The United States economy relies on a growing population to drive economic growth and sustain its prosperity. There are several reasons why an increase in population is essential for the U.S. economy.
Firstly, a growing population means a larger workforce, which can lead to increased productivity and economic growth. As the population grows, there are more people available to work and contribute to the economy. This can lead to an increase in innovation, as well as more opportunities for businesses to expand and create jobs.
Secondly, a growing population also leads to increased consumer spending, which drives economic growth. When there are more people, there is a larger market for goods and services, which can lead to increased demand and economic activity. Additionally, a growing population also leads to increased housing demand, which can lead to more construction and development, further driving economic growth.
Thirdly, a growing population can also lead to increased tax revenues for the government, which can be used to invest in infrastructure and other public goods. This can help to support economic growth by providing the necessary resources to support business development and job creation.
Fourthly, a growing population also helps support the long-term sustainability of the economy. An aging population can lead to a decrease in productivity and economic growth, as fewer people are available to work and contribute to the economy. A growing population can help to mitigate this by providing a steady supply of young, healthy and educated workers who can continue to drive economic growth and support the aging population.
Lastly, a growing population can also lead to increased cultural and social diversity, which can bring new ideas, perspectives and talents to the economy, leading to innovation and creativity.
However, it’s important to note that simply increasing population for the sake of it is not the solution, the increase in population should be sustainable and should be managed in a way that balances the economic benefits with the environmental and social impacts.
The U.S. economy needs an increase in population to drive economic growth and sustain its prosperity. A growing population means a larger workforce, increased consumer spending, increased tax revenues, long-term sustainability of the economy and cultural and social diversity. However, it’s important to manage the increase in population in a sustainable way.
One potential solution to increasing the population in the U.S. is through immigration. The United States has a long history of immigration, and it has been a significant driver of population growth and economic development.
Immigrants bring new skills, talents, and ideas to the country and contribute to the workforce. They also tend to be young and eager to work, which can help to offset the aging of the native-born population. Additionally, immigrants also tend to have higher fertility rates than native-born Americans, which can help to increase the population.
Immigrants also tend to be entrepreneurs, and they start new businesses at a higher rate than native-born Americans. These businesses can create jobs and drive economic growth. Additionally, immigrants also tend to be more likely to invest in education and training, which can help to increase productivity and economic growth.
Moreover, immigrants also tend to be more likely to purchase houses and cars, which can lead to increased consumer spending and economic growth.
However, it’s important to note that a sustainable and well-managed immigration system is crucial for the economy to reap the benefits of immigration. This includes ensuring that the immigrants have a legal status and access to social services, education and healthcare.
In conclusion, immigration can be an effective solution to increasing the population in the U.S. and driving economic growth. Immigrants bring new skills, talents, and ideas to the country, contribute to the workforce, and tend to be entrepreneurs and consumers. A well-managed and sustainable immigration system is crucial for the economy to reap the benefits of immigration.


'Thank you everyone'
Can you believe that we have finally reached the turning point where we can once again become 'one class'. It has been such an achievement that as a team each and everyone of us has powered on through. Everyday we have shared laughter, we have worked hard and we have all been the magic and support that we have all needed. So today we share together those moments from the past few weeks where we smiled, cried but were nothing less than amazing and really were the resilient individuals that we are today!
'Thank you for being you'


Altaf Hamid Rao.
MIRPUR (AJK), (Parliament Times) : Azad Jammu Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi Friday said that government and the media were inseparable in view of the media being the fourth pillar of the state.
He made these remarks while addressing the 15th anniversary celebrations of an AJK urdu daily Kashmir Times in the federal metropolis on Friday.
The Prime Minister cut the anniversary cake of the newspaper by expressing his best wishes for the newspaper Chief Editor Kashmir Times and Senior Journalist Afzal Butt.
President AKNS Sardar Zahid Tabassum, senior Kashmiri journalist Murtaza Durrani, Secretary National Press Club Anwar Raza, Editor Kashmir Times Abid Abbasi and other senior journalists were also present on this occasion.
The Prime Minister said that Kashmir Times had made its unique place in the media which is commendable. He said that Kashmir Times publishes news keeping in view all the principles of journalism on which the entire team of Kashmir Times deserves congratulations.
He said that the state media was playing a significant role for the betterment of the society in the past and expressed the hope that this tradition would continue in the future as well. The Prime Minister said that the PTI government has full faith in freedom of press and expects all media houses will continue their journalistic services impartially.


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Techie Nest is a certified ISO 9001:2008, technology service provider and training organization. The soul mission of founders is to facilitate the education, research and development program; all under one roof. In a very short span of time our team has successfully delivered the impactful service to more than 200 colleges, including the most prestigious institutions of India, such as IIT Mumbai, IIT Delhi and all the NITs.
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Govt’s health expenditure share in GDP rises: Report
- The government’s share in health expenditure in the total health expenditure also increased to 40.8% (2017-18) from 28.6% (2013-14).
According to a report by the National Health Accounts Estimates for India, the government’s share in health expenditure in the total GDP of the country increased from 1.15% (2013-14) to 1.35% (2017-18). The report which was released on Monday also highlighted that the per capita out-of-pocket expenditure declined from ₹2,336 to ₹2,097 from 2013-14 to 2017-18.
The government’s share in health expenditure in the total health expenditure also increased to 40.8% (2017-18) from 28.6% (2013-14).
The NHA prepares its estimates based on the accounting framework which is the internationally accepted System of Health Accounts 2011, provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Following the release of the report, the health ministry said that the government’s expenditure on health showed an increasing trend. It said that it also showed growing trust in the public health care system.
“It has increased from 1.15% in 2013-14 to 1.35% in 2017-18. Additionally, the share of the government's health expenditure in the total health expenditure has also increased overtime. In 2017-18, the share of the government's expenditure was 40.8%, which is much higher than 28.6% in 2013-14,” Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
The report pointed out that the government's health expenditure as a share of the total government expenditure has increased from 3.78% to 5.12% between 2013-14 and 2017-18. It also showed that the government’s expenditure increased from ₹1,042 to ₹1,753 between 2013-14 to 2017-18. The nature of expenditure also was moving towards the right direction as emphasis was placed on improving primary healthcare.
The report also showed that the share of social security expenditure on health, for example, expenditure on social health insurance programmes, government financed health insurance schemes, and medical reimbursements made to government employees, also increased. It said that foreign aid for health has come down to 0.5%.
(with inputs from PTI)


He added that the nine medical colleges have already been inaugurated from Siddharthnagar and in a few hours a gigantic health infrastructure scheme will be inaugurated from Varanasi.
The Prime Minister said that the nine medical colleges inaugurated today will enhance the health infrastructure in Purvanchal. He said that these medical colleges will add 2,500 new beds to the hospitals and over 5,000 doctors and paramedical staff will get employment opportunities.
The Prime Minister lauded the Yogi Adityanath government for eliminating the encephalitis disease from Purvanchal. He said Purvanchal will emerge as a new hub of health infrastructure.
The Prime Minister said that in the earlier governments, health facilities were never given preference in the country. He said that there was a lack of political will and political preference. Modi added that the government has showcased how to announce and deliver development projects.
The Prime Minister said that the previous government in Uttar Pradesh did not cooperate with the Centre in implementing various welfare schemes. He said that the earlier government’s only motive was the welfare of its family. The Prime Minister further said that in the current government the benefits of the welfare schemes are reaching the poor.
The Prime Minister added that the previous government in Uttar Pradesh built only six medical colleges in its tenure of five years, but the Yogi Adityanath government has delivered 16 medical colleges in the last four and half years. He further added that the work on 20 new medical colleges is under progress.
The Prime Minister further said that during the last seven years, the focus of the government had been to change the obsolete system that put hurdles in establishing new health infrastructure including the building of new medical colleges.
He added that by the year 2014, the total number of seats in medical colleges in the country was 90,000 but in the last seven years, 60,000 more seats have been added. He said that Uttar Pradesh too had only 1,900 seats in medical colleges by the year 2017, but in the last four years of the double engine government more than 1,900 new seats have already been added. (Inputs: Agencies, NGB)


Former Nongkrem MLA, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit on Wednesday said that the Khasis has to accept the fact that there are many issues affecting the community.
“As a community we have to sort out these issues,” Basaiawmoit said in an interaction with reporters.
Basaiawmoit who earlier this year started the “Iada Ia Ka Ri” (Protect The Land) movement said its aim is to bring unity amongst all sections of the community.
He said that the Khasi community should understand the fact that it is a divided society.
The former MLA said that many people who are from outside the state and who are non-indigenous have time and again criticised the Khasi community.
“We should be asking ourselves if such criticisms are true or not,” Basaiawmoit said.
He pointed out that through self-introspection now, the present generation can give a better future for the next generation.
He said that the movement aims to strengthen the social fabric of the Khasis.
“We need to bring in revolution in the business sector of the Khasis, to boost the economic conditions of our people. We also need to bring in good and clean governance which will take care of the future generation,” Basaiawmoit added.
He also urged all the stakeholders in the society to participate in the movement and give their valuable suggestions and not wait for their chance to criticise him.
The former legislator also said that many issues taken up decades ago are still pending since, till date because the Khasis as a community avoid discussing the crux of the problem.
“We need to debate on the real issues afflicting our society. But on most occasions we skirt such issues. We don’t dare to discuss the issues that need to be ironed out,” Basaiawmoit added.
He said that the movement will go ahead and call a spade a spade.
He said that the divide among the Khasi community has been there even after the country got independence and also in 1960 when the movement for statehood was on.
Basaiawmoit also informed that the movement started by him would restart in 2021 which had to be abruptly halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


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Blog | Nov 29, 2008 | 4:28 AMBy now you're probably aware that Teresa Altemus is suing the state police for withholding public records.Altemus' attorneys filed a lawsuit Nov. 19 accusing state police of violating the state's Freedom of Information Act. According to the lawsuit, state poli


Two policemen have been interdicted after a suspect arrested for violating the travel restrictions, died following an incident yesterday (Sunday).
Police Spokesman, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ajith Rohana said that a Police mobile unit from Panadura had arrested the suspect in Wattappola last morning.
The 48-year-old suspect sustained injuries following an incident while being transported to the Police station.
DIG Ajith Rohana said that two policemen who were in the Police jeep at the time had claimed that the suspect had opened the door and jumped out.
He sustained injuries and was admitted to hospital and was granted bail.
However, the Police said the suspect succumbed to his injuries in hospital last evening.
DIG Ajith Rohana said the two policemen were interdicted for not ensuring the safety of the suspect.
He also said that an inquiry is now underway over the incident. (Colombo Gazette)


President of France Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that their countries would cooperate in the fight against climate change, just days after the U.S. withdrew from the Paris climate agreement.
Prime Minister Modi said that he would continue to support the deal and Macron has said the 2015 Paris agreement is irreversible despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to pull out.
“The protection of the environment and the mother planet is an article of faith,” Modi said at a joint news conference with Macron in Paris.
The two leaders, who met for the first time are yet to announce any contracts or new initiatives.
“We are both convinced that our countries have to do a lot for the ecological and environmental transition and the fight against global warming,” Macron said, adding that France would go above and beyond its Paris agreement commitments.
He said he had plans a visit to India before the end of 2017 for a first summit of the International Solar Alliance, an initiative launched by New Delhi and Paris during the Paris climate talks.
The alliance which seeks to mobilize more than a trillion dollars by 2030 will lead to concrete measures in favor of solar energy and bring together well over 100 solar-rich countries to deliver solar energy to some of the planet’s poorest.
The two leaders said they had also discussed how to combat terrorism and that they would work on concrete initiatives before the end of the year to fight terrorism on the internet.


Gandhinagar: To increase the footfall of tourists in the state, the Gujarat government on Thursday decided to upgrade its infrastructure related to Mahatama Gandhi.
The decision to revamp the present infrastructure related to Mahatma Gandhi was taken during a high level meeting led by the Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani at the Mahatma Mandir, here.
As the Gujarat government looks forward to the celebration of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary on October 2, Rupani said the state government will be planning a series of programmes throughout the year. "Programmes with people's participation to inspire them with Gandhian philosophy are being also being planned."
"Although, the 150th anniversary celebrations will be a nationwide event, but being a birth state of the Mahatma Gandhi, Gujarat's share will have to be a significant one," Rupani is said to have told the reporters.
To make the celebrations more effective and purposeful, the state government will also invite institutions and organisations related to Mahatma Gandhi to become partners in the event. The government has also sought creative suggestions from people to make the event grand.
Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, officials of the state government and representatives of Gandhian and spiritual organisations attended the meeting. Suggestions were made to prepare programmes to attract youth towards Gandhian values, thinking and simplicity.


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MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Mexico posted its biggest single-day jump in coronavirus cases on Monday as the deputy health minister said the country needed to recruit more medical personnel to confront a worsening outbreak.
Mexico registered 296 new coronavirus infections, bringing the country’s total to 2,439 cases and 125 deaths, health officials told a news conference.
Predicting that cases in the country would continue to rise sharply, Deputy Health Minister Hugo Lopez-Gatell said Mexico had among the lowest number of medical personnel relative to population among countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
- Mexico farm leader says security is 'Achilles heel' of food supply
“That creates a challenge for us, and we need to recruit and train health personnel,” he said.
Lopez-Gatell said the country’s predicament would become more dire after April 30, when the “epidemic curve” would begin rising.
“Unavoidably, we will have more and more and more and more cases,” he said. “This is the moment to stay in our homes and reduce transmission because the situation will be even more intense.”
Source: Read Full Article


Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) has expressed concerns over the rising power crisis in the country as the power shortage has reportedly shot up to 6,000 to 7,000 MW and called upon the government to take urgent measures to overcome the worsening energy shortage.
ICCI President Muhammad Shakeel Munir said that rising power crisis would badly affect the economic activities, besides making life of the common man more miserable in this sweltering heat. He said this while addressing the ICCI Executive Committee meeting, said a statement issued on Friday.
Munir said that the menace of load-shedding has swept across the country leaving the businesses and the homes in the dark at a time when the temperatures were on the rise. He said that the urban areas were reportedly experiencing 6 to 10 hours load-shedding and rural areas 8 to 16 hours load-shedding, which showed that the energy crisis has worsened in the country.
He said that the Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has assured to end the load-shedding soon, which was encouraging, but the situation demanded war footing measures to tackle this serious crisis.
The ICCI president said that energy was the key requirement for trade and industrial activities while the uninterrupted and affordable power supply was essential for accelerated economic growth of the country. He said that the electricity was an important economic indicator as its availability or shortage encouraged or discouraged the local and foreign investors.
He said that the main reason for the gap between demand and supply was the country’s dependence on fossil fuel for power generation. He stressed that the government should focus on increasing the hydropower and renewable energy share in the energy mix of the country, which was more cost effective and would bring down the cost of doing business significantly.
ICCI Senior Vice President Jamshaid Akhtar Sheikh and ICCI Vice President Muhammad Faheem said that the government should take all possible measures to reduce its dependence on costly imported oil for energy generation and should focus on exploiting the cheap energy resources for power generation that would drastically reduce the oil import bill and reduce production cost.
They also called for energy efficiency measures that would save huge capital, improve the economy and the environment. They further said that the energy-intensive industries should be encouraged to adopt energy efficiency measures that would give huge financial benefits.


Grenade injures two civilians in Tripoli
(MENAFN - Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) At least two civilians were injured by a grenade that targeted military vehicles belonging to the Lebanese army in the city of Tripoli in northern Lebanon on Sunday.
Unknown gumen threw a grenade near a Lebanese army post within Al-Jihad stadium vicinity of Bab Tebbaneh, wounding two people, Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) said.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese Army forces raided Saturday a number of suspected houses in Tripoli and confiscated various military weapons and ammunition, the source added.
Tripoli and a number of cities in northern Lebanon had witnessed in recent years similar incidents where unknown gunmen targeted military vehicles belonging to the Lebanese army, killing several soldiers and wounding others.
Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.


By now you probably know that Obamacare will cost you $1.3 trillion.
You also probably know the cost will come with a whole host of unexpected consequences, such as:1.
Hospitals will have to cut their hours and staffing levels.2.
There will be more patients coming in and out of hospitals and doctors will be forced to do more tests.3.
Some hospitals will have a hard time keeping up with the rising number of patients.4.
People will lose their jobs.5.
Many people will lose jobs as their insurance is cut, meaning they will lose benefits like health insurance or pension plans.6.
The number of uninsured people will go up.7.
Many of those people will die.8.
The US will become a more expensive place to live and work.9.
The federal deficit will go through the roof.10.
Millions of Americans will lose the health insurance they had before the ACA.11.
The insurance companies will take more risks with their risk pools.12.
The ACA will leave more people without health insurance than before.13.
People who are already sick will have more time to wait for care.14.
The Affordable Care Action will have an even bigger effect on the health of people who are uninsured.15.
The Obamacare expansion will reduce insurance coverage for millions of older people and disabled people.16.
The Congressional Budget Office is projecting that the ACA will raise the cost of care for everyone by about $3,600 a year by 2026.


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We organize professional development workshops in the area of audience development, visitor outreach and communications strategies for museum professionals. We work with museums across India to plan, design and implement strategies and process to engage audiences and increase footfalls. We organize experiences for families, residents and communities that feature highly interactive games and creative tasks that brings the entire family together and aid in self-discovery.
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(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 18
Tickets for bus trips to the liberated territories of Azerbaijan will be available via a special website, Fariz Jafarov, director of the country's E-Gov Development Center, said, Trend reports.
Jafarov made the remark at a briefing dedicated to the opening of regular bus trips to the territories liberated from Armenian occupation (in the 2020 second Karabakh war).
The Baku-Shusha, Baku-Aghdam, Ahmadbayli-Shusha, Fuzuli International Airport-Shusha, Barda-Aghdam regular intercity bus trips will be launched in Azerbaijan from January 24.
The trips have already been made on each route in a test regime, the types of buses that will run have been determined. The Ahmadbayli-Shusha trips will be organized four times a week while the trips to other destinations twice a week.
Previously, Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rahman Hummatov said that at the first stage, only Azerbaijani citizens will be able to visit Karabakh region.
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.


Pulwama: Police attached the property of a drug peddler in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Monday.
An official said that the Police attached a single-storey house owned by drug peddler Zahoor Ahmad Wani under NDPS Act 1985.
The property was attached in Jandwal village, some 7 km from Pulwama town.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Pulwama, Muhammad Yousuf said that the accused had acquired the property through illicit drug trade.
He said that the property was attached after proper identification.
"During the current year, Police booked six notorious drug peddlers under PIT-NDPS Act. Additionally, around 129 people have been arrested under different FIRs,” the SSP said.
He said that Police had adopted zero tolerance against the drug peddlers.
A Police statement said that the house was linked to case FIR No 47/2023 under relevant sections of law of Police Station Rajpora.
“The investigation proved that the immovable property was raised using illicit trafficking by the drug peddler. By targeting and freezing the illegal assets of drug peddlers involved in the organised illegal narco trade, Police have dealt a severe blow to their criminal activities,” the statement said.


Islamabad: Chairman, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal has said that there is no shortage of medical facilities in the hospitals across the country amid the global coronavirus.
Addressing the USAID ventilators handing over ceremony in Islamabad on Thursday, he said efforts are being made to facilitate the corona patients as they need special attention.
Chairman NDMA said that hospitals are being upgraded across the country to facilitate COVID-19 patients.
The Chairman said additional ventilators and beds were installed in the hospitals across the country.
He said NDMA is acquiring all necessary equipment to deal with the pandemic.


ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday said that the decision regarding giving military bases is of the government, they do not believe in Prime Minister Imran Khan s statement on the issue of giving bases to the US.
Talking to media in the Parliament House on Thursday, he said that an ordinance was prepared for a person but that person did not take advantage of the ordinance and now the government is bringing that bill in the parliament.
He said that PPP will vote against the bill, adding that the government did not take the opposition in confidence over bill related to Kulbhushan Jadhav. “We will not be a facilitator in Kulbhushan Jadhav case,” he said and added if Imran Khan wants, he can give NRO to Kulbhushan.
The PPP chairman went on to say that we have learned a lot from the Afghan issue, adding that decisions on Afghanistan will have an impact on the whole world. “The decisions we make today for Afghanistan will have consequences for 30 years," he said and the parliament should be informed about the deal.
Bilawal Bhutto said that the decision regarding giving bases is up to the government, adding that they do not believe in Imran Khan s statement on the issue of giving bases, there are concerns that Imran Khan will take a U-turn on the issue.


Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on Thursday said that the provincial government had adopted a holistic approach to solving public problems at the district level.
Talking to a group of legislators hailing from Rawalpindi, who called on him today, CM Buzdar said that they would provide maximum facilities to people at their doorstep.
In a statement issued from his office, CM Buzdar said that the standard of healthcare and educational facilities in Rawalpindi division will be further improved. The MPAs apprised the chief minister about their problems, development schemes and public welfare initiatives of their constituencies. CM Buzdar issued directions to the concerned authorities to resolve their issues.
He also directed to initiate crackdown against those engaged in posting fake videos on social media.” It is the responsibility of the state to stop the projection of wrong information through fake and concocted videos,” the chief minister added. He also directed to continue indiscriminate action against the land grabbers.
CM Buzdar said that Rs8 bn had been allocated for the provision of potable water in Rawalpindi and added that steps are also being made to improve the police system.
He said that 115 new arazi centers will be made functional till December under land record management information system.


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New Delhi: Welcoming the Supreme Court opinion on allocation of natural resources, Finance Minister P Chidambaram on Friday said that the apex court’s opinion has vindicated the government’s stand.
Chidambaram along with Union Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal and Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid, while addressing a press conference in the national capital, said, “We are happy with the Supreme Court opinion on allocation of natural resources.”
The Finance Minister further said, “We believe that the position of the government that has been articulated in the last few years—as regards various issues—the court has laid down principles which are in complete consonance with what the government has always believed and endorsed.”
Salman Khurshid said that the verdict has further enforced the principle of separation of powers between the judiciary and the executive.
He said the verdict will give the government important guidance as it moves forward and enable the Centre to take forward its public policies.
Kapil Sibal said that the judgement has brought about "enormous clarity with which government can start taking decision without fearing there will be interference from other Constitutional authorities."
He said the judgement clearly states that policy issue is entirely within the domain of the executive, "especially in the context of the economic policies".
With Agency Inputs


It was important to have political stability in Iraq so that military operations are not affected, he said.
Both expressed hope for more progress toward ending the fighting.
Rebels say they are ready to fight on despite their recent defeats
"We have had these conversations with the Chinese and I am confident that over the next days we will have further very...
"In the meantime, we must point out that the new resolution should not provoke new tensions."
"Clearly we have several important issues that we need to find the way forward on," Kerry said
Kerry called Cambodia's recent economic progress "quite remarkable"


Police chief: It will take six months; crime prevention will be studied
WILLMAR -- It will take approximately six months, including two months to complete the hiring process and four months of training, before the two new police officers whose hiring was approved this week by the Willmar City Council are ready to protect and serve the community.
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The Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Senator Shibli Fraz has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan interact with general public to solve their issues and problems.
According to details, the Information Minister has expressed these views in a statement on social networking website Twitter on Tuesday.
In a tweet, Senator Shibli Faraz has said the purpose of Imran Khan’s interaction with the general public yesterday was to identify their problems and find the possible solution.
The Inofrmation Minister has said that the Prime Minister has presented his vision to the nation.
“Such an interaction provides an opportunity to the public to directly pose their questions and the government also benefits from the public suggestions,” he added.
This, he said, is the cornerstone of democracy.


(CNN) – Several people were killed and several others injured by an attacker in the Norwegian city of Kongsberg, 85 kilometers west of the capital, Oslo, a Norwegian police press official told CNN on Wednesday.
A Kongsberg police spokesman told CNN on Wednesday that the suspect had used a bow and arrow.
The press official could not specify the number of dead or wounded, but said that one of the suspects had been arrested and that the situation was under control.
Asked if the situation was being treated as terrorism, the press official said it was “not yet clear, and it’s too early to know.”
The spokesman said the suspect was first notified by the police at 6:15 p.m. local time. She added that the suspect assaulted people in different locations before his arrest.
When asked about the number of casualties, the spokesman said: “We simply cannot confirm any number at the moment.”
He also said it was “too early to determine” the motive for the attack. “This is what the investigation will reveal,” the spokesman added.
With information from Vasco Cutovio in London


DALLAS — Texas has hit a new record high for COVID-19 hospitalizations as a surge in the disease caused by the coronavirus continued to strain state medical resources following holiday travel and gatherings.
State health officials reported 12,563 COVID-19 patients in Texas hospitals on Sunday, an increase of more than 240 from Saturday. It was the sixth time in seven days that the state reported record-breaking hospitalizations.
Intensive care units in several parts of the state were full or nearly full Sunday, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
The department reported 14,535 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 Sunday, 1,510 more probable cases and 50 fatalities. Texas has seen more than 1.8 million cases and more than 28,000 deaths.


Addressing the International Labour Day Programme at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra, New Delhi, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that the efforts are being made to formulate long terms policy for the benefit of workers in unorganized sector. He stressed on the need to safeguard the interests of the workers to avoid exploitation
Union Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar said that the present NDA government has been engaged in expediously reviewing the existing labour laws.
The minister reiterated the government commitment to safeguard the interest of the workers in unorganized sector and bringing them in the social security net
On International labour day, Ministry of Labor and Employment also awarded various ogranistations, who are working for the welfare of workers and laboureres.
Besides, many beneficiaries were also given cash incentives under various schemes launched by the centre for the welfare of workers and laboureres..
Mewhile, the union government is in the process of making important changes in the many labour laws that have been in force for past many decades. Union Labour and Employment minister Santosh Gangwar said that work to comprehensively review and change the law is underway.
Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari also said that there is a need to take long term measures for the welfare of workers of unorganised sector. The two ministers were addressing a gathering in New Delhi on the occasion of Labour day.


Central Region Deputy Commissioner of Malawi Police Service (MPS), Benson Tawakali, has said five percent of police officers who are corrupt dent the image of the men in uniform.
Tawakali said to build back the relationship with the general public, the police have to be professional.
He made the remarks on Saturday at the opening of Mvama Police Unit in Lilongwe’s Area 49 which was torched by members of the community surrounding the area.
“About five percent of police officers who are corrupt dent our image. As the saying goes ‘ikaipa imodzi zaipa zose’. So we are encouraging people who know corrupt officers to report them so that we should have a cordial relationship with the people,” he said.
Tawakali said the bad blood between the police and the general public arises because of the tendency of some officers of begging money from the people and also charging them services that are maint to be free-of-charge such as bail and police report.
One of the people that were overseeing the re-construction of the police unit, Edward Mdechi urged the people to avoid demolishing the facility again saying without the police unit, cases of robbery increased in the area.
“Having noted the rising cases of theft after the police unit was demolished, we thought of lobbing community members to contribute money so we reconstruct the facility,” he said.
The unit was torched following disagreements between people surrounding the area and the police when the people were demanding the release of a man who was alleged to have killed a two-year-old boy in the area.
The people wanted to take the law into their own hands.


Rwanda is set to release a report on France’s role in the April 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Sources confirm that the report will be released on Monday, April 19, 2021.
The report is set to be released after another report that was released by France on March 26, 2021.
Named Duclert’s report, it points out that France has played a “significant and incomparable role” in Rwanda’s history, leading to the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis.
When Duclert’s report was released, the Rwandan government said it had received it well and that it was a “significant step” in understanding France’s role in the Genocide against the Tutsi.
According to sources, the 2017 report which was compiled on the request of the Government of Rwanda will also be published in the coming weeks. The results are expected to broaden those of the Duclert Commission.
On April 7, 2021, when President Paul Kagame officially launched the commemoration of the 27th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, he said that Rwanda is also set to release its report on France’s role in the Genocide against Tutsi and that report will complement the Duclert’s in order to establish the historical truth.
The publication of these documents is expected to help many to know the truth about the Genocide against the Tutsi and the role played by the former French leaders through the assistance they provided to the Juvenal Habyarimana government that organized and implemented the Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda.523


UAE's Frigate Al-Hesen Docks In Kuwait's Shuwaikh Port
(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) KUWAIT, Nov 26 (KUNA) -- UAE's Frigate 'Al-Hesen' docked in Kuwait's Shuwaikh Port earlier Sunday, in a visit to the country to bolster the two navies' relations and exchange of skills.
Kuwait's Rear Admiral Brigadier Hazza Al-Alatti gave a statement during the reception of UAE Ambassador Dr. Matar Al-Nayadi saying, Al-Hesen's visit is a great opportunity for both forces to partake in an exchange of capabilities and to foresee systems and devices of the latest tech being used.
Al-Alatti welcomed Al-Hesen and its crew embodying the essence of comradery and deep- rooted ties between both Fleets.
On his behalf, UAE Ambassador mentioned that bilateral relations are a barring of cooperative means encompassing the GCC initiative as he looks forward to the launching of the joint Takamul 1 exercise.
His statement to KUNA was furthered with his manifestation of the vessel as it stands as one of the most important facets of their Naval Fleet, manufactured by the Abu Dhabi Co. for ship building subsidiary of EDGE Military Industries Group.
While also adding, cooperation still continues with plenty of opportunity in a wide variety of sectors, noting that the bilateral trade exchange climbed to USD 11.9 billion in 2022. (end)
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BOULDER, Colo. — Police in Boulder pursued and apprehended two suspects who were wanted after reports that a vehicle dragged an officer in Firestone on Saturday morning, the Boulder Police Department said.
The incident happened about 11:15 a.m., police said.
The suspects drove into Boulder and police pursued the vehicle until it started going the wrong direction on U.S. 36. Shortly after, police said the two suspects dumped the vehicle in the 4900 block of Sioux Drive.
Police said officers then took the two into custody for the Firestone Police Department.
Firestone police have not said if its officer was hurt.


TAMPA, Fla. – Vice President Mike Pence traveled to Tampa on Thursday to meet with Gov. Ron DeSantis and discuss Florida’s effort in limiting the spread of COVID-19.
As of July 1, the department of health has reported more than 158,000 cases of COVID-19 in the state.
The DOH said more than 14,800 people have been hospitalized with COVID-19 and the state has reported 3,650 COVID-19 deaths.
More than 49,000 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the past seven days, according to the DOH.


Central Minnesota nonprofits begin financial resiliency program
Leaders of seven area nonprofit organizations will participate in an Initiative Foundation program that builds their financial skills and creates a social enterprise business plan to create more resilient and sustainable mission-driven operations.
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(MENAFN) Saudi-based Jabal Omar Development Company has reached an agreement with Saudi Ground Services Company (SGS) to combine efforts in researching the construction of a passenger terminal in Makkah.
Jabal Omar's CEO Yasser Bin Faisal Al Sharif declared "SGS' long experience in serving pilgrims makes them the right partner for this project."
He then confirmed "we will be working together to explore the possibility of building a passenger terminal in the central district of Makkah that would serve Haj pilgrims and Umrah performers who arrive and depart from and to King Abdulaziz International Airport."
SGS's chief executive Omar Najjar also emphasized their purpose to reach successful partnerships for the sake of clients, pilgrims and Umrah performers to be offered with top services.
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(MENAFN) United States retail giant Amazon is adjusting its approach to checkout technology, as it reportedly faces challenges with its Just Walk Out self-checkout systems. According to a report by news outlet Engadget on Monday, Amazon has hired over 1,000 human workers in India to support its grab-and-go checkout systems and is considering discontinuing the unprofitable technology.
The Just Walk Out self-checkout technology, which relies on a combination of cameras, sensors, and human input to track purchases and charge customers accordingly, has encountered difficulties in maintaining accuracy and profitability. Despite its initial rollout in 27 of Amazon's 40 Fresh stores across the United States, the technology has faced criticism and technical issues.
One of the main challenges cited is the need for human workers in India to monitor camera feeds and ensure accurate checkout tallies. Additionally, the installation and maintenance costs associated with the required equipment have reportedly made the use of Just Walk Out systems financially unsustainable for Amazon.
Moreover, customers have experienced various frustrations with the technology, including delayed receipts and mismanaged orders. Concerns over privacy and confidentiality have also emerged, as the systems collect biometric information on shoppers, leading to legal challenges such as a class-action lawsuit filed against Amazon in New York.
In response to these challenges, Amazon is said to be shifting its focus to Dash Carts, which allow customers to scan items while shopping. The company has tested these carts in select Whole Foods and Fresh outlets and plans to expand their use in grocery stores as an alternative to the Just Walk Out system.
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(MENAFN- IANS) New Delhi, May 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a meeting with the chief ministers and deputy CMs of the BJP-ruled states in the national capital during which several issues, including the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were discussed.
The meeting was held in the BJP headquarters here, after the inauguration of the new Parliament building. BJP President J.P. Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh along with several senior party leaders were present at the meeting.
It has been learnt that PM Modi held discussions with the CMs and deputy CMs regarding the preparations for next year's general election.
In the meeting, PM Modi also spoke about the new Parliament, and the directions it would give to the country.
The chief ministers during the meeting apprised Prime Minister Modi about the important schemes and developmental work undertaken in their states.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, Tripura CM Manik Saha, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar were present in the meeting.
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Saudi Arabia’s Almarai marks 22.5 percent drop in profit in 9 months
(MENAFN) During the first nine months of the year, Saudi Arabia’s Almarai marked a 22.5 percent drop in profit, in comparison to the previous year same time span, as the pandemic and value-added tax (VAT) weigh in on revenues.
The dairy giant declared that its net profit amounted at SR1.28 billion in the mentioned period, n comparison to SR1.65 billion in 2020.
It also stated that the drop came as a result to the effect of COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to VAT-related changes in purchases.
Gross profit dropped 10.1 percent due to changes made because of funding reduction.
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The Mozambican government had launched a website to disseminate information and share good practices to support the municipalities in structuring and implementing their plans to combat COVID-19, said a statement by the country’s Information Office on Sunday.
The website, named COVID Cities, was launched due to the cities’ role in the COVID-19 situation in the country and the fact that some of the major cities such as Maputo, Nampula and Pemba have already registered community transmission, according to the statement.
“The website has clear information for the creation of municipal action plans to fight COVID-19, including necessary goals, priority actions and operational needs for the projects. It also has weekly updated news stories about the best practices to tackle COVID-19 in the country,” reads the statement.
The statement said the website also provides risk maps to help identify the major contamination areas in the country’s major cities, and prioritizes combat actions against the pandemic.
The website was created with the support of the World Bank and Mozambican government through the Local Urban Development Project.


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would focus on their future instead of attacking royal family, according to a report in express.co.uk.
The publication reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to start a new era in the coming months.
It said the couple plan to carve out new projects and build on their Archewell brand while distancing themselves from the Firm.
Citing royal expert Afua Hagan, express.co.uk reporter Meghan and Harry “will shift towards look-forward projects which will be “less about what happened to them before” and more about their new content – such as supporting charitable causes and building Archewell.”
She said the couple’s future interviews will focus on these new projects and there won’t be any need to talk about the Royal Family in the way they have done in the past.
The report comes after Prince Harry levelled some serious allegations against the royal family in his book titled Spare.
Before the book, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared their story in a Netflix documentary.


PM selling profitable institutions to form offshore companies: Bilawal
LAHORE (92 News) – PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is selling profitable institutions to form offshore companies.
In a statement on Saturday, he said that the institutions were being sold on one hand, while they were being purchased on the other hand.
He said that they would not allow the government to privatize the berths of Port Qasim.
“No one will be allowed to usurp the rights of the poor,” he said.


Obama's Monday visit in Twin Cities to be closed to the public
ST. PAUL -- President Barack Obama's Minneapolis appearance Monday will be at a Minneapolis Police Department facility, and not open to the public.
The president will talk about his plan to curtail gun violence with local political and law enforcement leaders, the White House says. No public events are planned.
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The health department official said, Mizoram on Monday reported 541 new Covid19 cases, pushing the state’s positive tally to 71,381.
However, the number of new positive cases was comparatively less by 548 cases than the previous day, he said.
The single-day infection rate also rose to 31% against 13.98% on Sunday as the fresh cases were detected from 1,744 sample tests, he said.
It is also reported two more fatalities in the last 24 hours, which took the death toll to 238.
At least 123 children were among the newly-infected people, the official said, adding that all the new patients were found to have contracted the disease locally.
According to state immunisation officer Dr. Lalzawmi, over 6.63 lakh people have been vaccinated till Saturday, of which 2.98 lakh have received full doses.


India’s fight against COVID-19 has been exemplary: Dr Harsh Vardhan
Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said that India’s fight against COVID-19 has been exemplary.
He added, this has been acknowledged by every Indian and people all across the globe, including WHO.
In an interview to a private news channel, Dr Vardhan reiterated that there is no evidence of community transmission of COVID-19 in the country.
The minister said that the measures taken by the government, have saved the country from Stage -3 transmission.
On testing capacity, the Minister said, ten lakhs tests have benn conducted and the government is doing it in a very judicious manner.
He said, the government has planned to to test one lakh samples per day. He said, there are 130 hotspots districts in the country.


President Hassan Rouhani in a meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Martin Lidegaard here on Sunday expressed the hope that the West will be serious in its fight against terrorism, IRNA reported.
'I hope that the western countries will be serious in their fight against terrorism,' President Rouhani said during the meeting.
'Islamic Iran is serious in its fight against terrorism and it will do all its efforts to continue its fight,' he added.
President Rouhani noted that the consequence of the terrorist moves in the region is the spread of violence and its continuation will result in regional and global instability.
President Rouhani pointed to statements of the Danish foreign minister about the willingness of some western countries to fight active terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq, and said, 'We are happy that after many years the West has realized this clear reality that Iran has constantly insisted on and we hope that the West will be serious in this issues.


An increase in gun violence in Montreal North has prompted Montreal Police to be proactive in reaching out to the community.
Alongside Crime Victims Assistance Centres (CAVAC) and Info Crime, the SPVM held a press conference Tuesday afternoon at Parc Henri-Bourassa to speak to residents about the different avenues they can go about reporting any information that may relate to crime in the area.
They hope the increased police presence and outreach programs will help create relationships within the community to help stop gun violence.
SPVM Chief Inspector Marie-Claude Dandenault said it’s important every one works together to fight gun violence.
“We know the population is worried,” she added. “What’s important is we want people to feel that they can reach out to us.”
Violent crimes including firearm offences have been on the rise in the city. According to the Montreal Police 2021 report, homicides by firearms tripled between 2020 and 2021.
There have also been three shootings in Montreal North in the past couple of weeks.


BJP Mizoram Pradesh on Thursday rebuffed the allegation against party president Vanlalhmuaka as “baseless.”
Recently, former BJP leader K Vanlalruati had alleged that Vanlalhmuaka and party state secretary Sunni Lalthangmawia have embezzled lakhs of party funds received from party headquarters in New Delhi, which has adversely affected the party organisation.
Reacting to the allegation, the BJP in a statement said that the allegation was “baseless” as the two-party leaders did not misappropriate party funds.
Terming the allegation “unfortunate”, the BJP said that K. Vanlaruati has already been expelled from the party for her misconduct.
“It was unfortunate and shocking that the expelled leader levelling a baseless allegation against party president Vanlalhmuaka, who helped the former several times from being defamed for her misconduct,” the statement said.
Citing that Vanlalruati’s move was politically motivated, the BJP said that she must have been instigated by some anti-BJP groups, who want to remove the party from the state politics.
Denouncing Vanlalruati’s comments that a state president has no authority to expel any members, the BJP Mizoram unit also said that the party constitution guaranteed the president to have sole authority to expel party members.


USDA to work with Connecticut to supply food to fill pantries in struggling communities
Connecticut will work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to purchase food from local farmers that will go to food banks, schools and underserved communities across the state.
Jason Jakubowski, president of the Wallingford-based Connecticut Foodshare, said the goal is for local food businesses to help those that are food insecure.
“The hardest part about there being more than 400,000 people who are food insecure, is that more than 100,000 of them are children,” Jakubowski said. “And we find that completely unacceptable.”
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said the $400 million program is being funded through the American Rescue Plan. Connecticut is the second state to strike a deal with USDA.
“It gets food from the farmers who want to sell it to the food insecure folks who really need it at reduced prices, and it multiplies the force of the market in very real important ways,” Blumenthal said.
U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT) said the program will place a special focus on communities of color.
“Forty percent of people in communities of color have experienced some type of food insecurity which is 16% more than other communities,” Hayes said. “We have to use that data and say, ‘Okay, now what can we do about it?’”
Officials also said the program will help maintain Connecticut’s food and agricultural supply chain.


ISLAMABAD: Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif on Saturday said that Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), government will continue efforts for the welfare of the people of this country.
He said that steps have been taken to improve the infrastructure in health, education, energy and other sectors.
He said that all the energy projects would be completed in near future to remove the electricity crisis in the country.
Talking to a private television channel, he said that protest demonstration and sit-ins launched by Pakistan Tehrik e Insaf (PTI), had halted the economic activity besides an official tour of Chinese President to Pakistan.
Expressing dismay over the negative attitude of Imran Khan, Chief Minister said that Pakistan had suffered a lot due to sit-ins and protest demonstration of PTI chief.
He said that Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and General Raheel Sharif had visited China to revive the economy for the benefit of the people of this region.
He said that Pakistan was making progress before the protest demonstration and sit-ins of PTI.
He said that PTI chief holds negative behavior, adding that Imran Khan was an expert of U-Turn. Replying to a question he said that Imran Khan had congratulated Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif for winning the election 2013.
Shahbaz Sharif said that Imran Khan had accepted the victory of PML-N after the elections 2013.
He said that PTI chief had never supported the operation Zarb-e-Azb, launched to flush out terrorists from this region.
CM said that Pakistan Army and the people belonging to all segment of society had given unprecedented sacrifices for fighting war on terrorism.
To another question he said that PTI chief should help internally displaced persons (IDPs), and resolve the problems of the KPK.
Chief Minister Punjab said that PTI chief was wasting time through public meetings and halting the economic activity besides foreign investment.
To a question he said that PTI should bring evidence of corruption in the metro bus service projects. He said that the public welfare project was completed in a transparent manner.
Shahbaz Sharif said that PML-N government is sincerely working for the progress and prosperity of the people of this country.


(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
#qatar 2022 #world cup teams #stars of qatar 2022 Reuters
Al Rayyan: Keeper Thibaut Courtois showed his class as Belgium made the most of Canada's woeful finishing to win their opening World Cup Group F game 1-0 thanks to a Michy Batshuayi goal on Wednesday.
Courtois saved Alphonso Davies's weak early penalty and made a couple of other good saves as Canada pushed for their first goal at a World Cup on their return to the tournament for the first time since 1986.
Belgium, without injured striker Romelu Lukaku, went ahead on the stroke of halftime courtesy of Batshuayi's half-volley from Toby Aldeweireld's long pass.
Roberto Martinez's side, third at the 2018 World Cup, regained their composure after the break and held on to move top of the group on three points, two ahead of Croatia and Morocco who drew 0-0.
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Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah Saturday said that his party will quash all the cases against the ‘stone pelters’ if the party is voted to power in the next assembly elections.
“We will withdraw all cases against the stone pelters if we form the next government,” Omar said.
Omar made the remarks while addressing an election rally at Khanabal, in south Kashmir. Omar also reiterated that the NC government will abrogate the controversial Public Safety Act (PSA).
He also claimed that NC had won the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat, and that the party will win the Anantnag seat as well if people come out to vote


Local students step up for children’s hospital
KERNSTOWN — With the help of students at the Independent School of Winchester, children in a hospital in the Dominican Republic are able to have a more comfortable stay.
As part of their Destination…
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President Dr Arif Alvi has said that the government is committed to providing congenial business environment to the foreign investors in the country for strengthening economy.
Addressing the inaugural dinner of the 2nd International Textile Expo 2019 in Lahore, he said that the opening of e-visas and visa on entry facilities would attract more businessmen and tourists to the country.
The President welcomed the 300 foreign representatives besides 400 exhibitors to the four-day TEXPO.
He said the China -Pakistan Economic Corridor provides multifarious business opportunities and development of Gwadar Port would go a long way in improving the communication and transportation for the textile and other industry.
The President said seven new economic zones are being established in the country which offers great investment opportunities to the foreign businessmen.


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AFP: Iran has arrested around 170 people over the massive post-election protests and street riots in Tehran, the city's deputy police chief said on Sunday.
TEHRAN (AFP) — Iran has arrested around 170 people over the massive post-election protests and street riots in Tehran, the city's deputy police chief said on Sunday.
"Ten people considered the masterminds of the rioting have been arrested and more will be rounded up soon," Ahmad Reza Radan told the official news agency IRNA.
He said another 50 people accused of orchestrating the rioting that swept through Tehran on Saturday after the disputed re-election of hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had been arrested, along with another 110 people who were on the "margins" of the demonstrations.
Radan said several people arrested were politicians who had judicial warrants issued against them.
"There were also some who had criminal records. They were organised to take part in the unrest," he said.
Tehran has witnessed fierce protests since Saturday as supporters of defeated presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi took to the streets to protest President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's re-election.
Radan said the protesters were being "confronted firmly," even as fresh violence erupted on Sunday between around 200 stone-throwing protesters and police firing tear gas.
"Forces used tear gas in some areas to stop the unrest. The situation is under control," he said on state television


ULB polls: All arrangements finalized, says DEO Srinagar
Srinagar, Oct 6:Two days ahead of the commencement of Municipal Polls in the state, the authorities on Saturday said that all the arrangements were finalized to ensure free and fair Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections.
District Election Officer (DEO) Srinagar, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah said that all the arrangements were put in place for the elections. “We have made adequate security and other arrangements for the candidates as well as the voters,” he said.
He informed that ULB elections will be conducted in four phases, saying that the elections in three wards will be conducted in first phase. “The nomination papers for three wards, going for polls on Monday have been filed by eight candidates,” he said, adding that 35 polling stations have been set for the three wards.
DEO Srinagar informed that 6,64,138 voters are going to exercise their franchise in the elections, saying that a total number of candidates who are contesting from 74 wards across Srinagar are 275.
He added that a total number of 843 polling stations have been set for the voters to exercise their franchise across Srinagar.
Appealing people to participate in polls, DEO Srinagar said that voters can cast their ballots from 07:00 am to 04:00 pm on poll days.
He informed that all the arrangements were put in place for the polls, saying that special arrangements were also put in place for handicapped voters.
Syed Abid Rasheed Shah also said that they are trying to ensure free, fair and fearless polls here for which all the arrangements were finalized.
Meanwhile, the security in Srinagar was beefed up two days ahead of the polls.
Officials said that check points were laid by the police and paramilitary troopers jointly at several places in Srinagar during which forces were seen frisking the vehicles and checking the documents of the commuters.
Earlier on Friday, two National Conference (NC) workers identified as Nazir Ahmad Bhat and Mushtaq Ahmad Wani were killed by the suspected militants in Karfali Mohalla area of Habba Kadal.
Police had said that the militants killed the two civilians in Habba Kadal, saying that a case in this regard has been registered.


Nizamuddin’s Tablighi Jamaat is Unfortunate: Ajmal
Reacting on the Nizamuddin’s Tablighi Jamaat, AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal said that it is very unfortunate. Around 450 people from Assam took part in the Jamaat and returned from Delhi.
Speaking to media, Ajmal said, “We are also members of Tablighi Jamaat, we also love Jamaat but the incident that took place during the time when the entire world is suffering from a deadly disease is very unfortunate.”
He said that the people of the world are fighting against COVID-19 and urged the people who attended the Jamaat to go for a screening test. “I urge the people attending the Jamaat to go for a health check-up first rather than to go home. They should not hide from getting screened otherwise it will bring a threat to their families or to the societies,” said Ajmal.
Ajmal also requested the people to follow the norms set by the government for the sake of the lives of the people.


Monke: Questions aside, Trinity will be fine
Like a lot of other people in southwest North Dakota, I’m a Lutheran who is friends with a lot of Catholics.
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(MENAFN- IANS) Moscow, Dec 5 (IANS) A more just multipolar world order will inevitably replace the old unipolar system, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a ceremony as he met with 21 new foreign ambassadors and received their diplomatic credentials.
"The world is in a state of turbulence and is undergoing a radical transformation. An underlying trend however is the fact that the previous unipolar system is being replaced with a fairer multipolar world order," he said on Monday.
Putin called this transition an "objective process" which is also "irreversible", Xinhua news agency reported.
The President further noted that Russia would continue to pursue an independent foreign policy, and will remain open to constructive partnerships with all countries.
"Our country has no biased ... hostile intentions towards anyone," he said, adding that Russia rejects any kind of "bloc confrontation", or any decisions that run counter to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
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(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) ha April 08 - HE Minister of Municipality and Urban Planning Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Khalifa Al Thani met Tuesday with Portuguese Deputy Prime Minister Paulo Portas and the delegation accompanying him now visiting Qatar. During the meeting the two sides discussed means of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the fields of municipality and urban planning. Earlier today HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud met with Portuguese Deputy Prime Minister Paulo Portas and the delegation accompanying him and reviewed relations between Qatar and Portugal and means of boosting and developing them on all fronts. They also discussed a set of regional and international issues of mutual interest
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Children can experience loneliness, which can have significant consequences on their emotional and social development.
Understanding the causes and consequences of loneliness in children can help parents take appropriate steps to support their children.
Loneliness in children can arise due to several factors, including changes in family dynamics, moving to a new location, lack of social skills, and bullying. Loneliness can lead to anxiety, depression, poor academic performance, and a lack of interest in activities that children usually enjoy.
Parents can help their children overcome loneliness by fostering social connections, such as joining social clubs, sports teams, and other community groups. Encouraging children to participate in activities that
they enjoy can also help them develop social skills and make new friends. Parents should also take an active interest in their child’s life and encourage open communication. It is essential to create a supportive environment where children feel comfortable talking about their feelings.
Additionally, parents can teach their children coping mechanisms to deal with loneliness, such as developing a hobby, reading, or journaling. It is also essential to monitor children’s social media usage and ensure that they are not exposed to cyberbullying or inappropriate content.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A62870-2003Sep11.html The Washington Post today profiles the "incomplete effort to resurrect the Iraqi legal system," where authority is still divided between the U.S. military and Iraqi police and judges. More than 300 courts are open and hearing cases, according to a spokesman for the occupation authority. But U.S. military officials still have a say. Sometimes . . .
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Oman- His Majesty the Sultan receives thanks cable from King of Jordan
(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said on Sunday received a cable of thanks from King Abdullah II Ibn al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The cable was in reply to His Majesty the Sultan's greetings cable to him on the occasion of his birthday.
In the cable, King Abdullah expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation for His Majesty the Sultan's fraternal feelings and best wishes, praying to Allah the Almighty to protect His Majesty the Sultan and grant him good health and well-being to achieve aspirations of progress, welfare and prosperity for the Omani people.
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Pick n Pay headquarters workers at Avondale were reported to be rushed at Wilkins Hospital as they were suspected to be infected with COVID-19.
According to sources privy to the development, the workers were accused positively without tested.
Said a source who spoke on condition of anonymity:
“People were picked up and told they have COVID-19. But only people who were HIV positive and asthmatic were taken. Not that they were COVID-19 positive.
A colleague was worried that the asthmatic person will die after being subjected to the deplorable conditions at Wilkins Hospital.
These people were taken to Wilkins were there non-care and to make things worse these people were not tested which only increase the number of people with COVID_19. Something needs to be done.”


Indian police have imposed a ban on protest against Citizen Amendment Bill in various cities of India.
According to details, Indian police have imposed a ban on protests in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka state, including Bangalore city.
The police chief of Uttar Pradesh has ordered people to stay away from protests.
Police have also forbidden more than four people in a group from meeting at any place.
The ban has been announced to stop violence, according to police.
Furthermore, people are also denied to arrange marches or rallies in other areas such as Chennai by police.
Note that protests were arranged in various parts of India against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB).
The situation in India became worse due to clashes between the police and the protesters.
Critics have claimed that the purpose of passing this bill was to marginalize Muslims in India
Whereas the federal government says that it will secure people from persecution.
However, several civil society groups, political parties, students, activists, and local citizens have expressed on social media that they will keep organizing protests in areas such as Bangalore, Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai, and Delhi.
— Arun Dev (@ArunDev1) December 19, 2019
Apart from that, police have also set up barricades on the major highway which connects Delhi and Jaipur.
Police check all the vehicles heading towards Delhi. This has resulted in big congestion and many travelers have missed their flights.
Moreover, numerous metro stations closed in the capital-Delhi.
Indian Police shot people protesting against Anti Muslim law


Wednesday Feb 15, 2017
ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Wednesday has revised the prices of petroleum products for the next fortnight.
Talking to the media in Islamabad, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said that the prices of petrol and diesel were being increased by Rs1 per litre.
He said that there were no changes being made in the prices of kerosene oil and light diesel oil and the government giving subsidy of these items.
He said that the government would provide Rs3 billion as subsidy for not raising the prices more. Dar further said that the new prices would be implemented from 12am on Wednesday night.


Chennai, Oct 30 (BPNS)
Tamil Nadu BJP president, K. Annamalai said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Tamil Nadu on November 11. He said that the Prime Minister will be participating in the platinum jubilee functions of Gandhigram Trust and the convocation ceremony of Gandhigram Rural Institute (Deemed to be University ) at Dindigul on November 11.
The BJP Tamil Nadu unit president said that the Prime Minister was not having any other functions in Tamil Nadu other than the function at the Gandhigram Rural Institute.
K. Annamalai said that the Prime Minister will attend the programme at Dindigul and then move to another state. He added that the Prime Minister has four programmes on that day in four different states.


(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)
Amman, Sept. 22 (Petra)-- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi met, in New York on the sidelines of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Maqdad.
In a ministry statement on Thursday, the two top diplomats discussed the exerted efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis that guarantees the unity and cohesion of Syria, preserves its sovereignty, restores its security and stability and formulates the necessary conditions for the voluntary return of the refugees.
The two sides, according to the statement, also discussed bilateral ties between Amman and Damascus and cooperation that serves their common interests, as the two sides focused on border security issues including combating narcotics trafficking, water, food security and refugees.
Safadi also, according to the statement, held talks with his Japanese counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi that focused on enhancing bilateral ties between the two friendly countries in addition to the latest developments in the Middle East region and exerted efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.
The two ministers also discussed the outcomes of the preparatory meeting for the tripartite Jordanian, Egyptian, Japanese meeting in order to coordinate stances on the region's issues and efforts to achieve security and stability.
Safadi, the statement said, valued Japan's role in support of the two-state solution, and briefed his Japanese counterpart on the efforts led by His Majesty King Abdullah II to push for a return to a serious and effective negotiations to achieve peace, expressing his thanks for the support provided by Japan to the development process in Jordan, as well as for the support Japan provides the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and for the Syrian refugees hosted by the Kingdom.
For his part, the Japanese minister stressed, according to the statement, the centrality of the Jordanian role and the efforts led by His Majesty King Abdullah II in order to resolve regional crises, and to enhance cooperation and achieve security, stability and prosperity in the region.
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Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Kalam Abdul Momen has said that he had urged the Indian government to help Dhaka maintain stability and harmony.
The minister told journalists on Friday that Bangladesh wanted stability and “if we [Bangladesh and India] can do this, it will be meaningful in this golden chapter of our relations,” according to Dhaka Tribune. He said he had informed the Indian government that there were some people in both countries who make instigative remarks and create issues out of minor things.
He said that the governments of both countries need to identify and stop those people. “If we can do that, there will be communal harmony and there will be no uncertainty,” he added.
He said that Bangladesh remains stable whenever Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is in power. “The development journey remains uninterrupted when there is stability,” he added.
Momen had urged India to take steps to help Bangladesh maintain stability and harmony earlier on Thursday. He said he had told the Indian government that Dhaka will continue to develop and become a country free of communalism under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina.


(Source: Mobi Health News)
Jacob Haddad, CEO and co-founder of GP/patient communication startup accuRx, said GP practices, for example, are being forced to make tech-enabled changes to stay safe and maintain routine services during the crisis.
“Building a video consultation product over a weekend was one of the first ways that we were able to achieve that, and we have already released a range of other features to support frontline tasks.”
Minister of state for digital Caroline Dinenage said that in the last month, the sector has shown why it is a global leader, using its expertise to develop practical solutions to help the government and the NHS response to the pandemic.
“These technologies will not only help in the here and now but they will also shape the future of healthcare in the UK and indeed across the world,” she said. “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the startups and tech companies that have switched their entire focus to backing the national effort to tackle this health crisis.”
Read more on: Mobi Health News


Soroti District Local Government has failed to absorb more than one billion Shillings that was meant for staff salaries in two consecutive financial years.
The money reflected in the Auditor-General’s report for the year ending June 2020 indicates that the district had under absorbed the payroll to a tune of 1.086 billion Shillings. Although the balances were returned to the treasury at the end of the financial year, they were sent back to the district in the current financial year.
The report indicates that the district had 43 per cent of its structure filled with vacant positions. But even after the recruitment that was conducted in this financial year, the district will still return some of the money meant for staff salaries to the treasury, according to the Chief Administrative Officer, Luke Lokuda.
He says that the first recruitment process for the financial year 2019/2020 was disrupted by the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic after the district had run adverts for recruitment and generated a shortlist. Lokuda explains that even when the Ministry of Finance sent back the money for recruitment for the 2020/2021 financial year, clearance by the Ministry of Public Service came in the second quarter of the financial year.
According to Lokuda, the district has now recruited more than 170 staff, promoted 80 and confirmed 50 others with the available funds. He notes that Soroti has attained 92 per cent of the staff levels, something he notes, will be able to improve services in the district.
However, according to the Auditor General’s report, Soroti district also returned 321 million Shillings unpaid gratuity funds. But Lokuda explained that some of the pensioners had issues with documents to enable them to access payments on time.
Gregory Egunyu, the outgoing district chairperson says there were issues with the District Service Commission which he declined to highlight. But when asked, Lokuda said that he dismissed one of the District Service Commission officials over corruption


Senior meteorological assistant manager at the station Amosi Chimbwira confirmed the incident.
Chimbwira told Malawi24 that before the incident he left the office secured enough but the criminals seem to have had their way in.
“I left the office secured but during the morning I found the office broken and things stolen,” said Chimbwira.
He added that the matter was reported to Police who assured them that they will investigate the it.
Police in the district have since urged the public to provide them with information that can lead to the arrest of the criminals.


TAXILA (Staff Report) – Federal Information Minister Pervez Rasheed has said that consensus on holding population census will be evolved in upcoming meeting of the Council of Common Interest.
Talking to newsmen in Taxila, the Minister unequivocally stated that hundred percent transparency has been ensured in all the projects initiated by the present government.
The Minister said during dictatorships, the information was concealed from the public and objectives were achieved through issuing ordinances. However, the incumbent government is resolving every national issue through consensus.
To another question, he said the government is not going to clip the wings of NAB. Rather discussion is underway for reforms in the body.
He said it is the government’s responsibility to protect its officials and the Prime Minister expressed the reservations keeping that in view.


Serbian leader steps down from party leadershipSerbian leader steps down from party leadership
(MENAFN) Leader Aleksandar Vucic has resigned as president of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) following 11 years in control, with Defense Minister Milos Vucevic ready to take his place. Vucic, who is going to remain in headquarters as leader, said that his choice came after anti-government riots in Belgrade as well as conflicts in Kosovo.
SNS delegates acknowledged Vucic’s resignation at a party meeting in the city of Kragujevac on Saturday, choosing Vucevic as his replacement instantly afterwards.
Vucic presumed presidential of the SNS in 2012, taking over from Tomislav Nikolic. Vucic and Nikolic originated the party 15 years ago (2008) after dispute with the nationalist Serbian Radical Party.
"I will never leave this party, I am proud to have led the best party all these years," Vucic declared to attendees, conceited of the SNS’ widespread support even among “the hybrid war that is being waged against our country.”
Vucic declared that he is going to stay in headquarters as leader, and that the SNS will participate in a broader political movement which will be starting in June.
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State building on the upswing
ANCHORAGE (AP) — Alaska’s home construction continues to follow national patterns: first up, then down, now maybe up again.
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Major new business crime conference
Local businesses will be able to learn how they can ‘beat the criminal’ at a major new national conference on business crime coming to Harrogate.
Business Crime 2015, which takes place on March 5 at the Harrogate International Centre, will discuss what businesses need to do to create a safer business community through partnership work.
The inaugural event is organised by the Yorkshire & Humberside Partners Against Crime (YHPAC) group – an association of business crime reduction partnerships in the region.
Business crime reduction partnerships are businesses such as retailers and licensees who work with the police, local authorities and other agencies to prevent and reduce business crime, which last year cost UK retailers £603m.
The conference, which is expected to attract over 100 delegates, will feature a number of speakers addressing key business crime issues, including retail crime, cyber-crime, and fraud and violence directed towards staff.
Exhibitors will include companies offering services and technology that help reduce business and retail crime.
Speakers will include Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire; Richard Barron, chief executive of the National Association of Business Crime Partnerships; Tim Edwards, chairman of National Retail Loss Prevention Fashion Forum; and Paul Bessant, managing director of Retail Knowledge, which has conducted a national survey on the impact of retail crime.
YHPAC chairman Steve Hunt said: “This is an opportunity to engage with security industry experts, police, local authorities, crime interest groups and other businesses to gain tips, tactics and information about creating a safer business community and reducing business crime in partnership.
“This conference will provide delegates with the opportunity to hear other people’s ideas on the issue, but also share their own, so that together we can further develop an effective approach to reducing and detecting business crime.”
For more information or to book, go to www.yhpac.org.uk.
Jeremy Ambrose, chairman of the Harrogate District Businesses Against Crime Group, said: “The conference aims to highlight the scale of business crime in the United Kingdom and offer solutions and ideas as to how businesses can reduce its impact. By working together we can create a safer business community which will do its utmost to prevent criminal activity which costs businesses hundreds of millions of pounds every year.”


Chocolate bars to be hit with 75% sugar tax
All chocolate bars that contain sugar will be hit with a 75 per cent sugar tax from the start of next month, the House of Assembly heard last night.
Kim Wilson, the health minister, told MPs chocolate and cocoa products with sugar were to be added in the list of food and drinks covered by the sugar tax.
Ms Wilson said 10 per cent — $77 million — of the $770 million spent on health every year was used to treat people with diabetes.
She added about $27 million a year was spent on dialysis treatment. Ms Wilson said the sugar tax was not designed to raise revenue, but to reduce the consumption of sugar.
She added: “We cannot continue to see the skyrocketing health costs that we continue to see, largely due to diabetes and other non-communicable disease.”
However, she said she would move an amendment to remove breakfast cereals “that would have been subject to the sugar tax in the Bill as tabled”.
Wayne Furbert, the Government junior finance minister, said the sugar tax was designed to improve health.
He added that the sugar tax implemented last October had raised an extra $460,000.
Mr Furbert said that, although duty rates on sugar had increased, rates for vegetables, fruit and eggs had been reduced.
He added the reductions had lead to a $200,000 decrease in revenue.
Mr Furbert said that although the duty on the healthier items was reduced, some businesses had still hiked prices and he had noticed that with eggs.
Mr Furbert said: “We dropped the duty and the price went up.”
He added stickers were being added to goods that will be affected by the sugar tax, but that he had not seen any on fruit and vegetables to indicate that the tax had been cut.
Mr Furbert asked the public to tell the Government if they see prices on affected items go up before April 1.
Mr Furbert said some water products, which had a 35 per cent duty in the past, had been reduced to 15 per cent since last October.
Craig Cannonier, the Opposition leader, said the Government wanted to send a health message, but that had not required an increase in taxes.
He added that the Government should use the same determination it had to increase taxations to spread the health message.
Mr Cannonier said: “Making things more expensive so people won’t buy is not the way to go.”
He added that better education of the public would lead to healthier people.
Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Tourism and Transport, said Bermuda had one of the highest amputation rates in the world as a result of diabetes and that the sugar tax was needed.
Mr DeSilva said: “This tax is going to help us to press the health message.”
He added: “If asked to make a choice between upping the tax on sugar or amputations, I would choose upping the tax.”


DSP among two injured in Karachi firing
SSP Korangi said that DSP Faisal Noor was targeted when he was returning after visiting the home of his relative, who was identified as Khalil Ahmed.
The cop said that Noor was targeted by two persons on a motorcycle. He added that the police officer, who was with the DSP at the time of the incident, could not carry out the retaliatory fire.
Noor and his relative were rushed to a medical facility for treatment and were discharged after first-aid treatment.
It is being said that he was shot during a robbery attempt.


Dundee City Council leader John Alexander has hailed new figures that show unemployment has fallen by more than in any other Scottish city.
Dundee City East had the highest percentage decrease in claimants of Jobseeker’s Allowance in the first three months of this year, with one in every 100 being signed off the benefit.
Dundee City West saw a 0.9% decrease overall.
Mr Alexander said he welcomed the figures and insisted the authority was “absolutely committed” to creating new jobs and lifting people out of unemployment.
“These figures show positive steps are being made but it’s also important to recognise there’s much more to do and no one is resting on their laurels,” he said.
“I’m positive about the future and know there are a number of further announcements and opportunities that will likely come forward over the coming months.
“In reality, it is private business that will create the jobs of the future and we need to continue to create opportunities by bringing new employers into the city and supporting those that are already here.”
Mr Alexander highlighted significant announcements over the last 12 months, including the 750 new jobs at the Social Security Agency, multi- million-pound developments at the Waterfront and positive movements in the port – as well as work on the Tay Cities Deal which has the potential to deliver in excess of £1 billion of investment for the region.
“Dundee’s future is bright and we will not rest until we create the prosperous city that we all want to see,” he added.