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When Samajwadi Party was having a rift over the chief ministerial candidate the Bharatiya Janata Party state unit said the party will contest the 2017 assembly elections without announcing its chief ministerial candidate.
State BJP President Keshav Prasad Maurya told reporters in Bareilly that the BJP will contest the assembly elections on the issues of development and poor law and order in Uttar Pradesh.
He said there were many occasions in the past when the BJP did not name a chief ministerial candidate and fought the polls on various issues. Keshav Maurya also said that the chief ministerial candidates were named by the elected legislators in the past after elections.
UP BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya’s statement that Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav is an


State House spokesperson Kanze Dena on Friday said that President Uhuru Kenyatta is committed to free and fair elections.
Speaking at an interview with a local outlet, Dena said that ensuring a peaceful process, is top of President Kenyatta’s priority.
“In the forthcoming elections, the President is keen on ensuring that the polls are peaceful, free and fair as can be seen through the ongoing joint preparatory works by various Government agencies,” she stated.
Her sentiments come even as Deputy President William Ruto alleged that there is a plot to interfere with the will of the people in the coming polls.
Ruto who was speaking in Maryland during his tour of the United States on Wednesday said that Kenyans want to make the choice of their preferred leaders without being intimidated by anyone including the state machinery who have been on the spot lately to target some politicians ahead of the polls.
Dena also said that the President is determined to ensure that all ongoing Govt development projects are completed as scheduled.
“Projects that will be unfinished by the end of President Kenyatta’s tenure later this year will be taken over by the next administration. That’s how the Govt works,” she said.


By The Nation
Deputy Government Spokesman Lt-General Weerachon Sukhonthapatipak said the rumours of the cash gift were spread on social media and the false information had prompted many state welfare holders to visit their banks to make enquiries about the scheme.
The government has issued state welfare cards to those who have registered themselves as low-income people.
The spokesman said the government has no plans to provide more cash to the card holders apart from the monthly allowance for cost of living and transport.
He said the government will soon open a new round of registration for low-income people eligible for state welfare.


New elections to be held in 90 days: Farrukh Habib
Farrukh Habib on Sunday said that the nation should prepare for the upcoming elections
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Former Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib on Sunday said that the nation should prepare for the upcoming elections as the elections will be held in 90 days after Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan suggests President Arif Alvi to dissolve the Assembly.
While taking over his twitter handle, the former Federal Minister said that the “legs shaking” syndrome have been shifted back to the opposition.
The Pakistan tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader also said that Pakistani’s residing abroad are given the right to vote by the parliament therefore the opposition cannot take that right of the overseas Pakistani’s back.


Chevrolet has recently took pride in announcing that many of its existing vehicle models in the market that bear the 2014 model year has received the 5-Star Overall Scores in terms of safety from the National Highway Safety Administration beating some of its closest rivals such as Toyota and Ford.
Based on the information provided by a press release that was published on the brand’s official media site dated September 20, 2013, seven of the Chevrolet models that bear the 2014 model year and are currently available in the market have obtained the 5-Star Overall Vehicle Scores from the NHTSA.
The brand on the said press release has also revealed that the models such as the Chevrolet Cruise, Impala, Volt, Traverse, Silverado 1500 Crew Cab, Camaro Coupe and the Sonic has received the NHTSA’s highest safety mark which is the 5-Star Overall Safety Score after these vehicles were subjected to the New Car Assessment Testing. Chevrolet also bragged that the Sonic was the first-ever and the only subcompact model that has successfully received such high mark.
Aside from the prestige that such accomplishments have brought to the models that were mentioned earlier, General Motors which is the parent company of Chevrolet explained that the recognitions that the vehicles have achieved were also considered as one of the most significant factors why many buyers decide to prioritize Chevy cars overs its competitors since most buyers currently takes the vehicle safety as one of the most important aspects that they were considering in buying their next vehicles.
In addition to that, such recognitions were also considered as a significant proof that the brand as well as General Motors are committed to provide its customers with the best car models in terms of vehicle safety with what they need.
Furthermore, Chevrolet has also pointed out that such recognitions have also proven that some of the active safety features such as the lane departure warning and the forward collision alert systems that are offered on a number of Chevy vehicles were quite essential in making the brand’s car models more reliable to the buying public. Chevrolet also stressed that the passive safety features offered on the models that were mentioned earlier were also crucial in allowing these vehicles to pass the tests conducted on them by the NHTSA.


Azerbaijan's national volleyball team faces Poland squad (PHOTO)
(MENAFN- Trend News Agency ) Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 24
By Zaur Mustafayev – Trend:
Azerbaijan's national volleyball team faced the Poland squad in Group A at the 2017 Women's European Volleyball Championship in Baku, Sept. 24.
Trend Agency presents photos from the game.
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The Niger State Government along with the private sector will cooperate towards creating a conducive environment for private businesses to drive the state economy.
According to a press release by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor, Mary Noel-Berje, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello disclosed this when he received Niger State Coalition of Business, Professional Association (NICOBPA) at the Government House, Minna.
Governor Sani Bello said that there is much reliance on the government even when there are so many opportunities in the private sectors adding that the narrative has to change by encouraging private businesses to grow in the state.
“There is too much dependence on government, 80 per cent of dependence on government and we have great opportunities to go to so many other businesses in Niger State especially in agriculture and mining sector even other sectors”, he said.
The Governor added that the state government will do its best to assist businesses to strive and that all ministries, departments, and agencies will be involved.
“We will continue to work with private organisations like you. What we need to do is to encourage people to go into businesses”, he told members of NICOBPA.
As part of encouraging private businesses in the state, the Governor said that he had cautioned the Board of Internal Revenue on multiple taxations.
“I have already told the Board of Internal Revenue to be careful with the way they increase their taxes, not to put a burden on the people that pay taxes”, he said.
He said that the state government was constructing roads linking communities that have business potentials across the state.
Chairman of NICOBPA who led the delegation, Mohammed Murtala Lawal said that their association’s aim includes broadening and strengthening democracy, good governance by creating enabling business society as well as the environment.
Lawal added that they have participated in a roundtable dialogue on taxation, security summit, gubernatorial debates, and development of business agenda to identify the problems militating against business development in the state.
He identified some challenges facing business growth in the state to include; poor power supply, multiple taxes, poor access to credit, poor road network, security, and inadequate water supply.
He, however, commended the governor on the recent developments towards addressing some of the challenges.
“We want to commend you for the steps you have taken towards rectifying these highlighted problems and challenges”, he said.
The chairman presented to the governor the business agenda for the 2016 and 2019 revised version of the association.


Police forces arrested Friday the second and third suspects in the bombing that left three injured on Wednesday night in the Faisal district, Giza, according to state media.
The police said that the first suspect, who is now in custody, was interrogated and confessed his involvement in the attack. The police added that investigations found out that the attackers previously participated in anti-government protests.
The explosion, who took place in the area of Faisal, targeted a police Armed Personnel Carrier. It also destroyed a private car, as well as another police vehicle.
Security officials confirmed to state news agency MENA that the explosion was caused by an IED.
Those injured in the blast were taken to the nearby Haram hospital for medical treatment.


'UML should also agree on amendment proposal'
HETAUDA: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Bir Bahadur Balayar has said that the Nepali Congress-led government has convinced main opposition CPN-UML on the Constitution amendment proposal to give outlet to the Madhes crisis.
Addressing a gathering of district level cadres organised by Nepali Congress, in Hetauda of Makawanpur district this morning, Minister Balayar said the government is fully committed to conducting elections for federal and provincial parliaments. He said NC has directed its cadres to reach out to the doorsteps of people to win their hearts.
The Minister said that the main opposition should also manifest its nationalist stance into action when the country is in crisis.


No fewer than About 70 South Korean nationals have tested Covid-19 positive after attending the giant United States Consumer Electronics Show (CES) tech trade event in Las Vegas.
Majority of the affected persons were said to include some executives and staff of major South Korean companies who had attended the event last week.
About 20 people from Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) and about six at SK Group, parent of energy firm SK Innovation (096770.KS) and chipmaker SK Hynix (000660.KS), were among those who were said to have tested positive for the virus after attending CES.
As disclosed by South Korean authorities on Wednesday, the cases risk dealing a blow to South Korea’s COVID-19 control, after the country had just brought down daily number of infections from record highs in December by restoring tough social distancing rules and widely adopting vaccine passports at public locations.
Confirming the Covid-19 cases during a press briefing, a senior South Korean health ministry official, Son Young-rae, stated that many Korean business people who attended CES were now confirmed to be infected with COVID-19.
Young-rae said that they were already contacting people who had attended the event and investigations are ongoing, adding that domestic business people especially those who were at the event have been advised to go for Covid-19 test.
“We are promptly contacting those who participated in the event and conducting epidemiological investigations, but we urge domestic business people or those who are in Korea that attended the event to undergo PCR tests as soon as possible,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hyundai Heavy Industries (329180.KS), have confirmed that six of its employees who attended CES tested positive while in the United States and were quarantined, and some have been released since.
As gathered, South Korea reported 381 cases of infections contracted overseas Yesterday, a record, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, bringing the daily number of infections across the country to 4,388.
Health ministry official said the rise of infections contracted overseas is seen mainly due to the spread of the Omicron variant, although the number of CES attendees who tested positive did have some effect.


The government is focused on projects that will benefit public, economic minister Fayyaz Ismail said Sunday.
At a press conference on Sunday at the presidential office Fayyaz stated that main aim of the government is to eliminate the obstructions on business and making them more independent. He also stated that ensuring that would help the economy.
To eliminate obstructions for the public businesses would be the mega project of the current government.
"To eliminate the obstructions and giving freedom for businesses will help the economy. It will be our top most priority. The biggest mega project that we can operate is to eliminate all obstructions." Fayyaz said.
In regard to the questions on the government being slow in launching development projects Fayyaz stated that current government past six months have ensured projects that can be good to the economy than the previous governments first six months.
Minister highlighted the four economic hubs that will be developed across Maldives, and the transshipment harbour in north and south of Maldives.
Minister also revealed that mega projects are delayed due to the amount of research and planning that has to be done to start projects. Fayyaz stated that mega projects will be announced after extensive research.
"When projects are done in a hurry the end result would not be good. Therefore we are carefully researching and planning before putting the plans into action." stated Fayyaz.
Several ongoing projects initiated under former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's government have also being put on hold. The current government has said the projects are on hold to align them with the development agenda of the present regime.
Some of those projects have been marred by corruption allegations.


Mumbai: The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee on Tuesday staged a protest across the state against the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) questioning of party president Sonia Gandhi for the second time in the National Herald case.
The party leaders and workers strongly criticised the BJP-led government at the Centre for the “misuse of central probe agencies” against the opponents; especially against Sonia, Rahul and the Congress.
“The Congress will continue to raise its voice that the Gandhi family has sacrificed for this country and it’s being persecuted by the Modi government in the name of investigation,’’ said state Congress chief Nana Patole.
During the protest against the ED’s interrogation, Patole, along with a couple of leaders and workers, was detained and later released by the city police.
Central probe agencies like ED, CBI, Income Tax have become slaves of the government and at the Centre’s instructions they are taking action against the opponents. But, Congress is not afraid of such actions, remarked Patole.
Former chief minister Ashok Chavan said that raising voice against the government is part of the democratic tradition but the BJP government is working to suppress the voice of the opposition.


December 30, 2023
CBS Eye on the World interviews NPEC’s Executive Director on “PRC: Breaking through the Bamboo Curtain”
Why we need to focus more on information warfare against China
What should such warfare against China focus on?
What should such warfare against China focus on? CONTINUED
Where might the cracks in China’s great information firewall be that the West can exploit?
How might we rely less on Chinese goods?
How might China retaliate?


Prasad who had served in Afghanistan, said the rise of militia in Afghanistan may become a catastrophe to not just the region but the world.
Addressing a conclave on "India's Strategic Foreign Policy" here, Prasad said that while India's objective was to preserve its freedom, the country was now facing challenges like unequal growth and rising expectations.
India, he said, had to manage a complex process of change and had to assist countries of the region when required.
P Murari, Advisor to FICCI said that the foreign policy of India has never been a static concept and was continuously evolving.
He also highlighted the increasing menace of sea piracy which had come closer to home in the Arabian Sea and also said that India had to learn from China.


Community Health Forum: Let’s start a conversation
Today marks the start of a conversation in the Lord Fairfax Health District that could change the health of our community.
Community public health includes promoting wellness, preventing disease and…
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Sorel said she’s “not exactly sure” when she will be able to train again.
“I don’t know exactly how I’m going to go about it.
I have to take care of myself.
I have to do what I have been told,” Sorell said.
She added that she’s worried about being unable to help her friends when she goes to China.
Sorel is one of several Americans who have been severely affected by the pandemic.
The American Society for Human Genetics has said that about half of its membership is already on the list of severely affected.
More than 500 Americans have died, and more than 2,000 are being treated for severe cases of coronavirus.


(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 23. Strengthening
social protection and social security of the population, including
the families of martyrs and veterans, is at the center of constant
attention of the Head of state, Trend reports.
This was stated during an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of
Ministers of Azerbaijan dedicated to the discussion of the draft
state and consolidated budget for 2023 as well as indicators of the
consolidated budget for the next three years.
In order to continue reforms in this direction, implement the
measures of social support for vulnerable groups of the population,
taking into account inflationary pressure, the social expenditures
of the state budget provided for 2023 are 9.2 percent more than in
the current year.
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Ghana lifts lockdown, citing improved testing and ‘severe’ impact on the poor
After just three weeks, Ghanian President Nana Akufo-Addo has lifted lockdown measures in two cities, stating that there had been improved COVID-19 testing and that the impact of the restrictions had been severe on the poor and vulnerable populations in the country. Nonessential businesses in Accra and Kumasi will be able to re-open on Monday and residents will be allowed to return to work. However, Akufo-Addo stressed that social distancing will remain important even as the lockdown on the two largest cities in Ghana are lifted.
Akufo-Addo also stated on Sunday that the decision did not mean that the government was completely letting its guard down regarding the pandemic, as public gatherings and school closures are still in effect. Akufo-Addo also urged Ghanaians to wear masks when going outside. The country currently has 1,042 cases and nine deaths, however, officials are awaiting test results of 18,000 samples.


There are a lot of factors to take into account when analyzing the idea of the Canadian market being oversupplied.
Several market conditions and sales outlets most in the market aren't considering.
Aurora Cannabis is well positioned to take advantage of the strong demand that will continue to grow.
source: pot stock news
There has been a trend in financial media recently that has hit on the theme that the Canadian cannabis market is oversupplied, and many companies will underperform as a result. The


The State house Press Office has confirmed the news in a statement signed by Presidential Press Secretary Mgeme Kalilani.
According to the statement, Mutharika will also preside over the launch of the Interpol Turn Back Crime Awareness Campaign at the same venue.
Kalilani said the function will start at Ten O’clock in the morning.
Commenting on the development National Police spokesperson James Kadazdera has told MBC that over 1300 police recruits are graduating on Friday, 2 December, 2016.
Kadadzera said the new police officers will help to reduce the Police to citizen ratio and reduce crime in the country.
“The coming in of the new officers will help to boost Police visibility in this country which is also currently helping to reduce crime across Malawi,” said Kadadzera.
Meanwhile on Saturday President Mutharika will preside over the International Day of Persons with Disability at Luchenza, in Thyolo.


Land needed so city can extend street
WINCHESTER — A state-funded project that would open a new east-west pathway in the city’s southern tip is about to move into its next phase.
At its work session at 6 p.m. Tuesday, City Council will…
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Police on Wednesday arrested two suspected thugs on the Naivasha-Mai Mahiu road, recovered two pistols and 920 stolen gas cylinders.
The officers also
seized a fake police uniform and a gateway car that was being used by the criminals
near Longonot town.
The sleuths are seeking two other suspects including a Naivasha trader who escaped during the operation.
One of the officers who took part in the operation said the
gang of four was dressed in police uniform and had blocked a trailer that was ferrying the gas from Nairobi to Western.
He said the
two suspects hailed from Kiambu and had followed the trailer from Nairobi.
"During the commotion, a passing motorists saw the attack and informed police who moved in and arrested two suspects," the officer said.
Naivasha sub-county commissioner Isaac Masinde said the suspects, who are still in custody, are assisting police in the investigations.
Masinde said the search for the other two suspects is ongoing.
"We have managed to recover a pistol, eight rounds of ammunition and the gateway car and it’s a matter of time before we catch up with the two suspects who fled," he said.


U.S. airstrikes mistakenly killed at least 12 members of the Afghan National Police force during an operation against the Taliban on Friday, Afghan officials said.
The strikes were targeting a security compound in support of Afghan forces who were fighting Taliban militants, U.S. officials said. At least two other police officers were wounded.
Afghan’s government has intensified a push to gain back territory in Helmand province from the Taliban with the support of NATO and the United States.
Helmand provincial police chief, Abdul Ghafar Safi, told the Associated Press on Saturday that the police officers killed in the strike were working alongside the Afghan army and had taken a post that was previously held by the Taliban before the strike took place. The police officers were reportedly not wearing uniforms, which could have resulted in the errant strike.
Hayatullah Hayat, governor of Helmand province, said the Taliban had recently taken police posts in the area, which could have added to the confusion that led to the errant strikes.
“The police had recaptured a post from the enemy, and it was hit by mistake with the belief that the Taliban fighters were still dug in there after they took the post on Thursday,” Hayat told the Washington Post.


(MENAFN - Emirates News Agency (WAM))
ABU DHABI, 25th November 2017 (WAM) - Prominent figures, including heads of states, have paid visits to Louvre Abu Dhabi on Friday and Saturday.
The iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi was visited by Aleksandar Vucic, President of Serbia, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain, Juan Carlos, Former King of Spain, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, Princess Beatrice of York and Mary McAleese, Former President of Ireland.
They were received by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak is Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism, Saif Saeed Ghobash is the Director General of the Department, Manuel Rabate, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi and Hessa Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director General of Louvre Abu Dhabi.
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Board: Violino’s can keep fence that encloses patio
WINCHESTER — The city’s Board of Architectural Review has voted to allow a downtown restaurant to keep the fence around its outdoor patio.
The board agreed 4-0 on Thursday to approve a Certificate…
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“It’s a very important principle which the Centre Party has long fought for – raising tax on the things which harm the environment and the climate, and lowering the tax on working,” said environment minister Anders Carlgren.
The party has been pushing for the increase in the budget negotiations which are currently taking place among the four-party ruling Alliance. On Saturday there was clear support for the position at the party conference in Kalmar – despite the fact that many of the Centre Party’s core voters live in the countryside and would be worst affected by increased petrol costs.
“You’ll see what will happen with the price of petrol when we put forward the budget. But it is completely clear that today there is a much greater understanding in Sweden of what the climate requires than ever before,” said Carlgren.
Nevertheless, there was criticism from party members who were worried about the impact of increased petrol costs. In response, the party agreed that travel costs should be offset against tax payments.
“We think it’s important to compensate those who have long journeys to work in some way,” said Anders Carlgren.


'Historic Day': Modi Hails His Kashmir Move as Imran Slams India For 'Destroying Regional Stability'
09:50 GMT 05.08.2021 (Updated: 10:38 GMT 19.07.2022)
To politically integrate the Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in 2019 scrapped a constitutional provision that afforded the erstwhile state semi-autonomous status. India’s move has been rejected by both Pakistan and China, which have competing claims to the entire region.
The abrogation of the semi-autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir on 5 August, 2019, has brought “unprecedented peace and progress” to the region, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
remarked on Thursday.
The remarks by the Indian Prime Minister were made on the second anniversary of Delhi’s decision to void Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and bifurcate the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two federally-administered Union Territories (UTs) — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
had afforded semi-autonomy to the region, which is governed by India but claimed by Pakistan.
Spelling out its achievements in Jammu and Kashmir since its 2019 decision, Prime Minister Modi’s app noted that the “terror incidents” in the border region had witnessed a decline in 2020 (244) as compared to 2019 (594).
Further, the Indian government has also sanctioned laws that allow women to buy property in the region, and even those who aren't residents of Jammu and Kashmir UT.
Local political groups such as National Conference (NC) and the Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (J&KPDP) say that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led federal government is trying to alter the Muslim-dominated demography of the state through the implementation of some of these laws.
As per the information available on the app, the government has commissioned new medical, management and engineering colleges in the region since the 2019 move, among other “record achievements”.
The claims by Prime Minister Modi contrast with those of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan
, who hit out at the Indian government over the 2019 decision, accusing Delhi of "destroying regional stability" through its actions.
Like the Indian Kashmir-centric political groups such as NC and the PDP, Pakistan has also rejected the Modi government’s political changes in Jammu and Kashmir and they have been demanding that those moves be rolled back.
“I have raised the voice of Kashmiris on the world stage and will continue to do so till Kashmiris are allowed to decide their future, according to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. Pakistan will continue to fight the Kashmiris' case with conviction and Inshaallah (God willing) Kashmiris' struggle will succeed,” stated Khan.
As per UN Security Council Resolution 47, adopted in 1948, both India and Pakistan must withdraw their forces from the region and then hold a plebiscite to decide its political status.
While India has consistently rejected “outside interference” in Kashmir, calling it an “internal matter”, even Pakistan has been accused of increasing its military presence on the Kashmiri territory occupied by it during the invasion by Islamabad-backed militias in 1947.


(MENAFN- Bangladesh Monitor)
Dhaka: Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh hosted an Iftar Mahfil at the Ball Room of Pan Pacific Sonargaon hotel in the capital on April 1, 2023.
Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, Minister for Industries, Md Faridul Haq Khan, State Minister for Religious Affairs, government officials, diplomats, representatives from local and foreign airlines, travel trade and members from the media were present on the occasion, among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Manzur Murshed Mahbub, President of ATAB welcomed the guests and thanked them for their presence.
Abdus Salam Aref, Secretary General of ATAB also spoke on the occasion.
A doa mahfil was conducted by Dr Mufti Maulana Muhammad Kafiluddin Sarkar Salehi from Islamic Foundation.
Guests were entertained with sumptuous iftar and buffet dinner.
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US closes its embassy in Turkey
(MENAFN) The US embassy in Ankara will close its doors to the public on Monday due to a security threat and only emergency services will be provided, it said in a statement on Sunday.
While it did not specify what kind of threat was that provoked the closure, the embassy recommended US citizens in Turkey to avoid large crowds and the embassy building and to be aware of their own security when visiting popular tourist sites and crowded places.
Additional security measures were taken after intelligence from US sources suggested there might be an attack targeting the US embassy or places US citizens were staying, the Ankara governor's office said in a statement.
Visa interviews and other routine services would be canceled on Monday, the embassy said, adding that it would make an announcement when it was ready to reopen.
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ISLAMABAD: Former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbassi has said that the federal government had to take the arrangements combating the coronavirus 10 weeks before.
Addressing along with his party leaders, senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) said that the global pandemic is on rise at two and half times on every second day.
He said that there is a need of political unity but the government attitude is not positive adding that the government has not taken serious initiatives against the global pandemic.
The lock-down is an only way to avoid the spread of the lethal virus which means not a curfew, Shahid Khaqan said.
He added that every country took it on its own way adding that the whole of country is in lock-down practically while somewhere is tense on the other places it is soft.
Criticizing Prime Minister Imran Khan, ex-premier said that the PM seems unaware of the lock-down while curfew has been imposed at one mile distance of the pm’s resident.
He said that there is a need of uniform policy throughout the country adding that extending the social distancing will decrease the spread of the pandemic adding that the lock-down doesn’t mean stopping of economic process.
The PML-N leader said that his party has started initiatives on the instructions of Shahbaz Sharif while Shahbaz Sharif will announce a national action plan within two days.
He said that Shahbaz Sharif’s action plan will be consisted of four perspectives.


The Police have warned that action will be taken against the public who fail to wear facemasks, especially in Colombo.
Police Spokesman, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ajith Rohana said the Police have received reports of people violating Quarantine Law within Colombo.
He said reports have been received on individuals gathering in Colombo and failing to wear facemasks.
DIG Rohana said the Police have been instructed to conduct special operations to take action against those who fail to adhere to the health guidelines on COVID-19 in public.
He requested the public to wear facemasks, maintain social distancing, and to wash or sanitise their hands regularly when in public. (Colombo Gazette)


Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday met a group of students of NIT Srinagar and assured them that his party would raise their concerns over safety on the campus with the government.
The Congress had been trying to outwit the BJP on the national versus anti-national debate that the ruling party had been trying to set. The party had taken up the NIT issue, condemning the police lathicharge on non-Kashmiri students and demanding action.
“Their worries mainly were about their safety and security. Rahul assured the students that the Congress party would raise their issues at various forums, including Parliament, and stand with them till their issues are resolved,” a Congress statement said.
Rahul told the students that the Congress would put pressure on the HRD Ministry and ensure that the demands of the students related to their security were fulfilled.
“I assured them that the Congress party would raise their concerns and put pressure on the government to resolve the matter,” he later tweeted.


Modi launch several development projects in the state of Rajasthan
They will have a transformative impact on infrastructure, connectivity and education in the region
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched several development projects to the value of 7 million rupees ($841,400) in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. He said they will have a transformative impact on the region’s infrastructure, connectivity and education.
The Prime Minister dedicated the Mehsana – Bhatinda – Gurdaspur Gas Pipeline, which cost around $540.7 million, to the nation. The Indian politician also launched railway projects, including the Chittorgarh – Neemuch Railway line doubling and the Kota – Chittorgarh Electrified Railway line. He also gave the go-ahead to the construction of tourism facilities set up in Nathdwara under the Ministry of Tourism’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
Modi said development of backward areas was his government’s priority. He said the government has selected promising regions of the country where development work is underway. He said many districts of Rajasthan are also being developed under the scheme.
The Prime Minister said that as part of reaching out to the unprotected and underprivileged sections, the government has also launched Vibrant Village programme for development of border villages, as reported by the official website of the Government of India.


Column | Feb 8, 2015 | 9:00 PM
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During the holiday season, meals often begin with wine and end with coffee, notes Consumer Reports. If you've seen the headlines touting the health benefits of both beverages -- and you're among the 61 percent of Americans who down a daily cup of java...
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SU makes big gains in student retention
WINCHESTER — By improving student engagement, Shenandoah University has significantly increased its freshman retention rate.
From 2007 to 2012, the school’s freshman-to-sophomore retention increased…
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By Justin Seward
Bow Island Mayor Gordon Reynolds said the community is doing quite well with its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We did have a few cases but people have been respectful and(I’m) certainly unaware of any major outbreaks,” said Reynolds.
“I think people have been cooperative and patient and we certainly appreciate that.”
Reynolds noted that town staff took measures to prevent COVID from coming into the work place and impact the municipality’s ability to serve the public.
“I don’t think it’s been a tremendous hardship on the town operations,” he said.
A notable impact on operations recently was when the town lost $10,000 in operation costs over two months when the arena was closed due to COVID restrictions putting a halt to sports.
“We’re always concerned about people that are isolated, stranded at home, and we have urged people to look out for their neighbours and family and make sure that people are well mentally and still being able to engage with people somehow,” said Reynolds.
“That’s hard on everybody, it’s not unique to us.”
Bow Island businesses have seen an impact too with having to take a lot of steps to reopen before shutting down and again reopening a few times during the pandemic.
Reynolds says there were no local businesses that closed.
“I think most have done whatever is required of them under the restrictions,” he said.
“Some have applied for support through the various programs and hopefully they can all recover from it?(for) those that did feel that pinch. And other businesses, it was business as usual .”


SKIPPER John Brayford explains that the Brewers will go into Tuesday evening’s Carabao Cup tie in high spirits, despite Saturday’s opening day league defeat away to Fleetwood Town.
Brayford described the goals that the Brewers conceded to Fleetwood as “dreadful” and admitted that there were numerous times that they could have been punished throughout the game. He added: “We know what we’re capable of and have worked on it in pre-season, but today was the crucial day really.
“It’s not going to stop the way that we play and the way that we played at times was really good and we got at a team that was close to being in the Championship last year.
“I thought, especially in the second half, that we got at them and they were under pressure most of the second half until we gave a sloppy goal away.”
Brayford now believes that tomorrow night’s game against Aston Villa is an opportunity to build some momentum before the return of league action on Saturday against Accrington Stanley.
He said: “We know from playing Villa in the past, it’s took us far in the competition and we know a good cup run can build momentum in the league, it really can.
“It’s not one of these competitions where people think it doesn’t make any difference, every game people are playing for their shirt at the end of the day.
“It’s another game that we will go into in high spirits as we know we played well in patches against Fleetwood, but we know we need to do better at other things which I’m sure we’ll work on.”


(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Mendoza: The favourites at the Mendoza Premier Padel P1, top seeds Alejandro Galan and Juan Lebron as well as Martin Di Nenno of Argentina and his Spanish partner Francisco Navarro, seeded number 2, made it to the last 16 after defeating their respective opponents in Mendoza, Argentina, on Thursday.
Federico Chingotto (ARG) and Juan Tello (ARG), Fernando Belasteguin (ARG) and Arturo Coello (ES), Pablo Lima (BRA) and Franco Stupaczuk (ARG), were also among others who advanced.
Spaniards Galan and Lebron, the winners of three out of four Premier Padel tournaments so far this season, defeated compatriots J Diestro and A Fernandez (13) 6-3, 6-4, while home favourite Nenno and his Spanish partner Navarro beat I Ramirez and M Semmler 6-4, 6-2 to advance.
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.


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Story | Feb 1, 2012As supporters packed the public galleries, the Washington state Senate passed legislation Wednesday night that would legalize gay marriage. The margin was 28 to 21 -- three more votes than required. The bill now goes to the state House, where it is expected to


Manmohan Singh meets David Cameron
Toronto, June 27: The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, met his British counterpart David Cameron on Saturday, Jun 26 and told him that India would like to see the international community make continued and concerted efforts to ensure global economic recovery.
The bilateral meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the fourth Group of Twenty (G-20) summit, saw both leaders sharing their views on G-20 developments and expressing satisfaction over the performance of Indo-British ties.
Briefing media persons accompanying Dr Singh on his two-day visit to Toronto, the government spokesman, Vishnu Prakash, said the meeting between Dr. Singh and Cameron was conducted in an atmosphere of cordiality.
Prakash said that Dr. Singh congratulated Prime Minister Cameron on his electoral victory on May 6, and said that he looked forward to the latter's visit to India in July 2010.
He further said that both leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive "trajectory" that this bilateral relationship was taking, and hoped that the strategic partnership forged between the two countries during Prime Minister Tony Blair's visit to India in 1998 would be further strengthened.
The spokesman further revealed that the United Kingdom is the largest investor in India, and added that Indo-British trade is worth over 13 billion dollars.
He said that Prime Minister Singh had told his British counterpart that he would like to see more UK investments in India.
According to Prakash, Prime Minister Cameron had told Dr. Singh that Indian students were the second largest student grouping in the United Kingdom, and he would like to see more Indian-origin students coming to the UK for higher studies.
It was also revealed that the two leaders discussed regional situation such as developments taking place in Afghanistan.
Prakash said that Prime Minister Cameron reaffirmed his country's support for granting India a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as also for reform of UN institutions so that they were effectively more representative of the current world order.


Why are the NFL owners so adamant about staying away from social media?
The NFL is set to release its first social media guidelines on Thursday and it will be the first time the league has released any sort of policy since its 2015 decision to ban social media during the 2016 NFL season.
The league’s owners are set to meet in Indianapolis Thursday and the league’s vice president of public policy, Rob Rang, has already spoken out on the subject.
Rang told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the league will be discussing the issue with social media companies like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and that the owners will not be giving the same guidelines to the rest of the league.
“This is a conversation that we are going to have, it’s not a discussion we’re going to be having,” Rang said.
“This is not a debate we’re having.”
In an interview with CBS Sports, Rang explained that the NFL’s social media policy will include a “no social media on Sunday” rule.
The rule will also prohibit players from using social media for “business purposes” and “business management purposes.”
Rang also said that the rules won’t be retroactive, which is the most likely scenario for the social media ban to take effect.
The NFL’s players union recently issued a statement that said the NFLPA will have to appeal the ruling in order to reinstate social media.
The rule change is also expected to affect the NFL Draft.
In addition to the ban on social media, the league also said the draft will be banned from all social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat.


Indian youth believe robotics can help country grow faster.
Bengaluru: Deloitte’s sixth annual 'Millennial Survey' reveals that the millennials in India are likely to be the biggest endorsers of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics as they feel less threatened by its progress.
Over 83 per cent of millennials feel that AI will boost the overall productivity of their work and 77 per cent of milennials believe that robotics will improve the economic growth.
“We have witnessed a dramatic shift in the personal concerns and attitudes of millennials”, said S.V. Nathan, chief talent officer and partner, Deloitte India.
“While the survey does not reflect the economic disruption announced in India last November, such anxieties are responsible for more young professionals wanting to remain in their jobs.”
However, according to the research, millennials in India are optimistic about the country’s growth, compared to their global counterparts.
Over 68 per cent of the millennials in India are hopeful that the overall social or political situation in the country will improve in the next one year.
“Financially, 78 per cent millennials in India are happier than their parents, while 55 per cent of millennials are emotionally happier than their parents,” according to the Deloitte’s annual millenial research.
“This is in stark contrast to global figures, where only 26 per cent of millennials predict they will be financially better off than their parents and 23 per cent say they’ll be happier.”


“Whatever Ms. Wilson said was not fabricated. What she said was 100 percent correct.”
“It was a moment of niceness that we needed because we were going through hell.”
Can Democrats turn Texas purple?
“horrific things can happen anywhere.”
“Change is coming and it will come fast.”


Maldives Police Service has informed that they have held the license of 12 individuals due to the accidents that took place in Male’ City last week.
Statistics report of the traffic department released by the Police shows that 54 accidents took place in Male’ during the last week. The statistics also shows that the police have held the license of 12 individuals due to the accidents.
During operations held by the Police last week, the Police checked 502 vehicles in Male’ and gave stickers to vehicles parked against the traffic regulations.
Police also says that they towed 16 motorcycles and 12 four-wheeled vehicles during the last week. They also stated that they found 47 people driving without the license card and 89 people who does not even have a driving license.
The Police also noticed five people trying to cross the Sina-male’ bridge without a helmet and 15 people driving while on phone and using the headset.
Moreover, the statistics also shows that the Police stopped four cars taxiing against the taxi regulations and 13 vehicles were also stopped for speeding. Additionally, four were held for smoking while driving.


The Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle has said that the money earned from Slumdog Millionaire was being channelled back to Mumbai to help the slum children.
His comments come shortly after child actor Azharuddin Ismail’s father demanded more money from the director,the Daily Mail reported.
“They have received some money,which has disappeared,so we have put in place an educational plan. They will receive further payments when they have finished their education and we have also given them money to be re housed,” said the director,who returned to his native place yesterday.
Boyle and the producers had come under sharp criticism after some reports said that the child actors were still living in the slums despite film being a smash hit internationally.
The producers denied such allegations by arranging a Los Angeles trip for the children to attend the Oscar ceremony. They have also promised to buy houses to the child actors.
Boyle feels that extra money will jeopardise the security of Azharuddin Ismail and Rubina Ali,the young Salim and Latika in the movie.
“Having money there makes them vulnerable to substantial forces so it is very important for the kids to go to school and get their education.”
The British director also revealed that some money has been distributed to help the underpriviledged children in Mumbai.
“There has also been a huge sum of money which has been distributed to groups helping underprivileged children in Mumbai.”


Ghulam Nabi Azad said – Jammu and Kashmir is expected to get statehood before the elections.
Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday expressed hope that the Center will not reject the demand of mainstream political parties of the state to restore the status of Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the elections.
Azad, who was part of a 14-member delegation from Jammu and Kashmir that met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said the dialogue process was only a beginning.
Now the Center will have to create a sense of trust among the people of the state.
All the leaders spoke openly.
Former Chief Minister Azad said in an interview that everyone was asked to speak openly in the meeting with the PM.
I think all the leaders spoke very frankly. The important thing is that there was no ill-will towards anyone.
Senior Congress leader Azad said he had made it clear in the meeting that Union Territory status to Jammu and Kashmir was not acceptable.
All the leaders gave support for this. Besides Azad, three other former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti were also part of the multi-party delegation.
He said that we have made our point clear. We only want one thing. First of all, statehood should be restored.
After that, there should be elections. Of course, they (Centre) have not responded. But all the political parties had a united stand in this matter.
Things have changed now
Asked what is the probability that the Center will agree to the first demand of the state, Azad said, “I think things have changed now.”
This meeting has given a great opportunity to understand the concerns and issues.
I think the way the Prime Minister said that forget the past and we have to bring peace and build new bridges of trust between Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir, is very important.
End of repression in Jammu and Kashmir: Mehbooba
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said that the era of oppression and repression in the union territory must be ended.
This will make the dialogue process initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the mainstream leadership of Jammu and Kashmir credible.
The government should note that dissenting voice is not a criminal act.
Give the right to breathe first.
The former Chief Minister of the state said that the people here should be given the right to breathe peacefully first and the rest will be seen later.
She described the Prime Minister’s meeting with a 14-member delegation from Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday as a way to end the sufferings.
She clarified that it is the responsibility of the Center to make the dialogue process credible. He should initiate confidence-building measures.
In an interview, she said that there should be a distance of hearts among the people here. The stringent laws that have been implemented in the state in the recent past should be withdrawn.
Along with arranging employment for the youth, the land rights of the people will have to be protected.


Addressing the second G20 Health Ministers meeting in Bali, the minister said that the government of India has attached top-most importance to the health sector. “We are committed to protecting global health and making sure we leave behind for the coming generations a better and healthier planet to live in."
Mandaviya added that the proposal of Financial Intermediary Fund was discussed in the meeting to help build global health resilience. “There is a need to acknowledge existing fault lines in the global health architecture and the importance of building an inclusive, agile, and responsive framework for health emergency management."
The minister encouraged all G20 members to contribute their public keys to the proposed Global Federated Public Trust Directory to ensure seamless worldwide mobility of people and goods.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the progress and way forward on priorities in the healthcare sector.


People who attend church were the only group of Americans who didn’t see the state of their mental health decline this year, according to a Gallup Poll.
The share of Americans who classify their mental health as “excellent” has reached an all-time low of 34 percent. The share of Americans who describe their mental health as “excellent/good” also has reached a record low of 76 percent. Nearly every demographic subgroup saw the state of their mental health decrease from 2019 to 2020.
However, among Americans who attend religious services weekly, 46 percent classified their mental health as excellent. That figure is an increase from the 42 percent who saw their mental health as excellent in 2019. Those who attended church services weekly also are the group with the highest share of people who rated their mental health as excellent in 2020. Americans who made more than $100,000 a year came in a close second, with 45 percent describing their mental health as excellent.
In 2019, the share of frequent church attendees who believed that their mental health was excellent actually was identical to the share of Americans who seldom or never attend church services. The only groups where a lower share of respondents said that they had excellent mental health were women, Democrats, non-white Americans, unmarried people, people younger than 50 and those who made less than $40,000 a year.
The increase in the number of religious Americans who identify their mental health as excellent comes as churches across the country have seen their ability to hold in-person worship services hindered by coronavirus restrictions imposed by the governors of their respective states. Religious Americans have seen some victories in recent weeks, with U.S. Supreme Court rulings striking down worship restrictions in New York and California.
–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice


Islamabad: According to the recent sources, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has defended the finance policies of the ruling PTI party.
While speaking in the National Assembly, he declared that those who themselves have sought the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme should not criticize the current government.
He said that they have been relying upon the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme for two years and are now remonstrating the PTI government for the IMF programme.
He said, “The economic situation when the country was heading towards default, forced the new government to seek the IMF programme.”
“General Bajwa and the armed forces also supported the government on the issue of freezing the defence budget,” he added.
He also questioned the previous governments for not taking the economic situation of the country seriously. He praised the current government for taking such bold and difficult stands to bring the economic situation of the country under control.


|Home page World|
593 people have been infected with the coronavirus in Armenia over the past day.
Axar.az reports that the statement came from the Armenian Health Ministry.
Thus, the number of people infected with the coronavirus in the country has increased to 26,658.
Ten people have died from the coronavirus over the past day.
2020.07.02 / 12:26


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Story | Aug 5, 2014 | 1:00 PMThrough the first week of training camp, not even GoogleMaps can decipher the routes Steelers wide receivers will take from here through the depth chart to open the regular season. They will start out on Antonio Brown Boulevard, but, after that it's a...


(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Published: Wed 15 Mar 2023, 7:17 AM
A sales representative has been convicted for taking advantage of his position and embezzling Dh419,000 from a company he works for.
The man, of Asian descent, was convicted by the Dubai Misdemeanour Court and sentenced to six months in prison, followed by deportation from the country after he serves his sentence.
Case details date back to last year, when an accountant at a food trading company discovered that there were amounts that had not been handed over by a sales representative working for the company.
According to the accountant's statement, in the final statement of the company's fiscal year, a deficit of Dh419,000 was found. Upon reviewing the statements and invoices, the missing amount was located in the account of a sales representative who had been working for the company since 2006.
When the accountant confronted the sales representative, the accused denied that he had the amount, and so a police report was filed.
Investigations proved that the sales representative had indeed embezzled Dh419,000 – the value of some cooking oil that he had supplied to a customer, from whom he received money in cash along with a signed receipt, but failed to deliver it to the company.
During the interrogation, and after confronting the salesman with the documents showing the value of the cooking oil that had been supplied to another establishment, the accused admitted to embezzling the funds, so the court convicted him and issued its verdict.
dubai: woman caught with forged visa at dxb, attempted to travel with little daughters to europe
uae: elderly man evicted from former employer's house after occupying property since 2016
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Detectives investigating the abuse of children at a nursery have arrested three more people, police said today.
Nottinghamshire Police said last month that they were investigating how three children who attended the Rocking Horse Nursery in Plumtree suffered broken bones.
Officers are also investigating a further allegation of sexual assault against a child.
Today, a spokeswoman for the force said: "Detectives investigating unexplained injuries suffered by children who have attended the Rocking Horse Nursery in Plumtree arrested three more people in connection with the inquiry on Sunday, October 4.
"All three have been questioned and released on police bail pending further inquiries."
The three arrested have not been questioned previously. So far, nine people have been questioned in all, three under caution and six under arrest.Reuse content


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SRINAGAR: Union health minister Gulam Nabi Azad, on a two-day visit to Kashmir in connection with a local Congress delegation meet, on Sunday said that the Kashmiri children should get free medicines, diagnostic facilities besides meals for the attendants for one month during hospitalization under a scheme already functional in the country. Azad, who visited the G B Pant Hospital, the valley's only pediatrics hospital, said that the hospital will bear the expenses for the medical investigations of children even if they are to be conducted outside the hospital during this period. Azad also said that the Jammu and Kashmir government has already %been provided Rs 60 crore for the scheme. Criticizing the Omar Abdullah government, Azad said that the state government must implement the central schemes. The Union minister said that two 200-bed hospitals, one each at Jammu and Srinagar, have been sanctioned by his ministry and funds have also been provided. The G B Pant Hospital has been in focus since the start of the year as over 358 infants and children have died in the hospital since the beginning of the year.


GILGIT: The people affected by Diamer Bhasha Dam project staged a protest here on Thursday and demanded of the government to make immediate arrangements for their resettlement.
The protesters alleged that officials of Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) were creating misunderstandings between the government and the affected people.
Holding placards inscribed their demands, the protesters gathered outside Gilgit Press Club and chanted slogans against Wapda and government.
Later addressing a press conference, Diamer Bhasha Dam affected people committee president Ataullah said that federal government had promised in 2010 to set up three model villages in Diamer to resettle the affected people. He said that Rs1 billion had been approved for the model villages.
He said that Wada was tasked to establish the model villages.
Ataullah said that Wapda completed nearly 70 per cent work of one model village but then stopped work. He said that it created uncertainty among the affected people.
Dilbar Khan, another representative of the affected people, said it was a conspiracy against the dam project. He said that Wapda officials were responsible for it.
Mr Khan said that the attitude of Wapda chief in Diamer was also insulting. He said so far 90 per cent payment was made to owners of the land, acquired for the dam project. However, he said that the issue of resettlement of the affected people was ignored.
The affected people said that they were concerned about their future. They said that both the Gilgit-Baltistan and federal governments were not serious to resolve the issue.
They demanded of the government to fulfil its commitment with them and set up three model villages for their resettlement in Diamer.
Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2018


Rep. Regan to host town hall meeting in Warrington Township
State Rep. Mike Regan, R-Dillsburg, will host a town hall-style meeting in Warrington Township next week.
The meeting will focus on state-related issues, such as the state budget impasse and pensions, according to a news release. Residents will also have an opportunity to raise concerns about state issues.
The meeting will be held 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Warrington Township Building, 3345 Rosstown Road in Wellsville.


Over two million South Africans have been infected with the coronavirus as the country reaches a third wave peak and threatening a new wave in the future, Acting Health Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has said.Noting that although the number of new infections had started to decline, Kubayi cautioned that the country was not out of the woods yet with its current 2,356,049 cases.
“The number of new cases has been on the downward trend,” she said.
There were 13,719 new infections recorded on Friday.
“We’re cautioning and extremely worried because the many gatherings that we saw during the unrest in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal may lead to another surge in numbers,” Kubayi warned.
She said the health ministry would continue to monitor the situation closely by ensuring that it screened communities that were at the heart of the looting and violent protests.
Kubayi also appealed to those who took part in those gatherings to ensure that they visited the nearest healthcare facility if they felt any symptoms of Covid-19.
“We’re worried that some may stay away because, in contact tracing, people are expected to give indications where they have been — and because of fear of arrest, they are likely to stay away,” the minister said.
She revealed that “quite a number” of people who were arrested during the looting tested positive for the coronavirus, she said.
“This is an indication that we should be concerned about those who have been in the protests,” Kubayi said.
Some 337 people died and over 1,000 people were arrested during the weeklong unrest that targeted malls, shops and other commercial facilities in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng provinces after former president Jacob Zumba was jailed two weeks ago.


The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Osun State has appealed to the residents affected by the ongoing demolition, which is part of the Aregbesola administration’s urban renewal programme, to show understanding.
The party, in a statement by its Acting Chairman, Mr. Adebiyi Adelowo, urged them to see the pains associated with the exercise as a sacrifice for the development of the state.
It said Governor Rauf Aregbesola was concerned about their plight, assuring that the government would compensate those affected.
ACN stressed the need for the people to cooperate with the government in its efforts to beautify the state, adding that the present administration meant well for the state.
It said government would ensure that the state becomes the envy of others.
Osun ACN warned the people against politicising the exercise, saying it was aimed at developing the state.
It hailed the police in ensuring peace “despite attempt by an opposition party to cause crisis and confusion in the state.”
The party thanked Commissioner of Police Mrs. Dorothy Gimba for ensuring peace.
It alleged that some members of the opposition party were bent on causing crisis because of the urban renewal programme of the Aregbesola administration.
The ACN noted that the peace meeting convened between the government and the opposition party averted the crisis.


A road near Batheaston which was blocked by a fallen tree has now been reopened.
Motorists were being diverted away from London Road West because of the closure between the Batheaston bypass roundabout and Bailbrook Lane.
The incident happened at 1.09pm, but Bath and North East Somerset Council has said the site has now been cleared.
There are reports that a vehicle has been damaged, but it is understood that nobody has been injured.
A council spokesman said the tree had been growing on private land.


A total of 2,891 police personnel had been promoted to various ranks by IGP Pujith Jayasundara following interviews, Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekera said.
He said 410 women police officers were among those who were promoted.
Accordingly, 1,783 police Constables were promoted to the rank of Police Sergeants while 334 women police Constables were promoted as women police Sergeants.
A total of 553 police Sergeants had been promoted to the rank of Inspector of Police and 76 women police Sergeants were also promoted as Inspectors.
SP Gunasekera said 124 Police Constable drivers were promoted to the rank of Sergeant while 21 Sergeant drivers were promoted to the rank of Inspector.
He said the promotions had been made after informing the National Police Commission.(Darshana Sanjeewa)


NEW ORLEANS — A number of NC public schools have been delayed in their graduation dates as part of the state’s budget shortfall.
New Orleans Public Schools officials say the district has been in contact with the state to help them meet their graduation date, but they say they’re waiting on the state.
The district announced Monday that it would delay its graduation date for the first time since the recession, and said that it will begin its year-round graduation programs by Sept. 20.
New York State Superintendent of Schools Diane Ravitch said that a similar plan to delay the graduation date had been in place for years.
Ravitch said she was in contact last week with the NC School Boards Association, which said that they were waiting for the state budget to be completed before they would begin implementing the plan.
The state budget is due next week.


Srinagar: Asking Kashmiri sportspersons to use social media to further their careers, the director general of J&K police, Shesh Paul Vaid, on Monday said that Facebook and other social media platforms were being used for “provocation and destruction”.
“We don’t have that (destructive) vision,” Vaid said, addressing a sports event that was held as a valedictory function for the J&K Police and in which 182 players from five south Kashmir police districts participated.
“We want the youth of J&K to come (forward) for constructive activities,” he said, “the police see national and international players amongst you…We want players from among you to go for mountaineering to Mount Everest and let J&K Police sponsor you,” he added.
“I am thankful to the parents of these players who expressed trust in J&K Police and sent their children for participation,” he said, adding, “We are your police… we are from you. We share the sadness and pain.”
The DGP said that the police want the youth to exploit the adventure sport potential of Jammu and Kashmir, to which tourists from across the world are attracted. “Sportspersons should open Facebook accounts so that people from across the world contact you to participate in the adventure tourism… I see that vision,” Vaid added, “Not like how social media is being used for destruction… We want peace and progress in J&K.”
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the function, the DGP said, while responding to questions regarding attacks on pro-India political workers in south Kashmir, “We are taking measures and investigating the issue, following which we will take action under law against those involved.”
He also said that the “necessary steps were taken” in south Kashmir for conducting anti-militancy operations, adding, “Militancy is undergoing a phase of desperation before it ends.”
On braid chopping, he said that there was “no need to give it hype”. “We are taking strict measures against those involved in beating innocent people, and the investigation is going on in the matter,” he said when asked about the unabated braid chopping of women in Kashmir.


(MENAFN- Nam News Network)
BAGHDAD, Mac 12 (NNN-NINA) – Iraqi oil tanker“Akkad,” was inaugurated yesterday, at Khor al-Zubair port, in Iraq's southern oil hub of Basra, the oil ministry said in a statement.
“We stand here today at Khor al-Zubair Port, to celebrate the inauguration of the oil tanker, Akkad, following the earlier inauguration of the oil tanker, Sumer,” the statement quoted Iraqi Oil Minister, Hayan Abdul Ghani as saying, during the inauguration ceremony.
In Sept last year, the Iraqi Oil Tankers Company inaugurated Sumer, a Chinese-built oil tanker with a capacity of 31,000 tonnes.
Abdul Ghani said, the Norwegian-built Akkad, measuring 184 metres in length and 32 metres in width, has been designed for transporting petroleum products with a capacity of 32,000 tonnes.
The new oil tanker comes within the oil ministry's plans, to enhance the national carrier's role in transporting crude oil and petroleum products to countries around the world, the minister noted.
He also added that, the ministry was looking for cooperation with international oil tanker companies to implement joint commercial projects for oil transportation.
Iraq's economy relies heavily on crude oil exports, which contribute to more than 90 percent of the country's revenues.– NNN-NINA
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Bowlers open with a win
The Alexandria adapted bowling team got its season going last Thursday with a win over Lake City.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that there is a need to clarify the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for peace and stability between India and China.
Addressing the media along with Chinese President Xi Jingping after holding delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House here, Prime Minister Modi said there is a need to address early the boundary question .
The Prime Minister said that he has requested the Chinese President to resume the stalled process of clarifying the Line of Actual Control.
"I have expressed concern over what has happened on the borders and said that we need to solve the issue," he added.
Prime Minister Modi further said that he also discussed India's concerns relating to China's visa policy and Trans-Border Rivers.
"Early resolution would enhance mutual trust," he added.
Asserting that a peaceful and stable neighbourhood is in everyone's interest, Prime Minister Modi said, "We also had good discussions on regional and international issues."
Prime Minister Modi also thanked the Chinese President on behalf of the people of India for agreeing for a new road to open for Kailash Mansarovar from Nathu La.


Formal Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commits (EFCC),Nuhu Ribadu has blamed most of the country’s challenges on fake news peddled by social media.
Ribadu said this on Sunday in Abuja, while reacting to reports in the social media that he accused some top government functionaries of sponsoring banditry in the country.
The former EFCC boss, who spoke at a news conference, said it was time for him to clear the air on the issue, which he said had been on for some time.
Ribadu said globally, people who were worried and concerned and wanted to fact-check had been getting in touch with him, adding that he had continued to respond to the issue every single day.
Ribadu said he had been inundated by messages from friends and associates who wanted to find out if the tweets on the issue were actually from him.
He, however, said he had made a formal complaint to law enforcement agencies for the records, and possibly for them to go after those responsible for the act.
Ribadu said it was the responsible of the state to take action in such situations.
He, therefore, called on owners of social media to do something to protect innocent people from suffering unjustly because of lies told against them on their platforms.


The Securities and Exchange Commission announced its second double-digit, multimillion-dollar whistleblower award in the past week on Tuesday, saying it is awarding more than $28 million to joint whistleblowers who provided key information and assistance in an SEC enforcement action.
The agency said the joint whistleblowers’ detailed information prompted the initiation of the SEC staff’s investigation and contributed substantially to the action’s success. There were two whistleblowers, according to the SEC order.
The SEC said in its statement that it provided significant analysis and ongoing assistance that resulted in millions of dollars being returned to injured investors.
The SEC said last week that it awarded three whistleblowers a total of $18 million for information and assistance that led to a successful enforcement action.
With its latest announcement, the SEC has awarded more than $101 million since October.


Royal Brunei To Resume London-Dubai Flights
(MENAFN- Bangladesh Monitor)
Royal Brunei will no longer operate nonstop between London and Bandar Seri Begawan.
Effective November 1 Royal Brunei will operate to Bandar via Dubai, as it did until 2018.
It is expected to gain fifth-freedom rights between London-Dubai and vice versa as happened before.
It means that if approved, Royal Brunei will doubtless offer keen fares through the travel trade.
This is good news for economy-minded corporate travellers and the many expats based in the UAE.
Thrice weekly schedules by B787 are:
BI 98 London Heathrow-Dubai 1700-0415 (following day)
BI 98 Dubai-Bandar Seri Begawan 0545-1730
BI 97 Bandar Seri Begawan-Dubai 2025-0110 (following day)
BI 97 Dubai-London Heathrow 0300-0720
Note that flights depart London every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Flights depart Bandar Seri Begawan every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
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(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Qatar Insurance Group (QIC Group) has successfully participated and sponsored Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2021 – the first exhibition of its kind in Qatar to promote both inbound and outbound tourism, which catered specifically to the travel and tourism industry. In line with QIC Group's CSR priorities and initiatives for the tourism sector and continuous efforts to support and strengthen the tourism industry in Qatar, the sponsorship provided a platform and marketplace for a mutual relationship with both local and international businesses.
As a pioneer in the insurance industry, QIC Group showcased the latest innovation, development, technology, coverages, and research accumulation in travel insurance in a unique and innovative exhibition area, which attracted many visitors and tourism personnel who showed great interest in QIC's travel insurance product after in-depth communication with the insurance experts.
On the importance of QIC Group's participation, Ahmed al-Jarboey, chief operating officer QIC, Qatar operations, said:“As the leading insurer in Qatar, we have a longstanding commitment to act as a trusted partner to the Qatari community.”
He added:“QIC's deep understanding of the ever-changing exposures facing the travel and tourism industry and the total risk facing leisure providers allow us to help businesses and individuals manage and stay ahead of a unique spectrum of risks. Our participation in such events immensely contributes to reviving this important sector.”
QIC Group has long demonstrated its eagerness towards supporting activities that showcase Qatar's rich culture and enhance Qatar's exposure.
Founded in 1964, QIC was the first domestic insurance company in the State of Qatar. Today, QIC is the market leader in Qatar and a dominant insurer in the GCC and Mena region with a strategic global presence. It is listed on the Qatar Exchange and has a market capitalisation of over $4bn.
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(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency) Amman, Nov 24 (Petra) -- Jordan and Hungary's foreign ministers Wednesday held a meeting in Amman to discuss regional and international developments, as well as bilateral cooperation.
The meeting figured high on the two countries' keenness to broaden cooperation on economy, investment, tourism, medicine and defence, and as part of the strategic partnership with the EU and NATO.
It highlighted regional developments, not the least of which is the Palestinian conflict, as Ayman Safadi, Jordan's foreign minister, informed his counterpart on the efforts of Jordan, the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the international community to reinvigorate peace talks based on the two-state solution.
Safadi highlighted the importance of pooling efforts to stop measures that would undermine the two-state solution, chief of which is the expansion of illegal settlements across the occupied Palestinian West Bank and the expropriation of lands.
He stressed that the legal status quo in the occupied city of Jerusalem and the city's religious sites must be respected, adding that it is a priority to His Majesty King Abdullah II.
He also highlighted Jordan's role in supporting UNRWA and the outcomes of the International Ministerial Meeting to Support UNRWA that was held in Brussels, Belgium.
On the refugees' issue, Safadi said, in a joint press conference following the meeting, 'The international community must continue providing support for refugees... the refugees' issue is an international issue and cannot be solely the responsibility of host countries.
'We hold high all the support that our partners and friends have offered, especially the European Union, to help us grapple with this burden.'
Safadi raised his concerns over dwindling international support for the refugees which will impact their lives and future. He said, 'We must sound the alarm.'
He said that the meeting had discussed Jordan's contributions to the efforts aimed at bringing a political solution to the Syrian crisis.
For his part, Peter Szijjarto, Hungary's trade and foreign affairs minister, emphasised Budapest's keenness to further strengthen its ties with Jordan on economic, investment, defence and education areas, highlighting the scholarship programmes that Hungarian universities have offered Jordanians.
He also expressed a desire to bolster bilateral cooperation on the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic; in addition, he praised Jordan for its contribution to regional peace and stability and upholding principles of coexistence and moderation.
On the issue of refugees, Szijjarto said that there are new challenges that need to be addressed, adding that the refugees' crisis has its ramifications on central Europe.
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Sarkodie has finally added his voice to the ongoing #FixTheCountry movement that has been trending for some time now.
The movement seeks to pressure the government to make things right in the country after the prices of several commodities went up in the nation.
Several celebrities in the country have already added their voice to the movement while others have decided to remain neutral.
However, popular rapper Sarkodie, who was not expected to speak in favor of the movement, has now added his voice to the campaign.
According to the ‘No Fugazy’ rapper, the people can only fix themselves if the government creates the right environment for that to happen. He further stated that people cannot fix themselves in an area that was not structured to favor their attitudes that have been fixed.


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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: State Police Chief Loknath Behera has instructed the police to take strict action against those who spread rumours on social media about the novel coronavirus outbreak in the state. The DGP said that several pieces of fake news are being posted on various social media networking sites. The action will taken against those who post such news and share and forward the same. The district police chiefs, hi-tech inquiry cell, cyberdome, cyber police stations and cyber cell have been given directions in this regard, Behera said in a statement.
The police will make arrangements to identify and take the passengers who have come to the state from China and other foreign countries to the hospital for medical examination in the wake of the reported cases of virus infection. According to Behera, Janamaitri police have been entrusted with the assignment. The police have also decided to stop using breathalysers temporarily for checking drunken driving during vehicle inspections.


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Variety of opportunities available to seniors
There are lots of things happening for area senior citizens to take part in.
Check out these opportunities:
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Story | Nov 18, 2013 | 7:27 AMRecently, Gov. Bob McDonnell stood on the banks of the Elizabeth River in Chesapeake to announce that Perdue Agribusiness had secured another major soybean export deal to China.


(MENAFN)The China Foreign Exchange Trade System announced that the central parity volume of the Chinese currency renminbi, or the yuan, boosted 340 pips to 6.4602 in contrast to the US dollar on Friday.
The yuan is permitted to increase or decrease by 2 percent from the dominant parity volume every exchange day in China's spot foreign trade market.
A weighted average of values delivered by market makers controls the dominant parity volume of the yuan compared to the US dollar before the inaugural of the interbank market every trade day.
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Microsoft won the contract through an auction process which saw the participation of tech companies, including Magic Leap.
The U.S. Army has awarded Microsoft Corp a $479.2 million contract to supply prototypes for the Army’s augmented reality systems which will help soldiers in training and combat missions.
The U.S. Army has posted the awarded contract on its website.
“Augmented reality technology will provide troops with more and better information to make decisions,” said a spokesperson from Microsoft.
The deal, which was first reported by Bloomberg, went though a bidding process which included key tech companies such as Magic Leap.


Foreign currency deposits in S. Korea drop
Data released by the central bank of South Korea showed that the foreign currency deposits in S. Korea decreased in the earlier month as companies started to sell the greenback on strong U.S. dollar.
Deposit in foreign currencies came in at USD74.87 billion by the end of the earlier month November, a decline of USD3.67 billion since the earlier month, the data showed.
The decline was attributed to companies withdrawing the dollar fund from bank accounts to sell the greenback as the dollar increased against the South Korean currency.
The won/dollar exchange rate came in at 1,181.2 won per dollar as of end-November, rising from 1,163.4 won in the earlier month.
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Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], June 24 (ANI): Kerala on Wednesday reported the highest single-day spike of 152 new COVID-19 positive cases in the state, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference here, he said that 90 per cent of the total new cases are those who returned from outside the state.
"Highest single-day spike of 152 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Kerala today, this is for the sixth consecutive day that Kerala has recorded more than 100 cases per day. There are 3,603 cases in the state of which 1,691 are active cases," Vijayan said.
"Of the 152 new COVID-19 positive cases reported today, 98 have returned from abroad and 46 from other states. Out of the total cases reported in the state, 90 per cent are those who returned from outside the state," he said. (ANI)


Manhattan Bridge Capital, Inc. Announces Payment Of Quarterly Dividend
(MENAFN- GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq)
GREAT NECK, N.Y., Sept. 23, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Manhattan Bridge Capital, Inc. (NASDAQ: LOAN ) announced today that, in accordance with the board approved dividend declared on July 28, 2022, a cash dividend of $0.125 per share will be paid to all shareholders of record on October 11, 2022. The dividend will be paid on October 17, 2022.
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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday directed the state home department to look into the option of directly recruited into the police force those civic volunteers, who have been "consistently performing well", a senior official said.
Banerjee, during the meeting, also expressed concern over the complaints received by her government about the non-receipt of welfare scheme benefits.
"The chief minister has asked the home department to consider the option of appointing top-performing civic volunteers as constables. At present, there are several vacancies in the force for the post of constable," the official said.
The state has received nearly 5.5 lakh complaints from people alleging that they haven't received the benefits of welfare schemes.
Most complaints were received at the grievance cell, and some during a TMC outreach drive, the official added.


ISLAMABAD: Former Senate chairman and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) stalwart Mian Raza Rabbani on Thursday claimed that “meddling” is being carried out ahead of the upcoming general polls.
Speaking during a Senate session, the PPP leader said that he had doubts over the transparency of the upcoming general elections.
He also said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had failed to fulfil its constitutional responsibility to ensure fair, transparent and free elections.
Rabbani also said that the ECP secretary had said that “external forces” were trying to hamper the upcoming polls.
Efforts are underway to postpone the elections, the PPP leader remarked.
Moreover, he also said that the ECP had extended polling time at the request of one party and that had made the election process dubious.


PCPG meeting held at Police Station Rainawari
Srinagar: Continuing its efforts to bring hearts closer, Srinagar police organized a Police Community Partnership Group meeting at Police Station Rainawari. The meeting was chaired by SHO Rainawari Aijaz Ahmad Parray.
A statement issued by police said that respectable citizens of Jogilankar area participated in the meeting. Various issues pertaining to police and civil administration were discussed during the meeting.
The chairing officer while referring to the issues assured the participants that the issues pertaining to police will be solved in shortest possible time while other issues will be taken up with the concerned departments for their early redressal.


KL NEWS NETWORK
After landslides hit Srinagar-Jammu road after which it was closed, authorities have reopened it.
Official sources said that the road has been partially opened and only Yatris have been allowed to move from Jammu to Srinagar today afternoon.
“Those Yatris who were stranded on the road and were on their way to Srinagar have been allowed to proceed,” they said. “Before moving on the road, passengers are advised to consult traffic authorities for confirmation.”


On Wednesday, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the state supports the democratic and delamination of its borders with Armenia.
An official statement released by the ministry highlighted the importance of solving all issues related to borders between both states through negotiations.
It added: "We call on Armenia to adhere to the principles of international law, to refrain from escalating the tensions and to end provocations at the border."
On the other hand, Azerbaijan claimed that there were provocations from the Armenian people towards Azerbaijani villages, saying: "Armenia's continued provocations on the border between the two countries demonstrate that the country deliberately aggravates the situation in the region."
The disputes between both states erupted last year over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The armed conflict was solved by holding a ceasefire between both.


Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila says President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Cabinet sub-committee on the cost of living, which includes Minister Namal Rajapaksa, had approved the fuel price hike.
Speaking to reporters today, Gammanpila also said that Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam did not have the consent of the party to call for his resignation over the fuel price hike.
Gammanpila told reporters today that the decision to increase the price of fuel was taken after extensive discussions.
He also said that a fuel price hike is a matter which comes under the purview of the Minister of Finance.
However, he said that he voluntarily decided to make the announcement on the fuel price hike to protect Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is the Minister of Finance.
SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam had said yesterday that raising fuel prices at a time when the public are already facing difficulties as a result of the coronavirus is unacceptable.
He said that the Energy Minister must take responsibility of the situation and resign.
However, Gammanpila said that based on the latest revelations it is Kariyawasam who must resign. (Colombo Gazette)