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Japan's famous sake joins UNESCO's cultural heritage list, a boost to brewers and enthusiastsNordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion dealDr Charlotte Proudman, who specialises in family law, had faced a Bar Standards Board (BSB) disciplinary tribunal over a 14-part Twitter thread criticising a judge’s ruling over a domestic abuse case, saying it echoed a “boys’ club”. However, the five charges against the 36-year-old were dropped on Thursday. In an interview with The Times, Dr Proudman described the position of Mark Neale, the board’s director-general, as “untenable” and said its chairwoman, Kathryn Stone, should also stand down. “They need a change, not just in those two individuals, though, because, of course, it seeps down to the rest of the organisation,” she said. She told the paper she “genuinely” wanted to work with the Bar Standards Board in helping them to understand how misogyny and sexism have impacted women at the bar. However, she said that “under the current leadership, it’s just not going to be possible”. The charges alleged Dr Proudman had “failed to act with integrity” in posting the tweets, that they amounted to professional misconduct, were “misleading” and “inaccurately reflected the findings of the judge” in the case. The women’s rights campaigner was also accused of behaving in a way “which was likely to diminish the trust and confidence which the public placed in her and in the profession”, and that she “knowingly or recklessly misled or attempted to mislead the public” by making the posts. But panel chairman Nicholas Ainley found her tweets are protected under Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right of freedom of expression. He said her tweets did not “gravely damage” the judiciary, which would “put them outside” of Article 10 protection, even if they “might not have been pleasant for any judge to read” or even “hurtful”. “We take the view that the judiciary of England and Wales is far more robust than that,” he said. The panel also concluded that some of the tweets were only inaccurate “to a minor degree” and not to the extent necessary for a charge of a lack of integrity. Speaking after the hearing, Dr Proudman told the PA news agency: “This ruling is a victory for women’s rights and a right to freedom of speech. “The prosecution against me brought by my regulatory body, the Bar Standards Board, should never have happened and I said that from day one. “I criticised a domestic abuse judgment. Everyone should have the right to do that, whether you’re a barrister or not. Our justice system, which I strongly believe in, is robust enough to withstand criticism from me.” She believes her tweets help “foster confidence” in the justice system, adding: “Only that way can we go about building change and a better treatment for all victims, women and children and men who are affected by domestic abuse.” Explaining that the BSB appears to have spent almost £40,000 “of barristers’ money” on instructing counsel in her case, she added: “I think it’s shameful that they’re using our money to pay for, in my view, malicious, vexatious prosecutions which I have no doubt was a personal attack against me as a woman and as a feminist, as an outspoken critic and advocate for women’s rights.” Dr Proudman called for “systemic change” within the board. “They don’t understand gender, they don’t understand diversity, I don’t think they’ve ever heard of the concept misogyny and certainly not institutional misogyny,” she said. “Until they recognise the deeply rooted, entrenched issue of bullying, harassment, sexism at the bar, for which I have suffered relentlessly... and own up to it I don’t think we’re going to see any change and I have no confidence in them.” She told of how male barristers have called her insulting names on social media and made derogatory comments about her. In the posts on April 6 2022, Dr Proudman referenced a case in which her client alleged she had been subjected to coercive and controlling behaviour by her husband, a part-time judge, meaning she had been “unable to freely enter” the couple’s “post-nuptial” financial agreement. Commenting on the ruling by Family Court judge Sir Jonathan Cohen, Dr Proudman wrote: “I represented Amanda Traharne. “She said she was coerced into signing a post-nuptial agreement by her husband (who is a part-time judge). I lost the case. “I do not accept the Judge’s reasoning. I will never accept the minimisation of domestic abuse.” She continued: “Demeaning the significance of domestic abuse has the affect of silencing victims and rendering perpetrators invisible. “This judgement has echoes of (t)he ‘boys club’ which still exists among men in powerful positions.” In the thread, Dr Proudman wrote that the judge had described the relationship of the couple as “tempestuous”, which she argued was a “trivialisation” of domestic abuse. “Tempestuous? Lose his temper? Isn’t this the trivialisation of domestic abuse & gendered language. This is not normal married life,” she wrote.The standard Lorem Ipsum passage, used since the 1500s "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.

NoneCentury-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal with the industry being squeezed by discount chains and other competition. Public companies are under a lot more scrutiny and if private, the Nordstrom may have more leeway in reviving a department store chain that has been attempting to reinvigorate sales for years. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.NeueHealth to Be Taken Private by NEA and Consortium of InvestorsPete Hegseth's mother says The New York Times made 'threats' by asking her to comment on a story

I am constantly looking for books that can teach kids important life skills in a fun and engaging way because I am both an educationist and a parent. MoneyVilla: Learn to be Money Smart by Dr. Bilal Ahmad Pandow is one such gem that I cannot recommend enough. Children as young as six can benefit from this book’s fresh perspective on financial literacy. Stories and colorful graphics set MoneyVilla apart from other financial manuals, making it easier to understand topics like banking, budgeting, and saving. This book stimulates critical thinking about money—a topic that even adults struggle with—through the experiences of its realistic characters, which fosters curiosity and helps youngsters. The author’s ability to simplify seemingly insurmountable concepts such as interest, investing, and long-term planning is my biggest takeaway. One example is the book’s age-appropriate and successful use of realistic events to convey the notion of making financial goals. Each chapter ends with pictures and an activity to keep young readers interested and help them remember what they’ve learned. Vitasta Publishing Private Limited is a prestigious literary house that has a stellar reputation for publishing influential and thought-provoking publications, like MoneyVilla: Learn to Be Money Smart. On July 11, 2024, Vitasta Publishing Private Limited will release the first edition, a thoughtfully written introduction to financial literacy for children aged 6 to 10. This 144-page paperback book is perfect for little readers since it is simple, light, and written in English. As a standout in its area, HYPERLINK “https://amzn.in/d/ed7vWyV” MoneyVilla has achieved a Best Sellers Rank of #136 in “Young Adults’ Money & Jobs.” Its ISBN-10 is 8119670248, and its ISBN-13 is 978-8119670246. In my opinion, MoneyVilla fills a critical need in children’s reading and is a powerful tool for promoting early financial education. We cannot overstate the importance of teaching young people about money management, particularly in a society where conventional school curricula underemphasize this subject. Its captivating storyline encourages kids to take charge of their own financial destinies rather than just learning about money. Kids may learn valuable life lessons from MoneyVilla’s relevant characters and situations, which boosts their self-esteem and encourages them to see money not as a mysterious force but as a powerful instrument. Additionally, families can use the book as a starting point for important conversations about money, a topic that is often difficult to discuss or perceived as too complex for children. With MoneyVilla, parents can teach their children about money in a fun and effective way by tackling this important topic in an age-appropriate and approachable fashion. These early conversations may provide the groundwork for positive money habits, giving kids the tools they’ll need to handle the inevitable financial difficulties they’ll face as adults. In the end, the book encourages a mindset of fiscal responsibility, which might benefit the family in the long run. The valued personal financial expert and author Monika Halan has graced MoneyVilla with her perceptive viewpoint. Her assessment of this book is very significant because of Halan’s reputation for having in-depth knowledge of financial planning and making complicated financial ideas accessible to the general public. Her endorsement underscores the significance of the book in shaping young minds, given her commitment to promoting financial literacy and equipping individuals with the necessary tools to make informed financial choices. Halan praises MoneyVilla for its fresh take on budgeting lessons, praising the app’s capacity to make learning about money fun and accessible while simultaneously instilling a sense of permanence in its users. Her endorsement further cements the book’s standing as a vital resource for families, teachers, and everyone enthusiastic about financial education If you care about helping your students become financially responsible adults, you should read MoneyVilla. Beyond its literary merit, this work serves as a foundational guide in the effort to instill a sense of financial responsibility in the next generation. Whether you’re a teacher seeking a resource to incorporate into your lessons or a parent hoping to impart financial literacy to your child, this book will not disappoint. A must-have for every library, Dr. Pandow’s work is a joy to read and a treasure trove of knowledge. [Author is an Assistant Professor at Higher Colleges of Technology, United Arab Emirates]Marshall Brickman’s Best Advice for Aspiring Comedy WritersIs University Worth It? Yes, For Both Students And Society

London dazzles year-round, so consider visiting in winter, when the city dresses up to the nines and bursts with festivities. Despite the season’s drearier weather and shorter days, London’s museums, theaters and pubs always offer a warm, cozy welcome. And come January, tourist crowds are at a minimum, and airfare and hotel rates are generally cheaper. London is especially appealing (though crowded) in the weeks leading up to Christmas. In mid-November, ye olde Christmas markets spring up all over the city. The market on Leicester Square is perhaps the most central, but the Southbank Centre Winter Market (between the London Eye and the Royal Festival Hall) is one of the biggest. Other major markets include one in London Bridge City (also on the Thames’ southern bank, between London Bridge and Tower Bridge) and in the center of maritime Greenwich. Many other squares are specially outfitted for the season. Covent Garden’s spectacular transformation includes a festival of mulled wine, impressive decorations and maybe even a bit of snowfall. Nearby Trafalgar Square always sports a giant twinkling tree, given to London every year from the people of Norway in appreciation for British support during World War II. Free carol concerts are held beneath the tree, and a new poem is commissioned every year to be displayed at its base. The year-round gourmet extravaganza of Borough Market becomes a wonderful place to sample mulled wine, Christmas pudding, mince pie and other seasonal favorites. The city’s biggest to-do is Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, a giant Christmassy carnival that takes over a good share of the park through the end of the year. It boasts enough rows of old-time market stalls to rival the Southbank Centre’s market, as well as the United Kingdom’s biggest outdoor ice rink — plus roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, circus show, a “magical ice kingdom” and all kinds of kitschy fun. Elaborate light displays and store windows sparkle along major shopping streets, including Oxford, Bond, Regent and Carnaby streets. Christmas concerts and singalongs bring carols and hymns to Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. Martin-in-the-Fields and Royal Albert Hall. (Check the local entertainment guides to make the most of your visit.) Ice skating is easily London’s coolest outdoor offering in winter (at least in a literal sense). Somerset House has the Rockefeller Center of London ice rinks, where you can glide alongside the facade of a grand Neoclassical building. Other ice rinks sprawl in front of Hampton Court Palace, in Greenwich and in Canary Wharf. Most are open for skating from mid-November until mid-January. (The rink in Canary Wharf runs a few weeks longer.) “Pantomime” plays are a curious holiday treat. These wacky, beloved slapstick shows, while primarily aimed at kids, are so delightfully English that it’d be a shame to miss a chance to see one in London, no matter your age. Most performances are put on prior to Christmas, but shows go into the new year. Two London theaters that usually stage pantos are the Hackney Empire and the London Palladium. New Year’s Eve in London is usually busiest in the South Bank district, as the midnight fireworks are set off from the London Eye and nearby river barges. Shows attract upward of 400,000 revelers to Trafalgar Square — the traditional hub of the partying — and the nearby riverbank. The biggest street party takes place within earshot of Big Ben, whose midnight chimes are broadcast nationwide. On New Year’s Day, a parade featuring 10,000 performers snakes through Soho. (Be aware that tickets are required for the fireworks, parade and many events around the city — buy in advance.) January brings out the best shopping deals, with many big sales kicking off immediately after Christmas. And while most Yuletide events wrap up within a week of New Year’s Day, mid-January can be an ideal time for sightseeing, as it’s easily the city’s least-crowded time of year. February also is relatively uncrowded, though London is a major destination for families during the weeklong “half-term” break most British schools take in mid-February. Colorful Chinese New Year celebrations — which some claim are the largest outside Asia — liven up the West End in February (or late January, depending on when the lunar new year falls). London’s theater season is in high gear all winter. The plays rival New York’s in quality and range of options, and usually beat them in price. Whether Shakespeare, musicals, comedies, thrillers, cutting-edge experimentation, London does it all and does it well. London’s a super one-week getaway, with sights that can keep the thoughtful traveler well entertained. Whether you visit during the busy winter holidays or take advantage of less-crowded post-holiday time, as long as you’re dressed for the weather, London is sure to delight. Rick Steves (ricksteves.com) writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. You can email Rick at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook. Get local news delivered to your inbox!BOISE, Idaho — Freshman wide receiver George Dimopoulos threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Dane Pardridge on the first play of double overtime and Jordan Hansen ended the game on a fourth-down sack to give Northern Illinois a 28-20 victory over Fresno State on Monday in the Idaho Potato Bowl. Dimopoulos, who played quarterback in high school, also converted the two-point conversion when he passed it to quarterback Josh Holst for his second completion of the season. Holst, a freshman walk-on, was making just his third start at quarterback as NIU was without starter Ethan Hampton, who entered with 1,600 yards and 12 touchdowns to go with six interceptions. Holst completed 18 of 30 passes for 182 and two touchdowns for Northern Illinois (8-5). He was also intercepted on the first play of the game. Both teams missed a 35-yard field goal in the final three minutes of regulation, including Dylan Lynch's third miss of the game on the final play to send it to overtime. Fresno State started overtime with a touchdown when Bryson Donelson was left wide open out of the backfield to haul in a 9-yard touchdown pass. NIU needed five plays, and a defensive holding penalty, to score as Holst found Grayson Barnes for a 3-yard touchdown. Donelson finished with 15 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown for Fresno State (6-7). He added three catches for 28 yards and another score. Dual-threat quarterback Joshua Wood was 16 of 23 for 180 yards and a touchdown. Mac Dalena made six catches for 118 yards to help go over 1,000 yards for the season. Fresno State was without 14 players, including starting quarterback Mikey Keene after he transferred to Michigan. Two top-three receivers, Jalen Moss and Raylen Sharpe, also did not play as the Bulldogs were forced to use five new starters. UTSA 44, COASTAL CAROLINA 15: Owen McCown threw for 254 yards and a touchdown and UTSA scored the opening 27 points of the Myrtle Beach Bowl to cruise past short-handed Coastal Carolina in Conway, S.C. UTSA (7-6) broke away in the second quarter by scoring a touchdown on three straight drives for a 21-0 lead. McCown was 14 of 17 in the first half, including a 6-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Overmyer. McCown also scored on a 35-yard run after breaking two tackles near the end zone. The other score was a 9-yard touchdown run by Brandon High. Coastal Carolina (6-7) finished the first half with just 140 total yards — 60 coming on the final drive. The Chanticleers punted on five straight drives to begin the game — with the longest possession lasting seven plays for 25 yards. UTSA added short field goals on its opening two drives of the second half, while Coastal Carolina started with two straight three-and-out drives. UTSA ended CCU’s third drive on Jakevian Rodgers’ first career interception to extend the program's single-game streak with an interception and a sack to 23 games. CCU’s first touchdown came on the first play of the fourth quarter when Bryson Graves caught a 50-yard touchdown pass from Tad Hudson. But UTSA’s Chris Carpenter returned the ensuing kickoff for a 93-yard touchdown to make it 34-7. It was the largest margin of victory in the five-year history of the Myrtle Beach Bowl. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Alarm grew in France on Friday over the fate of a prominent French-Algerian novelist detained in the country of his birth, with his publisher urging his immediate release and President Emmanuel Macron closely following the case. Boualem Sansal, a major figure in francophone modern literature, is known for his strong stances against both authoritarianism and Islamism as well as being a forthright campaigner on freedom of expression issues. His detention by Algeria comes against a background of tensions between France and its former colony which have also appear to have spread to the literary world. The 75-year-old writer, granted French nationality this year, was on Saturday arrested at Algiers airport after returning from France, according to several media reports including the Marianne weekly. The Gallimard publishing house, which has published his work for a quarter of a century, in a statement expressed "its very deep concern following the arrest of the writer by the Algerian security services", calling for his "immediate release". There has been no confirmation from the Algerian authorities of his arrest and no other details about his situation. Macron is "very concerned by the disappearance" of Sansal, said a French presidential official, asking not to be named. "State services are mobilised to clarify his situation," the official said, adding that "the president expresses his unwavering attachment to the freedom of a great writer and intellectual." A relative latecomer to writing, Sansal turned to novels in 1999 and has tackled subjects including the horrific 1990s civil war between authorities and Islamists. His books are not banned in Algeria but he is a controversial figure, particularly since making a visit to Israel in 2014. Sansal's hatred of Islamism has not been confined to Algeria and he has also warned of a creeping Islamisation in France, a stance that has made him a favoured author of prominent figures on the right and far-right. Prominent politicians from this side of the political spectrum rushed to echo Macron's expression of concern for the writer. Centre-right former premier and candidate in 2027 presidential elections Edouard Philippe wrote on X that Sansal "embodies everything we cherish: the call for reason, freedom and humanism against censorship, corruption and Islamism." Far-right figurehead Marine Le Pen, another possible 2027 contender, said: "This freedom fighter and courageous opponent of Islamism has reportedly been arrested by the Algerian regime. This is an unacceptable situation." In 2015, Sansal won the Grand Prix du Roman of the French Academy, the guardians of the French language, for his book "2084: The End of the World", a dystopian novel inspired by George Orwell's "Nineteen-Eighty Four" and set in an Islamist totalitarian world in the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust. His publisher said that Sansal's novels and essays "exposed the obscurantisms of all kinds which are tragically affecting the way of the world." The concerns about his reported arrest come as another prominent French-Algerian writer Kamel Daoud is under attack over his novel "Houris", which won France's top literary prize, the Goncourt. A woman has claimed the book was based on her story of surviving 1990s Islamist massacres and used without her consent. She alleged on Algerian television that Daoud used the story she confidentially recounted to a therapist -- who is now his wife -- during treatment. His publisher has denied the claims. The controversies are taking place in a tense diplomatic context between France and Algeria, after Macron renewed French support for Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara during a landmark visit to the kingdom last month. Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, is de facto controlled for the most part by Morocco. But it is claimed by the Sahrawi separatists of the Polisario Front, who are demanding a self-determination referendum and are supported by Algiers. Daoud meanwhile has called for Sansal's release, writing in the right-wing Le Figaro: "I sincerely hope that my friend Boualem will return to us very soon", while expressing his bafflement in the face of the "imprudence" that Sansal allegedly showed in going to Algeria. dax-vl-sjw/givNone

A MAJOR telecoms provider has extended its free data scheme for people struggling with bills - and it is perfect for Christmas. Virgin Media O2 is transforming a further 70 O2 stores into National Databank Hubs in a bid to provide free mobile data to people. The company has now rolled out the National Databank to all O2 stores nationwide which are providing free O2 mobile data, texts and calls to people who need it, regardless of their mobile operator. Customers can now receive 25GB of free O2 data per month for 12 months. This connectivity will support people experiencing data poverty to access essential websites and manage everyday tasks, such as booking medical appointments, applying for work, and online training. And it will also help them keep in touch with loved ones over the festive period and beyond. read more money stories It comes as new research reveals that 26%of Brits on low incomes (those with a household income of less than £15,000) are struggling to afford their mobile phone bill. More than half of them say they’d feel lonely if they couldn’t access the internet or mobile data at home. Meanwhile, nearly eight in 10 say they’d feel alone or isolated if they didn’t have mobile data over the Christmas period and couldn’t connect with their family or friends. A lot of customers also claim to miss out on the moments that make Christmas more enjoyable, such as sending festive messages or photos or videos from their Christmas celebrations, if they don’t have mobile data. Most read in Money To help cash-strapped customers with these issues, O2 will be providing free internet data during the holiday season. To be eligible for free data from the National Databank, a recipient must fulfil these criteria: Age: Must be 18 years or older. Income: Must belong to a low-income household. Internet Access: And/or have no access or insufficient access to the internet at home, And/or no or insufficient access to the internet when away from home And/or being unable to afford their existing monthly contract or top-up. Nicola Green from Virgin Media O2 said: "We know that people experiencing poverty are having to make difficult choices around how they spend their money – but affording mobile data shouldn’t be one of them. “That’s why Virgin Media O2 has rolled out the National Databank to all its O2 stores nationwide, offering free O2 mobile data to connect people in need, so they can get online and stay in touch with their loved ones this Christmas and beyond." The campaign is being backed by campaigner and actor Will Mellor , who said: “It’s heartbreaking to think there are people who can’t connect with their loved ones this Christmas. “I experienced poverty first-hand when I was growing up, so I appreciate how vital initiatives such as the National Databank are to underprivileged communities who are struggling to afford connectivity. "I would encourage anyone who’s in need to visit their local O2 store to get free mobile data for 12 months so they can get online and stay connected to everything and everyone they love this Christmas and beyond." Helen Milner OBE, Group CEO at Good Things Foundation, said: “I’m delighted to see the National Databank grow even larger, with a further 70 O2 stores across the UK now becoming National Databank Digital Inclusion Hubs. “Virgin Media O2’s work to help reduce digital exclusion now allows the Databank to extend its impact to even more people and is a lifeline to those struggling to access the internet this Christmas. "This means more people in need can access essential services and connect with loved ones." READ MORE SUN STORIES The National Databank forms part of a series of measures Virgin Media O2 has in place to support people in need so they can stay connected. This includes the company’s social tariffs for people who receive government support payments, such as Essential Broadband and the O2 Essential plan. Antrim - The Junction. Armagh - Mall Shopping Centre Barnstaple Belfast - Kennedy Centre Bexleyheath Birmingham - The Fort Shopping Centre Bishop Auckland Bishop’s Stortford Burnley - The Mall Chester - Broughton Shopping Park Christchurch Cirencester Cookstown Coventry - Arena Shopping Park Didcot – The Orchard Centre Doncaster - Frenchgate Centre Downpatrick Edgware Edinburgh - Cameron Toll Shopping Centre Ellesmere Port – Coliseum Shopping Park Enniskillen - Erneside Shopping Centre Havant – Meridian Centre Hempstead Valley - Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre Hounslow Ilford – The Exchange Centre Keighley Leicester – Beaumont Shopping Centre Leigh - Spinning Gate Shopping Centre Lichfield Limavady Liverpool - Liverpool Shopping Park London - Brixton London - Colliers Wood, Tandem Centre London - Eltham London – Lewisham, Lewisham Shopping Centre London - Stratford Centre London - Stratford Westfield London - Tottenham Court Road London – Walthamstow, &17Central London – Wandsworth, Southside Centre London - Wood Green London - Woolwich Londonderry – Foyleside Shopping Centre Loughborough Magherafelt - Meadowlane Centre Market Harborough Newmarket - The Guineas Newtownabbey – Abbey Centre Ormskirk Penrith – New Squares Penzance Rochdale - Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre Rugby - Junction One Retail Park Skegness - Hildreds Shopping Centre Stamford Strabane Trowbridge - The Shires Shopping Centre Truro - Lemon Quay Retail Park Welwyn Garden City – Howard Centre West Bromwich – New Square Worksop – Bridge Place Bolton – Middlebrook Retail Park Bridlington - The Promenade Middleton - Middleton Shopping Centre Preston - Deepdale Shopping Park Sheffield - Crystal Peaks Shopping Centre Skipton Thornton Cleveleys Washington – The Galleries ShrewsburyThe marine enforcement squad has increased the frequency of its day-and-night patrol following instructions from the District Collector and the Fisheries department to impound fishing boats used for catching juvenile fish species in violation of the minimum legal size (MLS) regulations. A hired fishing boat and the Karunya Marine Ambulance will be used by the 10-member squad to nab the suspects. “Two boats have already been impounded with around 4,000 kg of trash fish as part of the checks. The use of banned fishing nets and fishing activities conducted beyond the permitted hours will also be strictly enforced,” said a police officer with the enforcement squad. He added that the special drive was launched last week with the support of newly joined patrol squad members. Fisheries department sources said the district’s fishing harbours would also be monitored to curb the practice. They added that private agents in the sector had been encouraging the collection of trash fish to meet the demands of fertiliser factories outside the State. It was also suggested that both native and migrant fishers had become involved in the network to earn additional income. Last year, the checking squads reportedly impounded nine boats carrying juvenile fish stock. Hefty fines were imposed on the boat owners to compound the offence. Beypore and Puthiyappa harbours were frequent sites of the activity, which was allegedly exposed with the support of a few local country boat operators. A recent study by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute found that the implementation of MLS regulations and the ban on juvenile fishing led to a 41% increase in the yield of threadfin breams in Kerala, indicating positive results. The study also recommended the stringent enforcement of mesh size regulations for fishing nets to achieve further progress in the sector. Fisheries department officials said the government had already introduced a MLS for the capture of around 60 fish species, which must be strictly adhered to protect the region’s fisheries resources from rapid depletion. They added that hefty fines, up to ₹2.5 lakh, would be imposed on violators if the percentage of juvenile fish in the catch exceeded 40%. Published - December 23, 2024 11:37 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Kozhikode / Kerala / crime

The target by the Federal Government to ramp up oil production to 3 million liters per day has been accompanied with different strategies, SUCCESS NWOGU writes Federal Government’s ambitious crude oil production target of 2.06 million barrels per day in the 2025 budget has once more underscored the need to adopt proactive and effective measures to ramp up Nigeria’s crude oil production. The budget’s crude oil target was less than the initial projection. The Minister of Defence, Dr. Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, speaking recently at 6 Division Nigerian Army Barracks in Port Harcourt, said FG had set a target to increase oil production per day to 2.3 million per day by mid-2025. He claimed that the current oil production had risen from one million barrels to 1.6 to 1.7 million barrels. Abubakar said: “I believe we are now at about 1.6 to 1.7 million barrels as against 1.4 million barrels that we were on. And I believe that by the end of the year, we will see ourselves around 1.9 to two million barrels. “And by the middle of next year (God’s willing) we will be producing about 2.3 million barrels. With the arrangement that I have seen in place, and with the efforts the Arm Forces are putting in the efforts of the Chief of Defence Staff and the service Chiefs and course with the encouragement from the President. “The oil production has to continue to increase and I assure you before the end of the year we will see a tremendous increase in the oil production in this country.” 3m barrels per day target The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) said that crude oil production output of three million barrels per day was achievable up from the current 1.7million. The Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO) of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, stated this in an address at a stakeholders engagement for journalists covering the National Assembly in Abuja. Soneye said the feat was attainable with support from all critical stakeholders. He said the political will towards the target was already provided by President Bola Tinubu with directives to relevant security agencies to stem the ugly tide of oil theft and pipeline vandalism, which, according to him, led to increase in daily oil production from 1.4 million to 1.7milliion barrels per day. Soneye said: “Three million barrels oil production per day is achievable in Nigeria if all the stakeholders work in synergy for that purpose from the security agencies both government and private owned, to oil companies and host communities. “With expected synergy from all the relevant stakeholders on war against oil theft and pipeline vandalism, the required enabling environment would be in place for optimal oil production to the volume of 2.5 to three million barrels per day.” He lamented that at a point, oil production dropped to 900,000 barrels per day in the country before the engagement of private security agencies and renewed efforts of the military. “At that time, we felt Nigeria was in trouble as far as oil theft was concerned but, the intensity of war against it, has allayed our fears,” he said. According to OPEC’s Monthly Oil Market Report for November, using direct communication, Nigeria crude oil production increased by 152,000 barrels per day from 1.333million barrels per day (mbpd) in October to 1.486mbpd in November. Nigeria’s average crude oil production in September fell by 27,000 barrels from 1.352mbpd in August to 1.324 million barrels per day in September, 2024 using direct communication. For August, Nigeria’s oil production increased by 30,000 barrels per day from 1.276million barrels per day in June to 1.307mbpd in July; 1.251mbpd in May; 1.281mbpd in April; 1.231mbpd in March; 1.322mbpd in February; 1.427mbpd in January, 2024 and 1.327mbpd in December, 2023. Production increase In efforts to boost crude production, Vice President Kashim Shettima recently commissioned a new Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel by Oriental Energy Resources Limited. He represented President Bola Tinubu at the Drydocks World Dubai Shipyard in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. Sources said the vessel, named ENEM FPSO, with a storage capacity of one million barrels, would kick off with an initial production of 17,000 barrels per day before increasing its production capacity to 30,000 bpd. A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said the development aligned with the president’s efforts to revitalise the nation’s oil and gas sector. He added that the government aims to optimise production, reduce dependence on foreign imports and generate more revenue. According to him as Nigeria’s home-based refineries come alive, vessels like this would be instrumental in maximising the nation’s production capacity and driving economic growth. Shettima said: “This FPSO vessel is more than just a technological achievement; it is a symbol of Nigeria’s ambition and our readiness to meet global energy demands. Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing the transformation of the oil and gas sector, which is central to our economic revitalisation efforts. “He stated that the vessel is a critical link in Nigeria’s ambition to optimise productivity, enabling the country to become a central hub for hydrocarbon demand, both domestically and globally.” He stated: “Over the decades, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi has stood as a model businessman and symbol of excellence in the oil and gas industry. So, it’s not surprising that his vision has transformed Oriental Energy Resources Limited into a global phenomenon. “This outcome testifies to what is possible when ambition is matched with perseverance and expertise. His journey reminds us that Nigeria is a land of opportunity, and with dedication, there is no limit to what we can achieve. “Just about two weeks ago, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was in Paris, where he oversaw the expansion of one of Nigeria’s indigenous banks into that sphere of the European financial market. That historic moment reflected our collective aspiration as a nation. “This FPSO vessel symbolises a future where Nigerian ingenuity meets global standards, and we will be here every step of the way to ensure its utility and success.” Executive Chairman, Oriental Energy Resources Limited, Muhammadu Indimi, said the facility was the first FPSO to be fully funded by a Nigerian indigenous company. He explained that the vessel named ENEM FPSO, has heralded an effort for an indigenous Nigerian oil and gas company to independently develop a marginal field, stressing that it is an important milestone for Nigeria and its indigenous oil and gas sector. “When operating at full capacity we expect the Okwok Oil Field to produce up to 30,000 barrels of oil a day, significantly enhancing Nigeria’s oil production and contributing to the government’s ambition to increase oil revenue to fund Nigeria’s development. “The Okwok field is just one step towards our long-term ambition to deliver 100,000 barrels of oil per day of production in Nigeria. We have a strong set of proven assets and a development pipeline that can deliver it,” he said. Oil theft Though Nigeria is one of Africa’s leading crude oil exporters, the large-scale oil theft has posed a major threat to national economy as it is estimated that oil theft costs Nigeria millions of dollars each month; and that about $23bn in oil revenue was lost in 2022. The Governor of River State, Siminalayi Fubara, recently donated 6 gun boats to the Nigerian Navy as one of the strategies to combat oil theft and economic sabotage. Sources said the gunboats will enhance waterway patrols and response times, especially near submerged oil export pipelines that are prone to attacks. The governor noted that oil theft is a big problem that needs all hands on deck to tackle it. He explained that the six gunboats donated by the River State government are meant to support the Nigerian Navy to ensure that the nefarious activities of oil thieves are drastically reduced. Fubara said: “We have set up local vigilantes to support the protection of oil facilities, acquired gunboats, and [are] protecting the ecosystem of the region. “We are doing our best to discourage any form of economic sabotage, which is why the country’s output has increased in recent months given our support and protection of pipelines.” “What we need is a total reorientation of the people to discourage them from stealing oil. It’s a bad situ – ation because you have children as young as 14 and 15 involved.” Illegal refineries NNPC Ltd maintained that the war against crude oil theft and oil pipelines vandalism has been on course, adding that the company and public and private security operatives have intensified efforts to rid the nation of oil thefts. In a post on its X it explained that between November 30 and December 6, it uncovered at least 34 illegal refineries and 17 illegal pipeline connections in one week across the Niger Delta region and that it recorded a total of 94 oil theft incidents in parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, and Abia States. It added that a massive illegal storage site was uncovered in Okrika 7 of River State where officials found crude oil stored in sacks ready for the black market and that illegal crude oil storages were also reportedly discovered in Igi 3, Ibudiya 1, Eborcha, and Ukua. It said: “In a series of coordinated operations, illegal pipelines were discovered and dismantled at key hotspots – Ogboingbiri, Ejehinkiri, Alabelema in Bayelsa state. “And Okrika 7 in Rivers state witnessed swift action as security forces uncovered an illicit setup used by perpetrators to exploit Nigeria’s resources. “Repairs were carried out promptly restoring the pipelines to full functionality and fortifying the nation’s hydrocarbon infrastructure.” It added: “The Crackdown didn’t stop there. Illegal refineries met their end in Ebocha, umuajuloke community, Okrika 7, and Kumkum in Rivers State, as well as Ukwa, Uzuaku, Oza West, Odogwa, Obuzor, Oandu in Abia State and Bizeni in Bayelsa state. The destruction of these sites serve as a Stern warning – no haven exists for crude oil theft in Nigeria. “The week’s incidents spanned key corridors – 39 in the central Corridor, 41 in the Eastern Corridor, four in the western Corridor, and 10 in deep blue water.” “This was achieved by the joint efforts of NNPCL command and control Centres, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Oando PLC, New Guard Security and Consultancy Limited, and government security agencies.” Last Line: The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, Mele Kyari, said the increased crude oil production was as a result of improved security measures and the support of joint venture partners. “We have reached a new peak in production that we haven’t seen in the last three years. This is related to the sustained efforts by the armed forces and other security agencies to protect our critical assets,” Kyari said in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.Salesforce, Google sway market cap stock movers on Thursday

Assessing FG’s Strategies To Improve Crude Oil ProductionPoliticians from the hard-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is polling in second place before a general election next February, have adopted the Nazi practice of referring to Germany’s fallen soldiers as heroes to mark Germany’s Remembrance Day. Benjamin Nolte, a Bavarian state MP, invited people to join a “Heroes’ Remembrance” ceremony in the town of Weilheim last Sunday to mark Germany’s Volkstrauertag(People’s Day of Mourning). There were similar initiatives and social media posts from other AfD MPs and regional organisations as well as its youth arm, Young Alternative, which said it was commemorating the “brave heroes of our people”. The party, which is being monitored by intelligence services as a suspected right-wing extremist organisation, has seen a surge in support over immigration, the costLiverpool beat holders Real Madrid with Aston Villa denied win against JuventusThe long voyage time due to ships taking longer routes through Cape of Good Hope has impacted global trade, including Indian exports, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said. This has resulted in increased time for goods to reach international markets, he said. “No shortage of containers has been, however, reported on account of the longer voyage time or the Red Sea conflicts issues and Russia-Ukraine War,” the minister said adding regular interactions are done with shipping lines, port/ terminal, and export/import associations to assess for possible interventions. He added that there is limited demand for containers manufactured in India and accordingly the limited manufacturing capacity for containers in India. The container manufacturing industry is dominated by economies of scale that favour established manufacturers from other countries, who benefit from lower production costs, advanced technologies, and immediate cargo loading opportunities. “The long voyage time due to ships taking longer routes through Cape of Good Hope has impacted global trade, including Indian exports,” he said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. The minister informed that Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR) have placed order with Amba Coach Builders Pvt ltd located in Andhra Pradesh of total 2500 containers since 2021 out of which 28 containers have been delivered till November. Source: PTI