FILE PHOTO – Matthew Wright. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.netGames Monday(Taipei Peace Basketball Hall)ADVERTISEMENT Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next “We wanted to take care of the ball and make sure that we defended better,” coach Chot Reyes said. “And we did that tonight.”Gilas had just seven turnovers and clamped down on the Taiwanese, playing more intelligent defense by giving up just 19 free throws. Against the Canadians, Gilas had 23 errors and yielded 40 free throws.Kiefer Ravena started out at the point and orchestrated with great effect for Gilas, which looked a lot more composed and refused to be ruffled by the boisterous hometown crowd.Ravena hit a shot clock-beating triple with 3:17 to play that made it 80-69 as the gritty Filipinos wrapped it all up to take a winning feeling going into a clash with Chinese Taipei B at 3 p.m. on Monday.The scores:GILAS PILIPINAS 88 – Wright 17, Standhardinger 17, Ravena 15, Pogoy 10, Myers 9, Cruz 6, Ferrer 5, Tolomia 4, Jalalon 3, Parks 2, Belo 0, Paras 0.CHINESE TAIPEI A 72 – Zheng 16, Po 14, Yi 13, Davis 11, Cheng 6, Long 5, Yi-Jie 4, Zhi 0, Huan 0.Quarters: 23-22, 47-40, 68-60, 88-72. Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. 7 p.m. – Chinese Taipei A vs IndiaTAIPEI – Addressing all the problems it had the night before, Gilas Pilipinas came out a much better team on Sunday and tore Chinese Taipei A to shreds, 88-72, for its first win in the 39th Jones Cup Invitational carved out in front of a very hostile crowd at Taipei Peace Basketball Hall here.Matthew Wright and Christian Standhardinger did the damage on the Taiwanese in different phases of the game, finishing with 17 points each with the 6-foot-7 Fil-German winding up with 15 rebounds in a truly impressive outing.Team Philippines improved to 1-1 and totally put the stigma of a lukewarm debut against Canada behind.Wright scored 14 points in the first half and set the shooting tone for the Filipinos, who played much better compared to a losing effort in their debut on Saturday as Gilas got back in the title hunt.ADVERTISEMENT Ethel Booba on hotel’s clarification that ‘kikiam’ is ‘chicken sausage’: ‘Kung di pa pansinin, baka isipin nila ok lang’ Hotel says PH coach apologized for ‘kikiam for breakfast’ claim LATEST STORIES National Coffee Research Development and Extension Center brews the 2nd National Coffee Education Congress FEU Auditorium’s 70th year celebrated with FEU Theater Guild’s ‘The Dreamweavers’ Trump strips away truth with hunky topless photo tweet Church, environmentalists ask DENR to revoke ECC of Quezon province coal plant MOST READ Lacson: SEA Games fund put in foundation like ‘Napoles case’ 11 a.m. – Atletas All-Stars Lithuania vs Japan1 p.m. – Iraq vs Canada 150FEATURED STORIESSPORTSSEA Games: Biñan football stadium stands out in preparedness, completionSPORTSPrivate companies step in to help SEA Games hostingSPORTSWin or don’t eat: the Philippines’ poverty-driven, world-beating pool stars3 p.m. – Gilas Pilipinas vs Chinese Taipei B5 p.m. – Iran vs South Korea GALLERY: Ateneo tops La Salle in Battle of the Rivals El Nido residents told to vacate beach homes Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss PLAY LIST 02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games01:44Philippines marks anniversary of massacre with calls for justice01:19Fire erupts in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City01:07Trump talks impeachment while meeting NCAA athletes02:49World-class track facilities installed at NCC for SEA Games View comments
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CWG: BJP lambasts PM, Sonia over Kalmadi appointment
The BJP on Tuesday launched a frontal attack on the government over the CWG mess, saying the prime minister must answer why Suresh Kalmadi was appointed the Organising Committee chief. “Prime Minister Manmohan Singh must answer why Kalmadi was appointed the OC chief. He is silent, because Kalmadi has the backing of Congress president Sonia Gandhi,” BJP president Nitin Gadkari told a rally of the BJP Yuva Morcha in Delhi. Sonia and Manmohan must respond to charges, Gadkari said, adding, the government knows that if action is taking against Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, the prime minister will be in next in the line of fire. “The Congress has become Lakshmi darshan party now. I want to ask Sonia why after the CAG report indicting Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit, no action was taken. This is because after Sheila, Manmohan Singh’s number will come,” Gadkari said, adding, “Sheila Dikshit must quit office immediately.” Gadkari’s comments come in the wake of reports that the prime minister had overruled the PMO’s recommendation for appointing Sunil Dutt as the OC chief, picking the sacked OC chief ahead of the former sports minister. – With inputs from Headlines Today
Proven ‘winner’ Alex Mallari brings leadership to table at Phoenix
Private companies step in to help SEA Games hosting SEA Games: Biñan football stadium stands out in preparedness, completion MANILA, Philippines—It cannot be denied that Alex Mallari has a wealth of experience in his relatively young PBA career.ADVERTISEMENT Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Nikola Vucevic leads Magic over Bulls in Mexico City SEA Games: Biñan football stadium stands out in preparedness, completion Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Is Luis Manzano planning to propose to Jessy Mendiola? Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles00:50Trending Articles00:59Sports venues to be ready in time for SEA Games02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games01:44Philippines marks anniversary of massacre with calls for justice01:19Fire erupts in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City01:07Trump talks impeachment while meeting NCAA athletes02:49World-class track facilities installed at NCC for SEA Games02:11Trump awards medals to Jon Voight, Alison Krauss MOST READ
Mallari was drafted third overall pick in the 2012 PBA Draft by Petron but was not able to complete a full season with the Blaze Boosters and he was dealt to sister team San Mig Coffee.But it was in Magnolia that Mallari blossomed into one of the finest role players as an off guard leading to four straight titles including the Grand Slam.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSPrivate companies step in to help SEA Games hostingSPORTSSEA Games: Biñan football stadium stands out in preparedness, completionSPORTSUrgent reply from Philippine football chiefAnd it’s this quality that got Phoenix head coach Louie Alas’s attention when the Fuel Masters traded for Mallari.“Mallari’s a veteran and he’s a winner,” said Alas Thursday at Gatorade Hoops Center during the PBA Draft Combine. TS Kammuri to enter PAR possibly a day after SEA Games opening Mallari was traded to the Kia franchise in 2016 and was then dealt to NLEX where he averaged 6.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in the Governors’ Cup.For the 6-foot-4 wingman, getting Alas’ nod not just through his play but also for his experience immediately gave him a bit of pressure to contribute to the Fuel Masters.“That’s a lot of pressure I guess, I value that stuff coming from him,” said Mallari. “I had a little bit of leadership experience with Kia so it shouldn’t be new to me, I can give them that. I’m just here to do my job.”Mallari already owns four titles, and that’s four more than what the Phoenix franchise has, but he’s also excited with paying with Calvin Abueva and Matthew Wright.“The first thing I thought about was Calvin and everything he brings,” said Mallari. “He has this unorthodox wild chaotic play. I’m actually excited to play with Matt and the new guys and they’ve got a lot of talent for sure.”ADVERTISEMENT View comments LOOK: Joyce Pring goes public with engagement to Juancho Triviño Lacson: 2019 budget delay due to P75-B House ‘insertion’ Hotel management clarifies SEAG footballers’ kikiam breakfast issue LATEST STORIES
Colombia 3, Greece 0
UPDATE: Greece lost to favored Columbia 3-0 in the World Cup match on June 14.BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil — Overcoming solidly defensive teams like Greece has never been the forte of South American teams, which thrive on attractive football.Consequently, Colombia coach Jose Pekerman sees the main challenge for his players in their World Cup opener June 14 as respecting the way Greece plays.Colombia, taking part in its first World Cup since 1998, boasts a strong attacking lineup despite Radamel Falcao’s exclusion. While Pekerman doesn’t want to sacrifice Colombia’s aesthetic style, he wants his team to play with equilibrium.He also hopes his players won’t get frustrated at Greece’s tactics.“Traditionally, South American teams have a hard time against these types of opponents (which) play with a lot of determination and a mentality that say ‘we play this way and we can get a result,’” Pekerman said.Teams like Greece, “They’re not bothered when others say to them, ‘Why don’t you play another way?’” he added. “Their style is well-defined and they are proud of it. Because of this, they are very strong.”However, the notion that his Greek team would focus primarily on defense seemed to offend coach Fernando Santos.“The most important thing is the whole team,” he said. “If we only play defense, we will lose. In football, you don’t play with four people (defenders). You need strikers, midfielders.“My team is going to play to win. I think Colombia will do the same. That’s what I expect: both teams trying to win.”Colombia and Greece both trained at Mineirao Stadium on June 13 in Belo Horizonte, which will host the Group C opener. Before Colombia’s session, the players formed a circle on the pitch and prayed.Pekerman said his team had become “a family” after Colombia was dealt a number of setbacks before travelling to Brazil.Falcao, the team’s star forward who scored nine goals in qualifying, was cut from the squad last week after failing to recover in time from a serious knee injury. Center back Luis Perea was also dropped because of a thigh injury. Then, midfielder Aldo Ramirez was sent home with a foot injury days after Pekerman announced his final squad.“Like all families, we deal with problems and work on finding a solution,” said Pekerman, adding that Falcao and Perea would be in Brazil to support the team. “The injuries are in the past.”Colombia will also be without suspended midfielder Fredy Guarin for the first match.Falcao’s injury came shortly after Colombia qualified and the team hasn’t had many international friendlies since then to experiment with how the other strikers, including Carlos Bacca, Teofilo “Teo” Gutierrez and Jackson Martinez, link up with main playmaker James Rodriguez.“We hope (the strikers) adapt as quickly as possible,” Pekerman said. “There isn’t time for more tests. Whoever is selected must do important things.”Greece considers Colombia as the toughest team in the group, which also includes Japan and Ivory Coast. Greece will be relying on veterans like Costas Katsouranis and captain Giorgos Karagounis, who were part of the team that won the 2004 European Championship.The 37-year-old Karagounis, playing in his last tournament, also didn’t appreciate Greece being defined as a defensive team.“We are concerned about how to score, and then how to defend our goal. It’s as simple as that,” he said. Colombia “should also be concerned about defending their own goal.”(FRANK GRIFFITHS) TweetPinShare0 Shares
Ted Bishop Out As PGA President
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Georgia — Ted Bishop was never afraid to take a risk or share his strong opinions on any subject during his 23 months as President of the PGA of America. Ultimately, that wound up costing him his job.Bishop became the first PGA President to be removed from office, and he went down swinging.He said the PGA officers asked him to resign morning over his sexist comments on social media directed at Ian Poulter. Bishop refused, wanting to apologize in person to the PGA Board of Directors and let the process run its course. It turned out to be a short trip.“The board heard me out and then voted to impeach me,” Bishop said. “That is the due process and I respect that, as painful as it might be.”Bishop was irritated by remarks Poulter made in his book on the Ryder Cup captaincy of Nick Faldo in 2008 and Tom Watson this year.He referred to Poulter as “Lil Girl” on Twitter when stacking up Poulter’s feats next to Faldo. In a Facebook post, he noted that Watson (with eight majors) and Faldo (with six majors and the Ryder Cup record for most points) were getting “bashed” by Poulter.“Really? Sounds like a little school girl squealing during recess. C’MON MAN!” he wrote. The board voted to remove him, and the punishment was severe.Along with losing his job, Bishop lost privileges afforded all past Presidents, such as honorary roles at future PGA Championships and Ryder Cups.Bishop had only 29 days left on his two-year term before the next election at the PGA annual meeting in Indianapolis, not far from the Legends Golf Club in Franklin, Indiana, where he works. “Today, all I have left is my PGA membership and that will always mean the world to me,” Bishop said.In deciding to oust Bishop, the board said the remarks were inconsistent with the association’s policies.“The PGA of America understands the enormous responsibility it has to lead this great game and to enrich lives in our society through golf,” PGA Chief Executive Pete Bevacqua said in a statement.“We must demand of ourselves that we make golf both welcoming and inclusive to all who want to experience it, and everyone at the PGA of America must lead by example,” he said.The PGA of America has 27,000 members, about 1,100 of them women. Bevacqua said in a telephone interview that he received “a lot of negative feedback from all types of sources, internal and external.” He declined to specify whether PGA female members were part of that.Bishop apologized to Poulter and “anyone else I might have offended.”“This is a classic example of poor use of social media on my part and if I had the chance to hit the delete button on the things that I sent out yesterday, I would without hesitation,” Bishop said.“The PGA of America asked me to avoid any interaction with the media in the past 24 hours and that is why I did not issue a formal and public apology, which I have wanted to do since early this morning.”Derek Sprague, expected to be voted in as the next President at the Nov. 22 annual meeting, was appointed the Interim President. Paul Levy will handle the roles as vice president and secretary until the election.Suzy Whaley, a teaching pro from Connecticut who qualified to play a PGA Tour event in the Hartford area in 2003, is among three PGA members running for Secretary at the Nov. 22 election. If she wins, Whaley would be in line to be PGA President in 2018.Whaley said she found Bishop’s remarks to be “insulting.”“I was extremely disappointed and they were definitely sexist,” Whaley said in a telephone interview. “I’m of 100 percent belief that we need to empower young girls.” Asked if she complained to the PGA officers, Whaley said, “I didn’t have to do that.“The PGA of America took incredibly swift action and are taking this extremely serious. Obviously, it’s critical that we are inclusive.”Poulter was on a plane to China when Bishop posted his remarks and wasn’t aware of them until he landed and found his phone filled with messages.“Is being called a ‘lil girl’ meant to be derogatory or a put down?” Poulter said. “That’s pretty shocking and disappointing, especially coming from the leader of the PGA of America.”Bishop’s boldest move was to pick Watson as the U.S. captain, saying he was tired of the Americans losing. But the move backfired when Watson’s heavy-handed style didn’t mesh with a younger generation. Watson, 65, was the oldest captain in Ryder Cup history.Poulter in his book said that Watson’s decision-making “completely baffles me.” He was referring to Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley being benched for both sessions.He also was critical of Faldo for his commentary on Golf Channel during the Ryder Cup that Sergio Garcia was “useless” in 2008. Faldo was captain of the only European team to lose in the last 15 years, and Poulter wrote, “So who’s useless? I think Faldo might need to have a little look in the mirror.”Davis Love III described Bishop as a friend and a “great supporter of golf” and said he would not remember his Presidency for this incident. Among other things, the PGA joined up with the LPGA Tour to help pay for its oldest major. The Women’s PGA Championship will be sponsored by KPMG, which will use the week to host a major conference for women executives.“I have said things in my passion for the Ryder Cup that I wish came out differently,” Love said. “We all make mistakes on social media.”(DOUG FERGUSON, AP Golf Writer)TweetPinShare0 Shares
Ponting, Lehmann baffled by ‘bizarre’ Maxwell Test snub
Sydney, Sept 12 (AFP) Batting all-rounder Glenn Maxwell’s “bizarre” failure to make the Australia Test squad for their tour against Pakistan left former captain Ricky Ponting and ex-coach Darren Lehmann baffled Wednesday. Selectors named five uncapped players ahead of Maxwell for the two-Test tour in the United Arab Emirates next month, despite the Victorian being one of the fastest scorers in world cricket with a handy off-spin option. Coach Justin Langer said the 29-year-old needed regular big scores to be in contention, but Ponting questioned why he was not given the opportunity to do just that on the ongoing Australia A tour of India. “If I was Maxi I’d be thinking, ‘why didn’t you give me the chance to actually go there (to India) and push my case to get myself into the team?” he told cricket.com.au. “That’s all a bit bizarre to me. If I was Maxi and I hadn’t been given the chance to play for Australia A, I’d be ropeable.” In contrast, uncapped batsmen Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head were taken to India and rewarded with a spot in the 15-man Test squad. While Head is Australia’s leading run-scorer on that tour, Labuschagne hasn’t faired so well with an average of barely 24. “I’m not sure what the message is, but it’s a bit confusing to me,” added Ponting. Lehmann, who Langer replaced after their scandal-plagued tour of South Africa earlier this year, was also baffled at Maxwell’s treatment, noting that he had performed well in sub-continental conditions before.advertisement “I would have picked him,” he told Macquarie Sports Radio. “It was a tough one with Glenn, he made a ton the last time they toured India and he made a lot of runs in the Sheffield Shield. He plays spin quite well and it was an interesting decision.” Lehmann suggested selectors were looking to the future as they work to turn a corner after the ball-tampering row in South Africa that saw Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft suspended. “They see (Travis) Head and young Marnus (Labuschagne) from Queensland as real long-term prospects,” he said. Despite missing out — along with middle order batsmen Peter Handscomb and Joe Burns — national selector Trevor Hohns said the door was not completely closed. “All three remain on our radar for Test cricket, but we want them to perform for their states and continue to push their case ahead of what is going to be a big Australian summer,” he said. (AFP) ATKATK
Report: Frankfurt 0 Bayern Munich 1
Eintracht Frankfurt 0 Bayern Munich 1: Vidal strikes again as goalkeeper crisis deepens Alex Fisher 00:26 12/10/17 
Getty Images Bayern Munich extended their lead at the top of the Bundesliga with a hard-earned 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Arturo Vidal’s fourth goal in as many Bundesliga games was enough to secure a 1-0 victory for Bayern Munich over Eintracht Frankfurt, but worryingly for the league leaders their goalkeeping crisis deepened.Vidal ghosted in at the back post to head home Joshua Kimmich’s cross after 20 minutes at the Commerzbank-Arena to continue his goalscoring streak, ultimately ensuring Bayern will top the table at Christmas for a record 23rd year.The Chile international’s day ended early, though, as he was substituted after 55 minutes, Vidal having avoided a second booking moments earlier for a foul on Marius Wolf. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player Vidal’s match-winning header was Bayern’s only effort on target in the opening half, and with Robert Lewandowski confined to a cameo role they continued to struggle after the restart.Frankfurt had the better of the second period but like their illustrious visitors they offered little in the final third and failed to stretch Tom Starke on his first outing since coming out of retirement after Manuel Neuer’s foot injury in September.The hosts were briefly reduced to 10 men when Wolf was sent off after 73 minutes but the decision was changed to a yellow after consultation with VAR.It did not do Frankfurt any good, though, as Bayern extended their lead at the summit to eight points.Arturo #Vidal’s first-half strike makes it official: #FCBayern will top the #Bundesliga table at Christmas for a record 23rd year! #SGEFCB pic.twitter.com/jGKPXUTcR4— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) December 9, 2017Having made five changes from their win over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, Bayern were forced into another before kick-off as Sven Ulreich suffered an adductor problem in the warm-up.That gave veteran Starke his 100th Bundesliga appearance, and he made a confidence-boosting early save to deny Ante Rebic.As the snow came down Frankfurt employed a high-pressing game but when they slacked off after 20 minutes Bayern capitalised. A poor headed clearance from a right-wing corner dropped back to Kimmich and, with no challenge forthcoming, the full-back floated a sublime cross to the back post for Vidal to nod in.Tackles, goals, assists – is there anything @kingarturo23 can’t do? #SGEFCB pic.twitter.com/0u5536t4JE— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) December 9, 2017Kimmich – featuring for Bayern for the 100th time – was proving a thorn in Frankfurt’s side and another surging run led to Kingsley Coman lashing just wide.With half-time approaching Starke ensured Bayern’s lead remained intact with a routine save from Jetro Willems, Frankfurt having fashioned the chance for the wing-back with a training-ground free-kick routine.A lazy Vidal challenge on Wolf enraged the home fans eight minutes after the restart but referee Harm Osmers opted not to show a second yellow card.The demand for a red card was met 17 minutes from time but Wolf was the recipient after a clumsy challenge from behind on James Rodriguez.However, Osmers consulted the video technology and reversed his decision, giving the winger a reprieve.Even the introduction of leading goalscorer Lewandowski failed to produce a second goal for the visitors, but it mattered little as they secured a hard-earned three points to capitalise on RB Leipzig’s draw at home to Mainz. read more
India belongs to all citizens: President Kovind in Republic Day speech | Full text
India Today Web Desk New DelhiJanuary 25, 2019UPDATED: January 25, 2019 20:04 IST President Ram Nath Kovind said: India belongs to each of us and to all of us – every group and every community, every region and every identity. It belongs to every citizen and every individual. (Photo: Screengrab of Doordarshan)President Ram Nath Kovind delivered his address to the nation on the eve of the Republic Day today. In his speech, the President said that the recent decision of extending 10 per cent reservation to the poor families among the upper castes is a step towards realising the India of our dreams.He said 2019 will be an important year for India because the country will vote in the general elections. The President said election is not just a political exercise and termed voting as a sacred act.Here is the full text of the President’s speech:My greetings to all of you on the eve of our 70th Republic Day! This is an occasion to commemorate the values of our democracy and Republic. This is an occasion to reaffirm our commitment to liberty, fraternity and equality across our society and among all our citizens. And above all, this is an occasion to celebrate India and the spirit of being Indian.Every Republic Day is precious and every day in the life of our Republic is precious. Yet this year is a little extra special. On October 2, we will mark the 150th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, who led us – and who inspired oppressed societies in Asia, Africa and elsewhere – to freedom from colonial rule.Gandhiji remains the moral compassof our Republic; his teachings are still the touchstone to measure our policies and initiatives. His 150th anniversary is not for India alone; it is a joy to be shared with the world.advertisementA few weeks after Gandhiji’s birthday, on November 26, we will mark the 70th anniversary of the adoption of our Constitution. This enlightened and far-reaching document laid the foundations of our Republic.It was the work of men and women of principle and patriotism – the members of the Constituent Assembly. In particular, we recall the role ofBabasaheb Dr BhimraoAmbedkar, who chaired the Drafting Committee. In his honour, and in our Constitution’s honour, the nation will celebrate Constitution Day this year in an appropriate manner.The values that shaped Indian independence and that continue to shape our Republic – the values inculcatedin our democracy and our Constitution- are also the values that uphold the supremacy of the people of India.This year, the people of India – each one of us – have another responsibility: of voting in the general election and electing the 17thLok Sabha. The ideas and idealism of our democracy will come into full force. Once more, as we do every five years, voters will deliver their verdict and write their destiny.This year’s election will be the first when voters born in the 21st century will contribute to electing a new Lok Sabha.An election is not just a political exercise. An election is a collective call to wisdom and a collective call to action. It represents a renewal and a recommitment to the goals and hopes of a shared and egalitarian society. It represents the diverse and yet singular urges of the people and the Republic of India.This makes the very act of voting a sacred act. Please perform this act. Who the voter chooses to vote for is up to him or her, I would only request all eligible voters to go out and vote. Our country is at a key juncture. In some respects this is as critical and formative a period as the late 1940s and early 1950s.Decisions and actions of today will shape the India of the remainder of the 21st century. As such, this is not just a once-in-a-generation moment – it is a once-in-a-century moment.Having said that, let us remember that this election is only a milestone in the journey towards fulfilling the aspirations of our people and building a developed India. India is at the doorstep of eliminating extreme poverty for the first time in memory.A programme of universal and equitable healthcare has begun to be rolled out. Affordable medicines and medical devices and implants are becoming a reality for more and more sections of our people. A greater number of Indians than ever previously have access to proper housing, with modern sanitation and electricity.Connectivity – in the form of ports and inland waterways, upgraded railways and new metro services, national highways and rural roads, cost-effective air services to the interiors of India, and of course the surge in mobile phones and data access – is bringing us together as never before. India has been united and integrated -now it is being networked.advertisementLeapfrogging technologies and leapfrogging enlightenment are empowering our farmers and equipping our soldiers. They are enabling our traditionally deprived fellow citizens and educating our daughters and our sons.They are exciting the entrepreneurial energies and the infectious start-up culture that has made our younger generation and our India the focus of world attention and admiration.Fellow CitizensIn my travels across the country and my engagements with all sections of our society, I have sensed appreciation for such efforts and such hard-won advance.This is more so in the perception of senior generations that have lived through and strived to overcome the shortage economy. In area after area, commodity after commodity, we have converted difficulty into availability. We have done this step-by-step and year-by-year.And yet whether in foodgrains or LPG cylinders, telephone connections or even the ability to get a passport, change is apparent and change is visible. In many cases, technology has been a force multiplier. And in all cases, inclusiveness has been a moral multiplier.No conception of India’s development can be complete without a salute to our spirit of inclusiveness – of access and opportunity for all; of an expansion and an embrace of those whom we consider our own.This country belongs to each of us and to all of us – every group and every community, every region and every identity. It belongs to every citizen and every individual. India’s pluralism is its greatest strength and its greatest example to the world.The “Indian model” rests on a tripod of diversity, democracy and development. We cannot choose one above the other; we must have all three and we will have all three.The best indicator of social change in India is change towards gender equity and towards providing equal opportunities, under conditions of equality, to every girl child and every woman. In my experience, when given the chance, our daughters tend to not just equal but outperform our sons in the classroom.Young women in our country are moving ahead in every field – from academics to the creative arts, from sports to the armed forces. There is no stopping and no hesitation in this process. It is the route to India’s future.Fellow CitizensOur Republic has come a long way and we must appreciate how far successive generations have brought us. Equally, we must appreciate that our voyage is far from complete.There are still waters to cover, still gaps to fill and still tears to wipe. We have to recalibrate our yardstick of achievement and success – from quantity to quality; from a literate society to a knowledge society; from a nation that has room for all segments and all communities to a family that invokes, encourages and celebrates the uniqueness and potentialin each person – each daughter and each son.In his book “India of My Dreams”, Mahatma Gandhi wrote of an India where the poorest will have an “effective voice”, where there will be no “high class and low class”, where “all communities shall live in perfect harmony”, and where “women will enjoy the same rights as men”.advertisementThese ideals are a constant reminder of the India that we are building. In this context, the recent constitutional amendment to provide special facilities for talented children from poorer families is another step to an India of our dreams – and of Gandhiji’s dreams.The human experience is built on partnerships. Partnerships at home build a family. Partnerships at work build a business. Partnerships of different stakeholders build society.Partnerships of the government and the people build our nation. And partnerships of nations build a better world. In this manner partnerships are the thread knitting together family, nation and world – and leading to the treatment of the World as a Family: VasudhaivaKutumbakam.Partnerships are enhanced by open communication, honest conversation and unstinted compassion. This is true with members of our families. This is also true with sections or groups that have been historically disadvantaged and whose grievances must continue to be heard and addressed.It is important to create avenues for such conversations, even if they are inconvenient. In a society experiencing rapid change, we must be prepared for such conversations.And similarly we must be alive to the need for compassion – to those less privileged than us and tothe differently-abled, for example.Our society has shown great regard for those, whether individuals or institutions, who devote themselves to people’s welfare and go beyond the call of duty.The concept of seva, of devotion to public service and to the broadening of the ambit of justice, must get its due. Well-intentioned contributions of individuals, of groups of people, of institutions, whether public or private, of society at large, or for that matter of the government, must be acknowledged and appreciated.These are guiding principles for us at home as well as abroad. These are guiding principles that shape India’s global approach – whether in peace-keeping, climate change mitigation, development partnerships, or humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. These are earning India a new respect in the international system.These are the principles, I would stress, that are at the root of our Republic. Our Republic’s vision is that of reaching democratic goals by democratic means, pluralistic goals by pluralistic means, enlightened goals by enlightened means, inclusive goals by inclusive means, compassionate goals by compassionate means – and constitutional goals by constitutional means.May those principles always illuminate our path! After all, “We, the People ” gave ourselves this Constitution and “We, the People ” are the custodians and upholders of its principles.With those words, I once again wish all of you a happy Republic Day.For sports news, updates, live scores and cricket fixtures, log on to indiatoday.in/sports. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for Sports news, scores and updates.Get real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from Post your comment Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn’t like in the comments Posted byMukesh Rawat India belongs to all citizens: President Kovind in Republic Day speech | Full textIn his speech, the President said that the recent decision of extending 10 per cent reservation to the poor families among the upper castes is a step towards realising the India of our dreams.advertisement
Five-Year Strategic Plan Expected from ACCP Conference
President of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP), Michael DaSilva, said a five-year strategic plan should emerge from their five-day conference, being held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James. President of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP), Michael DaSilva, said a five-year strategic plan should emerge from their five-day conference, being held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James.Speaking with JIS News following the opening on April 30, Mr. DaSilva outlined that there will be three operational areas of focus – reducing violent crimes, increasing border security and cybersecurity, and enhancing police legitimacy.“These efforts will be underpinned by a fourth priority – to improve our business process, so that we can enhance our ability to support our members and contribute to policing improvements in the region,” Mr. DaSilva added.He said globalisation and technological advancement have caused critical changes in society, forcing law-enforcement teams to reassess areas that have given rise to crime across the region.“Issues such as Internet fraud, child exploitation, compromised data, identity theft and infiltration of social media misconducts have made crime-fighting more complex. People have become more radical, and citizens have more avenues to participate in violent and illegal extremism of crime,” he shared.Mr. DaSilva further noted that the increase in international travel, global tourism and Internet access have placed strain on the management and control of criminal activities and border security.“The development of the strategic plan has been facilitated by Ernst and Young and the plan will guide and drive the work of the ACCP to ensure that we are using our resources to full effect, while addressing the most important areas of policing and crime-fighting,” he said.The President pointed out that each plenary session and workshop will assist the law-enforcement personnel to develop policing strategies, professional skills building, crime-prevention measures, human-rights policies and how to improve public trust.“It is the ACCP’s mandate to assist Commissioners to police their jurisdictions effectively and to make our communities the places to live, work and visit. So, the ACCP is raising its profile as an international collaborative partner to help improve our capabilities and increase our capacity,” he said. Speaking with JIS News following the opening on April 30, Mr. DaSilva outlined that there will be three operational areas of focus – reducing violent crimes, increasing border security and cybersecurity, and enhancing police legitimacy. “These efforts will be underpinned by a fourth priority – to improve our business process, so that we can enhance our ability to support our members and contribute to policing improvements in the region,” Mr. DaSilva added. Story Highlights
Alberta cutting back oil production
EDMONTON – Days after an op-ed in the Edmonton Journal hinted at the curtailing of oil production, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley has officially announced the province will be cutting back producing the main driver of Alberta’s economy for the next year.Notley said the province will be reducing oil production by 325,000 barrels per day–an 8.7 per cent reduction–to help address the storage glut. The restriction will come into effect in January and will be in place until Dec. 31, 2019.She said the price gap that is forcing the government action is caused by the federal government’s decades-long inability to build pipelines.“Ottawa’s failure in this area has left Alberta’s energy producers with few options to move their products, resulting in serious risks for the energy industry and Alberta jobs,” reads a release from the province..@RachelNotley announces cut back to oil production: pic.twitter.com/pKLpTNc1Ic— Kayla Butler (@ButlerKayla) December 3, 2018The curtailment is expected to reduce market volatility and “narrow the differential by at least $4 per barrel relative to where it otherwise would have been and add an estimated $1.1 billion of government revenue in 2019-20 – money used to pay for roads, schools and hospitals.”The price differential for Western Canadian Select (WCS) versus West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has been around $30 to $50 U.S. recently, peaking at $52 in October. Notley said the government has a duty to protect resources as they are owned by every Albertan.“But right now, they’re being sold for pennies on the dollar. We must act immediately, and we must do it together. I can’t promise the coming weeks and months will be easy, but I can promise we will never back down in our fight to protect jobs and the resources owned by all Albertans. I will never stop fighting for Alberta,” she said.”The low price era must end” says Notley re: oil production curtailment.— Kayla Butler (@ButlerKayla) December 3, 2018Notley told reporters at her announcement that it doesn’t matter the size of the oil company, producers big and small will be affected.“We have set out a 10,000 barrel [a day] exemption for all producers. Obviously, if you’re a small producer the value of that exemption is greater for them than it is for the larger producers. But we think this is a good way to allow for that flexibility that’s needed and that exists within the industry to accommodate these changes,” she said.How will the cut impact large and small producers? @CarlyDRobinson asks @RachelNotley: pic.twitter.com/qXQ8YQGF8s— CityNews Edmonton (@CityNewsYEG) December 3, 2018The opposition leader said he agrees with Notley’s action; the UCP’s Jason Kenney says Alberta should have never been in this situation to begin with, criticizing Ottawa for killing pipeline projects.He said he commends the premier for following through on a suggestion he had brought forward, adding he doesn’t believe government action will result in the loss of jobs. Kenney also said the oil crisis isn’t specific to our province and he thinks Saskatchewan should follow Alberta’s lead in curtailing production to help close the price gap.The one thing he would change in the action is to increase the 10,000 barrel a day exemption for small producers.The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) says this action by the province emphasizes an absolutely dire situation the energy industry is in.“The Canadian oil and natural gas industry has faced a number of significant challenges over the last few years, including the cancellation of major pipeline projects such as Northern Gateway and Energy East, as well as unacceptable delays to other projects – all contributing to the wide differential we are experiencing today,” reads a statement from CAPP president and CEO Tim McMillan.“Actions such as those announced today, underscore the dire situation in which we find ourselves. It further reinforces the need for Canada to increase exports of our oil and natural gas to existing and new markets, which will ultimately help meet global demand and expand our customer base.”Cenovus Energy has also issued a response to the measures, saying under normal circumstances oil and gas producers would never advocate for government intervention.“These are not ordinary circumstances,” reads the statement from the company’s president and CEO Alex Pourbaix.Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and her government made the difficult but necessary decision to implement a temporary mandatory oil production cut in Alberta. Read our CEO’s response: pic.twitter.com/wsWanBFeRS— Cenovus Energy (@cenovus) December 3, 2018The statement goes on to say this is an extreme case in need of curtailment.“It makes no sense for Alberta to stand by while it’s valuable oil resources sell for next to nothing, the provincial treasury loses up to $100-million a day, job losses continue to mount, and our industry suffers billions of dollars in long-term value destruction.”Pourbaix’s statement says the measures will help balance the market for now until new rail and pipeline capacities become available.
Voters in Rabat Believe Their Vote Can Make a difference
Rabat – Amidst a fierce contest of the second legislative elections, after the constitution reform in 2011 and, today Moroccan citizens are voting for the party that will represent them in government as well as the parliamentarians who will defend their issues in parliament.Meanwhile, Moroccans across the kingdom eagerly await the results.Moroccans took to the pools from 7 A.M. this morning. In Rabat, there are 126 constituents competing for seven seats. The elections this morning in Rabat are well underway, with people taking a break from work to go and cast their vote. This morning, Morocco World News went to some elections station in Salé, near Rabat to ask citizens about their thoughts on the electoral results.Voters believe the election is necessary, and that voting is the means through which change can be made. “I think that this election may bring new changes to Morocco,” A 36-year-old voter told Morocco World News on Friday. A Moroccan woman who just recently started voting mentioned that “her vote has an impact and can help the country to take a step forward.”Today, over 15 million voters are expected to elect a new parliament after the Justice and Development Party (PJD) won the 2011 elections for the first time in its history.The voting will end at 7 p.m. on Friday.
Morocco Arrests Turkish Family with Fake Syrian Passports
Rabat – Morocco’s General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) arrested a Turkish family in possession of six forged passports in the northern coastal city of Nador on Monday.The Turkish family, two parents and four teenaged children, entered the country through Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport with their real passports.However, on their way out of the country, airport security forces discovered six false Syrian passports in their possession. The family is currently being held in custody, pending an investigation by DGSN to determine the story behind their forged passports.Earlier this month, police in Morocco arrested an undocumented Algerian resident in Morocco who, along with another Algerian national, was involved in the premeditated burglary of a hotel room occupied by a Saudi Arabian national in Marrakech.
Boeing Micron Technology fall Sony Fiat Chrysler rise
NEW YORK — Stocks that moved substantially or traded heavily on Monday:Boeing Co., down $17.41 to $374.52.The company said it was cutting back production of its 737 Max plane, which has been involved in two fatal crashes in recent weeks.Southwest Airlines Co., down $1.31 to $51.94.The airline was among those affected by the grounding of Boeing’s 737 Max fleet.General Electric Co., down 52 cents to $9.49.JPMorgan analysts said investors are underestimating the severity of the challenges and risks the company faces.Sony Corp., up $3.53 to $46.60.Reuters reported that the hedge fund Third Point was building a stake in the company and will press for changes.Dollar Tree Inc., down $3.55 to $102.44.Investment firm Starboard Value withdrew its nominees for the company’s board of directors.Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V., up 34 cents to $15.78.The Financial Times reported that the company would pay Tesla to have its cars counted in its fleet to avoid paying fines for breaking emissions rules.Concho Resources Inc., up $2.17 to $112.Energy companies bucked the downward trend and rose as the price of oil resumed its upward climb.Micron Technology Inc., down 42 cents to $42.90.Technology stocks, which are still the best-performing sector so far this year, fell more than the rest of the market.The Associated Press
Toyota SoftBank fund Denso invest 1 billion in Uber
TOKYO — Japan’s top automaker Toyota, auto parts maker Denso and internet company SoftBank’s investment fund are investing $1 billion in car-sharing Uber’s technology unit.The Japanese companies said Friday that Toyota Motor Corp. and Denso Corp. will together invest $667 million and SoftBank Corp.’s Vision Fund will invest $333 million in Uber Technologies Inc.’s new entity, Advanced Technologies Group, or Uber ATG, which will try to develop and commercialize automated ridesharing services.The move comes as Toyota steps up such efforts, including investing $500 million in Uber, based in San Francisco, and setting up a $20 million joint venture with SoftBank to create mobility services, both announced last year.Toyota also promised to contribute up to $300 million more over the next three years for developing next-generation autonomous vehicles and services.The Associated Press
UN must take lead in eradicating violence against women Ban Kimoon says
“Violence against women and girls makes its hideous imprint on every continent, country and culture,” Mr. Ban said at the start of a panel discussion called Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls, the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day. “It is a threat to all women, and should be unacceptable to all humankind.”The event was dedicated to the memory of Angela E.V. King, the former Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women, who passed away last month. She was hailed for fervently championing the equality of women and men.Despite progress, in the form of international legal instruments and agreements, made to stamp out gender-based violence, Mr. Ban said much remains to be done to “break through those walls of silence” and “turn legal norms into reality in women’s lives.”To achieve this, the world body must take the helm in working “for a transformation in relations between women and men, at all levels of society,” the Secretary-General asserted, calling for immediate actions on several fronts, including empowerment of women and girls through education and microfinance; closing of gaps between international standards and national laws; and allocating necessary resources and funds to further these ends.Mr. Ban also urged the Security Council to create a system to monitor violence against women and girls.Ambassador Dumisani Kumalo of South Africa, which holds the Council’s rotating presidency this month, spoke of yesterday’s presidential statement, in which the Council called on Member States and the Secretary-General to bolster efforts to empower women, who contribute greatly to maintaining peace and security.“This presidential statement is anchored on the implementation of resolution 1325,” he said at the panel discussion, referring to the landmark resolution 1325, which was adopted in 2000 and aims to boost women’s role in conflict prevention, peace-keeping and peace-building operations.General Assembly President Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa called for a change in attitudes to begin in the home, where most violence – physical, sexual and psychological – occurs.“Domestic violence used to be considered a ‘private matter,’ a family issue; this is no longer acceptable,” she said at the discussion, whose panellists included Carla Del Ponte, Prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY); Dilian Francisca Toro Torres, President of the Senate for the Congress of Colombia; and Raghida Dergham, journalist for Al Hayat.Sheikha Haya, a legal expert whose long career includes championing women’s rights, asserted that while “a lack of legislation is sometimes used as an excuse,” that is “not the major obstacle.” Rather, she said, the problem lies with legal authorities who “often do not take the appropriate action.”The President also convened a special Assembly informal debate on gender equality and women’s empowerment, including panel meetings, which ended today.At the close of the 192-member Assembly’s debate, she said that a “two-track approach” was crucial to achieving gender equality and empowerment of women: the mainstreaming of gender equality in law, national budgets and economic and social policies, and targeted interventions through increasing women’s access to microfinance and boosting their political representation.In a separate panel discussion on “Breaking Barriers: Achieving Balance in Numbers and Work-life,” Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro urged greater action to achieve gender balance among UN staff, citing the drop in the proportion of women in most professional grades between 2004 and 2006.“The truth is that were we to judge UN managers today on their performance on gender, few of them would get a passing grade,” she said. “Only if managers at all levels are bold, creative and ready to demonstrate that we mean business in reaching gender parity throughout the United Nations” can positive change occur.Ms. Migiro also pressed for putting work-life policies, including flexible working hours and parental leave, into practice. She added that the Secretariat had much to learn from UN agencies, such as the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which have performed well in regard to gender parity.The Organization honoured International Women’s Day throughout the world, through film screenings, discussions, art exhibits, radio programmes, ballets and photo shows, among other events.In the build-up to the special day, numerous meetings and UN-sponsored events have been held. The 51st session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, convened at UN Headquarters, will wrap up its two-week meeting tomorrow. 8 March 2007Impunity for violence against women – for too long tolerated under the cover of cultural practices and silently condoned by Governments – must end, and the United Nations must spearhead the effort to eliminate the pandemic, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said this morning at an event commemorating International Women’s Day.
Probe reveals two Rathgama businessmen were killed and burnt
Investigations have revealed that the two businessmen in Rathgama who were reported missing, had been killed and the bodies were later burnt.The Criminal Investigations Department (CID), which is investigating the incident had unearthed the details, the Police said today. They were kept in a house, killed and the bodies were later burnt.The Officer in Charge of the Southern Crimes Investigations Unit and 15 policemen were today ordered to be transferred over the incident. Investigations revealed that the two businessmen were abducted by men dressed in clothes similar to that of the Police. According to the Police, human hair and bones believed to be that of the two businessmen have been found from the Walasmulla, Madagamgoda forest. Earlier today a Sub Inspector was also arrested over the disappearance of the two businessmen.The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) arrested the Sub Inspector who is attached to the Southern Crimes Investigations Unit.The two businessmen, Manjula Asela and Rasheen Chinthaka, had been reported missing since January 23 this year. The CID had this week also arrested IP Kapila Nishantha of the Special Investigations Unit of the Southern Province over the incident. (Colombo Gazette)
Cenovus reports 40 per cent drop in net earnings for the second
CALGARY – Cenovus (TSX:CVE) said Wednesday that its profits dropped 40 per cent in the second quarter as it faced weaker oil and gas prices.The Calgary-based company reported net earnings of $396 million for the second quarter, or 52 cents per diluted share, down from a profit of $655 million, or 86 cents per diluted share in the same period last year.Operating earnings, which filter out one-time items, dropped to $283 million, or 37 cents per share, missing analyst expectations of 52 cents per share. A year earlier the company earned $395 million, or 52 Canadian cents per share.Revenue for the quarter came in at $4.21 billion, compared to $4.01 billion year over year.Cenovus said exploration expenses of $68 million, decreased unrealized risk management gains, and an increase in depreciation, depletion and amortization costs as the reason for the sharp drop in net earnings for the quarter.Cenovus is a relatively new name in the oilpatch, having split off from natural gas producer Encana Corp. (TSX:ECA) in late 2009.The company is on the hunt for a joint venture partners to help it develop its Telephone Lake oilsands property. Firms enter into such deals as a means to speed up development and reduce risk.A competitive process to find a partner is ongoing, and Cenovus isn’t in any rush to land a deal. In the meantime, Cenovus is continuing to move that project forward solo.Cenovus says total oil production in the second quarter averaged more than 155,000 barrels per day, a 28 per cent increase compared with the same period a year earlier.And oil sands production at Foster Creek and Christina Lake averaged more than 80,000 barrels per day, a 38 per cent increase compared with 2011.“Cenovus has a clearly defined 10-year growth plan, which is expected to deliver predictable, reliable performance,†president and CEO Brian Ferguson said in a release.“We’re consistently growing oil production while maintaining our focus on low-cost operations and continuing to demonstrate the value of our integrated approach with strong refining margins.”At its investor day in December, Cenovus said it was aiming to grow production this year by 21 per cent as new phases of its Christina Lake oilsands project in northern Alberta come into service.Christina Lake and the nearby Foster Creek development are part of a 50-50 joint venture with Houston energy giant ConocoPhillips. The partnership also includes interests in two U.S. refineries.The refinery interests have helped cushion Cenovus against swings in oil prices. While lower prices eat into its profits in the upstream, or production side of the business, it means lower costs in the downstream, or refining end.All Cenovus oilsands developments use steam to liquefy the sticky bitumen deep underground so it can be more easily drawn to the surface.Shares of the company closed down three per cent, or 95 cents, to $31.15 on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Cenovus reports 40 per cent drop in net earnings for the second quarter by News Staff Posted Jul 25, 2012 6:25 pm MDT AddThis Sharing ButtonsShare to TwitterTwitterShare to FacebookFacebookShare to RedditRedditShare to 電子郵件Email
UN food relief agency supporting efforts to assist flood victims in the
“WFP is saddened by the humanitarian impact of the non-stop rains over the last week in the Philippines, and we would like to reiterate our solidarity with the Philippine Government during times of emergencies,” the World Food Programme’s (WFP) representative to the Philippines, Stephen Anderson, said in a news release. The agency is providing food and logistical support to complement the Government’s emergency relief efforts. So far, it has delivered 52.5 tons of high-energy biscuits for distribution to some 262,500 flood-affected people in various regions, including those which the Government has identified as the most flood-affected. High-energy biscuits are wheat-based biscuits fortified with vitamins and minerals. They are often distributed during the first few days of an emergency, when people have limited access to cooking facilities. In addition, WFP is contracting trucks to help transport Government relief supplies to affected communities in Central Luzon, a region on the northern island of Luzon, the national capital region of Metro Manila, and neighbouring regions. “We stand ready to offer our full support to augment Government efforts when needed,” Mr. Anderson added. In the coming days, WFP will also distribute nutritious ready-to-use supplementary food to about 77,000 flood-affected children under the age of three on the northern island of Luzon, in partnership with the Philippines’ Department of Health.
UK weather Met Office forecasts hot start to October with return to
Britain is set for another blast of Indian Summer with an unusually hot start to October forecast on the back of one of the warmest Septembers in recent years.The Met Office said people across most of England can expect temperatures to rise to more than 20 Celsius (68F) during the first week of next month.Tuesday, September 13 was the hottest September day in Britain for more than a century when the mercury soared to 34.4C (93.9F) in Gravesend, Kent. The average UK temperature for September over the last 30 years is 6.5C (61.7F), which September this year is expected to beat comfortably by several degrees. And forecasters say that October will also begin with a warm spell.Met Office forecaster Emma Sharples said: “There will be warmer than normal weather for the beginning of autumn.”The 30-year average for September is 17.8C (64F) for England and 16.5C (61.7F) for the UK.”The average temperature for September 2016 can’t be confirmed yet, but the indicative trend is that it will be a few degrees above average.”Even though this weekend and the beginning of October next week will see nothing like the 34C (93.2F) heat of a few weeks ago, next week will be fairly pleasant for the time of year. We expect to see temperatures breaking above 20C (68F).”UK weather forecast for Thursday, September 29 Want the best of The Telegraph direct to your email and WhatsApp? Sign up to our free twice-daily Front Page newsletter and new audio briefings.
But Ms Sharples warned that the weekend is also likely to see showers, which might cool down temperatures.She added: “Even though the weekend will see temperatures across the UK in the high teens, temperature is not the whole picture.”There will be quite a few showers, so it will not feel particularly warm.”
Frontline workers ramp up campaign against Croke Park 2
NURSES, GARDAÍ AND firefighters are set to step up their campaign to oppose Croke Park 2.The organisation representing frontline workers says the deal currently on the table will result in pay cuts of between 3 and 11 per cent for many workers, and are calling for it to be rejected.The 24/7 Frontline Service Alliance is organising nine ’town hall’ meetings around the country over the next fortnight and is urging public sector employees to turn up. More than 3,000 workers attended a rally at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght in February in an unexpectedly large show of strength against the Croke Park deal.“The rally at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght last month illustrated the mood of defiance,” a spokesperson for the 24/7 Alliance said this afternoon. “The regional meetings will give voice locally to that anger”.The meetings are being organised by an alliance of the CPSU, IMO, INMO and Unite.The Alliance says public sector workers will be hit with longer working hours, reduced overtime pay and the elimination of certain payments under the pay deal.A review carried out by an independent consultant actuarial firm for the group gave specific details on how much frontline workers stood to lose, estimating the following cuts in salaries for public sector workers under Croke Park 2: Staff nurse: 11.4 per cent cutPsychiatric nurse: 11.1 per centParamedic: 9.7 per centCare assistant: 9 per centExecutive officer: 7.4 per centHigher executive officer: 7.4 per centGarda: 5.1 per centGarda sergeant: 3.6 per centGarda inspector: 3.5 per centFirefighter: 3 per centSenator: 0.9 per cent“The rolling out of regional meetings across the country will provide opportunities for all those affected by Croke Park II to be briefed on issues impacting them and allow them to voice their anger,” said the spokesperson. “These meetings are open to everybody, particularly members of unions promoting a Yes vote”.The next regional meeting will take place in Letterkenny on Tuesday night with other meetings taking place in towns and cities including Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Waterford and Portlaoise.Read: Union tells government to ‘stay the hell away’ from voting process > Read: ‘We have no more to give’: Over 3,000 attend Frontline services rally > Read: Croke Park II will cut nurses wages by 11 per cent, not 1.7 per cent – INMO >