Suspected Kidnappers Abduct 18-seater Bus Passengers in Kogi
Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
Suspected kidnappers have abducted all passengers in the 18-seater bus at Ochadamu, along Anyigba -Itobe Lokoja highway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi state.
THISDAY gathered that the incident occurred at about a 4.pm on Monday at the notorious kidnapping spot at Ochadamu area on the said highway.
It was learnt from a competent source in the area that the hoodlums in their numbers flagged down the said bus at gun point on that spot on the highway and evacuated the passengers into the bush.
The bus was said to be heading to Abuja from the Eastern region of the country .
The locals stated further that kidnapping activities in the Ochadamu flash point which reduced drastically all these while has resumed recently after the army check point in the area was dismantled since the last accident that killed many and destroyed over 20 cars.
The security operatives, including the vigilance in the area were said to be making frantic efforts to rescue the kidnapped victims since the incident happened on Monday.
The Security Adviser to Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, Comandore Jerry Omodara ( rtd) ,who confirmed the incident yesterday, however, said that the state government is on top of the situation.
According to him, the state government has put enough measures in place to arrest the kidnappers and rescue the victims as well as stem the tide of criminal activities in the area.
He said that since the hoodlums are coming back from their cells to operate in that region again , the government will rejig its measures and match fire to fire, assuring that the hoodlums would be neutralised shortly.
“We have fought them, we will fight them and we will continue to fight them, until they are neutralised in that axis of the state. Security agents have been alerted and they will do the needful,” he said.
He noted further that the government has zero tolerance to criminal activities in any part of the state , assuring the people that the tide of such ugly incident will be reduced and in fact eliminated.


Promises made with people of KP merged districts will be fulfilled: PM
Prime Minister Imran Khan said that promises made with people of merged areas will be fulfilled. Talking to Senators and MNAs belonging to merged areas in Islamabad on Monday, he said for the first time a budget of 83 billion rupees has been earmarked this year for developmental projects in merged areas which will help resolve problems of the people.
He said the people of merged areas have given huge sacrifices and suffered immense difficulties.
The Prime Minister directed that people's representatives be included in implementation of development projects and their priorities be considered.
The Senators and MNAs apprised the Prime Minister of their reservations on the issue of federal excise duty. Prime Minister assured them that their concerns will be considered.
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhawa on the occasion briefed the Prime Minister on various development projects in the merged districts.


The Northern-Ireland based manufacturer said that the existing management team would stay and plans were in place to consolidate its position and increase its export sales.
Mark Cuskeran, CEO of Retlan Group, said that the acquisition was “an important step forward for SDC Trailers and the rest of the Retlan Group”.
“This is a significant opportunity for the company, its staff and for the future,” Cuskeran added. “We have been impressed by the approach of the new owners to the acquisition, and the company is now looking forward to a significant period of growth on a global scale.”
David Li, general manager and director of the Board of CIMC Vehicles, said that the acquisition marked an exciting new chapter in the history of SDC Trailers.
“We look forward to working with the existing management to continue its fine tradition of high quality UK-based manufacturing and to the opportunity for further investment to help grow the business,” Li said. “The Retlan Group will represent a valuable complement to CIMC Vehicles’ portfolio and progress our on-going policy of global operations, local knowledge.”


THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Youth Congress leaders have decided to take out a Secretariat march today and continue the on going indefinite fast in front of the Secretariat after their talks with Health Minister Shailaja on Monday failed. It has also been decided to intensify the strike.
The leaders said the talks failed as the government was not willing to roll back the fee hike and change the conditions in the agreement made with the managements.
The minister said the youth congress was making impractical demands and neither the students nor parents have opposed the fee hike.
Even the government didn't accept the leaders' demand for reducing fee in Pariyaram Medical College run by it.
Meanwhile, the leaders have pinned their hopes on the Supreme court order on the issue which will be out within two days. The minister said the government would take a decision in this regard after the verdict was known.


Dubai's DIFC registered firms up 14 percent
(MENAFN) The Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) has recorded 2,003 of active registered firms by the end of June, a 14 percent boost compared to 1,750 during the same period in 2017.
The trend in the first half of this year "reflects the industry's continued confidence in Dubai and its leadership's vision," DIFC stated.
"The new clients who have opened in DIFC range from FinTech start-ups which are supported by our vast ecosystem, to global industry giants," CEO of the DIFC Authority Arif Amiri noted.
Start-ups from the first FinTech Hive program established in DIFC in the first six months of this year have reached 50 percent.
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He was speaking on the sidelines of a press briefing given by President Maithripala Sirisena in Colombo.
The President earlier said that ever since the pricing formula was introduced, fuel prices have been rising. This has caused hardship to the public and particularly the operators of public transport, he said.
He said, the Government had discussed whether to continue......with the formula or change the policy.
The President said the Government hopes to bring in measures in the upcoming Budget to help people overcome difficulties caused by fuel price hikes.


Prime Minister Oli directs high-level Covid-19 committee to strictly implement lockdownHome ministry to stop people walking long distances on foot wherever they are, and send them to the nearest quarantine.
Hours after the Supreme Court ordered officials to ensure that people going home by walking long distances get free transportation, the government has decided not to allow people to move from one place to another on foot.
During a meeting with members of the High-level Coordination Committee to combat Covid-19 and the Covid Crisis Management Centre in Baluwatar on Friday, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli directed authorities to implement the lockdown to contain the outbreak “more strictly”.
“During today’s meeting the prime minister directed all to strictly implement the lockdown,” said Law Minister Shiva Maya following the meeting. “The local governments concerned will arrange necessary food and shelter wherever people heading home have reached.”
Foreign Minister Pradip Gyawali, who also attended the meeting, said that the home ministry will send people heading home to the nearest quarantine and keep them there safe in cooperation with the provincial and concerned local governments.
“To stop people from heading home on foot, the home ministry will make provisions for food and shelter,”said Gyawali.
However, sources at the home ministry told the Post that the government will try to send stranded people to their city/ village wherever possible.
“As there could be protests from local governments, the government has not taken a concrete decision. But the understanding is to ensure those going on foot reach their local level (municipalities) safely,” said a home ministry official.
Today’s meeting concluded that the government’s response to the global coronavirus outbreak has been satisfactory, and therefore the lockdown should be strictly implemented, especially after 14 cases were reported in the country on Friday alone. Prime Minister Oli is learnt to have told members of the committee that various people have been plotting to show that the government has failed to manage the crisis.
During the course of the meeting, the prime minister also briefed committee members about his discussions with officials from countries including India where Nepalis remain stranded.
According to Gyawali, the government has also started observing the situation of the Nepalis living abroad.


Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba. (File photo)
KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has warned of protests in the street and parliament against the government.
He said that a massive protest would be launched against the government as it has failed to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
While receiving the report prepared by the Coronavirus Infection Monitoring Committee formed by the party, Deuba said, “We will launch a nationwide agitation after Dashain. We will compel the government to summon the parliament’s session.”
He also instructed the cadres to be ready for the street agitation.
Deuba said that although the health of the people was important, the government did not give importance to it and resorted to corruption.


The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that over 2.5 million people across the world die from alcohol-related issues annually. The leading health authority also said that alcohol is now the leading killer worldwide.
The WHO also said that some 320,000 people of the 2.5 million are between 15 and 29 years of age. These numbers are alarming and have now prompted the 193-member WHO to pass a resolution that focuses on the harmful effects of alcohol.
Some of the policies that are being mooted by WHO include health services' responses, community action, pricing policies and reducing public health impact of illicit alcohol. Member countries have been urged to support positive measures in these directions.


Police Command Post 267 Newly Recruited constables to Jigawa, The Police Command in Jigawa State on Thursday said 267 newly-recruited police constables had been posted to the state. The constables were those recruited during the 2016 police recruitment exercise.
Police Command Post 267 Newly Recruited constables to Jigawa
He said that the constables were all Indigenes of the state, and were posted to their respective local government areas to serve.
After they has completed their training in the Police training school and they are posting them back to their state of origin is commendable, as it will enhance community policing since they will serve in their respective local government areas in the midst of their people


Ethiopia on Sunday reported three new coronavirus cases, raising its total number of patients to four.
The Health ministry said one of the patients was a 42-year-old Ethiopian and the other two Japanese nationals aged 44 and 47.
It said the three had been in close contact with the first patient, also a Japanese national.
The ministry said the three, who had been working together, were in good condition.
After confirming its first case, Ethiopia has quarantined 117 locals, including people believed to have had contact with the first patient.
It has also halted train transport but has been criticised for holding one of its great runs on Sunday, in which at least 15,000 people participated.


Well owners need to know what's in their water, say health leaders
More than 1 million people in Minnesota rely on private wells as their source of drinking water, but too many of them are not tested on a regular basis for things that can make people sick, such as bacteria, arsenic, or nitrate.
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(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 26 . First
Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has
posted video footages from Qarabag vs Galatasaray match on
her official Instagram page, trend reports.
The post says:“26.03.2023. Türkiye-Azerbaijan brotherhood is
eternal and unshakable!”
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All three former ministers have so far represented other parties in alliance with the SJB.
The national committee of the SJB which is scheduled to meet at Bandarawela over the weekend ( 19 Dec ) is planning to approve the party's constitution, General Secretary Madduma Bandara has further told the media.
Meanwhile, the Anidda newspaper states that a member of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) has stated that the group including Champika who left the party will not join SJB.
It is also said that the group will function in the future as a civil force and not a political party.
Champika to seize power in Sajith's party?
Meanwhile, the Ravaya weekend newspaper has reported that Champika Ranawaka and a group have launched a strategic mission to seize power of SJB.
It further reports that the leading figures of SJB such as Tissa Attanayake also support this mission.
Accordingly, it is said that Champika will be appointed as the Vice President of the party when the new constitution is approved on 19.


Singapore said on Friday that country is planning to tighten the Covid-19 rules to curb the virus after recorded more than 1,600 new Coronavirus cases—the highest in the week. It includes three deaths and 277 cases from foreign workers’ dormitories. In order to control the virus, the government also asked people to wear mask and avoid social gatherings. The Covid-19 cases in Singapore have increased more rapidly than it had expected over the past few weeks.
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Extending virtual classes for primary and special children schools, the government also asked employees to continue with working from home.
Despite the more than 82 per cent of fully vaccinated people against the Covid-19, the cases in the country have spiked, putting pressure on hospitals under the serious strains.
According to the Singaporean health ministry, more than 9 million Covid doses have been administered since the vaccination programme began in the country.
Singapore’s Covid-19 vaccination rate is the highest in the world.
According to reports, Covid-1 related new SOPs will last until October 24.


TEHRAN – Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, a special aide to Majlis speaker for international affairs, said on Sunday that Iran will continue providing Yemen with “political” and “humanitarian” supports.
“Continuing fight against terrorism, ending Saudis’ aggression and humanitarian siege on Yemen and paying attention to Yemen’s economic situation are the most important current priorities,” he wrote in his Telegram channel.
He also said the Yemeni parliament’s vote of confidence to the National Salvation Government has completed the political procedure in the country.
Yemen’s recently-formed National Salvation Government wins a vote of confidence from the parliament, raising hopes that the ongoing political efforts would help restore peace to the conflict-ridden country, Press TV reported.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said in a statement on Saturday that the Islamic Republic hopes that the new cabinet would help restore peace and stability to Yemen and resolve differences among different groups.


Swedish minister gets banned from entering Ukrainian border
(MENAFN) Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom failed to remember his passport and could not get into Ukraine for a European Union Council conference in Kiev, a newspaper stated on Monday. Many European ministers overlooked the assembly, which considered the bloc bid “solidarity” – however no new army assistance– to Ukraine.
Without his passport, Billstrom was banned from entering the Poland-Ukraine border on Monday for a conference of European Union foreign ministers in Kiev later that same day, a news agency stated, quoting diplomatic sources.
Billstrom couldn’t get on an eight-hour train trip to the Ukrainian capital for a greatly symbolic assembly. Even though the conference was legendary in that it made its footprint the first time that the European Union Council has ever encountered outside of the union’s lines, it gave not so much to actually aid Ukraine.
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Eight kidnapped victims have been released unconditionally in Sokoto State as part of the ongoing mediation initiated by Sokoto state government and the leadership of the suspected bandits.
Speaking at the event to reunite the victims with their relatives, Sokoto state deputy Governor , Manir Dan Iya said the mediation process is one of the strategies the state government has adopted towards restoring peace to the affected areas in the state.
He said the security challenge has festered despite all security measures applied and the state government decided to apply the mediation strategy.
Manir said they have strong assurances that the Fulani leaders will honour the cease fire while also warning members of the volunteer vigilante groups, Yan Sakai to stop extra judicial killings.
Four of the released victims are from Sabon Birnin and two from Isa local government areas and two from Maradi in Niger Republic.


Niki Ashton is calling out trade deals that she says are killing Canadian jobs.
The local MP said in a recent release that the country has seen a quote hollowing out of our economy and that the country is seeing more and more jobs shipped overseas.
She said that a growing number of Canadian voices, including those from industry and the labour movement, are speaking out about how far the deal will set the country back.
Ashton said that the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement will kill up to 60,000 jobs, and hurt the dairy industry in the country.
The MP said that it was negotiated by the previous Conservative government and moved ahead by the currently Liberals.
She said that we will see well-paying jobs exported to low wage economies where workers have less protection from exploitation, and that the NDP is leading the charge against the partnership.


CM assails opposition for running away from the governor address : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday slammed the opposition for ‘running away’ from the Governor address as they are not able to digest the path breaking initiatives taken by the state government for the holistic development of the state and prosperity of its people.
Winding up discussion on the Governor’s address in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the Chief Minister said that the leaders of opposition are least bothered about the state or its people and their only aim is to grab political power by hook or crook. He said that while his government has been working tirelessly for the welfare of the farmers, the opposition have been merely shedding crocodile tears on the issues of the food growers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to their dubious role these leaders were out rightly rejected by the people of the state and now the people will teach them a befitting lesson during the ensuing Lok Sabha polls.
The Chief Minister said that in the last two years the state government has taken unprecedented steps for the welfare of people. He said that the opposition is least bothered about the well being of the people or the prosperity of the people adding that these leaders are only concerned about attaining power. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that poor and regressive policies of these people had ruined the future of the state who had to do menial jobs for managing two square meals a day whereas these people had enjoyed lives on the basis of ‘gold biscuits’ smuggled by their fathers.
The Chief Minister said that in the last two years, the government had not even once said that the exchequer of the state is empty. However, he said that every single penny of the state has been used judiciously for the well being of the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that during the last two years the state had witnessed unprecedented progress and development which these leaders are not able to digest.
The Chief Minister said that these leaders are not bothered about Aam Aadmi Clinics, Teerth Yatra Yojna, Schools of Eminence, Free Power, massive upgradation of infrastructure or other pro-people initiatives. He said that these greedy leaders are just worried about the power as they can’t live without it and are finding it difficult to survive being in opposition. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that people have elected 95% people from non political background as their MLAs in 2022 as they were fed up from the dismal performance of these leaders.
The Chief Minister said that the state government had scripted a new success story by purchasing Goindwal power plant earlier owned by a private company GVK Power Power at a cost of Rs 1080 crore. He said that for the first time a reverse trend was witnessed in the state as the government purchased a private power plant whereas in the past the state governments used to sell their assets to the favorite individuals at ‘throw away’ prices. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this thermal plant has been named after the third Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Amar Dass who had spent most of his time at Goindwal Sahib.
The Chief Minister said that most of these leaders are ‘opportunist turncoats’ who shift their allegiance as per their vested interests. He said that these leaders had never bothered about the welfare of the common man and had given preference to their own interests. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders had drained the money of Punjab to other states just for sake of appeasing their high commands thereby incurring huge loss to the state exchequer, which is not tolerable.
The Chief Minister presented a lock to the Speaker of the house and urged him to lock the gate of the Vidhan Sabha from inside so that the opposition could not go outside. He said that the opposition had fled from the house during the Governor address adding that as custodian of the house the Speaker should ensure that opposition do not run from the house. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the opposition is habitual of running from the house daily on one pretext or other which should not be allowed as it is a mockery of the august house adding that in the entire history of democracy no one would have ever given such a gift to the Speaker.
The Chief Minister said that people have not elected these leaders to run away during the proceedings of the house rather they have been elected to participate in the debates. He said that the sole motive is to save democracy in the state adding that no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the opposition had run away from the Governor’s address just because they didn’t want to listen to the truth.
The Chief Minister said that the opposition used to demand long sittings of the Vidhan sabha session but now they are running away from attending it. He said that having long sessions is of no use, if the opposition has to jeopardise its sittings by staging walk outs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this escapism is the reason for the debacle of the opposition as people have rejected their attitude to run away from issues of public importance.
The Chief Minister said that running away from the core issues is in the DNA of the Congress and the state Congress is following it. Citing an example, he said that at the time when the Budget session of the country was going on the top leader of the Congress, Rahul Gandhi was wandering in Chattisgarh. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that they are the most irresponsible party in the country which is least bothered about the common man.
The Chief Minister said that these leaders are envious of him because they dislike the fact that a son of a common man is now heading the state government. He said that these leaders like to flaunt their costly shawls, ornaments and others rather than going amongst the common people. Bhagwant Singh Mann dared the Congress leaders to explain that they had been elected for wasting the precious time of the august house.
The Chief Minister said that these people are disrespecting the sacrifices made by legends like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, who had sacrificed their lives for bringing democracy in the country. He said that they should have opposed the state government by using the time allotted to them but they preferred to waste the time by raising slogans. Bhagwant Singh Mann assailed the Congress party for making a mockery of democracy in the state adding that in the next polls the entire party will be routed from the state.
The Chief Minister said that the Congress party is now on its knees and is daily requesting AAP to forge an alliance with it. He said that these leaders are political deadwoods who don’t have any base amongst the people and have been completely rejected by the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that while the MLAs of AAP have been eating the biscuits made of flour since their childhood, the top leaders of Congress had gold biscuits smuggled by their fathers.
Slamming the Badal family for looting crores of Rupees from the state for personal benefits, he said that the luxury tax and others of this seven star resort was waived off to benefit them for construction of Sukhvilas Hotel. He said that it is unfortunate that Rs 108 crore rupees were waived off thereby bringing a huge loss to the state exchequer. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that originally the Metro Eco Green Resort village, Palanpur now called Sukhvilas is real Dukh Vilas for the state as it has been constructed from the blood of Punjabis.
The Chief Minister said that these leaders are blot on the democracy of the country as they even lack basic etiquettes. He said that though they have studied in convent schools, they don’t even have basic courtesy to talk with anyone as they are arrogant and power mad. Equating Navjot Singh Sidhu with a goods train that chugged from Kathua towards Punjab without a driver, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he is one man show, who is not bothered about anyone.
The Chief Minister said that the Congress party is like an old model Fiat car, which cannot be updated as per the modern requirements. He said that schemes like Mukh Mantri Teerth Yatra Yojan, Aam Aadmi Clinics, Schools of Eminence, Sadak Surkahya Force and others have been introduced for the well being of people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the medicines are being provided to the people from within the government hospitals adding that similarly quality education is being imparted in government schools of the state.
The Chief Minister said that the state is witnessing a new era as the parents are shifting their kids to the government schools from the private schools. He said that people of the state have made up their mind to give all the 13 Lok Sabha seats to the AAP so that impetus can be given to the ongoing development. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government will continue its endeavors to serve the people of Punjab zealously for carving out a Rangla Punjab.


New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that his government is ready to formulate new policies to encourage micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He assured the MSME entrepreneurs that the government would provide them all kinds of help. Praising the entrepreneurs, the Prime Minister said that these people are playing an important role in the self-reliant India initiative.
Addressing the Entrepreneur India program, the Prime Minister also asked small entrepreneurs to register themselves on the Government e-Market Place portal, the Government Procurement Platform, GeM, for supply of goods to the government. The Prime Minister said – MSME is essential for self-reliant India, MSME sector has played a big role in shaping a self-reliant India in the last eight years. On this occasion, the Prime Minister also rewarded the states doing good work in the MSME sector.
Modi said on this occasion – I want one crore new registrations on GeM portal next week. He said that the government has increased the budget by more than one hundred and fifty percent in the last eight years to strengthen the MSME sector. The Prime Minister said that if any industry wants to grow, expand, then the government is not only supporting it, but it is also bringing necessary changes in the policies. He also said that the business of Khadi and Village Industries has crossed one lakh crore rupees for the first time, Khadi sales have increased four times in the last eight years.


CM CONTINUES TO FULFIL JOB GUARANTEES MADE WITH YOUTH, 36,796 JOBS GIVEN SO FAR
Chandigarh: Punjab government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday continued its spree to provide government jobs to youth by completing the process of handing over recruitment letters to 36,796 youth in various departments.
Addressing the gathering after handing over job letters to 272 newly inducted cooperative inspectors, the Chief Minister said that all the 36,796 recruitments have been made completely on merit. He said that the recruitments have been given after adopting a complete transparent process and the youths have came to job after clearing the exams in cut throat competition. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the sole agenda of his government from the day one has been to empower the youth by giving government jobs to them.
The Chief Minister said that all these candidates have been selected through PPSC purely on merit basis. He said that it is a historic occasion for them as they are getting government jobs on the basis of their capability. Bhagwant Singh Mann unequivocally said that his government don’t want to waste even not an hour as the state has already lagged behind and are already 70 years behind the schedule to provide jobs to our youth.
The Chief Minister said that it is heartening to learn that a large number of girls are being selected for the government jobs. Citing an example, he said that 181 boys and 91 girls have been recruited on these posts after the exams. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government is laying major stress on the education of girl child and these efforts are producing desired results.
The Chief Minister said that more such efforts will be made in near future to empower the girl child. He said that society will be immensely benefitted from the empowerment of women and the state government is leaving no stone unturned for it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has decided to deploy the female candidates near to their home so they can perform their duty with diligent manner.
The Chief Minister said that as runways at the airports facilitate an Airplane for its smooth take off in the same manner the state government is helping the youth to realize their dreams. He asserted that every effort is being made to give wings to the ideas of youth and no stone is being left unturned for this noble cause. Bhagwant Mann made a fervent appeal to youth to make all out efforts for carving an identity of their own to make a place in society adding that sky's the limit for them.
The Chief Minister also said that the state government is opening eight hi-tech centres for imparting training to the students for competitive exams. Bhagwant Mann said that these centres will provide quality training to youth for clearing the UPSC exams and sit on coveted positions in state and country. He said that the target of the state government is to ensure that youth sit in high offices and serve the country.
The Chief Minister exhorted the new recruits to judiciously use their post for the welfare of the people and securing justice for them rather than harassing them. He said that the state government is committed for ensuring the well being of the people for which stupendous efforts are being made. Reiterating the firm commitment of his government to ensure welfare of state, Bhagwant Singh Mann no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause.
Congratulating the newly inducted officers and their families, the Chief Minister expressed hope that they will discharge their duty with honesty, diligence and dedication. He said that these days have been made special as the earlier governments never bothered to give jobs to the youth. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government has made sure that only the eligible, deserving and bright students are selected on the basis of their merit.
Likewise, the Chief Minister said that due to concerted efforts of the state government Punjab has emerged as the most preferred investment destination in the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has so far attracted Investment worth Rs 50871 crore which will create 2.89 lakh jobs for youngsters. He said that more investments will be roped in during the coming days to give boost to economic activity in the state.
The Chief Minister said that his government has launched a crusade against corruption and no corrupt leader will be spared. He said that unfortunately these leaders have constructed palatial farm houses but the common man is running pillar to post to meet two ends. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every single penny will be recovered from these corrupt leaders and will be utilised for welfare of public.
The Chief Minister said that people have given the opportunity to be helm in affairs and now the onus is on our shoulders to revert back to the society. He said that everything is on the track now and the responsibility on the shoulders of the youth to convert the state to Rangla Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann called upon youth to be partners of socio economic growth of the state.


By Ireen Mulenga
Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Nkandu Luo says there is need for behavioral change for people towards livestock as it is an important sector.
Speaking in an interview, the Minister said livestock is an important sector that has made impact and transformed many lives throughout the country.
Ms Luo said there is a lot of potential in livestock and that’s why government has pumped in a lot of money to enhance the Ministry.
She said the Ministry has put livestock on the pedal store through the leadership of President Edgar Lungu so that it can be monitored on its own.
Ms Luo said though the budget allocated to research is low, people are passionate about what they do when it comes to tasks.
She said recently they have come up with medicines for livestock which will be distributed through out the country to prevent diseases.
Ms Luo also said that they have extended the fish ban as a way of getting wealthy and allow fish to breed.
She said they realize that people were using bed nets to when fishing, which used to fish out even small fish which needs to grow.
Ms Luo said the Ministry has invested in all areas of livestock, in chicken rans, goats, cows fish, pigs and rabbits.
She said the government has been working on reducing poverty reduction to over 200,000 thousand house hold towards livestock as a tool and with the help of 46.3 million grant towards the project.


Tokyo, July 30 (IANS) China's Ma Long on Friday became the first male table tennis player to win back-to-back Olympic singles titles after outclassing world No.1 and teammate Fan Zhendong 4-2 in the final here on Friday.
Ma won the duel 11-4, 10-12, 11-8, 11-9, 3-11, 11-7 in front of International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium, reports Xinhua.
It's the third straight final contested between the Chinese duo in major events, after the ITTF World Cup and the ITTF Finals in November. They won one title each in the previous two clashes.
In an earlier match, Germany's Dimitrij Ovtcharov bagged bronze after beating Lin Yun-Ju of Chinese Taipei in a seven-set thriller.
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Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the agreement will help stop the nation’s politicking and put focus on the needs of the public. — Bernama pic
KOTA KINABALU, Sept 14 — The Sabah government has lauded the agreement on bipartisan cooperation between the federal government and Opposition MPs as a momentous occasion that puts political beliefs aside for the benefit of the public.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that the agreement dubbed the “Memorandum of Understanding on Political Stability and Transformation” will help stop the nation’s politicking and put focus on the needs of the public.
“It will serve as a guide for all parties to work together find a ways to resolve the economic crisis and the health currently faced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“On behalf of the Sabah government, we feel a memorandum of understanding between the government and Pakatan is the best and most capable of putting aside all political differences,” he said here today.
Hajiji said that the timing was also important as it comes at a time when many Malaysians were struggling.
He said that by putting an end to politicking, everyone can focus on efforts towards the economic recovery of the country in a holistic manner.
“What is important now is political stability for the developing the country especially the economy as many have been affected by the pandemic,” he said.


Downward curve of COVID-19 in Mizoram: CM Zoramthanga
Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Wednesday said that the COVID-19 curve of the state was moving downwards due to the collective efforts of the government and the people.
During a meeting of Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of the States and Union Territories chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the COVID-19 situation in the country, Zoramthanga said that the issues of COVID-19 in the state were gradually declining. This is because the state strictly states in a statement issued by the State Department of Information and Public Relations that “Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination and Cowed Appropriate Treatment (CAB) should be observed.”
He attributed the decline in COVID-19 cases to compliance with government policies and support from churches and civil society.
He said that out of 759 active cases, more than 20 patients have not been admitted to the hospital.
Zoramthanga told the meeting that the death rate in the state is now 0.3 percent.
The Chief Minister informed the meeting that 13 oxygen plants received under PMCares have been successfully installed in district hospitals and one cancer hospital.
He said that at present there was no crisis in the supply of oxygen in the state.
Zormathanga also said that out of 624 applications received till April 24, at least 596 (95%) code 19 has been provided to the families of those who died due to code 19.
He said that action was being taken against the rest.
The Chief Minister also urged the Prime Minister to provide free vaccinations to people between the ages of 18 and 59 for precautionary measures.
The Prime Minister called for concerted efforts and urged the states and the Union Territories to be more vigilant as COVID-19 has not diminished in the country.
He also urged states and UTs to expedite vaccination and focus on precautions and the comfort-track-treat-vaccination model.


Inshallah PSL final will be played in Lahore, says Najam Sethi
DUBAI (92 News) – PSL chairman Najam Sethi has said that the people want the PSL final to be played in Lahore and Inshallah the final will be played in Lahore.
In an interview on Wednesday, he said that the government support had boosted their morale.
“Some foreigners are willing to play in Lahore,” he said.
Sethi said that a new draft will be presented for the final on February 22.


(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) Title changed. Details added: first version posted on
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 13. Armenia has provide
Azerbaijan with accurate landmine maps, trend reports citing the
tweet of Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry.
Following the liberation of its lands, Azerbaijan from Nov. 2020
started carrying out operations on clearing its lands from mines,
booby traps, and various weapons left behind by the Armenian
According to the ministry, as a result of another landmine
explosion Azerbaijani civilian was injured far from the former line
of contact [which existed between Azerbaijani and Armenian armed
forces during occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia], in
Lachin district, where recently 2021-Armenia-produced landmines
Number of mine victims in Azerbaijan since the 2020 second
Karabakh war is 290, the ministry added.
On April 12, in the village of Sus, Lachin district, Ramil
Azizov (born in 2001) received a leg injury from an mine
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CRICKET: WICB president says Windies will benefit from restructuring
West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is reassuring the public that the regional team will benefit as a result of the recent changes in the governance structure of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
WICB president Whycliffe 'Dave' Cameron says the regional team will be playing more cricket over the next eight years.
Cameron made the statement during a WICB press conference yesterday.
Cameron says that the amended key principles that cover governance, financing and structure will allow the game to grow and develop the game in the Caribbean and in the Americas far more robustly and vigorously.
The WICB was one of eight full members of the ICC to vote in favour of the new proposal which was approved at the ICC Board meeting in Singapore earlier this month.
Cameron explained that the new financing proposals will allow the WICB to negotiate, on a bilateral basis, tours to other countries from which it will earn direct revenue.
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A collection of news and information related to John Lackey published by this site and its partners.
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Story | Jun 27, 2011 | 4:24 PMIt's a series local and national baseball writers had circled on their calendars since the schedule came out, and it’s finally here. The Phillies and Red Sox, two of the favorites to get to the World Series, clash in Philadelphia...


MP Seethram Naik has alleged that some people were creating differences among STs for their political Mileage.
Addressing Lambadas public meeting here at Saroornagar Stadium on Wednesday, Seethram Naik said that it was not proper to say that they were migrants though they were here since1975.
He asserted that Lambadas have the strength to ensure the victory of 60 MLAs and made it clear that they will not keep quiet in protecting the rights of Lambadas. The MP alleged that one or two percent people were dictating 50 percent people.
He expressed concern saying that the reservations were facing threat in the country. Naik said they were 25lakh in the state and will wage movement against the anti Lambadas reservations. (NSS)


Abu Dhabi's Umm Al Qaiwain records 52.2pct fall in profits
( MENAFN ) Umm Al Qaiwain General Investment firm registered a 52.2 percent drop in its second quarter profits.
Moreover, profits valued to USD808.1mn in the cited quarter this year, compared to USD1.69mn in Q2 of 2015.
In addition, the firm produced profits of KWD 2.07mn in the first half this year, an increase of 225.3 percent from KWD 636.400mn in H1 2015.
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To prevent the casualties in the future, the authorities have started work to conduct Digital Contour Mapping (DCM) at the Amarnath shrine cave.
General Manager, Works, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), R K Bhat told a local news agency, Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the work on DCM is going on at present.
However, he said that the process could not take pace in wake of the ongoing pilgrimage and the inclement weather conditions. “We are expecting to pace up the work once the annual Amarnath yatra culminates,” he said.
He also said that some measures related to the mapping were already started last year, but after the directions of Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, the DCM will now be conducted at the Amarnath cave as well as along the routes.
“The DCM is being conducted to prevent the casualties in the future,” he said, adding that it would take some time to conduct the mapping completely.
Pertinently, over a dozen people were killed while several others were injured after a cloudburst triggered flash floods near the cave shrine of Amarnath on 8 July 2022.
Days after the incident took place; LG Sinha had said that he has requested the Surveyor General of India to conduct a DCM of the Amarnath Cave and its adjoining areas. (KNO)


With assembly elections a couple of months away, the State government has decided to re-introduce the home loan scheme for government employees.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said the cabinet has approved the “streamlined” scheme, under which the home loan will be offered at a two per cent interest rate to government servants.
He also said that new applicants will get housing loans from the State-owned Economic Development Corporation (EDC), which has devised a special scheme for the purpose.
“The earlier process of applying for the Housing Building Advance (HBA) scheme was very cumbersome. We have streamlined and reintroduced the scheme for the existing and new staff. The applicants will get the loan at a two per cent rate of interest while the government will bear the balance five per cent interest burden,” Sawant said.
He said the new employees will be allowed to take loans through the EDC, while the existing staff can apply for the loan through the empanelled banks.
Last year, the State government had withdrawn the home loan scheme ostensibly to reduce government expenditure.


SRINAGAR — Strict curfew continues to remain imposed in Srinagar and other districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Eid-ul-Fitr on Thursday to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Witnesses said that police and paramilitary troopers have been deployed in strength on roads across Srinagar.
They said the roads have been blocked at several places and concertina wires have been erected on main roads, halting the vehicular movement.
Notably, the government had already announced that there shall be no relaxation in restriction on Eid.
The restrictions continue to remain in place in Jammu and Kashmir for the 14th straight day. The government has imposed a “Corona Curfew” across Jammu and Kashmir till May 17.
Congregational Eid prayers were not held at major shrines, masjids and eidgahs across the Union Territory.
Eid prayers were not held at Dargah Hazratbal, historic Jamia Masjid and other masjids and shrines across the J&K. (KNO)


Lagos Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday said that the state had concluded plans to eliminate three more roundabouts from the Lekki axis to further ease and improve traffic management there.
Ambode also said that the Ajah flyover bridge currently under construction would be completed and accessible to the public by the end of May.
The Governor made this known when a delegation from Chevron Nigeria Limited led by its Chairman and Managing Director, Jeffrey Ewing, paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House in Ikeja.
The roundabouts to be eliminated include the one by Chevron, Igbo-Efon and the Third roundabout.
The state government had demolished two roundabouts last December to ease traffic congestion in the axis.
Ambode said that so much positive impact had been felt with the elimination of some roundabouts in the Lekki-Ajah corridor last year.
He also commended the company for its contribution toward the development of the state in the last five decades.
He said that he was looking forward to more partnership between the state and Chevron in the areas of education, health, infrastructure development and capacity building.
Ewing commended Ambode for the significant improvements the state had witnessed in the areas of road and infrastructure development as well as in security.
He pledged that the company would partner more with the state.


Former Arsenal midfielder AbouDiaby said that Arsenal has improved a lot under their new manager Unai Emery and that he is sure that they should be able to compete for trophies soon. He said that Arsene Wenger was not a bad manager but he feels that the team needed a change so as to progress. He believes that Emery has managed to take some players out of their comfort zone and that this is being shown on the pitch.
He said that there is still a lot of work to be done and that the team should improve their defense. He said that they have been conceding too many easy goals lately and that they will have to play better against stronger sides.
AbouDiaby said that Arsenal has some good players and that there is no doubt that they should be pushing for a place in the Champions League. He said that it will be very competitive until the end this season and if they continue in the same way he is sure that they will finish in the top four.
He said that it will not be right to say that Arsenal will be competing for the title this season but he feels that Unai Emery is the right man to help the team compete again. He said that we will have to see where they will finish at the end of the season and then we can say whether Arsenal will be a title contender next season. He said that they should focus on getting in the Champions League first.


(MENAFN) Turkey’s main share index ended Monday at 2,539.20 points, increasing 0.23 percent against Friday's end.
Opening the week at 2,539.20 points, Borsa Istanbul's BIST 100 index gained 5.87 points from the prior end.
The index's worst rate throughout the day stood at 2,511.34 points, whereas its day-to-day peak stood at 2,555.10 points.
The total market worth of the BIST 100 was nearly 2.07 trillion Turkish liras (USD120.14 billion) by market end, with a day-to-day exchanging volume of 38.6 billion Turkish liras (USD2.23 billion).
Throughout Monday, 54 shares on the index increased, 42 dropped, and four were unaffected against the prior end.
The cost of an ounce of gold stood at USD1,840.05, whereas Brent crude oil exchanged at nearly USD113.67 a barrel at 6.25 PM regional time (1525GMT).
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TIRUVALLA: Water Resources Minister P J Joseph has
reiterated his remarks made against Justice K T Thomas, the member of the High-Powered Committee on Mullaperiyar dam, who upheld the panel report that the dam was safe.
Talking to newsmen here on Monday, Joseph, who was here in connection with the review on the drinking water supply projects, said that the remarks made against Justice Thomas was on his personal capacity.
The Minister said that Justice Thomas represented the state in the committee and the view should have been expressed by keeping in mind the larger interests of the people of the state.
He said that the Cabinet was supportive of his remark against Mullaperiyar panel report in which Justice K T Thomas also put his
On Cultural Affairs Minister K C Joseph’s comment against him, Joseph said that the Cultural Affairs Minister made the comment against him without going through the details of the report.
The Minister said tthe government would submit its view to the Supreme Court, which allowed the state to present its view before July 23.
For the purpose, the government will seek the view of lawyers, the Water Resources Ministere said.


Saudi- Crown Prince sends cable of condolences to Somali President
(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency)
Riyadh, Muharram 26, 1439, October 16, 2017, SPA -- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, has sent a cable of condolences to the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed following the two terrorist bombings in the capital Mogadishu.
The Crown Prince said, "I received with great pain the news of the two terrorist bombings that took place in the capital Mogadishu and the resulting deaths and injuries."
00:19 LOCAL TIME 21:19 GMT
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New Delhi: Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong on Tuesday asserted that China has put in place multi-level control and prevention mechanisms and will win the battle against coronavirus.
The envoy said China has allocated RMB 80 billion to contain the disease and the government has sufficient resources and policy tools to cope with economic fluctuations following the epidemic.
He said the number of confirmed coronavirus cases outside Hubei province, the epicentre of the epidemic, is coming down.
"China has full confidence that it will win the battle against coronavirus epidemic," he told reporters.
He added that the outbreak has not been able to impact the strong fundamentals of China's strong economy.
The COVID-19 virus, which is believed to have originated in Wuhan late last year, has spread to more than 72,000 people and killed 1,900 in China.


Zabul traffic accident leaves 4 people dead 2 injured
(MENAFN- Pajhwok Afghan News) QALAT (Pajhwok): Four people were killed and three others wounded in a traffic accident in the Shahr-i-Safa district of southern Zabul province on Thursday, an official said.
The accident happened on Kabul-Kandahar highway at around 9:30am in the morning.
Mohammad Farid, deputy head of provincial traffic department, told Pajhwok Afghan News the accident occurred when a Felder model car collided with a track.
He said four people were killed and three others wounded, the injured had been evacuated to Qalat Civil Hospital by police.
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Big Society Capital has launched a new strategy that aims to help the social investment market grow by up to £10bn over the next four years.
Its revised strategy will focus on scaling capital across four priority investment markets:
· social and affordable housing
· impact venture
· social lending
· and social outcomes contracts
BSC said it hoped to help double the size of the UK social impact investing market by 2025 and said this should see the market grow to between £10bn and £15bn, up from £5.1bn at the end of 2019.
Announcing the launch on its website, the social investment wholesaler says:
“Social impact investment can make a real difference in improving people’s lives by helping enterprises tackle social challenges such as housing, access to affordable financial products and services, health and wellbeing, and community resilience.
“By bringing in more capital alongside ours, there is real opportunity both to help enterprises scale their impact and to give investors a sustainable financial return.
“Our strategy is to concentrate on what we have learned works and where we believe we can make the biggest difference.”


Berg recipient of presidential call to duty award for service
West Fargo Police Chief Arland Rasmussen has awarded Brad Berg of Fargo the Presidential Call to Duty Award. The honor took place Oct. 7, in a special ceremony at the West Fargo Police Department.
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Cottage Grove garbage hauling ordinance amended
In the wake of a recent debate regarding the number of contracted trash haulers within the city of Cottage Grove, the City Council voted 4-1 to clarify its ordinance to better explain why the three hauler limit has been reached.
Late last year, a metro-area trash hauling company tried to apply for a hauling license but was stonewalled after the city said it already had three haulers, the maximum under city ordinance.
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Woman struck by vehicle on Hilltop
A woman was critically injured when she was struck by a vehicle on West Broad Street in the Hilltop Monday night, Columbus police said.
Columbus police and fire were called at 8:38 p.m. to the intersection of Eureka Avenue on West Broad Street.
The woman was taken in critical condition to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, police said
Initial reports were that the vehicle which struck the woman left the scene, police said.


COLOMBO (NewsRadio); Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera says attention has been drawn towards merging the MILCO Private Limited and the National LiveStock Development Board and increase production.
Speaking during a discussion, Minister Amaraweera said the two state owned entities should be merged and brought under the purview of same Chairman and the Board of Directors.
Meanwhile, a decision has also been taken to appoint a committee to restructure the local livestock industry.
Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera said the decision has been since the industry has collapsed.
The Minister said due to the shortage in animal feed, the production has reduced drastically.
He added that due to the reduction, the prices of milk, eggs and poultry products have increased significantly.
Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said considering all such issues, they have decided to introduce reforms.
The Minister said by merging all farms that belong to MILCO and NLDB, the production can be increased while keeping costs at manageable levels.
He has said the budgetary allocations will also be directed to increase production next year.
Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said despite such reforms, comprehensive restructuring is essential to develop the livestock industry in the country.


LAFAYETTE, La. — Some crime fighters got together Wednesday for the Lafayette Crime Stoppers 38th Annual Luncheon Wednesday at the Petroleum Club in Lafayette's Oil Center.
Awards were handed out for 2020 and 2021, since last year's event was canceled due to the pandemic.
"We are hoping that they understand we have some awesome officers that work in all these different agencies," said Lafayette Police Cpl. Bridgette Dugas. "Today that's what we are going to do we are honoring them. Those that worked hard and need to be noticed for what they did."
Here are some social media posts from area law enforcement from the banquet:


Gov't shutdown would pause unemployment, welfare
Lawmakers in Albany will vote this evening on another emergency spending bill, which could prevent the state government from shutting down.
Should lawmakers vote against the bill, residents would see nearly all government agencies and programs close down, including unemployment, welfare and food stamps.
Though there have been other cases where the state failed to pass a budget and operated on emergency spending bills, there has never been a time when the government was forced to shut down.
If a bill isn't passed, more than 150,000 state employees will not report to work, nor will they be paid.


Chennai: Amid much expectations, the interim budget of Tamilnadu was presented by Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who also holds the Finance portfolio, today.
Panneerselvam said that the State’s debt burden which is currently at Rs 4.85 lakh crore will increase to 5.70 lakh crore.
Presenting the interim budget of the State in the Assembly today, Panneerselvam said that revenue has decreased due to the Covid impact and on the other hand expenditure has increased.
He also appreciated the efforts of the Chief Minister Palaniswami-led government in bringing the Covid pandemic under control.
The Deputy Chief Minister also requested the Central Government to reduce the Cess tax on fuel.
Panneerselvam said that the revenue deficit is estimated at Rs 41,437 crore for this year.
In his budget speech Panneerselvam announced that Rs 5,000 crore has been allocated for farm loan waiver. He said that Rs 144 crore has been allocated for Amma mini clinics.
“As many as 12,000 new buses including 2,000 e-buses will be acquired at a cost of Rs 1,580 crore. The Metro Rail Project in Coimbatore has been alloted Rs 6,683 crore. Rural development department has been alloted Rs 21,218. Highways department is alloted Rs 18,750 crore. Apart from this Rs 5,478 crore is alloted for Higher Education department and Rs 34,181 crore for School education department. Computer Science will be included as a subject from Class 6 to 10 in government schools,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also said that the government has allocated Rs 2,470 crore for the construction of 11 new medical colleges. “The State will get additional 1,650 seats,” he added.
Panneerselvam added that Rs 7,217 crore has been alloted for power sector and Rs 19,420 crore has been alloted for healthcare.
Panneerselvam also said that the Tamilnadu government will provide health insurance to 55.67 lakh families who are Below Poverty Line. He said that Rs two lakh will be given if the family head dies due to natural causes and Rs four lakh for accidental death.
Panneerselvam said that Rs 11,894 crore has been alloted for the agriculture sector and 1,02,000 crore has been allocated for government employees and pensioners.
Meanwhile, the police department was alloted Rs 9,577 crore which is Rs 691 crore higher than last year. Similarly, judiciary was alloted Rs 1,437 crore and fire department was alloted Rs 436 crore.
Panneerselvam also said that Rs 3,700 crore will be alloted under the PM housing scheme.
The Deputy Chief Minister added that the State government has set aside Rs 8,834 crore to give subsidy on power bills.
He said that Rs 6.941cr has been allocated for the Cauvery-South Vellaru river link project.


Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said that his visit to India, which started Wednesday, will focus on enhancing goodwill.
Addressing a reception program organized by the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi in honor of the Prime Minister, he said that his visit will focus on the interests of Nepal and Nepali people while enhancing mutual trust and goodwill.
Informing that he visited India on the official invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he mentioned that various issues of bilateral interests will be discussed on this occasion.
Reiterating the century-old and people-level relations between Nepal and India, the Prime Minister expressed his belief that the friendly relations between the two countries will reach a new height after this visit.
Prime Minister Dahal expressed his happiness that the Nepalis who are studying, working and other jobs in India are ambassadors of goodwill and are focused on the interests of Nepal. He also requested to spend the skills and knowledge learned in India for the prosperity of the country.
Pointing out that wherever Nepali lives, it is in the interest of Nepal and Nepali people, Prime Minister Dahal said that the government is working to provide voting rights to Nepalis living abroad.
The Prime Minister urged the Nepalis in India to take advantage of the social security campaign as the government has recently involved even the Nepalis who are employed abroad.
Informing that the economy, which was in trouble due to covid, has gradually progressed through reforms, he made it clear that after the formation of the current government, the economy is being reformed. Prime Minister Dahal informed that the government is leading for the development and expansion of the economy by providing services to the people and said that the results will be seen soon.
Informing that the government is trying to make service delivery more simple and pro-people, he said that the government is fully committed to control corruption and has adopted a zero-tolerance policy.
He said that after the local, state and federal parliament elections, Nepal's democratic process has entered a new phase and the current government is working on its maximum expansion.
Prime Minister Dahal, leading the Nepali delegation, arrived in the capital of India, New Delhi, this afternoon. Prime Minister Dahal was received at Indira Gandhi International Airport by Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi.
Indian Security Advisor Ajit Doval had a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dahal yesterday evening. Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra also participated.
Prime Minister Dahal is scheduled to visit Mahatma Gandhi's mausoleum at Rajghat on Thursday morning to offer flowers. After that, a bilateral meeting with the Indian counterpart is planned. The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with his Indian counterpart at Hyderabad House, followed by a meeting at the delegation level.
There are plans to agree on some important issues and sign some memorandums of understanding. The agenda has been decided to discuss various issues of energy trade, commerce, trade and mutual interest.
The Prime Minister of India hosted a luncheon in honor of Prime Minister Dahal. After that, Prime Minister Dahal is scheduled to meet Indian President Draupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to address the interaction organized by the Confederation of Nepal Industry and Commerce and the Confederation of Indian Industry on Thursday itself.


Residents of Idimu have expressed displeasure over lack of prompt waste removal by Private Sector Participants (PSP)operators in the area.
In a series of reactions on social media platform, Twitter, the residents stressed that waste in the area has not been removed for weeks despite regular bill payment by residents.
Our community can also report that some of this waste has been abandoned on the road like Ogunrombi road and on road medians in the area.
When contacted, the Chief Executive Officer of Hakbas Ventures, Mr. Sholuwade, one of the PSP operators in charge of Idimu, said the firm was trying its best.
“The problem is that the more we are removing, the more people are replacing and as they are doing this, they do not allow the good work of the government to show,” he said.
He further explained those who regularly paid their bills and put the waste in front of their houses were enjoying seamless service.
“Those who are paying their bills and put their waste in front of their house, those waste are being removed,” he explained.
Sholuwade also stated that residents put their waste on the road due to unwillingness to pay their bills.
“They are expected to put their waste in a bag and place it in front of their houses for the PSP operators to remove it but 40% of people don’t want to pay for their waste, that’s why they put it on the road,” Sholuwade said.
He advised that people should be enlightened on proper waste disposal.
“Please the people need to be enlightened that they should not put their waste on the highway. It is a wrong thing to do,” he said.


COIMBATORE:There has been a sharp increase in the number of snatching incidents on board city buses in 2015, according to statistics provided by the city police to Express.
Statistics show that the numbers have more than doubled, from just three reported incidents in 2014, to seven this year. However, the police have managed to detect five of the seven reported cases, and expect the incidence rate to decrease for the remainder of the year.
A total of 33 "bag-lifting" cases have been reported across the city since 2013, of which 28 cases have been detected. However, the number of such incidents committed by gangs of thieves on board city buses constitute more than half of the cases - 17, of all reported incidents, the statistics reveal.
Of the total number of incidents, only two cases are pending detection from 2013 and 2014, while three are yet to be detected this calendar year.
Police said that a majority of cases reported on city buses occur during the morning and evening peak hours. They also said that there were gangs specialising in committing such crimes.
There was also a geographical aspect or specialisation as to where the incidences occur, with a slightly higher number of such incidents occurring where there were major bus termini, such as in Ukkadam and Gandhipuram, reveal the statistics.
Coimbatore City Commissioner of Police (CoP), A K Viswanathan, said that anti-snatching and anti-bag lifting teams, comprising two teams of four personnel each have been committed to solving such crimes across the city.


By Laman Ismayilova
For the first time, Global Health Summit and Awards has been in Baku.
The ceremony took place at Fairmont Baku, bringing together representatives of medical centers in Turkey, Russia, Georgia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Executive chairman of the African Health Federation Dr Amit N. Thakker, chief executive officer of SF Group companies Dr. Mohamed El Sahili, founder of BossLife magazine (Turkey) Anil Tasdemir attended the event.
The Global Health Summit and Awards recognizes representatives of the medical field and health.
The project aims at introduction of the professional doctors to the public, evaluation of their activity.
The event was co-organized by Company 'Reputation Inc' and business platform 'Millionaire Concept Network'.
Media partners of the event are Azernews.az, Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az.
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(MENAFN- Trend News Agency ) Two Turkish soldiers were martyred and five wounded on Sunday during Operation Olive Branch, the military said in a statement, according to Anadolu.
In a statement, the Turkish General Staff said the casualties occurred during clashes with PKK/PYD-YPG and IS ("Islamic State") terror groups.
On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch along with the Free Syrian Army to clear out PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin.
As the operation entered the 16th day, the Turkish General Staff announced that at least 935 PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists had been "neutralized" since the beginning of Operation Olive Branch in Syria.
According to the Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkey's borders and the region as well as to protect Syrians from oppression and cruelty of terrorists.
The operation is being carried out under the framework of Turkey's rights based on international law, UN Security Council resolutions, its self-defense rights under the UN charter, and respect for Syria's territorial integrity, it said.
The military also said only terror targets were being destroyed and that "utmost importance and sensitivity" was being given to not harm any civilian.
Afrin has been a major hideout for the PYD/PKK since July 2012, when the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria left the city to the terror group without putting up a fight.
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said Tuesday that state revenue for fiscal year 2020 finished about 7% down from last year.
He said during a press briefing that the state had to “face the reality” of how COVID-19 has affected the economy and that he expects the yearly revenue to be about $1 billion less than what was forecasted in January.
Despite his administration “proactively” setting aside savings that included $100 million for FY20, Parson said the “downturn has wiped that out.”
The governor said they restricted $430 million in funding to balance the 2020 budget.
“If we had not done that, we would have had to restrict even more,” Parson said.
The K-12 Foundation Formula and higher education will receive the same amount of funding in FY20 and FY21, after the “fiscal restrictions” were put in place for FY20, according to Parson.
He also said he has been in contact with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, higher education and community colleges throughout the budget process.
Parts of workforce development programs will remain in place, according to Parson, who said that his administration “spent more on public education than we ever have in the state’s history.”
State budget director Dan Haug said that in the 25 years he has worked on state budgets, “this is the most difficult” budget he has seen.
The state’s current unemployment rate – roughly 10% – is higher than during the Great Recession, when it was 9.8%.
Haug said that “almost all new spending” was removed from the budget, and expenses and spending were reduced “across the board.”
However, Parson said he remains hopeful that the economy will “bounce back quickly.”


Frazee boys' golf lives to play another day
The Frazee boys' golf team already has one victory marked up for the season, without even playing one hole on the links.
After being cut from the Frazee School District budget last year, the Hornet boys' golf team -- led by players and their parents -- stepped up a fundraising campaign to earn the team enough monies to have a season for 2008.
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Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque said that Bangladesh is an example of success in controlling Covid-19. Now that the infection has decreased, it needs to be continued. All hospitals currently have oxygen support.
He came up with the comments while briefing reporters at his office in the Secretariat on Tuesday morning.
Zahid Maleque said that vaccine has played a big role in controlling corona. So far 7 crores first dose and 4.5 crores second dose vaccines have been inoculated.
The health minister said the government has a target of vaccinating 12 to 13 crore people. So far 30 percent of people have been vaccinated.
Highlighting the situation in the world with the new variant of Corona, the Health Minister said that Omicron has spread to 90 countries of the world. It has been detected in our country too. But people do not wear masks and do not follow hygiene rules. Therefore, the government is fearing an increase in Omicron.
Zahid Maleque also said that the Ministry of Health has sent a letter to the DCs and civil surgeons to ensure that people across the country abide by the health rules as before.


Jordan - Ministry reveals new beneficiaries of social protection project
(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency) Amman, Nov. 25 (Petra) -- The Ministry of Social Development on Thursday revealed the new batch of beneficiaries qualified to take part in a project to strengthen civil society actors in the field of social inclusion.
Financed by the European Union and implemented by the Expertise France Organization, the project's objective is to improve local and national access to social services by promoting the role of civil society actors in social protection, despite current challenges.
In remarks during the revealing ceremony on Thursday, Secretary-General of the Ministry Barq Dmour said that work will be conducted to support civil society actors by ensuring they have a more active participation in achieving social protection, in partnership with the competent authorities.
'Representing the northern, central and southern regions; Jerash, Amman and Karak were selected for the implementation of the social protection enhancement program,' he added, voicing hope that the qualified beneficiaries will play a role in developing national social policies, strengthening public-private participatory approach and moving the wheel of economy.
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Levies sources said that the bus caught fire shortly after the blast and the bus was severely damaged.
According to reports, the bus heading towards Quetta from Iran when it was targeted by a remote-controlled blast in Maustang.
The dead and injured were taken to a nearby hospital. Balochistan has been witnessing a sectarian rift and hundreds of people have lost their lives.
Levies sources said the bus was escorted by the paramilitary force and three personnel were also injured in the line of duty. They said unknown attackers also opened fire on the bus following the blast.
Deputy Commissioner Mastaung has confirmed the attack and told media three people had lost lives in the incident.


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MIRPUR KHAS: As the incumbent government has introduced fruitful and friendly policies under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, foreign investors are taking a keen interest in different sectors of Pakistan.
Foreign Affairs Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi claimed this while talking to the media on Friday. The minister said that the government was fully committed to strengthening the national economy, adding that Pakistan was of great importance for the United States and soon both heads of the states would meet.
He said that the strategic relations between both countries would become stronger.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi strongly condemned the incident of firing on Sindh Assembly Member Ramzan Ghanchi, saying that the provincial government should take stern action against those who were involved in the incident.
He said that it was the responsibility of the police to protect the lives and properties of the people.


Two more persons were tested COVID-19 positive in Guwahati on May 16.
Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed that the two new cases were related to the Fancy Bazaar cases which led to a spike in number of cases in Guwahati in the last few days.
“2 more persons, related to Aloo Godam case, test #COVID19 positive in Guwahati,” the minister tweeted.
Sixteen cases have already been detected from the Fancy Bazaar area in the last few days, with the Kamrup Metro district administration declaring many areas as containment zone.
With this, the number of positive cases in the state went up to 91, of which 41 people recovered, and 46 are active cases. Assam reported two COVID-19 related deaths while two cases migrated to other states.


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New details have been revealed regarding the checks carried out by the police in the mujahedin camp in Manzë today.
The operation is led by the head of the state police, Muhamet Rrumbullaku, while sources indicate that 70 arrest warrants have been issued.
It is learned that during this police action there were also fierce clashes between the police and members of the Iranian opposition.
The MEK also reported that one person was killed, while this was denied by the police, while it is said that several people were injured.
According to the information, the members of the camp resisted when the police learned about controls in this center, as part of an action against cyber-attacks.


ISLAMABAD: Karim Aziz Malik, Vice President, FPCCI Capital Office said that the economy was passing through a difficult phase and has called upon the government to focus on creating a conducive environment for business sector that would help in reviving the economy. He said this while exchanging views with a delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry that called on him led by its President Ahmed Hassan Moughal. Rafat Farid Senior Vice President ICCI, Sheikh Amir Waheed, Muhammad Naveed Malik, Muhammad Hussain, Naeem Siddiqui, Abbas Hashmi, Amin Pirzada and others were in the delegation.
Karim Aziz Malik said that business community was key stakeholder in the economic development and government should take it on board while forming business and economic policies. He said that the synergy in the efforts of public and private sectors was essential to put the economy on the path of sustainable growth. He assured that FPCCI in consultation with chambers and association would make efforts to promote the interests of the business community of Pakistan so that private sector could feel facilitated in promoting business activities.
Speaking at the occasion, Ahmed Hassan Moughal, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry said that forex reserves of Pakistan were dwindling due to which pressure was increasing on the local currency. He said that the best way to improve forex reserves was to promote exports. However, he said that the cost of doing business in Pakistan was quite high due to which our exports were facing stiff competition in the international market. He urged that the government should take all possible measures to bring down the cost of doing business that would help in promoting exports and improving the economy.
Rafat Farid, Senior Vice President ICCI and others also spoke at the occasion and stressed that the government should focus on creating environment for business activities in order to strengthen the economy.


(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – Over 4000 Chinese visitors in Sri Lanka are being closely monitored to ensure they do not have the coronavirus, the Health Ministry said today.
Director General Health Services (DGHS), Dr. Anil Jasinghe said that 4443 Chinese nationals are being monitored by health officials in the country.
He said that the situation in China has seen an improvement with just approximately 40 coronavirus cases reported daily.
“We are expecting a drop even in those numbers,” he said.
Dr. Anil Jasinghe said that Italy is now the most seriously affected country from the virus.


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Cabinet spokesman Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said that the new cabinet Ministers will be picked this week.
Asked if President Maithripala Sirisena had asked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to step down in the cabinet reshuffle, Senaratne said that there was no such request.
He said that the unity Government will continue as it is with the President and Prime Minister the same while the Ministries may change.
The Minister said that the current Government had some shortcomings and that may have resulted in the results seen at the just concluded Local Government elections.
Senaratne attributed one of the reasons for the loss as being the failure to put behind bars leading figures involved in corruption and crime.
However he said he will push the Government to properly investigate some high profile murder incidents, including that of journalist Lasantha Wickremetunga.
Co-cabinet spokesman Gayantha Karunatillake said that the Government accepts that there are some shortcomings on its part and those matters will be addressed.
He said that the Government is confident that by making some key changes over the next few days it will be able to address the issues at hand. (Colombo Gazette)


(MENAFN- Newsroom Panama) The National Assembly has the duty and the power to debate the laws it issues, with citizen participation and stakeholders, "always putting the best interests of the country first." Meanwhile, it is up to the deputies to "lay down their political-partisan interests and legislate in favor of the common good” said Panama's Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (Cciap) on Sunday.
The Chamber that called for reflection on the course of the discussion, in the first debate, of bill 544 that reforms the Electoral Code, for the 2024 general elections.
After the citizen, business, and political rejection generated by the changes made by the Government Commission to the bill, the National Assembly decided to suspend the debate and sit down to talk with the magistrates of the Electoral Tribunal (TE).
This, after President Cortizo, came forward as a mediator of the differences that arose between the National Assembly and the Electoral Tribunal (TE), and summoned them to a meeting, to be held Tuesday, September 14.
The Cciap calls for that meeting to "lead to a return to participatory debate that allows a thorough review of such an important document, which will apply to the participation of just over 4,000 candidates to more of 800 positions of popular election in the year 2024 ″.
The union also pointed out that all citizens have the duty to get involved, inform themselves and monitor what is happening in the country, be part of the debate and participate in order to strengthen the democratic system and "guide Panama towards a better future."
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Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Tuesday termed the Finance Supplementary (Amendment) Bill 2018 a historic step to put the economy on the track. Talking to media outside the Parliament House, he said that the country was facing financial crisis due to the mismanagement and wrongdoings of the previous governments, whose members were now sitting on the opposition benches in the house.
He said had these opposition parties during their respective tenures performed well, today the country would not have been facing any financial crisis.
Fawad said that only the financially strong people would pay more taxes, and dispelled the perception that the poor would have to face inflation. About setting up of Parliamentary Commission, he said it seemed that opposition was not clear about its objectives. He said that those who had lost the election would never accept the results.
He said many things would come out, if an inquiry was held since the 1990 elections. Explaining the refugees issue, he said that those who were born in Pakistan should be given nationality, adding that there was a need to demonstrate large heartedness in this regard.


Doctors urged to offer more gardening courses and fewer pills
Doctors will be able to send greater numbers of depressed patients to gardening and arts clubs rather than automatically reaching for pills, the new health secretary has promised.
Matt Hancock said that he would give GPs alternatives to “unsophisticated drugs” and pledged to expand schemes to treat patients with mental health problems through social activities.
The announcement came as health chiefs promised to investigate why one in six adults was given antidepressants last year amid criticism of “mass prescribing”.
On Saturday The Times revealed NHS figures that showed 7.3 million people were prescribed antidepressants last year, including more than 70,000 children. Experts said that too many people were being given medication as a first resort for emotional and social problems, while warning that people were


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When we’ve said everything we can say to make those that matter understand, we can always try one more thing.
When we feel like there’s nothing left to give to those we love, we can always give just a little more.
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The UK has more police officers trained for the coronavirus pandemic than any other country, and is one of only two nations in the world that has more than 5,000 officers training for the virus, the Police Federation of England and Wales said.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police have trained at least 4,200, compared to just over 1,500 for the United States and about 2,000 for Germany, the federation said in a statement.
It also said that the training is being done on the premises of the National Police Training Centre in Surrey, which is run by the Ministry of Defence.
The force is also in talks with police from across the UK to train officers to deal with coronaviruses, the statement said.
In the UK, there have been about 10,000 deaths from COVID, which has infected 1.7 million people, and about 13,000 cases, which are the majority of which have been in London.
The first confirmed cases were in the capital last year and are thought to have been spread by an infected traveler.
About 70,000 of the 1.8 million people who have tested positive for COBD-19 have died.


ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Wednesday it is inappropriate that the opposition only criticises the government but has no courage to hear the government’s response to the criticism.
Speaking to the media after a meeting of the PTI parliamentary party at the Parliament House, he said the government and the opposition will have to listen to each other’s standpoint with courage.
He said opposition parities’ not allowing the government to respond to criticism negated democratic thinking.
Qureshi said the PTI government will consult the opposition parties over increasing seats in the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).
About the new local bodies system in Punjab, he said it has been acclaimed by the people, adding the new local government system would ensure devolution of power to the lower tier of administration.
He said Punjab’s one third of the development budget will be doled out to the local government institutions.
The foreign minister said practical steps have been taken to ensure devolution of power in the province.


(MENAFN- Colombo Gazette)
Former President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa on Tuesday met the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis at his official residence 'Varsha' in Mumbai and held talks over a host of issues, the Press Trust of India reported.
A statement issued by the Chief Minister's office (CMO) said Rajapaksa is on a tour of Maharashtra and as part of it, he visited Ajanta and Ellora caves (in Aurangabad) and gave his inputs to Fadnavis.
'A lot of Sri Lankan tourists visit the Ajanta-Ellora caves every year. The state government will make arrangements at Ajanta as suggested by the former president,' the statement said. The chief minister also appreciated the neighbouring country's development over the last few years, it added.
'The CM also recollected his visit to Sri Lanka in the past. Both the leaders discussed issues related to tourism and investments,' the statement said. (Colombo Gazette)
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