 3.9 percent which is another historic achievement, he said, adding that the policies of the government bearing fruits and taking the economy toward sustainable development.
Source: Pro Pakistani


Logan Stout started the IDLife company. The company has grown under his direction and it has continued to improve thanks to the commitment that he had to the company. He knows that he has to work hard and has to give people different opportunities to be as healthy as possible if he wants them to be successful with IDLife. It is also a company that continues to provide their clients with the things that they need to be successful in their own health challenges.
Since Logan Stout started IDLife, he knew what he had to do and what he could turn around to change for the company. He knew a lot about the way that the company would work and always made sure that he could show people what they were doing to improve the chances of doing better in their health.
Read more on Crunchbase.
Not only did Logan Stout want to make people understand the importance of a healthy life but he also wanted them to know that they could be successful with the money they were making and with the opportunities that they had. For Logan Stout to be able to do all of this, he had to ensure that he was giving people a good company that was based on the commitment that he had in the beginning. He also knew that people would be able to benefit from all of the things that IDLife was doing to bring improvements to the area that they were close to.
While Logan Stout knows that IDLife is going to continue to improve and profit, he also wants to show the leaders in the company that they will be able to make these same types of profits. He has remained committed to the company and continues to show people what they can get from a healthy lifestyle. He also does what he can to show others what they need to do and how they can make sure that they are getting the biggest health benefits possible out of the company and the things that they are doing with the areas of the company.
For more information about Logan Stout, just click here.


(MENAFN- ProactiveInvestors)Orca Exploration Group (CVE: ORC.A B) has completed its offshore workover and drilling programme in Tanzania successfully increasing production capacity from around 83 MMscfd to around 150 MMscfd. The programme included workovers on three existing wells on the Songo Songo main field - SS-5 SS-7 and SS-9 - and the drilling of one new development well SS-12. The first phase also included completing the SS-12 production platform flowlines and tie-in facilities connecting the well to gas processing facilities. The total cost of Phase 1 was originally estimated to cost US$120 million however now that the off-shore programme has been completed the firm expects the first phase to come in under US$80 million with costs incurred so far of around US$68 million. "We are delighted with the success of the Offshore Programme and the significant cost savings achieved this reflects the strength of our operation's team" said Orca's chief ececutive David Lyons. "The development programme has enabled the company to significantly increase production capacity in Tanzania and ensure the continued reliable supply of natural gas to our customers." Orca supplies gas for power generation to the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) Songas and 38 industrial customers in the Dar es Salaam area. Natural gas from the Songo Songo Main Field has made a significant contribution to Tanzania's economy and is estimated to have saved Tanzania over US$6 billion in other fuel costs since commercial operations began in 2004 according to Tanzanian government sources.
Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


Add RFI to your home screen
© 2023 Copyright RFI - All rights reserved. RFI is not responsible for the content of external websites. Audience ratings certified by ACPM/OJD.
Nottingham squeezes point from dramatic Villa draw
Cameron chairs emergency committee as UK riots spread
The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore.


No public recommendations added yet.
Water Treatment Plants, Water Treatment Chemicals, Purified Water Generation System, RO Plant, RO Plant Manufacturer, Multigrade Filter, Sand Media, Activated Carbon, Ion Exchange Resin, DM Plant, Ultrafiltration manufacturers and suppliers in Mumbai and India.
Vote For Aquatic Solutions
The voting system is a way for customers of Aquatic Solutions to change its popularity at Start Local. You may vote for or against Aquatic Solutions and your vote will affect its score on Start Local.
If you vote positively for the business you may also choose to leave a public recommendation to tell other people about your great experience with the business.
Note: A negative vote will count against this business's score but will not be displayed publicly. Read here for more info on voting.
Have you already registered with us?
We just need to know if you've already registered with Start Local? If so you should have already selected a password and validated your email address. If not, don't worry it's easy and will take less than 40 seconds.


This post has already been read 1975 times!
MANKAYAN, Benguet – The municipal government is now partnering with various anti-smoking advocates outside the municipality to enhance and sustain the implementation of the town’s anti-smoking ordinance, especially with the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Mayor Frenzel A. Ayong stated that smoking affects the lungs of a person and with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which targets the lungs; there will be a big possibility that more smokers will be exposed to the danger of easily contracting the virus that could compromise their health.
He said that the recent visit of anti-smoking advocates to the municipality was a big boost to the local government’s effort in improving the ongoing implementation of its anti-smoking ordinance to gradually achieve a smoke free community and allow the public free from the dangers of smoking.
The local chief executive claimed there are numerous health hazards of smoking which had been time and again underscored by health experts, that is why local governments were compelled by the national government to pass their respective anti-smoking ordinances to curb the proliferation of smoking in their areas of jurisdiction.
According to him, the partnership that will be established by the local government with anti-smoking advocates will definitely help in empowering the concerned government agencies and the local government in making sure that the pertinent provisions of the local anti-smoking ordinance will be cascaded to the barangays which will also play a key role in ensuring that residents will abide by the measure that is now in full force and effect.
Mayor Ayong expressed the local government’s gratitude to the willing partners who want to extend the appropriate technical assistance to contribute in efforts to enhance and sustain the ongoing implementation of local anti-smoking ordinances to curb the proliferation among citizens, especially those in the barangays who are not fully aware of the evident dangers of being exposed to smoking.
The mayor emphasized the need to include the information and education campaign (IEC) against smoking to the ongoing IEC on COVID-19 which is being undertaken by an organized IEC team to compliment the issues and concerns that should be cascaded on the ground for people to understand why concerned government agencies and the local government are doing its best to ensure their health and safety and for them to be spared from the dangers of smoking.
Earlier, the local government organized an IEC team which is now going around the barangays cascading the various programs, projects and activities being enforced by the municipal government to help contain the rapid spread of the deadly virus and avoid the unnecessary surges in cases that might compromise the local health care system and stress the frontliners.
He urged the residents to sustain their adherence to the minimum public health standards and avoid smoking so as not to make them prone to contracting illnesses that might compromise their existing health condition. By HENT


Arab Journalists Federation Urges Int'l Media To Condemn Israeli Aggression On Gaza
(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) CAIRO, Aug 7 (KUNA) -- The Federation of Arab Journalists called on all international media and human rights organizations to condemn the brutal Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.
In a statement Sunday, the Cairo-based federation condemned the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, which resulted in the death of about 31 Palestinians.
Israeli air strikes have pounded the Gaza Strip for three days, leaving scores of Palestinians either dead or injured, while buildings and other infrastructure were reduced to rubble. (end)
Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


(MENAFN- AsiaNet News) The Delhi High Court on Thursday (April 4) rejected a second PIL seeking the removal of Arvind Kejriwal as Chief Minister following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Excise policy. The court reiterated that while personal interests may sometimes need to yield to national interests, such considerations remain subjective.
In response to the petition, the bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, said that the judiciary's role is to uphold the law and ensure consistency in its decisions. The bench also said that it had previously dismissed a similar PIL regarding Kejriwal's removal, citing the need for judicial precedent and consistency in court rulings.
YouTube approved ads spreading misinformation about India's poll process, investigation reveals
Vishnu Gupta, a social worker and National President of Hindu Sena, filed the fresh PIL, contending that Kejriwal's arrest and subsequent judicial custody for alleged violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) breached the constitutional trust vested in him as Chief Minister.
Arvind Kejriwal is presently in judicial custody since his arrest on March 21. The Delhi CM's custody has been extended by the trial court until April 15.
Strategic Forces Command and DRDO's Agni-Prime test confirms reliable performance
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


LAHORE: Former senator, federal minister for information and central information secretary of Pakistan Muslim League Quaid (PML-Q) Tariq Azeem announced joining Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) on Thursday.
Azeem made the announcement alongside party chief Nawaz Sharif at a press conference in Lahore.
Sharif welcomed Azeem to PML-N and said that the party will take advantage of his experience and achievements.
Azeem said that he was thankful to Sharif for inviting him to join PML-N. He said that there was a ‘big burden’ on him and he was previously sitting in a place where if he spoke the truth, people would ask why he was speaking against government performance when his party was part of the coalition.
“I have joined the real Muslim League.”
The former senator also hit out at the government saying that Sharif was the only one who had visited Siachen after the tragedy, while the others had to follow him.
Azeem asked Sharif to visit Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan to help resolve issues there.
PML-N sources had earlier said that Azeem’s services for the Sharif family and for the party had impressed Nawaz Sharif, who had accepted the former PML-Q information secretary into the party.
More in PakistanNo change in Pakistan’s Siachen policy: Foreign Office


Get Truthdig's headlines in your inbox!
The Age of Cryptocurrency
Truthdigger of the Week: Yanis Varoufakis
Blaze Destroys 1m Irreplaceable Documents in Cultural 'Chernobyl'
CodePink Attempts Citizen's Arrest of Henry Kissinger
Arctic Glacier’s Galloping Melt Baffles Scientists
By Marcel Proust
Bill Day, Cagle Cartoons —
RJ Matson, Cagle Cartoons, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch —
View the most popular tags overall?
Posted on Feb 1, 2015
Posted on Jan 31, 2015
A Progressive Journal of News and Opinion
Publisher Zuade Kaufman | Editor Robert Scheer
© 2015 Truthdig, LLC. All rights reserved.
Website development by Hop Studios


Mar Murube joins us to talk about the experience of interviewing vulnerable people during the Covid-19 pandemic and what we can do to help ourselves and those being interviewed.
Mental health is something that isn’t discussed openly at the workplace. The tech industry has a higher rate of mental health issues than many other industries. Stress, burn-out, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety. We talked to Jennifer Akullian, psychologist, coach and former mental health practitioner.


(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron said in an interview Wednesday that he would have a "real problem" with Turkey's intervention against a Kurdish militia in Syria if it turned into an outright "invasion".
In an interview with Le Figaro daily, coming as Turkey considers expanding the offensive, Macron said: "If the operation became more than fighting a potential terrorist threat on the Turkish border and turns out to be an invasion operation, we would have a real problem with that."
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


Hohoe (V/R),- Mr Andrews Teddy Ofori, Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), has called on residents to take the COVID-19 vaccination to protect themselves against the disease.
“Taking the Covid-19 vaccine is the surest way to protect ourselves from the disease,” he said.
Mr Ofori, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after he took a COVID-19 jab at the Municipal Health Directorate, said vaccines were not meant for only sick people.
He called on the residents in the Hohoe Municipality to avail themselves when the time came for them to be vaccinated.
Mr Philip Nani-Tome, the Hohoe Municipal Disease Control Officer, said a total of 1,413 health workers were expected to take the COVID-19 vaccine in the Municipality.
He said the total number of jabs given as of March 29 was 921.
The Officer said eight of the health workers, who took the jab, reported non-serious cases and were stable.
Source: Ghana News Agency


The delegation members of European Parliament on Wednesday objected to the “wrong presentation” of their visit by some of the media outlets and said that the main motive of their visit was to have information about the situation.
One of the members, Thierry Mariani said he has been to India several times before.
“I am not here to interfere in Indian politics,” he said while adding that the purpose was to have information about the situation.
Stressing that terrorism is now a world problem, Mariani said he did not want Kashmir to become a “second Afghanistan.”
He also said they had a discussion with a civil society where their members talked of being Indian citizens and having a development like in other parts of India.
While addressing a press conference with other delegation members, Henri Maloose from France said, “Some Indian channels have given the wrong presentation of our visit.”
Henri while acknowledging that they have been presented as “fascist, Islamaphobe, racist” and said that this is “absolutely not the case.”
We know that this region is unfortunately under the threat, he said recalling that yesterday itself, five innocent workers were killed.
The member while thanking the Indian government for helping organise the visit also said that it is totally independent.
The members had visited Kashmir yesterday where they met the members of civil society and Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen KJS Dhillon.


File: Lungu arrive from Lesotho
President Edgar Lungu has urged Zambians to desist from careless talk.
Speaking on arrival at the Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola today, the Head of State said those who talk carelessly invite trouble to themselves.
In apparent reference to Incarcerated UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema, President Lungu said those who were promising Armageddon are now in trouble because of the words they uttered in the past.
And President Lungu says it is only through unity that Zambia will realize the development which his Government was voted to deliver.
He says he was elected to develop the country and will work hard to deliver on his campaign promises.
President Lungu said his government’s development agenda has seen people in the Western Province benefiting from the recently commissioned Mongu-Kalabo road.
He said next week Tuesday, he is going to Dundumwezi Constituency in Kalomo District to check on the roads which the Ministry of Infrastructure is constructing.
And President Lungu has taken a swipe at some people from Lusaka who are allegedly interfering in developmental projects he recently commissioned on the Copperbelt.
The President says he has received reports that people are interfering with the projects he recently commissioned.
He said the projects on the Copperbelt are meant to benefit people in the region.


Watch Out for the Voodoo, Nancy
Using body language suggestive of Gloria Steinem squaring off with Larry Flynt, presumed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi took her first post-election meeting with President Bush.
According to Pelosi, they dined on a pasta dish — a nod to the congresswoman’s Italian heritage — before opening themselves up to the cameras and engaging in what may have been the least comfortable handshake in modern American political history.
Nancy, now that you’re in the driver’s seat and President Bush has to play nice with you, we know it’s going to be tempting to fall under the spell of the commander in chief. Don’t.Wait, before you go…
If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.Support Truthdig


MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A tornado has ripped through north Minneapolis and the temperature has reached 103. That’s all happened before the official start of summer, which will be at 12:16 p.m. Tuesday.
“I think we’ve already hit our high temperature for the summer when we hit 103. I don’t think we’re going to see that again,” said Long Range Consulting Forecaster Frank Watson.
He said he expects average temperatures and rainfall in the coming months.
“It’s not going to be a really hot summer. It’s not going to be cold, but it’s just not going to feel like it’s a really hot, burning, summer,” said Watson.
Watson said he also expects this summer to linger a little longer than last summer.
NewsRadio 830 WCCO’s Bruce Hagevik Reports


Governor Sindh Imran Ismail has said that the Tiger Force will play its role in enforcing SOPs to save the people from Coronavirus.
According to details, a meeting was held at Governor House under the chairmanship of Governor Sindh Imran Ismail in which other issues including activation of Tiger Force in Sindh were discussed.
Imran Ismail said that the Tiger Force is being fully activated across the province. In the current situation, the Tiger Force has been given an important national responsibility.
Sindh Governor Imran Ismail further said that the youth of Tiger Force would inform the people about the precautionary measures and measures to be taken against COVID-19 while also playing their role in enforcing SOPs.
Members of Provincial Assembly Firdous Shamim Naqvi, Jamal Siddiqui and others participated in the meeting while Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Youth Affairs Usman Dar participated through video link.
It is to be noted that in the last 24 hours, 4728 more cases and 65 deaths have been reported from Coronavirus in Pakistan.
103,671 people have been tested positive for coronavirus in the country and 2,067 patients have been died of it.


Get involved in the process
November 4, 2012
To the editor: Does the public have a responsibility to know what its elected and appointed officials are doing on their behalf? Does the public have a duty to be aware of what is going on in the......
No comments posted for this article.
Post a Comment


What’s Love Got to Do With It?
Opponents of gay marriage say they want to protect the sanctity of the institution, but what if marriage were limited to people who love each other? The Onion has this satirical take on the marriage brouhaha.
The Onion:Your support matters…
Independent journalism is under threat and overshadowed by heavily funded mainstream media.
You can help level the playing field. Become a member.
Your tax-deductible contribution keeps us digging beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that unearths what's really happening- without compromise.
Give today to support our courageous, independent journalists.


No public recommendations added yet.
Architects for Residential, Commercial, Apartments. Offices, Interior designers for Residential, Flat apartments, Structural designers, Land surveyors, Plots layout designers.
how to find SK AssociatesClick To View Location
Vote For SK Associates
The voting system is a way for customers of SK Associates to change its popularity at Start Local. You may vote for or against SK Associates and your vote will affect its score on Start Local.


Public Works will build more than 200 works to boost the economy
Santo Domingo, DR
With a cost that exceeds 2,000 million pesos, the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) will implement a construction program of more than 200 works that will impact low-income sectors throughout the national territory.
The minister, Deligne Ascensión Burgos, announced that the projects would be awarded through draws, and the dates will be announced soon.
“We are going to place the specifications on the institution’s website, for engineers and architects, as well as companies and MSMEs that aspire to participate in these raffles,” he added.
The official said that the construction of these works is part of the government policy of President Luis Abinader, to give priority to the neediest sectors of the population.
He explained that these works seek to boost the economy and respond to the needs of the municipalities of the impacted places.
“This will be the first draw held by the management that we lead, for the award to construction professionals, of small and medium-sized works that we will execute throughout the national geography,” he said.


People experiencing homelessness said Portland has given them a one-week extension to remain at the homeless camps along Bayside Trail.
Right now, dozens of tents are pitched along the trail, starting behind Trader Joe’s.
The city said the camps pose a danger to the people staying there and the general public.
But those living in the camps said they have nowhere else to go.
“Mostly, they don’t have a place to go,” said General Abu, an asylum seeker from Kenya.
“All these tents that the people have, they don’t have houses. They’re people that need some help. But the city is gonna be removing as soon as Wednesday the scraps of all the people they’re going to be cleaning out.”
This Tuesday, the City Council will meet in executive session to discuss an emergency housing plan. The emergency shelter assessment committee will meet Wednesday to discuss the homelessness crisis.


A collection of news and information related to John Mason published by this site and its partners.
Top John Mason Articles
Displaying items 23-23
Story | Nov 5, 2012 | 4:44 PMA woman was found fatally stabbed Monday evening inside a home in Pigtown, one of several recent violent incidents being investigated by Baltimore police. Police also were probing three fatal shootings that occurred Saturday and Sunday, including a home-...


Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday telephoned Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and took stock of flood, erosion, COVID-19 and Baghjan oil well fire situation in the state.
The Prime Minister expressed solidarity with the people of Assam during these difficult times and enquired about the steps taken by the State government for the relief and rehabilitation of flood-affected people and treatment of COVID-19 positive patients in the state.
Sonowal apprised the Prime Minister that 26 districts of the state had been affected by the current wave of flood and the state government had taken steps for providing shelter to the flood-affected people in the relief camps set up for the purpose and strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols had been ensured in those relief camps.
He also informed that huge areas including farmlands and houses had been severely affected by the erosion caused by the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.
Sonowal informed about the COVID-19 scenario in the state, that the number of positive cases was increasing in the state as a result of ramping up of testing capacity by the health department.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the health department would be able to handle the situation even if the number of positive cases goes up rapidly in the near future.
Referring to the Baghjan oil well fire incident, the Chief Minister informed that Union Petroleum Ministry had been persistently carrying out activities to completely douse the fire and the State Government was extending all cooperation in this regard.
The Prime Minister said that the Central Government was keeping a close watch on flood, erosion, COVID-19 and Baghjan situation in the state and had been standing closely with the people of Assam during these difficult times. He also assured all help and cooperation from the Central government in managing these challenges


Drought in Philippines causes agricultural damage worth USD96m
(MENAFN) The Department of Agriculture of the Philippines announced that damage to rice and corn farms from the drought brought about by El Nino phenomenon has reached about USD96.16 million.
According to the department, the weather phenomenon has so far affected 164,672 farmers and 177,743 hectares of land as of Tuesday.
Agriculture Secretary said: "Everyday that passes where there is no rain, there will be greater damage, and so the total damage to crops, mainly rice and corn, has breached the 5-billion level."
The department also said that a total of 108,845 rice farmers in 37 provinces and 55,827 corn farmers in 17 provinces were affected by the drought or dry spell that started ravaging the Philippine since late last year.
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


(MENAFN- Pajhwok Afghan News) KABUL (Pajhwok): The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has denounced Friday€™s attack on a Shiite mosque in capital Kabul that killed and wounded dozens.
The Saudi foreign ministry in a statement strongly condemned the attack on the Imam Zaman mosque.
The kingdom said it shared the catastrophic grief with the government and the people of Afghanistan and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Afghanistan in the fight against militancy.
More than 20 people were killed and scores of others injured in the group suicide attack on the Imam Zaman Mosque in Kabul last Friday. Daesh group has claimed credit for the attack.
Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
U.S. President Joe Biden, in Japan to launch a regional economic
plan to counter China and reaffirm ties with a key Asian ally,
began his visit on Monday by meeting with Emperor Naruhito,
Trend reports citing
The cornerstone of Biden's two-day visit, which includes
meetings with the leaders of Japan, India and Australia, the
'Quad,' will be the rollout later on Monday of the Indo-Pacific
Economic Framework, a broad plan providing an economic pillar to
its engagement with Asia.
Biden arrived at the palace, where he was met by Naruhito, and
the two exchanged greetings before they were ushered inside, both
wearing white masks.
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


Suspected bandits have attacked a mosque in Zamfara state during the congregational Jummah prayer, killing five people and abducting 18 others, including the imam.
Confirming the incident to newsmen over the weekend, the spokesperson of the state police command, Mohammed Shehu, said the incident happened on Friday, November 20.
Mohammed said the bandits, numbering about 100, were said to have arrived in motorcycles and opened fire on the mosque located at Dutsen Gari village in Maru district. They abducted the imam of the mosque and some others. Mohammed said the Imam and a few others later regained their freedom on Saturday, November 21.
The police spokesperson said efforts are being made to apprehend the perpetrators and secure the release of the other victims.
Zamfara state has recorded several bandit attacks in many of its communities.


France: Champagne trades increase last year
(MENAFN) France’s Comite Champagne trade organization, which shows more than 16,000 winegrowers and 320 champagne houses, registered record high trades last year.
It added that France traded a notable high of 180 million bottles of champagne last year, which is a 38 percent rise in contrast to 2020, while whole deliveries increased 32 percent to 322 million bottles, regardless of the lasting effects of global epidemic lockdowns that resulted in the closing of many bars and restaurants. In general, worldwide trades reached almost USD6.2 billion.
As stated by Maxime Toubart, co-leader of the Comite Champagne “This recovery is a welcome surprise for the people of Champagne after a troubled 2020 (with figures down by 18 percent) impacted by the closure of main points of consumption and the shortage of celebratory events across the world.”
Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


We can help a lot to you.
Forming alliances and providing leadership in collaboration with other organizations who are working to improve the lives of people who have disabilities.
Providing education to clubhouse members and staff on the process of recovery for members who have both a mental illness and an addiction.
Providing leadership opportunities and encouragement for members to influence public policy by speaking on their own behalf.
Providing information for clubhouse members and staff on managed care and its potential impact on mental health services.
To work with others towards helping to make the community more accessible and user friendly to people with disabilities.


By Sunday Bassey
Uyo – The Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, Mr Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, said on Thursday that over 100 youths had surrendered their arms in the troubled Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom.
Ogunjemilusi made the disclosure during an interactive session with newsmen in Uyo.
He noted that the police command was doing everything possible to ensure peace and stability in the local government areas.
According to him, the youth started surrendering their arms since Monday. Sept. 24.
“As I speak with you, we have recorded over 100 youths surrendering their arms and they have agreed to documentation. We have profiled them,’’ Ogunjemilusi said.
The commissioner said that the police was in a peace process and disarmament of the youth in those local governments.
“His Excellency has agreed to set the ball of reconciliation rolling and we are in the process of reconciliation. Many of the aggrieved youths are coming out to surrender their arms,’’ he said.
The commissioner said that the peace process would be concluded in two weeks, adding that the public would soon witness unprecedented peace and security in those local government areas.
“We wish there is improvement in their response and we have been guaranteed by their leaders that they will cooperate fully with us, ‘’ the commissioner said.
Ogunjemilusi, however, said that the crisis started from two cult groups – Vikings and Debalm – who were at each others’ throat and which later degenerated to free- for- all-fight.
He said that the command had trained its personnel on successful investigation and prosecution of crime in the state.
The commissioner called on the public to always give useful information in order to apprehend criminals in the state.
NAN reports that the aggrieved youths assembled at Central School, Ikot Akpankuk, Ukanafun, to surrender their arms for documentation.
NAN also reports that Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo crisis which began about a year ago, had led to hardship, insecurity and loss of lives in the area.


Story | Jan 27, 2015 | 10:33 PM
A collection of news and information related to Mark Letestu published by this site and its partners.
Top Mark Letestu Articles see all
Displaying items 1-4
Story | Mar 4, 2015A great start, a clutch penalty kill at the end, and Alex Ovechkin in between spelled success for the Washington Capitals.
Story | Oct 26, 2014 | 4:13 PM
Story | Apr 16, 2014 | 9:12 PM


Azerbaijan National Badminton Team Lose Its Second Game
(MENAFN- AzerNews) The Azerbaijani national team of female badminton players lost
in the second match of the qualification stage of the European
Championship, Azernews reports.
The match, which took place at the Absheron Olympic Sports
Complex, ended with a 4:1 victory for the Estonians. In the first
match, Azerbaijani team lost to Scotland with a score of 0:5.
It should be noted that the Azerbaijan national team will face
Slovakia today in the last match of the qualifying round.
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, August 5: East Singhbhum district Congress committee members took to the streets against inflation, GST on food and various essential commodities and ED action against several senior party leaders here on Friday. Hundreds of party workers led by former Jamshedpur MP Dr Ajoy Kumar staged a demonstration before the Jamshedpur Collectorate. They raised slogans against the Central government and demanded a rollback of several major decisions taken by the Centre recently.
District police detained Dr Ajoy, district Congress president Vijay Khan and other party leaders and took them to Bistupur police station in a bus.
Dr Ajoy said inflation was at its peak and the Centre had imposed GST on various essential commodities. He alleged that the Centre was harassing the Congress leaders whenever they raised voice against Centre’s policy decisions. He said the party was ready to go all-out against the Centre’s ‘anti-poor’ policies.
SDO Dhalbhum Sandeep Kumar Meena, senior police officials and Quick Response Team members were present outside the Collectorate to control the mob of agitators.


The donors’ Joint Financing Arrangement (JFA) yesterday handed over 14 vehicles bought at the cost of K4.6 billion to National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council (NAC).
And government says the HIV/AIDS epidemic has for a long time remained a challenge that could escalate and weaken the national economy if not properly addressed.
Speaking when he received the donation on half of NAC, Minister of Health Kapembwa Simbao said government will therefore ensure that it partners with the donor community to enhance service delivery in HIV/AIDS programmes.
Mr. Simbao said the vehicles will help health care providers to improve their coordination of work and assist the less privileged in communities.
He added that the gesture from JFA was a clear sign of the commitment which cooperating partners have for government’s development efforts, which includes the national response to HIV and AIDS.
He explained that despite the global economic crisis, there was need for other stakeholders to work closely with government and put in place measures that would reduce the wide spread of the epidemic.
Mr. Simbao noted that through having improved means of transport, care givers and their peer educators would be able to reach out to the remotest parts of the districts in sensitizing people against the pandemic.
The Minster said the vehicles would also assist Districts AIDS Task Force (DATF) in their respective monitoring and evaluation work intervention.
Mr. Simbao further expressed happiness that all the 72 districts have been covered with operation vehicles, adding that the vehicles would help in strengthening the decentralized multi sectoral HIV/AIDS response through out the country.
He thanked the donors for the donation and urged the beneficiaries not to misuse them but ensure that they saved the intended purpose of reaching out to people in different areas.
Nine of the 14 vehicles will be deployed to districts around the country while the five would be used by the national secretariat in Lusaka.
And JFA leader, Bill Nolan, said transport plays a vital role in the implementation of health related programmes in the country.
Mr. Nolan, who is also Irish Ambassador to Zambia, noted that HIV/AIDS was one of the diseases that have caught donors’ attention because of its devastating results to both government and its people.
Mr. Nolan has also affirmed continued donor support to the Zambian government in the fight against HIV/AIDS.


We are a non-profit family of person-centered community homes and services supporting 230 individuals with intellectual disabilities, many of whom have multiple physical challenges.
Learn more about the variety of ways you can help to advance Verland's mission.
Learn more about the individuals, family members, and staff that are the Verland family.
Learn more about the many opportunities to support Verland through its various events.
Learn more about the many opportunities to become part of the Verland team and its mission.


By Shakeel Ahmed
ISLAMABA: President of Azad Jammu & Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan has said that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has to continue convening sessions on Kashmir and take cognizance of India’s actions.
The President made these remarks while addressing an event here in Brooklyn organised by the local diaspora community said a press release received here on Sunday.
The President while speaking to his audience said that Indian Occupied Kashmir was under siege and people had been imprisoned in their homes.
He said that Indian forces were picking up young Kashmiris and sending them to jails all over India.
These detainees were subjected to torture and denied their basic rights.


The Kano State government has concluded plans to employ about 250 health workers who would be posted to health facilities across the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Kabiru Ibrahim Getso who stated this in an exclusive interview with Kano Chronicle said the employment was to further improve the quality of work at the state’s health facilities.
“The employment will include doctors and other health professionals who will be deployed to our various health facilities across the state,’’ he said.
Getso also noted that in less than one year and despite the economic difficulties, the government was able to employ more than 400 workers such as doctors, nurses, midwives and other health personals, adding that only the health sector was not affected by the government’s employment embargo.
He further explained that the state government had also sponsored the training of over 60 doctors who have specialized in different areas of specialization.
The commissioner reaffirmed the Ganduje administration’s resolve to move the health sector forward by ensuring that Kano people are able to access quality health care delivery.


The Criminal Investigation Department has started investigations to identify the people who came to watch the comedy show Modabhimani conducted by Natasha Edirisuriya, who is currently in custody, and to record their statements.
Several parties had submitted complaints to the police that she had insulted Buddha during that concert. Later, when she came to travel abroad, she was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department and presented to the court. She is currently in remand.
Police Media Spokesman Senior Superintendent of Police Nihal Talduwa said that the Cyber Crime Investigation Unit is conducting further investigations into the incident.


(MENAFN- Jordan Times)
AMMAN — An approximate number of 223,000 people visited the 21st National Olive Festival until Saturday, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
Director General of the National Centre for Agricultural Research Nizar Haddad said that the festival will not be extended, as entire products of many participants have been purchased.
Haddad added that the festival, now in its final stages, has witnessed adherence to the health protocol, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the Crisis Management Centre and the All Jordan Youth Commission.
The Food and Drug Administration tightened control measures on products displayed in the festival, Haddad highlighted, praising national efforts exerted by local and international partners in support of the marketing organising the festival.
Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


(MENAFN - FxPro)
• AUDUSD broke resistance level 0.7800
• Likely to test resistance level 0.8000
AUDUSD under the strong bullish pressure following the earlier breakout of the pivotal resistance level 0.7800 (which reversed the price multiple times from the start of January).
The breakout of the resistance level 0.7800 continues the predominant uptrend that can be seen on the daily AUDUSD charts.
Given the strongly bullish AUD sentiment seen today - AUDUSD can be expected to rise further toward the next resistance level 0.8000 (likely price for the completion of the active impulse wave (3)).
Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


Lockdown imposed in some UK cities
The lockdown has been applied in Manchester, Bradford, Halifax from midnight.
According to the foreign news agency, Health Secretary Matt Hahn Cook said that the lockdown was decided due to the increase of corona cases in the country. The Health Secretary warned that precautionary measures were not being taken by the people.
He said the move was aimed at curbing the spread of the virus. According to the health secretary, it has been a lockdown in Bradford, Halifax, Lancashire, Blackburn, and surrounding areas, including Manchester.


ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Syed Shibli Faraz on Sunday said that the whole world is acknowledging Pakistan s efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus but the opponents doesn’t even have courage to appreciate the government’s decision.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad flanked by Prime Minister’s Focal person on COVID-19 Dr Faisal Sultan and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Digital Pakistan Tania Aidrus, he said that to fight the novel coronavirus pandemic countries across the globe imposed complete lockdown but but Pakistan could not afford a complete lockdown, therefore, Prime Minister Imran Khan adopted the policy of smart lockdown.
He said Pakistan introduced smart lockdown policy in this situation to save precious lives and the economy as well.
Shibli Faraz said that Pakistan’s working class and especially daily wagers were most affected by the lockdown, adding that the prime minister tried to keep people s jobs going, but those who advised the lockdown took care of the elite. Such people always sucked the blood of the poor.
The minister went on to say that the government has adopted a balanced strategy to cope with the challenge of coronavirus pandemic effectively, adding that this model is being replicated in many countries in the world.
“Some countries observed strict lockdown to stop spread of this global epidemic but they are facing disturbing economic hardships and rising death toll,” he said.
Faraz further said National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) played a vital role and managed the situation scientifically.
Speaking on the occasion, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Digital Pakistan Tania Aidrus said that positive cases in Pakistan have now come in single digits, adding that by the grace of almighty Allah, we are in a position to control the pandemic despite limited resources.
She said that long lockdown would have caused a lot of damage to Pakistan, adding that we are proud that the strategy of smart lockdown had been adopted in Pakistan.
The special assistant said that the first COVID-19 case came to light in Pakistan in February, at that time we did not have any data but cases and deaths are now declining on daily basis. Prime Minister’s Focal person on COVID-19 Dr Faisal Sultan said that the increase in the number of cases during Eidul Fitr had put pressure on the system but now we have to strictly follow the SOPs during Eidul Azha and Muharram.


30 detained in Central Village curfew
The St Catherine South police took a number of persons in custody during a curfew in Central Village this morning.
Police and military personnel swooped down on West Avenue, popularly called Little Lane, and during the operation more than 30 persons were picked up by the authorities.
Up to a short while ago, those held were still being process by detectives.
The police confirmed that the operation started about 4:30 a.m. with more than 50 personnel. It was revealed that the police were searching for criminals who were involved in murders and shootings.
The Little Lane community has been the scene of two recent murders.
Meanwhile, councillor for the area, Donovan Guy, said the area is returning to a peaceful state. He said it is hoped that the police operation will help in the process.


Nader Bakkar, assistant to the president of the Salafi Nour Party, said that the rallies staged on Friday showed that Egyptians want to move forward.
He also said that Friday's rally will spur different parties to embrace dialogue, and he added that the Nour Party is mediating between the army and the Brotherhood.
Regarding the national reconciliation conference which the Nour Party did not attend, Bakkar said that the party had expressed certain demands to Prime Minister Hazem al-Beblawy and interim President Adly Mansour in order for the reconciliation to be meaningful.
He added that his party objects to the violent language used by the Muslim Brotherhood, adding that violence and vilification will only serve to marginalise the group.
Edited translation from MENA


ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said here on Tuesday that tax evaders would not be allowed concessions anymore, adding that, the prime minister had supported the tax amnesty scheme which would be presented to the federal cabinet, DawnNews reported.
Speaking at a press conference held in Islamabad, Dr Shaikh added that despite sending out notices, people fail to pay their taxes. He emphasised that now these people would have to pay their taxes.
He said the ministry was completing the stage of essential documentation required to implement the scheme and that the proposal would soon be presented to the cabinet.
Dr Shaikh said the delay in the Reformed General Sales Tax (RGST) adversely affected the state of education, health and law and order across the country.
The minister added that there was an increase of Rs 350 billion in tax revenue last year.
He further said that the provincial governments would have to fulfill their responsibilities in collecting tax revenue, adding that, they were not doing so at present.
The finance minister also said that the current government had saved Pakistan from defaulting, adding that, in the last four and a half years the government had transferred Rs 50 trillion were transferred to the provinces and completed 650 projects costing up to Rs 30 trillion.


-- East China's Anhui province will shut all cryptocurrency mining projects to address electricity shortages, according to local state media on ahwang.cn on Wednesday.
-- Anhui will face a severe mismatch between electricity supply and demand in the next three years, the state media said. It added that the province will take various measures including curbing energy-intensive projects to tackle the issue.
Full story: http://www.ahwang.cn/anhui/20210714/2260996.html
Write to email@example.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires


Qatar begins administering booster dose of Covid-19 vaccine
(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
Doha: Qatar began to inoculate the third COVID-19 vaccine dose for all individuals who had their second dose of the vaccine more than eight months ago. The booster vaccine doses that will be administered are from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.
The first citizen to receive the third dose was Dr Abdulla Juma A Al-Kubaisi, former president of Qatar University, at Madina Khalifa health center this morning. He was also the first person to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid 19 vaccine in Qatar during the first phase of the vaccination programme.
This follows the recent announcement by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) stating that the first few months will focus on individuals most at risk of severe infection.
Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


(MENAFN) UAE's Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) free zone was announced to have been joined with Islamic Bank of Afghanistan as a member.
DMCC explained the bank to be using its service facilities to carry out multi-currency trades that are aligned with Islamic law.
The central bank of Afghanistan has licensed the bank in April in line with interest-free, speculation-free Sharia principles.
Executive director of commodities at DMCC Sanjeev Dutta said "our partnership will facilitate the bank's Murabaha transactions to develop a wide range of new Islamic financial institutions."
CEO of Islamic Bank of Afghanistan Amer Khalil-ur Rehmanm said that the membership "will enable us to offer a broader range of Sharia-compliant financial products and services, and reach to the unbanked customers within our country."
Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


Donors withhold support for renovations in Loa
By Atimaku Joan
Donors who are on the verge of the reconstruction of schools and health care facilities in Loa have withheld their support due to lack of residents in the area.
Speaking to Juba Monitor yesterday, the parish priest of Loa Darrius Modi who currently resides in Juba revealed that the donors had made a pledge that they would be able to help if the people could return from their various refugee settlements.
“The donors are saying that they want to see the people back and they have made pledges that if people come back, they will be able to assist,” said Modi.
He stated that the renovation of the two schools and health facility had been in the program but it had been extended to the dry seasonin order to buy time for people to return.
The parish priest added that the donors were a group of people within Madi region and some people who called themselves “The Friends of Loa.”
He said that the two groups had contributed and availed necessary resources to the church but they were hesitating because of fear that the thieves who had stolen construction materials within the area could repeat this act when there were no people around.
Juba Monitor reported last month that the government had urged all the refugees to return to the country but the refugees soughtsecurity assurance before returning to the country.


The Acting Governor of Niger, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso, has advised the Federal University of Technology, (FUT) Minna, to undertake research findings that would add value to agricultural development in the state.
Ketso said that the country’s dependence on crude oil revenue had led to its being unable to feed Nigerians in a statement on Monday.
The acting governor made the call when he received the members of the university’s governing council at the Government House, Minna.
He said that such research findings would help the country to become self-reliant and industrialised.
Ketso who described the university as a “value addition” to the country, assured its governing council of the state government’s cooperation.
Speaking earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Prof. Femi Odekunle, expressed FUT, Minna’s gratitude to the government and people of Niger for their consistent support to the institution.
He expressed the hope that the mutually beneficial relationship between the state and the university would be sustained.
Odekunle said the council would continue to ensure that FUT, Minna contributes its quota to the development of Niger.


More than 2,000 public libraries shut down in South Florida due to rising COVID-19 risk
Public libraries across the state will close as the state’s COVID situation worsens, citing the risk of an unprecedented pandemic.
More than 2.2 million people have been vaccinated in South Carolina, including more than 2 million from the state in the past month.
The state is on track to see more than 15 million infections by Tuesday, making it the most infected state in South America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A recent report from the CDC noted that South Carolina has the highest prevalence of new cases of coronavirus in the nation, with nearly 1,300 new cases each day.
South Carolina Public Library System spokeswoman Debra Fennell said the closure is expected to occur over the next several weeks.
She said the library system is working to ensure that all patrons have access to library services, including library cardholders and libraries that receive government funds.
Fennell added that the closure will affect many public libraries in the state, including those that serve students.
In the meantime, Fennel said library patrons who have questions about library services should call the library at 843-826-3100.


In June, New York had its highest unemployment rate in more than two years, while the national number of employment has gone steadily down, says the Wall Street Journal (paywall).
According to the Journal, Department of Labor statistics show that the state unemployment rate in June was 8.9 percent and the city was at 10 percent, considerably higher than the national average, which is around 8.2 percent.
James Brown, a state Labor Department market analyst, told the paper that the state’s numbers are driven up by the city, which generally has a higher unemployment rate than the rest of the country because of factors like education levels.
"As the national economy has gained strength, a lot of the strength has been in areas that don't really benefit New York City," Brown told the paper, citing the auto-industry rebound and gains in agriculture as examples.
The article says that about 40 percent of job gains in the past year have been in business and professional services, such as law and accounting firms, though the information services sector – including publishing and music – has lost jobs.
The AP says that another factor is the 105,000 new job seekers who have entered the work force in New York over the past year, creating competition.
"As fast as New York City is creating jobs, people are entering the labor market even faster, which indicates optimism and confidence in the [city's] long-term future,” Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, in a statement, according to the Journal.


Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s invitation to India’s Prime Minister Modi for talks has been expressed by Kashmir’s Prime Minister Bay.
Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas said that now is not the time to negotiate with India, nor should we imagine it.
Sardar Tanveer also said that the sacrifices of the people of Kashmir should not be allowed to go to waste and there should be no negotiation with India by neglecting the sacrifices of the people there.
Along with this, he said that India is currently trying to occupy Kashmir and India is running away from the UN resolutions.
He further said that the United Nations has the right to put pressure on India regarding the Kashmir issue so that the situation can improve.


(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) MOSCOW, March 17 (KUNA) -- Russian Presidency announced Friday that the Chinese President Xi Jinping would visit Moscow next week.
In a statement, the Presidency said that the Chinese President will pay an official visit to Moscow at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin from 20-22 March.
Both sides will discuss ways of enhancing comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China, the statement noted.
In 2022, the two countries signed a treaty for strategic partnership to develop bilateral relations in all fields, mainly policy, economy, and trade.
Moscow and Beijing are working on coordinating their efforts at international scenes as permanent members of the UN Security Council and two main pillars in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, G20, and the BRICS Organization. (end)
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


Terming the state government’s decision to impose tax on fuel as “anti-people policy,” the former legislator from Nongkrem, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said it will have a severe impact on the life of the common man.
“The decision of the state government to impose tax on fuel, is an anti-people policy which has a direct bearing and severe impact on the life of the common man, especially the poor and the downtrodden,” Basaiawmoit, who is also the convener of the Revolution Iada La ka Ri, said in a statement issued on Monday.
His statement came following the state government and the commercial vehicle operators are at loggerheads over the issue of fuel price hike in the state.
The commercial vehicles continue to remain off-road as part of the ongoing indefinite strike after they rejected the government’s decision to reduce the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 2 only.
Stating that it also has a collateral effect on the state’s economy, Basaiawmoit said that the argument made by the state government on its decision to impose tax on fuel is unjustified.
He said it is unfortunate that people will have to take to the street to realize their demands due to the insensitivity of those who are at the helm of affairs.
Further, the former legislator said that the recent decision of the state government to reduce fuel tax by two rupees, is too little too late, and an eyewash to hoodwink the people.
“In fact, if the government is serious about reducing the burden of the common people, it could have taken a number of steps before it resorted to such an extreme measure,” he asserted.
Asking the government to prevent unnecessary expenditure and wastage of public funds, Basaiawmoit said “The government should do away with all political appointees which include chairman, co-chairman, vice-chairmen in various boards and corporations and also political advisers.”
He also demanded that the state government should also stop all leakages in revenue collection.
“For instance, the failure of the State government to stop illegal transportation of coal has seriously dented the revenue collection of the State, and a great loss to the state’s exchequer,” the ex-MLA said while adding that the government has failed to adopt strict austerity measures to ensure that there is no wastage of public money.


Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the concerned authorities to finalize short, medium, and long-term strategies for the development of the information technology sector.
The Prime Minister chaired a meeting in Islamabad on the development of the IT sector in the country and stressed the need for early implementation of the strategy.
The Prime Minister said that there are immense opportunities in the IT sector in Pakistan and the government is taking steps on a priority basis to hire IT professional’s especially freelancers.
Highlighting the importance of special technology zones in the country, he said that the establishment of such zones would pave the way for development in the IT sector.
Imran Khan said that various challenges have emerged during the epidemic but it has also created innumerable opportunities for IT professionals to work from home.
The Prime Minister was informed that Pakistan has the potential to earn $ 5 billion in foreign exchange in the IT sector, but due to lack of facilities and lack of discipline in this sector, foreign exchange is far below its potential.


ISLAMABAD: Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday urged Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) to resolve the matters through dialogue and avoid halting the ongoing process of development in the country.
He said that dialogue only way to address the issues, he stated while talking to a private television channel.
Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is making progress and development in every sector, adding that long march call by PTI could halt the process of development. He said that Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia are helping Pakistan.
Chief Minister Punjab said that people of Pakistan had given transparent mandate to Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), government.
He said: “Not a single case of corruption was proved against the government.”
He said that Punjab government had launched metro bus service to facilitate the people.
Replying to a question he said that Pakistan Awami Tehrik Chief Tahir ul Qadri had used harsh language in his recent speech, adding that action would be taken against him according to the law.
Shahbaz Sharif said that Tahir ul Qadri had purchased the bullet proof cars through charity funds provided by the people. To another question, he said that Chaudhry brothers did not pay their heavy loans.
Chief Minister said that PML-N will make all out efforts to take the country forward and for this, all available resources are being utilized to achieve the objectives.


Story | Aug 19, 2014 | 10:23 AM
A collection of news and information related to Lighthouse Point published by this site and its partners.
Top Lighthouse Point Articles see all
Displaying items 1-5
Story | Aug 20, 2014 | 4:59 AMMás compañías. Crecimiento más rápido. Podrías llamarlo el boom brasileño.
Story | Aug 15, 2014 | 3:02 PM
Story | Aug 17, 2014 | 1:57 PM
Story | Aug 15, 2014 | 12:43 PM
The Doreen Gauthier Lighthouse Point Library is expected to reopen Monday after bedbugs forced it to close Thursday. "We got reports that there were bedbugs in some of the chairs," said John Lavisky, Lighthouse Point city administrator. "It appears to be...


Story | Sep 22, 2012 | 3:40 PM
A collection of news and information related to Riad al-Asaad published by this site and its partners.
Top Riad al-Asaad Articles see all
Displaying items 1-2
Story | Apr 8, 2012 | 4:39 PMSyrian authorities will not withdraw forces from Syrian cities without written guarantees from opposition groups that they lay down their arms and halt attacks, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Sunday reported by news services.


An Angolan priest has claimed human traffickers are kidnapping people and selling their organs.
Speaking to Angolan news agency Angop, the Catholic priest, Zeferino Passagem, said criminals in the east of the country were kidnapping people before taking them to border towns.
The priest said the traffickers, who preyed on the poor, then took out “vital and sexual organs”.
He put the problem down to the country’s long borders with Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A public official who also spoke to the agency said two women disappeared in the mission of Sao Bento in the province last December.
While the women’s relatives say that the police have yet to give any information on the case, the police countered that they were unable to find accurate information on the matter.
The public official added that some women farmers in the province have stopped going to their farms for fear of their safety.
According to a UN report, Angola lacks a specific law to tackle human trafficking, which makes it difficult to prosecute cases in the southern African country.


India - China bans Tencent Holdings from updating and releasing new apps
(MENAFN- NewsBytes) The Chinese government's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has reportedly instructed app stores and platforms to prevent Tencent Holdings from updating its existing apps and launching any new ones as a part of a 'temporary administrative guidance.' The application developer said in a statement that it is cooperating with the government to inspect its apps, tacitly confirming the report. Here are more details.
Significance Why does the story matter?
Tencent Holdings runs over 70 apps and has published 100+ games under the Tencent Mobile Games banner. It also runs China's WhatsApp rival WeChat catering to around 1.2 billion users. The country has tightened regulations surrounding violent video games, including Tencent's hit battle royale title PUBG . The order to suspend updates comes amid the government's scrutiny of the Chinese tech sector.
Problem Tencent was allegedly found violating user rights, data protection law
Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


A collection of news and information related to Torrey Mitchell published by this site and its partners.
Top Torrey Mitchell Articles
Displaying items 12-12
Story | Nov 19, 2013 | 8:50 PMMONTREAL Well, that was surprising. All teams have clunkers once in a while. But the Wild has kept them to such a minimum this season and especially during its monthlong stretch of triumphs that Tuesday night's 6-2 beat-down from the Montreal Canadiens...


The Haryana Roadways employees who were protesting for the last 18 days against state government’s attempt to privatize the transport system, have resumed their duties.
The Haryana Roadways employees who were protesting for the last 18 days against state government’s attempt to privatize the transport system, have resumed their duties. According to a report in The Indian Express, the agitating employees returned to their duties on Saturday to ply nearly 4,000 buses.
The IE report said that state government has invited the employee union leaders for talks on November 12.
The decision to call off the strike was taken after the Punjab and Haryana High Court made an intervention last week. The court had on Friday said that it favours both the parties to sit together to make sincere efforts to resolve the issue.
Also Read: 28 Khaps join Haryana Roadways staff stir
Sarbat Singh Punia, Haryana Roadways Workers Union leader said that employees have joined the duties in honour of the High Court’s decision. Punia said that employees are hopeful that the government will also withdraw its decision to hire 720 private buses.
Meanwhile, the IE report said that state government has decided to discontinue the services of bus drivers and conductors who were recruited through contractors during the strike period.
Reacting to the latest developments, Sarv Karamchari Sangh (SKS) has asked the BJP government to release all the leaders who are still in the police custody. SKS general secretary Subhash Lamba said that 11 leaders including a woman activist are yet to be released from Bhiwani jail. he also demanded from the government to withdraw all cases registered during the stir to create a conducive environment for talks.
The Haryana Roadways employees were protesting since October 16 against the state government’s decision to hire 720 buses on kilometre basis. Massive protests were also held in different parts of the state with more than 25 Khap panchayats backing the agitating staff who were demanding from the state government to roll back its decision. The state government, on its part, has argued that it can’t buy buses for all passengers. In their response, the unions have said that they are ready to contribute from their salary to enable the government to purchase new buses.


Gold Set For 3Rd Straight Week Of Gains
(MENAFN- Baystreet.ca) Gold Set for 3rd Straight Week of Gains
Gold consolidated off a one-month peak following U.S. labour market data on Friday, but safe-haven inflows triggered by tensions over Taiwan and lower U.S. yields kept bullion on course for a third straight weekly gain.
Spot gold fell 0.3% to $1,786.31 U.S. per ounce, after hitting its highest level since July 5. Prices were up 1.2% so far this week.
U.S. gold futures eased 0.2% to $1,802.60.
July jobs data showed U.S. non-farm payrolls increased 528,000 last month, topping estimates of 250,000.
While the Federal Reserve seems to be more focused on inflation, the level of employment will add some clarity about the U.S. economy's momentum.
Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul has launched a new health care program for sex workers in the state.
The program, which is being run by the state Department of Health, will provide health care services to sex workers who may not have access to them otherwise.
Hochul said that the program will help to improve the health and well-being of sex workers, and will also help to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
“This new program will provide much-needed health care services to New Yorkers who engage in sex work,” Hochul said in a statement.
“By expanding access to health care, we can help keep New Yorkers healthy and prevent the spread of diseases.”
The program will provide health care services including HIV testing, STI testing and treatment, and Pap smears. It will also provide mental health services and substance abuse counseling.
Sex workers who are interested in enrolling in the program can call the New York State Department of Health at 1-888-999-9969.


The Epoch Times reports that there are more than 7,100 COVID-19 cases among Americans who have been fully vaccinated against the virus.
According to the CDC, 64 percent of these so-called “breakthrough cases” have affected females. Forty-six percent of the cases have impacted people 60 years old or older.
Of the 7,157 cases, 498 have resulted in hospitalizations. There have been 88 deaths. Ironically, the CDC slapped an asterisk on the 498 hospitalizations and claimed that about a third of those cases were deemed to be unrelated to COVID.
It is expected the CDC will release the numbers of “breakthrough cases” every Friday. However, the current system relies on voluntary reporting from state health departments, which means there may be more breakthrough cases than what the CDC reports.


Finance Minister Asad Umar has announced that the government will simplify the mechanism for filing income taxes this year.
He said that the Federal Board Revenue has prioritized the introduction of a user-friendly tax payment mechanism. The minister said this while talking to journalists.
The finance minister also said that the tax scheme launched through the mini-budget is the first phase. It will be gradually extended all over the country, he told.
He further added that the new tax scheme is to increase the tax collection, which will eventually benefit the business community. “I didn’t make any change in the tax system,” maintained Umar.
The minister promised that the government will reward the top taxpayers of the country. He underlined that without controlling the tax deficit, the economy cannot flourish.
He also told the journalists that the economic coordination committee was dealing with the special economic zones under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Umar also revealed that the government is devising a strategy for cotton production.


Porvorim: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the economic activities taken up by the state amidst COVID-19 crisis, while insisting that resumption of mining activity will boost the state’s economy further.
Talking to reporters after attending the video conferencing with the Prime Minister, Sawant said that during the interaction he has given idea about economic activity undertaken by the state.
“Except hospitality industry all others are working full fledged,” he said.
Sawant said that the state raised the issue of iron ore mining before the Prime Minister. “We requested him to help resumption in the mining to boost the economic activity,” he said.
The chief minister said that there should be reforms in mining sector which is required to boost the economy.
“We have also sought compensation in GST,” he added.
Sawant said that there are 507 active till date in the state and the state has zero mortality rate.
He said that 95 per cent of our cases in the State are asymptomatic, which are shifted to covid care centres Shiroda, Calangute, Colva (North Goa) MPT hospital (South Goa).
He also said that three stadiums would be converted into covidcare centres including one at Navelim, Shama Prasad Mukherjee stadium near panaji and another one at Pernem.
“The female patients would be kept at Navelim stadium and male at Shama Prasad Mukherjee stadium,” he said.
Sawant said that till now there were two containment zones one at Mangor Hill (South Goa) and Morlem (North Goa). “But considering the number of cases, we will also notify Baina (in Vasco town) would be declared as a mini containment zone,” he said.
“Collector and health team has been working on creating mini containment zone. We want to concentrate on symptomatic patients from there so that we can focus on it,” he added.
The chief minister said that Goa’s testing capacity is around 2500 per day. “We are testing 29,000 per million which is highest in the country,” he said.
He said that three lakh people in the state have downloaded arogya sethu app. The app is now connected to police control room.
He said that we need to concentrate on education and awareness on the COVID-19. “We have been conducting maximum testing and tracing to curb spread of COVID-19. We have set up health infrastructure that is required,” he said.
Sawant said that state government has already asked for the financial package from the centre.


Jos- Dr Lyop Mang, the Executive Chairman of Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has said that Plateau Government spent more than N212 million to renovate classrooms in the last four years.
Mang, who disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Jos, said that the renovation was in addition to the 94 ongoing schools renovation projects worth N872 million.
She said that the N212 million went into renovating 225 primary school classrooms and 84 junior secondary schools in the state.
Mang said that government had also procured 564 swings chairs for teachers and 5,372 plastic chairs as well as tables for the classes.
“Government also purchased 2,506 six-inch mattresses for primary school children in boarding schools,’’ she said.
The chairman said that there was the need for quality education for vulnerable groups, adding that the government was ready to support every child to attain minimum standards of education.
She said the government was partnering with the School of the Blind and the Deaf in Gindiri to improve standards of training facilities in such specialist institutions. (NAN)


Story | Mar 3, 2013
A collection of news and information related to Adrian Branch published by this site and its partners.
Top Adrian Branch Articles see all
Displaying items 1-2
Story | Jun 19, 1996There was light, and then there was darkness. There was the All-America basketball player and NBA millionaire-to-be, and then there was another victim of cocaine.From the Prince George's County neighborhood in which he grew up to the University of Maryland campus that launched his star, those whose lives he touched still are affected -- some traumatically -- by his death.


The General Legal Council, GLC, has decided to admit the 499 law students who were denied entry into the Ghana School of Law, according to their lawyer.
This was revealed after a crunch meeting between leaders of the aggrieved 499 law students, the Attorney General, and representatives from the General Legal Council on Wednesday, November 17, 2021.
The 499 law students were failed in the law entrance exams after a new quota system was initiated by the General Legal Council.
After protests from the students including a lawsuit, the Attorney General recommended that the GLC admits the students.
Speaking to the media, lawyer for the aggrieved students, Martin Kpebu, said the students are however yet to be informed when their admission will take effect.
Mr. Kpebu said the admission will be “subject to some modalities as to when these students will commence the course.”
“The subcommittee of the GLC that we met this evening will go back and report on the contents of these deliberations we have had,” he explained.
Before this meeting, the students withdrew their lawsuit against the GLC and the Attorney General.


Islamabad, August 03, 2022 (PPI-OT):Former President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Dr. Shahid Rasheed Butt on Wednesday said the judgement of the Election Commission (EC) will bring political stability to the country. Because of the verdict of the EC, the political environment and limping economy will improve after a long time while it will also help improve overall political environment in the country.
Shahid Rasheed Butt said that the economic diplomacy of the Army Chief is admirable which has helped to improve the situation. He said that a few days before the Election Commission’s decision in the foreign funding case, the leaders of a political party changed their tone and started talking about reconciliation.
After the verdict, the attitude of a firebrand leader, who has always claimed to fight corruption, has softened to save his politics and now the politics of protests and threats of marching on Islamabad have diluted which is good for the political and economic future of the country.
In the next few weeks, table talks between the government and the opposition may begin, which will make the public and business community take a sigh of relief. Mr. Butt said that after the EC verdict, the business community has estimated that now the efforts to destabilize the country will not succeed, there will be no immediate election and that efforts of COAS have helped quick disbursement of IMF’s instalment.
In the current situation, the rupee has started to stabilize and the dollar is shedding points but the rate of stabilization of the rupee is slow, which needs to be improved through reforms to provide relief to the public and the business community. He said that the government should not have compromised in collecting tax from the traders but it was done which is regrettable. Shahid Rashid Butt said that now Pakistan will also get good news from FATF which will be a relief for the economy.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Shahid Rasheed Butt
Consul General Ghana
Former President ICCI
Former Patron ICST
Tel: +92-333-5132199, +92-51-2822571


ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain appreciated the $2 billion investment plan of the K-Electric and Abraaj Group and reiterated the government commitment to do away with the prevailing energy crisis in the country.
President Mamnoon Hussain was talking to a delegation of K-Electric headed by its chairman. The president said that the government had initiated various power projects to generate more electricity to end power crisis. He stated that Pakistan was strategically located to become Asia’s premier trade, energy and transport corridor. President Hussain said that Pakistan had offered the best business and investor-friendly policies in the region. He urged investors to take advantage of it.
He assured every possible help to the private sector. He said that the government was undertaking various measures to address challenges confronting the business community particularly law and order situation.
The delegation of K-Electric also briefed the president on the future investment plans of K-Electric and Abraaj Group in Pakistan which will invest two billion dollars in the power utility sector.


UAE President Orders Provision Of Dh35 Million Urgent Humanitarian Aid To Somalia
(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)
Published: Thu 19 May 2022, 6:29 PM
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered the provision of Dh35 million of urgent humanitarian aid to Somalia to support its developmental efforts.
The directives of Sheikh Mohamed to provide this assistance come within the framework of the fraternal relations between the two countries confirms the UAE's keenness to support friendly countries, and its efforts to develop its bilateral relations with Somalia.
The initiative aims to help meet the needs of the Somali people in various developmental areas, in an effort to improve their living conditions and enhance their government's capacity to deal with the humanitarian challenges.
Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


New Delhi: Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan alleged that it was lack of caution from the part of the state government which resulted in the sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in Kottayam and Idukki. The state government was careless in declaring the two districts as green zone as they have been listed red zone within no time, he said.
Muraleedharan also added that even when the Chief Minister and government are propagating Kerala to be a model for the world, he cannot help but point fingers at the government for the transmission of disease in both Idukki and Kottayam.
He urged Pinarayi Vijayan and his group to open their eyes and act realistically. Unless the number of tests are increased, the virus will be all over the state and its people. Muraleedharan took to Facebook to express his opinion.
In the Facebook post, he said that the country is safe only when the last COVID-19 patient is cured of the disease. The post also states that Kerala will have to examine whether it has made any mistakes in its fight against the pandemic. It was the lack of caution, caused by overconfidence, that resulted in transmission of the disease in Idukki and Kottayam.
He also accused the state government of losing the reality of the situation and carried over by the praises showered. Asking the government to open their eyes, V Muraleedharan added that only through testing we can identify whether social transmission has taken place in the region.


A collection of news and information related to Metal published by this site and its partners.
Top Metal Articles
Displaying items 37-38
Story | Oct 14, 2011 | 2:06 PMGlendale Water & Power plans to spend another $550,000 on a research project for stripping cancer-causing chromium 6 from local groundwater that already has cost $7.8 million. City officials say they need to make the expenditure because the current...


New Delhi: Congress workers on Thursday carried out a protest against the ongoing electricity and water crisis in Delhi. The protest comes a day after Congress MLA Jai Kishan`s hunger strike against the prolonged crisis.
Workers were seen raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bhartiya Janata Party and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal.
People were also spotted with effigies of Arvind Kejriwal, and banners against the BJP.
Congress leaders slammed the government for making false promises to the people and had demanded reduction in power bills. They said that the reason behind the protest was that under BJP`s rule people are not getting power for seven to eight hours, unlike when Congress was in power.


Osage invites the neighborhood for pancakes, inferno
The grease fire that exploded in Osage Saturday caused onlookers to exclaim: "Whoaaaa!"
Inside the Osage Community Center, a similar but more muted reaction was taking place.
At least five people learned they had dangerously high blood sugar and needed to see their doctors.
Are you a newspaper subscriber but you don't have a Digital Access account yet? https://secure.forumcomm.com/?publisher_ID=40&event=subscriber/lookup.
You will need your subscription account number and phone number. Not sure if you have an account? Email us at firstname.lastname@example.org and we can help you.


Newly appointed police major-general of Mitchell’s Pain, Gregory Goss says while circumstances look bleak, police are making inroads into crime in the area, but not at the required rate. He was addressing community members and crime fighters at the Lentegeur Civic Centre, at a crime strategy meeting called by the provincial Department of Community Safety.
With the new police precinct in the community, SAPS will need to fill all vacant positions within the police service so that there are more resources in assisting the ongoing fight against crime and violence. Goss told residents that while he understands the dissatisfaction within the community, police were rooting out crime. For this month alone, they have confiscated 35 firearms.
“This tells us that despite the recovery of this amount of firearms there is still a lot more that needs to be done, as many innocent people are still dying on a day to day basis,” said Goss.
The meeting formed part of the department’s Policing Needs and Priorities (PNPs) consultation which has taken place in many communities to identify the problems that residents face. The forums aim to reassess how the community, police and other stakeholders such as local neighbourhood watches and community policing forums can work hand in hand with the police to fight issues such as gangsterism and drug as well as all other contributing factors.
Community members who were invited and those who form part of the community police forum aired their grievances regarding the lack of police visibility. Parents said their families were under siege by the gang warfare in the area.
Community Police Forum members have recently told VOC News that the residents experienced gang shootings on a daily basis, which mostly went unreported in the media. After a lull last week, Monday started off on a bloody note with the killing of Muhammad Adnaan Pedro, shot on his way to work.
Plato said it was important to engage with the broader community and that the public have a platform to express their frustration with gangsterism and drug peddling in their community.
“While there is an array of plans in place to curb the many issues that the community face, it is a work in progress and therefore there was a need to reassess the work we have been doing thus far.”
One of the main problems the community faced was the lack of information filtering between authorities and the public, an issue his office will tackle. While a few residents felt that nothing has changed since the previous consultation, a lot more feel that this could be the beginning of positive changes for the area of Mitchell’s Plain and Strandfontein.
Lentegeur resident Ibrahim Moses said he was pleased the MEC took the time to listen to the community.
“I know that the MEC has walked the streets of Tafelsig and Beacon Valley to talk to the people who are affected by the ongoing gang related violence on a day to day basis,” said Moses.
Residents at the meeting said they will continue to work alongside police, the CPF and neighbourhood watches in the fight against the scourge. VOC (Imogen Vollenhoven)


Turkey stops Greek ship from entering Imia
(MENAFN) According to the Turkish military, its navy has managed to stop a Greek coast guard motorboat and a patrol ship from approaching the disputed island of Imia (Kardak) in the Aegean Sea.
"On the 28th of January at approximately at 11:30 a.m. a Greek coast guard motorboat and a patrol ship attempted to enter the waters near Kardak Island. The Turkish Naval Forces prevented their attempt to approach this island," reports the Turkish military department, according to Sputnik.
It was also noted in the report that the Turkish Armed Forces will continue "to defend national interests according to international law."
The Greek vessels departed after the warning of the Turkish coast guard officers, according to the publication.
Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said that the government was focusing on agricultural research, especially seed development, to increase crop production.
Speaking on the occasion of inauguration of Kisan Portal on Pakistan Citizen Portal, the Prime Minister said that his vision for the development of agriculture sector was focused on improving the lives of small farmers and resolving their grievances on priority basis.
Imran Khan assured the farmers that the government would stand by them, as he believed that serving the farming community was in fact serving Pakistan.
He said that the production of dairy sector in the developed world is six times higher than that of Pakistan and called for development to increase the production in this sector.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of water conservation to ensure ample supply to farmers for irrigation purposes. He said the construction of 10 major dams was an unprecedented step by his government.
He said that work was underway on several projects aimed at meeting the water needs of the country, common man and farmers.
Highlighting the importance of the farmers’ card, he said it would help small farmers financially if their produce was damaged by natural disasters.
Meanwhile, addressing the issues of devaluation of the currency, the Prime Minister said that the pressure on the Pakistani rupee was temporary and would “soon end”.
He said that the price of palm oil in the international market has almost doubled and this has had a negative impact on the rate in Pakistan.
Similarly, Pakistan had to import wheat, sugar and pulses.
The Prime Minister reiterated that with the government’s efforts, the country would revolutionize soybean, olive oil and avocado production.
Elaborating on the government’s future plans, he said training programs for farmers were useful to guide them on better farming techniques with the help of China.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Pakistan has been endowed with natural resources, if used properly through scientific means, the agricultural sector can be accelerated.
Endorsing Imran Khan’s views, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Food Security Jamshed Iqbal Cheema said that under the government initiative, farmers would get subsidy on purchase of seeds, fertilizers and agricultural machinery.
He said that the government was focusing on rural development along with the development of farmers and giving them better support price for their produce.
Cheema said the budget for the agricultural sector has been doubled at the federal and provincial levels.
He said that never in the history of Pakistan has the government provided such facilities to the farmers.