The Hunter Region’s Labor MPs are hosting a public meeting in Belmont to discuss issues surrounding the new bus timetable that was introduced in January.
The dramatic transport shake-up came after the NSW government handed the reins of Newcastle’s public transport to private operator Keolis Downer.
While Keolis Downer has defended the changes – and said the new bus network was open for tweaking – many stories across the community have surfaced from people who rely on public transport but feel the new timetable has made their travels more difficult.
Swansea MP Yasmin Catley, Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp and Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery organised the meeting.
Parliamentary secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald, the state government’s representative for the region, will also attend, as will NSW Labor leader Luke Foley.


The Ministry of Foreign has cautioned the public agents traveling to the Gao region of Northern Mali.
A statement issued by the Ministry referred to the recent abduction and killing of some Ghanaians.
Commercial drivers who ply the Gao region have also been advised to suspend all travel to the area.
Ghanaians who are also living in Gao have been asked to leave immediately for their own safety.
Those who are unable to leave for some reason have also been asked to minimize their movements.


Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday night, March 29, said there has also been an increase in the healthcare utilization rate with the surge in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.
“With the increase in cases, there has also been an increase in the healthcare utilization rate at the regional and provincial level including the highly urbanized and independent component cities, as well as in the ICU utilization rate,” he said in a meeting with President Duterte.
That is why, Duque said, there is a need to increase the bed capacity in public and private hospitals.
The Health chief, meantime, said that the surge in COVID cases was due to different factors such as the non-compliance to minimum public health standards.
He also cited the increase in the mobility of people, as well as the failure to immediately detect the active cases as reasons.
Duque said these were aside from the United Kingdom and South Africa variants among others.
On Monday, the DOH recorded 10,016 new cases of COVID, another record high.


The purpose of ASTLHLO is to promote state and territorial health agency divisions, offices and programs that provide consultative and developmental support to local public health departments in their roles to protect, promote and improve community health.
We strive to make a difference through the activities of our association and its members, and through the expansion of our reach by forging partnerships with other public health organizations, nationwide.
The mission of ASTLHLO is to inform public health leaders and influence public health policy, and to assure effective state-local relationships and a strong public health presence at the state and local level. We seek to enhance communication, coordination and the continuation of effective public health efforts at the state and local level.
We accomplish our mission by:
Representing and supporting state health department officials in their roles to build relationships with local health agencies.
Providing networking opportunities for our members.
Advocating for a strong public health presence at both the state and local level.
Partnering with other national public health organizations to advance the field of public health.
Educating and informing the membership on developing national public health policy and enhancing meaningful participation on those policy processes.
ASTLHLO has adopted Organizational Bylaws to ensure a mutual understanding of the Association's purpose, organization, membership, voting rights, officers and board of directors, standing committees and operating standards.
The ASTLHLO strategic plan includes the following three goals:
Strengthen ASTLHLO as an organization and improve its visibility and influence in public health discussions and policymaking
Promote the importance of strong public health capacity at the state and local level
Increase the ability of state and local public health units to effectively carry out core public health functions


Authorities in Galmudug have refuted claims certain clans were being targeted in a security operation noting that the state was engaging with communities to boost security.
The director of information in the state ministry of information Ibrahim Jeekey told Goobjoog News the recent security operations did not aim at profiling certain communities in the state.
“It is true that security agencies have summoned people from South West but they wanted to discuss how they can partner in boosting security. The police also asked them to make notifications of new people coming to the state,” said Jeekey. This move will help both the security forces and the security of residents.”
Responding to claims in the social media of discrimination, Jeekey said no one was being discriminated adding such measures have also been implemented in other areas. “We have many people from South West in Guriel who do business and they have been engaging with security forces in a similar way to enhance community policing.”
Noting that every Somali had the right to live anywhere in the country, the state official called on residents to partner with security forces to prevent any threats to security.


The Honourable minister of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development, Sadiya
Farouk, has stated that the Igbos should not expect any money from the federal government.
Minister Sadiya said they have started cash transfer to poorest households in the country to cushion effect of the coronavirus pandemic.
She said only the poorer households will benefit from the federal government fund.
Sadiya Farouk said the Igbos has people outside the country to help them only the poor in the North will benefit.
“We are only sharing money to the poorest Nigerians in the North because we don’t have poor people in South Nigeria they have people outside the country that is taking care of them so we are not going to South Nigeria”


Judiciary rejects rumors on release of Iranian-American Baqer Namazi
He has not been released,' Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said in a press conference on Sunday.
Mohseni Ejei rejected the rumors about release of Namazi, and said that he has been permitted to leave the jail for medical treatment.
Speaking about those arrested in the recent riots in Iran, Mohseni Ejei said that 246 people who were involved in the unrests are now in custody.
He noted that 120 indictments has been issued in the capital, Tehran and four people are now in custody.
Commenting on the recent move in social networks against the headscarves worn by Muslim women, the official said that the move had been orchestrated from abroad.
Source: Islamic Republic News Agency � IRNA


Ounsdale have been thanked by charity ‘YoungMinds’ for raising a fantastic £1284.35!
Thanks to our support, over the last year the youth engagement campaign YoungMinds Vs has enabled even more young people to talk about mental health, and both their Parents Helpline and online resources have been able to offer information, support and guidance to more people than ever before.
Over the past year the organisation have also trained 7000 professionals, including teachers, foster carers and medical professionals to better understand, support and help the young people they are responsible for. They also continue to raise much needed awareness around children and young people’s mental health as the stigma associated with talking about how we feel is still widespread throughout society today.
YoungMinds is a small organisation trying to make a difference and we are happy to have supported the marvellous work that they do.Share


DALAT: A total of 800 people from Dalat and Oya received their Covid-19 vaccines at the Stadium Perpaduan Dalat vaccination centre (PPV) on Wednesday (July 14).
Of the number, 280 persons received their first dose and 520 others the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
A spokesman for the Dalat District CITF which organised the event, said the recipients were happy and confident to resume their daily activities although they still have to follow the standard operating procedures (SOP).
The spokesman added more and more people were now aware of the importance of being vaccinated as the vaccine could help strengthen their immune system.
He said the recipients, who had completed their second dose were thankful to the authorities, and also appreciated all those who were involved in the vaccination process here.


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The Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) decision to reverse it’s stance on drivers’ meal expenses has been welcomed by the trucking industry and the Transport Workers Union (TWU), who have also called for the federal government to act to ensure the taxation changes will not be reintroduced further down the line.
The “unacceptable ruling” was introduced without stakeholder consultation which the union says left drivers “significantly out of pocket”.
The revision means that drivers will now have more money to spend on healthy meals, which are usually more costly than fast food options.
The union also said this would reduce the financial pressure on drivers who have to deal with the rising cost of living when their wage growth wasn’t rising comparatively.
The ATA said the revision would help around 38,000 truck drivers. For more see https://www.fullyloaded.com.au/industry-news/1710/industry-welcomes-atos-common-sense-approach


TRS enrolled 60 lakh members in membership drive: KTR
- TRS enrols 60 lakh members in the membership drive which ends today
- KTR also asked the officials to open the party offices by October
The TRS party has enrolled 60 lakh members in the membership drive, said the party working president KT Rama Rao after reviewing the drive along with the party leaders. He also said that the membership drive will end today.
Rao appreciated the efforts put by the party workers in making the public take the membership. "Gajwel and Wardhannapet are ahead of all the regions across the state in the drive," said KTR. He also directed the leaders to open party offices by October.
He also revealed that BJP has just 12 lakh members.


(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 8 . Azerbaijan will
chair national commissions of TURKSOY (International Organization
of Turkic Culture) member countries for UNESCO next year, Chairman
of the 8th cycle of national commissions of TURKSOY member
countries for UNESCO, Chairman of the Board of the Diversity of
Cultural Expressions Committee of the Turkish National Commission
for UNESCO Ocal Oguz told reporters on December 8, trend reports.
Will be updated
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New Delhi: Referring to the inauguration of the new Parliament House, Congress leader Anand Sharma said that it is not “constitutionally correct” to exclude the President who is the ‘Head of the Parliament’ from the key events.
Congress party has been accusing the GoI saying that the President has “not even been invited” to the inauguration event of the new Parliament House.
“It is not constitutionally correct to take a major decision about the Parliament excluding the head of the Parliament, the President of India from the decision-making from the foundation stone laying, now for the inauguration,” Anand Sharma said while addressing a press conference on Monday.
He further stated that Article 79 makes it “crystal clear” that the Parliament comprises the President of India, the head of the Parliament, and the two houses.
Earlier on Sunday, former MP Rahul Gandhi had said that the President should inaugurate the newly-constructed Parliament building and not the Prime Minister.


(MENAFN- The Peninsula) BEIRUT: Syrian insurgents freed 13 soldiers in return for the release of five rebels on Thursday, the first step of a deal over Harasta town in eastern Ghouta, a Hezbollah media unit said.
Around 1,500 Ahrar al-Sham fighters and 6,000 family members will evacuate the town on Thursday, said the military media unit run by Hezbollah, which fights alongside Syria's army.
The evacuation marks the first such negotiated withdrawal in eastern Ghouta near the capital, where the army and its allies have waged a fierce offensive since last month.
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The Coalition of Badger Action Groups encouraged visitors to the website to “spend a few minutes contacting these people and let them know your views on the badger cull”, adding that the group was planning protests outside the businesses.
The group said they had been told by the government that the organisers of the cull would be kept secret for security purposes, but that simple research had uncovered the names.
The NFU expressed concern over the leak and said that it was seeking reassurance from Defra and Natural England about the security of their systems.
NFU director of policy Martin Haworth said: “We are very disappointed that this has happened and we are doing everything we can to support and protect those individuals that have been named.
“We have asked Defra and Natural England how this information could have been discovered and to carry out their own investigations. They have come back to us and confirmed that both of their systems are secure.”


Turkey has administered over 111..68 million doses of coronavirus vaccines since the country launched an immunization drive in January, according to official figures released Thursday.
More than 54.35 million people have been given a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while around 45.81 million are fully vaccinated, the Health Ministry said.
Turkey has also given third booster shots to more than 10.66 million people.
Separately, the ministry also recorded 30,019 new coronavirus cases, 217 related deaths and 32,240 recoveries over the last 24 hours.
As many as 362,152 virus tests were conducted in the past day.
"Let's understand and cooperate with each other," Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Twitter, referring to the daily fatalities and calling on people to be careful against the virus.
Source: Anadolu Agency


(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency)
LIMA Jumada II 22 1437 March 31 2016 SPA -- Peruvian President Ollanta Humala raised the minimum wage on Wednesday by 13 percent to 850 soles ($252) per month effective May 1 following pay-increase proposals by the country's presidential candidates according to Reuters.
Humala a former leftist military officer who turned conservative after taking office last increased the minimum wage to 750 soles in 2012. His administration ends on July 28 and he is constitutionally barred from seeking a second consecutive term.
Inflation quickened to 4.4 percent last year and the central bank expects it cool to around 3 percent by the end of the year.
Humala signed a decree authorizing the new minimum wage before a crowd of supporters in the highland region of Puno one of the poorest in Peru.
Humala's party withdrew from presidential and congressional elections earlier this month after trailing far behind others in polls. Humala has not endorsed any candidate and his approval rating has sunk in recent years.
01:26 LOCAL TIME 22:26 GMT
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A LEADING medical professor has confirmed that there has been a ‘steady decline’ in the number of cases in Derry City and Strabane council area.
Prof Ian Young, Northern Ireland’s chief scientific adviser has said there is “strong evidence” to suggest that the tough restrictions imposed in the Strabane council area are working.
Mr Young said there was a ‘much more noticeable picture’ in the north west, while there was also beginning to be a slowing of the spread of the virus across the North.
Speaking about the local area, Mr Young said, “There has been a steady decline in cases from the peak reached – the timeline is aligned well with the enhanced local restrictions in Derry and Strabane, with closed hospitality.
“There is strong evidence that those measures have had a significant impact on the Derry and Strabane region.”
He said the start of a slowing in positive cases across the North most likely reflects the household restrictions which have put in place by the executive.
Mr Young added they would continue to monitor the situation ahead of the weekly press conference at Stormont tomorrow (Wednesday).


PF is ‘Deaf to the Cries of the Majority’ – Moono
Former ABZ National Chairman Dexter Zemba Moono has charged that the Patriotic Front PF Government under President Micheal Chilufya Sata has to do more and fulfil their campaign promises they made with the people of Zambia in 2011.
Moono told SKY FM News that it is unfortunate that the PF Government has turned a deaf ear to the cries of the majority people that put them into office.
He disclosed that the Country experienced a major revolution in 2011 because of the promises which the PF Government promised the people of Zambia that they were going to fulfil them within 90 days after being voted in Office
Moono has observed that the failure by the PF Government to deliver the constitution in ninety days, create more jobs and put more money into people pockets is a clear indication that they have failed to make it up for the promises that they made to the people of Zambia in 2011.
He urged the Patriotic Front Government to accept their failures and begin to work hard for the people of Zambia if the confidence which they entrusted in them in 2011 will continue to strive before the next General Elections in 2016
Moono advised the PF Government to consider concentrating on the challenges that the Zambians were facing especially those in rural areas where the road networks and poor health care were still very poor.
Source: Sky FM


ABL described it as a “heinous attack” on the bank’s employees and customers who were present at the scene of the incident.
The bank said its staff was assaulted by people who wanted access to bank accounts that were closed for legal reasons – although additional details were not given.
In a statement, the bank said that its employees were forced to make money transfers to Turkey. According to Reuters, the head of Baneen, Mohamed Baydoon, denied using force but did not deny the money transfers.
ABL has called on Lebanese authorities to prosecute those involved in the incident and to ensure the safety and security of the Lebanese banking sector and its employees and customers.


What was expected was confirmed Sunday when Moorhead goaltender Michael Bitzer won the Frank Brimsek Award for Minnesota's best senior goaltender.
Bitzer, 18, was the wire-to-wire front runner for the award after helping the Spuds reach the Minnesota state hockey tournament for the third time in the four years he was at the school.
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Nairobi — Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo says the government will take strong action against those responsible for the conflicts in Sondu town,
Addressing journalists at Oriwo Boys School in Karachuonyo constituency on Thursday, Omollo said that the government views those responsible for disputes between the towns bordering Kisumu and Kericho counties as perpetrators of law.
Omollo asserted that despite the government’s view that the dispute in the region is a historical issue, top security officials from the two counties have been asked to meet and discuss measures to bring about peace.
“Security officers are on the ground to investigate the matter those who are found culpable must face the law. The government is also reviewing the causes of conflicts,” he said.
He warned that no one will walk freely after causing conflict in the town. The security officers started the meeting on Thursday.
He said that they treat the matter seriously and that it requires quick action.
The PS added that the government has also created a master plan to guarantee families in the area live in peace.
“We have put in place measures to ensure the clashes do not reoccur or get out of hand,” he added.
Omollo urged the two counties’ political leaders to take the lead in promoting tranquility in the town.
He asked the town’s elected officials to assist in maintaining the peace.
“We know that no one is allowed to take the law into their own hands. But we’re also asking political leaders to come together and help in restoring peace in the area,” PS said.


Travel: Warning for motorists over icy conditions
- Credit: Archant
MOTORISTS have been urged to take care when driving during the icy conditions.
A string of crashes across the county have been attributed to last night’s snow fall.
A spokesman for Suffolk police said there had been several incidents which had seeen vehicles sliding into each other and cars leaving the road.
He usrged motorists to remain vigilant and careful when driving and said that the Orwell Bridge was currently being battered by strong winds.


PANAJI: Minister for River Navigation Subhash Phal Dessai today informed that the state government is contemplating beginning Panaji-Vasco ferry services to reduce traffic congestion.
“The state government is contemplating beginning Panaji-Vasco ferry services in a bid to reduce traffic congestion,” said Phal Desai
He further said that the state government is also looking for innovative ideas to improve the bad conditions of some of the ferry boats.
The Minister also said that his department would also release the pending amount of DSSY schemes which have been pending for the last 3 months.
“We will carry out a survey to check whether some people are not getting benefits inspite being eligible for the Scheme,” he said
Phaldesai also said that his department, through the survey, would keep a check if non-eligible persons are taking benefit of the scheme.


Reddy, who took oath as chief minister on May 30, made the announcement at a review meeting at the health department.
Jagan, as the chief minister is popularly known, said the government was determined to revamp the medical and health department to improve health facilities in government hospitals.
He said as promised in YSRCP manifesto, the government would restore the past glory of 108 ambulance services introduced during former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy’s regime.
Jagan expressed surprise over the pathetic condition in government hospitals during the last five years.
He also formed a committee to revamp the medical and health department and asked the panel to submit the report in 45 days.


MnDOT explains survey, sidearms
A traffic survey conducted in Wadena on Monday raised questions and curiosity among area residents.
Craig Vaughn of SRF Consulting Group said that Wadena was chosen for the transportation survey, and results would be reviewed over the next couple weeks.
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At least six policemen were wounded in a mine blast close to a police outpost in Herat province on Tuesday night, local officials said on Wednesday.
The blast occurred around 10:30pm local time in Angel district after a mine placed close to the outpost exploded, said Abdul Ahad Walizada, a spokesman for the provincial police chief.
He said four policemen were wounded and have been taken to the hospital for treatment.
But Mohamad Rafiq Sherzai, a spokesman for the local public health department, said that six policemen were wounded in the blast and were taken to the hospital.
“All wounded policemen are in stable condition,” he said.
The residents in the area said fighting was also heard after the blast.
No group including the Taliban has claimed responsibility.


So far, smooth sailing for teacher negotiations
On Sept. 9, 2009, contract negotiations between officials and teachers in the West Fargo School District broke down, resulting in an impasse.
It took more than a month for the two sides to finally agree on a settlement
Two years later, West Fargo School Board members and the West Fargo Education Association have once again returned to the table for the next round of negotiations, but this time things seem to be going much more smoothly.
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Sanaa, Oct 10 (IANS) The Yemeni Houthi rebels retrieved the bodies of 62 their fighters from a frontline in Yemen's central province of Marib and moved them to mortuaries in the capital Sanaa.
"They were killed in the past two days in fighting with the government troops near al-Joubah district," medics at a Houthi-controlled military hospital told Xinhua news agency.
The Houthis are trying to advance into al-Joubah, about 50 km southwest of the government-controlled Marib central city.
Fighting in the western districts of the province is still ongoing, according to government military sources.
The Iran-backed Houthi militia launched in February a major offensive on Marib in an attempt to seize control of the oil-rich province, the last northern stronghold of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.
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Willmar looks at holding planning retreat to air issues
WILLMAR — City Council members continue discussing the possibility of holding a planning retreat. Council members have been discussing for the past several months the possibility of having a retreat and lining up a facilitator to lead the discussion.
The latest discussion took place at the Sept. 17 meeting of the council’s Labor Relations Committee. Committee Chairman Steve Ahmann reported the discussion to the rest of the City Council members on Monday night.
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Later this month the Friends of the Newport News Public Library will hold its regular book sale at a new location. The group moved from West Avenue Library when it closed to the public last summer and the booksale has moved to to the lower level of the...
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The hunger strikes launched by political prisoners in Turkey to protest against the prison isolation conditions of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan as well as the violations of rights that are taking place inside prisons in the country has reached its 32th day. The seventh group of prisoners have begun their hunger strikes.
People outside the prisons have continued to express their support for the hunger strikers and solidarity actions have been taking place in Europe and Turkey.
Human rights organisations and lawyers who have spoken to the prisoners and families of the prisoners have also stated that the demands of the prisoners should be met urgently.
Slogans – “Long live the strikers in the prisons” – have been written on many walls in the Sur district of Diyarbakır (Amed) in Turkey.
Mesopotamia News Agency has also reported that the prisoners who are on hunger strike in Tarsus Prison have stated that the prison administration has not provided them with necessary materials such as salt, sugar and lemons.


Area actress in Md. production
Winchester — There is a story behind how Miss Shepherd came to be homeless and living out of her van, and it is worth taking the time to learn, according to Sally Anderson.
The Winchester actress…
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Govt committed for welfare of journalists: Marriyum
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting is addressing a news conference in Faisalabad.
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb says legislation is underway for the safety, security and welfare of the journalists.
Addressing a news conference in Faisalabad on Sunday, she said that the legislation will also protect the rights of all kind of media workers including reporters, cameramen, DSNG operators and technical staff.
She said that access to information bill will also be introduced during the current session of the National Assembly. She said that it will help to reduce communication gap.
Marriyum Aurangzeb said that government is also starting training programmes for the working journalists to enhance their professional skills. She said that foreign trainings will also be arranged for the journalists.
The Minister of State said that it is the responsibility of the media to present the true image of the country.
She said that the government has taken long term steps for improving the security of the country. She said that due to the government's intervention, peace has been restored in the country.


Pakistan News – Police on Saturday claimed to have killed four robbers in a shootout near Kot Deji.
SSP Nasir Aftab said that Dr Riaz Bhatti who was kidnapped a month ago was also recovered.
He said that the robbers were wanted in various cases. Identities of the deceased were yet to be known.
For more information visit: Geo.tv


LOS ANGELES, Calif. (KERO) — Los Angeles County reported more than 1,000 new COVID cases and four additional deaths on Sunday making it the third consecutive day that more than 1,000 new cases were reported.
Health officials said the number of cases and deaths are likely to reflect reporting delays over the weekend. The spike in COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles is causing worries about the spread of the Delta variant.
Federal officials have said the variant is also believed to be responsible for a majority of new infections being reported in the United States, the vast majority of them being reported among unvaccinated residents.
According to the LA County Public Health Department, these high transmission rates are increasing among younger residents.


The National Prime Minister, Muttaz Musa, has directed the Sudanese National Youth Union to spread among the youths and to work seriously in addressing the youth issues.
This came when he received Monday in his office a delegation of the Sudanese National Youth Union.
In a press statement, head of the delegation, Mahmoud Wad-Ahmed, said that he informed the National Prime Minister about the youth – youth dialogue project that the union aims to launch in the coming period.
He indicated that the meeting has tackled the union’s plan for the year 2019 and the projects that were implemented by the youth institutions in all the states of Sudan.
He said that he also acquainted the National Prime Minister with the activities due to launched by the Innovating Youth Forum in the thought and cultural fields, besides the youths’ stability projects.
He added that the union’s plan for the current year aims to organizing weddings for hundred thousand young men and women in partnership with the Zakat Chamber and a great community effort


Bomb threat called into Supreme Court, all-clear given
The building wasn’t evacuated
WASHINGTON (CNN) – The all-clear has been given after the U.S. Supreme Court received a bomb threat Wednesday.
A public information officer for the court said the building grounds were checked and the building was not evacuated.
An increased National Guard presence was seen at the court.
The situation has returned to normal at the court building, which was already closed to the public because of the pandemic.
The threat was made ahead of Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Copyright 2021 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.


Delhi reported 4,099 cases today, 28 per cent more than yesterday. The national capital has reported more than 10,000 in the last three days. Delhi’s Health Minister Satyender Jain said today that as many as 84% cases in the capital are of Omicron – the latest, a more transmissible variant of Covid-19.
Delhi Covid cases today: Delhi has reported 4,099 Covid cases today. (representational)


(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency) Hajjah, Saada, March 18, 2023, SPA -- The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues to implement the water supply and environmental sanitation project in Hajjah and Saada governorates, Yemen.
During February 22-28, some 6,962,000 litres of drinking water and 605,000 litres of non-drinking water were pumped, and 48 missions were conducted to remove waste from the camps of people displaced in Hajjah governorate.
In Saada governorate, 70,000 litres of drinking water, and 70,000 litres of non-drinking water were pumped, benefiting 30,100 people.
17:26 LOCAL TIME 14:26 GMT
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New signs to welcome drivers to Clarke County
BERRYVILLE — In the next 30 days, travelers coming from the east into Clarke County will know exactly where they are.
In a project developed by the locality’s Economic Development Advisory Committee…
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Based on 96 percent of the votes counted, 61.9 percent of people voted against the constitution, while 38.1 percent voted for the change, and going to the polls was mandatory.
Senator Ximena Rincón, one of the main opponents of the new constitution, said that the victory was obvious and demanded that a new constitution be written.
Politicians who were in favor of changing the constitution admitted defeat, and President Gabriel Borić called a meeting of party leaders, which will be held in the La Moneda presidential palace.
The proposed constitution included a long list of social rights and guarantees, and the document established gender equality in the government and other state bodies.
The constitution was supposed to prioritize environmental protection and recognize Chile’s indigenous peoples, for the first time in the country’s history.


(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah met with Commander of the Italian Joint Operations Command H E Lieutenant General Silvano Frigerio. The meeting dealt with reviewing relations of joint interest and the means to enhance and develop them. The meeting was attended by a number of ranking officers in the Qatari Armed Forces.
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BAGH: Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower Syed Khurshid Shah has said that PPP has still invited Mian Brothers for reconciliation for the larger interest of country. He expressed these views while addressing a public gathering. He said, the impact that government was involved behind the SC verdict against Mian Brothers was wrong because if they look in the past history PPP leadership was also being targeted. He said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was exiled while President Asif Ali Zardari was put into jail. He said they did not wanted to practice the politics of confrontation and their leadership was being targeted but PPP didn’t give up hope.
He stated further that they wanted reconciliation with PML-N for the integrity of the country and providing relief to the people. He said that people still considered Asif Ali Zardari their leader and were agreed on their policies. President PPP (AJK) Chaudhary Majeed while addressing the public gathering said that the electoral process has been started in AJK while the policies of Sardar Ateeq’s government were continued. He said that merit was being neglected and institutions were ruining. PPP’s other leader Sardar Qamaruz Zaman, Latif Akbar, Mian Waheed, Hanif Awan, Ali Raza Bukhari, Dr Mirza Akhtiar Baig, Amjad Yousuf, Khurshid Kashmiri and Zia ul Qamar were also present in the public gathering.


() has entered into a short term secured C$2 million debt facility with Maxit Capital.
The facility has been guaranteed by Nicholas Mather a Director and major shareholder of the company.
DGR has been working on a strategy to explore debt-based funding options for financing generative and development programs without resorting asset sales or discounted equity issues.
The loan is for planned expenditures and working capital whilst the overall maturation of its current asset base continues.
DGR holds a number of listed assets that combined outweigh its current market cap.
These include 18% of (ASX:OBS) which has recently attracted a $0.65 takeover offer; a 25% interest in () 10.9% in (LSE:SOLG) 14% in AusNiCo (ASX:ANW) and 28% in ().
Proactive Investors Australia is the market leader in producing news articles and research reports on ASX “Small and Mid-cap” stocks with distribution in Australia UK North America and Hong Kong / China.
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(MENAFN - UkrinForm)The international community must work with the U.S. Congress to stop the construction of the Nord Stream 2 project, National President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) Alexandra Chyczij has said.
"The UCC calls on the international community to work with the US House of Representatives and Senate, and allies in the European Union and Ukraine to ensure that Nord Stream 2 is not completed or operationalized," Chyczij noted .
She stressed that the completion of this pipeline will negatively affect the security of Ukraine and the entire region.
“The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is an enormous threat to transatlantic security, and its completion would make a further Russian invasion of Ukraine far more likely,” Chyczij said.
According to numerous news sources, the Biden administration and Germany agreed on terms that would allow the pipeline to be completed. The implementation of any arrangement that would allow the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to come online would strengthen Russia’s energy leverage over Europe, and seriously undermine Ukraine’s security.
Verkhovna Rada Chairman Dmytro Razumkov called on the U.S. Congress to refrain from approving any agreements that would threaten Europe's energy security and pose a threat to the national interests of Ukraine and the United States.
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Patriot Perspective: PTA lists school year accomplishments
The end of a school year is a time of excitement, accomplishment and bittersweet reflection.
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KABUL: The spokesman of Ministry of Interior (MoI) Seddiq Seddiqi said yesterday that the casualties of police have fallen down over the past five months. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, he added that the police casualties had dropped down over the past five months, saying on average basis two to four police are martyred daily across the country; while the figure was higher in the past. The reason for reduction in police casualties, Seddeqi said was defusing mines and early taking injured policemen to hospitals. Seddiqi also added at the press conference that the Interior Minister in meeting with police officials including the counter-terrorism and anti-criminal activities, last week had ordered to take necessary steps in controlling all kind of criminal activities within month.
The Kabul Times


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Islamabad, 11June: PM Imran Khan hosted parliamentarians belonging to the government’s coalition parties for lunch today (Friday), where important issues relating to the country’s political situation, budget and other matters of national importance will be discussed.
A journalist asked the premier whether the budget, which will be presented later in the day, will be a “people-friendly” one.
“Today, everyone will be happy,” said the PM Imran Khan in response.
PM Khan chairs the meeting of the parliamentarians at 2:00pm. As per latest reports, senators and MNAs from the coalition parties arrived at the Parliament House, where the meeting held.
The government’s economic team will also give a briefing to the parliamentarians on the federal budget.
Sources said mobile phones and women’s purses will be kept outside the meeting room.
Marriyum Aurangzeb criticized PM Imran Khan
On the other hand, the Opposition will hold a meeting of its parliamentary members as well at 3:00pm. PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif will chair the meeting, which will also include participants from the PPP.
PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and the PML-N leadership have recently traded barbs at each other, ever since the PPP quit the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) after being issued show-cause notices by the PDM.
Sources said important decisions related to the budget are expected to be taken in the meeting.
PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb had said earlier that the government had admitted in the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2021 that inflation and unemployment had increased in Pakistan.
“Imran Khan should have resigned [as the prime minister] before the survey was released,” she had said.


— The Tennessee Department of Education is advising parents to be aware of what schools can and can’t do in order to avoid having their children kicked out.
State schools were notified Thursday that some school districts were requiring students to wear body cameras to help police identify students who may have violated safety rules.
It is not clear how many schools are enforcing the policy.
State Sen. Dan Zellers, R-Knoxville, has introduced legislation that would make it easier for parents to challenge school districts for enforcing policies.
Zellers told The Associated Press that his bill would allow students who have been kicked out to request a hearing before a judge before they are expelled.
Zetters said he has had more than 250 students come forward to complain about the policy and several others have been expelled, though the state does not track whether the schools are complying with the law.
Zelling said he’s received hundreds of emails and calls from parents across the state about the school district’s policy.
He said the law would help parents with their lawsuits against the district.


(MENAFN- Jordan Times) Reducing the number of students attending four-year universities and redirecting them to technical and vocational education is the main goal of the National Higher Education Strategy, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Wajih Owais said on Sunday.
"The majority of Tawjihi graduates in Jordan want to join universities regardless of the subjects they study or the potential for finding job opportunities after graduation," Owais told The Jordan Times in an interview on Sunday, adding that although the job market is saturated with graduates from many four-year degree programmes, "people insist on joining universities".
Having too many students at universities, including some who would be better suited to technical rather than academic education, degrades the level of learning at these institutions and causes other social problems, the minister said.
The strategy therefore envisions reducing the number of enrollees at universities from 95 per cent to 70 per cent of Tawjihi graduates within 10 years, he explained.
The three-year strategy, developed last year and endorsed by the Cabinet last week after a lengthy delay, is intended to develop the Kingdom's higher education sector.
The strategy envisions turning the community colleges across the Kingdom into full-fledged technical colleges, while the market's needs of technical specialists will be studied in order to channel more students into fields in which they are more likely to find jobs.
Also on Sunday, Owais said that the ministry was developing a plan for a student loan bank that would offer students loans without interest.
"We are discussing the idea of creating this bank with private banks, but no deal has been reached yet," he said.
The government has allocated JD25 million for student loans for the upcoming school year.
According to the ministry's figures, the number of students enrolled in the country's 27 public and private universities is estimated at 236,000.
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Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday has said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) doesn’t want to impose black law rather it is striving to eliminate the bad practices of previous governments.
Speaking in joint session of the Parliament, the minister said that questions were raised on every election conducted after 1970. The time has come to improve our direction and focus on the development of the country, he added.
Qureshi said that we are tabling the bills as we are having required majority for their approvals. PTI government is determined to move forward in a democratic way, he expressed.
The minister said that we are introducing electronic voting machines (EVMs) to bury evil desires.
Earlier, Qureshi said that the government intends to introduce important laws that will ensure transparency in elections and protect people s rights.
Talking to the media in Parliament House, he said the legislation being carried out today would strengthen democracy and democratic institutions in the country.


Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel met Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi along with his council of ministers as he said the state Cabinet will also discuss the anti-CAA resolution.
Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi praised Chief Minister for the splendid win in the urban local body polls recently.
The Chief Minister while speaking on the CAA after the event said that the “CAA is diversionary tactics of the BJP as economy is sinking and unemployment is rising and the state cabinet will discuss the anti-CAA resolution.”
Interim President of the party Sonia Gandhi has instructed the state government to work for the people so that after five years the people again vote for the party.
In Chhattisgarh, Congress has swept the mayoral elections with winning all the 10 municipalities and 60 per cent of towns 75 per cent of the urban local bodies. The party is happy since the urban voters were considered to be with the BJP.


Deadly helicopter crash near Dubai sparks search underway
(MENAFN) One pilot has been murdered in a helicopter clatter off the shore of the United Arab Emirates, the nation`s air travel manager has stated, stating that saving teams were in the region to look for another conductor after locating wreckage from the plane.
Based on the General Aviation Authority the clatter happened late Thursday evening in waters close to the coastal city of Umm Al Quwain, just north of Dubai, not long after a Bell 212 helicopter flew off from the town`s Al Maktoum International Airport.
“The search and rescue teams have recovered the wreckage,” representatives stated on Friday, also noting that saving crew was cleaning the clatter location and that “the search is still underway for the other missing pilot.”
Although the aircraft contained in the bang can carry an accompaniment of 15, both of the pilots were the merely individuals on board at the time of the occurrence – one of whom was an Egyptian citizen as the other South African. Neither have been recognized, with the establishments merely stating that one pilot was discovered deceased sometime on Friday evening.
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According to local media sources, Liverpool Council are said to be closely "monitoring" the situation with Uber and other local authorities around the UK.
The city's mayor Joe Anderson was quick to criticise the controversial American minicab firm claiming they were “putting profit before workers” and highlighted the growing cross-border hiring problems faced on Merseyside.
He said in the Liverpool Echo “We are going to look at and monitor what other cities are doing when it comes to Uber to see what we can learn from them. “Allowing people to from other areas to our city without paying license fees is something we want to stop. “The reality is that the framework of deregulation means they are allowed to do that.
Liverpool are just the latest city to express their concerns over Uber and their business model.


EA announced today that the highly anticipated game Star Wars Battlefront will be receiving a beta. It is currently expected to take place in “early October” on Xbox One, Playstation 4, and PC.
Beta testers will be able to participate in the 40-player mode as well as unlock Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. The 40-player mode will take place on the Walker Assault. There will also be a Survival Mission taking place on Tatooine.
EA also revealed that there will be a new feature called Drop Zone, but will reveal more information “in the weeks ahead.”


(MENAFN- Trend News Agency ) Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Nov. 6
By Huseyn Hasanov – Trend:
Draft laws on legal protection of inventions and on legal protection of industrial designs were approved and adopted at the 24th session of the Turkmen parliament, said the Turkmen government in a message.
A set of measures are planned for the formation of national intellectual property system and bringing it to the international level, providing legal protection for advanced engineering and technological developments, scientific discoveries and innovations, and their wide implementation in various sectors of the economy.
All this determined the relevance of the abovementioned laws, regulating relations emerging in connection with the legal protection and use of inventions, as well as industrial designs – in other words, design and design solutions that determine the appearance of an industrial product.
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WIMMERA Pride Project and Grampians Community Health have organised a picnic on Saturday in support of the region’s LGBTIQ community.
Pride project co-founder Maddi Ostapiw said the family friendly picnic was a chance to show support for the people who were being negatively impacted by the Australian marriage equality survey.
“There has been a constant debate in the media, which has been a burden on us and has been affecting our mental health. So we decided a small community event for the LGBTIQ people would be beneficial,” she said.
Ms Ostapiw said people were invited to bring their own food and drinks.
There has been a constant debate in the media, which has been a burden on us.Maddi Ostapiw
She said activities for families and young children had been organised or people could choose to sit back and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
“People can engage in the event to any degree they would like,” she said.
Ms Ostapiw said the picnic, at the playground at Horsham Botanic Garden from 1pm, was chance to show support for the people facing challenging times amid the debate.


Prime Minister Ünal Üstel and the Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı inspected the new roundabout arrangement at the entrance of Alsancak on Tuesday.
Speaking during the visit, Minister Arıklı stated that one of the important problems of the Girne-Alsancak road is the intersection at the Alsancak entrance, and that many discussions took place regarding what would be the best option for the entrance of Alsancak but after some discussions a decision was taken to build a roundabout which the premier wanted to see firsthand.
He said that after inspecting the area it was clear that the roundabout was working splendidly.
“We have seen that the roundabout is quite functional, and I want to thank everyone who contributed. Now we will be able to quickly start the continuation of the road” said Arıklı.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel for his part stated that they have been working to relieve the Alsancak- Karşıyaka-Çamlıbel-Güzelyurt road since 2023 and within the scope of these studies, the roundabout at the entrance of Alsancak was designed by the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation.
Reminding that the Girne-Alsancak main road has been on the agenda since 2012, the Prime Minister said, “Our government said that we will finish this road, so we have come all the way to Alsancak. We solved the disputed roundabout so now after this we will continue out project in the Lapta Hotels District, that is, all the way to the exit of Lapta.”
Noting that they were pleased to see how much the traffic had been relieved in the area, Üstel said that in addition to the roads, road lighting, sidewalks, walking paths and bus stops were also built within the scope of the project.
Explaining that work carried out in at the Alsancak junction will be carried out all the way to the Lapta junction, Üstel said that they hope to bring a road to the region that people can use more safely and comfortably.


(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) ANKARA, June 7 (KUNA) -- Turkiye's new government took the oath of office in parliament on Wednesday after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan won re-election to extend his stay in power for a third term, state-run Anadolu news agency reported.
Erdogan, who is now Ankara's longest-serving ruler, emerged victorious against opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu in a presidential election that went down to the wire last month and required a run-off vote. (end)
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The Israeli government has decided to postpone moving its ministerial offices to Jerusalem for five additional years; Israel’s Haaretz newspaper reported.
The newspaper pointed out that the government took the decision during its weekly cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who endorsed the decision.
The paper noted that the government has decided to postpone the move due to two factors; one the fear of the international reaction possibly an angry nature and the need to prepare the city to receive the vast number of employees who will have to relocate their residence there.
Haaretz said that transferring the ministerial offices and headquarters to Jerusalem is one of the most dangerous settlement projects in the city and paves the way for increasing the number of settlers in East Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, Jerusalem mayor, Nir Barkat called to modify the resolution and move the government’s offices to Jerusalem soon, considering the government’s decision to postpone the move a serious insult to the city.


Kuwaiti Youth Found Dead In Egypt Garden
(MENAFN- Arab Times) Detectives from Jahra Command succeeded in apprehending an ex-convict youth, wanted for monetary cases valued at KD 31,000, in possession of five stolen vehicles.
The detectives decided to intensify investigations towards discovering persons behind series of car thefts within the governorate. They found out that the youth was the major brain behind the thefts, so they kept a tab on him until the time was appropriate to arrest him. The officers verified his status to discover that he was an exconvict against whom series of cases were registered, including drug cases. The officers have referred him with the stolen items to the authority for interrogation
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SRINAGAR: Over 50 people have been detained by Jammu and Kashmir police in connection with the investigation of the recent attack in Dhangri village of Rajouri district, officials said here on Tuesday.
The investigation of the attack is being carried by the police with assistance of several other investigation agencies and forces.
He said over 50 people have been detained so far in connection with the investigation of the case
“More than fifty people from different parts of the district have been detained so far and their questioning is going on,” he said.
He further said that some vital leads have been received by the investigation team during questioning of these detained persons. kno


Speaking on the occasion, the President said that NEHU has emerged as a premier centre of learning.
He was happy to note that besides imparting higher education in all the major disciplines, the university is also giving special emphasis on the development of this region which has significant tribal population.
He said that institutions of higher education like NEHU can be instruments of social and economic transformation.
President said that institutions of higher learning can prove to be instrumental in the development of any region.
He called upon North Eastern Hill University to help Meghalaya and the north east in social economic transformation.


Area briefs: SU starting football season ticket drive
WINCHESTER — Shenandoah University is in the process of starting its 2014 football season ticket drive.
The Hornets, under the direction of second year head coach Scott Yoder, open the 2014 campaign…
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Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi has said all political parties of Azad Kashmir are working for the Kashmir cause unanimously.
Addressing a press conference in Mirpur today (Friday), he said the government is providing every possible facility to the people of line of Control.
He said AJK government is committed to facilitate the masses according to the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
He added that the government has formulated a comprehensive tourism policy for the promotion of tourism in the state.
He said that the AJK government is committed to hold local bodies elections in the State.


Biden formally declares US backing Finland, Sweden's NATO membership
(MENAFN) As part of a reshaping of the European security posture following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, President Joe Biden officially welcomed Finland and Sweden into the NATO alliance on Tuesday by signing the instruments of ratification that delivered the United States’ formal support for the Nordic nations joining the mutual defense pact.
At the signing, Biden referred to the alliance as the "indispensable alliance", adding “in seeking to join NATO, Finland and Sweden are making a sacred commitment that an attack against one is an attack against all.”
The United States joined 22 other allies in approving the two nations' membership in NATO. Before signing the ratification, Biden claimed to have spoken with the leaders of both countries. He also urged the other NATO members to complete their own ratification procedures " as quickly as possible."
With a remarkable 95-1 vote last week, the Senate authorized the two formerly non-aligned countries joining the alliance, demonstrating to the rest of the world that " the United States of America can still do big things " when there is political unanimity.
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Covid-19 and the lockdown is being blamed for the failure of several KwaZulu-Natal municipalities to pay huge Eskom bills.
During the budget vote on Tuesday, Cogta MEC Sipho Hlomuka revealed the huge energy debts that have been racked up by five of the province’s municipalities.
The debt riddled districts include the embattled Msunduzi municipality, which owes R189 million to the energy provider.
The other districts are Endumeni, which owes R36 million, Newcastle (R137 million) and Ulundi (R99 million).
But according to Hlomuka, the district which owes the most to Eskom is Mooi Mpofana in the Umgungundlovu District, which has racked up a whopping R293 million in debt.
The Cogta MEC said that the giant debts are due to people losing their jobs during the pandemic and therefore not being able to pay municipal bills, including electricity.
The municipalities were apparently facing the threat of total blackout by Eskom but Hlomuka said his Department intervened to avoid the electricity supply being disconnected.
“While we were able to settle Eskom debt in full at the eDumbe, Mthonjaneni, Abaqulusi and Inkosi Langalibalele local municipalities, we still have municipalities that owe Eskom,” said Hlomuka.
He also revealed that their intervention had played a vital role in assisting four of these municipalities to reduce their Eskom debt.
Hlomuka said that Ulundi had initially owed the power utility R105m, Newcastle’s bill was previously at R264m while Msunduzi’s stood at R199.9m and Endumeni’s was R54.2m.


'The Better Angels of Our Nature'
True, it's anybody's guess where politics and the economy are headed. But there are other measures against which the prospects for 2013 look more upbeat.
In fact, there's a fair chance that the new year might fulfill the most optimistic prediction of all:
2013 likely will continue the trend that's making ours the most peaceful era in human history.
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RAJAHMUNDRY: Deputy CM and home minister Nimmakayala Chinarajappa has said that Rs 100 crore would be spent on the purchase of vehicles for the Police Department.
Speaking to reporters at the Roads and Buildings Guest House here Wednesday, he said that DSPs, inspectors and sub-inspectors would be transferred shortly. “As many as 114 IPS officers were allotted to Andhra Pradesh. Vacant posts will be filled shortly and the seniority lists of officers were finalised.” he said. He also added that upgrading the Rajahmundry Urban district as commissionerate would be considered and that at present, the government was not in favour of sanctioning weekend holidays in the state due to shortage of staff.
“Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has waived crop loans, benefiting 95 per cent of farmers in the state at a time when the state is passing through a financial crisis,” he said and added that the government had given its nod for LNG terminal which is coming up with the cooperation of the Gas Authority of India Limited in Kakinada.
He also said that many industrialists from Singapore, Japan and England were showing interest in starting industries in Andhra Pradesh and that a hardware unit at Kakinada, and the Petroleum University in Rajahmundry were coming up shortly.


(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency)Beijing Dhu-AlHijjah 29 1436 October 13 2015 SPA -- China's foreign trade shrank by nearly 8 per cent in
the first three quarters of the year official figures showed
Tuesday according to dpa.
Between January and September the value of foreign trade was 17.9
trillion yuan (2.8 trillion dollars) a decrease of 7.9 per cent on
the same period last year according to customs authorities.
Exports were down 1.8 per cent and imports were down 15.1 per cent in
the same nine months more than analysts had thought.
The country's trade surplus surged by 82 per cent to 2.6 trillion
yuan (411 billion dollars) in the same period.
12:49 LOCAL TIME 09:49 GMT
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Valley Health breaks ground on Page hospital
LURAY — Valley Health, which operates six hospitals in the region — including Winchester Medical Center — broke ground on a new facility here Monday.
The hospital serving Page County is…
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Niger's Ex-Minister Of Energy Arrested In Niamey
(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) ALGIERS, Jan 5 (KUNA) -- The military council, ruling in Niger, announced the arrest of Ibrahim Yacoubou - the former minister of energy who served under ousted president Mohammad Bazoum.
The ex-minister was arrested and put in civilian custody on Thursday evening upon his return to the capital city of Niamey, the council said in a statement on Friday.
Yacoubou has been away from his country since Brig.-Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani led the coup that overthrew Bazoum on July 26, 2023.
Based on his call for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to interfere in his country and reinstate the ousted president, the military council issued, in September arrest warrants for him and other former cabinet members, including the prime minister and the ministers of foreign affairs, industry and commerce. (end)
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It has become commonplace for YSRCP member and Narasapuram MP Raghu Ramakrishna Raju to criticise and callout the people of his party, and the ways in which they operate. The MP has been staying in Delhi for quite a while now, following death threats from members of his own party and constituency.
Addressing the media today, RRR said that a huge attack has been planned by the YSRCP against him, wherein certain heads of the party have involved people belonging to the Dalit community to attack RRR’s office. RRR has also said that the party members are trying to make RRR contract coronavirus, with which he would be as far away from matters of the party, as possible.
RRR also said that several people are attacking the Hindu religion indirectly, by maintaining fake certificates of being a Hindu. He even said that several people who have changed their faith from Hinduism to Christianity are also still legally Hindus, who are enjoying the benefits of reservation. RRR also said that several Pastors are themselves still officially Hindus, while they continue to preach the Bible.
RRR has requested the people of the state to beware of what the government is doing, and especially hinted at the funds that the YSRCP party is trying to procure. It was announced a while ago that an anonymous foreign company had come forward to lend money to the party. RRR hinted at this, and said that this was all a part of a big scam, where the government is planning mass conversion of Hindus to Christianity.
Commenting on the way the Police department has been behaving, RRR said that several Policemen are not even properly aware of the sections in the law. RRR also said that the Police department is clearly trying to appease one particular religion, while it is constantly offending another. RRR also said that very soon a group of people will be surrendering to the Police, claiming to have been responsible for the attacks against Hindu temples, while naming several TDP politicians.
Furthermore, RRR has also said that he has no plans to establish his own party right now, and that he would be continuing as a member of the YSRCP. However, he has asked Jagan to stop acting in front of the people, and asked him to show his real colours to the people. RRR even said that the people are smart enough to know whom to trust, and this would be made very clear in the next elections.


Granite Falls awards $1.3M bid for hydro turbines
GRANITE FALLS — Granite Falls City Council members awarded projects on Monday to replace two hydroelectric turbines and install an improved computerized system to operate its municipal electric operations.
The council members also called for a 15-year, $1.99 million revenue bond issue to finance the projects, according to City Manager Bill Lavin.
He said current projections indicate that the city will be able to finance the improvements without raising electric rates.
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The President of Somaliland H.E Musa Bihi Abdi on Thursday chaired weekly cabinet meeting via video conference, and discussed on the preventive measures against the spread of the deadly Covid-19. It is the first Cabinet meeting held via video link in history of Somaliland.
The minister of health, Omar Ali Abdilahi has spoken on the ongoing efforts and preparedness that the ministry of health is spearheading in nationwide in conjunction with the National Committee for Covid-19 Preparedness and Response.
The health minister has said that the public safety is the number one priority.
While speaking at the cabinet meeting via video conference, Mr. Omar reiterated that the ministry of health has conducted tests on people suspected to have Covid-19.
The minister has said that Somaliland has confirmed 5 cases which was already announced.
He said that the results of the blood samples taken from two other people suspected of contracting Covid-19 will be announced once the results are out.
Omar further stated that the ministry of health has built quarantine centers across all provinces and border crossing points which have health workers.
The Vice President, Abdirahman Sayli’i as the chair of the Committee tasked against the prevention of Covid-19, has stressed that they are on high alert and are working round the clock in the battle against the spread of Covid-19.
The VP has said that the work is going on smoothly and are working closely with regional and district level committees.
Mr. Sayli’i has disclosed that they are in a position to carry out the measures issued by the committee against the prevention of Covid-19.
The Finance Minister, Dr. Sa’ad Ali Shire has also said that Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on the forecast of the 2020 national budget and it is likely to cause economic downturn.
He urged ministers and government agencies to have a high sense of frugality in terms of budget expenditure.
He pledged that the government is expected to have a national plan pertaining to the economic impact of Covid-19 could have on the populace.
The ministers have agreed upon to step up raising awareness on the deadly Covid-19 to the public.
The cabinet called on the public to abide by the directives and guidelines issued by the Committee.


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KARONGI- Rwanda National Police in Karongi district has urged communities and development partners to collectively address problems facing people with mental disabilities,.
Police spokesman, Theos Badege, made the remarks after a police operation in Kibuye town, where five mentally disabled people were found roaming in the streets of Karongi, Thursday.
Four of them were transferred to Ndera Psychiatric Hospital while another was admitted at Kibuye Hospital.
Badege said that the presence of such people on the streets demonstrated society’s failure in addressing the problem.
“It is the duty of the government to take care of such people, but we need to see the community involved in the process,” Badege commented.
He added that the public needs to be aware of the need to help such people and cut back on the growing number of people with mental impairment in most urban centres.
He said that similar operations would be carried out in other districts.
“The purpose is to show that such people need to be cared for, instead of the community abandoning them in the streets,” Badege noted.
Karongi Mayor, Bernard Kayumba, also acknowledged that there were no organisations to assist such persons. He, however, lamented that the community and families of such people had shunned them.
“Such people are also members of our community and the district has collaborated with police and hospitals to find them treatment,” Kayumba said.


US suggests list of superiority overhauls for talk to Ukraine, investors
(MENAFN) As part of the current negotiation with Ukraine as well as other investors, the United States gave a suggested list of superiority overhauls for talk and feedback at the Multi-Donor Coordination Platform in Brussels.
This is highlighted in the report on the suggested list of superiority overhauls by the US Embassy in Ukraine.
“This list was provided as a basis for consultation with the Government of Ukraine and key partners as part of our enduring support to Ukraine and its efforts to integrate into Europe, a goal the United States strongly supports. The aim of the effort is to prioritize and consolidate reform steps with Ukraine and among key stakeholders,” the report mentions.
The Embassy stresses that Leader Biden declared in his White House conference with Leader Zelensky, “Just as we are committed to helping the Ukrainian people defend themselves now, we’re also committed to helping them recover and rebuild for the future, including supporting reforms that are going to combat corruption, creating an environment where businesses can thrive and where American and European businesses want to invest.”
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.


Nijrab District Kapisa Province Nejrab
|Name||Nijrab District Kapisa Province Nejrab|
|Date of birth|
|Function/Grade||District Chief District Police Chief ALP Chief|
|History and Biodata||
Nijrab district chief:
Local officials in Nejrab district in the northeastern province of Kapisa on Tuesday said that over 400 militia members have been armed by the government over the past three months. The officials said the groups are backed by the National Directorate of Security (NDS).(202000500-20200800)
Residents in the area said that the presence of these armed militias has created fear among the local people and their presence has not helped stabilize the security situation in the district. According to the local officials in Nejrab, more groups are being armed in different parts of the province and three local commanders have been assigned to lead these forces. According to officials, there are an estimated 750 fighters across the province.
Abdul Qudous Mujaddedi, district governor of Nejrab.
Residents also said that some of the commanders have close ties with members of parliament.


Ranchi: The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha on Monday accused the BJP of spreading anarchy and misleading the people over the issue of JEE mains and NEET exams.
Party general secretary cum spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya said that in any odd circumstances the Hemant Soren government of the state was capable of making all types of arrangements and therefore the BJP should not try to spread its vested motives.
He said that to mislead the people the BJP has issued helpline number for the state and the country which was mainly aimed at spreading anarchy outside the examination centers.
Bhattacharya claimed that 80 percent of the students have said that they want exams to be postponed. He said that from north to south the states are grappling with blood while more than 3,000 students who are in abroad would also be denied an opportunity to appear in the exams.
The JMM spokesperson said that interstate rail and public transport for interstate movement are closed but the Centre in its stubborn attitude was adamant to conduct the exams. He said that when the number of Coronavirus cases was being detected 10,000 daily than these exams were postponed and they should be again postponed as currently in a day more than 80,000 cases are being found.


LAHORE: Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid has said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led the government believes in meaningful social development rather than infrastructure projects alone.
Chairing the welcome and orientation session of 440 new pharmacists who have joined the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department recently, at the King Edward Medical University Lahore, Yasmin Rashid said that the government has hired the new pharmacists through merit and they will provide a major boost to healthcare service delivery.
According to a statement issued by Directorate General Public Relations, she said that Punjab will see visible improvement in the availability of quality medicines, stocks, and supplies with the inclusion of 440 new pharmacists in the system.
The minister said: “We have brought around 26,000 human resources in the department since we took over. As many 15,000 doctors have been hired and now we have doctors available at 93 percent BHUs.”
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Captain (R) Muhammad Usman said that newly recruited Pharmacists will play key role in the provision of top-quality treatment services to patients.


Azerbaijan And Kazakhstan Sign Mou On Information Security (PHOTO)
(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 20. Azerbaijan and
Kazakhstan have signed a memorandum of understanding in the field
of information security, Trend reports.
According to the Ministry of Digital Development of Azerbaijan,
the signing took place during the visit of a delegation headed by
the head of the Electronic Security Service of Azerbaijan Samir
Rasulov to Kazakhstan.
Will be updated
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.


Amid a surge in coronavirus infections, the Punjab government has announced the closure of educational institutions till 31 March. Punjab School Education Minister Vijay Inder Singla has said that as Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh announced the closure of educational institutions in the state till 31 March.
The school education department has also decided to postpone exams of all classes till the end of March. The cabinet minister said that the Congress government is committed to ensure the safety of the school students and every possible step will be taken to curb the Covid-19 contamination. Singla said that the education department would release a fresh schedule/datesheet of exams before March 31 and the mode of examination could also be reviewed as per the situation.
Punjab reported over 2,000 coronavirus cases for the third consecutive day, while the pathogen claimed the lives of 38 more people, the Health Department said.


The National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Kebbi state has urged the state government to hasten the payment of outstanding leave grants to local members.
The state Chairman of the union, Alhaji Bello Barade, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, on Monday.
According to Barade, the government of Kebbi currently owes members of NULGE two years outstanding leave grants.
“We were not paid the 2013 and 2014 leave grants and even in 2012 we were paid half of the amount,” he said.
The chairman further observed that the state government workers had been paid their leave grants while local government employees had not been paid.
He further maintained that the members would not relent on their agitation until they were settled.
However, Barade, who appealed to the state government to reduce the hardship faced by local government employees by releasing their leave grants, called on local government employees to sustain dialogue in resolving the quest for the payment of the arrears.


Pakistan sincerely making efforts for peace in region: FM Qureshi
Story Code : 822105
Talking to a private news channel program, he said that the recent visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Iran and talks between the two leaders had held in a pleasant atmosphere.
In reply to a question about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Iran relations, he said that misunderstandings between the two nations must be removed.
The foreign minister said that some elements do not want to see the Muslim Ummah in a united form.
He added that there were some elements who also don’t want peace in the region, however, he said that Pakistan would continue the struggle for peace and stability in the region.
Meanwhile, the minister welcomed the royal couple who arrived here in Pakistan.


Hyderabad: The Telugu Desam Legislature Party deputy leader, Mr Gali Muddukrishnama Naidu, has alleged that the Congress government was plundering the people with punitive taxes and looting the State through corrupt activities.
In a statement here on Thursday, Mr Naidu said that it was nothing short of cheating on the part of the government to have increased electricity charges on all sections of the consumers by Rs 650 crores within an year of hiking the power tariff for the industrial and commercial consumers by Rs 3,678 crores. He said that while the former chief minister, Mr Rosaiah, had imposed taxes of Rs 7,000 crores during his seven-month tenure, Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy has imposed Rs 650 crores in four months. He said that the property tax in the municipalities was being hiked from Friday. He said the people would not be able to bear the additional power charges as they were already burdened with increased prices of all commodities.
Mr Naidu has said that the government was not as much interested in power generation as it was in the revenue. He claimed that while the TDP, during its rule, had established power generation capacity of 5,000 megawatt, the present government could increase it only by 1732 MW. He has claimed that it was due to the reforms the TDP government had implemented during its nine year rule, that the Congress government could give free power to the farmers.
The TDLP deputy leader said that the Congress had done nothing new during the past seven years. He said the power sector got debilitated because of lack of foresight and proper planning on the part of the government. He said the Congress party which criticized the then TDP government for power cuts was now not in a position to supply power for the Rabi crop, he said. He criticized that there was no response from the government for the agitations of farmers who were worried about Rabi crop. (NSS)


PETALING JAYA: Malaysia recorded 2,373 new Covid-19 infections on Saturday (May 14), bringing the total number of cases in the country since the pandemic began to 4,475,873.
The Health Ministry CovidNow portal reported that on Saturday, there were only three imported infections, while the remaining 2,379 cases were local transmissions.
The portal also reported that there were 1,340 recoveries on Saturday, bringing the total number to 4,410,399 since the pandemic began.
It also said there were 29,762 active Covid-19 cases in Malaysia as at Satudray, with 28,425 individuals, or 95.5% of the active cases, observing home quarantine.
A total of 1,261 Covid-19 patients have been hospitalised and 47 are being treated at intensive care units (ICUs) throughout the country.
Meanwhile, the ministry's GitHub data repository reported that there were five deaths due to Covid-19 on Saturday, including one classified as brought in dead.
This brings the total number of deaths due to Covid-19 in Malaysia to 35,612 since the pandemic began.


MUMBAI: Seeking to reclaim the lost glory of the Congress in Maharashtra, Rahul Gandhi’s two-day visit to the state from Friday could be seen as a prelude to a change in the party organisation and government.
Urging the partymen to work for the people, Rahul took the opportunity to shake the Congress leaders and ministers out of their slumber. With the Congress already having ministers tainted in various scams, Rahul has put the onus on accountability and transparency.Pointing out that party always stood for transparency, he said that it was the Congress which had brought the Right to Information Act.
He pointed out that the states ruled by the BJP were riddled with corruption. Rahul said that he would actively work to strengthen the party in the state and regularly tour the state.


By Mohammed Hussain Ahmed
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao launched many welfare schemes to bring economic prosperity in rural areas of Telangana State for the welfare of the people in these areas, the Minister of State for Energy Jagadish Reddy said on Sunday while putting the fish seeds (baby fishes) in Nagarjunasagar.
This is the government of Farmers, the Minister said and added the government has launched many schemes for the economic progress of the farmers in the state including Rythu Bandhu and Rythu Beema.
Reddy said that the government is taking initiatives to revive the traditional professions of the people in the state. In spite of Carona Pandemic, the state government headed by KCR is continuing the people’s welfare schemes, Reddy said.
The Energy Minister said that the government is trying to revive the fisheries’ business and fish culture is introduced in the state’s water bodies, reservoirs and ponds to help the fishermen economically.
Apart from the Minister, those who attended the occasion were Rajya Sabha Member B Lingayya Yadav, Council Member Chinniah Reddy, District Collector Jivan Patil, and officials of the District Fisheries Department.


THE community and members of SANCO at Ga-Molepo in Limpopo are angry at the Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa and her subordinates over a report they believe she withheld as an attempt to protect corruption. The Department of Environmental Affairs awarded a private company R10 million contract to fill up dongas in 2016.
The residents say that the company has done a shady work and has spent the money extravagantly and distributing it to its cronies.
They pleaded with the national department to intervene and investigate what the money was spent on and who else was involved in the corrupt activities.
According to SANCO’s Malesela Thaba, the Minister sent officials to the site to check if what she was told by the residents was true. Thaba said that they went back and gave her false report.
“We requested her to send another group of people who will bring cameras and voice recorders so she can hear what we were talking about and so she can see the shady work by the company they appointed.
“She did that and after having seen the pictures she appointed forensic investigators who confirmed that the company did a shady work and has failed to do its work. Now the department does not want to tell us who took the money because the R10 Million has disappeared and nothing has happened in terms of filling up the dongas and building bridges,” Thaba said.
Nethononda Ntwampe who is also a member of SANCO and resident at Ga-Thaba said that “there were people who claimed to come from the Polokwane Municipality who would come with the Councillor from Ga-Thaba who used to come here always when we lodged complaints and pretended to be listening to us. But when they met with the contractor, they got bribed and decided to keep mum about it”.
Apparently, the Department told the contractor to go repair Dongas at Ga-Maja and Ga-Chuene because they were not too big and the Department said that it will accumulate funds for the project at Ga-Thaba because that was the biggest Donga when compared to the ones in the above-mentioned areas.
He said that “We requested a meeting with Edna Molewa who has always been promising to meet with us to give us a report from forensic investigators.
“We requested the meeting because we talked with the investigators who told us that they had already finished with the investigation and told us that it was up to the Minister to release the report but she does not want to bring it to us”.
“Now they sent another company called Milongani construction company to come and finish the project up without having spoken with us. Now we are told that they will hire new workers. They told us to give them 20 people, the very same Councillor we have always been complaining about also give them 20 people and the Royal House from Ga-Molepo to give us 20 people as well,” said Ntwampe.
Thaba added that some of the people who were brought by the Royal House and the Councillor were the ones that they complained about before. He said that he was worried that these people will still continue doing the things we always complained about.
Colin Silima who is the Assistant Director at the Department of Environment Affairs said: “I have just spoken to the people in the office and they are saying that they will be having a meeting with the community and they did promise that they will go down to the site with the forensic report but before that they need to sit down together as officials from the department and decide on a date when they can convene a meeting with the community and also clarify everything to them”.
Silima said that they have not decided on a date when they will be addressing the community but she pleaded with the community to be patient and promised that the forensic report will include all the aspects they wanted clarity on.