But JPV battled back with Uesato finishing off a flowing move in the 73rd minute to slice the deficit. Odawara equalized seven minutes from time by converting a penalty.Over at the Quirino Stadium in Vigan, Australian striker Harrison Sawyer delivered a hat trick as the Davao Aguilas notched a second straight victory at the expense of Ilocos United, 4-2.Phil Younghusband was also on the scoresheet for the Aguilas, who are still in seventh spot with 14 points from 20 matches.ADVERTISEMENT Brace for potentially devastating typhoon approaching PH – NDRRMC Read Next LATEST STORIES Japan ex-PM Nakasone who boosted ties with US dies at 101 Malaysia pads lead over PH Seniors to 3 QC cops nab robbery gang leader, cohort MOST READ View comments Ten-man JPV Marikina fought back from two goals down to hold Ceres-Negros to a 2-2 draw on a rainy Wednesday night in the Philippines Football League at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.ADVERTISEMENT
Fernando Rodriguez scored twice in the first half, after JPV defender PJ Fadrigalan was sent off, but goals from Takumi Uesato and Takashi Odawara ensured the visitors came away with a precious point.With the draw, Ceres raised its tally to 39 points, six off FC Meralco Manila and two behind Kaya FC Makati. But the Busmen have played only 18 games so far this season, four less than the Sparks, which means they are still on track of finishing in top spot heading into the Finals Series.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSWATCH: Drones light up sky in final leg of SEA Games torch runSPORTSSEA Games: Philippines picks up 1st win in men’s water poloSPORTSMalditas save PH from shutoutThe result puts JPV at fifth with 28 points, nine behind Global Cebu, which currently holds the last berth in the four-team Finals Series.Rodriguez scored from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute, before doubling the lead with a close-range finish after JPV defender Camelo Tacusalme’s weak pass was intercepted by Bienvenido Maranon. Typhoon Kammuri accelerates, gains strength en route to PH Protesters burn down Iran consulate in Najaf PLAY LIST 01:37Protesters burn down Iran consulate in Najaf01:47Panelo casts doubts on Robredo’s drug war ‘discoveries’01:29Police teams find crossbows, bows in HK university01:35Panelo suggests discounted SEA Games tickets for students02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games Stronger peso trims PH debt value to P7.9 trillion CPP denies ‘Ka Diego’ arrest caused ‘mass panic’ among S. Tagalog NPA Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Kin of Misamis Oriental hero cop to get death benefits, award — PNP Kammuri turning to super typhoon less likely but possible — Pagasa
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\R Jakarta, Jul 18 (AFP) Asian Games venues will be ready before Indonesia hosts the showpiece event in a month, organisers say, but the threat of terror attacks and endless traffic jams still looms over the huge tournament.An army of labourers has been toiling around the clock to finish building work, widen roads and plant trees in a breakneck bid to beautify Jakarta, a teeming metropolis that many visitors find tough to love.The athletes’ village looks ready, but some competitors may need nose pegs — it backs out onto a toxic, foul-smelling river.Jakarta and Palembang in Sumatra are set to host about 11,000 athletes and 5,000 officials from 45 Asian countries for the August 18 to September 2 Games, the world’s biggest multi-sport event behind the Olympics.Apart from a still-unfinished squash complex, most venues appear nearly done.The Gelora Bung Karno main stadium, used when Indonesia last hosted the Games in 1962, has undergone a major renovation for the 30 trillion rupiah ($2 billion) event.”I think all the venues, from what I see… 95 percent should be finished by end of July,” chief organiser Erick Thohir, a media tycoon who is chairman of football club Inter Milan, said last week.- Epic traffic jams -=====================Indonesia started with less time than most host countries. It agreed to host the Games when Vietnam pulled out, citing concerns over preparations and the heavy financial burden.Jakarta then moved the 40-sport Games forward by a year to 2018 to avoid a clash with national elections.But organisers insist it won’t be a repeat of the 2004 Athens Olympics when the main stadium was completed just weeks before the opening ceremony, or Brazil’s 2014 World Cup which went ahead in unfinished venues.advertisementThe worst-case scenario remains New Delhi’s 2010 Commonwealth Games, where problems ranged from filthy conditions at the athletes’ village to collapsing infrastructure.Indonesia had problems with the 2011 Southeast Asian Games following corruption scandals and a deadly stampede at the football final.But the biggest headache at the Asian Games may be getting athletes to venues on time.Jakarta has some of the world’s worst traffic and choking air pollution that has forced organisers to come up with drastic solutions.Athletes and officials will travel on dedicated road lanes while Jakarta has put an odd-even licence plate system in place to limit congestion.Schools will also be closed to take the daily commute of millions of pupils out of the equation.- Security fears -==================Security is another concern with the Games coming just a few months after terror attacks in Indonesia’s second-biggest city Surabaya killed a dozen people and reignited concerns about Islamist militants.Some 100,000 security staff will be deployed in Jakarta, Palembang and West Java, where several events are taking place.”All safety elements are already in place,” said national deputy police chief Syafruddin, who goes by one name.”We did not only think about security of the athletes, but we are also preparing safety measures for all aspects related to the games… of course the main priority is security.”Police say they have been rounding up terror suspects and petty street criminals in a pre-Games crackdown — and even fatally shooting some who resisted arrest.Many Jakartans seem unaware that their city is hosting a major event though, with promotion of the Games noticeably lacking.”What is it (the Asian Games)? I’m not too sure,” said Jakarta-based entrepreneur Widi Astari.Some who do know about the Games have complained about ticket prices, which range from about 50,000-300,000 rupiah ($3.5-$21) in a country where many live on a few dollars a day.”I think it will be great if the organiser provides tickets for the middle-lower class spectators because I think everybody wants to watch,” said Ari Fajar.About one quarter of the 40,000 tickets available for the opening ceremonies — the cheapest are 750,000 rupiah — were snapped up in first week of sale on June 30.While the Games may not be picture perfect, Jakartan Nia is betting that her country won’t embarrass itself.”At least the outside world will know Indonesia has tried its best,” she said. (AFP) APAAPA
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Tata it seems is working hard on readying itself for one of the biggest launches in India, the Tata Harrier. The Hyundai Creta, Jeep Compass rival is slated to make ground by a global unveil next month. Tata blew our minds away when it launched the H5X concept, now called Harrier, back at the 2018 Auto Expo.Tata Motors officially revealed the Harrier with the rollout of the 1st Harrier from its all-new manufacturing line. With this, Tata Motors is now gearing up for the launch of its much-awaited SUV in early 2019. Tata will be unveiling the Harrier globally in December. The Tata Harrier SUV first made its domestic debut in its concept form back in February at the 2018 Auto Expo.Because the Harrier is designed on the base of Tata’s latest Impact Design 2.0 philosophy, the Harrier needed a completely new approach to product development and manufacturing processes. The completely new assembly line has been built in a time of six months with a majority of the manufacturing practices adopted from Jaguar Land Rover. It boasts of 90 per cent automation levels with over 100+ KUKA and ABB robots.The Tata Harrier will offer an all-new exterior design, ergonomically and premium designed interiors, future-ready connectivity, and Tata-claimed best-in-class infotainment. The 5 seater monocoque SUV is engineered on the new generation Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced’ Architecture, which is derived from the legendary Land Rover D8 architecture and developed in collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover.The Harrier will be built on the Omega platform which is a derivative of the L550 platform from the stables of Jaguar Land Rover for the Discovery Sport which also gets the D8 architecture. This means the Harrier is slated to use the parts bin of the Discovery Sport which includes floor panels, all-independent suspension, and steering gear. However, steel will be used with aluminum to optimize cost.advertisementThe Harrier is also slated to share the wheelbase from the Discovery Sport which is 2,741mm and will be 4×4 capable like the Discovery Sport and will come with a proper 4×4 drivetrain.The best part yet, the production-spec Harrier looks very similar to the H5X concept with the high-set headlamps with LED DRLs. Other styling similarities include wheel arches, front and rear armrests, slim headlamps which are in accordance with their Impact Design 2.0 language.The SUV will come with a host of safety equipment like a terrain response system, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability, different driving modes, all-wheel drive (top-spec), and independent suspension control.The Harrier is slated to be powered by a Fiat-sourced Kryotec, 140bhp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, a turbo-diesel engine with a 4-wheel drive system which will be developed by Tata. The powertrain will be mated to a 6-speed manual or a Hyundai sourced 6-speed automatic. The engine will get multiple drive modes which are already available on Tata’s Revotron and Revotorq line of engines.Interior wise, the Harrier will feature front and rear AC vents, sunroof, touchscreen infotainment system, steering mounted controls, electric seats with memory function, parking sensors, and reverse camera.Tata has already started taking in bookings for the Harrier for a booking amount of Rs 30,000. Interested customers can make the booking online or at their nearest Tata dealership.With an expected launch date set in early January 2019 and deliveries slated for late January, the Tata Harrier will go against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Renault Captur, Mahindra XUV500, Jeep Compass, and the upcoming Nissan Kicks.Also read: Tata Harrier revealed officially, top 10 things to know
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zoom Danish shipping company Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S (Norden) ended the third quarter of 2016 with a loss of USD 12 million, against a profit of USD 18 million seen in the same quarter of 2015.The company’s tanker activities generated a loss of USD 4 million for the period, against a profit of USD 32 million reported a year earlier, mainly driven by a significant deterioration of the market rates in the second half of 2016.In the dry cargo market, the slight increase in rates from the second quarter continued, however, rates are still at the level of operating expenses, and the company’s dry bulk sector managed to narrow the quarterly loss to USD 8 million, from a loss of USD 14 million noted in the same period of 2015.“Overall, the third quarter developed as expected and finishes, despite our efforts, with an unsatisfactory result as a consequence of market developments,” Jan Rindbo, CEO of Norden, said.“Our early focus on increasing coverage in Tankers combined with the sale of tanker vessels have reduced our exposure to a severely hit tanker market, while in Dry Cargo we are preoccupied with getting the best out of the very poor market,” Rindbo added.During the quarter, the company agreed to sell two Handysize tankers, one of which was delivered to a new owner in August, while the other was delivered in October.
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zoomImage Courtesy: Hapag-Lloyd German container shipping line Hapag-Lloyd has lowered its profit forecast for the financial year 2018 amid increasing operational costs.This in particular relates to fuel related costs and charter rates combined with a slower than expected recovery of freight rates in the first five months of this year, the liner explained.“These developments cannot be fully offset by cost saving measures that have already been initiated,” the company said announcing the decision of its Executive Board.Hapag-Lloyd also referred to the uncertainty regarding the development of freight rates in the upcoming peak season as one of the factors for the outlook revision.The new figures forecast an EBIT in a range between EUR 200-450 million and an EBITDA ranging between EUR 900 million and 1.150 billion.Hapag-Lloyd managed to shrink its net loss in the first quarter of this year, however, market challenges persist, the company’s CEO Rolf Habben Jansen warned.The company’s net loss for the period stood at EUR 34.3 million (USD 41 million), almost halved when compared to the last year’s loss of EUR 58.1 million.Aside from UASC merger, the better financial performance was ascribed to a positive development of the worldwide container transport volume and a slight recovery of freight rates.Following the mergers with the container activities of CSAV (2014) and UASC (2017) the number of the company’s employees increased by around 70 pct.In order to streamline its operations, the company is also embarking on a workforce redundancy plan, which is expected to result in the cutting of up to 12 percent of its almost 11,000 land-based workforce.In addition, 159 full time employees are planned to be laid off in the company’s headquarters in Hamburg by the end of 2019.Speaking to World Maritime News, a company spokesman said that this number could be somewhat lower, adding that there are some positions in the company yet to be filled.However, overall, a greater number of people is expected to be affected by the redundancy measures, as there are plans of outsourcing jobs and eliminating certain positions.World Maritime News Staff
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March 21 marks the International Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination–a day that reminds us to remain vigilant in our efforts to stamp out racism. As this day nears, I am reminded of how important it is to always keep equality and acceptance of each other in view. Never become complacent. Nova Scotia has a very long tradition of diversity — racial, linguistic, religious, and ethnic. Diversity began for this region when the first Europeans arrived on the shores of Mi’kmaq traditional lands. As we’ve seen throughout time, it has never been easy for different groups of people to live together. This is certainly true when you look at the history of our province. Some of our worst injustices have been based on racial differences. Not that long ago racial tensions in Nova Scotia were blatant and obvious. In 1982, for example, the Ku Klux Klan announced its intention of pursuing its nefarious activities in our province. In response, the government of the day denounced any such activity. In 1991, the Marshall inquiry made 82 recommendations to improve the justice system for African Nova Scotians and aboriginal persons. Many aspects of race relations were examined. Fast forward to today, and the recent cross-burning incident on the lawn of a bi-racial couple in Hants County. I think that most of us had hoped such incidents of racism were things of the past. This was a terrible racist act…but the difference in that incident happening now as opposed to years ago was the overwhelming public outrage and condemnation it received. It was heartwarming to see the outpouring of support to the family. This is a clear sign that times are changing and Nova Scotians are no longer willing to tolerate such racist behaviour. It is a clear sign that Nova Scotia is turning a corner and is trying to put past prejudices and resulting injustices behind it. Today, more than ever, we’re seeing progress on many fronts. Earlier this month to mark the 20th anniversary of the Marshall inquiry, the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society sponsored a symposium to honour the legacy of Donald Marshall, Jr. Further confirmation of change was the Africville apology on Feb. 24 in Halifax. I have also asked the justice minister to see what can be done about getting a pardon for Viola Desmond, who was convicted for standing up for her civil rights and liberties in 1946. The strong positive public support for these and other events confirms that we are moving forward together in our fight against racism. Some people say that racism still exists and is systemic in Nova Scotia. Others say they have never seen or heard incidents of racism. The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission says that about 20 per cent of its workload relates to race-based complaints. The commission’s race relations division continues its work to help change attitudes and explain discrimination and its impact on people. While we know that we are making inroads, there’s no doubt we still have more to do. That said, there is a big difference between the Nova Scotia of 2010 and the Nova Scotia of years ago. I believe the difference is that equality and acceptance now lead the way, and Nova Scotians want each person to be treated with respect and dignity. By continuing our collective efforts, we can make this possible. -30-
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Taunton: Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib said his star leg-spinner Rashid Khan should be ready to play in the team’s next match at the 2019 World Cup. Rashid was not able to bowl in the match against New Zealand after being hit on the head by a short delivery from pacer Lockie Ferguson while batting. “He’s feeling better now. The doctor him not to go to the field but now he’s feeling well. So he needed rest. Obviously we have a couple of days. He’s fine now,” Naib told reporters. Also Read – We don’t ask for kind of tracks we get: Bowling coach Arun The ball bounced off Rashid’s helmet and hit the stumps. Medical attention was necessitated as Rashid looked disoriented as he left the field. It was later revealed that he had failed a concussion test and won’t be able to take any further part in the match. The incident raised concern over Rashid’s ability to participate in Afghanistan’s remaining matches. Naib said that the 20-year-old will be undergoing a few more tests before their next match against South Africa which will be played on June 15. “I asked the physio if he needed rest…,” said Naib. “We have a rest of one week befor the other game. So now he’s feeling well. He may go to the hospital for some tests. “He’s well. Afghani people are strong. So it’s just a small thing.”
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Kolkata: Mrinmoy Biswas (30) who had undergone heart transplant at the SSKM Hospital on July 3 is ready to resume his study for West Bengal Civil Service examination.Biswas always dreamt of becoming a civil servant and started his preparation to crack the examination. His indomitable spirit to become an administrative office failed to curve his desire. As soon as he was discharged from the hospital, Biswas went back to his studies. Initially, he was skeptical about his health condition as the doctors warned him about the infection. Also Read – Bengal family worships Muslim girl as Goddess Durga in Kumari PujaThe patients, who undergo heart transplant, are always at the risk of developing infection. His was the first heart transplant case conducted by the SSKM Hospital. The patient’s health condition is completely stable now and he has shown rapid improvement during treatment, sources in the hospital said. Biswas, a resident of Nadia’a Tehatta left his native place a couple of years ago and settled in the city to become a civil servant. Around 7-8 months ago, the doctors told him that he had no alternative other than a heart transplant. Also Read – Bengal civic volunteer dies in road mishap on national highwayThis revelation by the doctors made him little nervous initially but did not lose hope. He waited for a few months before finally getting good news that the family members of a patient declared brain dead agreed to donate her heart. The heart was successfully retrieved from Anjana Bhowmik (49) and transplanted in Biswas. He has now returned to one of his relative’s house at Palta in North 24-Parganas. “It’s a great feeling after being back home from the hospital with a renewed hope of becoming a civil servant. “The doctors asked me not to go out for next 2-3 months. It has become a boon for me as it would help me to concentrate on my study,” Biswas said.
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HALIFAX – If you’re looking for thousands of lightly used rubber ducks, you’re in luck — a Halifax man has a deal for you.David Hayes is offering a floatable flock on Kijiji for $1,400.“I have for sale or rent 3,000 small yellow floating rubber ducks,” the advertisement reads. “I think they … work well.”Hayes said in an interview this is his first crack at rubber duck sales, but said the market for the bath-time toys is bigger than one may think.“If you want to be amazed, go on Google and just Google ‘rubber ducks,” he said. “There’s pages, and pages, and pages of them. It’s all over the world.”Rubber duckies don’t come cheap, Hayes said, but he’s not looking to turn a profit.“This isn’t a money-making thing,” he said. “It’s not a business.”The retiree said he’s just trying to recoup his costs after purchasing the roughly four-centimetre birds for a charitable duck race — a fundraising event in which people bet on rubber ducks to be let loose in the water, and the first to pass the finish line wins.“I tried to find ducks and could not because they’re all being used or wanted to be used,” he said. “I finally had to go to China to buy them.”Hayes said his flock has only had one race, for Ronald McDonald House in Edmonton, where he has friends and helped organize the fundraiser. Most of the beaked competitors managed to stay upright, he said.The retiree said the ducks are being shipped from the Prairies to Halifax, where they are set to land Sept. 10.Hayes said there was one offer on the table as Friday morning, but he hasn’t closed a deal yet.
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Pilot Corporation of America (Pilot Pen), together with writer, producer and overachiever, Shonda Rhimes, is thrilled to announce that Dr. Rebecca Constantino is the inaugural G2 Overachievers Grant winner.Dr. Constantino truly is an overachiever; she is a graduate professor in language acquisition at the University of California, the mother of three children, and the founder of the non-profit organization Access Books. Access Books has enhanced the literacy and lives of numerous at risk children in the greater Los Angeles area by distributing over 2 million books and renovating and refurbishing nearly 300 underserved inner city public school libraries.The search for Pilot Pen’s Overachiever began in July of 2016, when Pilot Pen and Shonda Rhimes invited individuals to nominate someone who goes above and beyond their everyday nine-to-five duties to improve the lives of those around them. Thousands of inspiring, handwritten entries were submitted during the four-month nomination period. After closely reviewing the entries, Pilot Pen and Shonda Rhimes selected the Grand Prize winner.Dr. Constantino was nominated by a friend who eloquently wrote about her passionate belief that “it is a civil right to have access to a good library.” She founded Access Books after discovering the shocking fact that there is no funding for school libraries in Los Angeles or in the state of California. With at least 90 percent of students living at or below the poverty line in the greater Los Angeles area, this was a major problem, given that “the best predictor of how well you read is the number of books to which you have access” in your school library.Since the program’s inception in 1999, Access Books has helped countless pre-kindergarten through middle school-aged students develop their literacy skills and discover a love for reading and writing. Her nomination entry states, “She is a tireless (and uncompensated) worker who overcomes all obstacles to ensure that there is no discrimination in literacy… All children should have access to great books and a great library. Poverty should not be a factor in learning and becoming a reader.” As a result of her work, the Access Books founder was awarded the $50,000 G2 Overachievers Grant.“At Pilot we believe that Overachievers can change the world,” said Ariann Langsam, director of marketing for Pilot Pen. “What Rebecca created with Access Books – utilizing the power of the written word to improve the current lives and future prospects of children in underserved areas – is truly an amazing example of overachievement. We are thrilled to present Rebecca with the $50,000 G2 Overachievers Grant, and a five year supply of G2 pens, to help continue her incredible work.”As Pilot continues to encourage and recognize outstanding acts of overachievement, the brand is partnering with Shonda Rhimes once again to award the 2017 G2 Overachievers Grant and, new this year, the G2 Overachievers Student Grant. The $50,000 G2 Overachievers Grant will be awarded to one exceptional individual who goes beyond the call of their everyday career to give back to their community in unique and impactful ways. Entrants will need to submit 1,000 to 1,500 handwritten words expressing how they or someone they know is overachieving for a good cause.Submissions for the G2 Overachievers Grant will be accepted until Nov. 15, 2017.Expanding their existing grant, Pilot and Shonda are also introducing the student-specific G2 Overachievers Student Grant to celebrate exceptional young scholars (aged 13 to 19, in middle school or high school) who are making a tremendous difference in others’ lives outside the classroom. One student grant winner will earn $12,500 to further their education and continue their good works, and their school will be awarded $2,500 to continue fostering student overachievement for years to come. Entrants are required to submit 1,000 to 1,500 handwritten words expressing how they or a student they know are working outside the classroom to benefit their communities and peers. Submissions for the G2 Overachievers Student Grant will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2017.In order to achieve their goals, both big and small, overachievers like Rebecca select the best tools to help them make their mark. The Pilot G2 is America’s longest lasting, smooth writing, #1 selling gel ink pen, and is the ideal pen for the everyday overachiever – whether they are designing a library or penning a business plan. Pilot’s G2 is available in four point sizes and 14 colors, offering unlimited opportunities for customization and expression.To learn more about Dr. Rebecca Constantino, Access Books and how you can contribute to the cause, please visit www.accessbooks.net. For more information on the G2 Overachievers Grant and to enter yourself, or an overachiever in your life, for the 2017 G2 Overachievers Grant and Student Grant visit www.G2Overachievers.com.
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Bhopal: CPI contestant from Begusarai in Bihar, Kanhaiya Kumar would be campaigning for Congress’ Bhopal nominee Digvijaya Singh, who is pitted against Hindutva leader Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur of the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh.Addressing a gathering at the CPI office here, Singh called himself an “admirer” of the former JNUSU president, and said that he was happy that Kumar would campaign for him on May 8-9. Singh also sought to dispel perception that Kumar’s arrival might rake up “Tukde-Tukde” controversy in the poll season, as Thakur is viewed as a polarising figure. He blamed the BJP and the RSS for “defaming” Kumar in the 2016 Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) sloganeering controversy. Also Read – 2019 most peaceful festive season for J&K: Jitendra Singh”I am an admirer and a supporter of Kanhaiya Kumar. He has become an ideologue. I openly support him. I told my party that the RJD has made a big mistake (by fielding its candidate in Begusarai). This seat (Begusarai) should have been allotted to the CPI,” Singh said. Kumar is contesting his maiden election against Union minister Giriraj Singh of the BJP in Begusarai. “I challenge if anybody comes out saying that they (Kanhaiya and his associates) had raised the ‘Tukde-Tukde’ slogan (on the JNU campus in 2016). It was the work of the BJP and the RSS to defame Kumar and others who are fighting against fundamentalism,” he alleged. Also Read – Personal life needs to be respected: Cong on reports of Rahul’s visit abroadSingh claimed that “separation” of the Congress and Left parties was responsible for his party’s defeat in 2014 general elections. “I believe that we (Congress) won again after UPA-I era because the Left was with us, but we got separated on a petty issue. The control over social and economic policies that existed during the UPA-I government (because of Left allies) was missing during the tenure of the UPA-II government, which was the reason for the Congress’ defeat (in 2014),” he said. Singh also took a dig at his political detractors in Madhya Pradesh Congress. “After the Congress’ defeat in the 2003 (assembly polls), it was said that my presence in the state would slash the party’s vote share. However, I witnessed that the BJP was winning and the RSS becoming powerful over years whereas the Congress remaining a silent spectator. This is the reason I decided to become active again,” the former chief minister said. He hailed the “help” extended by CPI leaders in defeating the BJP in the assembly elections held last year. The contest for Bhopal, a BJP bastion since 1989, has become high profile since the saffron party fielded Thakur, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case. Bhopal goes to polls on May 12 in the sixth phase of ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Voting for all the 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh would be held in four phases from April 29 to May 19.
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CHICAGO — Nikki Haley, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, is being nominated for a seat on the board of directors at Boeing Co.The defence contractor and aircraft manufacturer said Tuesday that Haley will stand for election at its annual shareholder meeting on April 29.Haley was previously the governor of South Carolina, where the Chicago company operates a plant to assemble its Boeing 787 jetliners.Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg says the company will benefit from Haley’s combination of diplomatic, government and business experience.The 47-year-old Haley was named as ambassador to the UN by President Donald Trump, and served from January 2017 until December 2018. In a prepared statement from the company, she praises Boeing as the world’s biggest aerospace company and the largest U.S. exporter.The Associated Press read more
The Fund’s advisory board, meeting in New York, also reviewed progress on the first batch of 125 projects that were approved by Secretary-General Kofi Annan in August.In a press statement following the meeting, the board’s members said they reviewed procedures for evaluation and accountability and discussed guidelines for monitoring and evaluation, including the possibility of detailed financial reporting requirements for project recipients.The board also looked at procedures for checks and balances and the due diligence process to ensure the quality of the projects chosen and their consistency with the proposal submitted.Set up by Mr. Annan in July last year as a voluntary trust fund, the Fund is designed to promote and consolidate new and restored democracies in the areas of elections, human rights, civil society, the media and rule of law.The Fund defined six areas as funding priorities for the initial group of projects: strengthening democratic dialogue and support for constitutional processes; civil society empowerment; civic education, voter registration and strengthening of political parties; citizens’ access to information; human rights and fundamental freedoms; and accountability, transparency and integrity.Its first batch of projects, which will receive $36 million between them, cover 110 countries, with the largest share going to the sub-Saharan region. Disbursement of funds has started and will continue over the coming weeks.In his statement to the board today Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the UN Office for Partnerships, said “we are extremely pleased with the quality of the projects and the foreseen impact that they will have in sensitive areas such as strengthening democracy-building capacity of civil society, encouraging greater transparency for citizens and in promoting gender equality.”The Fund’s 17-member Advisory Board includes representatives from the largest Member State contributors, other countries chosen to ensure geographical diversity, as well as representatives from civil society and on behalf of the UN.Meanwhile, the UN Peacebuilding Commission – set up to help countries emerging from conflict avoid a relapse into bloodshed – began its second round of country-specific meetings today with a discussion on Burundi. Tomorrow the Commission will discuss Sierra Leone. read more
Vancouver Board of Trade eagerly supports Trans-Pacific Partnership by The Canadian Press Posted Oct 5, 2015 11:30 am MDT Last Updated Oct 5, 2015 at 12:40 pm MDT AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to TwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookShare to RedditRedditShare to 電子郵件Email VANCOUVER – A business advocacy group in British Columbia is applauding a tentative agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership between Canada and 11 other nations.The Vancouver Board of Trade says the pact will provide increased and privileged market access for Canadian exports, services and investments.Board of Trade CEO Iain Black says the ambitious deal will further deepen B.C.’s trade ties with the Asia-Pacific region.He says the T-P-P will cut regulatory barriers on B.C. exports from fruit and seafood to wood, forestry products, metals and minerals.The board of trade also believes the agreement will mean improved B.C. access to a broad range of services ranging from financial to architectural, engineering, environmental and transportation.The Trans-Pacific Partnership creates a massive Pacific Rim trading bloc, covering 40 per cent of the world’s economy, 800-million consumers and countries including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Peru, Singapore and Brunei. read more
Starting next week, a consulting firm will be conducting room-by-room inspections on campus in order to update the University’s inventory records for asbestos.Consultants from Pinchin Environmental will begin their inventory work next week and will continue over the next six to eight months.“Pinchin Environmental will be assessing, sampling and analyzing materials in buildings that may contain asbestos,” says Dan Pozzobon, the project’s lead contact from Brock’s Health, Safety and Wellness unit. “This includes floors, mechanical systems, ceilings, ducts – any place that may contain asbestos.”This update to the building material survey will assist Brock in the safe handling, control of, tracking and the management of asbestos-containing materials on campus.The project follows the University’s recent purchase of a new software system that will track asbestos locations in buildings on campus. It is also a requirement of Ontario’s health and safety legislation.Mackenzie Chown is the first building scheduled for inspection. The work in that building will begin next week and take approximately a week to complete.Occupants of buildings slated for future inspection will be notified as they are scheduled. But in most cases, individuals will notice very little activity or disruption.“There will be consultants on-site, sometimes accompanied by our staff and in rare instances, they will set up containment materials in some areas,” says Pozzobon.“Proper precautions and controls will be in place in accordance with applicable legislation to eliminate any risk of exposure,” he says. “The health and safety of building occupants at the University will be our top priority throughout this initiative.”If you have any question or concerns, contact: Dan Pozzobon, environment, health and safety officer, at x5994. read more
ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands — Katie Lou Samuelson scored 19 points, and No. 2 UConn rallied in the fourth quarter for a 65-55 victory over pesky St. John’s on Friday night at the Paradise Jam tournament.Napheesa Collier added 17 points and Crystal Dangerfield 14 for the Huskies (4-0), who survived a challenge from the Red Storm to extend their regular-season winning streak to 119 games.Tiana England scored 13 points, Alisha Kebbe added 12 points, Kadaja Bailey 11 and Oadashah Hoppie 10 for St. John’s (3-1). The Red Storm led by as many as six points in the first quarter, and battled UConn through five lead changes and four ties in the second half.The Red Storm’s last lead came in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, when Bailey made back-to-back layups for a 51-47 margin with 9:18 left.However, the Huskies responded with 3-pointers from Dangerfield and Samuelson, the last giving UConn a 53-51 lead with 7:15 remaining. That ignited an 18-4 run to close out the game.BIG PICTUREUConn: The Huskies’ regular-season winning streak continues, dating to the second game of the 2014-2015 season, an overtime loss to Stanford.St. John’s: The Red Storm have now lost three straight against UConn, which leads the series 41-17. St. John’s last win in the series came on Feb. 18, 2012, a 57-56 victory. That was the last time the Huskies lost to an unranked opponent.UP NEXTUConn: The Huskies face Purdue on Friday.St. John’s: The Red Storm play Mississippi on Friday.The Associated Press read more
Auburn junior quarterback Nick Marshall (14) breaks a tackle during a game against Georgia Nov. 16 at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn won, 43-38.Credit: Courtesy of MCTCollege football is funny.A sport that brings joy and despair to people across the country week in and week out, the game is particularly dubious on the final weekend of the regular season.Known as “Rivalry Weekend,” the final Saturday before the 2013 postseason did not disappoint either.From an Ohio State’s fan perspective, emotional highs and lows ensued from defeating archrival Michigan in Ann Arbor in thrilling fashion — picking off redshirt-junior Wolverine quarterback Devin Gardner in the end zone to deny Michigan the necessary two points that would give them the victory.Fans, players and the like were proud because the Buckeyes had just recorded their 24th straight win under coach Urban Meyer, but also turned their attention quickly to another rivalry game — The Iron Bowl.The same could be said for both myself and my colleagues at The Lantern, who had just left Michigan Stadium with the knowledge that No. 1 Alabama held a touchdown advantage over No. 4 Auburn. Upon tuning into the game on the radio and hearing that the Tigers had tied it up with 32 seconds to go, we made the correct decision to U-turn into the closest restaurant with a TV (Red Robin) because seeing if the unthinkable could happen — The Crimson Tide no longer rolling — was something we could not miss.All year, OSU has been slotted behind the top-ranked Tide and No. 2 Florida State, who had already taken care of business against rival Florida earlier in the day to finish regular season play unbeaten. So, if the Buckeyes were to even get a chance to compete for the final BCS National Championship, ‘Bama was going to need to either fall Saturday or next week in the SEC Title game. It seems unthinkable that an undefeated OSU would be left out of the national championship game, but because of the national perspective of the Big Ten as second tier to other conferences like the SEC, the possibility was at its highest point.Then lightning struck.While we were waiting to order our food, the referees put one second back on the clock, giving Alabama a chance to save its unbeaten season in regulation. Alabama coach Nick Saban turned to redshirt-freshman kicker Adam Griffith to attempt a 57-yard field goal for the win. Griffith’s attempt was short, Auburn senior cornerback Chris Davis retrieved it, and returned it 100 yards for the game-winning touchdown.Red Robin, filled with members of Buckeye Nation, exploded — and I couldn’t help myself but join in on the excitement.With a win against Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship game, the Buckeyes — barring any sort of BCS catastrophe that will allow a one-loss Auburn team to jump them in the rankings — will be heading to Pasadena, Calif., in early 2014 in search of the program’s eighth national championship.In a mere four hours, Buckeye fans went from holding their breath when Gardner took the snap on the two-point play, to extreme jubilation when Alabama’s undefeated season was no more. Suddenly, seeing OSU back at the top of the sport is a very real possibility.As a journalist writing on deadline for the OSU-Michigan game, the last half of The Game’s fourth quarter brought stress to both my fingers and head.But as a college football fan, rivalry weekend proved once again why the sport is tough to be topped. read more
71-1110.798.1 73-940.154.6 April 10@ SA311215 April 7vs. SA6400 Golden State’s schedule isn’t doing them many favors, either. Upcoming games against Portland and Minnesota are extremely winnable, and a home-and-home with Memphis shouldn’t pose too much trouble — but it’s worth noting that even their chance of sweeping that group is only about 64 percent.1We say “about” because we computed this using the game-by-game win probability for each upcoming matchup. A more accurate method (which we use for our NBA interactive) would account for the possibility that each team’s rating — and therefore each game’s odds — will change dynamically after each result. But that more involved calculation wouldn’t yield a result that differs significantly from our back-of-the-envelope estimate. And the Warriors also have to face the San Antonio Spurs twice in the final week of the regular season, including one date in Texas on the second leg of a back-to-back. San Antonio’s Elo rating is only a hair below Golden State’s, so assuming the Spurs play at full strength (never a certainty with Gregg Popovich) they’d be 69 percent favorites over the Warriors at the AT&T Center on April 10th.As things stand now, that means Golden State would most likely tie the Bulls’ record on April 9 against the Grizzlies. Meanwhile, their quest for breaking the record will probably come down to the very final day of the regular season, on April 13 (also against Memphis).After a season entirely spent ahead of pace to break the record, how did the Warriors find themselves in such a precarious position? There were troubling signs for Golden State even before last night’s loss. On Thursday, they barely escaped with a win at Utah. Their previous three games all were home wins by smaller margins than our CARM-Elo-based point spread suggested. And since the All-Star Break, the Warriors have outscored opponents by an average of 3.6 fewer points per game than our spreads predicted. RECORDEXACTLY THIS MANY WINSAT LEAST THIS MANY WINS 72-1032.887.4 April 9@ MEM82450 April 5vs. MIN9500 According to our “CARM-Elo” forecast model, the Warriors’ probability of winning 73 or more games is down to just 54.6 percent — the loss to Boston dinged Golden State’s chances of making history by about 31 percentage points. Above, you can see the current breakdown of possible records Golden State could finish the season with; with six games left, now there are only two combinations (74-8 and 73-9) that would result in the Bulls’ record falling. DATEOPPONENTWIN PROB.TYING RECORDBREAKING RECORD 74-814.414.4 April 3vs. POR89%0%0% CHANCE OF… 70-121.799.8 69-130.2100.0 68-140.0%100.0% April 13vs. MEM933039 Upcoming Warriors games ODDS IN THIS GAME OF… On Thursday, we pegged the Golden State Warriors’ chance of winning 73 games — thereby breaking the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls’ all-time NBA record for most victories in a season — at 85 percent. But Friday night, the improbable happened: The Boston Celtics beat Golden State in Oakland, snapping the Warriors’ 54-game winning streak at Oracle Arena and handing them their eighth loss of the season.Needless to say, this complicates the Warriors’ Quest for 73 a bit. This, if anything, understates the Warriors’ decline since the All-Star break. Our point spreads are based in part on teams’ Elo ratings. The Warriors’ Elo at the All-Star break was 1838 — just one point shy of their peak this year after winning in Boston by five on Dec. 11. Today the Warriors’ Elo is 1790 — below their level at the end of last year’s playoffs and just ahead of where the Bulls ended the 1995-96 season. As the Warriors’ Elo has declined, the dominance expected of them by our spreads has declined with it — yet they’ve disappointed even relative to those moving goalposts.The Warriors are still great, still the best team in the NBA and one of the best in its history. But lately they haven’t been as good as they were when they started the season 24-0. That diminishes their chances of breaking the wins record, of beating the Spurs in their two remaining regular-season games — and of beating them if they meet again in the Western Conference finals.Jay Boice contributed research. read more
The schools responded in a joint statement: “As part of a broad Primary Liaison programme, helping primary school pupils to transition confidently to secondary school, Spalding Grammar School (for boys) and Spalding High School (for girls) work together to provide a range of experiences, including an opportunity for local pupils to spend part of a day with us.”Across the last 10 days, we have welcomed over 700 pupils from 24 schools, and they have experienced the full range of subjects available at both schools; the actual subjects offered on any given day is simply dependent on the availability of staffing and resources.”We have received, as we do every year, a huge amount of positive feedback about this initiative and it is a shame that our intentions have been misinterpreted in this way.” I think this letter, that came home with an upset 9 year old girl today. Shows that as a country/society, we have not progressed one cm in 30 years. #quarterpenny lives and breathes design & technology and can’t understand why she has to do cooking and drama pic.twitter.com/3Klp3GvyuZ— Chapbook History (@Halfpennytweets) June 4, 2019 “I used to sneak into the metalwork lessons. Super jealous of the boys with their sparks and welders.”Ms Truss replied: “I used to enjoy a nice bit of soldering.”Vicky Ford MP said the letter was “utterly shocking”, and added that “kids need to live in the 21 Century not Downton Abbey.”Former sports minister Tracey Crouch added: “I bet girls are only offered netball and hockey while boys get to do football and rugby”. Other Members of Parliament joined in, with Conservative MP Rachel Maclean adding: “This is madness! Takes me back to my comp in the 70s where the boys did metalwork and the girls needlework. We have moved on so what on earth is this school thinking! (Even though needlework is v useful BUT I made all my kids – and my husband -do their own!) Leeds in the 1980s was more advanced than this. Both girls and boys doing woodwork, metalwork and cooking. As it should be. #retro https://t.co/cxw1pSwbTT— Liz Truss (@trussliz) June 7, 2019 A minister and multiple MPs have condemned a pair of Lincolnshire grammar schools after they offered the “outdated” options of cookery for girls and design and technology for boys.Spalding Grammar School and Spalding High School invited Year Four primary school pupils from the local area for “experience days”.A letter sent home to parents read: “The children will take part in two, hour-long lessons. The girls will be attending Spalding High School where they will take part in a food technology and drama lesson, whilst the boys will be taking part in a double Design and Technology lesson at Spalding Grammar School.”An angered parent of a young girl posted on Twitter: “I think this letter, that came home with an upset 9 year old girl today. Shows that as a country/society, we have not progressed one cm in 30 years.”She added that her daughter “lives and breathes design and technology and can’t understand why she has to do cooking and drama”.Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liz Truss criticised the schools, tweeting: “Leeds in the 1980s was more advanced than this. Both girls and boys doing woodwork, metalwork and cooking. As it should be. #retro”. Want the best of The Telegraph direct to your email and WhatsApp? Sign up to our free twice-daily Front Page newsletter and new audio briefings. read more
Lightning in Heathfield, East SussexCredit:David Burr/Alamy Brighton’s West Pier illuminated by spectacular storm overheadCredit:Apex The town has already seen around 225 Olympic-sized swimming pools’ worth of water pumped out to sea following severe flooding last week.Around 350 tonnes of sand and ballast were dropped in the area by RAF Chinook helicopters over the weekend.On Tuesday, Lincolnshire Police said almost 600 homes remained evacuated as the clean-up operation continued.Other parts of the country will see a much brighter day on Wednesday, with sunshine expected in Scotland and Northern Ireland.The rest of England and Wales could see a damp start, before things brighten up later in the day.The weekend is also set to bring some respite from the recent downpours, with temperatures rising to as high as 23C (73F).Sussex’s ‘spectacular electrical storm’Sussex Roads Policing team described it as a “spectacular electrical storm” over East Sussex but warned of “significant flooding” on the A27 and A259 between Lewes and Hastings, adding: “Power cuts also knowing traffic lights out: please take care.” “We are going to see some further heavy showers heading towards Kent, and south-east parts of the UK will see some heavy thunderstorms through the morning, while isolated ones could develop this afternoon.” “The bolts were very visible forks, and one lasted several seconds as if it had hit something in the distance.”The footpaths around our house were flooded within minutes of the downpour when it hit, but despite that we could still see people outside braving it.”Luke Taplin, who saw the storm in Horsmonden, Kent, described it as “very electric” and “rather intense just after 11pm”.Thousand lightening strikes in an hour, in pictures Great lightning tonight in tenterden Kent. pic.twitter.com/wWJP9njKZt— david purdie (@purdiephotos) June 18, 2019 Eastbourne pier lit up by the lightning Credit:Alamy Torrential rain and thunderstorms have lashed parts of the UK overnight as unsettled weather continues to cause disruption across the country.Homes were left without power and roads were flooded in parts of the South East, while Lenham in Kent saw 42mm of rain in the space of just one hour.The Met Office said the deluge in the village, which lies between Maidstone and Ashford, came between 11pm on Tuesday and midnight.Some of the spectacular strikes were captured on camera in Sussex by Hove Rugby Football Club players Patrick Andrews, Chris Knott and Tyler Hooper, while Kent Police’s Roads Policing Unit tweeted that the lightning was “very active”.Eastbourne in East Sussex is said to have seen about 1,000 lightning strikes in an hour. UK Power Networks was unable to specify how many homes in the area had been affected by brief power cuts but said it was “several thousand”. The flood-hit community of Wainfleet in Lincolnshire is within the Met Office’s warning area, but forecasters are optimistic the town will escape the worst of the storms on Wednesday.”A few showers are possible there, but it doesn’t look like it’s going to bear the brunt of the heavy downpours,” Mr Burkill added. Carol Pearce, 51, from Eastbourne, said the power cuts badly affected phone lines and WiFi signals, while floodwater had mostly drained away by the morning.She added: “The power cut out very abruptly and, once it came on, we could see the houses opposite the quay from us go on row by row.”When the strike hit everything went pitch black instantly with an accompanying clap as far as the eye could see across Eastbourne from our house.”The storm hit quickly, it went from distant flashes over the Channel to a solid sheet of rain and lightning on top of us so fast we hadn’t had a chance to close all the windows in between, and the lightning and thunder were constant for 20 minutes or so, deafening loud and filling the windows on both sides of the house with white. Quick flash of electrical storm action looking north from #Pevensey area ⚡☔⚡ pic.twitter.com/jmcDSCNcDJ— Sussex Roads Police (@SussexRoadsPol) June 18, 2019 Several forks strike in EastbourneCredit:Mark Jarvis Lightning storm in EastbourneCredit:Twitter/Mark Jarvis
Thunderstorm weather warningThere is a yellow weather warning in place for the south-east quarter of the UK. The warning for thunderstorms has been in place since 6pm on Tuesday, and remains in place until 9pm on Wednesday. Met Office forecasters have warned: Thunderstorms may develop bringing torrential rain, hail and lightning to a few places, with potential disruption to travel and flooding.There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong windsWhere flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus servicesSpray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closuresThere is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lostWeather forecast: June 19 A yellow weather warning is in place for thunderstorms across much of the south-east of England, including East Anglia, until 9pm on Wednesday.Forecasters say further rain, hail and lightning could bring potential disruption to travel.”We’ve had some heavy, thundery showers overnight,” said meteorologist Alex Burkill.”There has been some flooding near Eastbourne and some power cuts.
Ben Williams, 31, who filmed the storm in Ticehurst, East Sussex, said: “It was full-on, pretty much constant flashes of lightning and thunder at its peak. I’ve not seen a storm like last night’s in the UK before.”Susan Pilcher said: “It was possibly the most amazing storm I have ever watched. I had seen lightning in the back garden and decided I had to go to Dungeness to watch it as it is so open there.”I stayed from about 11pm to 1.30am with sheet lightning and fork lightning chasing across the sky and heavy, heavy rain at times. Very exciting.”
Massive thunder storm over Eastbourne #BBCBreakfast pic.twitter.com/1fHL0zv6K6— m.herring (@marcush1992) June 18, 2019
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