
‘Anuja’ Director Adam J. Graves On Creating An Empathetic Tale Of Two Sisters In Oscar-Qualifying ShortSecond Cup dumps Jewish General Hospital franchisee over video with 'hateful remarks'
MONTREAL — Second Cup Canada is cutting ties with a franchisee operating at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital who was allegedly filmed making hateful and antisemitic comments during a protest in the city last week. Second Cup Canada announced Saturday it was cutting ties with a franchisee for “making hateful remarks and gestures,” and adding in a statement the actions breach the franchise agreement as well as inclusion and community values held by the chain. Peter Mammas, CEO of Montreal-based Foodtastic, which owns Second Cup Canada, said in an interview on Sunday that he was at the movies when his phone started pinging non-stop. He saw the videos and the company’s operations staff spoke to employees that knew the woman, and they confirmed it was indeed the franchisee. Video shot during a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside of Concordia University’s downtown Montreal campus Thursday shows a woman walking around, masked, saying the “final solution is coming your way” — wording used to describe a Nazi plan to eliminate Jews in Europe during the Second World War. Another video also shows what appears to be the same woman, unmasked, making a Nazi salute while walking away. “We’re all for free speech and respectful conversations, but this wasn’t that,” Mammas said. “This was hate speech, and it was something that we thought could incite violence and we’re completely against that, so we sat down with our team and decided to revoke the franchise agreement.” Attempts to reach the franchisee were unsuccessful on Sunday. “Second Cup has zero tolerance for hate speech,” the coffee chain said in a statement on X. “In co-ordination with the hospital, we’ve shut down the franchisee’s café and are terminating their franchise agreement.” Mammas said lawyers for the franchisee and Second Cup were expected to meet on Monday. The regional health agency serving West-Central Montreal, which includes the Jewish General Hospital, said it was made aware of the video “containing antisemitic and hateful messaging.” The video is related to a franchisee of Second Cup, one of the private tenants operating within the (Jewish General), Carl Thériault, a spokesman, said in a statement on Sunday. “We fully support Second Cup’s decision to take swift and decisive action in this matter by shutting down the franchisee’s cafés and terminating their lease agreement.” The hospital has two locations operated by the same franchisee and both were shuttered on Saturday by the owners of the chain. The health agency “is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and stands firmly against antisemitism and any other form of discrimination or hate speech,” Thériault said. “We have franchisees who are Muslim, we have franchisees who are Jewish, we have franchisees that are Greek, French, we have employees from all different nations,” Mammas said. “So we definitely have no issue with that and we don’t take any political side, but ... hate speech ... you know we can’t accept that.”WASHINGTON — The Commerce Department's eff orts to curb China's and Russia's access to American-made advanced computer chips have been "inadequate" and will need more funding to stymie their ability to manufacture advanced weapons, according to a new report from the Senate's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. The Biden administration imposed export controls to limit the ability of China and Russia to access U.S.-made chips after Russia's invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago. The agency's Bureau of Industry and Security, according to the report released this week, does not have the resources to enforce export controls and has been too reliant on U.S. chip makers voluntarily complying with the rules. But the push for bolstering Commerce's export control enforcement comes as the incoming Trump administration says it is looking to dramatically reduce the size and scope of federal government. President-elect Donald Trump has tapped entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a new "Department of Government Efficiency" to dismantle parts of the federal government. The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report. BIS's budget, about $191 million, has remained essentially fl at since 2010 when adjusted for infl ation. "While BIS' budget has been stagnant for a decade, the bureau works diligently around the clock to meet its mission and safeguard U.S. national security," Commerce Department spokesperson Charlie Andrews said in a statement in response to the report. Andrews added that with "necessary resources from Congress" the agency would be "better equipped to address the challenges that come with our evolving national security environment." In a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Wednesday, Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, chair of the subcommittee, pointed to an audit of Texas Instruments that showed the Russian military continued to acquire components from Texas Instruments through front companies in Hong Kong to illustrate how the export controls are failing as an eff ective tool. The committee's findings, Blumenthal said, suggest that Texas Instruments "missed clear warning signs" that three companies in its distribution chain had been diverting products to Russia. Texas Instruments did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "While Congress must provide BIS more resources to undertake its critical mission, it is long past time for BIS to make full use of the enforcement powers Congress has conferred upon it and take aggressive steps to cut the fl ow of U.S. semiconductors into the Russian war machine," Blumenthal wrote. It's not just Texas Instruments that's the issue. The subcommittee in September published a report that found aggregated exports from four major U.S. advanced chip manufacturers nearly doubled from 2021 to 2022 to Armenia and Georgia. Both of those countries are home to front companies known to assist Russia in acquiring advanced chips made in the U.S. despite export controls. China, meanwhile, has created "vast, barely disguised smuggling networks which enable it to continue to harness U.S. technology," the subcommittee report asserts. Washington has been gradually expanding the number of companies aff ected by such export controls in China, as President Joe Biden's administration has encouraged an expansion of investments in and manufacturing of chips in the U.S. But Chinese companies have found ways to evade export controls in part because of a lack of China subject matter experts and Chinese speakers assigned to Commerce's export control enforcement. The agency's current budget limits the number of international end-use checks, or physical verification overseas of distributors or companies receiving American-made chips that are the supposed end users of products. Currently, Commerce has only 11 export control officers spread around the globe to conduct such checks. The committee made several recommendations in its report, including Congress allocating more money to hire additional personnel to enforce export controls, imposing larger fines on companies that violate controls and requiring periodic reviews of advanced chip companies' export control plans by outside entities. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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As compared to assessment of 2021, there is an increase of 1445 sq km in the forest and tree cover of the country which includes 156 sq km increase in the forest cover and 1289 sq km in tree cover. The Forest and Tree cover of the country is 8,27,357 sq km which is 25.17 per cent of the geographical area of the country, consisting of 7,15,343 sq km (21.76%) as forest cover and 1,12,014 sq km (3.41%) as tree cover. Advertisement This is as per the findings of the ‘India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023) released today at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun by the Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav released . Advertisement The ISFR is brought out by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) on a biennial basis since 1987. FSI carries out an in-depth assessment of the forest and tree resources of the country based on interpretation of Remote Sensing satellite data and field based National Forest Inventory (NFI), and the results are published in the ISFR. The India State of Forest Report 2023 is 18th such report in the series. Top four states showing maximum increase in forest and tree cover are Chhattisgarh (684 sq km) followed by Uttar Pradesh (559 sq km), Odisha (559 sq km) and Rajasthan (394 sq km). Top three states showing maximum increase in forest cover are Mizoram (242 sq km) followed by Gujarat (180 sq km) and Odisha (152 sq km) .Area wise top three states having largest forest and tree cover are Madhya Pradesh (85,724 sq km) followed by Arunachal Pradesh (67,083 sq km) and Maharashtra (65,383 sq km). The Minister expressed happiness over the fact that as compared to 2021, there is an increase of 1445 sq km in the total forest and tree cover of the country. He also highlighted the near real time fire alerts and forest fire services provided by FSI using advanced technology. The report contains information on forest cover, tree cover, mangrove cover, growing stock, carbon stock in India’s forests, instances of forest fire, Agroforestry, etc. To present a detailed picture of forest health at country level, special thematic information on forest cover and important characteristics of forests have been reported in the ISFR. As per the present assessment, the total Forest and Tree cover is 8,27,357sq km, which is 25.17 percent of the geographical area of the country. The Forest Cover has an area of about 7,15,343sq km (21.76%) whereas the Tree Cover has an area of 1,12,014 sq km (3.41%). Area wise top three states having largest forest cover area are Madhya Pradesh (77,073 sq km) followed by Arunachal Pradesh (65,882 sq km) and Chhattisgarh (55,812 sq km). In terms of percentage of forest cover with respect to total geographical area, Lakshadweep (91.33 percent) has the highest forest cover followed by Mizoram (85.34 percent) and Andaman & Nicobar Island (81.62 percent). The present assessment also reveals that 19 states/UTs have above 33 per cent of the geographical area under forest cover. Out of these, eight states/UTs namely Mizoram, Lakshadweep, A & N Island, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur have forest cover above 75 percent. The total mangrove cover is 4,992 sq km in the country. According to the report, the total growing stock of India’s forest and trees outside forests is estimated as 6430 million cum, of which 4479 million cum is inside the forests and 1951 million cum outside the forest area. There is an increase of 262 million cum of total growing stock as compared to the previous assessment which includes an increase of 91 million cum inside the forest and 171 million cum outside the forest area.The extent of bamboo bearing area for the country has been estimated as 1,54,670sq km. As compared to the last assessment done in 2021 there is an increase of 5,227 sq km in bamboo area. The report says the total annual potential production of timber from trees outside forest has been estimated as 91.51 million cum. In the present assessment total carbon stock in the country’s forest is estimated to be 7,285.5 million tonnes. There is an increase of 81.5 million tonnes in the carbon stock of the country as compared to the last assessment. Regarding status on achievement of target under NDC related to carbon sequestration, the current assessment shows that India’s carbon stock has reached 30.43 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent; which indicates that as compared to the base year of 2005, India has already reached 2.29 billion tonnes of additional carbon sink as against the target of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes by 2030. Advertisement
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Pak Navy inducts offshore patrol vessel Yamama into fleet Vice Admiral highlights additional set of capabilities that PNS YAMAMA brings to Pakistan Navy’s operations Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi (5th right in 1st row) in a group photo along with commissioning crew onboard newly commissioned Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), PNS YAMAMA, at Constanta Port, Romania on December 18, 2024. — Facebook@PakistanNavy ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Navy has commissioned its Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), PNS YAMAMA, at Constanta Port, Romania. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi who was chief guest on the occasion, handed over the traditional Scroll to the Commanding Officer of PNS YAMAMA. Deputy Fleet Commander of the Romanian Navy, Rear Admiral Marian Ciobotaru, and the Ambassador of Pakistan to Romania, Arshad Jaan Pathan, were also present on the occasion. Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Guest emphasized the significance of this project and highlighted the additional set of capabilities that PNS YAMAMA brings to the Pakistan Navy’s sphere of operations. He further stated that these platforms are designed to enhance the full spectrum of the Navy’s maritime operations. Earlier this year, the Pakistan Navy inducted the first ship of OPV Batch II into its fleet on September 6. Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi commended the exceptional professionalism and dedication of DAMEN Shipyards and expressed confidence in the prospects of future cooperation in delivering cutting-edge technologies to the Pakistan Navy.Dalfa Cattle Show from Jan 17 A person holding the leash of a cow. — Facebook@dalfapak/File KARACHI: The fourth edition of the Dalfa Cattle Show will take place from January 17-19 at the Expo Centre here in Karachi. A briefing in this regard was held at the Governor House which was attended by key stakeholders from agriculture and livestock sectors. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); In his message, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori discussed the importance of public-private partnerships for economic stability and urged innovation in the agriculture and livestock sectors. He highlighted that such initiatives are vital for the growth and development of the national economy.CEO of Badar Expo Zohair Naseer, while addressing the event, reflected on the journey of the Dalfa Expo and Cattle Show. He noted, “We started with just 12 exhibitors, and now, with the support of the provincial governments of Sindh and Balochistan, we have grown to over 200 exhibitors.” He further revealed that this year, they aim to target African markets, with over 30 exhibitors from countries such as Nigeria, Senegal, and Ethiopia joining the show. “This will open new opportunities for export to our local sectors,” he added. Senior Joint Director at the State Bank of Pakistan Nadeem Khanzada highlighted that livestock contributes 14 per cent to the national GDP and emphasised on the need to support small farmers. Patron-in-Chief Dalfa Haris Mithani expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the show: “our journey has reached an important milestone. The show plays a crucial role in promoting key sectors of the country that are vital for the national economy.” Mithani acknowledged the contributions of various sectors including dairy, agriculture, livestock, fisheries and advanced technology, which have been instrumental in the success of the event. Vice Chairperson of the Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade (BBoIT) Bilal Khan Kakar announced that the next edition of Dalfa will be hosted in Balochistan, with full support from the provincial government. He stressed that Balochistan, which holds the largest share in the livestock sector, has not yet utilised its full potential, particularly in the blue economy, and the upcoming show will help raise awareness about its significance.Kevin Scheef calls out during Wahoo's Class C-1 boys basketball state tournament game last march at Pinnacle Bank Arena. One of the most successful high school boys basketball coaches in the state is no longer with his program. Kevin Scheef, who won three state championships and nearly 80% of his games at Wahoo, tendered his resignation at Monday night's meeting of the Wahoo school board. The minutes from that meeting are not yet public, but the agenda for Monday's meeting included an item that read "discuss, consider, and take any necessary action on accepting the resignation of Kevin Scheef." Scheef had not been on the bench for any of Wahoo's first four games for what the school termed a "personnel matter". Scheef is listed on the Wahoo public schools website as a business and technology teacher. Junior varsity coach Mike Bomar has served as the interim head coach for Wahoo's first four games. People are also reading... Wahoo is one of the state's most tradition-rich programs, with 12 state titles. The most recent championship came last season in Class C-1. Reach the writer at (402) 473-7436 or cbasnett@journalstar.com . On Twitter @ChrisBasnettLJS. . 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ECC okays summaries for urea subsidy, PM youth loan, SIFC supplementary grant ECC approves creation of pension fund through Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) regulated by SECP Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, chairs the meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) at the Finance Division in Islamabad on December 18, 2024.— PID ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet has approved 16 summaries including sharing the cost of subsidy on imported urea on basis of 50:50 percent, Prime Minister Youth Loan Scheme and technical supplementary grant of SIFC. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); The ECC approved the creation of a pension fund through a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) regulated by the SECP. Rs30 million was authorised as seed money for the NBFC, with Rs1 million approved to meet incorporation expenses. The ECC apparoved inclusion of tier 4 in the Cabinet-approved portfolio of the PM’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme (PMYBALS). Under tier 4, all loans will be term loans only, with an end-user rate of 0% on a first-loss basis on the disbursed portfolio. The scheme has a budgetary allocation of Rs8.6 billion for the current fiscal year. Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, chaired the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet meeting. The committee reviewed a summary submitted by the Ministry of Commerce regarding the sharing of subsidies on imported urea on a 50:50 basis. It approved the release of Rs10 billion to the ministry for immediate settlement of outstanding dues related to imported urea subsidies. The decision aims to alleviate the financial burden and ensure smooth and timely availability of urea to meet agricultural needs. The ECC further directed the provinces to fulfil their share of subsidy payments, emphasising equitable cost-sharing among all stakeholders. The ECC approved a proposal regarding the establishment of the Siah Dik Copper Project in District Chagai, Balochistan, submitted by the Ministry of Industries and Production. It approved the declaration of Private Export Processing Zone (Saindak EPZ), under Section 9A, read with Section (k) of the Ordinance. The decision aims to facilitate development and export potential of the mineral sector in the region. The ECC approved a TSG amounting to Rs2,022,857,991 (approx. US$7,276,468) for the Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP) NADRA, as surrendered by the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecom for the year 2024-25 in favour of the interior ministry. The ECC reiterated its previous decision regarding a quota ratio local/imported wheat for the remaining months of the current fiscal year at subsidised rates. The ECC approved a proposal from the Ministry of Law and Justice to transfer funds amounting to Rs21,250,000 to the Islamabad High Court, Islamabad, through a Technical Supplementary Grant for the repair and maintenance works of the buildings of the IHC. The ECC approved the restructuring plan for PRAL (Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited). It also decided on a revised financial flow and budgeting mechanism, including the opening of selected cost centres and the diversion of current year funding in consultation with the secretary finance. The provision of Rs3.7 billion as the TSG for the current financial year 2024-25 was approved. The ECC approved the Finance Division’s proposal for the arrangement of rupee cover amounting to Rs10 billion. This includes adjustments from the current side budgetary allocation for the current fiscal year, with US$105.5 million allocated for the Water Infrastructure Project (WIF), funded by ADB and US$137 million for the Flood Impact Infrastructure Project (FIIP), funded by the World Bank. Chairing the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet, the minister for finance and revenue provided the participants an overview of the economic landscape, underscoring the government’s efforts to implement policies aimed at bolstering economic stability and ensuring sustainable growth. He highlighted the progress made towards economic stability, the continued improvement in various economic sectors and government’s firm resolve to maintain and accelerate this momentum. Aurangzeb emphasised that the positive trends observed in economic indicators reflect the effectiveness of the government’s targeted measures and commitment to steering the country towards greater prosperity. A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the most recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which recorded a significant drop to 4.9 percent in November 2024. This represents the lowest level of inflation since April 2018, when CPI stood at 3.96 percent. The decline in CPI reflects the government’s success in managing inflationary pressures and restoring price stability, particularly for essential commodities. The ECC was also briefed on the substantial reduction in the prices of several essential goods and services. Among the items that have seen price drops are wheat flour, chilli powder, diesel, petrol, pulses, onions, basmati rice, electricity charges, sugar, plain bread, tea, soap, chicken, eggs, tomatoes, garlic, firewood, and salt. These reductions are seen as critical measures that have eased the financial burden on the common man and strengthened the purchasing power of the population. Finance Minister Aurangzeb appreciated the efforts of stakeholders as prices of chicken have dropped by Rs49 per kg (from Rs383 to Rs334), gram pulse Rs31per kg (from Rs411 to Rs380) and Mash pulse to Rs20 per kg (from Rs528 to Rs508) during the last four weeks. The chair also directed the National Price Monitoring Committee and provincial governments to ensure a smooth supply of essential items as well as corrective measures regarding undue price hikes. The minister reiterated that the government remains fully committed to ensuring that the positive trajectory of economy continues. He emphasized that the government’s fiscal policies, including effective management of public finances, trade and energy sectors, have contributed significantly to an improvement in these indicators. He also reassured the public and business community that the government would remain focused on addressing inflation, stabilising the currency and improving domestic production. During the meeting, it was noted that while the country is experiencing a period of economic stability, continued efforts are required to maintain this progress. The government plans to enhance economic diversification, invest in key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing and infrastructure, and pursue reforms to strengthen the financial system. The ECC also acknowledged the critical role of public-private partnerships in achieving long-term economic growth and job creation. It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ongoing reforms and stabilisation measures aimed at ensuring economic growth and improving the living standards of the people. The ECC would continue to closely monitor developments and take proactive steps to safeguard economic stability and foster sustainable growth. The finance minister expressed optimism that the progress made so far would serve as a foundation for future successes, as the government remains dedicated to building a prosperous and stable Pakistan.Libra - (23rd September to 22nd October) Daily Horoscope Prediction says, balance and Harmony Guide Your Day Your diplomatic nature shines today, creating harmony in relationships and fostering success in professional endeavors. Keep an eye on your well-being. Today, your natural charm and ability to mediate are highlighted, offering you the chance to smooth over any tensions. While your love life may see positive changes, stay focused at work as new opportunities arise. Financially, be cautious with spending. Make sure to prioritize your health, and remember to balance work and relaxation. Libra Love Horoscope Today: In matters of the heart, today brings an opportunity to deepen your connection with your partner. Open communication will allow for greater understanding and compassion between you. If you're single, don't be surprised if someone intriguing crosses your path. This is a good time to strengthen bonds and explore new possibilities in relationships. Being open-minded and genuine will lead to meaningful interactions and, potentially, romantic growth. Libra Career Horoscope Today: Your diplomatic skills at work will prove valuable today, allowing you to navigate any conflicts that may arise with ease. This is an ideal time to tackle group projects or negotiate deals, as your ability to communicate effectively is heightened. New opportunities might present themselves, so stay alert and ready to seize them. Your hard work and dedication could catch the eye of superiors, paving the way for future advancements in your career. Libra Money Horoscope Today: It's important to be cautious with your finances today. While you might feel tempted to indulge in some luxuries, consider focusing on long-term savings instead. Reviewing your budget and cutting unnecessary expenses could provide a clearer picture of your financial standing. If you've been considering investments, take the time to research and seek advice before making any decisions. Financial prudence now will lay the foundation for a more secure future. Libra Health Horoscope Today: Your well-being should be a top priority today. Balancing work and relaxation is key to maintaining your health. Consider incorporating a relaxing activity, like yoga or meditation, into your routine to help manage stress. Pay attention to your diet and ensure you're nourishing your body with healthy choices. If you feel fatigued, don't hesitate to take a break and recharge. Taking care of yourself now will contribute to your overall happiness and vitality. Libra Sign Attributes Strength: Idealist, socially presentable, Aesthetic, Charming, Artsy, Generous Weakness: Uncertain, Lazy, Non-interventionist Symbol: Scales Element: Air Body Part: Kidneys & Bladder Sign Ruler: Venus Lucky Day: Friday Lucky Color: Brown Lucky Number: 3 Lucky Stone: Diamond Libra Sign Compatibility Chart Natural affinity: Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius, Aquarius Good compatibility: Aries, Libra Fair compatibility: Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, Pisces Less compatibility: Cancer, Capricorn By: Dr. J. N. Pandey Vedic Astrology & Vastu Expert Website: www.astrologerjnpandey.com E-mail: djnpandey@gmail.com Phone: 91-9811107060 (WhatsApp Only)AP Trending SummaryBrief at 3:36 p.m. EST