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PM Shehbaz constitutes committee to 'resolve issues' with PPP Committee to engage in discussions with members designated by Bilawal-led party to determine future course of action Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari (left) meets Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in this undated image. — APP/File ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a committee to resolve the issues between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) days after party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed dissatisfaction with the incumbent government. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the committee comprises Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Minister for Economic Affairs Ahmad Khan Cheema. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); Other members include Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Engineer Amir Muqam, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan, Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Jaffer Khan Mandokhel, and Bashir Ahmed Memon. The prime minister has tasked the committee with the responsibility of "political cooperation and resolving issues after detailed consultations with the ally." The committee will engage in discussions with the members designated by the Bilawal-led party to determine the future course of action, the statement added. After the February 8 general elections, the PPP formed a government in Sindh and announced its support for PML-N in the formation of the government in Centre and Punjab but refused to accept the ministries. Earlier this month, the PPP chairman expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government’s policies and governance style, alleging that PML-N was violating its agreement with his party. Speaking to journalists, Bilawal voiced concerns over the lack of respect shown to his party and complained about the questionable politics being practised by their federal allies. He also expressed disappointment over the Centre’s persistent discrimination against Sindh, terming it a matter of grave concern for his party. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari interacts with journalists in Karachi, November 14, 2024. — Screengrab via video He said that as an ally the PPP supported the federal government morally and expected the latter to keep their end of the bargain as per the agreed terms. Though Bilawal's outburst made headlines yet there is no threat to the regime, The News reported. All key PPP leaders know that despite their complaints against the PML-N, the party will not withdraw its support for the Shehbaz-led government, it added. The PPP had recently set up a negotiation committee to resolve its differences with the federal government. The negotiating team includes senior leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Sherry Rehman, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider are also part of the committee, which is tasked with presenting its findings to the CEC next month.
DrBalcony App Redefines Balcony Inspections with Unparalleled EfficiencyI'm A Celebrity's Alan Halsall - known for his long-standing role as Tyrone Dobbs on Coronation Street - has opened up to his fellow campmates about his divorce and co-parenting with his ex-wife Lucy-Jo Hudson. Alan told Dean McCullough about how they met on the set of Corrie and eventually parted ways after their daughter Sienna's birth. He said: "Lucy left Corrie in about 2005, then we got married in 2009. "We then split up after Sienna was born. I love what I've got, even now I'm on my own, I love it when it's me and Sienna and that'll change I'm sure, that'll be different at some point but I've never done dating apps. READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing pro says star 'shouldn’t be in the competition' as final nears Lucy-Jo Hudson, known for her role as Katy Harris, took to social media to offer her perspective. She said: "Just wanted to put the record straight. First of all, me and my ex have been divorced seven years. I actually can't believe it's a topic of conversation because it's pretty boring. "We share Sienna 50/50. We communicate. She's a happy kid. We get on great. We have to work out weekends what we're swapping, certain days he wants, certain days I want. We're constantly communicating because it's important for Sienna and to plan what we're doing. We don't want her missing out so we change things for each other," reports the Mirror . Alan Halsall is currently a contestant in the jungle (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock) "Second of all, myself and Lewis [Devine] will be sat down with Sienna watching the jungle. We wish him nothing but the best." As Alan prepared for his appearance on 'I'm A Celeb,' Lucy-Jo shared a glimpse into her life through a touching Instagram post about 'family time' with 11 year old Sienna.
The Aloha State’s culinary scene is more enticing than ever, seasoned with a new sense of pride at the great bounty of produce and talent available. Chefs are experimenting in dynamic kitchens in Honolulu’s Chinatown and Ward Village neighbourhoods, while some of the best food and cocktails is enjoyed at hotels along Waikiki Beach’s golden miles. In 1991, a group of 12 chefs collaborated to start a food revolution in the islands. The Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement was born from deliciously diverse multicultural influences (the best of Polynesia, the US, Asia and beyond) and a passion for fresh, local ingredients, flavours and traditions. Many of those chefs, including Roy Yamaguchi and Peter Merriman, continue to change the game and impress palates to this day. Say cheers with a sunset cocktail at these world-class restaurants where a warm aloha welcome awaits. Eating House 1849 Waikiki Delicious food at International Market Place by a celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi’s lifelong passion for Hawaiian fusion cuisine began when the Tokyo-born chef was a kid, visiting his grandparents’ tavern in Maui. It must have made a big impression on little Roy, because today his popular restaurants - many named Roy’s - are found in prime Hawaiian locations and further afield. Eating House 1849 Waikiki, located on the third floor of International Market Place, offers a relaxed ambience, warm service and mouthwatering local flavours. The ‘Aloha Hour’ menu, served from 4pm, is one of the best deals in town. Order a couple of the US$10 specials, including BBQ baby back ribs, poutine fries and chicken skewers, and you probably won’t need dinner. International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 924 1849. See royyamaguchi.com Fête Seasonal new American neighbourhood restaurant Fête’s founding chef and co-owner Robynne Maii brought honour to the Aloha State in 2022 when she was named the best chef in the US Northwest and Pacific region by the highly respected James Beard Foundation. It was the first time in nearly 20 years that a James Beard award had gone to Hawaii, and the first time ever that a woman of Hawaiian ancestry had won. Open since 2016 in Honolulu’s Chinatown, Fête is beloved by locals and food-obsessed tourists. The seasonal new American menu changes often, driven by local produce whenever possible. Order one of the specials, or go with a classic, such as the Korean fried chicken sandwich with kochujang sauce and Asian pear slaw. 2 North Hotel Street, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 369 1390. See fetehawaii.com Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck Credit: iStock Tasty takeaway on Oahu’s North Shore What started as a humble food truck more than 30 years ago has become one of the most popular spots on Oahu’s North Shore. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck serves simple, satisfying plates of prawns at reasonable prices, a foolproof business plan if ever there was one. The signature dish, a dozen garlicky shrimp scampi served on two scoops of rice, will set you back $US15 ($23). There’s a hot and spicy version, and a mild lemon butter option, but the purists insist on the scampi, drizzled with caramelised chunks of garlic. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, Giovanni’s now has three permanent locations and many more imitators. 66-472 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa. Phone: +1 808 293 1839. See giovannisshrimptruck.com Marugame Udon Credit: iStock Ever-popular spot for udon noodles and tempura First-time visitors to Hawaii might be surprised by the volume and variety of outstanding Asian food available in Waikiki. Thanks to a large population of people originally from Japan, Korea, the Philippines and other parts of Asia, it’s easy to find delicious sushi, Korean barbecue and adobo. For the best udon noodles and tempura, join the line at Marugame Udon. Made to order to ensure freshness, the noodles are served in umami-rich broth and can be topped with pork, beef, tofu or curry. The menu also includes crowd favourites like tempura prawns, teriyaki bowls and chicken katsu. One hundred per cent worth the wait for a table. 2310 Kuhio Avenue, Suite 124, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 931 6000. See marugameudon.com House Without A Key Credit: Sunset Mai Tais, hula dancers and ukulele melodies Enjoy sunset from a ringside seat at House Without A Key, a beloved beachfront venue at the ritzy Halekulani hotel. Reserve an outdoor table from 6pm, when former Miss Hawaii winners elegantly perform traditional dances to the sweet sounds of Hawaiian music as the sun goes down. Feast your eyes on knockout views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach, as satisfying as the delicious fresh seafood, brick-oven flatbreads and cocktails on the menu. Continue the fun at Lewers Lounge, Halekulani’s intimate speakeasy bar. There’s live jazz music Tuesday through Saturday, and signature cocktails named for jazz standards by the greats, including Chet Baker and Ella Fitzgerald. 2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu. Phone: +1 800 367 2343. See halekulani.com Steak Shack Credit: Inexpensive takeaway steak and chicken plates on the beach Dining in Hawaii can be a wallet-buster, as cheap eats – other than McDonald’s and convenience store sandwiches – are hard to come by. No surprise then to see a constant long line of hungry locals and tourists at the beachfront Steak Shack kiosk, located on Waikiki Beach, just to the west of Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Grilled steak and chicken plates come with two scoops of rice and organic greens, from US$11.85 ($18). You won’t find a better deal in Waikiki. 104/ 2161 Kalia Road, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 861 9966. See steakshackhawaii.com The Pig and the Lady Credit: Excellent pho and other Vietnamese dishes in Chinatown It’s worth taking an Uber from Waikiki to Chinatown for what many say is the most exciting restaurant in Honolulu. Owned and operated by a Vietnamese-American family, The Pig and the Lady’s menu zings with fresh Asian flavours. At lunchtime, it’s all about the specialty pho and hearty banh mi baguettes stuffed with slow-roasted beef brisket, roast pork belly, braised sardines or marinated tofu. In the evening, things are taken up a notch with seasonal specialties including scallop ceviche, snails in buttery puff pastry and lemongrass pork chop. The phenomenal twice-fried chicken wings, served with makrut leaves, pickled red onion, peanuts and ‘money sauce’, are a mainstay. A Brussels sprouts version keeps vegetarians coming back. 83 North King Street, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 585 8255. See thepigandthelady.com Paia Fish Market Credit: Just-caught seafood in a fun and informal setting You won’t get the side-eye if you arrive in thongs and a wet cozzie at Paia Fish Market. They’re used to surfers and swimmers coming in straight from the beach, hungry and dripping. Simply line up to take your pick of the day’s local catch, listed on a chalkboard (once it’s gone, it’s gone, crossed out in white chalk). Depending on what the fishermen have hauled in, the list might include mahi mahi, ono, snapper, salmon and ahi. Enjoy the fresh fish charbroiled on a burger, sautéed in garlic butter, on a soft taco or in creamy seafood pasta. First opened in Maui in 1989, there are now four locations, including one under the Laylow Hotel in Waikiki. 2299 Kuhio Avenue, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 200 0200. See paiafishmarket.com Morimoto Asia Waikiki Credit: Iron Chef Morimoto's flagship Hawaii restaurant Yes, chef! The place to go for delicious pan-Asian favourites including garlic prawns, pork gyoza, pad Thai and spicy tuna crispy rice. As you might expect from an Iron Chef, there are also surprises – an excellent duck Caesar salad, tuna pizza, kung pao cauliflower – to keep things interesting. The cocktail list also offers some unexpected twists, like duck fat-washed whisky, plus an impressive list of shochu, sake and Japanese beer. Located inside the luxe Alohilani Resort, chef Morimoto’s footprint includes Momosan, a more casual spot on the ground floor serving tasty ramen, bao buns and sushi rolls. 2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 922 0022. See morimotoasiawaikiki.com Duke's Waikiki Credit: Classic beachside bar/ restaurant for all-day dining and sunset drinks So you've just landed in Honolulu, you don't have a dinner reservation and you want to dive straight into the lei-wearing, aloha-greeting good times. Where to go? Duke's at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is always a solid choice, but especially so on Sunday afternoons when musicians jam at the Barefoot Bar and locals gather for a sunset sesh. Comfort food classics like pulled pork sandwiches, panko-crusted calamari and fish tacos pair well with ice-cold tap beers and tropical cocktails. The fairly priced breakfast and lunch buffet is a good option to satisfy big appetites, or to soothe morning-after woes. 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 922 2268. See dukeswaikiki.com Roy's Hawaii Kai Credit: Neighbourhood family restaurant by Hawaii's most famous chef Roy Yamaguchi’s lifelong passion for Hawaiian fusion cuisine began when the Tokyo-born chef was a kid, visiting his grandparents’ tavern in Maui. It must have made a big impression on little Roy, because today his popular restaurants – many named Roy’s – are found in prime Hawaiian locations and further afield. At the always-busy original in Hawaii Kai (about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki Beach), guests have enjoyed views of Maunalua Bay for more than 25 years. Happy hour is a good time to visit for generous drink specials and pupus (small plates) like baby back pork ribs, fried brussels sprouts with balsamic, and pork belly with sambal. 6600 Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 396 7697. See royyamaguchi.com Merriman's Credit: Modern Hawaiian gastropub by acclaimed local chef Award-winning chef Peter Merriman knows how to satisfy the hungry masses. At Merriman’s, his Hawaiian gastropub at Ward Village (one block from Ala Moana Centre), family-friendly dishes include Kalua Pig quesadilla, fresh fish tacos and chicken pot pie. Nightly specials range from fresh lobster and oysters du jour to roasted rack of lamb and prime rib. Equally good for groups, solo diners or couples, there are also Merriman’s locations in Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Happy hour is the time to taste your way around the menu; plates typically range from $US6-10 ($9-15), while enjoying cocktails and wine specials for $US9 ($14). The famous mai tais with passionfruit foam are not to be missed. 1108 Auahi Street, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 215 0022. See merrimanshawaii.com Mariposa Hidden gem at Ala Moana Centre for high tea and New American eats This ain’t your grandma’s department store restaurant. Located inside Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Centre, Mariposa is much more than a pitstop for refuelling between sales; it’s a popular dining destination for New American nosh, where advance reservations are recommended. On the back wall, an enormous mural of hula dancers on the beach sets the decor tone, while slow-twirling ceiling fans create a soft breeze and relaxed ambience. A new Sunset Lounge menu – lobster rolls, arancini, specialty cocktails – is the perfect way to wind down after retail therapy. Inside Neiman Marcus Honolulu, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 951 3420. See www.neimanmarcushawaii.com Alaia Credit: North Shore standout worth a daytrip for farm-fresh dishes Recently unveiled after major renovations, Turtle Bay Resort has a new glow and a new direction at flagship restaurant Alaia. Executive chef Lyle Kaku is championing the local food movement, sourcing much of the produce from on-property Kuilima Farm. That includes fresh-harvested corn, the hero of a creamy corn pudding served with roasted chicken, and a light and bright trio of beets in zingy citrus dressing. If you’re staying at the resort on Oahu’s North Shore, we recommend eating your way through the entire menu over several days. If you’ve headed up from Waikiki on a daytrip, you have some tough choices to make. Turtle Bay Resort, 57-091 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku. Phone: +1 808 293 6020. See turtlebayresort.com Mama's Fish House Credit: Wildly popular seafood-focused Maui restaurant with Polynesian vibes Hot tip: book this restaurant before you book flights to Maui. Reservations are snapped up three-to-six months in advance, so popular is Mama’s fresh seafood. The menu changes daily, featuring the best of what has been caught that morning, each piece of fish arriving with a little note to tell you which fisherman caught it and where. Recurring star attractions include mahi-mahi curry with mango chutney and macadamia nuts, and Hawaiian Kanpachi stuffed with crab and lobster. This is elevated dining, Hawaii-style, with the price tag to match. If you decide to try your luck as a walk-in, be in line before they open at 11am. 799 Poho Place, Paia, Maui. Phone: +1 808 579 8488. See mamasfishhouse.com Beach House Restaurant Credit: Epic ocean views and fine dining in Kauai Planning a spectacular Hawaii destination wedding or milestone birthday celebration? We know just the venue. On the green island of Kauai (cheekily known as the holiday spot of choice for newlyweds and nearly-deads), Beach House has won dozens of awards. The scene is set with palm trees, ocean breezes, island paradise vibes and outstanding service. Produce for the Pacific Rim menu is sourced from local farms and fishermen where possible, landing on diners’ plates in fresh lobster fettuccine, seared ahi tuna steak and more. The cocktails are excellent, with an emphasis on tropical flavours like guava, mango and lilikoi. Try the Monkeypod Mai Tai, made with organic rum, fresh lime juice, mac-nut orgeat, orange curacao and honey-lilikoi foam. 5022 Lawai Road, Koloa, Kauai. Phone: +1 808 742 1424. See the-beach-house.com For great holiday deals for Hawaii, visit MyHawaii.com.auJPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its holdings in shares of AvalonBay Communities, Inc. ( NYSE:AVB – Free Report ) by 1.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 4,060,497 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock after acquiring an additional 55,588 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. owned approximately 2.85% of AvalonBay Communities worth $914,627,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. State Street Corp increased its stake in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 2.2% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 9,245,028 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $2,097,971,000 after purchasing an additional 196,938 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in AvalonBay Communities by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,585,802 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $805,113,000 after buying an additional 27,988 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in AvalonBay Communities by 3.6% in the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,240,436 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $504,658,000 after buying an additional 78,800 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its position in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 0.7% in the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,074,269 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock valued at $429,145,000 after acquiring an additional 13,631 shares in the last quarter. Finally, UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC boosted its stake in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 678.9% in the third quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 1,715,050 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $386,315,000 after acquiring an additional 1,494,872 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 92.61% of the company’s stock. Insider Transactions at AvalonBay Communities In other news, Director Timothy J. Naughton sold 23,697 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $233.47, for a total transaction of $5,532,538.59. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 87,239 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $20,367,689.33. The trade was a 21.36 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link . Company insiders own 0.48% of the company’s stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Read Our Latest Research Report on AvalonBay Communities AvalonBay Communities Stock Performance NYSE:AVB opened at $221.18 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $31.46 billion, a PE ratio of 30.26, a PEG ratio of 3.30 and a beta of 0.98. The stock’s fifty day moving average is $227.38 and its 200 day moving average is $219.16. AvalonBay Communities, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $169.37 and a fifty-two week high of $239.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 1.64 and a current ratio of 1.64. AvalonBay Communities ( NYSE:AVB – Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 4th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.61 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.71 by ($0.10). AvalonBay Communities had a net margin of 36.20% and a return on equity of 8.84%. The firm had revenue of $734.31 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $731.67 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.66 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that AvalonBay Communities, Inc. will post 11.03 earnings per share for the current year. AvalonBay Communities Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be paid a $1.70 dividend. This represents a $6.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.07%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 31st. AvalonBay Communities’s payout ratio is currently 93.02%. AvalonBay Communities Profile ( Free Report ) As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned or held a direct or indirect ownership interest in 299 apartment communities containing 90,669 apartment homes in 12 states and the District of Columbia, of which 18 communities were under development. The Company is an equity REIT in the business of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing apartment communities in leading metropolitan areas in New England, the New York/New Jersey Metro area, the Mid-Atlantic, the Pacific Northwest, and Northern and Southern California, as well as in the Company's expansion regions of Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, North Carolina, Southeast Florida, Dallas and Austin, Texas, and Denver, Colorado. 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by Susantha Hewa Surely, racism has caused enough damage to us to warrant its erasure from our midst with the condemnation it deserves, without leaving it more room to further flourish in deceptively benign ways. As showcased by the November 14 election results, many Tamils and Muslims, not forgetting Catholics and Hindus, have voted to power the NPP, led by the JVP, which they might have previously labelled, and avoided, as a ‘Sinhalese’ party. This turning of tables has obviously been triggered by the country’s worsening political and economic conditions, but the story should not end there because people’s unprecedented shift of faith strongly indicates the relaxing of the rigid social and cultural postures which may prove to be more important in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. This is because, if used wisely and sensitively, it has the potential to be directed towards the evolution of a society where there wouldn’t be much room for further social fragmentation, hitherto sustained by the biases felt at the deepest levels of our sense of ‘self and other’. Dr. Jehan Perera in his article titled “Reading demands for change” ( The Island, November 19, 2024) says, “Unlike in the case of economic recovery for which there are no short-term panaceas, the solution to the ethnic conflict is one that can be resolved soon as it has been discussed, negotiated and publicised on several occasions, but not implemented due to the failure of leadership”. The government may seize the opportunity to “make hay while the sun shines”. The mercurial nature of ‘identity’ and ‘self’ is well-known. They are a topic of discussion in neuroscience, psychology, humanities, social sciences, religions and, notably, in Buddhism. In humanities and social sciences, ‘identity’ is used to refer to one’s social ‘face’. According to psychology, ‘self’ is a multi-dimensional concept that “includes cognitive and affective judgments about ourselves”. Simply put, it is a social construct and “is shaped by interactions with others, and how a person views themselves in relation to their culture, history, gender, class, and more”. In other words, ‘self’ and ‘identity’ are social constructs; they may not be sufficiently understood as entities independent of the dynamic links between the individual and society. Given the above insights, it is not hard to understand that our collective gut feeling of ‘identity’ has much room for updating and improvement for us to move ahead as a united nation. It’s not difficult to understand that unity is more conducive to social wellbeing than prudish affirmation of our different identities. In particular, Buddhists shouldn’t find it much difficult to understand ‘identity’ as an illusion, because in Buddhism, “The ‘I’ or sense of self is considered an illusion, and is viewed as fluid and ever-changing”. However, many of us Buddhists don’t seem to have taken this illusory nature of self all that seriously. Of course, one may argue, that it is too deep a concept to be grasped by ‘ prthagjana’ (not sufficiently enlightened) people. Perhaps the argument is more expedient than sincere, for it can readily be used to silence those who wantonly accuse us of being wicked. Humour apart, surely, we all have among our acquaintances, those who seem to have understood this concept to the extent that they can view ‘identities’ with more detachment thus contributing to enhance a sense of togetherness, at least in their small circles. And, among them are people of all ethnicities and faiths – Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, Hindus and even those who refuse to follow any established religion; the late Dr. E.W. Adikaram comes to mind easily. Our tendency to cling to the rigid cast of ‘self and other’ comes from the habit of finding security in our accustomed ‘comfort zones’. That is, we thrive in the feeling of togetherness in small communes. In other words, being immersed in the feeling of belonging to this or that ethnicity, religion, caste, gender, etc., is too appealing and reassuring to be got rid of with the weapons of knowledge, judgement and reason you acquire as you grow up. Such cast-iron ‘identity’ jackets we are proud to wear would do little to help forge a more cohesive society. In all these years, we have had little help from our society, its various institutions, cultures, customs and religions to think in terms of an integrated society, despite all the rhetoric and popularized cosmetic programmes that were made to be soothing to the ear and the eye. The uselessness of all these haphazard and dispersed projects often surfaces when our ‘naturalized’ social instincts begin to assert themselves against wiser counsels. Up to the present, all our political potentates have never lost an opportunity to wax inspirational about ‘unity in diversity’. Their sincerity is in public display today, courtesy their spirited scuffles to enter Parliament through National Lists. Despite their usual bombast on peace building, our past is scattered with loud assertions of our ‘purity of stock’ where political collusion was too apparent to escape notice. We have not forgotten those horror stories about ‘ wanda kottu’, ‘wanda sethkam’ , etc. – all supposedly ‘neutering missions’ that stirred communal disharmony. Had the years of political sermonizing, pontification, programmes, launched with much sound and fury to purportedly promote ethnic cohesion, been able to make us any less susceptible to our ancestral instincts? By the way, how about gender-based discrimination, which most of us are unconcerned about? We have enough academic interest in such fields but not much of it goes to help to subdue the persistent feelings of women who feel being oppressed and discriminated. Of course, it goes without saying that not many religions have addressed the social and cultural oppression of women in a ‘language’ which has made any sufficient dent in our deep-rooted gender biases. As we have seen above, it is the same with other forms of oppression that we have perpetuated and unwittingly fostered at our own peril. Let’s think for a moment about the rumblings felt in some segments of society about their ‘underrepresentation’ in the new government’s power hierarchy. There is no doubt that these are genuine feelings of disaffection coming from their dormant feelings of being subject to discrimination; for example, with regard to Muslim representation and female representation. There is no doubt that it is better for all of us to assuage these deeply felt hurts as they arise in society to create uproar. However, at what level do we have to address them? Surely, not at the highest levels of their visibility and urgency, which has resulted from prolonged neglect. They should be addressed at their most rudimentary levels for us to get rid of these ‘anomalies’. Instead of thinking of quick fixes, as has been the practice in the past, it is time we grasped the nettle. The solution to women’s problems is not to find a few more slots for them in Parliament and other powerful positions, although it would instantly satisfy the disgruntled parties. The underrepresentation of women in privileged positions is just a sign of the basic problem of their culturally imposed subservience in the family. It’s not different from the subjugation of social groups on the basis of hoary divisions shielded to perpetuate power structures in different parts of the world. For examples, women’s subservient state in the family is extolled by platitudes about their unrestricted maternal love, sacrifice, self-denial, abstinence, etc., which indirectly help their subjugation effected by overtly discriminatory means. In trying to expose the wrappings of India’s age-old caste system, Arundhati Roy says, “ it [casteism] has come to be so fused with ... so much that is seen to be kind and good—mysticism, spiritualism, non-violence, tolerance, vegetarianism, Gandhi, yoga, backpackers, the Beatles—that, at least to outsiders, it seems impossible to pry it loose and try to understand it.” As for oppressive systems, casteism is not alone in its capacity for working in complicity with most prevalent forms of human engagement. Can’t we see a similar congruence of seemingly uplifting cultural interventions with regard to deifying ‘motherhood’, which obscures the cultural oppression of women in society. With regard to the current misgivings about underrepresentation in politics attributed to the lack of concern about ethnicity/religion and gender, perhaps easy solutions will be effective in the short term but they are likely to help perpetuate the basic problems crying for a lasting solution. The unsatisfactory visibility of women in higher ranks, in politics or elsewhere, has to be addressed at the roots by taking awareness to the people of the sociocultural character of the issue. Same applies to any unfairness, whether it is perceived by any community – be it concerning the majority or a minority. The political and social context we find ourselves in today is a good opportunity which shouldn’t be left unexploited, if we don’t wish to postpone any further the possibility of ushering in a more friendly society with less unwarranted enmities.
FLAGSTAR FINANCIAL, INC. APPOINTS BRIAN CALLANAN TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF ( NASDAQ:SHV – Free Report ) by 23.7% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 9,031,532 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 1,732,399 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. owned about 0.05% of iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF worth $999,158,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. FMR LLC grew its stake in iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF by 337.6% during the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 2,069,990 shares of the company’s stock valued at $229,003,000 after acquiring an additional 1,596,924 shares in the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC increased its stake in iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF by 4.7% in the 2nd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 1,785,274 shares of the company’s stock valued at $197,273,000 after buying an additional 80,700 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF by 6.7% in the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,583,675 shares of the company’s stock worth $174,996,000 after buying an additional 99,530 shares in the last quarter. Divergent Wealth Advisors boosted its stake in shares of iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF by 5.5% during the 3rd quarter. Divergent Wealth Advisors now owns 1,156,791 shares of the company’s stock valued at $127,976,000 after buying an additional 60,638 shares during the period. Finally, Anchor Capital Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF by 116.1% in the second quarter. Anchor Capital Advisors LLC now owns 971,521 shares of the company’s stock worth $107,353,000 after acquiring an additional 521,879 shares during the last quarter. 7.10% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF Trading Up 0.0 % Shares of NASDAQ:SHV opened at $110.07 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $110.27 and a 200 day simple moving average of $110.32. iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF has a 1 year low of $109.91 and a 1 year high of $110.64. iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF Cuts Dividend About iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF ( Free Report ) iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Barclays Short Treasury Bond Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of the Barclays Capital U.S. Short Treasury Bond Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of public obligations of the United States Treasury that have a remaining maturity of between 1 and 12 months. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SHV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF ( NASDAQ:SHV – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .People in Sydney and across Australia are all set to witness Sydney's world-famous New Year's Eve fireworks show, which will take place on the evening of Tuesday, December 31. While more than one million people are expected to attend the event, the New Year's Eve fireworks show will witness over nine tonnes of fireworks lighting up Sydney's sky from 264 firing points across Sydney Harbour for the year's highly-anticipated event under the theme "Forward with Heart". However, weather forecasts have warned of rains dampening the New Year's Eve fireworks show in Sydney. Experts have requested people attending the event to carry an umbrella with them as "heavy bursts of rain" are likely to dampen the celebrations. As per the weather forecast, rains are also expected during the day. Organisers Say Two Sailors Died in Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Amid Wild Weather Conditions. (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter (X), Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)None