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Who do our cities cater to? ADB report says Pakistan urban realm is pestered by rampant demographics and urbanisation, uncertain economic environment Pakistan boasts a population that reached 241.5 million in 2023, a 16.3 per cent increase since 2017, with 93.8 million in urban areas – a near fourfold rise since 1981. Projections estimate over 400 million people by 2050, making Pakistan one of eight countries driving global population growth. This indicates a worrying situation for an already worrisome urban infrastructure and services. As per the ADB’s latest National Urban Assessment, Pakistan urban realm is pestered by rampant demographics and urbanisation, uncertain economic environment, partial devolution post 18th Amendment, patchwork urban planning and poor delivery of urban needs (water and sanitation, solid waste management & drainage). This is despite our country being one of the signatories of SDG 11 which mandates a city to be “inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”. While literature is fraught with the architectonic reading of the city’s problems that is strict structural terrain (mostly housing deficit and astronomical cost of urban sprawl), the human-centric outlook is mostly circumvented in the discourse. Public spaces – streets, public markets, parks, public squares, beaches, etc – work as the nucleus of interactions between people. These spaces function like the microcosm of the macrocosmic city. According to Atomcamp, public spaces are the cornerstone in enhancing the core functions of the city which are economical, sociological and political, thereby building smarter, sustainable, and resilient cities. It is this instrumentality that makes these a “vital ingredient of successful cities”. These spaces are the locus of civic life, hence named ‘public’, and provide a milieu where people engage with urban politics, economy, environment, and residents. It follows, then, that providing public spaces equally accessible to all genders is a key component in creating the type of equity that is foundational for sustainable urbanisation. Historically, neoliberal policies across the world have facilitated the privatisation of all kinds of spaces, reshaping both urban and rural landscapes. Planning mechanisms characterised by speculative capitalism and privatisation of public institutions and services have negatively affected marginalised communities including gender-disparity through structural dispossession and physical displacements, though in specifically different ways across political and historical contexts. This has fueled a broader ‘exclusion’ in society. Apart from the myopia in urban planning and its muddling ramifications, gender inclusivity in public spaces faces the added burden of the prevailing perennial patriarchal project – or rather the ‘default’ position of spaces we live in. The male-dominant design and culture of public spaces have fueled this predicament with more depth and rigour. Instead of public spaces being forgiving and inclusive to any mortal, they have remained alien to the disenfranchised. Predominantly, men alone have been able to exploit their benefits for long. Women often suffer from being judged, approached, or harassed in public spaces. They are often subject to catcalling, unwanted comments, and physical intimidation, which then makes public spaces hostile and unwelcoming. This experience is so common that many girls preemptively alter their routes or avoid certain areas altogether. Fear of violence, including assault or theft, can make public spaces feel unsafe, especially at night or in isolated areas. A lack of adequate facilities, such as clean restrooms, safe waiting areas, and childcare support, further exacerbates these challenges. This is especially burdensome for young mothers or women from low-income backgrounds, restricting their mobility and access to these spaces. As this struggle for safety persists, it overshadows other aspects of women’s engagement with public spaces, including comfort, pleasure, and a sense of belonging. The fear of harassment or violence diminishes their ability to enjoy outdoor leisure activities, leading to reduced participation in city life and a loss of autonomy in navigating urban spaces. This reality underscores a critical truth: public spaces are far from neutral when it comes to gender. The absence of equality in the planning, design, and functionality of public spaces has further encoded traditional gender roles into the built environment. Women’s limited access and engagement with public spaces is not merely a personal inconvenience but a systemic issue that undermines the very fabric of the city’s life. These inequalities adversely affect the core functions of a city across various domains. We stand at a pathetic position of 145th out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Index rankings of WEF, with a minuscule female labour force participation rate never exceeding 31 per cent. The Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18 findings showed that 28 per cent of Pakistani women aged 15-49 have faced some form of gender-based violence. And our political spheres are mostly bereft of female participation, except by the benevolence of political dynasty-ism. Public spaces mean different things to different genders. Women’s interactions with these spaces differ significantly from men’s, and intersecting factors such as class, caste, religion, and education further complicate these dynamics. Ergo, a one-size-fits-all urban planning approach cannot address such complexities. At present, we need a practical starting point to prioritise women in urban planning – a foundation for building truly inclusive public spaces. It is only when the gender lens is applied to cities that the lack of equity, accessibility, inclusivity, and amenities shows up. Gendered placemaking is the need of the hour. This refers to the intentional planning and development of spaces that cater to the needs of women, diverse groups, and underserved communities by actively involving them in the planning process. This approach, systemically known as gender mainstreaming, seeks to integrate the perspectives of all genders at every stage of a project, including design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, with the goal of promoting equality in design and participation. A well-designed space is inviting, with comfortable seating, shade, and landscaping that encourages people to gather. It is easily accessible, well-connected to transit, and accommodating for different mobility needs. Safety is paramount, with good lighting and visibility fostering a secure environment. A sense of belonging is also essential, with flexible spaces that allow personal connection and creativity. Ultimately, gendered placemaking creates public spaces that are safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background. The Global South must rid itself of the flawed, archaic city planning that prioritises suburban development and car-dominated transportation planning. Instead, it should embrace urban regeneration and people-centric planning principles. Rather than relying on template solutions, there is a need for participatory urban planning, where everyone – regardless of gender, age, ability, or background – can advocate for what they need in the built environment of their neighbourhood. Psychological feelings of being unsafe (fear, anxiety, and uneasiness) are eased when people can ‘read’ public spaces and accurately observe the behaviour of others. When residents and visitors to public spaces can confidently assess their environment, they experience themselves as resourceful agents capable of influencing public spaces for mutual benefit. For this, there is an utmost need to enforce and expand laws against harassment, assault, and gender-based violence. The government can introduce harsher penalties for offenders, establish anti-harassment laws specific to public spaces, and promote initiatives that encourage reporting and swift action on such cases. To create gendered spaces, there is an undeterred need to orchestrate policies and government interventions within the broader gender disparity equation that could transform spaces into terrains that are not only accepting of all but juggernauts of feminist undertones, ensuring autonomy in all three core functions of the city. For instance, we need safety audits like the Mumbai Safety Audit led by the Indian NGO Akshara Centre. This is a participatory project where women map unsafe areas in their communities. The audit gathers data from women on specific safety concerns, such as inadequate lighting, poorly maintained sidewalks, and lack of public toilets. Insights from this data are used to push for municipal reforms. By involving local women in data collection, this project brings visibility to women’s safety needs in public spaces, influencing city planning and raising awareness about gender-sensitive urban development. Cities must prioritise gender-sensitive amenities, including clean public restrooms, women-only waiting areas, and safe spaces for women with young children. Allocating budget resources for these facilities can make public spaces safer and more accessible for women and girls. Additionally, investing in feminist organisations and movements globally can amplify advocacy and education efforts. Empowerment programmes such as self-defence workshops, skills training, and safe-space discussions can equip girls with the confidence and tools to navigate public spaces securely. Community awareness campaigns are also vital for shifting societal attitudes. Workshops and public campaigns can educate communities about respecting women’s rights, discouraging harassment, and promoting respectful behaviour in public spaces. A collective effort to ensure inclusive public spaces will not only empower women but also foster a fairer, more harmonious society for all. Furqan Ali is a Peshawar-based researcher who works in the financial sector. He can be reached at: alifurqan647@gmail.com Zara Nazir is a Lahore-based law student and the founder of the feminist literary magazine ‘Risala Tarz’. She can be reached at: zara.nazirch@gmail.comBy JILL COLVIN and STEPHEN GROVES WASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working mostly behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role: Helping Donald Trump try to get his most contentious Cabinet picks to confirmation in the Senate, where Vance has served for the last two years. Vance arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday with former Rep. Matt Gaetz and spent the morning sitting in on meetings between Trump’s choice for attorney general and key Republicans, including members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The effort was for naught: Gaetz announced a day later that he was withdrawing his name amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations and the reality that he was unlikely to be confirmed. Thursday morning Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth, the “Fox & Friends Weekend” host whom Trump has tapped to be the next secretary of defense. Hegseth also has faced allegations of sexual assault that he denies. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings in coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump’s picks. The role of introducing nominees around Capitol Hill is an unusual one for a vice president-elect. Usually the job goes to a former senator who has close relationships on the Hill, or a more junior aide. But this time the role fits Vance, said Marc Short, who served as Trump’s first director of legislative affairs as well as chief of staff to Trump’s first vice president, Mike Pence, who spent more than a decade in Congress and led the former president’s transition ahead of his first term. ”JD probably has a lot of current allies in the Senate and so it makes sense to have him utilized in that capacity,” Short said. Unlike the first Trump transition, which played out before cameras at Trump Tower in New York and at the president-elect’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, this one has largely happened behind closed doors in Palm Beach, Florida. There, a small group of officials and aides meet daily at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort to run through possible contenders and interview job candidates. The group includes Elon Musk, the billionaire who has spent so much time at the club that Trump has joked he can’t get rid of him. Vance has been a constant presence, even as he’s kept a lower profile. The Ohio senator has spent much of the last two weeks in Palm Beach, according to people familiar with his plans, playing an active role in the transition, on which he serves as honorary chair. Vance has been staying at a cottage on the property of the gilded club, where rooms are adorned with cherubs, oriental rugs and intricate golden inlays. It’s a world away from the famously hardscrabble upbringing that Vance documented in the memoir that made him famous, “Hillbilly Elegy.” His young children have also joined him at Mar-a-Lago, at times. Vance was photographed in shorts and a polo shirt playing with his kids on the seawall of the property with a large palm frond, a U.S. Secret Service robotic security dog in the distance. On the rare days when he is not in Palm Beach, Vance has been joining the sessions remotely via Zoom. Though he has taken a break from TV interviews after months of constant appearances, Vance has been active in the meetings, which began immediately after the election and include interviews and as well as presentations on candidates’ pluses and minuses. Among those interviewed: Contenders to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray , as Vance wrote in a since-deleted social media post. Defending himself from criticism that he’d missed a Senate vote in which one of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees was confirmed, Vance wrote that he was meeting at the time “with President Trump to interview multiple positions for our government, including for FBI Director.” “I tend to think it’s more important to get an FBI director who will dismantle the deep state than it is for Republicans to lose a vote 49-46 rather than 49-45,” Vance added on X. “But that’s just me.” While Vance did not come in to the transition with a list of people he wanted to see in specific roles, he and his friend, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who is also a member of the transition team, were eager to see former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. find roles in the administration. Trump ended up selecting Gabbard as the next director of national intelligence , a powerful position that sits atop the nation’s spy agencies and acts as the president’s top intelligence adviser. And he chose Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services , a massive agency that oversees everything from drug and food safety to Medicare and Medicaid. Vance was also a big booster of Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who will serve as Trump’s “border czar.” In another sign of Vance’s influence, James Braid, a top aide to the senator, is expected to serve as Trump’s legislative affairs director. Allies say it’s too early to discuss what portfolio Vance might take on in the White House. While he gravitates to issues like trade, immigration and tech policy, Vance sees his role as doing whatever Trump needs. Vance was spotted days after the election giving his son’s Boy Scout troop a tour of the Capitol and was there the day of leadership elections. He returned in earnest this week, first with Gaetz — arguably Trump’s most divisive pick — and then Hegseth, who has was been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017, according to an investigative report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing. Vance hosted Hegseth in his Senate office as GOP senators, including those who sit on the Senate Armed Services Committee, filtered in to meet with the nominee for defense secretary. While a president’s nominees usually visit individual senators’ offices, meeting them on their own turf, the freshman senator — who is accompanied everywhere by a large Secret Service detail that makes moving around more unwieldy — instead brought Gaetz to a room in the Capitol on Wednesday and Hegseth to his office on Thursday. Senators came to them. Vance made it to votes Wednesday and Thursday, but missed others on Thursday afternoon. Vance is expected to continue to leverage his relationships in the Senate after Trump takes office. But many Republicans there have longer relationships with Trump himself. Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, said that Trump was often the first person to call him back when he was trying to reach high-level White House officials during Trump’s first term. “He has the most active Rolodex of just about anybody I’ve ever known,” Cramer said, adding that Vance would make a good addition. “They’ll divide names up by who has the most persuasion here,” Cramer said, but added, “Whoever his liaison is will not work as hard at it as he will.” Cramer was complimentary of the Ohio senator, saying he was “pleasant” and ” interesting” to be around. ′′He doesn’t have the long relationships,” he said. “But we all like people that have done what we’ve done. I mean, that’s sort of a natural kinship, just probably not as personally tied.” Under the Constitution, Vance will also have a role presiding over the Senate and breaking tie votes. But he’s not likely to be needed for that as often as was Kamala Harris, who broke a record number of ties for Democrats as vice president, since Republicans will have a bigger cushion in the chamber next year. Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.
Van Nistelrooy returned to Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag’s assistant in the summer and had a four-game interim spell in charge following his compatriot’s sacking in October. He left the club in the wake of Ruben Amorim’s appointment but was only out of work for two weeks after being appointed Leicester’s new manager on a deal until 2027. The 48-year-old had a glittering playing career with United and was disappointed his return had to end so soon. “The moment I took over the interim job what I said was I’m here to help United and to stay to help United, and I meant it,” he said. “So I was disappointed, yeah, very much so, and it hurt I had to leave. “The only job I would take as an assistant was at United because of the bond that I have with the people in the club and the fans. “But in the end I got my head around it because I also understand the new manager. I’m in football long enough, and I’ve managed myself, that you can think of a situation, me being there, I understand. “I spoke to Ruben about it, fair enough to him, the conversation was grateful, man to man, person to person, manager to manager, and that helped a lot to move on and straightaway get into talks with new possibilities which of course lifted my spirits.” The Dutchman takes on a difficult job at the King Power Stadium as he is tasked with keeping Leicester in the Premier League. He inherits an influential dressing room, which has seen a number of managers come and go over the last few years. Ruud's here for his first press conference as our Manager 😃 pic.twitter.com/A4Juixvorb — Leicester City (@LCFC) December 2, 2024 Van Nistelrooy revealed he has done his due diligence and also let the players know as well. “It’s the only way you can work. It’s mutual respect. I also mentioned to the players yesterday that I looked at the squad and started to make phone calls about players, because in football everyone knows everyone,” he said. “With two or three phone calls you hear stories about 20 players and for me it was important that you hear there are good characters there. That’s important, that there are good people there. “I look at the players how they play. I obviously don’t know them but I got general information and the individuals that they are a good bunch of people. That was important for me to get in.”Top Stories U.S. Economic Growth Slows Amid Global and Domestic Challenges By mayukh - December 2, 2024 Image Credits: Pexels The U.S. Economic Growth is experiencing a slowdown as it grapples with a combination of factors, including inflationary pressures, global supply chain disruptions, and shifts in consumer spending behavior. While the economy remains resilient, the slowdown has raised concerns about the potential for a prolonged period of slower growth. Inflation and Federal Reserve Policy One of the key challenges facing the U.S. economy is inflation, which remains above the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%. Although inflation rates have cooled from their peak, prices for everyday goods such as food, energy, and housing continue to rise at a pace that outstrips wage growth for many American households. This has led to increased pressure on families, particularly those with lower incomes, as the cost of living continues to climb. In response, the Federal Reserve has continued to raise interest rates, aiming to cool the economy and bring inflation under control. These interest rate hikes have had a broad impact on the economy, increasing borrowing costs for consumers and businesses alike. Mortgage rates, for instance, have reached their highest levels in over a decade, leading to a slowdown in the housing market. Consumers are also cutting back on discretionary spending as financing costs rise, further contributing to the economic slowdown. Despite these challenges, many economists are optimistic that the U.S. economy will avoid a full recession in the short term, pointing to strong job growth and the continued expansion of key sectors like technology and healthcare. However, the path ahead remains uncertain, and it will likely depend on the effectiveness of monetary policy and the resolution of global supply chain disruptions. Labor Market Tightness and Job Growth The U.S. job market has remained robust despite the economic slowdown. Unemployment rates have continued to hover near historic lows, and job openings remain plentiful. However, labor market tightness persists, with employers struggling to fill positions in sectors such as healthcare, construction, and technology. This has resulted in upward pressure on wages as companies compete to attract workers. In particular, the tech sector has seen significant layoffs in recent months, as companies adjust to shifting economic conditions and reevaluate their hiring practices. While the overall job market remains strong, there are concerns that some industries may experience volatility as they adapt to new economic realities. Additionally, the growth of remote work and hybrid work models is continuing to reshape the job market. Many workers have embraced flexible work arrangements, which has led to a shift in demand for jobs in different regions of the country. Cities that were previously considered tech hubs, such as San Francisco and New York, are seeing an exodus of workers as employees seek lower living costs and better quality of life in smaller cities and rural areas. Global Economic Tensions and Trade The global economy is also influencing the U.S. economic landscape. Trade tensions, particularly with China, continue to create uncertainty, as the U.S. and its trading partners navigate complex geopolitical dynamics. Tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting trade relationships are causing ripple effects across industries, from agriculture to manufacturing. In particular, the U.S. is facing competition from China and other emerging markets in key sectors such as technology and renewable energy. While the U.S. remains a global leader in innovation, it must address challenges such as intellectual property theft and cybersecurity threats to maintain its competitive edge. In conclusion, while the U.S. economy remains resilient, it faces several challenges that could impact growth in the coming months and years. Inflation, interest rate hikes, labor market tightness, and global economic tensions are all factors that could shape the economic landscape in the near future. Economic policymakers will need to carefully manage these issues to ensure a stable and sustainable recovery. Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Linkedin ReddIt Email Telegram Previous article The Future of Supply Chain Management in a Post-Pandemic World mayukh http://digitalmarketnews.comHARTFORD, Conn. — The UConn women’s basketball team remained ranked No. 2 in the AP Top 25 poll for the fifth straight week and continued receiving first-place votes after winning the Baha Mar Women’s Championship. The Huskies earned seven of a possible 32 first-place votes entering Week 5, coming in behind No. 1 UCLA with 25. UConn recorded its second ranked win of the season over No. 18 Ole Miss, 73-60, in the Bahamas on Wednesday, and the team also handled Oregon State 71-52 at the tournament to improve to 6-0. UConn star Paige Bueckers was also named Big East Player of the Week for the second time this season for her performance at the Baha Mar Women’s Championship. The redshirt senior averaged 26 points, five assists, 3.5 rebounds and two steals per game across the Huskies’ pair of wins, shooting 66.7% from the field and 55.6% from 3-point range. She currently has the highest field goal percentage in the country among players averaging 22 points or more. After hosting Holy Cross at Gampel Pavilion on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET, SNY), UConn is headed into a gauntlet of ranked opponents beginning with No. 22 Louisville on Saturday in the Women’s Champions Classic at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The Huskies then travel to South Bend, Indiana on Dec. 12 to face Notre Dame, which dropped seven places to No. 10 after losses to both TCU and Utah in Week 4. The Irish still have an elite ceiling with a statement win over No. 6 USC on their resume, and No. 9 TCU skyrocketed into the top 10 for the first time in program history with the upset. Duke also made its season debut in the top 10 at No. 8 after beating No. 11 Oklahoma last week. The Huskies will face No. 20 Iowa State at Mohegan Sun Arena in the Basketball Hall of Fame Showcase on Dec. 17, and the Cyclones have also looked less than their best over the past two weeks. They entered the season ranked No. 8 but plummeted after a loss to Northern Iowa on Nov. 20, and No. 3 South Carolina routed them 76-36 last Thursday. UConn then concludes its loaded slate on Dec. 21 with a sold-out home showdown against USC, a rematch from last year’s Elite Eight. AP Top 25 women’s basketball poll: Week 5 ©2024 Hartford Courant. Visit at courant.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Banco BBVA Argentina: Not The Best Play Among Argentine BanksOn Dec. 4, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in United States v. Skrmetti , which will determine whether the government may overrule the decisions of families, in consultation with their doctors, to provide safe, effective and medically necessary treatment to transgender adolescents. Although the case involves families with transgender kids, every parent in America has a profound stake in its outcome. At issue is who gets to decide the appropriate course of care for children: their parents who know and love them, consulting closely with health professionals — or politicians for whom our children might be mere political pawns.
Japan is set to kick off discussions on raising the basic tax-free income allowance in effective permanent tax cuts worth up to $51 billion, a step that could also help ease constraints on part-time workers amid intensifying labour shortages. The government’s plan, which will be mentioned in an economic stimulus package to be announced on Friday, comes as the ruling coalition yielded to a push by a key opposition party whose cooperation is crucial for the coalition to stay in power. If the income tax threshold is lifted from the current 1.03 million yen ($6,674) per year to 1.78 million yen as demanded by the opposition Democratic Party for the People (DPP), tax revenue would drop by 7 trillion yen ($45.36 billion) to 8 trillion yen, according to a government estimate. While the new threshold level has yet to be discussed, policymakers say a full increase to 1.78 million yen is unlikely. DPP argues that 1.03 million yen has also served as constraining student part-time workers as their parents lose a tax deduction treatment if their dependent minors earn beyond the level. Daiwa Research Institute estimates that about 610,000 students currently voluntarily limit their working hours to avoid hitting the threshold. An increase in the deduction threshold to 1.8 million yen would boost labour supply by about 330 million hours, workers’ compensation by 456 billion yen and increase private consumption by 319 billion yen, according to Daiwa estimates. But critics are sceptical about the impact on labour supply, pointing out that there are other barriers that prevent from such workers from working longer. Raising the income tax threshold would also keep Japan an outlier among advanced nations that had mostly phased out pandemic-mode stimulus. “This is effectively a dole-out policy disguised as a labour issue,” said Saisuke Sakai, senior economist at Mizuho Research and Technologies. “Japan’s goal of running a primary budget surplus in the next fiscal year would be absolutely impossible. With no one caring about the fiscal discipline, concerns about Japan’s debt could intensify among investors,” he added. In the stimulus package to be approvedlater on Friday, the government will spend 13.9 trillion yen from its general account to fund measures aimed at mitigating the impact of rising prices on households. The focus will now shift to how to fund the budget. JPMorgan said in a report to clients that it expects about 10 trillion yen in additional new government bonds for the latest package. However, the outlook for the budget for the next fiscal year from April is growing unclear as the outcome of the discussions on the tax revision would impact tax revenue for the year. Fixing tattered public finances has emerged as a more imminent task for Japan as its central bank moves to exit years of ultra-easy monetary policythat had kept borrowing costs ultra low. Japan’s public debt stands at more than twice the size of its economy, by far the biggest among industrialised economies. Source: Reuters (Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Kim Coghill)The Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Enyinnaya Abaribe. has submitted that the approval of the National Assembly was not sought before a new jet was purchased for President Bola Tinubu. According to Abaribe, the National Assembly never received nor approved a request for the purchase of a new jet for President Tinubu . Naija News recalls the presidency had, in August, unveiled a new Airbus A330 purchased for President Bola Tinubu. However, amidst the backlash from Nigerians that greeted the new purchase, presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said the aircraft was not new as reported but was simply refurbished . But speaking on Monday against the background of allegations that the National Assembly is a rubber stamp of all Tinubu actions, Abaribe denied the involvement of the lawmakers in the purchase of a new presidential jet. Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Abaribe said: “I am in the national assembly, but I can tell you for a fact that nobody, quote me, nobody brought anything to the national assembly to say please approve this for purchase of a new plane,” Abaribe said on the programme. It was done without my knowledge, nobody brought anything. I never saw any document and I have always been in the national assembly. Ask anyone, none.” He said the lawmakers have been denied their responsibility of serving as a check on the executive amidst the public perception that the current 10th National Assembly can’t go against the President and the executive arm. Abaribe added that the lawmakers are not a rubber-stamp assembly but feel the need to cooperate with the executive in the overall interest of Nigerians.The United States will provide Ukraine with a large weapons package, as President Joe Biden's outgoing administration seeks to bolster the government in Kyiv in its war with Russian invaders before leaving office in January. The deal is worth $US725 million ($A1.1 billion). The assistance will include Stinger missiles, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), drones and land mines, among other items, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday. Reuters had reported last week that the Biden administration planned to provide the equipment, much of it anti-tank weapons to ward off Russia's attacking troops. "The United States and more than 50 nations stand united to ensure Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression," Blinken's statement said. The announcement marks a steep uptick in size from Biden's recent use of so-called Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which allows the US to draw from current weapons stocks to help allies in an emergency. Recent PDA announcements have typically ranged from $US125 million ($A194 million) to $US250 million ($A388 million). Biden has an estimated $US4 billion ($A6.2 billion) to $US5 billion ($A7.8 billion) in PDA already authorised by Congress that he is expected to use for Ukraine before Republican President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20. The tranche of weapons represents the first time in decades the US has exported land mines, the use of which is controversial because of the potential harm to civilians. Although more than 160 countries have signed a treaty banning their use, Kyiv has been asking for them since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in early 2022, and Russian forces have used them on the front lines. The land mines that would be sent to Ukraine are "non-persistent," with a power system that lasts for just a short time, leaving the devices non-lethal. This means that - unlike older landmines - they would not remain in the ground, threatening civilians indefinitely.
NoneBy WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS NEW YORK (AP) — Sneaking a little ahead of line to get on that plane faster? American Airlines might stop you . In an apparent effort to reduce the headaches caused by airport line cutting, American has rolled out boarding technology that alerts gate agents with an audible sound if a passenger tries to scan a ticket ahead of their assigned group. This new software won’t accept a boarding pass before the group it’s assigned to is called, so customers who get to the gate prematurely will be asked to go back and wait their turn. As of Wednesday, the airline announced, the technology is now being used in more than 100 U.S. airports that American flies out of. The official expansion arrives after successful tests in three of these locations — Albuquerque International Sunport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Tucson International Airport. The initial response from customers and American employees “has exceeded our expectations,” Julie Rath, American’s senior vice president of airport operations, reservations and service recovery, said in a statement. She added that the airline is “thrilled” to have the technology up and running ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday . American got lots of attention when it unveiled its gate-control testing last month. Analysts say that isn’t surprising. It’s no secret that line cutting in airports hits a nerve. Whether intentional or not, just about every air traveler has witnessed it, noted Henry Harteveldt, an airline industry analyst with Atmosphere Research Group. It can add to frustrations in what can already be a tense environment, with particular anxiety around passengers wanting to sit together or rushing for some overhead bin space. Harteveldt doesn’t see American’s recent move as “shaming” customers who cut the line. “What it is intended to do is bring order out of chaos,” he said. “And I hope it will defuse any potential flare ups of anger (from) people who simply think they’re entitled to board out of turn .... It’s just not fair.” Harteveldt added that he thinks this change will enhance the experiences of both customers and gate agents. Others say more time will tell. Seth Miller, editor and founder of air travel experience analysis site PaxEx.aero, said he can see the benefits of more orderly and universal gate-control enforcement, particularly for airlines. But he said he isn’t “100% convinced this is perfect for passengers” just yet. Families, for example, might be booked on several different reservations across more than one group, he said. Airlines typically have workarounds for that, and American noted Wednesday that customers traveling with a companion in an earlier group can simply have a gate agent “override the alert” to continue boarding. Still, Miller said, “you have to go through the extra hoops.” And a difficult customer still might choose to hold up the line and argue when they’re not allowed to board, he added. Related Articles National News | A Mexican cartel leader arrested in the US faked his death and assumed a phony name, prosecutors say National News | Major storm drops record rain, downs trees in Northern California after devastation further north National News | SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who led US crackdown on cryptocurrencies, to step down National News | ACLU sues government for records detailing Trump’s mass deportation plan National News | Jussie Smollett’s conviction in 2019 attack on himself is overturned Another question is whether customers who encounter a beep will walk away feeling embarrassed. But Harteveldt said he was happy to learn that American’s alert is “not a bellowing sound that can be heard throughout the terminal,” or accompanied by your name read over a loudspeaker, noting that this is important to avoid feelings of shame. Expanding this technology just a week before peak Thanksgiving travel could be “both good and bad,” Harteveldt adds. On one hand, the tech could help significantly improve the boarding process during such a busy time, he said, but airport employees might also have appreciated more time to prepare. Both Miller and Harteveldt said they wouldn’t be surprised if other carriers soon follow American’s lead. Headaches over airport line cutting are far from new. While maybe not to the extent of American’s new tech, Miller noted he’s seen gate agents from other airlines ask people to leave a line and wait for their group. Harteveldt added that he’s been to some airports in Asia and Europe with “sliding doors” that ensure passengers are in the right group before boarding a plane. The more than 100 airports that American is now using its gate-control technology in are all spoke, or non-hub, locations — including Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The airline says it expects to further expand to its hubs and other airports in the coming months.
NonePlease enable JavaScript to read this content. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s hand in the ouster of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is now coming out clearly after he asked Kenyans to tell between the two of them who was politically smart. Raila said Gachagua had boasted of having set traps in all corners of State House to prevent a handshake between him and President William Ruto but is now a victim of his own political machinations. Speaking during the thanksgiving service for Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi on his appointment as the ODM Deputy Party Leader in Chavakali on Sunday, Raila told Kenyans that Gachagua has now been relegated to political obscurity due to his miscalculations. “You heard Rigathi Gachagua saying that he has set traps in every corner of State House so as to prevent Raila Odinga from accessing there; where is he now? Those traps ended up catching him; he should know that Baba is smarter than him in these games,” said Raila. The opposition leader’s hand in Gachagua’s impeachment was visible during proceedings in the National Assembly and the Senate where legislators allied to him were at the forefront of championing the removal from office of the former deputy president. Gachagua had repeatedly said he had the responsibility of guarding Ruto against rapprochement with Raila so as to avoid the pitfalls they underwent following the March 2018 handshake between Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila which led to sidelining of the president. “I would like to assure our supporters that I have set traps in every corner of State House to guard our President against any political schemes by Raila Odinga, I have ensured that he does not reach there under my watch so that we do not end up with what happened following the handshake with the former President,” said Gachagua. Raila’s dalliance with Ruto has led to senior members of his party getting Cabinet positions with former ODM Deputy Party Leaders Ali Joho being appointed Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet while Wycliffe Oparanya is the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro Small Enterprises. Former ODM National Chairman John Mbadi is the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, Former National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi is the Energy Cabinet Secretary while Beatrice Askul who is a former Member of the ODM National Elections Board is the East African Affairs Cabinet Secretary. Raila’s close allies are also angling to get Principal Secretary positions after the Public Service Commission advertised them in what looks like Ruto wanting to finalise the reconstitution of his government after reappointment of Cabinet Secretaries in August following the Generation Z protests. During his tour of Kisumu last week, Ruto admitted that Raila came to his aid when he needed it most and that the two leaders had agreed to work together for the good of the country since what the country needed most at the moment was the unity of all Kenyans. “As you all know I have supported Raila in the past, he has now agreed to work with me for the good of the country, we are going to unite this country, I do not see any reason as to why someone should not be happy because we are preaching unity for our people, “said Ruto. The President said his government will invest in agriculture to reduce the cost of living with focus being given on Universal Health Coverage so that every Kenyan can access healthcare and affordable housing programme so as to create jobs and promote economic growth. Raila’s hand in Gachagua's impeachment was very clear with his close allies such as National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina vouching for the removal from office of the former Deputy President. Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter “In fact, in my entire time as an elected leader, I have met Rigathi Gachagua once and the second occasion when he was in the House, honestly, both of them were very sad events, the first one was a funeral and these proceedings can also be likened to a political death if the House decides to impeach him,” said Sifuna during the impeachment process Junet said during the impeachment process that during public participation he was shocked because people were saying ‘kufa makanga, kufa dereva’pointing out that they cannot allow the driver to die because we are witnessing a situation where the ‘makanga’ wants to take the steering wheel by force. The Suna East MP said the driver, in reference to Ruto, is carrying 55 million Kenyans and that they cannot allow him to die because 55 million Kenyans will die with him and that if the makanga in reference to Gachagua who is just hanging on the door of the matatu misbehaves, he can go. “If he is not doing his work properly, he is the easiest one to go first, he is the one who should tell the driver what to do, yet they are telling us kufa makanga, kufa dereva, we do not have the impeachment of the driver in this Parliament, the motion we have before is the one for the makanga, we will deal with him perpendicularly and thoroughly,” said Junet.Inari Medical Announces Joint Venture in Greater China
NoneFOSTER CITY, Calif., Dec. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Terns” or the "Company”) (Nasdaq: TERN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a portfolio of small-molecule product candidates to address serious diseases, including oncology and obesity, today announced that it has granted as of December 1, 2024 an equity inducement award to a new employee under the terms of the 2022 Employment Inducement Award Plan, as amended (the "Inducement Plan”). The equity award was approved by the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) and was made as a material inducement to the employee's acceptance of employment with Terns. The Company granted options to purchase 150,000 shares of Terns common stock to the new employee. The options have a 10-year term and an exercise price per share equal to $6.24, which was the closing price of Terns' common stock on November 29, 2024, which was the last trading day prior to the date of grant. The options vest over four years, subject to the employee's continued service through the applicable vesting dates. About Terns Pharmaceuticals Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a portfolio of small-molecule product candidates to address serious diseases, including oncology and obesity. Terns' pipeline contains three clinical stage development programs including an allosteric BCR-ABL inhibitor, a small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, a THR-β agonist, and a preclinical GIPR modulator discovery effort, prioritizing a GIPR antagonist nomination candidate. For more information, please visit: www.ternspharma.com . Contacts for Terns Investors Justin Ng [email protected] Media Jenna Urban Berry & Company Public Relations [email protected]S.Korea political upheaval shows global democracy's fragility - and resilience
AUSTIN, Texas -- Any Texas or Texas A & M player has heard the lore of the rivalry between the two schools, a grudge match that dates to 1894. But for more than a decade — two generations of college football players — that's all it has been: Ghostly memories of great games and great plays made by heroes of the distant past. That changes this week when one of college football's great rivalries is reborn. Third-ranked Texas (10-1, 6-1) and No. 20 Texas A & M (8-3, 5-2) meet Saturday night for the first time since 2011, with a berth in the Southeastern Conference championship game on the line . “Guys that have been in my position and bleed burnt orange, they have not gotten to play this game,” said Texas fourth-year junior safety Michael Taaffe, who grew up in Austin. “Remember them when you step on Kyle Field.” For Aggies fans, who have carried the misery of Texas' 27-25 win in 2011, getting the Longhorns back in front of a frenzied crowd in College Station is a chance for some serious payback. “I was born and raised an Aggie, so I’ve been dreaming about playing in this game my whole life,” Texas A & M offensive lineman Trey Zuhn III said. Zuhn played high school football in Colorado, but his parents and grandparents attended A & M. At SEC media days back in August, Zuhn said his family would turn Texas gear upside down in stores. He keeps a picture of a longhorn in his room, hanging upside down, of course. “It should be the most amazing atmosphere that I’ve ever experienced,” Zuhn said. "I can’t wait for that, and I feel bad for Texas having to play in that." Texas players said they are ready. “That place is going to be rocking,” Texas senior cornerback Jahdae Barron said. “It's good to go on the road and play in hostile environments.” The Longhorns have overcome big and loud road crowds before. They won at Alabama in 2023. They won at Michigan and Arkansas, another old rival, this year. The Longhorns have won 10 in a row on an opponent’s home field. “When the hate is on us, we love it. We enjoy it,” Taaffe said. But some former Texas players say the current group has faced nothing like what awaits them in College Station. Playing at Texas A & M is more than just noise and a lot of “Horns down” hand signals. The “Aggie War Hymn” fight song calls for Aggies to “Saw varsity’s horns off." Beating Texas is their passion, said former Longhorns All-American offensive lineman Dan Neil, who won at Texas A & M in in 1995. He calls that win one of the best of his career. “I was done showering and getting ready to leave, and their fans were still standing outside the locker room screaming and throwing things,” he said. “The (Texas) players have no idea what they are walking into. They have no clue. No one on that team has walked into that stadium in burnt orange.” The rivalry broke up when Texas A & M left the Big 12 for the SEC in 2012. The Aggies have twice finished tied for second but have otherwise found little success there. Texas is in its first year in the SEC and has smashed its way to the top. Texas is the only SEC team with one loss this late in the season, which would make beating Texas that much sweeter for A & M. “The hype is definitely saying it's a rivalry. History says it's a rivalry, but for us, it's the football game we have this week,” Texas senior center Jake Majors said. “It's important for us to not let the environment, the game, get the best of us. ... I get to go out there and play not only for me and my team, but for the guys who came before me, so that's a true honor to have.” Even though the game hasn't been played since 2011, there has always been an element of the rivalry simmering under the surface, Texas A & M coach Mike Elko said. Elko is in his first year as the Aggies' coach, but he was the Texas A & M defensive coordinator under Jimbo Fisher from 2018-2021. “Even though it hasn’t been played, it just doesn’t feel like it’s ever really left the fabric. I really don’t think it’s as removed from the psyche as maybe it feels,” Elko said. “I think our kids are very much aware of what this is all about.” ___ Rieken reported from College Station, Texas. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballSaratoga Springs GOP claims victory in lawsuit against election officialsFianna Fail and Fine Gael eye independent TDs as option to secure Dail majority