(MENAFN) After Hurricane Ian ripped across the western part of the island, Cuba's electrical grid failed, leaving the country of 11 million people without electricity.
Thousands of people were evacuated ahead of the powerful storm, which made landfall in Cuba's Pinar del Rio region early Tuesday, where majority of the tobacco used in cigars is cultivated.
According to Lázaro Guerra, technical director of the Electric Union of Cuba, a malfunction in the national electric system, caused in part by the storm, had impacted the power network.
As per the state media, Guerra stated that crews will work through the night and early Wednesday to restore electricity.
Residents in Cuba lamented "disaster" and shared photographs of flooded streets and downed trees on social media. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the United States estimated Ian's maximum wind speed as 205km/h (127mph) at the time of landfall, with "severe wind and storm surge damage."
According to state media, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel visited the affected area.
Caridad Fernandez, 65, of Consolacion de Sur, 145 kilometers southwest of Havana, reported her roof was severely damaged and water flowed in through her front door.
“Everything we have is damaged,” she asserted. “But we’ll get through this, we’ll just keep moving forwards.”
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The 19th meeting of the High-level Task Force led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishwar Pokhrel decided to suspend domestic flights until April 30 like all international flights reports The Rising Nepal.
Narayan Prasad Bidari, member of the committee and Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers said the committee also decided to evacuate Nepali nationals who have been working in United Nations organizations in Afghanistan.
He said that the government decided to evacuate the Nepali nationals working in UN organisations in Afghanistan under the request of the UN agency reports the paper.
In the media briefing, he said that the government decided to step up the COVID-19 response measures: test, identify and treat.
He said that 15,800 COVID-19 tests were conducted till Tuesday and said that the government would coordinate with the health workers working in the private sectors to conduct mass testing in the affected and risk zones.
Bidari said the meeting also decided to facilitate the import of the medicines and medical equipment and logistics done by the private sectors. He said the Ministry of Health and Population and concerned bodies would give continuity to import the medical goods under the government to government (G2G) process.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already sent a letter to the Chinese agency responsible for supplying medical goods. The process is likely to complete today itself,” said Bidari.


(MENAFN- Pajhwok Afghan News) (Pajhwok): Baku and Kabul will ink five documents of cooperation in different fields, the Afghan ambassador to Azerbaijan said on Monday.
Mohammad Taqi Khalili said President Ashraf Ghani would arrive soon in Azerbaijan to take part in the 7th ministerial conference of "Heart of Asia" -- Istanbul Process (HoA-IP).
Addressing a news conference in Baku, he said foreign ministers of Turkey, Iran, , India and Estonia -- currently holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union would attend the meeting.
The Azeri Press Agency quoted the diplomat as saying presidents of the two countries were expected to sign five documents on further strengthening bilateral relations.
'We are grateful to our Azerbaijani friends for their partnership and strong support,' Khalili said, adding would continue supporting Azerbaijan on Nagorno-Karabakh.
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Islamabad—Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Sunday called on Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Lahore to discuss matters of mutual interest, overall situation in the country and other important issues.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the mature public has proved by its actions that they will not allow anyone to ruin Pakistan’s destiny.
He said that the negative politics of baseless allegations, disruption and lies have been defeated by the politics of transparency, honesty and public service.
The Chief Minister said that former rulers looted the country ruthlessly and filled their pockets instead of spending national resources on providing facilities to the people..
“PML-N government has promoted the trend of transparency and high standard in the projects and set a new example by saving national resources of billions of rupees, which is unprecedented in the history of the country, he added.
Those who neglected the people during their rule are now perturbed over the projects of public welfare, he added.
The Chief Minister said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor is a guarantee to progress and prosperity of the country and under this project, the destiny of the country will be changed with the completion of projects of billions of dollars throughout Pakistan. He said that under CPEC, investment of 36 billion dollars is being made only in energy projects and with the completion of energy projects, there will be light everywhere and darkness will be removed from the country.
He said that trade, economic and social activities will enhance with the execution of infrastructure projects under CPEC.
Speaker National Assembly speaking on the occasion said that the tremendous work of public service carried out by Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif is unprecedented and the present government has promoted a new culture by saving national resources of billions of rupees in development projects transparently.
He said that international institutions are acknowledging improving situation of the country and Pakistan is moving towards the goal of development and prosperity.
The negative politics of chaos and anarchy is poisonous for development of the country and the nation in these circumstances, he added.


CRE8 consolidates its position within Wellhead Control Systems!
We are pleased to let you know that CRE8 won the contract for Wellhead Control Panel to Johan Sverdrup.
The contract has great strategic importance in a challenging market and we are pleased to know that Aker and Statoil appreciated our technical soluations, which we believe will contribute to a cost-effective and flexible product.
We won similar Projects for Martin Linge and Ivar Aasen last year and are confident that the experience and result gained from these projects has been an important contributor to our recent success.
Although the oil and gas market is going through some serious changes, we continue to be optimistic about the future and strongly believe that the industry has a long and viable future and we intend to be part of it!


OIC Condemns Assassination of Tunisian Opposition Politican Brahimi
(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) -Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu , the Secretary General of the Jeddah-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned on Saturday the assassination of prominent Tunisian oppositionist Mohammad Brahimi who was shot dead at his house earlier Thursday,expressing his heartfelt condolences to the deceased's family.
Ihsanoglu also called upon the Tunisian government to arrest the perpetrators of such a terrorist and heinous crime.
He also called upon all Tunisian people to shoulder the responsibility and stand against violence and physical liquidation and place the supreme interest of the homeland above any other considerations , urging them meantime to continue supporting the democratic process in the country.
Earlier today, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also condemned the assassination
of Mohammad Brahimi and called on Tunisian officials to run a thorough investigation into this criminal act, and to take serious measures to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.
The ministry also called on all parties in Tunisia to hold a dialogue in order to bring democracy to their country.
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Israeli bulldozers destroy Palestinian building in Jerusalem
(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency) Ramallah, Aug.15 (Petra)-- The Jerusalem municipality bulldozers early Tuesday demolished a Palestinian two-story building in the center of Al-Issawiya town in the occupied Holly city of Jerusalem, claiming it is built without a permit.
The member of the local follow-up committee in the town, Raed Abu Riala, said in a statement that the building was constructed 10 years ago, pointing out that the demolishing crews and bulldozers were accompanied by a large force of Israeli soldiers.
15/8/2017 - 11:24:37 AM
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A top World Health Organization (WHO) official on Sunday said the number of patients infected by the Ebola virus has risen to 1,825 in four African countries.
Dr. Keiji Fukuda, the assistant director general of health security for the World Health Organization, said on CBS’s “Face the Nation” that approximately 900 people have died in the outbreak, and that number is expected to increase.
“I think that we anticipate that there will continue to be cases,” he said.
“And if we continue to have cases then we will continue to have people dying from this disease. This is a severe infection, so we expect both numbers to increase over the coming weeks.”
Fukuda, however, said “this is definitely an outbreak that can be contained.”


Annual Meeting of Arab Financial Institutions Kicks Off in Jordan
(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency)
Amman, Rajab 24, 1439 H., April 10, 2018, SPA -- The Joint Annual Meeting of the Arab Financial Institutions and Shareholders of the Council started in the Dead Sea Region in Jordan today.
In an opening speech, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Jafar Hassan said that holding the Joint Annual Meeting of the Arab Financial Institutions is essential for consultation, exchange of views and experiences, evaluation of achievements and enhancing the institutionis' role in establishing economic integration and joint Arab action.
Dr. Hassan pointed out to the important role played by Arab financial institutions and funds in financing and supporting economic and social development programs in the Arab world.
Finance and planning ministers from a number of Arab countries and central banks participated in the meeting.
18:08 LOCAL TIME 15:08 GMT
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In a Monday briefing, Gov. Phil Murphy announced new legislation for small business owners.
The meeting was held in Princeton, NJ at Jammin’ Crepes, a sustainable restaurant that uses local, farm fresh ingredients.
Murphy announced that an additional $15 million will be directed to NJ’s small business community. He said that over the past year, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority has approved approximately 55,000 small business applications which translates into $250 million dollars in funding.
“The impact can be seen up and down our streets throughout the thousands of small business that remain open,” Murphy said at the meeting.
Murphy said that the new legislation is simply an addition to what the state is already providing to small business owners.
Tim Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of the NJEDA, was present at the meeting as well. His role is to drive economic growth in the state of NJ.
Sullivan said that the public health crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic has in turn created an economic crisis impacting countless NJ small business owners and their families.
“It’s one that is disproportionately affecting small businesses and disproportionately affecting businesses owned by women and people of color,” Sullivan said at the meeting.
Sullivan said that the allocation for small businesses so far has aided more than 11,000 minority-owned businesses and more than 11,000 women-owned businesses as well.
“That’s a good start, and we have a lot of work to do to continue to focus on the equity dimensions of this,” Sullivan said. “We will continue to do that in the programs that we’re administering under these new bills.”
Sullivan hopes that the economic crisis is coming to an end, but he stressed the importance of this legislation’s process moving swiftly to assist small business owners.
Murphy ended the meeting by signing the legislation on site in Princeton, NJ.


Inaugurating the Karnali Mall constructed in Birendranagar of Surkhet on Thursday, the Chief Minister said that development and prosperity with the government's lone efforts were impossible. "Support from the private sector is inevitable," Shahi expected.
The mall was developed with an investment of Rs 220 million.
He also said that the people have the perception that only road construction is development while asking the people to internalise that commercial projects along with employment creation and increased economic activities.
Shahi also said that the provincial government was committed to creating a favorable environment for investors.


Police responded to reports of shots being fired at a residence on the 14500 block of 83 Avenue around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday. Shortly thereafter, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team was called.
IHIT says the shooting appears to have been targeted.
More information is expected to be released on Monday.
Suggest a correction


The police today denied news reports circulated on social media and on YouTube over imposing an islandwide curfew from today 12 midnight till May 17.
Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has initiated investigation into the false contents of the news items.
He said a panic situation was created among the general public due to the content of such news.
DIG Rohana said that stern action will be taken against the perpetrators.(DSB)


Apologetic attitude of Interior Minister is disappointing: PAT
While reacting to the press conference of the Interior Minister, PAT President Dr Raheeq Ahmad Abbasi has said that the Minister confessed to the nation that 60 defunct organizations are working under changed names. He asked the government to reveal the names of these organizations, and details of their donors and patrons. He said that it is astonishing that the Interior Minister failed to take any action against the banned outfits despite passage of one and half years, adding that now he is beseeching them to stop their terrorist activities, otherwise their cases would be referred to the military courts. He said that apologetic attitude of the Interior Minister is disappointing to say the least. He said that it appears that the government does not have clarity of mind and focus so far as action plan against terrorism is concerned. He said that the press conference of the Minister particularly targeted non-N league governments, adding that it is time to forge national unity but the government is preferring politics to national interest.


(MENAFN) Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has stated that Baghdad was not pleased with the White House Iran strategy under previous U.S. Leader Donald Trump.
“The tensions that existed in the region between Iran and America under former President Donald Trump were reflected in the Iraqi arena, and we were not with Trump's policy and did not support his decisions. Consequently, the tensions between Washington and Tehran during Trump's tenure moved to the Iraqi arena,” Hussein stated.
The Iraqi foreign minister made the comments in a meeting with the Bahraini Al Watan newspaper.
Hussein noted that Iraq’s attempt to regain ties among bordering nations with the aim of ensuring the security of the area, pointing out that overall security in the region reflects positively on the security situation inside his nation.
He also commended the power of Iran-Iraq ties saying, “Our relations with neighboring Iran are strong, and we, in fact, through many times, seek to restore Iranian-[Persian] Gulf relations because this is in the interest of Iraq, because whenever there is security in the region, the collective security in the region reflects positively on the security situation inside Iraq, so we seek to restore relations between neighboring countries,”
Adding, “In this context, the first Baghdad conference was held, and the second version of the Baghdad conference will be held in Jordan.”
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Hyderabad: MLA and Congress leader Komatireddy Venkat Reddy on Wednesday said that he would approach the High Court if the state government goes ahead with its plan to raze down the existing Secretariat blocks to construct new building.
Terming the decision of the state government to construct the new Secretariat building, the Congress leader said that the TRS government was focusing on Vaastu compliance of government building rather than concentrating on welfare of the people.
He alleged that the state government was wasting public money by going for new building unnecessarily.
At a time when farmers, students and poor are suffering due to lack of funds for various sectors the government is planning to spend crores of rupees to build new secretariat which is against the democratic spirit, the Congress MLA remarked. (INN)


Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar, Apr 4: Normal life across Kashmir continued to remain affected due to the lockdown for the 16th straight day on Saturday in wake of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
Police and paramilitary men continued to remain deployed on the roads to enforce the restrictions here. Witnesses said that the security forces had erected concertina wires, thus halting the vehicular as well as pedestrians’ movement.
Many people have so far been booked by the concerned authorities for violating the government’s prohibitory orders. Police officials said that in Srinagar, many shopkeepers were arrested especially from Habba Kadal area after they were found violating the government orders under section 144 CrPc.
Besides, four shops were also sealed by the Tehsildar in Bandipora district of northern Kashmir today after they were found violating the government orders.
Moreover, the situation was similar in Jammu region where strict restrictions remained in place and people preferred to stay indoors throughout the day.
Officials said that a large number of people returning from outside areas were also intercepted by police at check points as well as other teams of government and were sent to quarantine centers.


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Lance Armstrong will reportedly tell all -- to Oprah.
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WASHINGTON For the 8 million people who persevered through all the technical travails in the new health insurance exchanges and managed to sign up for coverage in 2014, their policies will probably automatically renew come November when open enrollment...


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Weston-Super-Mare have announced that the match against Farnborough on Saturday March 30th, will coincide with their Seagulls Community Trust Invitation Day.
This event is to celebrate the clubs commitment to the local community in supporting the development of children both in football and other life skills.
There will be local businesses offering advice and guidance and displaying their work within the life of Weston super Mare.
A charity football match will take place between the veterans and youth team on the practice pitch at approximately 1.30pm.
Other activities will take place on the day at half time on the main pitch.


Situation on Azerbaijani-Armenian border is stable - Azerbaijani president's aide
(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Dec. 2
By Nazrin Israfilova – Trend:
The situation on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border is stable, Aide to the President of Azerbaijan - Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmat Hajiyev said at the Peace4Culture Partners Forum 2021 in Baku, Trend reports.
Will be updated
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This year, I’m thankful for…
Clients who stayed true to their plans.
Clients who tried something new.
Clients who used the recession as a time to plan for the future.
Prospects who took the time to learn what communications really is.
Artists across the state who wanted to learn more about marketing.
Executive Directors who tried blogging for the first time and had fun with it.
I’m also thankful for… (more…)


(MENAFN- GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq)
All amounts in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated
TORONTO, Sept. 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors of Onex Corporation (TSX: ONEX) today declared a third-quarter dividend of C$0.10 per Subordinate Voting Share payable on October 31, 2022 to shareholders of record on October 7, 2022.
For further information:
Vice President, Shareholder Relations and Communications
Tel: +1 416.362.7711
Tags Onex Onex Corporation Third Quarter Dividend
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Criticising the Leader of Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri and Shimla (Rural) MLA Vikramaditya Singh for misleading people on employees’ issues, Himachal Pradesh Forest Minister Rakesh Pathania on Wednesday said it was former Congress governments that were responsible for their present plight.
Talking to the media, Pathania said former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh led Congress government abolished the Old Pension Scheme in 2003 and implemented New Pension Scheme.
Now the Congress leaders as Agnihotri and Singh were claiming to be the well-wishers of government employees and were promising to implement the Old Pension Scheme. ‘But I want to ask Agnihotri, who was a minister then, as to why he didn’t raise objections at that time.
On the other hand, the present BJP government had worked for the welfare of all sections of the society and recently announced financial benefits worth Rs 7,500 crore to them,’ he added.
He stated that Agnihotri and Vikramaditya Singh were now claiming to be the well-wishers of police personnel after they recently raised their demands. But the Congress leaders were forgetting that it was their government in 2015 that implemented new Recruitment and Promotion Rules 2015 for police personnel.
While the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government had constituted a committee to study their grievances and will take corrective measures to resolve these, he said.
He lashed at Mukesh Agnihotri for finding fault with the Covid vaccination campaign in the state and said he, instead of lauding the achievement of the state government and Corona warriors, was criticising the entire campaign.
He further stated that the state government will come up with a new Sports Policy that is aimed at the welfare of the sportspersons of the state and it will soon be implemented after getting approval from the state Cabinet.
He also appealed to the politicians and bureaucrats to let the sportspersons lead the sports associations in the state as it will do more good for the welfare of a sport.


After a thorough investigation on mental health challenge impact on Nigeria, the President of Jars Therapeutic, Prof. Akindotun Merino, has disclosed that the country losses over N57 billion annually to the scourge.
Merino added that currently across the country, atleast one in every four Nigerians have been discovered battling with mental health including trauma, depression and other ailments in the category.
She spoke yesterday at the launch of the Lagos Community mental health/trauma care initiative, which was also attended by the first lady of Lagos, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, stated that the ailments currently prevents victims from been productive in their chosen fields.
The president, meanwhile, appealed that the governments and private individuals should begin to give issues on mental health adequate focus across the country, saying some may appear medically sound but mental sick.
The Don’s stance was corroborated by Sanwo-Olu, stating that the current situation across the country further indicated that one out of four Nigerians was battling with mental health showed that it was expedient to intensify efforts on sensitization and provide care that could help manage the mental health of the citizens.


ISLAMABAD: Secretary-General Jamiat Ulma-e-Islam Fazal (JUI-F) Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Hyderi has said that his party-led Azadi March will enter the country’s capital on October 31 adding that no contact has been made by the government from the rehbar committee.
Addressing a presser in Islamabad the JUI-F leader said that there is no truth in the news regarding backdoor contacts with the government adding that the government didn’t contact the rehbar committee formally.
He claimed that our demands have reached the government and the government has disturbed while he said that “we have been told we are creating law and order situation,”.
The JUI-F leader said that as many as 200 containers have been placed in Islamabad while Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has turned nervous now while he claimed that nine parties together are holding the Azadi March and the whole of the nation is backing.
Ghafoor Hyderi informed that JUI-F Chief will enter Islamabad witha a convoy and the government has not able to stop him .


African leaders told the United Nations General Assembly that their continent has made some progress in reducing poverty and improving development but said there have also been some serious failures.
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe told the assembly Wednesday that for many developing countries "all things have not been equal." He accused powerful countries of not doing enough to help poor countries.
Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo said the international community needs to double aid to Africa if the continent is to meet its U.N. goals on issues such as health, education and development.
In the five years since the U.N. goals were set, Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki said a lot has happened but not evenly. He noted that while the economies of many African countries are growing, and governments are becoming more democratic, millions of people still live in poverty.
Several African leaders, including the presidents of Ghana and Rwanda, called for Africa to be permanently represented on the Security Council, saying the power structure of the council is not equitable.


Pulwama and Shopian, districts of Southern Kashmir will go to polls on 6 May. Amid polls, extremist group Hizbul Mujahideen posters are coming out as a warning to voters to refrain from voting. The posters were circulated on the social networking sites here and were reportedly plastered outside the mosque walls and lamp posts.
Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Riyaz Naikoo, said through the poster that the people who participated in the elections to “support the pro-Indian parties” will face dire consequences.
The posters warned the people from casting the ballot. In one of the warnings, Admonishing those who are supporting the mainstream political parties, Hizbul Mujahideen said that “You have been warned many a time, but there are some who are not showing respect to the blood of our martyrs. The time of advice has passed, now they will have to face death.”
Gun-wielding security force personnel were patrolling on the roads. The army has asked the local elders to ensure that there was no stone pelting in the area on the polling day where at least six people including some activists of Jamat-e-Islami (JeI) have been arrested in the past few months.
The militant outfit has also said that they have got the videos of those who have taken part in the election rallies “and their fate will be known by the general public in a few days.”
The Hizbul Mujahideen also said that they have received information that the army and police will force the “people to cast the vote” and warned the police personnel of dire consequences.
This is how Hizbul threatens public
“We have received information that at the time of elections, police and the army will force you to vote. Those people should be ready for death. You will have to decide whether you will vote to taste the death,” read one of the posters. It also asked the informants of the police and army that they will be taken to task and advised people them to withdraw their children from the Army Goodwill schools.
Valley police started checking the authenticity of the posters. Across Pulwama and Shopian the security personnel was seen patrolling the roads while at many places they also carried out checking of vehicles.
“The army has asked the local elders to assure that the youth won’t pelt stones on the day of polling and should cast the ballot,” said a local resident. Residents said that at least six people including a cleric have been arrested in the last over three months in the village.


Story | Jan 3, 2012 | 7:42 AM
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Story | Jun 21, 2011 | 8:42 AMVintage Hollywood movies were often belittled for taking liberties with history and glazing over the facts in their biographical dramas. But where are the upholders of truth when it comes to the current crop of American films?


From: Paul Lendon, Bexhill Sussex Day champion, Buxton Drive, Bexhill
I feel really sorry for the Bexhill Carnival committee that they had to make the difficult decision to cancel this year’s carnival.
This was particularly disappointing after the weather we have experienced recently.
It was even more frustrating when the next day was fine, allowing the excellent MotoFest to take place, which has also suffered from the weather in previous years.
Looking forward to next year’s Carnival when it will also be Olympic year – now that could be a theme!


President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has instructed his ministers to ensure food availability and stability in the country ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, which will start in mid-March 2023. He conveyed the order during a plenary cabinet meeting at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Monday.
Jokowi said that food security and stability are a priority for the government, especially during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, when the demand and consumption of food increase significantly. He asked the relevant ministries and agencies to be vigilant and ensure that the people can worship peacefully and sincerely.
“In March we will enter the month of Ramadan and in April we will celebrate Eid al-Fitr. I ask all relevant ministries and agencies to be vigilant and ensure that the community can worship in peace and sincerity,” he said, as quoted by ANTARA.
He also asked the ministers to monitor the food stocks and prices in the market, and to take preventive and corrective measures if there are any signs of scarcity or inflation. He said that the government has several programs and policies to maintain food supply and price stability, such as the Cheap Food Movement (GPM), the Food Supply and Price Stabilization (SPHP) program, and the market operation.
Social Protection and Transportation as a Support
In addition to food security and stability, Jokowi also instructed the ministers to accelerate the distribution of all social protection packages, such as the Family Hope Program (PKH), the Staple Food Card, the Pre-Employment Card, and the Direct Cash Assistance (BLT). He said that these programs are aimed to help the low-income and vulnerable groups, especially during the pandemic and the economic downturn.
He also urged the ministers to prepare the infrastructure and transportation modes that will be used by the people for the Eid homecoming exodus. He said that this is an annual activity that requires careful planning and coordination, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that the government will implement strict health protocols and regulations to prevent the spread of the virus during the mass movement.
“I think we always prepare it every year because this is an annual activity. But this year, we still have to pay attention to the COVID-19 situation. We have to be careful and follow the health protocols,” he said.
A Commitment to Serve the People
Jokowi said that the government’s commitment is to serve the people and to ensure their welfare and well-being. He said that the government will work hard and smart to overcome the challenges and problems that the country faces, such as the pandemic, the economic recovery, the food security, and the social protection.
He also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the ministers and the officials for their dedication and performance. He said that he hopes that the government can continue to work together and cooperate with each other, as well as with the regional governments, the private sector, and the civil society, to achieve the national goals and vision.


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New Delhi: India remains committed to supporting infrastructure development in Rwanda, President Pranab Mukherjee said.
Welcoming the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, Mukherjee said India appreciates the important role of Rwanda in maintaining peace and security in Central Africa and Horn of Africa.
"The two countries have a commonalty of views on many issues," he said. Kagame has called on Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan here on Wednesday.
The President expressed happiness that the hydroelectric project supported by India will be soon commissioned. Mukherjee pointed out that India has supported the expansion of cultivable land in Rwanda.
"He said India remains committed to supporting infrastructure development in Rwanda," a Rashtrapati Bhavan quoted the President as saying.
Mukherjee said he is sure that participation of Rwandan President in the India Economic Summit will enrich its deliberations.
The Rwandan President warmly reciprocated Mukherjee's sentiments and recalled the long history of friendship between India and Rwanda.
He appreciated India's positive contribution to Africa. Kagame expressed gratefulness for the contribution of India in the development of Rwanda, particularly in the field of agriculture and energy, it said.
Kagame said the Government of Rwanda is keen to enhance relations with India by deepening and broadening bilateral cooperation.
Rwanda also shares India's views on many global issues, including the need to reform the UN and other international organisations to reflect current global realities, the release said.


The supreme leader of North Korea 's totalitarian regime Kim Jong Un intensified the crackdown on the capitalist 'Western fashion'. It includes tight jeans, piercing, and dyed hair.
As per Radio Free Asia, the country's Socialist Patriot Youth League is now directing its authoritarian efforts toward women in their 20s and 30s.
People who are caught wearing such clothes must wait on the side of the road. They have to wait until the youth patrol completes its area search for more violaters.
The offenders will then be taken to the Youth office to confess the crime in writing. They will only be able to go once someone brings them appropriate attire.
RFA's unnamed source said that the increased battles against Western trends were announced during the last month's nationwide educational session. During the session, the Youth officials announced that dressing and hairstyling like Western people is a breach of North Korea's socialist practices.
Kim Jong Un , over a year ago slammed the foreign fashion calling it 'dangerous poison'. This speech led to North Korea first announcing the ban on mentioned capitalist fashion.
Since then North Korea's Socialist Patriot Youth League has also amplified its efforts to single out people wearing styles that imitate the capitalist flair. And if anyone is caught violating these rules their employers will be notified.
Patrols in the city of Chongjin are targeting hangout sites for young people like local marketplaces, according to another RFA anonymous source.
Another source said that government-controlled loudspeakers announced – people violating rules will be subject to criticism. And in severe cases, their names, workplaces, and home addresses will be made public too.
Capitalist fashion North Korea
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(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Davos SWITERZLAND, Jan 25 (KUNA) -- US President Donald Trump's agenda is putting billionaires first rather than 'America First' and the same will be on display at the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit, according to international rights group (Oxfam).
"President Trump's agenda is not putting America First, it is putting billionaires first," Oxfam International Director Winnie Byanyima said in a statement Thursday.
Trump was elected on a promise to fix the rigged economic and political system but his policies will further enrich corporations and the wealthy elite at the expense of the poorest in society," Byanyima added.
Meanwhile, Byanyima said governments around the globe are fuelling the inequality crisis by slashing taxes for corporations and the super-rich, scrapping labour rights and cutting funding for essential public services.
"People are ready for change.
They want to see workers paid a living wage, they want corporations and the super-rich to pay more tax, they want women workers to enjoy the same rights as men, and they want governments run for the benefit of ordinary people, not billionaires," Byanyima added.
Trump would be the first US President to attend the WEF meet in nearly two decades and is scheduled to address the summit next Friday.
Oxfam is an international confederation of 20 ngos working with partners in over 90 countries to end the injustices that cause poverty. (end) ta.mb
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Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal, The Chief Minister Kamal Nath has said that the police officers can help the deprived get justice. A good police officer is also a justice giver. The Chief Minister said that the new government is committed to keeping the morale of the police high and maximising facilities.
He said that in democracy the concept of freedom, equality can be practiced with limitation and the concept of justice can be practiced without limit. It is not necessary that justice is always delivered through courts.
Justice can also be delivered by right thinking authorities. The Chief Minister was addressing a high level joint meeting of Inspector General, Deputy Inspectors General and Superintendents of Police at the police headquarters here today.
The Chief Minister said that the safety of the poorest and deprived sections should be ensured through law and order. He said that the dignity of the institution of the police should stand protected and stainless along with other institutions as they draw their strength from the Constitution.
Adopt new work culture
The Chief Minister asked the police officers to be familiar with the new work culture of the new government. He said that the law and order is the government’s top priority. He said that police officer is the face of law and order. People look forward to police officers for safety and security. Their the expectations must be responded sensitively.
The Chief Minister said that the poor sections yearn for justice. The police force should work in the interest of the weaker sections. The police must be aware that the people look forward to them for justice.
He said that the police administration also represents Unity in Diversity as police officers from different castes, communities and religions work together under the umbrage of law.


(MENAFN- AzerNews) By Trend
Azerbaijani State Oil Company SOCAR has launched production of nanoparticles, Trend reports referring to the company.
The equipment necessary for the production of nanoparticles was developed in partnership with the Russian company "Rostovye tekhnologii" (Rostov technologies).
The technological process takes place without the use of harmful chemicals and with minimal use of inert gas.
The produced nanoparticles will be used to make nanosystems that will help improve the efficiency of drilling, mining and other industrial processes.
SOCAR's First Vice President Khoshbakht Yusifzade, whose words are quoted in the message, has noted that the production of nanoparticles will allow the company to reduce costs and dependence on imports.
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Arab Parliament condemns terrorist attack on Iraqi city of Sadr
(MENAFN - Saudi Press Agency)
Cairo, July 20, 2021, SPA -- The Arab Parliament condemned the terrorist attack that targeted a market in Sadr City, a neighborhood of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, killing and injuring a number of innocent civilians.
In a statement yesterday, the Arab Parliament expressed its solidarity and full support for Iraq's leadership, government and people, in its war on terrorism and terrorist groups. It expressed support for all measures it takes to confront these subversive terrorist groups, affirming its firm and supportive stance for the security and stability of Iraq and the safety of its citizens and territorial integrity.
03:38 LOCAL TIME 00:38 GMT
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Jordan's public debt rises to 96 percent of GDP
(MENAFN Jordan has seen a surge in its public debt in April, reaching 96 percent of the GDP, Jordanian data unveiled.
It comes while new government is ahead of popular pressure that aims for it to limit financial austerity policies.
The total public debt has stood at USD39 billion in April, posting a slight rise from last year, 95.3 percent of the GDP, the Jordanian finance ministry said.
The public debt was at 60 percent of the GDP during 2008, increasing gradually during the past years.
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Turkish exports post annual increase
(MENAFN)According to Turkey’s trade minister, the country stated an annual increase of 10 percent, and exports strike the greatest high last month number of USD16.4 billion.
During a news conference in the capital Ankara, quoting initial numbers, Mehmet Mus declared that the yearly rolling export number in July topped USD200 billion for first time in the country’s history and stood at USD201.5 billion.
Mus also added that Turkey’s imports rose 17 percent to USD20.7 billion in July.
Moreover, exports summed USD121.4 billion in the first seven months, to increase 35 percent from the same mentioned months of 2020.
The minister also said "If we compare the seven-month figure with the pre-pandemic period (January-July 2019), this also posted a 16.4 percent increase."
The country’s imports rose 26 percent on a yearly basis to USD146.8 billion in the same mentioned period of 2021.
According to the minister, the exports/imports coverage percentage jumped 5.6 percentage points to 82.7 percent in the January-July period.
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Besides, cases were also registered against 200 unidentified Assam Police personnel
Aizawl: Criminal cases have been filed against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, four senior officers of the state police and two more officials over the violent clash that took place on the outskirts of Vairengte town in Mizoram's Kolasib district, police said on Friday.
They have been booked under various charges, including attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy, Mizoram Inspector General of Police (Headquarter) John Neihlaia told PTI.
The FIR was lodged by the state police at the Vairengte police station late Monday after a gun fight between the Mizoram and the Assam police forces near the border town, he said.
The four senior Assam Police officers named in the FIR are Inspector General of Police (IGP) Anurag Aggarwal, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Cachar Devojyoti Mukherjee, Cachar Superintendent of Police Cahndrakant Nimbalkar, and officer in-charge of Dholai police station, Sahab Uddin, Neihlaia said.
Cachar Deputy Commissioner Keerthi Jalli and Cachar Divisional Forest Officer Sunnydeo Chaudhary have also been booked under the same charges, he said.
Besides, cases were also registered against 200 unidentified Assam Police personnel, Neihlaia said.
The four police officers and the two administrative officials have been summoned for questioning on Sunday, he added.


(MENAFN- Colombo Gazette)
Sri Lanka is in talks with China to establish a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) power plant in the south of the country.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told participants at an event today that discussions are underway with China to have an LNG plant in Hambantota, the Asia Pacific Daily (APD) news reported.
China has already heavily invested in Hambantota through a port an international airport and a proposed economic zone.
The Prime Minister said that steps have already been taken to have two LNG plants in the country with the assistance of India and Japan.
He said the third LNG power plant is likely to have Chinese involvement while tenders have also been called for a fourth LNG plant.
'If all this is successful we will have four LNG power plants established at the same time,' he said at the opening of the Facets 2017 gem and jewellery show.
Sri Lanka has been suffering from power cuts in recent times as it depends heavily on hydropower and coal power. (Colombo Gazette)
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(MENAFN- Gulf Times)
Shadin Sharief Abdelaziz Elshahier, a Class IX student of MES Indian School bagged the first prize in the spooky story writing category of the 4th annual Arabic Short Story Contest organised by the QFI Arabic Honor Society (AHS).
The competition was conducted for Arabic language students of US, Canada, the UK, Germany and Qatar. AHS aims to foster the study of Arabic at the high school level. School principal Hameeda Kadar has congratulated the winner and appreciated the Department of Arabic & Islamic Studies for its initiative in encouraging students to participate in international competitions.
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The Jamaat-e-Islami’s Karachi chapter has served a legal notice on the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) government in Sindh over alleged massive corruption, misappropriation and substandard development under way in the city.JI Karachi chief Engr Hafiz Naeemur Rehman disclosed this on Monday during a press conference at Idara Noor-e-Haq, the headquarters of the party in the city. Rehman said that through the legal notice, the JI has demanded that in view of the constitution’s Article 19-A (‘Right to information’), the provincial government publicise the details of all the development works that have taken place or have been planned since 2019.Referring to the Article, he said the people have the right to know what they want.
He added that the JI has asked the government to reveal all the details, including the cost, the starting and culmination dates, the contractors as well as the other departments involved.
He also said that the legal notice mentions that a large number of recently completed patchworks and other works have already been damaged or destroyed without any apparent reason, indicating that massive corruption and misappropriation is involved in the substandard works.Rehman said the JI will act according to the aspirations of the people of Karachi and will sue the relevant departments if the provincial government fails to reveal the information sought from it.
He said that the tone of the Sindh government’s development budget during the past decade and a half clocked in at Rs5 trillion, but on the ground the PPP’s administration did nothing for the development and progress of the province.
He added that the government of the PPP, in collaboration with its friendly opposition party, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, has ruined Karachi during the past 14 years. He pointed out that the two parties are still on the same page against Karachi and its people, and that both parties have also joined hands against holding local government elections in the city.
The JI leader said the LG polls have been postponed thrice in the city. He said that the PPP’s design to further delay the elections will not work any more.
He demanded that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) fulfil its constitutional obligation and immediately announce the final date for the polls in the light of the court’s recent ruling. He also demanded that the ECP dislodge the illegal political administrator in the city ahead of the LG elections.On the issue of the Islamia College, he said Saeed Qureshi was the founder of the institute. He added that the black sheep in his family forged some documents for monetary benefits, while the rest of his family members want to maintain the status of the college according to Qureshi’s aspirations.
He lamented that the Sindh government did not defend the college in court against the fake documents. He announced the JI’s support for the college and its students against the conspiracy to replace the institute with a commercial project.
He also lambasted the provincial government of the PPP for depriving the residents of Mujahid Colony of their homes without first providing them with alternative accommodation and compensation.


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BERRYVILLE — You can’t solve a problem if you don’t know it exists.
On that premise, the Piedmont Environmental Council is inviting local residents to learn how to detect water pollution in local…
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PM thanks all parties for consensus on 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill
ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Prime Minister Imran Khan has thanked all parties for developing consensus on the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill on Monday.
Addressing the National Assembly on Monday, he said that the nation stands by the tribal people whose voice would be heard everywhere.
“All the provinces will give three percent of their NFC Award to tribal districts,” he said.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the enemy was using the sense of deprivation as a tool in some areas. “We will have to support the FATA financially to deal with devastations in the FATA. We are united to bring the tribal people in the national mainstream,” he said.
He said that they should also strive to raise the areas lagging behind in progress. “A huge amount is needed to launch development projects,” he said.
The opposition members also said the day was historic as the FATA was being merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They also expressed the resolve to jointly work for the rehabilitation of the affected areas.


Heritage Festival, LCM Rendezvous in Perham
This year marks the 39th year the East Otter Tail Historical Society has hosted a festival on the Pioneer Grounds in Perham, and the 30th year that the Lake Country Mountaineers have held their Rendezvous.
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EMU Dialogues With World, World Wins
It was rather sad to see recently that the Eastern Mennonite University’s board had capitulated to the culture on the matter of their hiring policy. That’s right, they folded.
They listened to…
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In 2020 a new information initiative was launched concerning career switching. At one time or another, the vast majority of professionals have thought about switching jobs and/or industry, and the uncertainty caused by the pandemic has also led more people to consider continuing their education.
The initiative sought to spread information about career switching in concrete terms, and to provide information about the various ways available for people who had to switch careers, or were considering doing so. The focus was on opportunities linked to vocational training.
During the year, many articles were published in which people who have switched careers talked about their experiences and the benefits of career switching. The initiative was also spread widely through social media.


THE new Ambassador of Japan to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Mr Shigeru Toyama has made a courtesy call to Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela yesterday morning at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
In his statement to the Prime Minister, Toyama took the opportunity to express his ‘deepest gratitude’ for the strong support that the Solomon Islands has towards Japan.
Toyama also stated that it is a pleasure to see work on the Kukum Highway Project being underway and also stating his anticipation to see its completion by the end of the year.
The Japanese Ambassador further expressed the commitment of Japan to support further promotion in the field of fisheries and other fields such as culture, sports and tourism.
In response, Hou conveyed his thank you to the Ambassador for the visit.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged Japan as one of the most important partners to the Solomon Islands.
“Japanese assistance has come a long way and I’m thankful to the Government and people of Japan for their long standing partnership that is shared between Japan and Solomon Islands,” Hou said.
The Prime Minister further acknowledged that the relationship between Japan and Solomon Islands is important especially in the economy and trade sector and further mentioned that people-to-people interaction is also important that both countries should share.
Hou also talked about tourism as an important area that can provide for the people to people interaction and mentioned his support for investors to invest in tourism.
“We want to give as much as we can to show our appreciation to our partners,” he said.
The Prime Minister was also given a brief outline about the upcoming 8th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM8) which will be held next month in Japan.


Congress leader Deepender Hooda exuded confidence that his party would come to power on its own in four states—Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa.
The Congress leader, on Tuesday, said people of five states have voted against the arrogance of the Central government, in the recently concluded assembly elections.
Hooda said he is confident that there will be a change in Uttar Pradesh, and the Congress will have a significant role to play in the state after the election results are announced on Thursday.
Exit polls have predicted that the Aam Aadmi Party may come to power in Punjab while ruling Congress will come second.
According several exit polls, the BJP is expected to retain power in Uttarakhand. The saffron party is also likely to emerge as the single-largest party in Manipur.
Most exit polls suggested that the BJP will have a convincing victory in Uttar Pradesh polls, although the party is expected to perform poorer than the previous assembly polls, in which it had registered a landslide victory.


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NEW YORK (CNN/WKRN) — While the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to rise, so does the number of people who have recovered.
As of Thursday, more than 330,000 recoveries were reported worldwide, according to data from Johns Hopkins University’s Coronavirus Resource Center.
Health officials have said the number of recoveries is likely “far higher” considering there are people with the virus who have not been tested and diagnosed.
China has reported more than 77,000 people have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins, followed by Spain with more than 48,000. Germany reports more than 46,000 recoveries and Iran has more than 29,000.
In the United States, an estimated 24,125 people have recovered from COVID-19, according to the data from Johns Hopkins University. There are currently more than 432,438 confirmed cases of the virus in the country and about 14,800 deaths.


Spain rejects implementation of IMF's recent austerity proposals
(MENAFN) Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, stated that his government will not execute the latest proposals made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as they are not obligatory, reported AP.
The IMF suggested in its latest report that the Spanish government must further slash salaries of public workers, raise value-added tax (VAT) which is a type of sales tax, and reduce a recently re-introduced deduction on mortgage payments for first-time homebuyers.
Rajoy said that he will not implement the IMF's suggestions for the time being, because the country's economy is entering a double-dip recession.
However, the IMF document noted that Spain must execute reforms and implement austerity measures to lessen its deficit, which reached 8.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), much higher than the 3 percent maximum rate set by the EU.
It is worth noting that Spain asked for a USD125 billion bailout loan for its banking sector from its European partners.
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(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Published: Wed 7 Jun 2023, 2:57 PM
Last updated: Wed 7 Jun 2023, 10:35 PM
Authorities in the UAE have rescued a person who sustained injuries after a fire broke out on a ship. The injured was rescued in a helicopter and transferred to the Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City.
A video shared by the National Search and Rescue Centre of the National Guard showed three vessels dousing flames on the Panama-flagged ship.
Watch the video here:
The rescue centre said it carried out the medical evacuation after the fire broke out on the ship in UAE waters.
dh1,000 fine in uae: residents warned against crowding near fire, accident sites
uae: 2 dead, 3 injured in fuel tank explosion in ajman
uae: fire breaks out in abu dhabi warehouse, brought under control
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Since Lacey and Larkin first began the Frontera Fund, they have worked hard to make sure that they are doing things to make the lives of immigrants better. They are focused on the civil rights issues that affect immigrants and they want to make sure that they are doing everything that they can to show people what they are missing out on in different areas. They are committed to civil rights and know the right way to help people so that they will be able to have better lives no matter what is going on in the situations that they are in.
Larkin and Lacey know the right way to try things and they also know that they have to make things better on their own. They are committed to the way that things will get better and to how they can help fight civil rights violations in different areas.
While Jim Larkin and Michael Lacey know that they are able to provide help, they often worry about the people who are unable to get the help that they need. This is something that can make things better and something that will be able to try new things for the people who are in the situations.
There have been different ways that they can try things and there have been opportunities that people need to make things better on their own. Since Jim and Michael first started the organization, they have grown in many ways.
There has been a lot of changes in civil rights. People have lost civil rights and new civil rights have been added but that doesn’t always mean that they are going to work out for people who are in different situations. Jim Larkin and Michael Lacey knew this and wanted to make sure that they were doing things the right way for the people who they were willing to help.
There have been major differences in the way that things are done and the way that people can enjoy their lives depending on the things that they can do so Jim Larkin and Michael Lacey know that they will make a difference.
The organization was founded after Jim Larkin and Michael Lacey had to deal with their own civil rights case. They made sure that they were doing everything that they could to help other people and that others would not have to go through the same issues that they did.
They were doing everything that they could to show people the differences in their lives and the options that they had. Frontera was formed so that they could try new things and have a more positive experience in their own different lives.


20 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Latah County Thursday.
This brings total cases to 2,242 since the start of the pandemic.
2,016 people who tested positive for Coronavirus have since recovered and there have been six COVID-related deaths, according to the health district.
Pullman Radio News incorrectly published 117 new COVID cases Thursday. That is incorrect and the previous story has been deleted.


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ISLAMABAD, Aug 27 (APP): Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal Saturday said the government’s whole machinery was working day and night in rescue and relief activities in the flood hit areas across the country.
Addressing a news conference here, the minister said Pakistan was facing the challenge of unprecedented climate change which played havoc in Pakistan and other parts of South Asia.
He said Pakistan also faced the devastating flood in 20110 but recent floods have more destructive impact than the earlier one.
The bridges, he said that were built by keeping in view the 2010 floods have also been washed away. So far more than 1000 people have died due to floods and torrential rains.
Ahsan Iqbal said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced Rs 100 billion for the 3 million flood affected families and the process of disbursing Rs 2500 to each family had already begun.
He said the friendly countries were also contributing tents and other relief goods for the affected people.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the provincial governments were also working round the clock for the relief of the flood affected people.
He said it was not the right time to play politics, and everybody should concentrate on supporting the relief measures.
He also called upon the people to contribute in the PM relief fund. The people, he said can also send financial support directly to the accounts of Pakistan Armed forces.
He said the federal government was committed to help the affected provinces standing on their feet after the devastation caused by the recent floods.
He said it was a matter of disappointment that some people were still playing politics over natural calamity.
He said the big reason behind the devastation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was construction of hotels near the rivers and water ways.
“This is the time that the whole nation should get united to support the affected people”, he added.


(MENAFN- Nam News Network)
DAMASCUS, Mac 4 (NNN-SANA) – A passenger bus travelling from Lebanon to Syria, overturned in Syria's central province of Hama, yesterday, leaving six people dead and dozens others injured, local media reported.
The incident occurred near the Maarin Al-Jabal village intersection, south of Hama, said local Sham FM radio.
The bus overturned on the busy highway, while transporting the passengers from Lebanon to Syria's northern Aleppo province.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.– NNN-SANA
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PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government said that the federal government has released just 10% i.e. Rs5.5 billion of the allocated development funds to tribal districts.
The central government had allocated Rs55bn for the current financial year but so far 10% fund has been transferred while the KP government has spent Rs8bn on different development projects in tribal districts.
The KP government officials said that it was expected that the center will transfer atleast Rs25bn to the tribal belt, but according to the finance department of the province, only Rs5bn were released as the first tranche, while Rs 500 million in the second tranche. On the other hand, despite weak financial position the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has spent Rs8bn in the tribal districts.
The provincial government sources stated that all development projects in tribal districts are stopped due to of lack of funds as the provincial government is spending its resources on payment of salaries. Because of delay in fund release by the federal government, development projects across KP has affected. But, Minister of Finance, Taimur Salim Jhagra, has said there is no reality in the opposition’s allegations of bankruptcy.
Jhagra informed the KP government has reduced expenditures due to non-transfer of funds from the federal government, which is also affecting the payment of salaries as the province is facing financial difficulties. Jhagra has said that KP is facing enormous financial challenges but “reports of default are mere speculations”.
The employees of various institutions in the province have staged protests gatherings against non-payment and delay of salaries during the last few months. But the finance minister said that only projects employees have not been salaries as work on projects is stopped since the center has stopped the province’s funds.


Knudtson family to lead worship at West Moe
The Knudtson family of Swanville will perform and lead worship on Sunday, September 29 at 9 a.m. at West Moe Church in Brandon.
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Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has announced that South Africa has recorded it’s first COVID-19 related deaths.
In a statement released on Friday morning, he said: “These two deaths occurred in the Western Cape. One at a private hospital and the other at a public hospital.”
Mkhize said more details surrounding the deaths would be released later in the day.
“We will give more details later on, when we announce the latest confirmed COVID-19 cases, which have increased from yesterday’s number and have tipped the 1000 mark.”
He said the number has increased from Thursday’s 927 cases and there are now more than 1,000 cases.


(MENAFN- KNN India)
Budget 2023: USAIC demands R&D policy for Indian pharma sector
New Delhi, Jan 30 (KNN)
Boston based USA-India Chamber of Commerce (USAIC) in it's pre-budget recommendations has demanded for a research and development policy for the Indian pharmaceutical sector.
“It is time that the government of India comes out with a research and development policy for the pharmaceutical sector,” Karun Rishi, president of USAIC told PTI.
Rishi further added that in the BioPharma sector, the budget should aim to move up the value chain driven by research and development.
“For national security and stabilising the global supply chain, the budget should incentivise R&D and manufacturing, especially enhancing API (active pharma ingredients) manufacturing in India,” he added.
Talking about the country's potential to become a R&D hub of the World, he said that the government should focus on growth strategies, increasing public expenditure on healthcare, capacity building, skills development and employment creation.
“Though challenging, the finance minister should stick to the fiscal deficit target. During COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian government gave the economy a much-needed capital expenditure push and doled out subsidies. This led to a rise in the fiscal deficit,” Rishi said.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget for the financial year 2023-24 on February 1.
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Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in a press conference has revealed that “only an act of God” can stop the conduct of the rescheduled Presidential and National Assembly election slated for this Saturday.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stated this in Abuja while addressing a cross-section of the diplomatic community and international election monitoring groups in Nigeria, for the 2019 General Election.
The briefing, which was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with INEC, is aimed at engaging with friends and partners of Nigeria on the rescheduled election.
Yakubu, who was represented by an INEC National Commissioner, Dr Mustapha Lecky, said that the commission had put in place everything possible to ensure the elections hold on Saturday.
The INEC boss said that the commission had no reason to feel that anything would stop the conduct of the election on Feb 23.
He said the commission has developed a six-point agenda of what needed to be done to ensure success of the election
He also said that the commission has completed the deployment of materials.
“We believe that as a prayerful nation the act of God has been assuaged and that things will go right, we have no reason to feel that anything will go wrong.
“We have received all the materials, they have been checked, audited people have been informed, party agents have gone there to check,” he said.
The official said that INEC had already taken responsibility for the postponement and that the body was committed to surpass achievement of previous elections in the country.


The V International Animation Festival (ANIMAFILM), held under
the motto of 'One ticket - one tree', has successfully ended,
This year, 'Climate Change' was the theme of the festival, which
featured 121 animated films for children and adults from 29
countries. Before the start of the festival it was announced that
the proceeds from ticket sales were donated to the Karabakh Revival
Fund to support activities to eliminate environmental damage in the
liberated territories of Azerbaijan, restore the ecological balance
and improve the environment.
A total of 412 trees will be planted in Karabakh on behalf of
the Azerbaijan Animation Association.
The Karabakh Revival Fund thanked the leadership of the
association and 'PERI FILM' company, which organized the ANIMAFILM
festival, as well as the whole team for this step.
The Karabakh Revival Fund has invited everyone to provide
support in eliminating environmental damage in the liberated
territories, and organizing work to restore the ecological
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Government is set to give five million shillings each to the families of people who died in the Mbale floods. As of Tuesday, a total of 26 bodies were counted.
Ahamada Washaki, the Mbale Resident City Commissioner said President Museveni has directed the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja to immediately give shillings five million the the affected families.
The money is meant to support the families and facilitate burial arrangements of those who died during the incident.
“We have received information that President Museveni has directed Prime Minister Hon. Robinah Nabbanja to give Ugx 5m to each of the families that lost their people in floods and bodies have been recovered, to help in burial arrangements,” He said.
RCC Ahamada maintained government commitment to deliver food relief to the affected residents who have been severely affected.
Following the floods that hit Mbale City over the weekend about 5,000 families were displaced and over 80 households were damaged after rivers Namatala, Nabuyonga, Nashibiso and Nambale filled to capacity and burst their banks.


(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency) Riyadh, September 28, 2022, SPA -- Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen Dr. Rashad Muhammad Al-Alimi received at his residence, during his private visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Defense.
The Minister of Defense conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister, to the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen and the members of the Council, and their wishes of security, stability and peace to the Republic of Yemen and its people. In turn, the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen extended his greetings to the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
During the meeting, they reviewed the efforts aiming at achieving security, stability and peace in Yemen, and discussed the latest developments in the Yemeni arena and the efforts exerted towards them. They also reviewed the humanitarian and development relief works provided to the brotherly Yemeni people.
The Minister of Defense affirmed the support of the coalition led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen, and its support for the positive initiatives of the Council with the international community to bring security, peace and stability to Yemen, and to end the Yemeni crisis in order to reach a comprehensive political solution that will move Yemen to peace and development.
The Minister of Defense noted the deep brotherly ties that bind the governments and peoples of the two countries.
19:29 LOCAL TIME 16:29 GMT
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ISLAMABAD Aug 4,2021 – The federal government has decided to mobilize Rangers, ANF, FIA and Customs in Sindh to ‘provide relief to the people of Sindh’.
Sources said that it was decided to mobilize four federal forces – Rangers, ANF, FIA and Customs in Sindh.
An important meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Imran Khan, in which the federal government has decided to take steps to provide relief to the people of Sindh.
Sources said that rangers will take action against bandits, extortionists and criminal elements, a leading media outlet reported.
It was agreed at the meeting that operations would be carried out at specific locations in Sindh against the dacoits.
Sources said that the meeting has decided that peace and security will be ensured across Sindh.


"A flood emergency status is now declared in West Aceh District, so we are in dire need of support from the Aceh provincial government and central government," Ramli remarked while visiting flood victims in West Woyla on Sunday.
On the occasion, he explained that the floods that often hit the area hindered community activities and had an impact on the local community`s property, including livestock.
The West Aceh district head noted that the sub-districts of West Woyla, East Woyla, Woyla, Samatiga, Kaway XVI, Meureubo, and Johan Pahlawan are highly prone to the flood disaster.
He pointed out that the floods had also paralyzed some transportation between sub-districts in the region due to the water levels reaching between 50 centimeters and two meters.
He said the floods that had continued to hit West Aceh District since October 2018 had also affected the local Social Service warehouse`s relief supplies that were running low.
Hence, the West Aceh district head urged the Aceh provincial government and central government to take prompt steps to handle the impacts of the floods that often hit the local area.
Reporting by M Ifdhal, Otniel Tamindael
Editing by Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2018


National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) commissioner Geoffrey Chada says the commission would look into the issue of the Gukurahundi genocide next year during public hearings.
Chada said this on Tuesday during an NPRC capacity-building workshop in Harare which discussed the commission’s activities to be rolled out next year, including the public hearings.
He, however, said the commission was facing challenges in that there was lack of dialogue between the NPRC and citizens, adding that people also did not understand its role.
Chada said lack of knowledge on the terms of reference of the NPRC, had hindered progress because people were not presenting complaints to the commission.
“Issues like Gukurahundi are actually things that we expect to be raised during our public hearings, however, Gukurahundi is not the only crisis that the commission is going to be dealing with next year,” Chada said.
“There are a lot of crisis situations in the country like the issue of resettling of the people in Chiyadzwa and other areas like Chimanimani that have been affected by natural disasters. All these issues of need to be well addressed in order to foster national healing”, he said.
Chada said the NPRC was in the process of identifying issues of paramount importance that affected people, including those of electoral violence.
“People are also allowed to come before the NPRC and ask whether the reports on the 2018 electoral violence were properly implemented so that they put forward their complaints before the commission.
“There is nothing that we will leave behind in dealing with the issues.
“We are not going to be challenged by anyone, we will work in accordance with the NPRC Act which empowers us to deal with issues of peace and reconciliation,” he said.
Chada said there were a lot of sensitive things that would be exposed next year when the NPRC public hearings began, adding that some of the issues would be new to the media and the people of Zimbabwe.


Both students are being probed by the special cell of the Delhi police on sedition charges after they had allegedly organised a pro Afzal Guru event in which anti national slogans were raised.
A Delhi court which heard the application by the police extended custody by another day.
The Delhi police told the court that they needed them in custody as the investigations were still on. The police said that they are in the process of identifying more persons alleged to be involved in the event and hence needed more time to interrogate the duo.
On Saturday, the court had granted the police two days custody of Khalid and Bhattacharya. The Delhi police had sought for seven days custody, but that was not granted by the court.
Both Bhattacharya and Khalid are being questioned in connection with the February 9th event held at the JNU. The event held to celebrate the martyrdom of Afzal Guru also witnessed anti-Indian slogans being raised.
While the police arrested JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar, they had issue a look out notice against Khalid and Bhattacharya.
However, the duo surrendered before the police last week.
The police say that they have admitted to organising the event but denied the anti India sloganeering. The police are also on the look out for 20 more persons who are believed to have been part of the crowd which raised the anti India slogans.


Boris Johnson reshapes his company advisory council
(MENAFN) Following a public outcry over his highly panned talk at the CBI's yearly meeting, Downing Street has begun working on reorganizing Boris Johnson's company consultants.
Sky News has learned that participants of the Build Back Better Council (BBBC) were consulted by officials at Number 10 in previous weeks to notify them that their participation in 2022 are unnecessary.
The group, which began meeting in January, included executives from companies such as Balfour Beatty, BP, British Airways, BT Group, GlaxoSmithKline, HSBC Holdings, and ITV.
Its members were selected for a 12-month period, but it is now stated that Downing Street is seeking a second board of names to be ordained to the committee in 2022.
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Charity Katanga, Deputy Inspector General of Police, has advised political actors not to challenge the police by breaching Covid-19 procedures, and that Zambia Police would not allow being dared by political parties that seek to disobey health officials by organizing political gatherings.
The Deputy Inspector General was speaking in Kawambwa Constituency, where she was to examine the security situation in the aftermath of small pockets of violence that occurred immediately after the nominations.
She said the Electoral Commission of Zambia and President Edgar Lungu have been on record discouraging Covid-19 high-spreader events such as rallies, hence the need for the Police to enforce the health regulations.
Mrs. Katanga has now recommended political parties to canvass votes through other channels such as Internet and print media. Mrs. Katanga has warned Kawambwa’s violent abusers that they would be arrested and imprisoned if proven guilty.
The Deputy Inspector General revealed that she and Luapula Police Commissioner Chilije Nyirenda had approached political groups implicated in violence in Kawambwa.
Mrs. Katanga stated that tranquility has returned to Kawambwa as a result of increased police presence.


The Future of Health Care Jobs
Each chapter has already discussed the future for specific professions. In general, almost all health care professions will continue to grow rapidly over the next decade. There are also many more options that already exist beyond those discussed in this book. Others will continue to evolve as technology improves and new techniques, diagnostics, and treatments are invented and approved.
There will continue to be changes and paradigm shifts in the health care industry due to the current influencing factors, as well as any that may come about from economic changes as well as the political climate of the country.
Cost-containment issues have already forced trends and roles to change, which places more responsibility upon patients for their own health status. This has helped to change some of the litigious climate and eased the focus on malpractice in some areas. It has also changed the focus of the public toward being proactive and demanding preventative education and care. This, in turn, has forced changes in roles for health care professionals and will continue to do so.
Shortages in some fields, such as nursing, will reach a true crisis before they are solved, which will force some creative staffing and treatment changes that could influence much of the medical field and how health care is delivered.
Managed care forced many difficult and uncomfortable changes in the 1990s that the health care industry is still reeling from, but many have eased and evolved into changes that have proven to be better in the long run and have brought about positive results. Cost-containment efforts continue to be a necessary evil in the health care industry and will effect changes for many years to come.


By: Ikram Ud Din
PESHAWAR: Wafa Wazir, a political activist from Waziristan and Provincial Assembly candidate nominated for a special seat said that she strongly condemn the massacre and genocide of Kashmiris by India and the Modi’s government, she called Human Rights organizations and International community to further boom their voice for the people of Kashmir. She said that the time of independence of Kashmir is near, Kashmir is not alone, Pakistani people and forces stand side by side with the people of Kashmir and Kashmiris will soon be freed from slavery of India.
Provincial Assembly candidate for special seat Ms.Wafa Wazir talking to The Dayspring said that the international community and international human rights organizations are also demanding that the issue be raised against the oppression and brutalities of Indian forces.
Ms Wazir also said that human rights organizations and international community should play their role to press India to lift curfew in the occupied valley.


Taliban doesn’t recognize Afghan govt: Statement
Kabul, Aug 16 (IANS): Just ahead of the planned intra-Afghan peace negotiations which are likely to take place soon in Doha, the Taliban has said that it does not recognize the government in Kabul as a legitimate system, according to an official statement.
“The Islamic Emirate does not recognize the Kabul administration as a government but views it as western imported structure working for the continuation of American occupation,” TOLO News quoted the Taliban statement ras saying on Saturday.
This comes after Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen in an interview to an Iranian newspaper last week said that the group doesn’t consider the government in Kabul as legitimate.
In the interview, Shaheen described the Taliban as the “winner of the war”, stating that the group will attend the intra-Afghan talks only to bring an Islamic government in Afghanistan.
He further said that the Taliban will talk with all Afghan factions not only the government and the High Council of National Reconciliation.
In response to Saturday’s development, the Afghan Presidential Palace said that such statements by the Taliban are only to waste time and make irrelevant excuses.
Officials have said that the Taliban must accept the Afghan government as the main side of the talks.
Shaheen had also said that the Taliban’s violence reduced significantly in the country, but the Afghan government has insisted that violence has increased despite the group’s continued assurances.
The Afghan Ministry of Interior said on August 13 that at least 121 Afghan civilians were killed and 336 more were wounded in Taliban attacks in 29 provinces over the past two weeks.