A day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasised on cleanliness, his Cabinet colleague Upendra Tiwari on Thursday picked up a broom to clean his office in the Legislature here, pictures of which went viral on the social media.Armed with a broom and a mop, the Minister swept the floor of his office and the corridor leading to it in the Vidhan Bhawan here, which houses the Legislature.Pictures and video of Mr. Tiwari, who is the Minister of State (Independent charge) for Environment, Water Supply, Land Development and Water Resources and Forest, sweeping the office, cleaning the corridor went viral on the social media with the staff and officials there looking on. A stickler for cleanliness, Mr. Adityanath had administered a sanitation pledge to officials a day after he took over as Chief Minister and asked them to ensure that the pledge is effectively implemented on the lines of Swachh Bharat Mission of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The CM on Wednesday banned the use of pan and tobacco products in schools, colleges, hospitals and other government buildings.
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Politics takes centre stage as DelhiAssembly celebrates silver jubilee
A day after the BJP and the Congress decided to boycott the Delhi Assembly’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the Aam Aadmi Party on Friday hit back, accusing them of indulging in “petty” politics.To mark the 25th anniversary of its first sitting on December 14, 1993, the State Assembly has planned an event at its premises on Saturday. Though senior BJP leader L.K. Advani was to be the chief guest at the event, he backed out on Tuesday citing personal reasons, according to Speaker Ram Niwas Goel.AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj on Friday said the silver jubilee celebration was a tribute to Delhiites as the Assembly was formed after years of struggle.“At this juncture, it is important to place on record the petty-minded attempts by some political forces to belittle the successful evolution of the Delhi Assembly,” he said, accusing the BJP and the Congress of adopting “cheap tactics” and making “loaded political statements” about a non-political commemorative event.Without naming parties or individuals, Mr. Bharadwaj was alluding to Leader of the Opposition Vijender Gupta and Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken, both of whom had issued statements on Thursday about boycotting the function. “The two parties, one which barely has any presence in the Assembly and the other which lives in history, fail to understand the dynamics of a changing Delhi, which is now truly aspirational and the Assembly represents that progressive change,” Mr. Bharadwaj said. Mr. Gupta termed Mr. Bharadwaj’s remark a symptom of the AAP’s “frustration” at not being able to exercise its “supremacy”. “This arrogant allegation is precisely the reason behind the Opposition’s decision to boycott tomorrow’s programme. The AAP wants to exercise supremacy at any cost by disregarding all rules and regulations,” he said. Mr. Maken had earlier said that the celebrations should have been apolitical, with an all-party celebration committee planning the event.
Investors cheer Budget after showing initial concerns
Investors gave thumbs up to the Union Budget 2014-15 presented by the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday, with the benchmark Sensex moving up over 450 points during intraday trade after an initial steep fall.Investors, who were initially concerned about the lack of any big ticket announcements in the budget, were cheered by the presentation of a ‘prudent’ budget that gave broad directions of bringing about a positive change in the investment climate and measures to rein in the fiscal deficit to 4.1 per cent of the GDP.Finance Minister Arun JaitleyAt 2.30 pm, the Sensex was up 1.63 per cent on the Bombay Stock Exchange or 413 points even as the Nifty was up by 128 points. Overall, the market recovered almost 800 points from the lows it had plunged mid-way through the Finance Minister’s speech.”The Budget ticks all the boxes, and shows a willingness by the government to listen, and will act in due course,” KV Kamath, non-executive Chairman of the ICICI Bank, told a television channel. “The industry will take this at face value, and hopes to see action on all these fronts.”What has cheered most market observers is that the government has not tried to bite off more than what it can chew, and has admitted to the challenges in most sectors. “The government has kept more place-holders, by picking up many sectors, and committing Rs 100 crore to each to do detailed studies, so that it can determine if it has to take it up later or not,” said Pawan Goenka, Executive Director, Mahindra & Mahindra, a leader in making sports utility vehicles in the country. He said the auto industry was not expecting any specific announcements, since certain excise duty reductions were already carried out. “What is significant about the Budget is that it is prudent, the numbers are believable,” he said.advertisementShares of companies in infrastructure, power, banking and realty went up following the budget announcements. Experts are expecting the markets to remain bullish in the coming days. “Most investors are optimistic on the government’s ability to execute, although there is no word on reforms, subsidies and labour law,” said Nirmal Jain, Chairman of India Infoline.
Maroons-Eagles will be offense vs defense
Ethel Booba on SEA Games cauldron: ‘Sulit kung corrupt ang panggatong’ Getting dragged into these gripping encounters, however, doesn’t seem to worry University of the Philippines coach Bo Perasol, whose Maroons are bracing for another tough test Sunday when they face the unbeaten Ateneo Blue Eagles in their first duel since last season’s title series.Perasol feels the best is yet to come for his star-studded squad, which, interestingly, has scored a total of 427 points, one less than what the Maroons have given up in their first six games this season—though they have a 5-1 record.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGreatest ever?SPORTSBecoming his own manSPORTSFormer PBA import Anthony Grundy passes away at 40Those five UP wins came with a total winning margin of 15 points, and its lone loss came against University of Santo Tomas, 85-69.“I have a team that’s loaded with offensive players and the tendency we’re trying to address right now is how do we maximize everyone’s talents,” said Perasol. Albayalde insists: Aquino not influenced on order vs 13 Pampanga cops PLAY LIST 02:37Albayalde insists: Aquino not influenced on order vs 13 Pampanga cops01:05No more admin case vs Albayalde after resignation — Panelo01:09‘Disappointment’ if no cases filed vs ‘ninja cops’ – Gordon02:11Makabayan bloc defends protesting workers, tells Año to ‘shut up’03:07PH billiards team upbeat about gold medal chances in SEA Games01:38‘Bato’ to be ‘most effective’ CHR head? It’s for public to decide – Gascon02:07Aquino to Filipinos: Stand up vs abuses before you suffer De Lima’s ordeal01:28Ex-President Noynoy Aquino admits contracting pneumonia00:45Aquino agrees with Drilon on SEA games ‘kaldero’ spending issue “I don’t think it’s coming into play yet. What’s happening now is that having too many of these offensive players makes us lose our flow on offense. But in crunch time we always like our chances because we have players who can take charge and hit big shots. But of course, it’s a concern.”The burden of expectations is also bearing down on his players, with the likes of Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero beefing up the team this season.But Perasol said there’s actually more talented players in the league this year—albeit less heralded—counting the emergence of Rey Suerte of University of the East and Rhenz Abando of UST.“This season has been really competitive as every team has improved,” said Perasol, noting that even National U, which owns a 1-5 record, could have easily been in the Top 4 if not for a string of one-point losses.“It just so happened that some of our players already have established themselves individually. But in terms of experience, Ateneo has the edge.”ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Perasol said his players are still working on their cohesion as they did not have a complete lineup in most of their training camps in the lead-up to the season.Juan Gomez de Liaño, who nailed the game-winning triple in the 72-71 squeaker over La Salle last Thursday, missed majority of the preseason due to an injury.The former Rookie of the Year also had to overcome an ankle sprain before returning to the game in the final three minutes.“Juan was our go-to guy last year, and he will always be there at crunch time, but the dynamics have changed this season,” said Perasol.“But we’re hoping we can really accelerate our progress this season.”Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Duterte calls himself, Go, Cayetano ‘the brightest stars’ in PH politics Becoming his own man Bayron just three shots behind Nan Pao leader This jewelry designer is also an architect
DTI creates Marahuyo, a luxe Filipino fashion brand for global buyers Canadian vaping study details danger from ‘popcorn lung’ chemical Matteo Guidicelli had saved up for Sarah G’s ring since 2014? View comments MOST READ LATEST STORIES P11-B loan for SEA Games hosting not an issue — Cayetano The way UAAP Season 82 has panned out so far, the only sure thing seems to be games going down the wire with seven matches already decided by a single point, three more than the season before.ADVERTISEMENT
Kansas apologizes for risque Snoop Dogg show at hoops event
In this Friday, Oct. 4, 2019 photo, rapper Snoop Dogg performs during Late Night in the Phog, Kansas’ annual NCAA college basketball kickoff, at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kan. (Nick Krug/The Lawrence Journal-World via AP)LAWRENCE, Kan. — The University of Kansas apologized for its risque Late Night at the Phog event in which rapper Snoop Dogg performed, stripper poles were wheeled onto the Allen Fieldhouse floor and fake money was shot over the heads of prospective recruits.Athletic director Jeff Long said Friday night “we expected a clean version of the show.”ADVERTISEMENT Drilon apologizes to BCDA’s Dizon over false claim on designer of P50-M ‘kaldero’ LATEST STORIES Latest auto creations on display at Tokyo Motor Show PLAY LIST 00:54Latest auto creations on display at Tokyo Motor Show01:06Palace: Up to MTRCB to ban animated movie Magellan in PH01:44US transit worker saves man who fell on rail track02:11Makabayan bloc defends protesting workers, tells Año to ‘shut up’03:07PH billiards team upbeat about gold medal chances in SEA Games01:38‘Bato’ to be ‘most effective’ CHR head? It’s for public to decide – Gascon02:07Aquino to Filipinos: Stand up vs abuses before you suffer De Lima’s ordeal01:28Ex-President Noynoy Aquino admits contracting pneumonia00:45Aquino agrees with Drilon on SEA games ‘kaldero’ spending issue Duterte calls himself, Go, Cayetano ‘the brightest stars’ in PH politics The Jayhawks instead got an R-rated performance for their annual basketball kickoff and another big headache as they deal with a high-level NCAA infractions case tied to recruiting.“We made it clear to the entertainers’ managers that we expected a clean version of the show and took additional steps to communicate to our fans, including moving the artist to the final act of the evening, to ensure that no basketball activities would be missed if anyone did not want to stay for his show,” Long said in a statement. “I take full responsibility for not thoroughly vetting all the details of the performance and offer my personal apology to those who were offended.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGreatest ever?SPORTSFormer PBA import Anthony Grundy passes away at 40SPORTSBecoming his own man“We strive to create a family atmosphere at Kansas and fell short of that this evening.”Kansas has been putting on Late Night for 35 years, but what began as a scrimmage to celebrate the start of basketball practices has turned into a night of skits, music and entertainment. That’s included big-name rappers in recent years, such as Tech N9ne, Lil Yaghty and 2 Chainz.None of them brought the cache of Snoop, though. The 47-year-old rapper and well-known sports fan was expected to take the minds of players, fans and recruits off the specter of the NCAA investigation and turn attention fully to a season in which the Jayhawks are expected to be title contenders.The school even promoted his appearance with a social media video of Hall of Fame coach Bill Self wearing a gaudy chain and Adidas shirt — the focus of the NCAA inquiry has been on the apparel company’s dealings with recruits, including whether officials paid them to steer them to its schools.Wearing a No. 20 jersey with “Snoop” on the back, the artist performed for about 35 minutes to a full house that included the men’s and women’s basketball teams. But he wound up singing unedited versions of several hits, such as “Gin and Juice” and “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” as pole dancers performed and fake $100 bills featuring the rapper’s face were shot over players and recruits.Self said he wasn’t feeling well and spent most of the performance in the locker room. He later told The Kansas City Star he expected a “radio edited” version of the songs.ADVERTISEMENT This jewelry designer is also an architect Ethel Booba on SEA Games cauldron: ‘Sulit kung corrupt ang panggatong’ For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity. Canadian vaping study details danger from ‘popcorn lung’ chemical
“I don’t guess you have visuals on radio. I learned that tonight,” Self told The Star. “That’s not the direction anybody at our school would want that to go at all, regardless of any entertainment that it provided many, it was still not the right way to provide the entertainment.”Especially given the controversy already surrounding the tradition-rich program.The school received a notice from the NCAA late last month alleging three severe violations tied to recruiting and a responsibility charge leveled against Self. Also cited is a lack of institutional control within the program.The document does not detail what Kansas is accused of doing. The program is among the most prominent in an NCAA inquiry into a pay-for-play scheme that began with an FBI investigation into the apparel company Adidas.A former employee for the company later testified that he made payments to the family of one Kansas recruit and the guardian of a current player, and text messages presented in court revealed a close relationship between Self and the Adidas employee.The school has said it will appeal and “strongly disagrees” with the assertion it lacks institutional control.Kansas will be allowed to present its case at a hearing. The NCAA will then rule, often within several months, and the school has the right to appeal.North Carolina State also has received a notice of allegations. Arizona, Auburn, Creighton, Louisville, LSU and Southern California are among those under the NCAA microscope. MOST READ Becoming his own man Matteo Guidicelli had saved up for Sarah G’s ring since 2014? Read Next Djokovic beats Millman in straight sets to win Japan Open DTI creates Marahuyo, a luxe Filipino fashion brand for global buyers Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. View comments
ParkVia Adds Trio of Recruits as it Targets Online Growth
Leading European airport parking leader, ParkVia, has appointed three specialist recruits into its marketing team as it moves into a period of targeted online expansion. With plans to strengthen its standing across Europe, ParkVia has appointed its first Head of Marketing to lead the company’s management and delivery of all digital marketing activities, with a strategic focus on spearheading online conversion and customer experience. Having led numerous teams to ecommerce success, Ben Fox brings extensive digital marketing knowledge from previous senior roles at AO.com, JD Sports and Chinese manufacturing giant, Hisense. In addition to Ben, the airport parking provider has also recruited Paid Media (PPC) Manager, Chris Morris and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Manager, Anita Idisi, to further strengthen and diversify its digital presence. As an ecommerce specialist in Paid Media with over 7 years’ experience, Chris will take responsibility for ensuring ParkVia’s online marketing spend has the highest possible ROI, working alongside former digital marketing agency specialist, Anita, who is charged with executing successful SEO strategies across the company’s 43 global markets. ParkVia’s newly appointed Head of Marketing, Ben Fox, commented: “As the European leader in its field, ParkVia has a successfully established itself as an innovator in the travel industry and I’m thrilled to be joining the business at such a pivotal point of expansion. “As pre-booked parking faces stiff competition from ridesharing and public transport it is becoming more important to focus on consumer ease and satisfaction. This is why ParkVia is investing in specialists with backgrounds working in competitive, consumer-led sectors.” ParkVia’s Commercial Director, Valentina Moise, said: “As we grow and continue to respond to the ever-changing market, it was a natural progression to employ specialist marketeers into our growing head office team. “Ben’s proven commercial success in ecommerce makes him the perfect fit to head up our growing marketing department and together with Anita, Chris and the wider team we’re confident the collective experience we have will contribute significantly to the continued growth of ParkVia.” To find out more about ParkVia, please visit www.parkvia.com. About ParkVia As Europe’s favourite airport parking retailer, ParkVia is dedicated to connecting the world’s drivers with parking spaces in 42 countries. Its online retail platform allows consumers to book parking as part of their journey, working with both car park operators and travel industry market leaders to ensure that parking is visible at the right time. Encouraging its philosophy of ‘Choose parking’, ParkVia believes pre-booking is the key element in the travel process, allowing customers to plan in advance and giving them freedom of choice to select the parking product that suits their specific journey type. Founded in 2008, ParkVia has grown in popularity and reputation over the last 11 years, particularly within the wider airport parking sector. As an established partner for many of the world’s leading international airports, ParkVia is able to maximise visibility for official car parks and ancillary products by covering more points of entry with its targeted marketing expertise. Today the services of over 2,000 parking providers are promoted to ParkVia’s 3.5m registered users, as well as a large network of partner websites, that includes airlines, travel partners, online travel agents and in-car navigation technology – making it an attractive and lucrative proposition for partners looking to collaborate for white label and in-path projects.
Disclosure of Wrongdoing 200506 Annual Report
The provincial government’s second annual report on disclosure of wrongdoing was tabled in the legislature today, Nov. 23. The report, which covers April 1, 2005, and March 31, 2006, was tabled by Human Resources Minister, Ernest Fage. “The province has regulations and policy in place that enable employees to report wrongdoing without fear of reprisal,” said Mr. Fage. “These mechanisms, and an annual report to the public, are important parts of accountable government and building confidence among Nova Scotians.” Nova Scotia implemented umbrella disclosure regulations and policy in September 2004. The regulations are not meant to supercede other protections for employees, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act. In the time frame covered by the report, there were no disclosures reported. The Public Service Commission met with government agencies to share information and created a website and resources for employees and managers. The Office of the Ombudsman developed an information package for government employees and established a wrongdoing inquiry line (1-877-670-1100). A copy of the annual report can be accessed on the Public Service Commission’s website at www.gov.ns.ca/psc .
Civeo awarded accommodation contracts for Coastal GasLink pipeline construction
“We are pleased to announce these contract awards, solidifying our position as the partner of choice for workforce accommodation solutions in Canada,” said Bradley J. Dodson, Civeo’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “The strength of our First Nation relationships was critical to these awards, and we look forward to collaborating with our partners to provide best-in-class accommodations along the Coastal GasLink pipeline project. Along with our recent acquisition of Noralta Lodge, this contract is a testament to our continued growing presence across Canada.”Civeo said it expects to deploy approximately $10 million in capital across all four facilities, the locations of which haven’t been announced. HOUSTON, T.X. – Houston-based Civeo Corporation announced today that it has been awarded contracts to supply accommodations for four locations along the Coastal GasLink pipeline project.The project will see a roughly 670-kilometre pipeline built from the Dawson Creek area to the proposed LNG Canada facility near Kitimat. The contracts are subject to a positive final investment decision from the LNG Canada joint venture, which is expected later this year.Civeo said that the accommodation facilities are collectively expected to reach total peak room count of over 2,000, with revenue over the term of the contract expected to be approximately $100 million. The company says that it will partner with a First Nation for each facility.
El Othmani Attempts to Rectify Tweet on Unnecessary Meeting with Kosovo
Rabat – Morocco’s head of government has tweeted about an “informal” meeting he had with the Kosovar foreign minister at the UN headquarters.In New York for the 73rd UN General Assembly, Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani tweeted in Arabic about his meeting with a Kosovar official.“During a tea break in the lobby of the headquarters, and without a predetermined date, an official from Kosovo who participated in the work of the General Assembly joined me,” El Othmani wrote in Arabic on September 25. The General Assembly is meeting September 18 to October 5 at the UN headquarters in New York.Along with Kosovo, South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Northern Cyprus, and Taiwan are not members of the UN. The five self-proclaimed countries are blocked from joining the UN because they are claimed by other countries.El Othmani, who did not mention the official’s name or position, tweeted one hour after the Kosovar foreign minister, Behgjet Pacolli, had shared a picture of them on Twitter.While El Othmani said he had not discussed bilateral relations with Pacolli, the latter said the opposite.“Fruitful discussion at UNGA with Morocco Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani on Kosovo’s relations with Morocco and our willignes [sic] to establish diplomatic relations so that we can work on all spheres of common interest,” Pacolli tweeted.Samir Bennis, cofounder of Morocco World News and political analyst, questioned the rationale behind the tweet and the meeting itself.El Othmani “should have refrained from sharing his useless tweet,” Bennis wrote.In an apparent attempt to ward off any controversy following his meeting, the Moroccan head of government shared another tweet in English.“During a breake [sic] with my délégation [sic] a gentleman from Kosovo imposed his presence . We have not discussed bilateral relations neither establishing contacts .Morocco’s position is constant. Morocco does not recognize Kosovo and has no relation with it,” he tweeted.Pacolli posted a picture on his Twitter account showing him sitting along with El Othmani and two others.El Othmani said Pacolli “imposed his presence” to meet him. However, the picture shows El Othmani smiling and paying attention to Pacolli.“The publication of this information is likely to raise eyebrows in Serbia and Russia, especially as this meeting, though unexpected and informal, comes a short period of time after Moroccan officials met with their Serbian counterparts,” Bennis added.Morocco does not recognize Kosovo, a region that broke away from Serbia and declared independence in 2008, because Morocco opposes secessionism and defends the territorial integrity of states.Chinese news outlet Xinhua reported on September 12 that Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita said his country “did not and will not recognize the unilaterally-declared independence of Serbian southern province of Kosovo, as the country opposes any unilateral act, and ‘understands Serbia’s worries because its own territorial integrity is endangered.’”Bourita’s statement came when he visited Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria to strengthen diplomatic ties and bilateral cooperation with Balkan countries.“Mr. Othmani represents a nation and an entire people and is considered the second man in the state after the King. Therefore, he must be careful about every word he chooses to publish,” Bennis wrote.
North Korea seeking food aid links sanctions to shortages
PYONGYANG, Korea, Democratic People’s Republic Of — North Korean factories are filling city store shelves with ever better and fancier snack foods and sugary drinks, while government officials and international aid organizations warn the nation could be on the verge of a major food crisis.North Korea’s U.N. ambassador, Kim Song, issued an unusual appeal for “urgent” food assistance last month. He cited record-high temperatures, drought and flooding that cut the harvest this year by more than 10 per cent.The government says it’s stepping up imports and working to increase the output of early and basic crops such as wheat and barley.Hazel Smith, a North Korea expert at the University of London, says supplies from all sources might only stretch to feed about three-quarters of the population at the most basic survival level this year.The Associated Press
Proposal petition submitted to fight child abuse in Sri Lanka
While the event consisted of several important initiatives, its highlight was the effort taken by the organization to draw attention to the steps they had outlined for the authorities to follow to fight child abuse. The members of AYAVEChad carried out an island-wide door to door campaign prior to this event, raising awareness and amassing public support for the cause. The missive consisting of the 100,000 signatures and proposed measures to fight child abuse was officially presented to the public representatives for their necessary actions.The organization launched this campaign under the theme “Be humane towards children”, and requested the responsible adults of society to represent and emanate the values of humanity, and to rid ourselves of all inhumane qualities. The event which was held in Battaramulla was attended by many other dignitaries and also marked the inauguration of AYAVEC. A proposal and petition has been submitted to fight child abuse in Sri Lanka.AYAVEC, a collective of seven volunteer youth organizations, campaigning against child abuse and for the protection of children’s rights presented a petition consisting of 100,000 signatures to the Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Chandrani Bandara. The petition also consisted of a proposal to fight against child abuse in Sri Lanka. At a national level AYAVEC is backed by the ‘Abhimana’ organization and upheld by Child Fund Sri Lanka for technical and financial support.AYAVEC stated that their objective is to push forward with fresh purpose and drive to prevent all forms of abuse and injustice against children in the country following this inaugural initiative. (Colombo Gazette)
UN Human Rights Council to send highlevel mission to Darfur
Secretary-General Kofi Annan immediately welcomed the move, taken in Geneva on the second day of a special Council hearing devoted to Darfur, describing it as “robust action to address the grave human rights situation.” The Council decision was adopted by consensus.“The decision… sends a united message that the ongoing violence and killing in Darfur is unacceptable and must stop,” Mr. Annan said in a statement released by his spokesman.The five “highly qualified persons” on the mission to Darfur will be appointed by the Council President, Luis Alfonso de Alba of Mexico, after consultations with the 47-member Council and Sima Samar, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Sudan.The text agreed to by Council members asks the Secretary-General and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour to provide the mission with all the administrative, technical and logistical help needed to complete its work.It also welcomes the Sudanese Government’s cooperation with Ms. Samar and calls on Khartoum to continue and intensify its working relationship with the Human Rights Council and Ms. Arbour’s office.More than 200,000 people have been killed across Darfur since 2003 and at least 2 million others displaced from their homes because of fighting between Government forces, allied militias and rebel groups seeking greater autonomy.Some 4 million people now depend on the UN or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for humanitarian aid, and the security situation across the vast and impoverished region on Sudan’s western flank continues to deteriorate.The UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) today condemned the weekend hijacking in North Darfur of a vehicle belonging to the African Union (AU) peacekeeping force in Darfur (known as AMIS) and the kidnapping of two AMIS military personnel on board.In a news update from Khartoum, the Mission demanded the immediate, safe release of the two staff members, adding that AMIS’ presence in Darfur “is crucial to restoring order and stability.”The situation inside the North Darfur state capital of El Fasher remains tense, the mission said, while noting there have been skirmishes between Arab militia and armed Chadian opposition groups south of the town. A spate of armed hijackings of vehicles belonging to humanitarian NGOs has also taken place in West Darfur in recent days.The Tripartite Mechanism, which comprises representatives of UNMIS, the AU and the Sudanese Government, held its first meeting today in Khartoum. The body is discussing how to implement the $21 million UN support package to AMIS, the first part of a three-phase process that is expected to eventually culminate in a hybrid UN-AU peacekeeping force in Darfur.Under the “light support package,” agreed upon last month, UNMIS will provide 105 military advisers, 33 police officers and 48 civilian staff, as well as equipment.
Layoff announcements have Calgary workers bracing for pink slips
AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to TwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookShare to RedditRedditShare to 電子郵件Email Layoff announcements have Calgary workers bracing for pink slips 660 News by Crystal Laderas Posted Sep 1, 2015 3:16 pm MDT Hundreds may be packing up their desks in Calgary’s downtown offices, with layoffs announced by two oil and gas companies. In downtown Calgary, some say more job cuts are inevitable. Nomaan Baig says contractors have already been laid off in his office, however his job is safe. But he’s watching as friends and former colleagues are struggling. “Definitely a rough time for them, they have mortgages to pay, rent to pay. Yeah, I’m not sure what they’re going to do. It’s going to be at least a year, two years turnaround before they get jobs again so they’re just trying to find part-time jobs at the moment,” says Baig. Stephen Ahloy says he’s preparing just in case his job is next. “Being very cautious about how you spend, and looking at the news, paying attention that people are saying, that’s the only thing I’ve definitely changed. But cautious, be cautious,” says Ahloy. Some are pointing fingers as to who is at fault. Colin believes it’s tied to politics, and Stephen Harper’s government is to blame for not creating more programs to foster a diversified economy. “There’s been no incentive from the government to even open the door to have opportunities other than oil and gas. I mean, I work in oil and gas too but it’s just a one-sided thing. You don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” said Colin. Most of the people that 660 NEWS spoke to believe Calgary will recover from the latest round of layoffs, but it might take a year or two. ConocoPhillips confirmed 500 layoffs this morning, while Penn West is cutting 400 jobs.
Brossard Que council votes in favour of singleuse plastic bag ban
BROSSARD, Que. – Brossard, Que., passed a bylaw as expected on Tuesday to ban the use of single-use plastic shopping bags in the Montreal suburb as of Sept. 1.Other plastic bags, such as those containing dry cleaning, food sold in bulk, and flyers distributed door-to-door will still be allowed.The bylaw was adopted by the Brossard council despite a legal letter the community received on Feb. 11 from the Canadian Plastic Bag Association demanding it back down.The association called for consultations, suggesting the bylaw is “abusive and unreasonable,” is based on faulty information and doesn’t consider the negative impacts of a ban.Shopping-bag detractors, however, say they are a source of pollution, end up in landfills and take a long time to decompose.Brossard is one of at least five smaller Canadian municipalities that have instituted similar bans. by The Canadian Press Posted Feb 17, 2016 2:00 am MDT Last Updated Feb 17, 2016 at 7:00 am MDT AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to TwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookShare to RedditRedditShare to 電子郵件Email Brossard, Que., council votes in favour of single-use plastic bag ban
UN agency starts food aid to 65 million people affected by severe
“I’ve talked with women in rural areas who told me they have enough food for just a few more weeks, after which they will have nothing,” said Ertharin Cousin, Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), who today concluded a three-day visit to the country.In a telephone briefing yesterday with reporters, Ms. Cousin said severe flooding and prolonged dry spells last year have devastated this year’s harvest. “We have an opportunity to prevent this drought becoming a severe crisis if we get out ahead of it and provide the food that is required,” she said. Ms. Cousin reiterated the message today, saying that the international community must urgently assist the people of Malawi and six other countries affected by El Niño – Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe – “before food insecurity spirals into hunger and starvation.” Across southern Africa, as many as 18 million people will require emergency assistance due to El Niño between now and March of next year, according to WFP. The UN agency is planning to reach nearly 12 million people with food aid. In Malawi, about 80 per cent of the affected people are smallholder farmers who rely on what they grow to eat. Given that the estimated number of people currently in need is two and a half times higher than last year, the WFP official reiterated the need for $217 million to bridge a funding gap to produce, transport and pre-position food stocks in the country. The situation is particularly dire given the already existing high level of stunting, a medical condition that results in low growth for age and is caused primarily due to malnutrition, among children. The country also suffers high rates of HIV/AIDS infections and related deaths that have left many orphans and child-headed households, and for whom food access is already challenging.
Address shared challenges by supporting collective efforts and reform Albanias President says
“We strongly believe that (Agenda 2030) is universal,” he said, referring to the sustainable development framework adopted by UN Member States in 2015, adding that “it is relevant to and applicable in all countries of the world. We have taken a clear stance through a unanimous resolution adopted by the Albanian Parliament expressing our firm commitment to implementing and achieving these (related) goals (SDGs).”Acknowledging his country’s accession negations with the European Union and their status as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the President stressed how important, in conjunction with the UN, these world organizations are to “in implementing sustainable development policies and contributing to the universal respect of the human rights.”“Albania fully supports a more effective UN agenda through a more integrated peace and security architecture, with peacekeeping operations being vital instruments and a flagship activity of the United Nations. We support the recent initiative of the Secretary General – Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) – and we have endorsed the Declaration on this initiative.”He further goes on to reaffirm support for UN Security Council resolution 2242 as “Albania believes that the protection of civilians, women and children are of a crucial importance in peacekeeping operations, because the life of every person is precious.”Highlighting Albania’s engagement on the issues of drugs and climate change, Mr. Meta asserted that his country supports, respectively, the recent Declaration on Global Call for Drug Problem in the World and the Paris Agreement on climate change.Full statement available here.
GCCI announces newlyelected Exec Management Committee for 20172018
13Eon GrantRepublic Bank (Guyana) Limited 19Sean RamrattanRRT Enterprise 16Navin PrashadM.P. Insurance Brokers & Consultants Ltd. 2Senior Vice-PresidentNicholas BoyerNational Hardware (Guyana) Limited 20Kaleshwar PuranPuran Brothers Disposal Inc. 4SecretaryKester HutsonDapper Technology The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry has announced the composition of its newly elected Executive Management Committee for 2017-2018. According to a release from the GCCI, following the election of a new Council for the year 2017/2018 on Thursday, March 16, 2017; the Council, which consists of twenty one (21) members, held its first Statutory Meeting on Thursday, March 23, 2017 to elect from its body a new Executive Management Committee (EMC).The new EMC is comprised of a President, Senior Vice-President, Junior Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Immediate Past President.The following persons have been elected to serve for 2017-2018: 10Christopher Ram Jr.Ram & McRae No.NameOrganisation 15Kester HutsonDapper Technology 5TreasurerRobin MuneshwerMuneshwers Limited 2Jennifer CiprianiBank of Nova Scotia 3Nicholas BoyerNational Hardware (Guyana) Limited 6Doris LewisThe Gift Centre 5Timothy TuckerRid-O-Pes 18Vishnu DoergaDoerga Business Enterprise In addition, the following members were elected on Thursday, March 16, 2017 as the new Council of the Chamber for the year 2017/2018. 8Lance HindsThe BrainStreet Group 9Anije LambertProject Development Consultancy 14Gerry Gouveia Jr.Roraima Airways Limited 11Deslyn GriffithExtravagant Celebrations 1Shanti PersaudSilvie’s General Store 4Komal RamnauthKojac Marketing Agency 6Immediate Past PresidentVishnu DoergaDoerga Business Enterprises 3Junior Vice-PresidentTimothy TuckerRid-O-Pes No.PositionNameOrganisation 12Jean-Francois GerinAmazon Caribbean Guyana Limited 1PresidentDeodat IndarSterling Products Limited 21Robin MuneshwerMuneshwers Limited 17Christine Bennett-BlairCamex Restaurants Inc. 7Deodat IndarSterling Products Limited Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Related
Geek Deals DRMFree STEM Books Starting at 1
If you’re ready to start the new year out on the right foot, this Humble Book Bundle is a fantastic way to learn. Jump in for as little as a buck, and your 2019 can be filled with new skills. • Humble Book Bundle: STEM by Mercury LearningA minimum of a solitary dollar will net you nine multi-format ebooks that cover a wide variety of STEM areas. This is an affordable opportunity to learn more about physics, electrical engineering, and modeling with AutoCAD.Spend at least $1AutoCAD 2019 3D ModellingAlzheimer’s DiseaseElectrical Engineering ExperimentsFoundations of Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, CalculusIndustrial Engineering FoundationsMathematical PhysicsOperating SystemsPhysics Lab ExperimentsSoftware Testing Principles and PracticesOpt for the middle tier, and you’ll also receive 10 DRM-free books on topics like automation, AI, and wireless sensor networks. Spend at least $8Artificial Intelligence and Problem SolvingBasic Electromagnetic TheoryCloud Computing Basics: A Self-Teaching IntroductionFinite Element Analysis: A PrimerRadar Systems and Radio Aids to NavigationHazardous Waste ManagementIndustrial Automation & RoboticsMultivariable and Vector CalculusSolid State PhysicsWireless Sensor NetworksThe third and final tier requires just a $15 investment, and it’ll grant you access to 13 more ebooks. Learn about Python, network security, MATLAB, and more.Spend at least $15Applied Linear Algebra and Optimization Using MATLABAutoCAD 2019 Beginning & IntermediateBasic ElectronicsHDL with Digital DesignHeart Disease and HealthMachine MethodsNetwork Security and CryptographyNumerical Methods in Engineering and Science ( C, C++, MATLAB)Ocean Instrumentation, Electronics, and EnergyPython Basics: A Self-Teaching IntroductionQuantum MechanicsComputer Graphics Programming in OpenGL With JAVAReal-Time Embedded Components and Systems With Linux and RTOSAnd since some of your purchase will benefit the WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, you’ll be able to do good while learning. This non-profit is working tirelessly to protect vulnerable sea mammals, and any amount will be helpful.Sale Ends: January 7th, 2018 at 11:00AM PTNote: Terms and conditions apply. See the Humble site for more information.For more great Humble deals, go to TechBargains.
Public unions say recent ruling violates 1st Amendment rights
Categories: Local San Diego News FacebookTwitter October 24, 2018 Steve Bosh Public unions say recent ruling violates 1st Amendment rights 00:00 00:00 spaceplay / pause qunload | stop ffullscreenshift + ←→slower / faster ↑↓volume mmute ←→seek . seek to previous 12… 6 seek to 10%, 20% … 60% XColor SettingsAaAaAaAaTextBackgroundOpacity SettingsTextOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundSemi-TransparentOpaqueTransparentFont SettingsSize||TypeSerif MonospaceSerifSans Serif MonospaceSans SerifCasualCursiveSmallCapsResetSave SettingsSAN DIEGO (KUSI) — In the next few weeks, a lawsuit will be filed in California to force the state’s public sector unions to comply with a recent supreme court ruling that says union dues and fees are a violation of worker’s First Amendment rights, because a majority of the funds collected go to political activities.According to Mark Janis, who filed the suit, the ruling means everybody is now out of the public sector unions.This is a blow to California where the unions collect $900 million in dues and fees.It could decimate their ranks and their income. But the unions are resisting the ruling, and will use state labor laws and contracts to delay it’s implementation.Despite the court’s ruling, this is a huge fight, and it will not be settled anytime soon. Posted: October 24, 2018 Steve Bosh, 
Vancouver man involved in collision cited for allegedly texting
A 44-year-old Vancouver man was cited for driving while texting after he was involved in a Sunday afternoon accident.The Washington State Patrol said Paul B. Carr was westbound about 12:53 p.m. on state Highway 500 in a 1994 Nissan Sentra when his car collided with the back of a 2014 Chevrolet Spark driven by Rebecca M. Boshears, 24, of Lake Oswego, Ore. The collision at Stapleton Road pushed the Spark into a jersey barrier, the patrol said.Carr and Boshears were treated at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center and then released. Two of Boshears’ passengers also were taken to hospitals.The patrol said Jaimie J. Johnson, 33, of Yacolt was taken to Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center. She was not listed as a patient there Sunday night. Passenger Keren M. Gundersen, 55, of Kapaa, Hawaii, was treated and released from PeaceHealth.In addition to the texting citation, Carr was cited for negligent driving and for having no insurance.