ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar Saturday clarified that the government has imposed no new tax on basic commodities.
Addressing the post-budget press conference in Islamabad this afternoon, he said that government has not increased prices of ghee, sugar, milk, pulses, edible oil, furnace oil and high speed diesel.
Explaining the salient features of the budget, he clarified that the taxes have been levied on the affluent class and not the poor. He said it is a developmental and poor-friendly budget which would strengthen our national economy.
Ishaq Dar said that government has given incentives to government employees increasing their pay and pension by 7.5 percent. He said that government has also announced to merge two ad-hoc relief allowances in the basic pay scales and to reduce income tax on their salaries from five to two percent.
The minister said the government has also allocated 102 billion rupees for Benazir Income Support Programme to help the poor and destitute.
To a query Dar said that the government has not withdrawn subsidy on wheat for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
He clarified that the subsidy of Rs. 6.05 billion for GB on wheat would remain intact and the provision to this effect has been provided in the budget 2015-16.
He said a section of media “misreported the facts and showed irresponsibility while reporting the budget speech”.
Ishaq Dar asked the media to thoroughly read the budget document and then report.
“It was unfortunate and media should avoid such an irresponsible reporting,” he said.
The finance minister further said that government has withdrawn sales tax on mobiles. –APP


The Kano State Government said it had begun contact tracing of the five Almajiri pupils who tested positive for coronavirus in Kaduna State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Kaduna State Government had, on Monday, announced that five of the 195 Almajiri children evacuated from Kano tested positive to the virus.
In swift reaction to the discovery, Kano State Commissioner of Education, Muhammad Sanusi, said the government would conduct contact tracing of the Almajiri schools where the affected children were evacuated to their states of origin.
Sunusi said that the decision followed a report by the Kaduna State Government that five of the Almajiri children evacuated from Kano to the state, tested positive to the virus.
The Commissioner, who is also the Chairman of the Almajiri Evacuation Committee, disclosed that children were screened to ascertain their health status before they were conveyed to Kaduna and other states.
“Although, before we evacuated those children to their various states of origin, we provided some medical personnel to check their health status.
“During the preliminary medical checks their temperature was normal.
“We have records of all the evacuated Almajiri children, we know which Tsangaya school they belong, therefore, we are going to trace those schools to stem spread of the virus,” he said.


Bhubaneswar: Over 70 percent government-run schools in Odisha don’t have electricity connections while around 75 percent primary schools and 47 percent high schools don’t have playgrounds, said school and mass education minister Debi Prasad Mishra.
Replying to a written question, Mishra informed the state Assembly that out of the total 61,858 schools under his department, 43,939 don’t have power connections.
The situation is worst in primary schools with around 89 percent of them running without electricity. Of the 34,238 primary schools, 30,427 don’t have power connections.
Similarly, 64 per cent upper primary schools don’t have electricity. Out of 17,726 upper primary schools, 11,421 schools don’t have power connections.
Among the 4710 high schools having primary and upper primary sections, 1023 don’t have access to power, said the minister.
Among the 5184 secondary schools, 20 per cent don’t have power.
To another question, the minister said out of the 53252 primary schools, including non-government schools, 39,635 don’t have playgrounds.


Attock – Those sitting in treasury benches have praised the recent budget presented by Punjab government and termed it a welfare and development oriented budget while those in opposition including public have termed this budget a jugglery of words. Provincial Minister for Social Welfare and Bait ul Maal Syed Yawar Abbas Bukhari has said that Punjab government presented a balanced and welfare oriented budget in which record funds have been allocated for education and health sector. He said for the first time, budget for Social Welfare Department has been increased by 300 per cent which is a step towards Riasat-e-Medina. He said Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar wanted the development of social sector and present budget is its ample proof. Provincial Minister for Revenue Malik Muhammad Anwar has said termed the budget balanced and tax free budget and said that Rs 560 billion have been allocated for development sector. He said stamp duty has not been increased thus given a subsidy worth Rs40 billion to people and said that relief has been given to layman. Focal Person PTI Qazi Ahmad Akbar said that this budget is people friendly and said that record development will take place. Record development will take place while salaries and pensions have also been increased. On the other hand, people from different walks of life have termed the budget nothing else but a jugglery of words.


Reporting to Crime Stoppers in Wodonga, Wangaratta and Yarrawonga has increased by 130 per cent since 2013 and the organisation, in its 30th year, wants the public to keep up the good work.
The growth in reporting has assisted police in making arrests for offences including drug trafficking, serious assaults, weapons offences and offences against children.
General manager Cathy Rhodes said a stronger presence on social media and involvement in the recent Channel 7 series Million Dollar Cold Case had boosted the profile of Crime Stoppers.
“Every year there’s an increase in people calling us; an increase in arrests and the amount of reports that we are giving police,” Ms Rhodes said.
“Cold cases is something we hadn’t done in the past and we’re going to continue to work on other cases.
“The interesting thing about us is we don’t care if it’s a tiny bit of information you have; it all goes into the jigsaw and that’s why the results are there.”
Across Victoria in 2016, members of the public contacted Crime Stoppers more than 81,000 times, leading to more than 1500 arrests – the highest in its 30 year-history – and almost 5600 charges being laid.
Ms Rhodes said the relationship between Crime Stoppers and Victoria Police was particularly strong.
“The Dob in a Dealer campaign started in Victoria only and became a national campaign, and we were targeting drug manufacturers and people trafficking drugs,” she said.
“We had enormous feedback and reports on that as well and we want to say thank you to the community.”


WASHINGTON: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi says Prime Minister Imran Khan will hold wide-ranging talks with the US leadership during his visit to the United States.
Addressing a press conference in Washington on the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to the United States, he said that military leadership will also accompany the Prime Minister during his visit to the United States.
He said that President Donald Trump will receive Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House.
Two meetings between Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Donald Trump will be held.
He said that the first meeting will take place at the Oval office whereas the second one will take place in the cabinet room.
The Foreign Minister said Prime Minister will also hold meetings with the representatives of IMF and World Bank besides interaction with the members of Pakistani community in the United States.
He said that the Prime Minister will also hold a meeting with the businessmen and traders.
Foreign Minister said Pakistan and United States are going to hold a summit meeting after a gap of five years and Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit will help improve Pak-US bilateral relations.
He said there is a tremendous success by Pakistan in achieving the security-related targets and it cleared a number of areas of terrorists through various military operations.
Foreign Minister said that Prime Minister Imran will travel through commercial flights during the US visit.


Parts of the Mathugama Administrative Division have been declared as isolated areas.
The Army said that the Ovitigala, Badugama and Badugama – New Colony in the Mathugama AGA Division have been declared as isolated areas with immediate effect.
Police spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said that the decision was taken after coronavirus patients were detected in the area.
He said that residents in the specific areas have been requested to stay indoors.
However, Advanced Level students from these areas can travel to their examination centers. (Colombo Gazette)


Jordan - Qatar health authorities administer 281,000 vaccine boosters
(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)
Doha, Jan 2 (Petra) -- Qatar's health authorities Sunday reported it had administered more than 281,000 boosters to the COVID-19 vaccine, as more than 86.2 percent of the population have been vaccinated.
The Ministry of Public Health said that a total of 636 Qataris tested positive for the highly contagious respiratory disease in the last 24 hours, while 192 had recovered and were discharged from hospital.
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Health ministry to open life support programmes centre
(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency) Amman, Sep 20 (Petra) -- Jordan's health minister Monday said the health ministry will open a centre that would offer life support programmes accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA).
In a meeting with the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Sarah Avrillaud to discuss training cooperation, Minister of Health Feras Hawari said the centre, which is slated to open next week, is the first centre dedicated to offer training for the staff of the Ministry of Health (MoH).
The centre will offer MoH staff with trainings in accordance with the latest international standards and as per the AHA standards
The programmes suggested would provide the Ministry's staff with the skills they need to treat urgent heart failure cases, Hawari said, adding that the trainees will be trained at the hands of trainers accredited by the AHA.
He said there will be practical and paper-based exams for those who would undertake the programmes.
The ICRC agreed to fund the establishment of a training centre in the Ministry HQ; it would offer training on how to act in case of emergency. In addition, it would offer training on how medical staff can protect themselves in case they were attacked.
The ICRC also pledged to support the MoH in its national vaccination campaign against COVID-19; this would be through providing logistical support: vaccination equipment and transport support for the vaccination teams.
Also, the ICRC offered a JOD34,000 worth of medical equipment to the Karak Public Hospital.
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US blocks flights from South Africa similar to EU
(MENAFN) America will limit air travel from South Africa and seven different countries from that area to attempt the curbing of fresh Covid-19 variant spread.
Starting from Monday, Nov. 29, American individuals and citizens will be permitted to travel from southern Africa.
This decision comes after the European Union and Britain applied travel bans on the region. Canada as well is forcing new strict regulations on air travel.
At an early time, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the fresh variant drives “concern” calling it Omicron.
American executives stated, flights coming from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi will be stopped, reflecting prior steps declared by the European Union. The prohibition will take place on Monday.
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(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Published: Wed 29 Mar 2023, 5:11 PM
Danube Group on Wednesday announced a Dh5 million contribution in support of the“1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Organised by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the campaign aims to provide a food safety net for underprivileged communities, as a practical example of Ramadan values of compassion and charity, as well as those of giving and solidarity.
Danube Group's contribution adds to those made by individuals, institutions, businesses and charity associations to support the campaign, thereby strengthening the UAE's position as a key contributor to resolving challenges around the world.
Millions in donations have poured in less than a week since the UAE's Ramadan drive 'One Billion Meals' began - and organisers say the campaign has already reached 25 per cent of its target, a 'testament to the generosity of the community'.
“With the launch of the“1 Billion Meals Endowment” campaign, the UAE continues to lead global humanitarian efforts, becoming a hub of innovation in this field thanks to its wide experience and the effectiveness with which it runs these efforts,” said Rizwan Sajan, founder and chairman of Danube Group.
some other major companies such as Azizi Developments, LuLu Group, Tristar Group and others have also contributed towards the campaign.
ramadan in uae: how 'one billion meals' drive hit 25% of its target in under a week
ramadan in uae: 1 billion meals drive receives dh50 million contribution from lulu group's yusuffali ma
uae: '1 billion meals' drive records dh247 million and 13,000 contributors in a week
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Uzbekistan Especially Appreciates Traditional Relations Of Friendship, Trust And Mutual Understanding With Azerbaijan - Uzbek President
(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 21. Uzbekistan
especially appreciates the traditional relations of friendship,
trust and mutual understanding with Azerbaijan, said the President
of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, making a statement for the press
with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports.
Will be updated
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(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Vodafone Qatar was the Platinum Sponsor of the recently held ninth Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) Disaster Management Camp (DMC-9) as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy.
The camp aimed to build awareness about both the natural and unnatural disasters that occur worldwide, and how to provide the necessary aid that is required during these times. Training coaches from various organisations around the world were on hand to share their knowledge and expertise with the participants.
Khames al-Naimi, chief human resources officer at Vodafone Qatar, said:“We take pride in our social investment initiatives that have benefited the wider community. These initiatives follow our CSR strategy, and it was an honour to sponsor Qatar Red Crescent Society's event, which mobilised the power of youth in volunteerism, and contributed to the human development goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.”
Faisal M al-Emadi, CEO of QRCS, said:“I would like to thank Vodafone Qatar for sponsoring the '9th Disaster Management Camp', uniquely organised by QRCS as the world's only Arabic-speaking disaster management training event.
“The camp was amazing and achieved its planned goals, thanks to support from the government, as well as the private-sector sponsors like Vodafone Qatar, which have already provided funding and in-kind donations for QRCS in many projects.”
For more of Vodafone Qatar CSR programme, visit
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Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has said that 28 people have been arrested across the province for forcibly shutting down restaurants amid a wave of ethnic tension following the murder of a youth during a quarrel at a hotel in Hyderabad.
Earlier on Tuesday, hotels were closed in different parts of Hyderabad after the murder of a youth, Bilal Kaka, during a quarrel at a restaurant.
Today, unknown men set a car on fire at Karachi’s Al-Asif Square during protests over the killing of Bilal.
Meanwhile, the provincial minister, while addressing a press conference, said that some miscreants want anarchy in the country, adding that the provincial government has arrested some people involved in the riots.
Sharjeel said the law enforcement agencies are doing their job while political dialogues are also being held to resolve the matter as soon as possible.
He further said that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will start an investigation against all those who will pass negative comments on social media to ignite hatred.
While accusing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of being involved in the riots, the provincial minister said that people who were protesting at Sohrab Goth were seen carrying Afghanistan’s flags during the riots.
“A person contesting by-election on the PTI’s ticket is the brother of the person who is carrying Afghanistan’s flag,” he further said.


Minister calls for action on stress in the workplace
The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Mr Tim O'Malley has said that the workplace is a major source of stress, which can lead to serious illness.
Speaking at the launch of mental health information leaflets today, Mr O'Malley noted that the workplace has been identified as a prime source of stress that can, in turn, result in ill-health.
"It is important that stress in the workplace, is addressed, not only because of the cost implications for employers, which are significant, but also because failure to address the issue will impact negatively on the mental well-being of staff," Mr O'Malley said.
The leaflets cover themes such as mental health for young people, facts about medicines, stress and mental health in the workplace.
The leaflets are part of the nationwide campaign by Mental Health Ireland, which has a network of local mental health associations throughout the country, to focus attention on the benefits of positive attitudes to mental health.


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Saudi- Bosnian Security Minister visits Border Guards in Makkah
(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency)
Riyadh, Sha'ban 11, 1437, May 18, 2016, SPA -- Minister of Security of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dragan Mektic and his accompanying delegation visited on Tuesday the Border Guards in Makkah region.
Upon arrival at Prince Mohammed bin Naif Naval Base, the Bosnian Security Minister and his accompanying delegation were received by Director General of Border Guard Adm Awad bin Eid A-Balawi and a number of senior officers.
The minister toured a number of naval security institutions and discussed cooperation between them and Bosnian security institutions.
The minister appreciated the advanced capabilities of the Saudi border guards.
01:17 LOCAL TIME 22:17 GMT
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Sarnia Police Services will be flying the Crime Stoppers flag at its headquarters for the balance of January in support of Crime Stoppers Awareness month locally.
At a ceremony to raise the flag were representatives of Crime Stoppers, including Sean Robbins, who serves as president of the local organization.
“We’re faced with a lot of threats,” said Robbins, who works in the business services division of Cogeco. “The growing opioid and fentanyl epidemic, cyber-crime, and human trafficking are part of that picture. But Crime Stoppers believes that, even such such overwhelming issues, everyone in our community has the right to feel safe plus the responsibility to help their neighbours be safe too. We can and should report suspicious or criminal activity anonymously to Crime Stoppers.”
Sarnia Police Chief Norm Hansen, who was also at the flag raising ceremony, said the importance of Crime Stoppers as a law enforcement tool can’t be overstated.


Mumbai: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday launched an attack on the BJP-led central government as it called off TMC’s digital campaign for next year’s assembly elections.
Addressing a virtual rally, TMC chief trained guns at the center said that it has deprived Bengal of resources and the people of the state will react unjustly.
“The central government has ignored us. The people of West Bengal will offer fire to them, ”she said.
The Chief Minister further said that people are unable to speak due to the “reign of fear across the country.”
“The Center is plotting against Bengal, saying every day that there is violence. There are some people who have no political experience. They speak of killing people and setting things ablaze,” she added.
Banerjee also expressed confidence that the Trinamool Congress would again form the government in the state and the BJP would face defeat in the 2021 assembly elections.
“We will throw the BJP out of West Bengal in the 2021 assembly elections. The Trinamool Congress will form the government again. The next elections will show a new direction to the state as well as the country, ”she said.
He further said that the people of Bengal will run the state in a clear jibe with the BJP, not outsiders.


Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has said that the PML-N government during its past tenure generated 11,000 MW of electricity under the Pakistan Vision 2025.
Talking to newsmen in Lahore on Saturday, the Minister said Pakistan secured twenty-nine billion dollar projects through CPEC and the whole world is looking towards Pakistan for investment.
Ahsan Iqbal said the PDM government is working on cyber security protocols.
He said we have to address climate change issue to ensure water and food security.
Source: Radio Pakistan


(MENAFN- The Peninsula) QNA
Doha: The Doha Forum, in partnership with The Stimson Centre, launched a report entitled,“Rethinking Global Cooperation: Three New Frameworks for Collective Action in an Age of Uncertainty”.
The inauguration ceremony, which was held via video conference technology, was attended by Executive Director of Doha Forum H E Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, and the President and CEO of Stimson Centre Brian Finlay, in addition to a number of officials.
The report details the potential challenges in the three frameworks for collective action, and ways to overcome them, and stresses that meaningful civil society participation in the preparations for the Future Summit would reassure all stakeholders that the decisions taken are well thought out, enjoy broad social support and create a sense of shared responsibility in supporting its implementation.
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Prime Minister Imran Khan has reiterated that a foreign interference has been made into the internal politics of Pakistan as a plan for a no-confidence motion was orchestrated outside.
Addressing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders in Islamabad, he said in the National Security Committee’s meeting, it was also noted that a foreign interference has been made into the internal politics of the country through a no-confidence motion.
The Prime Minister said minutes of the communique regarding a meeting between the ambassador of Pakistan in the United States and the US officials were shared in the NSC’s meeting.
He said the embassy officials of the United States were also in contact with the defected PTI members.
Referring to his announcement early in the day, Imran Khan said the opposition was in a state of shock and they did not know what had happened to them.


KARACHI: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said on Tuesday that by the end of this year some 1,700 mega watts electricity would be added to the national grid through rental power plants.He was talking to mediamen during his visit to the shrine of Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi in Clifton here on Tuesday. The Prime Minister said that so far 1,704 mega watts electricity had been added to the national grid.He also said that the present democratic government was pursuing the policy of reconciliation. “Under this policy, we will take all the political parties along,” he added.When a reporter referred to a meeting of Federal Minister Dr Babar Awan with PML (Q) leader Chaudhry Pervez Illahi, the Prime Minister said that when he was elected as Prime Minister there was a total unanimity in the House and he had also voted for him.He said that the present government was pursuing the politics of reconciliation.The Prime Minister condemned the incidents of terrorism and said that only a handful of elements were behind such acts, who were out to mar peace and destabilize the country and were working on their own agenda.
Replying to a question, he said that the law and order was a provincial subject and that the provincial leadership was chalking out a line of action to deal with the situation. The Federal Government would also extend assistance in this respect if need be.
To another question, the Prime Minister said that the judiciary was playing its role. “We respect all the institutions”, he added – App


(MENAFN- Daily News Egypt) valU, MENA's leading Buy-Now, Pay-Later (BNPL) lifestyle-enabling fintech platform has announced the deployment of their WhatsApp Business Platform to elevate the customer experience, through a collaboration with Infobip, a full-stack global cloud communications platform. Infobip helps brands add real-time communications and digital interaction features to their applications.
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(MENAFN- ABN Newswire)
Etherstack Plc (ASX:ESK) advises that its subsidiary, Etherstack Pty Ltd, has received a contract award from the Commonwealth of Australia for A$1.
The majority of the revenue from this activity will be recognised in the first half of the 2024 financial year with a modest contribution into the 2023 financial year (31st December year-end).
Etherstack CEO, David Deacon, said "Etherstack continues to expand its Australian state and federal government customer base and pipeline. We are pleased with the recurring business within the Australian government sector".
Etherstack (ASX:ESK) is the world's leading licensor of wireless technologies for the digital LMR industry and the Company develops wireless products for the main digital radio communications standards known as APCO P25, TETRA and DMR. Over the past 25 years, over twenty wireless equipment manufacturers have licensed LMR technologies from Etherstack for use in their products.
MCPTT over LTE is an emerging cellular standard that provides public safety grade PTT (Push-To-Talk) solutions within 4G and 5G cellular networks. Demand for MCPTT services and equipment by telecommunications carriers and end user agencies has been steadily growing in the past few years and is expected to rise rapidly over the next 36-48 months.
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(MENAFN) Zimbabwe is in talks to lend around USD100mln facility to support oilseeds farmers in the country and to boost production of soy especially.
While a Zimbabwean energy and logistics company, Sakunda Energy agreed to contribute by USD48.7mln of the funds, the rest will be provided by the government.
However, the country is looking forward to expand its Command Agriculture program that provides financing and subsidized materials to corn farmers into other sectors which include private-sector funds.
Sakunda declined to respond on any request to comment.
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Workers of the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington DC, United States of America, have gone on strike, online news platform, Per Second News, has claimed.
According to the online medium which is based in the United States, the strike commenced today (Tuesday).
This has led to the grounding of activities at the Embassy, the medium claimed.
It said the main reason for the strike was because the workers were being owed five-month salary.
“The workers are also complaining about their working conditions,” it reported.
Per Second News claimed that the Nigerian flag in front of the building was tattered.
One of the striking workers reportedly said, “We are being owed for the past five months.”
The medium also said the workers had threatened to report their employers to the US Labour Department.
The medium also said that the workers number between 50 and 100.


(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) By Salman Al-Mutairi
KUWAIT, Nov 21 (KUNA) -- The 25th relief aid plane for the Gaza Strip departed Kuwait to Al-Arish city, Egypt, carrying 40 tons of medical aid and supplies.
In remarks to KUNA, the Director General of Al-Salam Charitable Society, Dhari Al-Baijan, said that the association has mobilized its energies and efforts to help the brothers in Palestine and it seeks to provide all necessary humanitarian supplies, especially in light of the current circumstances that the people in the Gaza Strip are experiencing.
He also noted that the amount of the association's "We are all Gaza" campaign launched last Friday exceeded 850,000 Kuwaiti dinars, and that the association's stores contained more than 300 tons of various aid.
In turn, Deputy Director General of the International Islamic Charitable Organization for Institutional Communication, Ibrahim Al-Bader, said that the authority's participation within the Kuwaiti air bridge amounted to 18 relief aircraft in cooperation with the (Al-Salam Charitable) and (Kuwait Relief) associations and other bodies. (end) slm
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Dubai: Drive-through Covid-19 testing, vaccination centre permanently closed
(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)
Published: Fri 14 Jan 2022, 5:50 PM
The Covid-19 Drive-Through Services Centre in Mina Rashid, Dubai, has been permanently closed, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) announced.
Those requiring Covid-19 PCR tests or vaccinations in Dubai are encouraged to book appointments at the SEHA Covid-19 Drive-Through Services in City Walk or Al Khawaneej using the SEHA app.
These centres are open from 10am to 8pm every day.
- Covid-19: Abu Dhabi announces updated safety protocols for positive cases, close contacts
- Covid in UAE: Can at-home rapid antigen tests be used for official purposes?
More details on the location of the nearest drive-through services centre can be found on
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Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa says steps will be taken to expand development to the North and East and across the island.
Speaking at a rally in Hambantota the Premier said clean drinking water will also be provided across the country.
The Prime Minister added the government has provided electricity to all parts of the island, claiming that highways and roads have been completed while others are under construction.
Premier Rajapaksa noted that when roads are laid in villages, the government will focus on providing clean drinking water.
He claimed that only 41% have access to clean drinking water, and stated that it is the government’s responsibility to increase the figure to 100%.


(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency) Amman, March 28 (Petra)--The Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) announced the launch of 14 new airline routes to Jordan operated by the European low-cost carrier Ryanair.
Director General of the JTB Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat said in a press statement on Wednesday that Ryanair started operating the first flight from Paphos (Cyprus) to Amman as of yesterday.
"Ryanair will also fly to Amman from Bologna, Brussels, Bucharest, Budapest, Krakow, Milan, Paphos, Prague, Vilinius and Warsaw, with flights to Aqaba going from Athens, Cologne, Rome and Sofia," he said.
Ryanair's Chief Commercial Officer David O'Brien said the new routes would collectively deliver nearly 500,000 passengers to Amman and Aqaba airports annually.
28/3/2018 - 05:28:32 PM
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US President Joe Biden condemned on Wednesday the assassination of Jovenel Moise, the President of Haiti, who was shot in his private residence over the night by attackers, CNBC informed.
Biden said that the US has offered condolences to Haitian people and that the country is open to any kind of assistance in the process of making Haiti safe and secure.
Claude Joseph, Haiti’s interim primer minister, has confirmed the assassination saying that the police and the military were controlling the security situation in the country.
Joseph also said that the first lady Martine Moise, was injured and that she is being treated for her injuries in a hospital.
Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary said that the US is in constant communication with the Haitian government and is ready to provide help if it is requested.


Changing the property market as we know it
The property sector is one of the most significant contributors to the country’s economic development. It is rapidly changing, and contractors have become well aware that the demand for property has exceeded the rate at which they are being supplied. Nonetheless, the property market is flourishing and has improved dramatically in the past two years. Douglas Salt from Frank Salt Real Estate gives his professional view on why the property sector has been so lucrative and successful over the past few years.


(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Protesters hold a Turkish flag during confrontation between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli troops, east of Gaza City, along the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, yesterday. Israeli forces shot and killed two Palestinians, one of them a 14-year-old boy, and wounded 415 others with live fire and teargas during protests.
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(MENAFN- UkrinForm) In Mariupol, temporarily captured by the Russian military, a strong blast was heard near the Azovstal steel plant.
The advisor to the Mariupol mayor Petro Andriushchenko said this on telegram , Ukrinform reports.
"There was a strong blast in the area of Azovstal. Air defense was also recorded," Andriushchenko said, adding that details would follow later. Read also: stefanchuk meets with azov stal defenders in turkey
As reported, explosions have recently become more frequent in the captured Mariupol. The invaders are turning the city and surrounding villages into a military and logistics hub. In particular, Russians have set up warehouses and are repairing military equipment on the territory of the Azovstal steel plant.
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Sydney has become the hub of Kyocera Mita's operations in the Asia-Pacific, with the official opening of its regional headquarters by the Treasurer and Minister for State Development, Michael Egan, this week.
The headquarters will cover New Zealand, South Pacific Islands, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong and will lead to around $13 million investment in Australia, according to Kyocera Mita managing director David Finn.
"It is now more than 12 months since the integration of Mita into Kyocera and business has grown 31 per cent in that time," he said. "We have just launched a number of new products on the market and will release more before the end of the year."
The establishment of the regional headquarters will also springboard further investment through Kyocera's other business interests, such as telecommunications, solar and metal processing, Finn said.


COVID-19: NCDC announces 149,882 recoveries as at March 25
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said that the number of COVID-19 recoveries from 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) stood at 149,882 as it announced 97 new cases yesterday.
The NCDC disclosed this on its official Twitter handle on Thursday.
It also said that it managed 1,015 community recoveries in FCT and 10 community recoveries in Akwa Ibom State in line with its guidelines. The agency said that the data from the FCT were recorded over the last two days.
It said that 1,156 people were successfully treated and discharged from different isolation centers across the country in the last 24 hours.
The NCDC said that the 97 new cases brought the total number of infections in the country to 162,275.
The agency also said that there were 11,421 active cases in the country in the last 24 hours. It, however, reported additional five COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the death toll to 2,036.
Reports show that the country’s daily new cases continues to follow a downward trajectory from an all-time high of 2,314 of new positive cases on Jan. 22, to 86 cases as of March 21. It is also recalled that the country have tested 1,727,467 people since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was announced on Feb. 27, 2020.


A collection of news and information related to Felipe Fuentes published by this site and its partners.
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Story | Feb 25, 2012 | 1:34 PMA bill was introduced in the state Assembly Thursday to extend by five more years the film and television tax credit program, which proponents say has created more than 20,000 jobs and generated more than $200 million in tax revenues. The bill, AB 2026,...


Netherlands: Authorities catch Coronavirus infected couple after escape attempt
(MENAFN) On Monday, Nov. 29 an executive from the Netherlands reported, a couple was held by authorities while they were attempting to get out from Coronavirus quarantine in the country, after they tested positive for Covid-19 and were taken to a hospital to be under isolation.
They are a Spanish man and a Portuguese woman. They went out of the hotel where infected passengers were kept, following their arrival at Schiphol airport in Amsterdam from South Africa.
Petra Faber, representative of Haarlemmermeer city where Schiphol is situated at the outside of capital, stated: “They have now been transferred to a hospital elsewhere in the Netherlands to ensure they are in isolation. They are now in so-called forced isolation,” adding “we don’t know who tested positive for the new variant and we wouldn’t say because of privacy.”
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ISLAMABAD: Chairman National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries and Production Sajid Hussain Turi has condemned the government for deciding to fire employees of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) enblock.
Sajid Turi, who also visited PSM with other members of the committee a couple of months ago to evaluate the prospects of its revival, wherein the committee was informed that the government was trying to revive the mills, told this while talking to Business Recorder.
He was of the view that the committee felt during the visit that PSM management was making half hearted efforts to revive the mills.
In reply to question, Sajid Turi said he personally and at the level of Standing Committee would raise that issue at every level including in the National Assembly as that was not the proper time to take such decisions in haste when employees were already facing difficult time due to outbreak of Covid-19. “I don't think the government will be able to privatise PSM as Sindh government will resist every such move," he added.


ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Asad Umar has said that the government differences with International Monetary Fund (IMF) have diminished while he will attend the annual meeting of IMF in Washington next week.
Talking to journalists in Islamabad Asad Umar said that a new program with the IMF will be settled soon which will facilitate financial dealings with worlds other financial institutions.
The Finance Minister said that the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) has to start actions against offshore accounts adding that respond on a letter for removing India from FATF has received.
He rejected the opposition criticism on increasing prices of petroleum goods however, he admitted that government measure increased inflation.
The Finance Minister said that we wanted to present next fiscal year budget on May 24 and over which consultation with Speaker National Assembly is continued


Further highlighting the importance of healthy living continues to be of great significance for officials in the North Leeward health district.
Over 100 adolescents attended a two-day workshop last week, organised by Family Nurse practitioner Julia Haywood, focused on areas such as personal hygiene, nutrition, self-esteem, abuse, peer pressure and STDs.
Haywood said the workshop was held under the theme “Healthy Bodies, Richer Lives”, adding that it is significant for the participants to be educated on the wide aspects of health and the importance of healthy lifestyles.
The workshop catered to Grade 6 students of all the schools in the North Leeward constituency.
Haywood stated that the workshop was a great success as the students were receptive of the information and participated in the various activities.
She added that the students who have recently completed their Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) complained that the workshop had ended too soon.
Meantime, Flow’s Marketing and Communications lead, Nikala Williams said that the opportunity to support the North Leeward health district was a timely one, as she believes that the students are venturing a critical time in their lives.
Williams added that she is adamant that the youths of SVG must be saved and she is happy that Flow has done its part in helping to instil the right information to guide them through life.


(MENAFN- AzerNews) June 9, 2023 was the hottest in the history of meteorological
observations in Bishkek, Azernews reports, citing 24.gr.
The maximum air temperature in the capital of Kyrgyzstan on June
9 was +39.5 degrees Celsius. This is 9.6 degrees above the
This is the fourth day in a row that temperature records are
registered in Bishkek. Previously, June 6 and 7, as well as June 8,
2023, were the hottest in the history of meteorological
The hottest day in June was the 23rd of 2005 when the air
temperature reached +40.9 degrees. The norm of the average monthly
temperature in June is +22.9 degrees Celsius.
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.


By NOEL IYOMBWA
DIALYSIS machines across the country are not adequate to cater for all patients, Health Minister Jonas Chanda has told parliament.
He was responding to Chembe MP, Sebastian Kopulande, who wanted to know how many dialysis machines there were at UTH and other medical facilities.
He said that University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka has 19 machines while 31 machines were distributed to other parts of the country.
Dr Chanda said that Ndola Teaching Hospital has five, Kitwe eight, Livingstone General Hospital seven while Mansa General Hospital has four.
He said others are Chipata with four, Lusaka’s Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital two and Kasama General Hospital four.
The minister said that Lusaka Specialised Hospital which is yet to be commissioned will have 10 machines.
Dr Chanda said that there are 23 machines in private health facilities across the country.
He said that plans were under way to extend renal services to five more health facilities, namely, Lewanika General Hospital, Nchanga North Hospital, Kabwe Central Hospital and Chinsali General Hospital and Lusaka specialised hospital.
Dr Chanda told the house that Government has introduced training of health personnel to ensure that renal services were implemented across the country.


Next elections will be Nawaz Sharif versus the rest: Rana Sanaullah
LAHORE: Dismissing all further possible movements against the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said that the next elections will be between former prime minister Nawaz Sharif versus the rest of the parties.
“In next elections, on one side will be PML-N and Nawaz Sharif, and on other side will be the rest,” he said speaking during ARY News program on Friday when asked when he believes that the movements were targeted against them.
He said that other minor parties, religious, sectarian or otherwise, cannot challenge the PML-N as they cannot form an alliance, and were instead making these sit-ins and movement in haste and moment of desperation and helplessness.
Asked about the vested interests of Pakistan Awami Tehreek chief Tahir-ul-Qadri, the Law Minister revealed that the cleric desired that his sons to be elected to parliament from Lahore.
“There is a state of desperation. This includes Qadri and also a pir (referring to spiritual leader Pir Sialvi),” he said adding that the PML-N remained popular even as ever. Therefore, he said that such parties will organising these sit-ins on their own.
He further said that several parties were still seeking the support of the PML-N as its ticket was still ‘hot cake’ commodity, and thus in the next few months will continue to organise such sit-ins.
He also dismissed that the recent sit-in in Faizabad had harmed the Punjab over even the federal government. “From one day it was our policy not to use show of force,” he said when asked why the protestors were allowed into Islamabad.
When asked who conducted the operation against the protestors, he said the federal government acted on the order of the Supreme Court and attempted to disperse them. However, he denied that the bothced operation harmed the government.
“Those who were affected by the operation were harmed. It didn’t cause harm to us,” he said.


Algeria Condemns Terrorist Attack in Munich
(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency)
Algiers, Shawwal 18, 1437 H, July 23, 2016, SPA -- Algeria today condemned the armed terrorist attack, in the city of Munich, resulting in casualties and injuries of dozens of innocents, describing the offense as barbaric act.
In a message to Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Algerian President Abdulaziz Bouteflika vowed the support of Algeria for Germany in combating terrorism, expressing the readiness of Algeria to join the world community efforts against this plague which threatens world peace and stability.
President Bouteflika also offered condolence to the government and people of Germany as well as the families of the victims, wishing the injured speedy recovery.
23:41 LOCAL TIME 20:41 GMT
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BANGKOK (NNT) – The COVID-19 Information Center is calling on people to refrain from moving out of their local area and is asking them to help promote the “stay home, stop the virus” campaign. It is important to note this is not an order, however, but a request.
Government Spokesperson Naruemon Pinyosinwat said today the Prime Minister had emphasized that he didn’t want people to focus on the term “sealing the country” but instead wanted them to focus on the measures and the outcome.
She went on to say that Thai people are not prohibited from returning to the country or their home provinces. However, the government’s measures may result in more inconvenience so people are asked to remain calm and follow the government’s measures by refraining from unnecessary travel, which will help efficiently control the epidemic.
The government’s measure to close places and risk areas is to bring about behavior adjustment and social distancing, so that people will stay home to prepare themselves in case the situation escalates. The public is also asked to listen to information from the government only.
The Government Spokesperson added that if Bangkok really needs to be closed, the government has plans for food, necessities, and a delivery process to support people who don’t have the funds. In the meantime, people are asked to adjust their lifestyle by staying at home and not going to crowded places. Many agencies are also to authorize home-based work.


Workers in the Oyo State Public Service today began a three-day warning strike over unpaid salaries and withdrawal of promotion by the state government. The state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Waheed Olojede, told newsmen that the workers were also protesting some other conditions.
Olojede said that the state Public Service Joint Negotiating Council, comprising the NLC and Trade Union Congress, had been negotiating with the state government over the issues for the past three weeks.
He said that one of the issues was `technical’ withdrawal of workers’ promotion earlier approved by the state Governor Abiola Ajimobi, which the beneficiaries enjoyed for few months. Olojede said other issues are outstanding salaries of workers in local governments and primary schools.
He noted that it is necessary for the government to address all the issues. According to him, a meeting between the committee and the government on Tuesday was inconclusive leading to the declaration of the three-day warning strike.
The NLC chairman added that there were crisis in state-owned tertiary institutions. He said that the institutions were facing one problem or the other and owed salaries and allowances, regretting that the situation had been leading to industrial unrest in the institutions.


Police in Mzuzu have arrested 15 bicycle operators and impounded 150 bicycles following the operatorsâ€™ protests against authoritiesâ€™ decision to move them to designated areas.
Northern Region Police spokesperson Norah Chimwala on Thursday said city authorities and police decided to move the operators to designated places.
She said this followed a rise in road accidents mainly caused by the operators as most of them were ignorant of the Highway Code.
She said the officials resolved that the operators should not operate in the central business district as their presence was also causing congestion.
Chimwala said when the officers went to remove the operators on Wednesday, they started stoning the police and burning tyres to block roads.
“Over 150 bicycles were impounded [Thursday] during a sweeping exercise which aimed at relocating bicycle taxi operators to their designated areas.
“Fifteen people were also arrested. These were throwing stones at police officers who were conducting the exercise and were also blocking roads and burning tyres. They have been charged with the offence of conduct likely to cause breach of peace and will appear before court soon,” said Chimwala.


Government to give councils and housing associations the help they need to replace unsafe Grenfell-style cladding.
Comment from Shelter on the Prime Minister’s announcement that the government will fully fund the removal and replacement of dangerous cladding by councils and housing associations.
Polly Neate, CEO of Shelter, said: “For more than six months Shelter has been calling on the government to step up to the plate, and today the Prime Minister did.
“It’s great to see the government making good on their promise to give councils and housing associations the help they need to replace unsafe Grenfell-style cladding. The cash injection will be a welcome relief for councils who have been making tough decisions on cutting back in other areas to carry out these essential works, and will go a long way to ensuring the people living in these tower blocks are finally safe.”
Source of information Shelter.


ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Faisalabad today.
According to sources, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and Chief Secretary will receive the prime minister. The premier will meet the business community, textile manufacturers, and exporters in Faisalabad.
The prime minister will also attend the function organized by the business community and the business community will thank PM Imran Khan for granting them opportunities. The prime minister will also talk about the implementation of affordable electricity and other incentives for industrial units.
Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to make important announcements for manufacturers and exporters, including the textile industry. PM Imran Khan will inaugurate development projects in Faisalabad and will also meet members of the Faisalabad Assembly and party leaders.
Moreover, earlier, PM Khan had announced that he will introduce electronic voting to Pakistan. Commenting on the election process, he said that the ministers and the committee have worked on electoral reforms.
The next election will use modern technology. No government in power can bring such reforms, he claimed. PM Imran Khan said that overseas Pakistanis should also be included in the electoral process.
He also spoke about the legislative and constitutional requirements for electoral reforms. He has given the Election Reforms Committee until 31st January 2021, to finalise recommendations.
He said that he was grateful to the people for casting their votes in the GB elections. Gilgit-Baltistan has to be given interim provincial status and the promise made to the people will be fulfilled.


http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/21/national/21HOME.html More studies are reporting that police officers, firefighters, public school safety officers, and other emergency response workers believe that they still are unprepared to deal with terrorism in the United States. The New York Times said that one report, done by the Rand Corporation for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that police and firefighters agreed that "they do not know what they need to be protected against, what form of protection . . .
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Port City will be formally declared as part of Sri Lanka once reclamation work is completed, Minister of Megapolis and Western Development Champika Ranawaka said today.
A total of around 269 hectares of sea is being filled by a Chinese company to create the new city and part of it will be developed by the Government and the rest by the Chinese company.
The Minister told reporters at the site of the Port City that almost 50 percent of the reclamation work has been completed for the project.
He said that once the reclamation work is over the President will declare the new land as part of Sri Lanka and as a special urban development area.
He said that once the reclamation work is completed the Chinese partners and the Sri Lankan Government will call for expressions of interest to develop the land.
The Minister said that the Prime Minister’s office is at present working on the legal system which will apply to the new property which will be part of the Port City.
“Once the land reclamation is completed we need to introduce a new piece of legislation,” he said.
Champika Ranawaka said that reclamation work for the new city will be completed in 2019 but proposals will be sought to develop the land after stage one of the reclamation work is completed. (Colombo Gazette)


(MENAFN- Iraq Business News)
By John Lee.
The Iraqi government has authorized the Minister of Agriculture to purchase 60,000 tons of DAP (di-ammonium phosphate) fertilizer, at a price not exceeding 1,550,000 dinars per ton, an additional quantity previously contracted at 90,000 tons, from the Ministry of Industry.
It describes this as being an exception to the stipulated contracting methods.
The decison was approved at this week's cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani.
(Source: Govt of Iraq)
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The police forces in Kabul have arrested at least 566 people on various criminal charges amid ongoing efforts to curb the criminal related incidents.
The Kabul police and Criminal Investigation Department officials said the suspects were arrested during the separate operations conducted during the past two months.
The officials further added that the suspects were held on charges of murder, armed robbery, kidnappings, sale of alcohol and drugs, and other criminal related incidents.
According to the security officials, the security forces have also confiscated weapons, ammunition, alcohol, drugs, and other items from the detained individuals.
This comes as there has been a sharp rise in criminal-related incidents in Kabul city and other key cities of the country during the recent years.
The observers believe the majority of such incidents have links to growing poverty in the country.
The CID officials said last week least three suspects involved in a bloody stabbing incident in Kabul city have been arrested by the security forces.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officials in Kabul said the incident took place on Wednesday in the vicinity of the 10th police district of the city in Charqala-e-Wazirabad.
The officials further added that the three men had stabbed two people which resulted into the murder of one of them while the other has sustained injuries.
According to CID officials, the suspects managed to flee the area but were arrested during the operations few hours after the incident.


Police have revealed the victim of the safari sexual assault case said she was not raped.
A Kenyan woman was sexually assaulted on a liveaboard safari anchored in the lagoon of reclaimed suburb Hulhumale’ on last Friday around 05:00 hours. Two people were arrested in connection to the case who were later released due to which the police were subjected to harsh criticism and allegations.
Regarding the issue, police were summoned for a meeting with the Human Rights and Gender Committee of the parliament. The police revealed how the problem occurred. Hulhumale’s Police Station’s in-charge, Mohamed Rasheed said the incident was noticed by the police officers who were patrolling the jetty area of Hulhumale’. The three police officers who were on the scene at the time were questioned. When they asked further, the officers said the victim said she was sexually assaulted, and it was then decided to investigate the case as a sexual assault case, said Mohamed.
“Police attended the scene, identified the suspects, arrested them and an investigation was launched. The victim said she did not have any document so we took her Male’ and to a doctor”, said Mohamed.
Mohamed further said, the victim was refusing to see a doctor stating that there will not be any proof the doctor can find of the assault that happened. However, to proceed with the investigation they needed to take her to a doctor, and that they received the doctor’s report, said Mohamed. He added that the time passed between taking the victim to her place of residence and seeing a doctor was not enough to hinder the evidence.
Chief Inspector Mariyam Azma said while the investigation of the case was ongoing as a sexual assault case, in media, it was reported as a rape case upon which they summoned the victim and questioned again. The victim repeatedly said she was not raped and said what was reported on media was not true.
“I questioned and told that in media such a report [rape] was stated. She was also very concerned about it. Similarly, she said it was not rape. They touched parts of her body,” said Azma.
Azma added that the police questioned the boat’s captain and the two people who were alleged to have had her intoxicated.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Abdul Mannaan Yusuf said there was no influence on the case, and soon the case will be forwarded to Prosecutor General Office after concluding its investigation.


Businesses across the UK are pleading with Chancellor Rishi Sunak to postpone the proposed Â£12bn National Insurance (NI) hike, calling it unreasonable and poorly timed. The hike, which is set to take effect from April 2022, will see employers and employees pay an additional 1.25% in NI contributions to fund social care.
The move has been met with widespread criticism from business leaders, who argue that it will place an unnecessary burden on struggling businesses that are still recovering from the impact of the pandemic. Many have called for the government to delay the hike until the economy has fully recovered and businesses are in a stronger position to absorb the additional costs.
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has warned that the hike could lead to job losses and hinder the UK’s economic recovery. The organization has called for the government to consider alternative funding options, such as a wealth tax or a reform of the pension system.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has also voiced its concerns, stating that the hike will hit small businesses particularly hard. The FSB has called for the government to provide additional support to small businesses to help them cope with the increased costs.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has echoed these sentiments, stating that the hike is “poorly timed” and will hinder the UK’s ability to attract investment and create jobs. The BCC has called for the government to focus on measures that will support businesses and encourage growth, rather than imposing additional costs.
The government has defended the hike, stating that it is necessary to fund social care and address the growing demand for services. However, many businesses argue that the timing is wrong and that the government should focus on supporting businesses and the economy as a whole, rather than imposing additional costs.
In conclusion, the proposed NI hike has sparked widespread concern among businesses across the UK. While the government argues that it is necessary to fund social care, many businesses argue that the timing is wrong and that it will hinder the UK’s economic recovery. As such, it is important for the government to listen to the concerns of businesses and consider alternative funding options that will support businesses and encourage growth.


No public recommendations added yet.
We have on offer 6 well furnished cottages, which are meant to provide the guests with the most possible comforts keeping in mind the "close to nature" concept of eco-tourism.
The "on-order" cuisine would range from anything like Indian (Rajasthani or Gujarati), Continental, Chinese and in special cases barbeques too can be arranged.
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Madhav Nepal criticises govt, NC-Maoist alliance at House
KATHMANDU: CPN-UML senior leader and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on Saturday criticised the government.
Speaking at the meeting of the Legislature-Parliament today, he said that the government was moving on the basis of groupism rather than institutionally.
The former Prime Minister, however, said that the Nepali Congress and CPN Maoist Centre had registered a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in a hurry.
Stating that the national consensus government was the need of the hour to resolve the existing crisis, he said that the decision of the Maoist Centre to leave the government was unfortunate.
Meanwhile, CPN Maoist Centre leader Haribol Gajurel accused the Prime Minister of ignoring the demands of his party.
Though the party had expressed its concerns in writing regarding the enforcement of Constitution, Madhes agitation, social justice, peace process and the post- earthquake reconstruction, the Prime Minister did not feel it necessary to address them, he said.


(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)
Published: Tue 7 Feb 2023, 6:17 AM
The weather in the UAE will be fair to partly cloudy at times today, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).
Temperatures are set to increase, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai seeing highs of 31°C and 30°C respectively. The Capital will experience a minimum temperature of 17°C and the mercury in Dubai will drop to 18°C.
Light to moderate winds will blow. The sea will be slight in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.
dutch researcher goes viral after predicting devastating turkey earthquake 3 days before it happened
why was the turkey-syria earthquake so severe?
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Police Blotter: Vehicle stolen from repair shop
Dickinson Police officers are looking for a vehicle that was stolen while parked at Just-in Glass recently.
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Police declare fleeing killer cop wanted
The police inspector was alleged to have shot Ukachi dead at a popular restaurant in the area on Monday over a minor argument and fled the area.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the police inspector was alleged to have shot Ukachi dead at a popular restaurant in the area on Monday over a minor argument and fled the area.
Ladodo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Owerri that the command had commenced a manhunt for the killer cop.
He, therefore, advised the officer to willingly surrender himself to the command because he would eventually be apprehended.
In a spontaneous reaction to the cold-blooded murder, the youths of the community reportedly invaded the Obowo Divisional Police Station, setting it ablaze.
The irate youths also allegedly carted away firearms and other items from the station.
The police commissioner said that normalcy had since returned in the area and gave the assurance that justice would be done in the incident.
He said that he had directed the homicide department of the command to take over the matter and ensure that the suspect was arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
Ladodo also said that the command had started the process of recovering all the firearms allegedly taken away by the angry youth.
He commended the community leaders in the area for their cooperation.
Meanwhile, Gov. Emeka Ihedioha has directed the police boss to ensure that the suspect was arrested and brought to book.
Ihedioha, who gave the directive when he visited the family of late Ukachi, said that the police officer acted unprofessionally.
He said that his preliminary investigation showed that Ukachi was not a criminal, saying that he would ensure that justice was done in the matter.
The governor also described those who took away firearms during the attack on the police station as criminals who should be arrested and prosecuted for illegal act.
He also directed the Divisional Police Officer of the division to ensure that detainees, who reportedly escaped during the incident, were rearrested.
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Shillong, Nov 11: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today said that the government respects the views of the opposition.
“The House is the platform were different issues can be brought out, the opposition decided to go for a no confidence motion to express their concern and we respect that…it also gives us an opportunity as government to clarify on a number of subjects. Therefore, they made their point and we reverted back with our replies… they did not withdraw the motion… so it went for a vote… obviously we have the majority, and the motion was defeated,” Chief Minister said, when asked to react after the day long discussion.
He also told that their view has been noted and government will take necessary measures to address the concerns of the opposition.
Meanwhile, leader of opposition Dr. Mukul M. Sangma said that the allegation of serious corruption were not answered by the government. He said that the ruling government only provided information on development initiatives taken up by the government and failed to respond on irregularities and cases of corruption that are prevalent.
“Number of issues were tabled in the House, including allegations of serious corruption…therefore we want the government to stop all the irregularity and commit before the people in the august House to protect the interest of the State,” said Dr. Sangma.
He alleged that the Chief Minister has not taken note of the serious issues raised by the opposition and tried to evade away from his responsibilities.


Public Health Inspectors (PHI) said that they have received reports of over 20 children being infected in some classrooms.
PHI Union President Upul Rohana said that Covid infected students have been found in schools around the country.
Ceylon Teachers’ Union General Secretary Joseph Stalin said that a number of teachers have also tested positive for the virus in Colombo.
He said that in some schools, classrooms and even entire sections have been closed. (Colombo Gazette)


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(MENAFN- UkrinForm) The Prime Ministers of Ukraine and Poland, Denys Shmyhal and Mateusz Morawiecki, in a phone conversation discussed today's Russian missile attack against Ukraine.
The head of the Polish government wrote this on Twitter on Monday, Ukrinform reports.
“Russia carried out another massive attack on civilian facilities and critical infrastructure in Ukraine, carrying a high death toll. I spoke with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal about the tragic results. The international community must continue to provide humanitarian and defense aid to Ukraine,” he wrote.
As reported, Russian missiles hit energy facilities in Kyiv, Vinnytsia and Odesa regions on December 5. Despite this, the country's power grid is functioning. In some regions, emergency shutdowns are in place in order to balance the system and avoid accidents.
Ukraine's defense forces shot down over 60 out of more than 70 missiles fired by Russian forces at Ukraine.
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State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Redwan Hussein, briefed UN Security Council Ambassadors and South American Ambassadors to Ethiopia on current and urgent issues in the country.
Explaining the situation in Tigray State, Ambassador Redwan said the government has taken promising steps to address most of the concerns of the international community.
In this regard, the issue of access to humanitarian assistance has been clearly and adequately addressed, he said.
He explained that difficult areas that were previously inaccessible are now being accessed by military escorts.
He said the government has also responded to issues related to visa extensions and licensing of communication equipment.
He said the government is still covering 70% of the aid provided to Tigray State, and called on the international community to increase its support to those in need in the state.
He recalled that the United Nations and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission are conducting a joint investigation into alleged human rights abuses in the region, adding that the FDRE Attorney General is conducting separate investigations into the human rights violations and the results of the investigation will be announced to the media soon.
Regarding the border dispute between Ethiopia and Sudan, he said Sudan has unfairly invaded Ethiopian territories in the Tigray region.
Reminding that the borders of the African Union should be respected, Ambassador Redwan Hussein said it was unfortunate that Sudan had claimed the Benishangul Gumuz region.
In a statement on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, he said Sudan’s concerns had been adequately addressed and that Egypt, in a recent speech to parliament, believed the dam would not cause significant harm to its country.
“Ethiopia is ready for peaceful, free, fair and democratic elections,” he said.
He said 34 million voters have already registered for the election, which is higher than in the 5th general election.
He said it was “regrettable” that the EU had stated that it would not send observers to the polls, adding that Ethiopia was ready for further talks on key issues. They also expressed hope that the EU would reconsider its decision.
He thanked the ambassadors for the briefing and said the situation in Tigray, in particular, is conducive to entry into the region through simple notifications and it is encouraged that they be allowed to enter the region through visa extension and access to communication equipment.


Azerbaijan National Academy Of Sciences Thanks President Ilham Aliyev
(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 29. The management and
staff of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS)
expressed deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for opening up
ample opportunities to enter a new phase of integrated science and
education, Trend reports.
This is reflected in the statement of ANAS.
Will be updated
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(MENAFN) Zhao Yong, the deputy head of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, claims that over the past ten years, significant steps have been taken in China to strengthen the sense of nationalism among the Chinese people.
The nation has carried out a number of high-quality industrial projects, made good use of the development funds for ethnic minority groups, and taken additional steps to bring prosperity to border regions. It has also adopted various supportive policies in various regions. As a result, Zhao claims that individuals from all ethnic groups can benefit from reforms and development.
According to Zhao, over the previous ten years, urban inhabitants in areas with significant ethnic minority populations saw an average yearly growth in per capita disposable income of 7.7 percent, while rural residents saw an increase of 10.2 percent.
In the interim, Zhao noted, life expectancy in those regions has significantly increased, with the life expectancy in Tibet Autonomous Region increasing by four years in comparison to ten years ago. Zhao also noted that a significant amount of infrastructure, such as railroads and industrial parks, has been built in these regions.
Zhao claimed that "over the past 10 years, the exchanges, interactions and integration among different ethnic groups have reached an unprecedented level in depth and breadth."
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OIC condemns ballistic missile attack on Saudi Arabia
(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) JEDDAH, Dec 19 (KUNA) -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned on Tuesday the ballistic missile attack launched from Yemeni territory towards Saudi Arabia.
OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen said that the current attack reflected the ill intentions by the Houthi militia in Yemen towards Saudi Arabia.
OIC Chief reiterated the organization's solidarity with Saudi Arabia, condemning the new ballistic missile attack.
Earlier today, a ballistic missile was intercepted by the Arab coalition supporting the legitimate government in Yemen. The intercepted attack caused no casualties or damages.
On November 4, the coalition command said they had intercepted a similar missile targeting the city.
Examining the debris of the missile, and another intercepted on July 22, revealed the Iranian regime's role in the production of these missiles and smuggling them to the Houthi militias in Yemen to attack the Saudi people and vital interests, the coalition said in a statement. On Thursday, the US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley provided proof supporting the coalition's statement, including an "Iranian missile" delivered from Iran to Yemen's Houthis who launched it on Riyadh. (end) nh.gta
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Jordan Denounces Terror Attack on Hotel in Kabul
(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency)
Amman, Jumada I 5, 1439, Jan 22, 2018, SPA -- Jordan condemned the cowardly terrorist attack on a hotel in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Saturday that killed and injured dozens of innocent people.
State Minister for Media Affairs and Spokesman for the Government Mohammad Al-Momani, stressed Jordan's firm stance on the crimes and practices committed by terrorists and their brutal and repeated targeting of innocents.
He stressed the need to work in accordance with an international participatory approach to combat all forms of terrorism at the intellectual and security levels.
21:24 LOCAL TIME 18:24 GMT
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NADEEM MALIK LIVE
TOPIC- ATTACK ON HAMID MIR, MILITARY ACTION AGAINST TALIBAN IN TRIBAL AREAS
GUESTS- SHAHZAD CH, LATIF KHOSA, FAISAL SABZWARI, AZAM SAWATI
SHAHZAD CH (R) AIR MARTIAL said that the attack on Hamid Mir is extremely regretful. He said that no institution ever said that Hamid Mir is a traitor. He said that Geo and its group’s activities are against the interest of the Pakistan.
He said that Taliban have not extended the ceasefire so the military has right to take action against them. He said that the military is under attack in tribal areas continuously and 38 soldiers have sacrificed their lives so far. He said that the air strikes against Taliban in tribal areas are based on the intelligence information.
He said that in Balochistan the military is always deployed without the implementation of article 245 of the constitution. He said that when the governments take action in the formal way they empower their military before the action.
LATIF KHOSA OF PPPP said that after the attack on Hamid Mir the propaganda against ISI without any proof is unfortunate. He said that India is overwhelmingly happy over the campaign of Geo against the ISI.
He said that the military action against Taliban in tribal areas is being conducted after the recognition of the terrorists of Sabzi Mandi incident in Islamabad. He said that it was mandatory for the state to retaliate and send a strong message.
FAISAL SABZWARI OF MQM said that he wishes that a commission is formed to expose the faces behind the attackers of Hamid Mir.
He said that the people we patronized as Jihadi are promoting the sectarian violence in the country. He said that the state is always confused against terrorism that is why it never could take action against them. He said that the people fighting against the military should be dealt with strong fist but other people should not be picked up and vanish from their homes.
AZAM SAWATI OF PTI said that the attitude of Geo after the attack on Hamid Mir is impropriate. He said that Geo should not be banned moreover PIMRA did not play its due role.
He said that we need to take targeted operation leaving the dialogue process. He said that the information of the action being underway by the military in the tribal areas should be shared with other political parties. He said that our government and its institutions are heading in wrong direction themselves and there is no system in place.


(MENAFN- Gulf Times)
The Sultanate of Oman announced Thursday that it welcomes all FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Hayya Card holders.
The Royal Oman Police announced today that it would open the application submission process for visa to World Cup fans to enter Oman, and would provide those holding a Hayya Card with a convenient and exceptional experience.
Oman is offering a free multiple-entry visa to World Cup fans. The visa will be valid for 60 days and can further be extended twice through the e-visa website, Oman Police said.
Hayya Card holders can be accompanied by first-degree relatives to stay in the Sultanate of Oman.
The visa can also be changed to another category while in the Sultanate as per the applicable rules.Last updated: October 27 2022 03:41 PM
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Signing of an Agreement to Develop Security Systems in Ports of Entry into Qatar
(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) The Committee of "Security Agencies in Ports of Entry into Qatar." signed with the Chinese company "Nyuktk" an agreement to develop security systems in both sea and land ports in Qatar.
The agreement was signed on the Qatari side by Lekhwiya Security Technology Division Head Captain Engineer Ali Hassan Al Rashed, and by Mr. Lee, Vice President of "Nyuktk" on the Chinese side.
This came during a visit by the Chinese firm delegation and after holding a number of meetings with stakeholders to follow-up mechanisms to implement the project on time.
The agreement aims to develop security systems in the New Hamad Port project, Abu Samra border and the port of Ruwais and enhance the ability of these ports through the introduction of modern security systems in the field of radiation detection and increase the efficiency of border controls.
Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) has earlier supplied to the General Authority of Customs through a joint committee two advanced X-ray machines to screen containers and detect banned items.
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Omar govt has spoiled conducive atmosphere in J&K: PDP
PDP wednesday accused Omar`s government of failing to address economic and political aspirations of people of J&K.
Jammu: Main opposition Peoples Democratic Party Wednesday accused the ruling Omar Abdullah government of failing to address the economic and political aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and said the chief minister has "spoiled the conducive atmosphere" of the state.
"Omar government has spoiled the conducive atmosphere created by the previous Congress-PDP coalition government. His government has also failed to address economic as well as political aspirations of the people of the state," former Minister and PDP leader Abdul Rehman Veeri said at a public meeting in Surankote belt of Poonch district Wednesday.
Veeri said there is a need to respect democratic urges of the people, to remove alienation and alleged that the current government had failed to assess the ground situation.


Survey: COVID-19 impacts food and food buying habits
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way consumers shop for and eat food, according to the annual Food and Health Survey by the International Food Information Council (IFIC).
Ali Webster, director of research and nutrition communications with the IFIC, says it’s important to keep in mind the survey was conducted in April as food and food buying habits were changing rapidly because of COVID-19.
“Eighty-five percent of the people that we surveyed said that they had changed their behavior in some respect,” she says. “Cooking at home more was by far and away the biggest change that most people made— we saw that 60 percent of people we surveyed said they were doing more cooking at home. It was kind of a necessity for a lot of people with restaurants being closed, hesitancy around takeout or delivery, and for some people the only option was cooking at home.”
Survey respondents also said they were snacking more, washing fresh produce more often, and thinking about food more than usual.
She says it’s hard to say if these impacts of the pandemic are temporary or will continue.
“We don’t know when people are going to be returning to their workplaces and we don’t know how many people will continue to work at home,” she says. “I think people’s professional environment really does matter to a big degree in terms of how we are approaching what we’re eating and how we’re getting food so that’s something that remains to be seen.”
The coronavirus pandemic has also altered food safety concerns. Overall confidence in the safety of the US food supply was unchanged, but food handling and preparation related to the coronavirus risk are at the top of the list of food safety concerns. About half of surveyed consumers says they are somewhat concerned about food prepared outside their homes.
The survey also examined issues related to health and diet, food production, and how food and health behaviors have changed in the past decade.
This is the 15th consecutive year IFIC has examined consumer perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors around food and nutrition. More than 1,000 Americans ages 18-80 participated in the online survey. It was conducted April 8-16 and results were weighted by age, education, race and ethnicity, and region to ensure they were reflective of the population.
Audio: Ali Webster


(MENAFN- UkrinForm) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine received no information from the Russian side about the evacuation of employees of Russian diplomatic missions from Ukraine and it does not plan to evacuate Ukrainian diplomats from Russia, the ministry's spokesperson, Oleg Nikolenko, has told Ukrinform.
'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs received no information from the Russian side about the evacuation of Russian diplomatic staff from Ukraine. The embassies of other countries in Ukraine also did not announce their intention to evacuate their staff,' he said.
Nikolenko added that the ministry does not currently plan to evacuate Ukrainian diplomats from Russia.
'The [Ukrainian] Embassy in Moscow, the consulates general in St. Petersburg and Rostov-on-Don and the consulates in Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk are operating as normal in Russia,' he said.
According to Nikolenko, despite the difficult conditions, Ukrainian diplomats and consuls continue to successfully perform their tasks, primarily to protect the interests of Ukrainian citizens in Russia.
The New York Times reported earlier, citing its own sources, that Russia had begun evacuating its diplomats and their families from Ukraine.
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