Air travel these days has become risky and a number of airlines are now making it compulsory for the passengers to wear masks for the entire time when they are on the flight. During the initial days, it was not very mandatory but now things have become strict as the number of cases is now increasing as the virus is highly contagious. Delta Airlines has taken a drastic step as it has banned about 120 passengers from flying.
The passengers were banned after they had refused to wear masks while on the flight. The airline has now made it compulsory for the passengers to wear masks for the entire time when they are on the flight. Ed Bastian, the CEO of the airline said that a number of studies and medical experts have advised that the masks are a good response to the virus that can help to reduce the transmission. The CEO added that this was the reason they were taking it seriously and have already banned about 120 flyers from future travel with Delta as they had refused to wear masks on board.
The mandatory guidelines have come after the US has crossed a major milestone while topping about 4 million confirmed cases of coronavirus and about more than 143,000 deaths have been reported. The testing program of Delta Airline will be expanded to the entire workforce in the next four weeks. The airline will be carrying out at-home screening for the employees and will be beginning from those who live in the virus hotspots in Texas and Florida.
Bastian also said that they will be testing 100 percent of their employees that will help them to ensure the safety and also take critical decisions in terms of their customers and employees. The CEO has also assured that the infection rate among the customer-facing employees of Delta is lower than the national average and it indicates the efforts that are made by the airline.
Photo Credits: Pixabay


The All Progressive Congress, APC, has announced its intention to disqualify some of its governorship aspirant over violence at the party’s governorship primary last weekend.
The disclosure was announced by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi yesterday at the party’s secretariat in Abuja.
He opined that the party has been served the necessary report and recommendations from the primary.
Abdullahi said “Individuals that took part in disrupting the exercise in Ekiti have been fully identified and we know the people they represent at the event.
If we find them to be culpable accordingly, the aspirants they represent will be disqualified from the exercise and the individuals that participated in disrupting the exercise will be fully prosecuted”.
The party is expected to make public its final decision later today.


According to the local media reports, the Afghan Ministry of Interior (MoI) has confirmed the death toll.
Earlier today, MoI had said that five people were killed and 163 others injured.
According to the Khaama Press, Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has instructed that the national flag should put at half-mast across all governmental institutions as well as the diplomatic missions outside the country.
Afghan President office in a statement said the decision was taken to mourn with the families of the deceased individuals who lost their lives in the attacks in Kabul, Nangarhar, and Kandahar.
A public holiday has also been declared only in Kabul for Monday to help the families of the victims as well as those injured.
The Afghan Government claimed that the Taliban-allied Haqqani network is behind the attack.
The explosion occurred when an explosive-laden ambulance was detonated in a busy area, which is close to Kabul's infamous Chicken Street. (ANI)


Telecommunications authority (CyTA) on Tuesday said it has replaced a mobile antenna in Ayios Antonios in Limassol that was set ablaze last Saturday by arsonists.
The incident took place on Saturday night, with the utility stating that the antenna was there for 20 years, alluding to claims by some that the 5G technology is being rolled out secretly while people are preoccupied by the coronavirus.
CyTA said on Tuesday that after police investigations wrapped up, its crews have replaced the destroyed equipment, “thus achieving the organisation’s goal to restore the mobile telephony services the infrastructure in question was providing to the area residents, the soonest possible and before the Easter holidays.”
The organisation also said that condemnation of the arson by everyone reinforces its position but also of the wider public that society, when united, stands stronger from isolated actions that, in the end, are to the detriment of everyone’s lives.
The utility had said on Sunday that the damage had affected communication for thousands of people at a challenging time for the country, since it affected patients and people who need to be in touch with their doctors, vulnerable groups that need help and support for which mobile communication is a useful tool during the lockdown due to the pandemic.


International Media Summit During VNY 2020
Kavrepalanchok – Spokesman, and Minister of Communication an Information Gokul Prasad Banskota has said that an international media summit will be held in Nepal during the Nepal visit year 2020.
Addressing the first convention of the Nepal Hotel and Tourism Entrepreneurs’ Association State No. 3 held at Kavrepalanchok, Minister Banskota said that the International Media Summit will be convened by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology during the visit year.
Minister Banskota cited the example of the floods in Thailand in the year 2018 and recalled that the tourism sector which had fallen during the international media summit at that time had changed drastically.
Minister Banskota said that the government was ready to assist the hotel and tourism entrepreneurs by bringing a plan for national development and prosperity. ‘You should pay attention not only to external but also to domestic tourism,’ he said.


(CNN) -- International Monetary Fund officials will meet with members of the Pakistani government in Washington next week to discuss the economic impact of the massive floods that have ravaged the country.
"The floods which have hit Pakistan in recent weeks and brought suffering to millions of people will also pose a massive economic challenge to the people and government of Pakistan," said Masood Ahmed, director of IMF's Middle East and Central Asia Department.
Ahmed says the meeting will be an opportunity to evaluate the economic impact of the floods, assess what Pakistan's government is doing to respond to it and "discuss ways in which the IMF can assist Pakistan at this difficult juncture."
The massive flooding that has covered about one-fifth of Pakistan has claimed the lives of more than 1,500 people, authorities said Saturday.
More than 200 health facilities have been damaged or destroyed, according to the World Health Organization, greatly reducing the available health care for millions of survivors in filthy conditions. At least 4 million people are homeless.
U.N. officials have appealed for $460 million over the next three months to help the roughly 20 million people in need of shelter, food and emergency care.
The United Nations has received about $263 million and an additional $54 million in pledges -- or about 70 percent of its goal, said Maurizio Giuliano, spokesman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.


Around half of retired taxpayers have gross assets of more than CHF300,000 Keystone / Stephan Scheuer
Many retirees in Switzerland can continue to put money aside, with a majority also willing to bequeath the money they have saved.
This content was published on December 7, 2022 - 18:02 December 7, 2022 - 18:02 Keystone-SDA/ts
Specifically, 34% of the people surveyed in Switzerland aged 65 and over are building up assets instead of reducing them, according to a swiss life surveyexternal link published on Wednesday. Some 44% said they spent about as much as they receive.
The remaining 22% use up at least part of their assets in old age. These figures haven't changed much in recent years, the study authors wrote.
Around 57% of those surveyed also stated that it was important to them to leave a few francs for the next generation.“The desire to be able to pass on some money is a strong motivation to continue saving in old age,” said study author Andreas Christen of Swiss Life.
And there is plenty to bequeath. According to the study, around half of retired taxpayers have gross assets of more than CHF300,000 ($320,000).
The“golden” generation of pensioners has also become more financially satisfied on average in recent years, according to the survey.“This is partly explained by the fact that around a third of the 65- to 79-year-olds surveyed have themselves inherited CHF100,000 or more,” Christen said.
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 Oct 17,2021
The Opposition Alliance (PDM) has announced a countrywide protest campaign in the next two weeks.
Former Prime Minister and PML N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman met in Islamabad on Sunday.
In a media briefing after the meeting, the PDM chief said that the rulers who become a scourge for the nation do not want to be given a chance to impose more.
He said that a PDM summit would be held tomorrow in which the protest campaign would be finalized.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman further said that the entire nation should participate in the demonstrations and rallies, the nation should get out of their homes, PDM will support them on every front.
He said that the volume of debt on the nation has reached 45 thousand billion, the rulers who have become a torment for the nation do not want to give more respite.
The PDM chief also said that the people have been overwhelmed by the burden of petroleum products and have decided to come to the fore to protect the interests of the people.
He said that the government has made the country a pasture for the IMF.


No public recommendations added yet.
Niranjan Ultrasound India Pvt Ltd
Ultrasound India provides you quality pre-owned, refurbished and used medical or diagnostic ultrasound machines at the cheap prices. You can take your pick of used ultrasound equipment from all the top manufacturers selected by our team.
how to find Niranjan Ultrasound India Pvt LtdClick To View Location
Vote For Niranjan Ultrasound India Pvt Ltd
The voting system is a way for customers of Niranjan Ultrasound India Pvt Ltd to change its popularity at Start Local. You may vote for or against Niranjan Ultrasound India Pvt Ltd 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.


Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise has warned that the defence force will be hard-pressed to assist in future catastrophes that may hit the country.
Modise told Parliament that this was due to a lack of funding and equipment.
Defence force members have been deployed to help police during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the Vaal River clean up and with health services in the North West province.
They are still involved in providing relief in flood-stricken KwaZulu-Natal.
Tabling the defence budget on Tuesday, Defence Minister Modise told the house that these deployments put the SANDF under great pressure as it was often not reimbursed and that supplies of crucial equipment were critically low.
Modise said that given continued budget cuts, there was a widening gap between what the SANDF was expected to achieve and the resources it was provided with to do its job.


Association forms to discuss long-range downtown development
A group of downtown West Fargo business associates and property owners has begun an effort to develop and enhance the city’s Main Avenue/Sheyenne Street business corridor.
They have created the privately funded Downtown Business Association as a means to facilitate long-range planning discussions, said member Todd Zabel.
“It’s in such an early stage right now that there’s really nothing specific. I think there’s some exciting discussion going on,” said Zabel.
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 email@example.com and we can help you.


Head of the Syrian Journalists' Union, Elias Murad, said that the mission of journalists is to convey reality without being biased and work under the light not like those reporters who entered Syria illegally and published misleading reports on the events. During his meeting with a Czech media delegation on Wednesday, Murad stressed that the Syrian people are stronger than the plot hatched against the country by the west, adding that the Syrians will defend their homeland against terrorism and its misleading media tools. He noted that the Union has issued a statement underlining the importance of implementing the political solution program and calling for the national opposition forces to participate in the dialogue. Murad added that some mainstream media even issued orders to the armed terrorist groups, as was the case in some terrorist bombings. For their part, members of the delegation said that that accusing Syria of restricting the freedom of press is one of the lies against the country, adding that they will convey the reality of the events to their country.


(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Riyadh's policies in the region are destructive and even to the detriment of itself, said Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, in an exclusive interview with Isna.
Zarif pointed out that 'Iran has always wanted to have good relations with its neighbours, but we believe that Riyadh's policies in the region are destructive and even to the detriment of itself
'We insist on the establishment of a safe, strong and convergent region which is in line with the national interests of Iran and the region. Iran's policy for interaction with the regional countries and Saudi Arabia is within this framework and has not changed,
'We have always emphasised that we are ready to dialogue with Saudi Arabia to resolve the crises in the region, whereas Riyadh unfortunately did not do this and sees its interests in creating tension in the region, Zarif noted.
Zarif who won the confidence vote of Parliament for the second term spoke about the latest development in the Iranian foreign policy, region, structural changes in the foreign ministry's management positions.
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.


Three EU states' rating outlooks have been cut
(MENAFN) The rating agency Moody's downgraded the economies of Italy, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia on Friday from "stable" to "negative," citing issues with energy supply and the nations' reliance on Russian gas as factors in the decision.
“The main drivers for lowering GDP growth forecasts for the Czech Republic are soaring energy costs and uncertainty on energy supply from Russia weighing on business investments, higher than initially expected consumer price inflation that is denting private consumption, ongoing global supply-chain frictions and a continuous weakening of the growth outlook in Czech Republic’s main trading partners, in particular Germany,” Moody's stated.
The agency warned that Slovakia's situation could be even worse, noting that the landlocked nation imports all of its oil and 75% of its gas from Russia.
“Home to a large manufacturing sector (22.2% of GDP in 2021 against 17.5% in the euro area), Slovakia's economy is hence particularly exposed to severe energy supply disruptions: an abrupt cut from Russian gas deliveries, the likelihood of which has increased over the past few months, could lead to energy rationing.”
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.


Providing the latest statistics on the coronavirus infection, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday that the total number of people tested positive for COVID-19 in the country has surpassed 6,200,200 after the detection of 1,706 new cases since yesterday.
Over the past 24 hours, 358 COVID patients have been hospitalized, the Health Ministry said.
It put the death toll from COVID-19 in Iran at 131,736, saying the disease has taken the lives of 34 patients over the past 24 hours.
Some 2,470 victims of COVID-19 are in severe condition and are being treated in intensive care facilities, it said.
The ministry also said that over 59.95 million Iranians have received the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, over 52.26 million have received the second dosage, and more than 8.75 million have gotten the booster shots.
The number of people infected with COVID-19 across the world has surpassed 293 million and the death toll has exceeded 5.46 million.


Muhammad Zamir Assadi
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has played a vital and significant role in Afghan peace process and for initiating Intra Afghan dialogues that have a huge impact on the prosperous future of Afghanistan, said by Painda Hikmat Safi, senior advisor of Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman, High Council for National Reconciliation of Afghanistan who is on three days to Pakistan.
While talking exclusively to Independent News Pakistan, Painda said that the visit of Abdullah Abdullah to Pakistan shows that the region is heading towards a sustainable peace.
He said that Pakistan has always respected the desires of peace from Afghan government and people and for that have played a very serious and important role.
The successful visit of Afghan leader will draw the positive outcome that will have huge impact on people to people relationship on both side.
The people from Pakistan and Afghan are peace loving and they have the ability to preserve the brotherly bond between two sides.
Afghan students and businessmen will see more opportunities in the future as the relationship between two brotherly nations are growing steadfastly, said Painda.
He hoped that people from both sides will get more visas to increase the travelling that is the key to develop deep understanding.
He also noted that Pakistan paid a huge hospitality to Afghan delegation that shows Islamabad highly values the visiting delegate and expecting the positive outcome.
He highlighted that international media is highly focusing on the visit of Dr Abdullah Abdullah and hints that this is the high time of peace for the region.


Police officers suffer from higher rates of stress, mental health problems, and suicide in comparison to the general population. With this in mind, it’s important for the federal government to help police departments meet their officers’ mental health needs through grants to support mental health and suicide prevention services.
Major police departments, such as the LAPD, already have staff psychiatrists to help manage officers in crisis. While it’s unfortunate that not all police departments have the resources to hire mental health support staff, this is a local budgetary issue, not a federal one. At a time of ballooning federal debt, it’s irresponsible for the federal government to take on additional obligations that should be local.


http://www.azstarnet.com/star/today/31009rPRISON2fmst2fjmd.html Arizona should not reduce sentences just because its prisons are full, a Phoenix prosecutor told state legislators yesterday. Capitol Media Services reports that Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley acknowledged that Arizona has one of the West's highest incarceration rates. He said the differences are small and there are reasons that Arizona locks up 513 of each 100,000 residents. He said that some statistics being given to lawmakers about the reasons people are incarcerated are incomplete because they don . . .
Want to read more? Please subscribe to The Crime Report!


ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulma-e-Islam- Fazal (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazal Ur Rehman said that they will not allow the government to rule who came to power through a rigging.
Addressing the participants of Azadi March, the JUI-F chief said that the incumbent government is established by declaring all its opponents as liers.
Declaring the assemblies as fake, Maulana Fazal Urehman said that there will be no place in the eyes of the law for the resolutions passed by the fake assemblies adding that fake assemblies carry out fake legislation.
He said that countries are not run on adhocism adding that these sought of people should be wipe out from the country while he said that he will make the country a cradle of peace.
The JUI-F chief said that that the government negotiation committee comes and goes adding that he has said to the government negotiation committee if they wanted to visit us then come with Prime Minister resignation.
He said that the government committee didn’t have the ability to understand our point of view adding that the Pakistan army has rendered enormous sacrifices for the country.


The Senate on Wednesday urged security agencies in the country to secure lives and property of commuters plying the Abuja-Lokoja and other roads across the country.
The resolution of Senate followed a motion of urgent public importance brought by Senator Dino Melaye (PDP Kogi) on the repeated killings and kidnapping of commuters on the road.
Melaye, who brought the motion under Order 42 and 52 of the senate rule, said that eight people were kidnapped on September 11, while eleven persons were kidnapped on September 18.
He said that another 18 people were kidnapped on September 24, while eight people, including a senior police officer, were killed.
He said that no proper security had been made to protect commuters, adding that it was part of the responsibility of the senate to protect Nigerians.
He said it was time for the senate to enforce citizen diplomacy, noting that the primary function of government is to ensure the protection of lives and property of its citizens.
He decried that kidnapping and killings of Nigerians along Abuja-Lokoja road and other roads across the country were becoming a normal activity for the kidnappers.
He said that the Senate and the federal government must do something extraordinary to curb the menace of kidnapping on the roads.


Clear and simple guidance to help older people find their way through the care maze
Info4Care aims to provide the following services
Info4Care's aims are to help care users and their families understand the care system, in relation to their needs, its primary
function being to signpost them to organisations that are most relevant to their circumstances, both locally and nationally.
Info4Care aims to provide care providers, both residential and homecare, with information to help
signpost their service users to the most relevant organisations that can help and support them.
Care providers can enhance their presence by promoting their services through the sponsored links.
Other Services Providers
Through its website Info4Care will signpost care users and their families to the most relevant
organisation that can help them. This includes legal services and specialist financial advisers.
Businesses can enhance their presence by promoting their services through the sponsored links.
Info4Care signposts care users and their families to the most relevant organisations that can help them. Ultimately commercial organisations and businesses will be providing services that the enquirer requires, such as legal, financial or the care that is needed. If these businesses want to enhance their presence they can do so by advertising through a sponsored link.


The Congress in Meghalaya has urged all the Chief Ministers in the North East to be united against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.
The demand came after the recent incident that took place in Nagaland.
The Congress stated that the AFSPA has a very dark history and it cannot be in force anymore.
The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee said that Union Government through the AFSPA can use the Army and the armed forces for counter-insurgency operations but at the same time, the law prevents the security personnel from being prosecuted if they commit any sort of crime.
The MPCC further stated that the AFSPA in states can be imposed by the Centre after consultation with the state government and so now, the CMs in the NE states should unite against it.
The MPCC also said the states should clearly tell the Central Government that the police in the state can handle the situation in the state related to law and order.
Lyngdoh said the AFSPA can only be imposed by the Centre in consultation with the state governments. Thus, each state in its memo to the Centre must convey that the AFSPA is not required and that the respective state police force can adequately deal with the law and order.


Kuwait installs six new water wells in Tanzanian schools
(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) KUWAIT, July 30 (KUNA) -- Kuwaiti Embassy in Tanzania celebrated the installation of six new water wells in two villages in Tanzania.
This takes the total number of Kuwait-funded wells in the African country to 35.
The wells are part of the "water well for each school" initiative launched by Kuwait Embassy in Tanzania and funded by a number of Kuwaiti bodies and charities.
In a statement to KUNA, Ambassador to Tanzania Jassem Al-Najim stressed on Sunday Kuwait's keenness on providing life-saving assistance, education, healthcare, clean water to all countries in need.
Al-Najim praised Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS)'s humanitarian actions and continued cooperation with the embassy in Tanzania, which resulted in inaugurating 16 wells in a number of schools in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in collaboration with other Kuwaiti humanitarian bodies. (end) haq
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.


Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) has launched investigations into the controversial statements made to the media by former MPs Rajitha Senaratne and Sarath Fonseka on COVID-19, stated the Police.
The police media Division said in a statement that it is to be investigated whether the statements had been made to cause undue fear and turmoil among the public regarding the spread of coronavirus.
DIG Ajith Rohana said that the police department has received both video clips in question and that the Acting IGP has appointed a special CCD team to investigate the matter.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi says that spreading false information among the masses is a serious crime.
Responding to questions from reporters during a press briefing today, she said that only 50 confirmed cases have been reported so far in the country and that the former Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne is misleading the public in an attempt to gain political benefits.
“We will have to initiate legal action regarding that in the future,” she said.


Our goal is to drive sustainability at a local level, we plan on doing this by
Reduced Carbon Footprint: By facilitating the sale of regional products to a city customers, GRATE can help reduce the need for these products to be transported internationally, which can reduce the carbon footprint of both the businesses and their customers.
Support for Local Businesses: By promoting regional businesses, GRATE can help support local economies and reduce the need for long-distance transportation of goods. This can help reduce the carbon footprint of the entire supply chain and support the sustainability of local businesses.
Waste Reduction: GRATE can help reduce waste by connecting consumers with regional businesses that use sustainable practices, such as eco-friendly packaging and responsible sourcing of materials. By promoting sustainable practices, GRATE can help reduce the environmental impact of these businesses.
Digital Infrastructure: As a digital platform, GRATE can reduce the need for physical infrastructure and transportation, which can help reduce the carbon footprint of the business.
Social Sustainability: GRATE is focused on promoting regional businesses, which can contribute to the social sustainability of local communities. By supporting local businesses, GRATE can help create jobs, promote local culture and traditions, and support the well-being of local communities.
Overall, GRATE will focus on building a sustainable business model that promotes economic, social, and environmental sustainability.


Matungulu West MCA Raphael Nzau Lucky has urged the national and county governments to ensure fair distribution of development projects.
Speaking in Kisukioni, Lucky noted with concern that many development projects were being clouded in one area leaving others without any development.
He said that some public land is being grabbed because no development is going on and noted that it is important to be fair in project distribution.
“I have noted with concern that some areas with projects are getting more while some other areas lack development projects. I wish we could do things equally so that everyone can benefit,” said Lucky.
“I have also seen schools with many projects being added more while other schools lack basic infrastructure, we are missing something if we continue to do what we are doing,” he added.
Lucky spoke after attending several functions in the sub-county where he urged the County Government to improve the Kisukioni market.
He said the market lacks proper lighting and a public toilet that will serve the traders.
“The market is on the highway thus serving a lot of people, we would be glad if the market is installed with cabros to improve its outlook, we have heard many leaders politicking using the market with many promises which never come to be,” he said.


First Lady SaminaArifAlvi on Tuesday said she was working on breast cancer awareness for the last three years which had started to yield results. Addressing a session on breast cancer awareness, she said now hospitals, doctors and healthcare professionals were sharing that the people had started to take the breast cancer seriously and was being reported in large numbers. SaminaArifAlvi said that it was due to the awareness raised during the last three years. The breast cancer was a serious issue as the disease was killing 98% of patients. “The major reason was unawareness,” she held. The first lady said that “differently abled” were also being imparted skills training to incorporate them in the mainstream of the society. She stressed upon collective efforts for creating awareness regarding breast cancer and its early detection which could help to overcome the mortality rate.


(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 9. The head of thermal
network sites No. 7 of Baku city and the head of
Azeristiliktajhizat JSC district heating, cooling, steam and
compressed air supply service of Ganja city were fired, Trend reports via
According to Azeristiliktajhizat JSC, the reason for their
dismissal was their improper implementation of measures to prepare
for the autumn-winter season 2022/2023.
Furthermore, four other employees were reprimanded with a final
'The heads of the relevant thermal network sites had been given
instructions to monitor educational and healthcare institutions, as
well as residential buildings included in the service areas,
identify existing shortcomings, take measures to eliminate them by
organizations that have these facilities on their balance sheet,'
the company said.
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.


Some hundreds of people from Iran have reportedly died and over a thousand people have fallen ill after consuming methanol following false rumors that it can help to cure the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Iran is having a hard time coping with the Covid-19 pandemic. Recent statistics have shown that the virus has killed almost 2,400 people across the country and around 32,332 people have been infected, causing a panic among the population.
Thus, in a desperate attempt to protect themselves against the disease, several people have relied on fake remedies that have spread across social media, including alcohol.
Local media of the country reported that almost 300 people have been killed by consuming methanol.
According to an Iranian doctor working for the health ministry expressed through the Associated Press that the degree of the problem was even more alarming. He also estimated that the number of deaths is up to 480, with 2,850 people ill.
“Other countries have only one problem, which is the new coronavirus pandemic. But we are fighting on two fronts here,” said Dr Hossein Hassanian, the health ministry adviser.
“We have to both cure the people with alcohol poisoning and also fight the coronavirus.”
In this wake, over the past two weeks, several individuals in the southwestern province Khuzestan have been arrested for selling methanol for this purpose.
In the southern city of Shiraz and in the cities of Karaj and Yazd, the authorities have also reported several cases of people ingesting methanol.


Neugebauer Defends Ag Subsidies
Should the federal government continue to subsidize agriculture when there are such huge deficits?
In an interview on KFYO, Congressman Randy Neugebauer was asked about likelihood that Congress will continue to subsidize agriculture.
“The whole federal budget is in play here,” Neugebauer said. “We have to look at how much money we have to spend and how we spend it, and how we prioritize it.”
But Neugebauer continues to defend the subsidies because of what he calls an unlevel playing field.
“Other countries have subsidies and tariffs that they put on American agricultural products.”
If the playing field was level, Neugebauer said, there wouldn’t be a need for a lot of safety net programs for agriculture.


The agitators have been charged under stringent sections including section 307.
Mumbai: The Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP on Thursday raised the issue of police cases registered against the job-seeking apprentices who staged a rail-roko on Tuesday in both Houses of the legislature. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis responded by assuring the Assembly that the police will withdraw cases against all the agitators except those who indulged in stone-pelting.
Leader of Opposition, Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, raised the issue in the Assembly and demanded that the police cases against these apprentices who recently staged a protest be withdrawn. The agitators have been charged under stringent sections including section 307. “The government recently withdrew cases against agitators during the bandh called after the Bhima-Koregaon incident. The government should apply the same yardstick to these apprentices,” said Mr Vikhe-Patil.
Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde also raised the issue in the Council in the afternoon and demanded that the cases against the agitators be withdrawn.
Sena MP Arvind Sawant requested Union railway minister Piyush Goyal and Mr Fadnavis to withdraw the cases against the protesters. Both Mr Goyal and Mr Fadnavis assured Mr Sawant that they would give positive consideration to the matter and instruct the police appropriately.


The Northern Community of Umuchieze Cattle Market in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia, has refuted allegation of habouring bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers and herdsmen.
The group’s spokesperson, Mr Buba Kedemure who addressed newsmen at the market on Monday, said that they were deeply worried by the allegation.
He said that it was alleged that the said criminals were authorised by the group, to plan and attack their victims within and outside the state.
Kedemure said that the allegation was a calculated attempt by some disgruntled elements within and outside the cattle market to incite the host communities and the governnent against them.
According to him, today (Monday) makes it 16 years and three months since the Cattle Market was established and had become a unifying factor between the North and South.
He said that some people were not happy with the peaceful co-existence that had been between the community and the host communities, thus the allegation.
Kedemure said that the group had written to the Commissioner of Police and Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Abia commands in January, informing them about the security challenges in the market.
He called on the good people of the state and the nation at large to disregard the allegation, saying “We are law-abiding citizens who are engaged in legitimate business.”
The spokesperson urged the security agencies to redouble efforts in protecting life and property as well as visit the market to see things for themselves.
The group’s chairman, Alhaji Annayim Umar, said that the community had been preaching peace, unity and brotherliness and would not relent in ensuring that there was peace and order in the market.


Bilal Yasin Case: Police arrest both shooters, mastermind still at large
Stay tuned with 24 News HD Android App
The Punjab Police spokesman said in a statement that the two suspects involved in the Bilal Yasin Case had been arrested.
According to the police spokesman, both shooters were arrested during an undercover operation in the Shahdara area.
The accused will be produced in court for the identification parade tomorrow, the police spokesman said adding that the Punjab Chief Minister and the IG Punjab were personally overseeing the case.
The police sources said both the accused took the money and opened fire on Bilal Yaseen while Fakhr Alam and Sajid, who provided weapons and facilitated the shooters, have already been arrested.
The sources said the police investigation is also revealing the name of another person who carried out the attack by paying money.
However, the man's name of the mastermind is still being kept secret and further investigations are underway.


SRINAGAR: Crimes in Jammu and Kashmir have increased by over nine percent last year.
Data compiled by the Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police reveal that 31675 crime cases were reported in Jammu and Kashmir in 2021 against 28936 cases in 2020, indicating an increase of 9.47 percent.
The majority of the crime cases (519) in Kashmir were registered in the Anantnag district. It was followed by Kupwara (402 cases), Srinagar (375), Budgam (372), and Handwara (364).
In the Jammu region, Rajouri registered the highest of 765 cases followed by Kathua 534, Udhampur 490, Nagrota 478, and Surankot 418 cases.
The majority of the crimes in Jammu and Kashmir relate to drug sale and consumption, which increased by more than 27 percent last year.
During the year 2021, 1681 cases under NDPS Act were registered against 1222 cases in 2020.
A senior police official said they are working round the clock to raise awareness and bring the criminals to justice.
“Undoubtedly, the crime rate has been increasing in Jammu and Kashmir for the last few years. Police and other law enforcement agencies are working overtime to make Jammu and Kashmir a crime-free union territory. To achieve this goal police are raising awareness and also seeking cooperation from the people to follow law and regulations, he said.
This year, police are implementing Crime & Criminal Tracking Network Systems (CCTNS) project in J&K.
This is aimed to enhance outcomes in the areas of Crime Investigation and Criminals Detection, information gathering, and its dissemination among various police organizations and units across the country.


Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) across the country saved over 3.4 billion Birr during the concluded budget year, the Federal MSEs Development Agency said.
Public relation and communication director with the Agency, Asefa Ferede told ENA that the stated sum exceeded the target, which was 2.5 billion Birr, by 900 million Birr.
The Director said that the stated amount saved during the reported period also increased by 1.9 billion Birr compared to the previous year.
Over 2.7 billion Birr loan was distributed among new and existing MSEs during the reported period (2005EC.), he said.


ISLAMABAD, Jan 25 (APP): Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday said that with Pulwama drama exposed before the whole world, and Indian Hindutva regime due to its wrong policies had destroyed the country’s secular image.
As the minorities in India especially Muslims were feeling unsecured, India continued to commit grave human rights violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), he added.
The Foreign Minister expressed these views while talking to Chairman Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Shehryar Khan Afridi who met him here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting views were exchanged about the continued grave human rights violations in IIOJK and other matters of mutual interest.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that they through a dossier had presented before the world solid proofs of Indian backing of terrorists in Pakistan.
He said that voice was being raised against the ongoing atrocities in IIJOK at important world fora including the European and British Parliaments.
He added that the new US Administration was also being kept informed about the situation.
Kashmir Committee, Chairman Shehryar Khan Afridi appreciated the efforts of Foreign Minister Qureshi about raising the effective voice against the continued grave human rights violations in IIOJK, atrocities against the unarmed eight million Kashmiris and exposing the Indian aggression.


Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Friday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan.
During the meeting, matters relating to development projects in the province came under discussion.
Usman Bazdar briefed the prime minister on political situation in the province and relations with the coalition partners.
He also gave a detailed briefing about the steps taken by the provincial government to control Coronavirus, while consultation was also held on the upcoming local body elections and party affairs.
On the other hand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shah Farman and Chief Minister Mahmood Khan also called on Prime Minister Imran Khan.
During the meeting, they discussed the overall situation and development projects of the province.


Governors elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will on Monday meet in Bauchi, to deliberate on unemployment and the state of the Nigerian economy, according to a statement issued on Sunday, in Abuja, by the Director-General (D-G), PDP Governors Forum (PDP-GF), Hon. CID Maduabum.
Maduabum said that PDP governors would, at the meeting, examine and deliberate on the current state of the nation, and the state of their respective States.
He said the health of Nigeria’s democracy, including the Electoral Act Amendment, Constitution alteration bills, pending before the National Assembly, would also feature in discussions at the meeting.
Maduabum said the meeting would continue to interrogate the Federal Government’s response to insecurity that was still pervading the country and proffer workable solutions.
The D-G said that the governors would continue to benchmark and exchange information and ideas on best practices on various aspects of governance in their respective states, which had become major beacons of light, delivering substantial democracy benefits through projects and policies impacting on the lives of Nigerians.
“The Governors will also receive Reports of some of the committees working on various aspects of party repositioning, including the e- Registration programme of the Party.”
Maduabum said that the Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Mohamed, would be the Chief Host, while the Forum Chairman, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, would preside over the meeting.


Buenos Aires, May 28 (IANS) Argentina has confirmed its first case of monkeypox in a man who arrived from Spain, the Health Ministry has said.
'The patient is in good condition, undergoing symptomatic treatment, and his close contacts are under clinical and epidemiological control, with no symptoms to date,' the ministry was quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying.
The test result from 'the sample taken from the first high-probability case is positive, which confirms infection with poxviruses belonging to the Eurasian-African group of the Orthopox genus,' the ministry said.
Subsequently, genomic sequencing yielded a very high percentage of homology with the West African clade, like those found in new cases around the world, it added.
The health ministry urged those with symptoms to wear a face mask, practise social distance, and consult the health system immediately.
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.


U.S. should be flexible in ethanol mandate during drought
Corn stalks are being disked under as the extensive drought in the corn belt causes concern over the United States government’s ethanol mandate.
Cargill, a giant grain trading entity, has asked the U.S. government to temporarily curb the ethanol quotas, noting that the company expects a drop in global corn production.
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.


(MENAFN- IANS) Chennai, May 30 (IANS) A 57-year-old man, who fell down from his two-wheeler when the rogue elephant 'Arikomban' attacked the vehicle, passed away on Tuesday.
The deceased is identified as Palraj, a resident of Cumbum town.
Tamil Nadu Forest Minister M. Mathiventhan and Rural Development Minister I. Periyaswamy had on Sunday visited Palraj at Theni Government Medical College hospital. The minister had also handed over a cheque of Rs 50,000 to Palraj's family.
The death of Palraj has led to protests from local people demanding the capture of Arikomban.
A 150-member team of the Tamil Nadu forest Department, including three kumki elephants and two veterinarians, are at Cumbum and surrounding areas to tranquilise and capture the rogue elephant.
However, the forest department on Tuesday said that the elephant is now located in the forest area near the Shanmukhananda temple which is around 3 km away from the human settlements.
A senior official with the Tamil Nadu forest department told IANS that the elephant could not be tranquilised from the present location as the terrain was uneven and vehicles will not be able to reach the spot to relocate the animal from that place.
The Tamil Nadu forest department is waiting for the animal to reach the nearby towns to fire the tranquiliser and capture it.
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: Supreme Court is giving its verdict on Ayodhya Ram Temple and Babri Masjid case. First, the Chief Justice has said that the Shia Waqf Board's petition has been dismissed. After this, the claim of court Nirmohi Akhara has also been rejected. The five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi is delivering the verdict.
The court has also said on the basis of ASI report that the mosque was not built on vacant land. Along with this, the court in its decision based on the ASI report said that there is no concrete information about the construction of the mosque by breaking the temple.
The court has said that the claim of the arena is out of the limit. Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi is reading the verdict on Ayodhya. During this time CJI Gogoi has said that the statues were placed in 1949.
The CJI has stated that the Muslim side could not prove that they had ownership of the land. The court has said that the central government will prepare the plan in three months. Gogoi has said that Muslims will be relocated to the mosque. The court said that the Muslims had no right over the outer enclosure. The Sunni Waqf Board could not provide proof that it had exclusive rights here.


Get Truthdig's headlines in your inbox!
The Boehner-Bibi Backfire
The Collapse of Europe?
Arctic Glacier’s Galloping Melt Baffles Scientists
The Age of Cryptocurrency
These Are the Real Reasons Romney Ought to Have Withdrawn
By Steven Hill $16.47
By Melanie Challenger $28.00
Andrew Morrell Photography (CC BY-ND 2.0)
“Which federal program took in more than it spent last year, added $95 billion to its surplus and lifted 20 million Americans of all ages out of poverty?” finance columnist David Cay Johnston asks.
View the most popular tags overall?
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


Seven illegal immigrants were held hostage in a southeast Houston home, police told KPRC-TV (Channel 2):
Houston police said they received a call from a home in the 7200 block of Eppes Street near Telephone Road Sunday and the caller said there were people inside being held against their will.
When officers arrived and opened the door, several people took off running.
Investigators said seven people were held in the home. Four suspected smugglers were taken into custody, police said.


Our government is the one that restored COLA and the government of those who today were shouting against us, is the one that ended it, President Anastasiades said on Thursday, invited to comment on a nation-wide strike over COLA that paralyzed Cyprus for three hours.
He said that there must be some sense when he was asked about the complaints by the unionists that the government has a responsibility for the collapse of the talks.
He wondered why a government which restored the allowance in 2017 is held responsible and not the one which terminated it.
The President said that COLA is a workers’ right but both sides, unions and employers, must come to a decision and in the talks that preceded, there was a gap between the two sides and therefore the efforts did not yield results. Employers disagree and therefore further dialogue is needed, he added.
He also said that he cannot take lessons from those who ought to apologize to the employees.
Source: Cyprus News Agency


With rising tensions among India and Pakistan over the recent attack in Uri, the Indus Water Treaty has come under strain. The centre had hinted towards revisiting the treaty and now J&K’s deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh on Saturday said the state will fully support whatever decision is taken by the Union government on the 1960 agreement.
“The treaty has caused huge loss to Jammu and Kashmir as the people of the state cannot fully utilise the waters of various rivers, particularly Chenab in Jammu, for agricultural and other activities,” said Singh, while talking to PTI.
“The state government will support whatever decision is taken by the central government,” he added.
The minister further said, “The people of Jammu and Kashmir were already raising the issue of loss to the state on account of Indus Waters Treaty. If the central government takes any decision in this regard, the state government will definitely support it.”
“We will support any move which will benefit the people of the state and any step that puts Pakistan under pressure.”
Various quarters within India had called for scrapping the treaty to mount pressure on Pakistan in the aftermath of the Uri attack. The Indian government responded by sending veiled threats by saying ‘mutual trust and cooperation’ was required to make such an important treaty work.
“It cannot be a one-sided affair,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup had said when asked if the government will rethink on the Indus Waters Treaty.


Indo-US civilian nuclear accord is being increasingly disliked by different leftist parties in India including CPM. China and Pakistan, the two neighbouring countries have also objected to the treaty. Hence some people are saying that the leftists in India are looking for the interests of China and Pakistan.
Prakash Karat the general secretary of the CPM has strongly objected against these assumptions. He said that the Indo-US Nuclear deal will have long-term consequences. He thinks that the government should pause and not take further steps on N-policy.


PESHAWAR: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman Saturday vowed to bring the country’s two major opposition parties, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with five month.
Talking to journalists, Fazlur Rehman asserted that he will end differences between the leadership of PPP and PML-N within months.
The JIU-F leader said that he met with PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari but the current political situation was not came under discussion in the meeting.
He urged the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government to act upon the agreements signed with the seminaries. Fazlur Rehman said slammed the government over ongoing demolition drive and said that the homes of the poor were being razed but the illegal structures of the poor were being regularized.
He expressed cancers over hike in gas and electricity prices and said that the government had increased the miseries of the common people.
Fazlur Rehman said that JUI-F will observe Kashmir solidarity day on February-5 across the country and added that they will also convene Kashmir all parties conference on February-2.


(MENAFN- The Conversation) Every weekend, thousands of citizen scientists head into the great outdoors. If they see an unusual animal, plant or fungi, they take a photo and upload it.
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- Saudi Press Agency) YAOUNDE Safar 20 1437 December 02 2015 SPA -- Suspected Boko Haram militants detonated two suicide bombs in north Cameroon overnight killing at least three people an official and security sources said on Wednesday according to Reuters.
"There was a double suicide attack last night in Waza in the far north of Cameroon with a toll of six dead including the three kamikazes (attackers)" said Michel Oumarou deputy prefect for the town of Waza.
12:04 LOCAL TIME 09:04 GMT
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.


One of the more positive signs of the property market in 2013 is that banks started to ease their lending criteria, a trend that will offer additional head winds as the property market claws its way back into more positive territory in 2014, said Org Geldenhuys, managing director of property development and marketing company, Abacus DIVISIONS.
“During 2013 financial institutions marginally relaxed their lending criteria, an ease which is expected to continue during 2014.
“Depending on how the new credit amnesty bill impacts the market, 2014 should see a greater level of loan easing,” said Geldenhuys.
During 2013 the percentage of loan application approvals witnessed an increase to over 51%, up from the 26% seen in 2009 during the height of the global economic recession.
“What we are also seeing on the ground is that we have more cash buyers – people and companies who have been sitting on their money during the economic recession.
“Now they are feeling more buoyant and are keen to invest some of this cash. This bullish sentiment is going to assist with the recovery in the commercial property market – and the residential property market.”


Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur has said that the Citizens Amendment Act (CAA) is a law to grant citizenship and not to take it away. Talking with media persons in Nagpur today, Mr Thakur said that the Act is a law to grant citizenship to minorities who are victims of religious persecution in neighbouring countries.
He said that the Congress and some other Opposition Parties are trying to provoke violence and confusing people for their Vote Bank politics.
Attacking the Congress party Mr Thakur added that Congress is misleading people about detention centers. He said, the detention centers were built during the Congress governments.
NRC is also a gift of the Congress which was brought into force by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and made into a law.


The CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala on Sunday said the number of cases connected with political violence has come down in 2017, a claim disputed by opposition Congress and BJP in the state.
Quoting statistics, a statement from the office of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said cases connected with political clashes in 2017 was 1,463 which was 211 lesser than the previous year.
This was following effective administrative and political steps taken by the government along with peace initiatives of Chief Minister, the statement said.
Slamming the government on the issue, opposition leader in the Kerala assembly Ramesh Chennithala said the statistics put out by the government was to mislead the people. "Political clashes and murders were much more than the figures given by the government", he said.
There was a total breakdown of law and order in the state, he alleged and said "police in the state has become a mere spectator."
"The police were also not given freedom to function due to political interference," he said.
Chennithala said that a total of 20 political killings have occurred during the year.
Countering the government position, BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan said it was not based on statistics one should evaluate the law and order situation.
"The number of political killings was more during the year than last year. A total of 13 BJP-RSS workers were killed in the attack by CPI(M) during the year," Rajasekharan told PTI.
As per National Crime Bureau statistics, the overall crime rate in the state was higher compared to other states during the year, he said, adding, "The law and order was at its worst in the year."
"The intensity of the crime has also gone up during the year," he claimed.
Rajasekharan alleged that even after peace conference by the Chief Minister, BJP-RSS workers were targeted by ruling CPI(M) workers.
A total number of 1,463 cases of political violence were reported till December 30 this year and it was 1,674 cases in 2016, the statement from CMO said.
It said that political violence in Kannur, which has a history of repeated clashes between workers of CPI(M) and BJP-RSS has also come down.
In 2016 a total of 363 cases were registered in Kannur, while the number of cases have gone down to 271 this year, the statement said.
It claimed the political clashes decreased due to the administrative and political steps taken by the government.
It was also the result of peace effort initiated by the Chief Minister, the statement said.
The BJP's state unit took out a Jana Raksha Yatra against the increase in the alleged attacks by CPI(M) workers on its cadres after the LDF government came to power in 2016.
BJP National President Amit Shah had attended the Yatra and had alleged that whenever CPI(M) came to power in the state, political attacks against BJP-RSS activists went up.


Jammu, Sep 5: Former deputy chief minister and senior BJP leader, Dr Nirmal Singh today said that the ‘Meri Mati, Mera Desh’ campaign represents the concluding phase of the countrywide programmes under “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava”.
Dr Singh, who is also party incharge for the programme, stated this while addressing media persons at party headquarter, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, where he was accompanied by co-incharge for the programme and BJP OBC Morcha National Secretary Rashpaul Verma and J&K BJP Media Secretary Dr. Pardeep Mahotra.
He said that the whole programme represents the farsighted vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the honour and the integrity of nation.
He said that although the programme is under the government of India, but BJP as a responsible, dedicated and nationalist party is contributing fully to make the campaign successful, which is directed towards the national integrity. He also appealed other political and social organizations to contribute in the noble cause.
Dr Singh said that after the 1st phase of the whole program, this phase, which started on 1st September, will go till September 15, in which the BJP activists will visit every home in the region.


Column | Apr 15, 2014 | 7:42 AM
A collection of news and information related to Rugby published by this site and its partners.
Top Rugby Articles see all
Displaying items 1-5
Story | Apr 15, 2014 | 12:40 PM
Story | Apr 13, 2014 | 4:24 AM
Story | Apr 11, 2014
Story | Apr 7, 2014 | 6:20 PM
KANSAS CITY, Mo. Someone shot a driver in the leg on Interstate 435 near Interstate 470 Sunday night in Kansas City the 13th such shooting at a motorist in the area within a month. Concerned that the apparently random shootings will continue, Kansas City...


With the addition of 1,314 new cases of COVID-19, the tally in Maharashtra''s Thane district has crossed the five lakh-mark, an official said on Monday.
These new cases were reported on Sunday and the infection count has now reached 5,00,825, he said.
The virus also claimed the lives of 49 more people, pushing the number of deaths in the district to 8,476, he said.
Currently, the COVID-19 mortality rate in Thane is 1.69 per cent, the official said.
Details of recovered and under-treatment patients were not provided by the district administration.
In neighbouring Palghar district, the COVID-19 case count has gone up to 1,03,359, while the number of deaths has reached 1,878, another official said.


ISLAMABAD – Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain has said that socio-economic development of Balochistan is one of the top priorities of the government.
Talking to Governor Balochistan Syed Zahoor Ahmed Agha here on Thursday, the minister said the PTI government has provided the biggest ever development package to Balochistan. He regretted that no one in the past paid attention to the development of this province.
He said the development package announced by Prime Minister Imran Khan will help eliminate the sense of deprivation lingering on in the region for the past 70 years.
He said Balochistan will benefit the most from the CPEC, and the development projects being carried out in Balochistan will really prove to be a gamer changer for the province.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor Balochistan said the federal government’s efforts to remove deprivation of Balochistan are commendable.
He said he would continue to play his role for better coordination between the federal government and the provincial government, and this will benefit the people of Balochistan.


Two notorious underworld criminals "Uru Juwa" and "Kosgoga Tharaka" were killed in recent days while being in police custody.
Opposition leader Sajith Premedasa voiced concerns over the death of persons who were in the police custody and said the government must stop that kind of extra-judicial killings.
He stressed that the criminals should be legally punished and not by other means.
He said due to such incidents, politicians and businessmen who had close connections with such criminals get an opportunity to escape from the law and such incidents lead to erode the public confidence placed in the judiciary.
The Bar Association too has condemned such killings and urged the government to stop extrajudicial killings.
Responding to the criticism, Police spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said the incidents are now before courts and a magistrate inquiry is being conducted on the incidents.
He said police officers have made their statements on what happened and have entered notes on the incidents and that the courts will examine all the evidence and would give it's ruling.


Candidates support moving up Langdon development
They deferentially sparred on taxes and a possible community center, but Cottage Grove's five City Council candidates were unanimous on one thing during Wednesday night's roundtable debate held by the Bulletin.
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.


As BJP plans to celebrate three years of the NDA government in a grand way, a survey shows that 61 percent people are happy with the Narendra Modi government.
The survey was conducted by LocalCirles and the results are based on over 2,00,000 votes collected from various parts of the country.
The BJP government at the Centre has something to worry about. Last year 18 percent of the people believed that the Centre had exceeded their expectations, whereas this year 17 percent opined the same.
About 81 percent of those who participated in LocalCircles survey said that PM Modi has improved India’s image in the international arena. Last year the support figure stood at 90 percent.
However, 64 percent of people backed New Delhi’s approach towards Pakistan.Last year 46 percent people opined that government performed on the expected lines, while this year it only around 44 percent citizens felt so.
39 percent of the people have spoken about their dissatisfaction with the government. Last year 36 percent had said government’s performance was below expectation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to kick off his government’s third-anniversary celebrations from Assam on May 26, as the BJP makes vigorous efforts to expand its presence in the north east.
The Modi government has reason to cheer as 59 percent believed that it will fulfill the promises made in the election manifesto.
65 percent of the citizens believed that government managed the Parliament effectively and took the Opposition along to clear key economic bills.
However, 66 percent of the people felt that cost of living and the prices of essential commodities have gone up in Modi’s 3-year rule.
In a major set back for the BJP government about 60 percent of the people who participated in the survey felt that crime against women and children has not come down. Only 38 percent participants said the same last year.
Also, only 35 percent believed that Swachh Bharat Abhiyan brought cleanliness.
63 percent participants felt that unemployment remains as it was earlier, while only 43 percent of the people felt so last year.
39 percent said that demonetisation said the bold move helped eradicate corruption. 51 percent of the particiapnts believed that demonetisation was a right decision, which helped in curbing black money.


Malawi Cholera Cases Pass 500, Eight People Dead
Cholera cases in Malawi have tripled and four more people have died, the Ministry of Health said on Monday, a month after the spread of the disease from Zambia was thought to have been contained.
Ministry of Health spokesman Joshua Malango said the number of cases had increased to 527 from 157 recorded in January, and that deaths had doubled from four to eight.
He said new cases continued to emerge in Central and Northern Malawi districts, including the administrative capital, Lilongwe where 10 new cases were recorded at the weekend.
“It’s mainly due to drinking of water from contaminated, shallow sources. We’ve intensified chlorine spraying in the localised infection centres,” he said.


PUTRAJAYA: The government will ensure that the 2023 budget is prepared with people’s well-being at its core by taking into consideration the challenges that await next year, said Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said the main focus of the budget would include ensuring post-Covid-19 recovery, including the creation of jobs, an increase in income, and the survival of businesses.
“In facing global uncertainties, Budget 2023 will also focus on the people by improving social protection systems and the well-being of the people through quality healthcare services and the education system,” he said at the closing of the budget consultation programme at the finance ministry here.
Ismail said the government would also pay attention to a safe and comfortable living environment by emphasising inclusive and sustainable development.
“This aims at enabling all members of the Malaysian Family to benefit from the country’s development now and in future regardless of community and residential areas,” he said.
He said various issues and challenges were raised during the consultation and methods, and solutions proposed to tackle them would be studied in detail.
The proposed solutions included taxation, subsidies and social protection, business continuity and industrial sustainability, as well as reducing the cost of doing business by boosting the development of human resources, skilled workers, productivity and business digitalisation.
He said there were also proposals to strengthen cooperation between various quarters to expedite the implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDG) agenda at the national level by 2030.
Ismail said Malaysia’s economy showed a strong recovery in the first half of 2022 with growth of 6.9% following the government’s move to implement the transition to endemic phase, the full opening of the economy and borders, and supported by the expansionary fiscal policy through the Budget 2022.
He said he was also confident that the post-Covid-19 economic recovery momentum would continue until the end of the year, enabling the growth forecast of 5.3-6.3% to be achieved.
“Based on the latest economic indicators, it is expected that growth in 2022 will reach the highest level in the projected range,” he said.


Thursday, February 23, 2017 12:06 am
Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama says Nigeria is in need of about one billion dollars (N314.8bn) for recharging of drying Lake Chad.
The minister told newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja that the fund would also take care of the humanitarian needs of persons affected by Boko Haram insurgency in North East Nigeria.
Onyeama said that an international conference of donor countries and agencies has been scheduled in Oslo, Norway, to raise the funds on Feb. 24.
He said the conference was being put together with the support of Germany and Norway, who galvanised the international community to support Nigeria’s efforts in addressing its humanitarian challenge.
Onyeama said that the U.S., international organisations and civil society organisations were also supporting the initiative, adding that they are committed to making the donor conference a success.
The minister said that it was expected that at least one billion dollars or more would be realised to take care of the needs of the people in the Lake Chad basin.
He described the conference as a great opportunity for the international community to make meaningful commitments towards funding humanitarian response activities in Nigeria.
He said that the conference would present an opportunity for Nigeria to present its case to the world on the humanitarian challenges it is facing.
“The Nigeria Government will want to present the scenario to the international community.
“We will want to also present the road map we have put in place to the international community on the enormous sacrifice and resources we have invested in it.
“The programme is on already, we will look at food security which is immediate threat.
“A large number of children and women are suffering; we have to deploy all the resources we have to address this,” he said.
According to him, the conference will also look at access to medicine and other basic facilities, which require huge investment.
He said the number being affected were up to 10.7 million people, which is the largest humanitarian crisis in the world.
“We will focus on humanitarian protection for the people of the region and the military gain in the area.
“There are civilians that are now coming up from the places occupied by Boko Haram.
“We are now beginning to see the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis in the area and it becomes one of the world biggest humanitarian crisis today and the food challenges,” he said.
He said there was the need for jobs creation for the people in the area so as to address the challenge of restiveness and extremism ideology.
“In the context of job creation we have to look at Lake Chad that provides livelihood to 10 to 20 million people.
“Now that the Lake has shrunk to 10 per cent of its original size, we have to look at recharging the lake which is capital intensive.
“Political commitment is very important and getting the buyer is very important; we are going to this conference to convince other governments especially of industrialised countries to be generous,” he said.
While appreciating that other countries are also facing economic challenges, he expressed belief that if Nigeria stated its case they would be aware of the dimension of what it is facing.
He said that Nigeria was doing everything to show its commitment to the course. (NAN)


(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula Online
Doha: 20 people were killed, and 29 others were injured in Oqbat Shiar, Saudi Arabia as a bus carrying a number of people, among who were pilgrims, caught fire on Monday, as reported by Al Arabiya.
According to the Saudi newspaper Okaz, which broke the news earlier, the accident took place today on a road leading between Asir province and the city of Abha.
The accident was the result of a break failure that led the bus to collide against a bridge, tip over, and catch fire, according to the newspaper.
Okaz reported that civil defense and Saudi Red Crescent Authority teams rushed to the site of the accident and cordoned off the area.
The deceased and the wounded have reportedly been transported to hospitals nearby the area.
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- Jordan News Agency)
Amman, June 1 (Petra) -- State leaders and officials from friendly countries arrived in Amman late Wednesday to attend the wedding of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Miss Rajwa Khaled Al-Seif.
President Abdul Latif Rashid of Iraq, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, and His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales were among those who arrived.
Also in attendance were the Lebanese Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, His Highness Sayyid Thu Ya'zan bin Haitham Al-Said, Minister of Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Masrour Barzani, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and the First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden.
Officials from Kuwait, Bahrain, and Pakistan also arrived to join the auspicioccasion.
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.


Ronald Smith was executed last week in Alabama after he came up one vote short in the Supreme Court, illuminating what the New York Times says is a "lethal gap" in the high court's practices. It takes four votes . . .
Want to read more? Please subscribe to The Crime Report!


Johannesberg, Jan 30 (IANS) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that the electricity crisis in the country continues to undermine economic growth and investment.
'Load shedding damages businesses, disrupts households, compromises the provision of social services, and affects the safety and well-being of the people,' Ramaphosa, also President of South Africa's ruling party African National Congress (ANC), made the remarks at the ANC's National Executive Council lekgotla on Sunday.
'Resolving the energy crisis and putting an end to load shedding is one of our most immediate and pressing challenges,' he added.
As a result of load shedding, companies are reluctant to invest, productivity is dampened, economic growth cannot be sustained, and jobs cannot be created on the necessary scale, said Ramaphosa.
He noted that they have signed agreements with independent power producers for 26 renewable energy projects, which will generate around 2,800 megawatts (MW) of power; they are also negotiating to import 1,000 MW from neighbouring countries, Xinhua news agency reported.
Some of the power stations which are reaching the end of their lives will be repurposed from coal to renewables, the President added.
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: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar on Friday has said that around 878 people have been killed in 1017 terror activities happened in last six months.
Speaking in the National Assembly the minister said that out of 878, 646 were civilians whereas 232 were security personnel.
He further said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) remained the most affected part of the country as 327 incidents of terrorism took place there.
Balochistan remained on the second number in the list as 266 terror activities happened in the province.
Likewise 222 incidents happened in FATA, 155 in Sindh, 39 in Punjab and three in the capital during last six months.


Prevention: The Best Medicine
HARRISONBURG — Since the Harrisonburg Police Department shifted to a new policing strategy in November, Chief Stephen Monticelli said, officer Chris Monahan has led the way.
Monahan can often be…
To See This and Every Local Story from The Daily News-Record, Click Here to Become a Subscriber!
Login to view the full story


A public health authority will come into force in the state very soon. This authority will have the powers to ensure health of the people. It is learned that the state government will establish the body in the state, district and panchayat levels, reports Mathrubhumi news.
The authority will have the right to carry out inspections anywhere without serving notice as part of assuring public health.
The public health authority will be established on the basis of the Kerala Public Health Ordinance issued by the state governor.
The health department director will be the state public authority and DMO will be named as the district public health authority.
The medical officer in the Public Health Centres of each panchayat will be in charge of the local public health authority.
The authority will act as a single system where the people will be able to complain about any issues that affects public health.
A local public health authority will be established in all local government institutions. Health inspectors and other officials will assist this authority.
Service of all government departments including police will be provided to the public health authority as per demand.


COLUMBUS — Ohioans filed 17,983 initial jobless claims last week — Sunday, Aug. 30 through Saturday, Sept. 5 — according to statistics the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) reported to the U.S. Dept. of Labor Thursday.
Ohioans filed 328,515 continued jobless claims last week, which was 447,787 fewer than – or less than half (42.3%) of – the peak earlier this year.
The total number of initial jobless claims filed in Ohio over the last 25 weeks — 1,682,061 — was more than the combined total of those filed during the last four years.
Over the last 25 weeks, ODJFS has distributed more than $6.3 billion in unemployment compensation payments to more than 799,000 Ohioans. Of the more than 1 million applications the agency has received, more than 94% have been processed, with less than 6% pending.
In addition, ODJFS has issued more than $5.5 billion in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) payments to more than 557,000 PUA claimants.


(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signed an updated Free Trade Agreement.
The signing ceremony took place in Ottawa, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
The expanded agreement includes additional points regarding the liberalization of investments and trade, in particular the export of services.
It also expands to cover the goods that have components originating in the European Union, the UK, and Israel. Read also: Canada to allocate another $500M in defense aid to Ukrain
As a reminder, the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine entered into force on August 1, 2017. It allowed mutual cancellation or reduction of import duties on most goods.
During the conclusion of the original agreement, it was agreed that in the future it will be expanded to cover services and investments.
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.


At President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s morning press conference, Undersecretary Hugo Lopez-Gatell complained about the fact that the required information has not been completed and reminded public and private centers of their duty to immediately report detected mutations.
He ratified that only 23 cases have been detected so far (other media outlets are reporting 25); these cases have been located, and complete studies have been conducted.
These 23 people have mild symptoms. None of them has been hospitalized, only the first case, who did not infect anyone and no longer has symptoms. He said that 70 percent of the 23 infected people had not been vaccinated, which shows that immunization is the main action to do.
He urged unvaccinated people to get vaccinated and those who have been immunized to receive the booster shot. He said that the national vaccination program is making progress, and Mexico is one of most immunized countries in the world.
He said that 716 Covid-19 cases and 58 deaths from the pandemic were reported in the past 24 hours.
Therefore, he added, 3,934,102 Covid-19 cases and 297,916 deaths have been reported since the outbreak of this health crisis. Some 15,420 cases were reported on Monday.


Union Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Anurag Singh Thakur while addressing a press conference said that the steps taken by the Union government to give a boost to the economy in the wake of the slowdown will start bearing fruit in the coming months.
He said various steps had been taken by the government to counter the slowdown in different sectors such as automobile and infrastructure segment. In the next few months these measures will result in more investments and it will result in more employment creation and productivity.
“Already the base has been laid for reaching the target of a ₹5-trillion economy and by 2024-25 India will transform from world’s biggest democracy to the biggest economy,” the Minister added.
As far as the farm sector was concerned, he said the government had rolled out plans for doubling the income of farmers and accordingly steps were being taken. He said that as part of the initiative to boost the economy, ‘grahak melas’ will be held across the country by various banks to assist the common people to get loans, which in turn would boost various sectors. “You will see positive changes after the grahak melas,” he added.


Fed health bill saves Minnesota millions
ST. PAUL -- The U.S. House-passed health care bill will bring millions of dollars to Minnesota, helping to balance the state budget.
Combined with another congressional bill, yet to pass, most of the expected cuts to Minnesota health and human services programs now will not be needed, Rep. Tom Huntley, DFL-Duluth, said.
"Finally, the U.S. is going to join the rest of the industrial world and have universal health coverage," said Huntley, the House health-care leader.
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.


(MENAFN) Japanese Premier Fumio Kishida is reportedly contemplating a comprehensive ministerial reshuffle within his ruling party in response to a series of political fundraising scandals, according to local media reports on Sunday.
The implicated ministers are affiliated with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) faction formerly led by ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as disclosed by sources familiar with Kishida's considerations, as reported by Tokyo-based Kyodo News.
Already having decided to dismiss Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno due to allegations of failing to report significant amounts of yen received as part of fundraising efforts for the party faction, Kishida faces the possibility of extending these changes.
Economy, Trade, and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who faces similar charges, is among those under scrutiny for potential replacement.
In addition to the ministers, there is speculation that all senior vice ministers and parliamentary vice ministers affiliated with Abe's faction may also be subject to replacements.
These developments stem from recent political turbulence, with scandals emerging after a criminal complaint alleged that five LDP factions, including Kishida's group, had underreported their revenue from political fundraising events.
In response to these controversies, Kishida has already relinquished his leadership role in the faction linked to the scandals.
Despite stepping down from this position, he is expected to retain his position as the Prime Minister. The unfolding situation adds a layer of complexity to Japan's political landscape, bringing attention to issues of financial transparency and accountability within the ruling party.
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.


Every day people make decisions about things in their lives. The ability to make these decisions is called mental capacity. At times, some people have difficulty in making decisions because they lack mental capacity.
This is a new law that will help and support people who have difficulty in making decisions for themselves or who want to plan ahead in case they are unable to make decisions in the future. The Act will safeguard people who lack capacity.
The Mental Capacity Act will affect people who have difficulty in making decisions but also their families, carers, health and social care staff and other people who might have contact with them.
The Welsh Assembly Government and the Department of Constitutional Affairs has provided information in a variety of formats and languages to help people understand the Act and how it can help them.


Qatar- Al Hammadi, President of Syriac League discuss cooperation
(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Doha: Secretary-General of the Foreign Ministry H E Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, met with President of the Syriac League Habib Afram on the sidelines of the 13th Doha Conference on Interfaith Dialogue. The meeting discussed prospects for cooperation in addition to matters of mutual interest.
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.


VIJAYAWADA: The BJP’s tie-up with the ruling Telugu Desam Party were intact and would continue and both the parties together would get what was due to Andhra Pradesh from the Centre, State BJP president K Haribabu said here on Tuesday.
Speaking at a function got up here to celebrate the completion of one year in office of the Narendra Modi-headed NDA government at the Centre, the state BJP president, who is also the Visakhapatnam MP, said that the NDA government was committed to completing the Polavaram Project within the next five years and that it would help the state government in the construction of the new capital city.
The BJP leader said the centre was aware of its commitment to developing the state which had a revenue deficit and which was seeking incentives for those who wanted to set up industries. “The Centre will come to the rescue of the state in every respect,” Haribabu said.
He recalled how the Centre had already set the ball rolling. “It has sanctioned two power projects with a capacity of 6,5000 mw -- one 2,500-mw solar and another 4,000- mw thermal station -- in Visakhapatnam district. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu was in constant consultation with the Centre on what was needed for the state.
Others who spoke at the function included TDP MPs Kesineni Nani and K Narayana.


South Africa minister of Defence Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said on Tuesday the South Africa defence force will be deployed in Alexandra and parts of KZN to help police curb attacks on foreign nationals.
Speaking at a media briefing, she said the brutal killing of a Mozambique national Emmanuel Sithole and attacks of two Zimbabweans was an indication that the state had to step in and claim authority.
She said the police had requested assistance of the military after a Zimbabwean couple and other foreigners was attacked on Monday night.
“We are not coming to take over the work of the police, but we are going in to support the police," said Mapisa-Nqakula.
Mapisa- Nqakula said she was hurt when she saw the pictures of Sithole in the newspaper, adding that the pictures might have been necessary for the country to see the extent of the ongoing violence that is soiling the country’s image.
“There are criminals who are taking advantage of challenges raised by South Africans.
Mapisa-Nqakula was at pains to say that the decision was not taken lightly - saying the democratic government had decided not to deploy the army at every provocation.
“The army will be deployed because there is a crisis,” she said.
Mapisa-Nqakula was joined by State Security Minister David Mahlobo and Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba.


ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Tuesday decided to make the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) accountable before the Parliament besides also raising the tenure of its governor to five years, Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said.
Addressing a presser along with Dr. Ishrat Hussain and Hammad Azhar, the finance minister said that they had made certain decisions and approve laws, one of which pertains to the state bank.
“The rules will make the SBP more independent, allowing it to take independent decisions in overcoming inflation besides also eliminating legal ways for the government to obtain loans from the central bank,” he said.
Hafeez Shaikh said that they have also decided to increase the tenure of the SBP governor to 5 years. “Through enacting the three new laws, the government will set a strong foundation for the economy and strengthen the financial institutions,” he said.
The minister said that they have decided to minimize the role of ministries in government-owned institutions and companies doing business and rather a board would be formed to deal with it.
“The business-related institutes will be under the domain of the government from now on rather than a ministry and the chairman of their boards will now be appointed by the government,” he said adding that the CEOs of these institutions would be appointed by the boards.
“The companies will not fall under PPRA rules and professionals will be appointed to run their affairs and would not be replaced frequently,” Shaikh said while shedding light on the new policy.
He further said that a law to minimize taxes will also be introduced and will help in broadening the tax base and generating more revenue. “Relief in income tax for certain sectors will also be abolished,” he said adding that all sectors would have a uniform tax policy.
Further speaking on the privatization process, Hafeez Shaikh said that the process would have been expedited if the COVID-19 pandemic had not affected the global economy.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ishrat Hussain said that no one knew how many government institutions were working in the country and after a survey conducted by them, it emerged that the number of such institutions stands at 441. “We will have a performance agreement with these institutions,” he said.
Dr. Ishrat said that they have appointed 56 chief executives in various organizations so far and the best person at the best place will strengthen these institutions. NNI


Kingfishers have been learning what the difference between weather and climate is. They have also been finding out how the climate changes around the world and what the climate zones are called.
As part of their work on weather and climate, the Kingfishers have been learning about the impact our actions have on the environment. Look at these wonderful, thought provoking posters they have produced!!!


Suara Rakyat Malaysia has expressed regret that the Penang Government had failed to push for a better democratic system and was in the midst of a power struggle.
Suaram was not satisfied over the fact that the state government was not putting enough effort in constructing a more democratic system, he said.
If the state government really has the will to push for a more democratic system, they at least have to emulate what has been done by the Malaysians for Free Elections (MAFREL), to organise some kind of debates at all levels before the restoration of local government elections.
"It is only through this way the people are able to express their views to the current state government," Lau said, citing the debate held in the run-up to the Penanti by-election as an example.
She said the appointment of Mokhtar has caused a split in the PR here.
"People are now wondering whether the uproar in the current incident is due to the fact that both parties are ambitious and want to strengthen their influences in the state before the coming general elections.
"It is sad to note that officials within the PR government are more hungry for power than to look at the needs and interests of the people," she said in a statement.
Lau said the state government's unwillingness to adopt a more transparent appointment system as suggested by various NGOs is delaying the local government elections.
"We hope that the state government will understand the importance of a democratic system and will not opt for resignation in the event of conflicts of opinion and interest," she said.


Tista' taqra bil- Malti.
A total of 20 patients were involved in a fight at Mount Carmel Hospital yesterday afternoon.
A police spokesperson told Newsbook.com.mt that the incident was reported on Thursday at 2.45pm. Police were called to intervene. According to the police, some of the patients were Maltese while others were foreign.
The spokesperson said that no one was injured in the fight.
The Government hasn’t released any statements about the incident. Newsbook.com.mt contacted a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health with questions about the incident however the newsroom was asked to submit its questions in writing.