(MENAFN- Trend News Agency )
On October 13, the President of AZAL, Mr. Jahangir Asgarov, met with Mr. Sergey Nedbaylo, Regional Sales Director for Eastern & Northern Europe of Airbus Group.
During the negotiations, the parties discussed long-term cooperation within the framework of bilateral initiatives and emphasized the experience of successful engagement between the companies.
In particular, a preliminary agreement was reached on renewal of the existing fleet of“Azerbaijan Airlines” by 2030. Thus, the Airbus Group may supply up to 20 next-generation Airbus A320neo and Airbus A321neo during the specified period, instead of the current Airbus A319 and Airbus A320.
The parties tentatively agreed to prepare proposals for the acquisition of these aircraft, which will subsequently be submitted for consideration by the Supervisory Board of“Azerbaijan Airlines” CJSC and“Azerbaijan Investment Holding”.
At the meeting, views were exchanged on the current situation in civil aviation, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences of its spread on the industry.
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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that in the budget for the 2022-23 fiscal, the government decided to redistribute the economic burden on the poor by taxing the rich, media reports said.Talking to the media in Islamabad after a meeting of the federal cabinet, Sharif said: "The policy we have formulated in the budget is that we have decided to redistribute the burden on the poor.
We will tax affluent citizens so the poor are assured the government is giving them relief by taking different measures and is also taxing the rich," Dawn reported.The Prime Minister hoped that those who are privileged would "gladly" lend their support to the country at this critical juncture and demonstrate a spirit of "sacrifice".
"The government will collect hundreds of billions of rupees in taxes through this," he added.The Prime Minister reiterated that the government came into power at a challenging time and took some difficult decisions.However, he asserted that the government would take more difficult decisions in the future if need be, Dawn reported.
"We will not hesitate to take any step which could help strengthen the economy," he said.Sharif said that the government had no other option than to take tough decisions, as he lashed out at the PTI for "violating" the agreement it had signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The premier also said the country is suffering and witnessing a crisis due to the imprudent economic policies of the former PTI government.The Prime Minister's statement came at a time when inflation has soared in the country with the government hiking fuel and energy prices, Dawn reported.


Lohardaga: JPCC chief and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dr Rameshwar Oraon visited his constituency on a one day visit during which he interacted with the party workers and the common people and listened to their problems.
He gave necessary instructions to the officials to solve their complaints and asked them to make arrangements for wood fire and and blankets distribution among the poor.
Speaking on the occasion the Minister said that the number of paddy procurement centres have been increased in the state and at all places the procurement of paddy was on. He exuded confidence that compared to next year procurement of paddy will be more.
He said that despite all the odds the government has reached near its targets and by the end of the fiscal all goals will be achieved. He said that despite battling Coronavirus the government has been sucessful in creating jobs and ushering development.
He said that the government was working with dedication as it successfully addressed the issue of foodgrains and jobs creation. Dr Oraon said when the state government is going to complete one year in power on December 29 loan wavier for farmers having a loan of upto Rs 50,000 will be started and apart from that many schemes and projects will be launched.


Lebanon's Telecommunications Ministry sign USD6.4m loan agreement
(MENAFN) Lebanese Telecommunications Ministry signed a USD6.4 million loan agreement with World Bank to launch an NGO to train youths wishing to establish technology startups, The Daily Star reported.
The project nominated Mobile Internet Ecosystem Project is set to cost USD12.8 million and will be financed by the government in addition to the loan, according to reports.
"This project will provide Lebanese youths with new opportunities in addition to contributing to strengthening the national economy," Telecommunications Minister said in a statement.
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Geneticist Dr Nicole Ramlachan believes the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is spreading among the population and more cases will come to light in the coming days.
She said the fact that two untraceable cases were detected in recent weeks means that the variant is circulating to a significant degree locally.
“It’s now starting to appear in the community and community spread which now means it’s really going to follow the pattern that we’ve seen in other countries,” she said.
In countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, Dr Ramlachan said the more infectious Omicron variant would spread rapidly within two and a half weeks as opposed to the two and a half months Delta took. Given the numerous breaches of protocols over the Christmas weekend and the further breaches anticipated over the upcoming New Year’s weekend, she said the variant would spread even further and more cases will come to light.
“Once we’re in that two…two and a half weeks period of the first incidence of appearance (of Omicron among the population)…we can assume it will become the most dominant strain because that’s pretty much what happened across the world with the (variant’s) appearance and with that the much higher transmissibility and so on,” she said.
When the variant overtakes the Delta variant as the dominant strain in circulation locally, she said there will be increased deaths – especially among the unvaccinated.
She said now is not the time to be flouting the protocols and utilising loopholes to have gatherings.
On Monday, the Medical Association’s public relations officer Dr Keegan Bhaggan expressed disappointment in the events over the Christmas weekend which he said will make a COVID-19 surge in early 2022, inevitable.
“It is so unfortunate that despite the weeks of warnings and the months of pleas that the health care workers and hospitals have been overwhelmed, that many members of the public continue to put their own lives and the lives of their loved ones at risk of death, disease and disability. The inevitable worsening that will bring in the new year will serve only to push the health care workers past our breaking point,” Dr Bhaggan said.
There are now 11 cases of the Omicron variant detected locally, however, nine of these cases were imported.
The first Omicron case among the population was detected on December 18 by the St Augustine Medical Laboratory and further confirmed by the team at the University of the West Indies.
The person was a mildly symptomatic male with no recent travel history or contact with a COVID-19 positive person.
The second case was confirmed on December 26, a national with no recent travel history who is currently under epidemiological investigation.


(MENAFN- Jordan Times) AMMAN - Civil Defence personnel have successfully concluded their operation to extinguish a fire that broke out in several clothing and footwear warehouses in Aqaba.
No injuries were reported, according to a Public Security Directorate's statement released on Friday.
According to the PSD's spokesperson, specialised teams from the Civil Defence Department and the police swiftly responded to the fire, noting that the rapid response prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent warehouses. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire, the statement added.
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Corona Cases in India: According to the report released by the Ministry of Health, 17,135 new cases of corona infected have been reported in the country in the last 24 hours. These cases are about four thousand more than yesterday, that is, the cases of corona are 24.8 percent more than yesterday, while 47 people have died. A day before this, 13,734 new cases were registered in the data released on Tuesday.
these states have the most cases of corona
Panic atmosphere due to increase in monkeypox cases


Lao gov’t monitor entering of 3,418 people amid pandemic fears
A total of 3,418 people have been screened for the COVID-19 across Laos over COVID-19-related fears, Laos' National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control said Tuesday in a statement.
On Monday, a number of 2,022 people entered Laos through international border checkpoints, reporters quoted Deputy Director General of the Department of Communicable Disease Control under the Lao Ministry of Health Latsamy Vongkhamsao, as saying at a press conference in Lao capital Vientiane on Tuesday.
Before sending to quarantine centers for two weeks, the temperature of each person was checked.
Latsamy added that some 3,418 people had been isolated at 34 accommodation centers across the state.
The Lao authorities continue to firmly monitor people entering Laos to avoid awave of COVID-19.
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People associated with the BJP instigated residents to burn firecrackers on Diwali, leading to an overnight increase of over 100 points in the national capital’s air quality index, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai alleged on Monday.
At a press conference, he said the firecrackers burnt in Delhi were sourced from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, and that certain individuals, including police personnel from these states, permitted the transportation of those firecrackers to the city.
“Delhi would not have been suffering had these states implemented the ban on firecrackers and their police done their duty properly,” Rai said.
He also said that stringent measures, including a ban on construction work and the entry of polluting trucks into Delhi, under Stage IV of the Centre’s air pollution control plan, will continue to be in force in Delhi till further orders.
Rai added that the Delhi government has decided to extend its campaign to control dust pollution till November 30 and launch a month-long drive against open burning of waste from November 14.
The minister said these steps have been taken based on suggestions from experts who have predicted worsening of meteorological conditions which could allow accumulation of pollutants over the next three to four days.


The Police media unit said that during the 24 hours ending at 6am today (Sunday) 620 people were arrested and 274 vehicles were seized.
According to the Police, since 20 March 56,326 people were arrested for violating the curfew enforced around the country to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
The Police said that 15,490 vehicles were also seized during this period.
Meanwhile, the Police said that legal action has been filed against 13,556 individuals for violating the curfew. (Colombo Gazette)


MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Mecklenburg County health officials say that there are now 142 cases in the area.
The latest numbers come as the total for North Carolina nears 400. New cases have been reported every day since March 12, when the first two presumptive positive cases were reported.
The number of cases across the state has now risen to 458, according to WGHP.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which last updated its numbers on Monday afternoon, there are more than 33,400 coronavirus cases in United States and 400 deaths.


250 couples expecting a baby will be able to take part in a pilot project to examine their physical and emotional health and that of their relatives.
On World Parents’ Day, the Chief Executive of Sapport, Ruth Sciberras, explained that this initiative would support the most vulnerable families and refer them to support services.
She pointed out that interested couples will be asked to fill out a form with the help of midwives. It was said that an evaluation will be carried out by the pilot project experts before the initiative was launched throughout the country.
After launching the second positive parenting campaign, the Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity, Michael Falzon, said the campaign was aimed at overcoming the challenges between adolescents and parents.
Minister Falzon explained that the campaign is being led by professionals, including a family therapist, who will be a pillar of support for vulnerable families.


The scholars held a gathering in Kabul, in which hundreds of people participated.
They lashed out at the government for what they said unwilling to give them their rights.
Mualvi Khanjari, one of the speakers, said the government wanted to cause harm to religious scholars at the behest of outsiders.
Another speaker, Zafruddin, said religious scholars would never allow anyone to trample on their rights.
Afghanistan peace ambassador Haji Hamid Sultani was also present at the gathering and said the government was incomplete in the absence of ulema.
He said it were religious scholars who guided people from birth to death.
He said the government strongly believed in democracy and scholars were a major part of the system.
Religious scholar Abdul Fatah Ibrahimi insisted the government should give part them in its leadership and should avoid creating hurdles in the way of the peace process.
Former lawmaker Haji Khial Mohammad Hussaini said a government which ignored religious scholars had always fallen.
He said the government should not blindly trust those born abroad or those whose wives lived abroad.


Lebanese President Meets with Arab League Assistant Secretary General
(MENAFN - Saudi Press Agency)
Beirut, Apr. 08, 2021, SPA -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun met here today with Arab League Assistant Secretary General Ambassador Hussam Zaki.
During the meeting, President Aoun welcomed what he described as any initiative taken by the Arab League to resolve the current Lebanese crisis.
21:26 LOCAL TIME 18:26 GMT
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CHIEF Chipepo of the Tonga people of Southern Province has called on opposition political parties which participated in the August 11 general elections to wrap up their grievances and endeavour to work with the incoming government to ensure sustainable development across Zambia.
In an interview on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) yesterday, Chief Chipepo, who is the chief whip in the House of Chiefs, called for peace and unity among all political players in the last election.
He emphasised the need for rural development and that newly elected opposition members of parliament should work with the government to ensure development in their constituencies.
Chief Chipepo advised that winning an election was not time for them to fold their hands and fatten their pockets, but that they should engage with people in their constituencies so that they could understand their needs.
“This time the opposition should put aside their grievances, bad sentiments and work with the incoming government to ensure sustainable development.,
“There should be peace and unity in the country, people should remember that they are in those positions to serve the people so it’s not about which political party they belong to. MPs from rural areas should lobby government and ensure that rural areas are equally developed” he said.
And Chief Chipepo advised that the time for politicking was over, as now was the time for Zambia to unite and forget about political affiliations.
The chief explained that it was right for the opposition to provide checks and balances to government but that they should ensure constructive criticism as they did so.
He said that the opposition should not about at seeing the current government fail, warning that the lack of development in their constituencies would be attributed to them.
Meanwhile, Chief Chipepo assured the nation that the ministry of chiefs and traditional affairs would guide government when necessary.
He disclosed that the chiefs had been vigilant in making sure that rural areas received an equal share of development.
The chief thanked President Edgar Lungu for ensuring that chiefs were well looked after and accorded a stage from which to participate in the governance of Zambia.


ALMOST 80 per cent of businesses affected by the summer floods have now re-opened, according to a Calderdale Council report.
A survey conducted by the environment and economy department found that 96 out of 123 businesses contacted so far have managed to re-open and are trading again following flood damage, but 27 are still closed.
Calderdale councillor Barry Collins said the council had spent close to £2 million on measures to help local businesses and householders, while the Government had contributed only £85,000.
Speaking at last week’s cabinet meeting, he said: “Calderdale Council’s response has been quite extraordinary but we will look at further opportunities for targeted help for businesses which have not yet re-opened.”
Since June, a total of £210,100 from the council’s RISE fund has been allocated to 138 businesses which applied for funding.
The average grant was £1,391, with the highest being £5,000 and the lowest £200.
The funding has been used by the businesses for many different purposes, including promotion of their firms and work needed to help them continue to trade.
Coun Collins told the cabinet that the RISE programme was only a temporary measure and now it had to close.
Looking ahead, he said one of the key issues was to ensure that people in the upper Calder Valley could continue to get insurance cover.
He also urged people to support and promote spectacular events such as the Valley of Lights in the run-up to Christmas to show a wider audience that the area was well on the road to recovery.


India’s biggest carrier DHL will begin delivering cargo to Indian customers on its roads by 2021.
The company said that its first commercial cargo flights from India to its customers in the country are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021, adding that the company has signed up more than 4,000 trucks and vehicles for the deliveries.DHL’s India delivery service has already been in operation for several years.
The company has already signed up over 4,500 trucks and over 30,000 vehicles for its road transport services in the region.
India has been a leading market for DHL.
It is expected to be the first country to fully roll out the service after a two-year period of delay.
DHL said that the services will initially be delivered by private and public fleets, but it plans to expand to other industries.


(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)
Published: Sat 4 Feb 2023, 8:04 PM
Last updated: Sat 4 Feb 2023, 8:48 PM
The Asian Cricket Council will decide on an alternate venue for the Asia Cup ODI tournament in March after BCCI secretary Jay Shah and PCB chairman Najam Sethi had their first formal meeting in Bahrain on Saturday.
The Asia Cup was initially allotted to Pakistan and was scheduled in September this year, but Shah, who is also the ACC chairman, announced last October that India will not travel to Pakistan.
It is understood that the UAE with three venues - Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah - are favourites to host the tournament but the decision has been withheld for the time being.
All heads of ACC member nations attended the emergent meeting, which was called at the behest of PCB chairman Sethi after ACC under the chairmanship of Shah released the continental body's itinerary, where Pakistan wasn't named the host.
“The ACC affiliates met today, and there were a lot of constructive discussions. But the shift of venue has been postponed till March. But be rest assured that with India not going to Pakistan, the tournament will have to be shifted. A tournament without Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gills will have the sponsors back out,” a senior BCCI official privy to the development told PTI.
One ACC insider said Sethi has just taken over PCB, and if he would have ceded ground on the hosting rights in the first meeting itself, then it would have led to a bad impression at home.
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Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday reported 192 fresh Covid-19 cases taking the number of total active cases to 1,696, while no death has been reported in the last 24 hours.
With no more deaths, the toll stands at 4,489 and 192 fresh positive cases reported on Thursday have pushed the tally of positive cases to 338,390.
Of the exact number of 338,390 cases, 212,874 are from the Kashmir division and 125,516 from the Jammu division. Officials said that among 192 new cases, 134 belong to the Kashmir division while 58 are from the Jammu division, adding that the total number of positive cases in the Kashmir division have reached 212,874 including 209,368 recoveries and 2,300 deaths while a total number of positive cases in Jammu division have reached to 125,516 including 122,837 recoveries and 2,189 deaths.
The officials said that the total number of active cases in Jammu and Kashmir is 1,696 including 1,206 from the Kashmir division and 490 from the Jammu division.
With 135 more recoveries, the tally of total recoveries in Jammu and Kashmir has reached 332,205 which is 98.18 percent of the total cases.
As per the daily information bulletin, 4,712,257 persons in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while 3,665 persons have been kept under home quarantine besides that 1,696 persons are in isolation.
According to the bulletin, 4,273,242 persons have completed the surveillance period and 429,165 persons are under home surveillance besides that so far results of 18,103,868 samples are available. Out of 18,103,868, the number of samples tested negative stands at 17,765,478 while 338,390 have tested positive, among them 1,696 persons are active, 332,205 persons have recovered and 4,489 persons have died.


Azerbaijani CBA's Former Board Member, Advisor To PM Awarded Honorary Diploma Of President
(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 28. President of
Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a Decree on awarding former
Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), Advisor to Prime
Minister Elman Rustamov with the 'Honorary Diploma of the President
of the Republic of Azerbaijan', Trend reports.
According to the order, the advisor was awarded for his
long-term fruitful activity in the development of Azerbaijan's
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UNION Minister Prakash Javadekar on Monday said people trust Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the progress of the country, exuding confidence that the BJP will win the upcoming Lok Sabha elections with a higher margin than 2014. “Key issues of the election are who will be the Prime Minister and under whose leadership the country will progress and will be more secure.
The only answer to the issues is Narendra Modi,” Javadekar said, addressing a meeting here. Javadekar, who is also BJP’s election in-charge for Rajasthan, said the party will cross the 300-seat mark as people who knew Modi as Gujarat’s Chief Minister during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls have now seen his work as the Prime Minister in the past five years.
He said Opposition parties have made efforts to form a grand alliance after realising that they cannot fight the BJP alone, but the Congress and the Trinamool Congress are contesting election separately in West Bengal. State BJP president Madan Lal Saini said booth level workers should work actively ahead of the Lok Sabha election and should strengthen the BJP by taking works and schemes of the Centre among the people.


Chief government spokesperson Kennedy Sakeni has urged people in the country to remain patient with the Patriotic Front (PF) government on the issue of availing the report on what caused the 1993 Gabon Air disaster in which the Zambia National Football team perished.
Mr. Sakeni who is also Minister of Information and Broadcasting says the PF government also sympathizes and shares the frustrations of the families of deceased thirty men that died in the air disaster as it has taken too long to publish the report.
Mr. Sakeni has affirmed that PF government will keep its promise of publicizing the report once Cabinet reviews matter.
The Chief government spokesperson has also refuted assertions suggesting that the Zambian government and that of Gabon had gone into a conspiracy to hide the truth behind the cause of the 1993 Gabon air disaster the reason why up to now the report has not been disclosed.
The Minister was speaking in an interview with QFM.


(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
AJMAN, 25th May, 2023 (WAM) -- Following a stellar growth in 2022, Ajman hotels and serviced apartments recorded a 3 percent growth in hotel revenues in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the corresponding period in 2022 – mostly due to higher demand that is pushing the Average Daily Room (ADR) Rate, making investment in hotels and tourism industry more profitable.
Mahmoud Khaleel Al Hashemi, Director-General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD), said that the emirate aims to keep pace with technological developments and offer smart services that increase the satisfaction and enjoyment of visitors.
The department is also looking for new ways to collaborate with local and international partners, in line with the emirate's strategy to advance the tourism sector by attracting new investments and supporting the launch of new hospitality projects, he added.
Tourism in Ajman has been growing steadily due to the emirate's growing number of attractions that includes pristine natural beaches, mangroves, a growing number of hotels, resorts, restaurants, traditional markets, entertainment facilities and new tourism developments that cater to both domestic and international tourists.
The emirate of Ajman hosts 44 hotel establishments ranging from 1-star to 5-star hotels, resorts and luxury hotel apartments with 3,997 hotel rooms and 250 tourism establishments that serve a growing number of regional and international tourists.
The emirate of Ajman boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, which is highlighted by some of its most significant tourist destinations including the Ajman Museum and Masfout Museum, and the House of Rashed Alkhadar.
ADTD continues to offer many incentives and facilities to foreign investments and support local ones in solid collaboration with its strategic partners, to help transform Ajman into a preferred destination for lucrative business ventures.
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Cape Town - Deputy President David Mabuza has assured those who attended the communal land summit in Gauteng that it was not just another government talking shop.
He said the issues raised at the summit would be taken to the Cabinet for consideration.
The government would also give progress reports to all stakeholders who attended the summit on the implementation of the decisions.
Mabuza, who was making closing remarks at the summit on Saturday, said land was an important issue in South Africa. However, the issue required all role-players to sit around the table and find a solution.
Land issues were seriously discussed in commissions and in plenary sessions, said Mabuza, adding that this showed everyone was concerned about the question. However, the government wanted to resolve the issue.
“I want to assure the summit that all the issues raised here will be taken seriously. We will endeavour to give progress reports as we proceed from time to time. This is not just another talk show. We are going to report on progress that we are going to make on all issues that you raised,” said Mabuza.
He said they were satisfied that all those present at the summit had expressed their views. Attendance at the event was not just an excursion on the part of government, but rather a bid to resolve the land issue.
This remained important in the country, as there were many people who were directly affected by the land.
The land question would have to be addressed by the government, civil society, traditional leaders and other role-players.
Mabuza said that all the views that had been expressed would be taken to the Cabinet.
“We are going to consolidate all the views you have put here, and we will put them before cabinet as soon as possible for further guidance.
“I am sure beyond cabinet there will be an announcement that you will hear, probably from cabinet, about these matters.
“We want to promise that we are going to take these views back to cabinet that has sent us here,” said Mabuza.


The International Monetary Fund has renewed its call for the total removal of fuel and utility subsidies.
According to the IMF, this will significantly reduce the country’s fiscal deficit and provide more revenue for government for developmental projects.
Head of IMF Mission that visited Ghana last week, Christina Daseking in an interview with XYZ BUSINESS said government must heed to their advice.
“We have said in the past and we continue to say that fuel subsidies should be removed and replaced by targeted spending to those people who need support and to cushion the impact of that”
The IMF Chief also advised government to reduce its domestic borrowing to push interest rates down.
The IMF also called on government to control the rising wage bill which could affect the country’s transformation agenda.
“The mission urged the government to gain control over the wage bill” adding that “the IMF recommends a thorough audit of the 2012 payroll”.


LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government has announced the withdrawal of cases registered against the public pertaining to lockdown violation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The move is likely to bring respite to around 2.5 lakh people.
The government took the decision to withdraw cases lodged against people, including traders, on the demand of different sections of society. State Law Minister Brijesh Pathak said it was the demand of traders that was considered and the process to withdraw such cases was initiated.
Uttar Pradesh is the first state which has decided to withdraw such cases.
The cases are related to violations of COIVD protocol such as not wearing masks, violation of physical distancing norms, etc. Initially, the decision was taken to withdraw the cases against the traders but was extended to the general public.
After the directives issued by the Chief Minister’s office, the process to withdraw cases lodged under Section 188 of Epidemic Act has been initiated across the state.
The authorities justified the decision to withdraw the case by saying that it would also reduce the added burden on the courts.
However, with the withdrawal of cases, the state government has issued an advisory and appealed to the people to take all the precautions and not let such situation crop up again in future.
Earlier, the state law ministry had decided to withdraw about 10,000 such cases lodged during the lockdown. An order was also issued to the principal secretary of the law department to collect details of all cases lodged across the state in January end. Interacting with media persons, state law minister
Brijesh Pathak said that the decision would give relief to lakhs of people against whom cases were lodged.
"Due to the FIRs, people might be harassed by the police also," an official spokesperson said.


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posted by angela .
in waht ways did democracy create a new political culture? how did democracy impact social change?
us history115 -
Democracy encourages people to vote for their leaders and their laws -- thus a new political culture. Social change is speeded up when the people speak and their voices are heeded by others.


Imphal: Former Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh today said that the BJP led government has not done anything worthwhile for the people. “Except renaming the schemes launched during Congress’ rule what had BJP governments at the Centre as well as in the state done so far?” The former Manipur chief minister asked. At the same time, the three time former chief minister also mocked the BJP governments at the Centre and in the state saying that every alternate day they launch schemes and do nothing to implement them.
Addressing a function at Tabungkhong in Imphal West district, Ibobi said that to serve the people, sacrifice is the foremost important and this quality is lacking among the leaders of the saffron party. “Whether the welfare schemes launched by the state government reach the actual beneficiaries or not would be known after the upcoming general elections to the state Assembly”, he said.
The former chief minister also said that the National Food Security Scheme and MGNREGS were introduced and implemented by the then Congress led UPA government by passing Acts in the Parliament, Ibobi recalled. The National Food Security Act (NFSA) was implemented to ensure no poor family across the country left starved while MGNREGA is for providing jobs to the poor and jobless families. Both the schemes were for the upliftment of the living standard of the poor and underprivileged families across the country, he also said.
Ibobi then said that the time has come for the people to decide whether the BJP government is better than the previous Congress government.
Attending the function, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president, N Loken criticized the BJP-led coalition government. He alleged that only the people in the government and leaders of the BJP claimed that the government is people oriented. “The present government is doing developmental works only on paper and nothing on the ground,” he also alleged. “In a democratic, people have to decide which party is better and works for the welfare of the people,” the Congress leader also said.


By JULIUS PHIRI –
GOVERNMENT is currently spending US$2.4 million to market Zambia’s tourism sector on the international market.
Tourism and Arts Permanent Secretary Stephen Mwansa said the money, which the country spent to market the tourism sector on the international market, was less than $ 13 million which Zimbabwe was spending.
Mr Mwansa said South Africa was also spending $ 180 million to market the tourism sector on the international market.
He said the Government was doing a lot in ensuring that the Zambia’s tourism sector was marketed internationally.
He said Government had also done a lot to market Mfuwe which hosted the famous Luangwa South National Park.
“We are currently spending US$ 2.4 million to market Zambia’s tourism on the international market, Zimbabwe is spending US$ 13 million and South Africa is spending US$ 180 million. So as the Government we are doing a lot,”Mr Mwansa said.
He said there was need for the private sector players in the country to appreciate the role which the Government was playing in marketing the country’s tourism.
Hotel Catering, Tourism and Allied Workers Union of Zambia regional secretary Zephaniah Kaleya accused the Government of not doing enough to market Zambia’s tourism sector on the international market.
Mr Kaleya said areas like Mfuwe which had so much to offer in terms of tourism were not being given enough publicity stating that marketing of Zambia’s tourism had concentrated on Livingstone.
He said while Zambia was struggling to record one million tourist arrivals per year, other countries recorded such figures within months.
He said it was sad that Government was failing to take advantage of the confusion that had rocked some countries in West Africa to woo tourists to Zambia, which was a peaceful country.
Mr Kaleya has challenged foreign tour operators in Mfuwe to ensure that they use local radio stations to market themselves.


(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency) Algiers Muharram 20 1437 Nov 2 2015 SPA -- Algerian minister of foreign affairs Ramadan Lamamra met here today with Nigeria's minister of state at the presidency Mohammed Bazoom who is currently on a visit to Algeria.
During the meeting they discussed ways of cooperation between the two countries and the security situation in the region including ways of combating terrorism and organized crime.
20:22 LOCAL TIME 17:22 GMT
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Baghdad – Journal News
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is scheduled to participate in the Arab summit in Jordan and will focus on six files according to informed sources.
The sources said on Saturday that “Abadi will focus in his speech at the summit on the victories achieved by the Iraqi army and the popular crowd on the urging and courage of Iraqi forces and the popular crowd
As well as the strength and unity of the people. “
The sources added that “Abadi will also put forward an Iraqi project to coordinate security against terrorism among the Arab countries to replace the joint defense agreement, and to move towards the request for support and contribute to the reconstruction of Iraq after the urging.”
The project will also put forward the Arab economic investment inside Iraq and the networking of Arab relations on an economic basis.”


Special Assistant Dr. Sania Nishtar said that the government is going to launch Ehsas Panah and Langar mobile app soon under Ehsaas program.
According to details, in a briefing to the Prime Minister regarding the Ehsaas program, Dr. Sania Nishtar said that the distribution of money in the context of Coronavirus is underway while 16 million families will also be assisted under the Ehsaas program.
She said that soon under the Ehsaas program, Ehsaas Panah and Langar mobile app is going to be launched which will create convenience for the people.
آج وزیراعظم عمران خان احساس راشن پروگرام کے تحت امدادی سرگرمیوں اور احساس لنگرو پناہ گاہ موبائل ایپ کا اجراءکریں گے۔#EhsaasSabKa #EhsaasByPMIK @PakPMO @pid_gov @ImranKhanPTI @SaniaNishtar @appcsocialmedia pic.twitter.com/nIxvJj7qOc
— Ehsaas (@Ehsaas_Pk) June 22, 2020
Earlier, while talking to media in Islamabad, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Ehsaas program is free from politics.
He said that Pakistan is one of the leading donor nations in the country. I have collected the most funds during the last 30 years. When the earthquake hit, everyone was going to Balakot to donate.
Imran Khan further said that funds were given to the deserving people from the Prime Minister’s Ehsaas Cash Program, food was served to the poor in the shelters by the members of the Assembly and ministers, and the shelters in different cities would be further expanded.
He said that the people have to be assured that the donation money is going to the right place, next month is difficult, smart lockdown has to be done, poor people have to be saved from hunger and poverty.


Followin the recent clash between herdsmen and Benue people which resulted into the killings of about 78 people, President Muhammadu Buhari will on Monday (today) meet some leaders from Benue State
Those expected at the meeting scheduled to hold at the Presidential Villa, Abuja include political, traditional and opinion leaders from the state.
A top government source told journalists on the condition of anonymity on Sunday that Governor Samuel Orton was expected to lead the state delegation that would include federal and state lawmakers as well as traditional rulers to the meeting.
Security chiefs are also expected at the meeting.
The source described the meeting as one of the ways Buhari was responding to the recent violent attacks on communities in the state by Fulani herdsmen.


Raymond Ozoji, Awka
Contrary to some reports in the media that victims of flood disaster in Anambra state have been abandoned to their fate and currently suffering from hunger and privation, the state commissioner for basic education Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha has debunked such reports saying that flood victims had not been abandoned and they are not hungry.
She said that the flood victims had enough food to eat and that the surroundings where they were kept was clean and devoid of infections.
Omenugha who spoke with our correspondent in her office in Awka, disclosed further that Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had equally responded to the needs of the flood victims with regular supply of food items necessary for their welfare and well-being in the holding centres.
Although the commissioner noted that there might be challenges as the camps were not their natural homes but the state government according to her, was responding to the needs of the victims.
She said the wife of the state governor Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano also visited the holding centres to sympathize with the victims as well as gave them food items, mattresses, toiletries and a host of other things to ensure that they didn’t lack what government was in a position to provide.
The commissioner explained that there were volunteer teachers at the holding centres who came to teach children in the camps and that government equally made sure that children in the caps were accommodated in nearby schools as the flood truncated school activities in affected areas.
She said government was also planning to change school calendar to cover lost months for children displaced by flood.
Apart from that, Omenugha informed that the Ministry of Health was also making sure that the medical and health needs of the flood victims were taken care of stressing that there are sick bays in every holding centre with doctors and nurses on ground to respond to emergencies.
Omenugha was of the view that there are toilet facilities at the IDP camps with good sanitary conditions and that government’s education in emergency has really served as an alternative solution in teaching displaced children at the Internally Displaced Persons’ Camps across the state.


143 roads in Kwara rehabilitated under 3 years, says Commissioner
The Kwara State Government has said that it has worked on the rehabilitation of 143 roads since the inception of the administration of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq in the last two and half years, the state Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr Rotimi Ilyasu, has disclosed.
Speaking during News Keg' an interview programme organised by the Correspondents Chapel of the Kwara State National Union of Journalists on Thursday in Ilorin, Ilyasu, said that the administration had also done maintenance works on over 200 roads in the three senatorial districts in the state within the period.
According to the commissioner, the roads included majorly rural roads, adding that asphaltic, interlock road construction and reconstruction, as well as rehabilitation, were carried out on them.
The commissioner also said that the state government had intensified monitoring and quality assessment measures on the roads among the contractors engaged, pleading with members of the public to desist from burning refuse in drainages which he said causes damage to the roads.
He said that the state government in collaboration with security agencies would embark on the arrest and prosecution of offenders, especially shop owners who were in the habit of constructing buildings on stepdown along the roads.
Ilyasu said, "There's a need for attitudinal change among our people, especially artisans and shop owners along major roads in the state, particularly in the Ilorin metropolis. They gather refuse and burn it inside the drainages thus damaging the roads.
"What they don't know is that the government would spend money meant for other people-oriented projects on the repair of the damaged roads. The state government would soon start prosecuting shop owners along such roads," he said.
The commissioner, who cleared the air on the ongoing construction of a flyover at Tanke area of Ilorin metropolis, said that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation had not taken the state government to court over the project against assumption in some quarters.
He said that contractor was continuing with work on the project, adding that the NNPC was also involved in the construction relating to its pipeline along the flyover project.
The Commissioner stated that "The work has not stopped on the Tanke flyover project. It is ongoing. It's just that the contractor is taking professional consideration of the work to ensure a quality job," while assuring that the project would be completed according to specification and within the specified time.
Ilyasu, who said that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq was committed to making Kwara State a better place added that the state government was also embarking on the construction of some federal roads such as Kishi-Kaiama, Ilorin-Kabba, Ilesha Baruba-Yashikra-Chikanda, Share-Patigi road among others in different parts of the state.


GEORGE TOWN: Penang hopes that the federal government will approve the infrastructure projects which will make a positive impact on the state and the northern region in the re-tabling of the 2023 Budget on Feb 24.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (pic) said these included the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project for the George Town-Butterworth line which was submitted to the federal government at the end of last year.
“We hope that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will appreciate Penang’s contribution. In addition, several state and federal agencies including the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) have also submitted projects for consideration.
“All these should be looked into in terms of not only benefitting Penang alone but also in driving development to the entire northern region through the implementation of such projects,“ he told reporters after attending the Kadun Padang Kota Open House here today.
Elaborating, he said among the priority projects that have been submitted by the NCIA were the new expressway and the elevated highway from Juru to Sungai Dua.
These two projects must be given priority as a solution to the increasing and alarming traffic congestion that is happening now, he said.
“Perhaps not all the projects will be approved but the state government hopes that priority will be given to projects that will be beneficial to the northern region and Penang,“ he said. - Bernama


TEMERLOH, Jan 8 – The government will continue to find short and long-term measures to assist those affected by the recent floods, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. He said the assistance would allow flood victims to rebuild and resume their normal lives.
Muhyiddin said some 300,000 people were hit by the recent floods in Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, Johor and Perak. “I have visited several of the states involved and the damage have been unusual… the government will not take the matter lightly and will lend the necessary assistance.
“We have taken various measures so that the flood victims can continue to resume with their normal life. It may also take some time to recover but we will do our best to shoulder their burden,” he said in his speech before a gotong-royong programme at flood-hit Taman Seri Lebak here today.


ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – The government and the opposition on Wednesday agreed to form a parliamentary committee to finalise Terms of References (ToRs).
According to media details, the committee will comprise six members from government and six from the opposition.
Talking to the media, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rashid said that the committee will be given 2-week time to finalise the TORs.
The Minister told that the two sides would nominate their members from the National Assembly and the Senate.
He said the approval to form the committee will be sought from the House on Thursday.
The Minister told that the Committee would consist of six members, each from the government and the Opposition. The two sides would nominate their members from the National Assembly and the Senate.


Government resorting to murder of democracy: Union leader
Shocked over the decision taken by the government to go in for part privatisation of TSRTC, the employee’s union said that the g should not behave in an autocratic manner but reconsider its decision.
Hyderabad: Shocked over the decision taken by the government to go in for part privatisation of TSRTC, the employee's union said that the g should not behave in an autocratic manner but reconsider its decision.
JAC chairman Aswardhama Reddy said that the decision by the government will not cow them down and they would intensify the strike. The TRS government was resorting to murder of democracy.
He said the government would save a lot of money if the administration was also run on private participation basis.
Reddy said that KCR had become chief minister based on the sacrifices of the RTC employees. He also alleged that the decision to run RTC with private participation was to benefit his family members who have stakes in certain private bus services.
He said all 50,000 employees would come on to the roads and fight against the government's decision. The government made false claims that 11,000 buses were operated.
He should prove where and when these buses were brought on road, he added.


Boscawen home again hit by car
WINCHESTER — For the third time in less than five months, a Winchester home at the tight intersection of Boscawen Street and East Lane has been struck by a car.
“It’s been hard on us,” said Debra…
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PIAF sets up flood relief fund with initial amount of Rs12m
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Initiating the support for flood affectees in the country, the Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) on Monday established the ‘Flood Relief Fund’ with an initial amount of Rs12 million in this regard.
PIAF Chairman Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, addressing the hurriedly-called meeting of the PIAF Executive Committee, said that the aim of establishing the fund was to extend support to the victims who were in dire need of help. He said the members initiated donating liberally and by the grace of God, an amount of Rs12 million is assembled in just a single day. He further said after negotiations with other members of PIAF the decision was took the noble initiative to help the poor in their testing times.
Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said that the PIAF would continue to fulfill its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as it has the understanding that the government alone cannot cope with the mass devastation caused by the flood.
The chairman said that the PIAF has always played its role at all testing times and credit goes to its members who gave maximum for the help of the deprived.
He said that business community has to perform an extraordinary role as the situation has become too grave to be handled by the government alone.
He appealed the whole business community to show generosity towards their flood-hit families. He said that the business community had to perform an extraordinary role as the situation had become too grave to be handled by the government and other departments alone.
He said that in past, the PIAF had also given donations of million rupees for earthquake and flood victims. He said that the PIAF played a vital role at all testing times and credit goes to the members who gave maximum for the help of their deprived brothers and sisters.
He asked the government to form a comprehensive strategic plan to tackle flood waves in future, as the floods would have severe consequences on the already fragile economy of the country and inflation.
He said that the businessmen are with the flood-affected people in their dire need for rescue, relief and rehabilitation, appealing the entire nation, overseas Pakistanis, and the international community to come forward to aid those affected by the present floods in the country.
He said that there will be shortages of farm produce and their prices will sky-rocket. He said that the business community, who had already displayed remarkable philanthropic spirit in the past, should come forward once again and contribute generously in cash and kind to support the rescue and relief efforts of the government and other relevant organizations.
He called upon all governments and institutions, NGOs and volunteers to offer their expertise and leadership to rescue, evacuate, and rehabilitate the affectees by providing them shelter, food and medical facilities.


Kolkata: Japanese Ambassador to India Takeshi Yagi today said that the country's new security policy would help ‘close friends' like India if the need arises.
Speaking at a seminar organised by Observer Research Foundation, he said that Japan's new security policy enabling its military might to expand its operational range had attracted criticism from other countries.
The ambassador said that the new policy on security does not tantamount to return to militarisation. “We will stick to the path of peace,” he said.
Referring to the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Japan, the ambassador said the bilateral ties between the two countries encompassing all the aspects would receive a great boost, particularly in defence.
He also said that both India and Japan could play a significant role in the Indo-Pacific regional cooperation.


As one of the main headlines of the Mawrata newspaper that was released yesterday, we reported that the government is going to split by the end of April. Sri Lanka Latest News
Through that, we pointed out that the main part of the government has decided to work independently in Wanapohottuwa.
Further confirming our disclosure, Mr. Maithripala Sirisena yesterday took steps to remove the SLFP representatives who hold ministerial positions in the government from their party positions.
Also yesterday, SLFP representatives mentioned that the party will be working on the politics of the opposition in the future.
Accordingly, the beginning of many explosions within the government has been marked.
The headline we published today!
Sources close to the party confirm that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna has decided to withdraw from supporting the government at the end of April.
Accordingly, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna or Pohottuwa has decided to work independently as a party in April, the sources indicate.
However, it has been learned that the group of Pohottu councilors who mostly support the President are going to express their opposition to this decision in Pohottuwa.
Pohottuwa has decided to work independently with other Pohottuwa MPs apart from the group of MPs who are with the President.
Accordingly, under the current situation, the ruling party is going to split by the end of next April, according to those reliable sources.


Grant awarded for children's mental health services in west central Minn.
A new grant initiative will help make mental health services more readily available to young children and their families in greater Minnesota.
The $450,000 grant, awarded to Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, was announced today.
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(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Newly appointed Defense Minister of Canada Anita Anand is considering deploying hundreds of additional troops to support the Canadian soldiers already in Ukraine on a training mission and moving a warship into the Black Sea, or redeploying some of the CF-18 fighter jets currently based in Romania.
Ukrinform reports this with reference to The Globe and Mail.
It is noted that no decision has yet been made about deploying additional forces in Ukraine.
“It's still status quo, as of now. There's been no change in our posture,” Lieutenant-Commander Julie McDonald, a spokeswoman for the Canadian military, said on Wednesday.“We're closely monitoring the situation along with our allied partners.”
Canada currently has some 200 troops based in Ukraine that train their Ukrainian counterparts.
As reported, Russia amassed about 94,000 troops, 1,200 tanks, 330 military aircraft and other equipment along the border with Ukraine, which is considered as preparations for large-scale aggression against Ukraine.
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(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) WASHINGTON, Aug 4 (KUNA) -- US President Joe Biden said Thursday that a Russian court sentenced 'wrongfully detained American (basketball star) Brittney Griner.'
'Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney,' according to a White House statement.
'It's unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately,' Biden stressed.
'My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible,' he pledged.
Griner, of the US Phoenix Mercury team, flew to Moscow early this year to take part in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) off-season tourney.
On her way back, she was detained at Sheremetyevo airport, outside Moscow, on February 17, under the charge of possessing narcotics. (end)
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The City of Fairmont held its first city council meeting of the month Tuesday evening.
Ordinances such as amending and supplementing the part seven business and taxation code were discussed and voted on along with several other ordinances.
Fairmont Mayor Tom Mainella said they will be setting a public hearing for the next council meeting in order to give a deserving worker of the city a raise.
“We are going to introduce and set a public hearing to give our city manager a raise,” said Mainella. “That will just be the public hearing tonight, and then we will conduct the public hearing at our next meeting and vote on the ordinance.”
After the public hearing has been set, the council will then conduct the public hearing at its next meeting and vote on the ordinances.
For more information, visit the Fairmont City Council website.


The government on Wednesday announced an additional group of people who will qualify to receive relief funds.
Gov't announces new group of people to receive Sh1,000 relief fund
The fund was initially meant for needy families
ICT CS Joe Mucheru stated that families affected by floods will also be incorporated to receive the Sh1,000 allocation.
He added that some families which have been dislplaced by the floods had already started receiving the funds.
The CS also relayed that over 200,000 families are already part of the programme launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
President Kenyatta had announced that the fund will enable needy families to cater for their needs where their livelihoods have been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
CS Mucheru also conveyed that the meteorological department will continue to issue alerts on the weather patters urging Kenyans to follow the alerts.
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Final levy set at 0 percent in Ottertail
In a time where the majority of area residents are facing more financial pressures than in recent years, the Ottertail City Council has decided to do their best to alleviate as much of that burden as possible.
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(MENAFN) The death toll of the train crashin Beheira province northern the capital Cairo on Wednesday has increased to 15.
MENA news agency quoted Transport Ministry's spokesman saying: "The number of victims of Beheira train crash mounted to 15 dead and 40 wounded so far."
According to Beheira security chief, the accident took place as two cabins derailed from a passenger train and hit a cargo train in Kom Hamada district of Beheira.
Health Ministry's spokesmen said over 30 ambulances have rushed to the crash scene to move the injured people to nearby hospitals.
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Lahore: Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled to conduct a one-day visit today (Saturday) and arrive in Lahore to hold an important meeting.
According to sources, Prime Minister Imran will hold a meeting with Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdal to brief him on the overall situation of the province.
Governor Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar will also hold a meeting with Prime Minister and brief him on Aab Pak Authority and other welfare measures.
Provincial Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid will brief the Prime Minister on the development project in the health sector. PM Imran will also attend the launching ceremony of an international brand. He will also plant a tree under the monsoon tree-planting campaign.
The source further informed that the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation for Sheikh Kupura’s Quaid-e-Azam business park. It is expected to invest 2500 billion rupees in the Quaid-e-Azam Business Park.


(MENAFN- Newsroom Panama) FIFA fines and sanctions Panama with a game behind closed doors for homophobic chants.
The FIFA sanctioned Panama with a match behind closed doors, ie without public for the misbehavior of fans during matches played locally in September, in the qualifying road to the World Cup 2022 Qatar.
In addition, a fine of about $54,000s (50 thousand francs) was established.
The sanction of playing without an audience would become effective in the next international commitment of the Pansms team, which will be on Tuesday, November 16, against El Salvador, on the eighth date of the octagonal round of Concacaf.
The Panamanian Football Federation (Fepafut) confirmed that it was notified of the measure by the international body for "homophobic chants by fans during the September matches of the qualification for the Qatar 2022 World Cup played at home."
Fepafut reported that it will proceed to appeal the sanction issued by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and that if an unfavorable response is received, the process of returning the tickets that have already been purchased for the match against El Salvador will begin.
During the September window, Panama played two home games at Rommel Fernández, against Costa Rica (0-0) and Mexico (1-1).
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The National Hospital Abuja, on Thursday, discharged the conjoined twin girls, who were successfully separated after several surgeries.
The Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr Jaf Momoh, said in Abuja that the twins were conjoined at the chest and abdomen.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that the conjoined twins were referred from the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State, to the hospital on August 13, 2018.
Momoh said the twins had been on admission at the hospital for more than 16 months for care and several diagnostic procedures for a detailed diagnosis in preparation for the surgery.
He said the programme was meant to celebrate the team that carried out the surgery for their hard work.
Momoh said the programme was also an avenue to raise fund for the parents to enable the twins to have a better life with healthy living.
He said the separation was more successful than the previous six the hospital carried out.
He said the hospital management decided to fund the care and the entire processes leading to the major surgical procedure for the separation as “our corporate social responsibility’’.
Board Chairman of the hospital, Mrs Partricia Etteh, said the hospital would continue to monitor the twins to ensure that they lived a healthy life.
Etteh said the hospital would give the parents N200,000 for the upkeep of the babies and also called on well-meaning Nigerians to assist the parents to properly cater for the twins.
The father of the twins, Mr Michael Edeh, appreciated the government and management of the hospital for work well done and promised to take care of the babies.


(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
Egyptian authorities managing the Suez Canal say they will raise
transit fees for vessels passing through the waterway by up to 15
percent in 2023, Trend reports citing NHK .
The Suez Canal Authority announced on Saturday that transit fees
for dry bulk carriers and cruise ships will increase by 10 percent
while those for other vessels will go up by 15 percent starting in
January next year.
The authority cited rising costs of the waterway's operations
stemming from higher oil prices.
Annually, about 20,000 vessels, including cruiser and container
ships, pass through the Suez Canal, which connects the
Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.
The canal's transit fees are an important source of revenue for
the Egyptian government.
Arab media reports say that the Egyptian government expects
revenue to increase by 700 million dollars annually after the
The fees were raised in 2020 and March of this year.
There are concerns that higher transit fees could push up
transportation costs and accelerate global inflation.
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Claiming that the infiltration bids across the line of control (LOC) have’ remarkably’ decreased, the Director General of Police (DGP) Monday said that the militant groups operating in valley have changed their strategy.
Talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) during the side lines of the function of passing out parade of police at Lehpora Pulwama, DGP said that that earlier militants used to target civilians in valley during their operations and that at present they have changed their strategy and have now focused on police and security forces. “Police also has adopted the modernized tactics to face threats posed by the militant groups in valley.”
DGP further stated that the police has in the past as well faced many threats from the militants and that it at present is fully equipped to face the challenges of any sort. “Our forces guard the civilian lives and has played vital role in the restoration of normalcy in valley.”
Commenting over the infiltration reports at LOC, DGP stated that the infiltration bids during the recent past has been remarkably decreased.


Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan was arrested in Patna on Monday along with hundreds of workers from his party during a protest march against the Nitish Kumar-led state government.
Paswan and his supporters were arrested during the jail bharo abhiyan (fill the jail campaign) while they were marching from the party headquarters to the governor's residence Raj Bhavan.
The LJP has launched a statewide campaign to "expose the failure of the state government in stopping atrocities against the Dalit community".
Paswan has demanded that the state government make public the report of the Maha Dalit Commission. He also alleges that the state government has been dividing Dalits in the name of development.


Allied Churches to open food bank, host community meeting
BURLINGTON, N.C. — Allied Churches will host a meeting on Wednesday to determine how to help those who depended on Loaves and Fishes, which closed last week, for food.
The meeting will take place at the Allied Churches’ headquarters at 206 North Fisher St. in Burlking.
At the meeting, people will also be able to find out how they can help those less fortunate.
Allied Churches will also open a food bank starting Monday, offering two hot meals a day.


Georgian gov't allows Covid-19 booster five months after last shot
(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
The Georgian government decided to reduce the term for the Covid-19 booster shot from six to five months after the second jab, Trend reports citing 1tv.ge .
Following the order of Georgian Health Minister Ekaterine Tikaradze, either the same or any other Covid-19 vaccine may be used as a booster shot.
Furthermore, persons vaccinated twice with Chinese Sinopharm or Sinovac can get their booster shot at least three months after completing the immunization course.
Immunization Council authorized the COVID-19 booster shots in November.
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(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
Doha: Metrolink will resume service on one more route starting from Sunday, October 17.
The route that will operate from Sunday is Umm Ghuwailina (M117).
metrolink is a feeder bus network providing first and last mile connectivity to Qatar Rail customers within 2 to 5 kilometre radius of the Doha Metro stations.
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Alex pads Central Lakes Conference baseball lead
It’s not often that the Rocori baseball team has just one win with only a week left in the season, but that’s the case this year for the rebuilding Spartans.
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The battle between India and Pakistan took seven lives
Reporters: Zahra Sahil
Pakistani and Indian officials have said that at least seven people and two Pakistani soldiers were killed as a result of intense fighting between the two countries.
Reports indicate that the conflict took place when Pakistani authorities handed Indian pilots to Indian troops.
Indian officials said three members of a family in the (Punch) region of Kashmir were killed and another was wounded by arsenals thugs by the Pakistani border forces.
According to reports, the Indian border forces launched similar attacks on border areas, which resulted in two children being killed and one another wounded.


China Cracking Down on ‘Black Jails’
Chinese authorities are investigating a private company that is accused of taking payments from local officials to imprison and abuse disgruntled constituents. China has a long tradition of oppressed provincials making pilgrimages to seek redress in the capital.
China also has a reputation for jailing dissidents, but this case suggests the problem might not be so centralized. — PZS
Wait, before you go…
State media said police had arrested the chairman and general manager of the company, Anyuanding Security Services.
It is alleged they took money from local governments to abduct and imprison people who travelled to the capital, Beijing, to complain about local injustices.
The company denies this.
Human rights groups say China has hundreds of such jails, and detainees are often subject to abuse — but the Chinese government has repeatedly denied they exist.
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Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health has officially endorsed the idea of adding fluoride to Kingston’s drinking water to help reduce tooth decay in the city.
“It’s a naturally occurring nutrient, and it’s beneficial for everybody, but especially those who are the most vulnerable such as children and those who can’t afford dental care,” Dr. Kieran Moore, the local public health medical officer of health, said.
The idea emerged during city council’s strategic planning sessions held last March. A public consultation meeting on the proposal was held last Wednesday, at which members of public health’s dental health team answered questions.
Public health promoter Allison Bradshaw was one of the experts at the public consultation. She said there were people at the meeting who were deeply skeptical of the idea of adding fluoride to the water.


Rice said the Bush Administration has also had helped in training of Pakistani local officials to monitor elections and the US Embassy in Pakistan would have "our people out and about in the country." "I believe that Pakistan leadership understands that they have to have election that inspires confidence in the Pakistan people, that it's a step forward towards democracy," the Dawn quoted Rice, as saying. "It is not going to be easy. We all are concerned about the potential for violence. We are concerned about the potential that they are at least pockets where there may be problems with elections," she added
Rice further said that the US is constantly telling Pakistani authorities that the elections have to inspire confidence and encourage people in that country. "Once elections are over, the key is going to be to bring about a government that again can inspire that there are a wide range of moderate voices that have been integrated into it," Rice said.


Energy assistance funding still available
The Minnesota Department of Commerce Division of Energy Resources wants low-income Minnesotans, especially seniors, people with disabilities and families with children, to know that grant funds are still available to help pay their heating bills from the Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
"We still have funds to help households stay warm, and we encourage families and individuals who need assistance to apply," said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman.
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Franken: Ending Saturday postal delivery a disservice to Minnesotans
Today, U.S. Senator Al Franken, D-Minnesota, issued the following statement in response to the news that the U.S. Postal Service will suspend Saturday letter delivery:
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(MENAFN- Colombo Gazette)
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has approved power cuts for 2 hours and 20 minutes.
This is despite the PUCSL earlier refusing to approve power cuts of more than 1 hour and 20 minutes.
PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said that the decision to approve longer power cuts was taken considering the unavailability of the Old Laxapana Stage 1, lack of fuel at Westcoast and due to a sudden increase in demand for electricity.
Accordingly, the PUCSL has approved a request from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to enforce power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes from the 23rd to the 25th of September.
The power will be cut for 1 hour during daytime and 1 hour and 20 minutes at night. (Colombo Gazette)
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The main opposition UNP has now called on the government to release the proposals on constitutional reforms and the 17th Amendment while the JVP has continuously emphasized the need for the government to release the draft of its proposed constitutional amendments.
UNP parliamentarian Joseph Michael Perera told the local media today (8) that the government needed to release a draft of its proposed constitutional reforms if the UNP is to re-consider its decision to withdraw from discussions with the government.
Perera says that although the government has spoken about the constitutional reforms, the proposals have not yet been informed to the party.
The UNP yesterday decided to suspend talks with the government on constitutional and electoral reforms accusing the government of using the talks to entice opposition members to government ranks.
Meanwhile, the Marxist JVP has also called on the government to release the draft of the clauses in the Constitution the government planned to amend.
JVP politburo member Anura Kumara Dissanayake told The Sunday Leader that the government has to clearly state its position with regard to the constitutional amendments.
Dissanayake said the government after claiming to introduce a new Constitution was now talking of amending the existing Constitution and therefore needed to be more precise on the matter.
He said the JVP was willing to discuss the proposed constitutional amendments with the government if it provided a clear draft of the clauses that are to be amended and how they would be amended.


(MENAFN- Trend News Agency ) Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Nov. 11
By Huseyn Hasanov – Trend:
Saudi Arabia expressed support for the Ashgabat-initiated project on construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) transnational gas pipeline.
This was announced at a meeting of the Turkmen-Saudi intergovernmental commission that took place recently in Riyadh, the Turkmen government said in a message.
Turkmenistan's Deputy Prime Minister Maksat Babayev reported on the results of the Riyadh visit during a meeting of the Turkmen government on Nov. 10.
Babayev said the talks have created opportunities for attracting Saudi investments in international and national projects in the oil and gas sector, searching for and extracting minerals, and developing communications.
'Intention was expressed for mutually beneficial cooperation on projects implemented in Turkmenistan's gas chemical and industrial sectors, transportation, communications, mining and other spheres,' says the Turkmen government's message.
Construction of the Turkmen section of TAPI started in 2015 and is scheduled to be finished in late 2018.
The total length of the TAPI pipeline will be 1,814 kilometers. A 214-kilometer section of the pipeline will run through Turkmenistan, a 774-kilometer section will run through Afghanistan and an 826-kilometer section will run through Pakistan to Fazilka settlement on the border with India. The pipeline's annual capacity will be 33 billion cubic meters of gas.
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AEK midfielder Jacob Johansson said that the players have to be blamed for the points AEK dropped recently.
AEK dropped two more points at the home draw against Panionios and Johansson told LiveSport newspaper that the players have to take the responsibility of these results.
“Of course we are responsible for that. We need to look what is going wrong. We are frustrated for not getting the three points. We've got a new manager and we have to settle in with the new standards but every player has to look what went wrong,” Johansson underlined.


(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency) Gaza, March 22 (Petra)-- Israeli occupation forces early Thursday made an incursion into east of Khuza'a town near Khan Younis in the southern part of the Gaza strip.
Palestinian sources said that Israeli troops, backed by military vehicles and bulldozers, pushed dozens of meters deep into the area and razed the Palestinian owned-lands.
22/3/2018 - 09:30:38 AM
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Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being and has long been a neglected and misunderstood topic. In the past, there was often a stigma surrounding mental illness, and many people felt ashamed or embarrassed to seek help for their struggles. As a result, they often suffered in silence, hiding their struggles from others and not seeking the help that they needed.
However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and an effort to destigmatize mental illness. Governments, organizations, and communities around the world have begun to invest more money and resources into mental health treatment, and more people are feeling comfortable seeking help when they are experiencing mental health challenges.
There are several reasons why mental health is now more acceptable for people to seek help. First, there has been a significant increase in awareness and understanding of mental health issues. With more information and education available, people are better able to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems and are more likely to seek help when they need it.
Second, there has been a shift in societal attitudes towards mental health. More and more people are recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health and that seeking help for mental health problems is a sign of strength, not weakness. This shift in attitude has made it easier for people to seek help and has helped to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Finally, governments and other organizations have made a concerted effort to invest in mental health treatment and support. This includes providing funding for mental health services, training mental health professionals, and implementing policies and programs to support individuals with mental health issues. As a result, there are now more resources and support available for people who need it, which has made it easier for people to seek help when they need it.
Mental health is now more acceptable for people to seek help where in the past they hid their struggles and suffered in silence. This is due to increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues, a shift in societal attitudes towards mental health, and a greater investment in mental health treatment and support. By providing resources and support for individuals who are struggling with mental health issues, we can help to promote overall well-being and improve the lives of people around the world.


New Delhi: India is in constant touch with the representatives of Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities, said the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday asserting that the country will facilitate repatriation to India of those who wish to leave Afghanistan.
The ministry also stated that India also stands for Afghans who have been partners in the promotion of mutual development.
Commenting on the prevailing situation in Afghanistan, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “The security situation in Kabul has deteriorated significantly in the last few days. It is changing rapidly even as we speak.”
He said that the government has been closely monitoring all developments in Afghanistan.
“We have been issuing periodic advisories for the safety and security of Indian nationals in that country, including calling for their immediate return to India,” he said.
He also said that they had circulated emergency contact numbers and had also been extending assistance to community members. “We are aware that there are still some Indian nationals in Afghanistan who wish to return and we are in touch with them,” he said.
About Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities, he said, “We are in constant touch with the representatives of Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities. We will facilitate repatriation to India of those who wish to leave Afghanistan.”
The officer also said that there are also a number of Afghans who have been Indian partners in the promotion of mutual developmental, educational and people to people endeavours. “We will stand by them,” he said.
He informed that commercial operations from Kabul airport have been suspended today. “This has forced a pause in our repatriation efforts. We are awaiting the resumption of flights to restart the process,” the officer added.
The situation in Afghanistan is being monitored on a constant basis at high levels and the government will take all steps to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals and our interests in Afghanistan, he assured.
The Taliban swept into the capital on Sunday after the Western-backed government collapsed and President Ashraf Ghani fled the country, bringing a stunning end to a two-decade campaign in which the US and its allies had tried to transform the country.


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Story | Nov 5, 2008Democrats retained control of the House and pushed for historic gains in their majority yesterday by solidifying their dominance in the Northeast and making inroads in the South and West. "It's the night we have been waiting for," said House Speaker...


736 million notes were on Tuesday morning recovered in bundles of fake US dollars by police officers in Muguga forest, Kiambu County.
The authorities who were tipped with information by the public said that the huge sum might have been used in illegal operations within the country.
Birgen Kiptoo, the Kikuyu police boss said that the officers were alerted by the public about a safe that had been fragmented and people were thieving money from it.
Kiptoo perceived that with the huge sum, the goons could have been in action for a long period of time.
He said that the money could have …read more


The United Democratic Party (UDP) and Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) on Wednesday decided to strengthen the ‘spirit of regionalism’ through the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA).
“We have unanimously decided to strengthen the spirit of regionalism through the RDA,” UDP chief Metbah Lyngdoh told reporters after a meeting of the two political parties. HSPDP president KP Pangniang was also present.
He said that the leader of both the regional political parties have asserted the need to work together on various issues concerning the state.
Lyngdoh informed that the two political parties will again meet to elect the new members of the RDA.
When asked, the UDP chief said that though the UDP and HSPDP had decided not to have a pre-poll alliance during the last 2023 Assembly elections but “we have an understanding that we will definitely have a post-poll alliance”.
“Therefore, the two political parties will be working together and take collective stand on different issues as an RDA,” he added.
The UDP has 12 MLAs while the HSPDP has 2 MLAs in the 60-member House.


THE education and sports ministry has denied reports that the Government has plans of making the Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme compulsory
Aggrey David Kibenge, the ministryâ€™s public relations officer also denied reports that strict measure had been put in place to punish the culprits.
Recently, The Monitor newspaper published a story that state minister for primary education Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire had said the Government would introduce a law to make UPE compulsory and that mechanisms for the enactment of the law were already in place.
But Kibenge yesterday said such a programme to make the policy compulsory was not true and the ministry had not put any substantial proposal to it.
â€œThe reports that UPE was going to be made compulsory are not true. What she said was that, there is no law that can make the policy compulsory,â€ he said.
â€˜No law on UPEâ€™


ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has summoned PTI s parliamentary party meeting today.
According to sources, the meeting will be held at the Parliament House at 6:00pm. Prime Minister Imran Khan will preside over the meeting.
Sources further said that the current political scenario in the country and other issues will be discussed in the meeting.
All PTI members of the parliament have been directed to ensure their attendance at the meeting.


Since the pandemic has started, the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce has been an advocate for the membership. We’ve continued to supply important information to members as that information was available. That continues to this day and will continue in the future!
We have continued to be a voice with local and state leaders on what our business members have been going through during these difficult time. That mission continues to this day and will continue in the future!


PESHAWAR: Adviser to Chief Minister Ajmal Khan Wazir said that smart lockdown was enforced in 214 areas in different districts due to most Covid-19 cases as part of the policy to stem tide of the ailment in the province.
Talking to journalists here on Thursday, he said that 805,877 people were confined to their homes in the province.
He said that Chief Secretary Dr Kazim Niaz was supervising the areas where smart lockdown was imposed.
Lockdown ended in 89 areas including 15 in Nowshera, 12 in Bajaur and eight in Abbottabad, two in Bannu, four each in Buner, Charsadda and Peshawar, two in Chitral Upper and five in Mardan.
Similarly, smart lockdown has also been ended in one area each of South Waziristan, Hangu, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber, Kurram, Tank and three in Swat, six in Mansehra, three in Malakand, five in Lower Dir, two in Upper Dir and three in Haripur.
CM’s adviser says healthcare being provided to people in tribal districts
Mr Wazir said that for the first time in the history of country, deprivation of tribal people was being addressed. “Merger process was a difficult task but under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan our government completed it,” he added.
Mr Wazir said that for the first time transparent elections were held in merged districts and tribal people were given representation in assembly.
He added that health facilities were being provided to the people in the tribal districts through Sehat Sahulat Programme.
He said that Khasadar Force was merged into police. He added that for the first time tribal people got the right of lawyer, argument and appeal.
Ajmal Wazir said that Sindh government was not giving three per cent share under NFC award for development of merged districts while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was using all its resources for the development of erstwhile Fata.
He said that steps were being also taken for education of special children in the province.
He added that secondary and higher secondary examinations for the next academic session of special children would be conducted by Peshawar board.
Mr Wazir said that at present 3,300 special children were studying in government institutions.
He added that steering committee was constituted to conduct examinations for special children.
He said that government would provide psychological training to teachers in 34 government schools.
He said that the purpose of the decision was to provide psychological support to children.
Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2020