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Apple to produce millions of AirPods in Vietnam amid pandemic




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UK plans 14-day compulsory quarantine for all airport arrivals

The UK is planning to bring in compulsory 14-day quarantine for all travellers arriving in the country from any part of the world, except the Republic of Ireland, as part of measures to track the spread of coronavirus.




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Atlanta links international disputes and airport as runway to global services economy

Scanning the departures and arrivals board on the way home from launching metro Atlanta’s new foreign direct investment strategy under the Global Cities Initiative, it was easy to understand why local leaders remain focused on finding strategies to better leverage their airport as a unique infrastructure asset for global economic opportunities.

      
 
 




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Stalemate in Kigali: African Union fails to elect a chairperson


During the 27th Heads of State Assembly of the African Union (AU) meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 17-18, 2016, the heads of state were supposed to elect individuals to lead the AU for the next four years. One of the most important functions that the delegates were expected to perform was to elect the chairperson of the AU Commission to replace the present chairperson, South Africa’s Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, who had indicated that she would not seek re-election.

Three candidates were standing for the position of chairperson of the AU Commission. These were Dr. Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, foreign minister of Botswana, Dr. Specioza Waigaga Wandira Kazibwe, former vice president of Uganda, and Mr. Agapito Mba Mokuy, foreign minister of Equatorial Guinea. There was great expectation that the election of any one of these three candidates would significantly advance gender and regional balance, with respect to key leadership positions in continental institutions. Hence, the election of either one of the two female candidates would have been welcomed by supporters of gender balance. However, if the delegates had opted for Mr. Mokuy, such a choice would have been welcomed by the Spanish-speaking community, as well as the continent’s smaller and historically marginalized states. Given the fact that the outgoing chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr. Zuma, is a woman, the hope within the central African community was that Mr. Mokuy would emerge victorious and represent the region, as well as serve as a sign of hope for the heretofore marginalized regions.

No clear winner among the three candidates leads to stalemate

Reports from Kigali are that the election for the chairperson has been postponed until January 2017. It is reported that the AU took that decision based on the fact that none of the three candidates had secured the two-thirds majority of votes needed to win. During the election’s first round, Dr. Venson-Moitoi received 16 votes, Mr. Mokuy received 12 votes, and Dr. Kazibwe received 11 votes. 

Those who abstained from voting claimed that the candidates were not qualified to lead the commission.

After receiving the least votes in the first round, Dr. Kazibwe withdrew from the competition. That left Dr. Venson-Moitoi and Mr. Mokuy to compete for the position. Although Dr. Venson-Moitoi garnered 23 votes in the next round, that number was less than the 36 votes to constitute the two-thirds majority needed to emerge victorious.

Part of the reason for this quagmire, as the news from Kigali is indicating, is that as many as 15 heads of state abstained from voting in the first round of the competition and that in the second round, 20 acted similarly. These many abstentions derailed the process and made certain that none of the remaining candidates would emerge victorious.

While these may be legitimate issues to raise, one wonders why these issues were not raised and fully resolved before the delegates actually assembled in Kigali.

Indeed, the AU assembly chair, President Idriss Déby of Chad, cited the boycott as a deciding factor in the failure of any of the three candidates to secure the necessary votes to win. He then announced that the elections had been postponed until January 2017 and that the heads of state had opened up the contest to more candidates—a decision that appears to be a slap in the face of the current candidates. Notably, this appears to support the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc’s pre-election petition that the elections be postponed because, as they argued, none of the candidates was qualified to lead. That petition, however, had been previously denied.

The argument for new candidates and postponement: Determining who is qualified

President Déby argued, in his post-election proclamation, that the delay would provide candidates and their respective regions with the time to adequately prepare for the elections in January 2017. What appears to be implied by this declaration is that preparations for the failed July elections were inadequate and that with this extra time, the type of behavior exhibited by some representatives during the recently concluded elections would not occur in January. However, unless the AU puts in place rules to prevent such an eventuality, there is no guarantee that January 2017’s elections would not be marred by such last-minute maneuvering again. What is to prevent other blocs from engaging in similar strategic behavior (i.e., boycotting the election) in order to promote their own candidates for the various leadership positions in the commission?

Nevertheless, the AU is a continental organization, and no country or region should be allowed to dominate and monopolize leadership positions in its institutions.

Those who abstained from voting claimed that the candidates were not qualified to lead the commission. Dr. Kazibwe’s candidacy was questioned on the grounds that she was previously convicted of abusing state funds. Mr. Mokuy was taken to task for his country’s human rights record, while Dr. Venson-Moitoi’s candidacy was questioned because her home country, Botswana, has often taken positions that are contrary to those of many other AU members, notably on the issue of Africa’s relations with the International Criminal Court.

While these may be legitimate issues to raise, one wonders why these issues were not raised and fully resolved before the delegates actually assembled in Kigali. Certainly, the AU must have mechanisms to vet individuals who are nominated for leadership positions in its institutions to determine their fit for office. During such a vetting process, groups and individuals within the AU can make known their objections to candidates that they believe are not qualified to perform the jobs for which they are being nominated. Of course, such a vetting process must be governed by rules chosen in an earlier period such as those presented in The Statutes of the Commission of the African Union, which provide information on the minimum qualifications and experience of the commissioners. Hence, any challenge to the qualifications of an individual running to serve on the commission should begin with and be governed by such rules.

How the African Union can stay unified

Once candidates have been fully vetted and determined to meet the minimum qualifications to stand for the positions for which they have been nominated, no head of state (i.e., elector) should boycott the voting. Of course, it is not surprising that electors would prefer to vote for candidates from either their own countries or region. Nevertheless, the AU is a continental organization, and no country or region should be allowed to dominate and monopolize leadership positions in its institutions. Hence, the AU Commission’s leadership must reflect the continent’s diversity, with specific emphasis on gender and geographic balance. Efforts by heads of state or blocs (e.g., ECOWAS) to engage in last minute strategic maneuvering (e.g., boycotting of elections) in order to secure certain political advantages should be discouraged. Such opportunistic behavior can seriously undermine the AU’s electoral system and place the organization in a very precarious position. In fact, one could argue that the outcome of the July 2016 commission elections in Kigali betray an organization that appears to be adrift and without proper leadership and one that is not willing to follow its own rules.  

In fact, one could argue that the outcome of the July 2016 commission elections in Kigali betray an organization that appears to be adrift and without proper leadership and one that is not willing to follow its own rules.

As the AU looks forward, it must make certain that no voting bloc within the organization is allowed to grant itself the power to derail the electoral process. Such opportunism and capriciousness on the part of any group within the AU can prevent the deepening and institutionalization of democratic principles within the organization and effectively hold hostage the interests of the continent to those of a smaller group or region.

Thus, the process through which the member states of the African Union choose individuals to serve in and manage their institutions must be competitive and based on democratic principles. The AU should learn a lesson from what happened in Kigali and put legal mechanisms in place to deal fully and effectively with any future efforts by groups, individuals, and factions to engage in any behavior that can frustrate the functioning of the organization and its institutions. Perhaps the failure of the AU to anticipate such behavior is due to its inexperience. Nevertheless, the organization must provide itself with the wherewithal to prevent this type of stalemate. For, come January, another region may, at the last minute, register its dissatisfaction with all candidates and seek to replace them.

If the AU is to teach member states the principles of good governance, it must first put its own house in order and lead by example.

As the AU looks forward to the January 2017 round of elections, Senegalese politician and diplomat, Abdoulaye Bathily, has already indicated his interest in competing for the position of chairperson of the AU Commission. To avoid the problems that were encountered by the electoral process in Kigali, he, his country, and his region should commence the formal nomination process in order to provide all interested parties with the opportunity to properly vet his candidacy and determine his fit for office. In fact, other candidates who are planning to stand for the elections in January 2017 should also have themselves formally nominated as soon as possible so that the vetting process can be completed and a final list of qualified candidates agreed before the delegates meet in January 2017.

If the AU is to teach member states the principles of good governance, it must first put its own house in order and lead by example. It must, for example, make its electoral decisions through a democratic and competitive process. It must be governed by the rule of law in order for it to stand as a beacon of light for the many countries in the continent that are trying to deepen and institutionalize democracy. Unless the AU puts into place mechanisms to deal with the types of behaviors that derailed the commission elections in Kigali in July 2016, it risks descending into a quagmire from which it might not get out uninjured.

      
 
 




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Almost 1,000 smuggled turtles found in luggage at Thai airport

Some people want pet turtles, and they don't care where they're from or whether they are endangered species.




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Man converts Boeing 727 airplane into home in the woods (Video)

Home is where and what you make of it -- this Oregon man made his in an old aircraft.




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We're losing the sound of crickets chirping in the summer

With crickets in decline, some scientists say that the insects' summer crooning may become a thing of the past.




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On MNN: Airplane! Pi! Hello Computer!

and the last job on earth.




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Fuselage is a flat pack cabin inspired by airplane design

Sleek and easy to assemble, this portable cabin offers a comfortable place to stay even in remote places.




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Airport security trays have more germs than toilets

Scientists are concerned about how airports are conducive to the spread of disease.




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AirPnP app is is like AirBnB, but for toilets

While AirBnB allows people to rent out lodging, from the smallest room to the biggest Irish castle, AirPnP has a smaller, though not less useful, ambition.




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Fairphone 2 is the world's first ethical, modular smartphone

If only we could buy it in North America.




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Honeybee Swarm Delays Flight at Pittsburgh International Airport

The queen led her minions to the engine of a Delta airplane, delaying the flight until the protected bees could be professionally removed




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Shark skin could carry the secrets to more efficient airplanes and wind turbines

Tiny scales along the animals' bodies improve the efficiency of their movements through water. These structures could do the same for aircraft.




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Norway plans to boost electric airplane development

On the heels of their success pushing sales of electric cars, Norway want to spur the move to electric airplanes




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All-electric commercial airplane takes first flight

“December 10, 2019 will be remembered as the day the electric aviation age started.”




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Boeing develops self-cleaning airplane loo

“If it ain’t Boeing, I ain’t going.”




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If airports become the cities of tomorrow we are in big trouble

The impact of flying on climate change cannot be ignored, as I book my next flight.




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Heathrow Airport unveils plans for 'carbon neutral' growth

In an effort to appease critics, the airport is focusing on four key environmental strategies.




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Construction of Machu Picchu's new international airport has begun

While Unesco has asked Peru to limit visitors to the famous site, the government is making it easier for people to access.




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An airport, a ferry company and several restaurant chains are all banning plastic straws

The anti-straw movement is definitely having a moment. Let's hope the momentum continues.




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Beer and pop cans are not being recycled because car and airplane makers don't like recycled aluminum

Remember how aluminum cans are "100 percent recyclable into pure aluminum"? They lied.




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Apple AirPods get a big fat easter egg for repairability from iFixit

Shorter post: They are " essentially, disposable. "




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The new Apple AirPods 2 get a big fat zero for repairability

iFixit took them apart, but they can't put them together.




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Charge your phone with a bike between flights at Amsterdam airport

Whether for exercise, electricity, or simply out of curiousity, the bicycle powered charging stations in Amsterdam airport appear popular




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Reusable coffee cup trial launches at Gatwick airport

Travellers can take a reusable cup and drop it off at a 'cup check-in point' before boarding a flight.




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Fairphone 3, a more ethical, reliable and sustainable phone, is released

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Responsibility for coronavirus precautions at airports is a 'game of hot potato'

As government authorities and airlines think about coronavirus health screenings, it isn't clear who's in charge of carrying out new policies.




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Apple is reportedly starting to build some of its AirPods in Vietnam

About 30% of the company's classic AirPods will be produced in Vietnam rather than China, the Nikkei Asian Review reported.




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IRP/RP to take new GST registration post-appointment by 30th June 2020

IRP/RP to take new GST registration post-appointment by 30th June 2020...





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Man hit by plane, killed on Austin-Bergstrom airport runway, officials say

A person died Thursday night after being hit by a plane as it was landing at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, according to airport officials.





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Mumbai Rains: International airport, rain turn villages into islands

Is the new international airport in Navi Mumbai going to become another case of unplanned development? Residents from three villages located 100 metres from the airport have been underwater for the last three days, and up in arms against the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) for its poor planning — ground-levelling work being done by the agency at the airport site has allegedly blocked the drainage and slowed the pace of flowing water, completely inundating Dungi, Rudranagar and Pargaon villages.


Residents of Dungi, Rudranagar and Pargaon villages have been underwater for the last three days

Despite crying hoarse about their plight, CIDCO allegedly didn't send anyone to help the families, or even come up with an alternative for them. Ultimately, residents blocked the main road in protest to get authorities' attention.

Residents said water has gone inside houses of more than 100 people, with none of them being able to stay inside. Shital Patil, a resident, said, "We have not been able to cook for the last two days, or for that matter, even sleep. To make matters worse, my children have caught a cold. What we should do? Is it our problem that rich people want an airport here? It's become a life-and-death situation. If anything happens to my children, CIDCO is responsible."

Another villager, Mahendra Patil, said, "We have been complaining to the authorities about waterlogging since 2013, but they haven't paid attention. This June, I wrote to the tehsildar's office and CIDCO to give shelter to us, but in vain. "We never imagined that we would have to leave our homes and live with others like guests."

Officialspeak
A team has sent to the spot, said CIDCO PRO Mohan Ninave, adding, "We are finding out the reason behind the waterlogging."

Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates





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Animals left behind as 8 villages make way for Navi Mumbai airport

To aid the construction of the Navi Mumbai airport, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) had successfully shifted eight villages from the area that will be affected by the project, but forgot to make arrangements for the pets and animals in the village. The NGO, Hands That Heal, has now come forward to give shelter and food to these animals, who had been abandoned by the authorities. They are now relocating all the animals to their shelter in Panvel.

The villages that have been shifted include Chinchpada, Kolhi, Kopar, Ulwe, Varche Ulwe, Pargaon-Dungi, Targhar, Kombadbhuje and Waghivli Vada. From these areas, villagers are to be resettled in Wadghar, Wahal and Kunde Wahal areas. Aishwarya Chaudhary, founder of the NGO, said, "I didn't know about this situation but recently, I came across a post on Facebook mentioning the plight of the animals and birds in this area. My team of 12 has been working for the past four days. Many animals were found dehydrated, starving and homeless."

"We have collected 20 dogs, 13 cats, and three cows. As many trees have been cut down as well; birds have also been displaced. Our shelter is too small to house everyone, and I urge CIDCO and other NGOs to come forward to help this cause," added Chauhan. CIDCO PRO, Priya Ratambe said, "Our health department is finding a solution for the situation and will find an alternative soon."

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates





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Gauri Khan's airport look will give every woman fashion inspiration

Gauri Khan was spotted at Mumbai airport by the paparazzi, and once again, the interior designer has proved that she's got all the right fashion moves.

Gauri opted for a casual look - a black blazer, paired with a white top, basic blue denims, and thigh-high black boots for the outing. Doesn't she look gorgeous? If you're planning to upgrade your wardrobe with something similar, take a cue from Gauri to wear it in the best way possible and ace the airport look, or even a casual one, like a fashionista. 

Gauri Khan/picture courtesy: Yogen Shah

Black blazer: You can buy Ambrosial women single breasted formal blazer at the discounted price of Rs 649 only. Get Gauri Khan's airport look without burning a hole in your pocket. Shop here.

White top: Buy Acanthus Women's V Notch Front Scallop Trim Top at the discounted price of Rs 399 only. Shop here.

Blue denim: Raiter Super Skinny Jeans for Women and Girls Size will help you flaunt your legs! Get your pair at the discounted price of Rs 499 only. Shop here.

Black boots: Buy Kotak Sales Stylish Knee Length Boots at the discounted price of Rs 795 only. Shop here.

Tote bag: Get Kanvas Katha Women's Handbag at the discounted price of Rs 531 only. Shop here.

Also Read: Here's how you can get Malaika Arora's monochrome gym look right

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates





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Two Sri-Lankan women flyers detained at Pune airport for smuggling gold

Two women Sri-Lankan nationals were detained by customs officers at Pune International Airport on March 15, 2019 for allegedly attempting to smuggle gold into the city. According to reports, the detained flyers who had boarded a flight from Singapore to Pune were carrying 24 carats of gold which is estimated to be worth Rs 30.31 lakh in the Indian market.

The customs officials at Pune International Airport intercepted the two women passengers at the departure area on Thursday and confiscated the gold. Duo has been booked under the Customs Act-1962 

Deputy Commissioner of Custom (Pune International Airport) Harshal Mete said, "Two women of Sri-Lankan nationality arrived in the city from Singapore by Jet Airways and walked through the green channel without declaring anything with the customs officials.

The lady passengers were carrying 24-carat gold in the form of chain, bangles and biscuits which is weighted 9.14 grams which are estimated as per Indian currency in tune of Rs 30,31,937. The gold has been seized under the reasonable belief that it was being smuggled into India with an intention and further investigation are in progress."

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates





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HK airport operates full-body disinfection channel, deploys robots

The Hong Kong airport is using several latest disinfection technologies including a full-body disinfection channel and cleaning robots to reduce the risk of the COVID-19 spread.

The disinfection channel is an enclosed facility similar to a telephone booth in size where users can complete disinfection and sanitizing procedures in 40 seconds, the city's Airport Authority (AA) said in a statement on Sunday.

The interior surface of the facility is equipped with antimicrobial coating which can remotely kill virus and bacteria on human bodies and clothing by using the technologies of photocatalyst and "nano needles" Xinhua news agency quoted the AA as saying, noting that the Hong Kong International Airport is the world's first to use the facility.

Currently, the disinfection channel is used by public health staff who bear quarantine duties at the airport.

Autonomous cleaning robots have also been used to ensure thorough disinfection of public areas and passenger facilities at the airport.

The cylindrical robots, equipped with ultra violet light sterilizer and air sterilizer, operate round-the-clock in public toilets and key operating areas in the terminal building, the AA said.

The robots can move around autonomously and sterilize up to 99.99 per cent of bacteria in its vicinity, including both the air and object surfaces, in just 10 minutes.

Besides, the AA is also conducting a pilot test of applying antimicrobial coating at all passenger facilities, including check-in counters, baggage trolleys and elevator buttons, among others.

After completion of the trial in May, the AA will consider implementing it as a long term disinfection measure. Hong Kong has reported 1,037 coronavirus cases with four deaths.

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever




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Tax-News.com: Indonesia Increases Airport Tax

Indonesia is to hike its air departure tax for Soekarno-Hatta Airport, by far the country's busiest, from March 1.




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Airport Ground Staff Vacancy For Kolkata

Company: Nanu India Recruitment Co
Qualification: Bachelor of Arts (B.A)
Experience: 0 to 2
Salary: 1.50 to 3.00
location: Kolkata
Ref: 24826023
Summary: We have New opening for Airport Ground Staff Vacancy For Kolkata. Freshers also can apply.




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Brazil Exports of Airplanes Embraer

Exports of Mfc Prds - Airplanes, Embraer in Brazil decreased to 0 USD Million in April from 113 USD Million in March of 2020. Exports of Mfc Prds - Airplanes, Embraer in Brazil averaged 208.38 USD Million from 1989 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 829.72 USD Million in December of 2008 and a record low of 0 USD Million in January of 1992. This page includes a chart with historical data for Brazil Exports of : Mfc Prds - Airplanes, Embraer.




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East Timor Tourist Arrivals At Airport

Tourist Arrivals in East Timor increased to 22227 in the third quarter of 2019 from 18823 in the second quarter of 2019. Tourist Arrivals in East Timor averaged 16491.37 from 2011 until 2019, reaching an all time high of 25923 in the third quarter of 2013 and a record low of 11554 in the second quarter of 2011. This page provides - East Timor Tourist Arrivals- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.




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Short cuts: Aiguille du Midi cable car to reopen; disinfection booths at Hong Kong airport

Chamonix’s cable car back in business after two months, albeit with strict social-distancing measures




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Introducing the FT News Briefing: Fed cuts to zero, airport pinch, hand sanitiser sale

Introducing the FT News Briefing. It is a rundown of the global business stories you need to know for the coming day, from the newsroom of the Financial Times. If you enjoy it, subscribe to the FT News Briefing wherever you get your podcasts, or listen at FT.com/newsbriefing.


Monday, March 16

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates to zero and joined forces with other central banks in a bid to prevent a severe economic downturn caused by the coronavirus outbreak. The FT’s Gillian Tett unpacks the sweeping measures. Plus, the rapid spread of the coronavirus and the ensuing travel restrictions have led to one of the worst months on record for the airport industry, and French industrials group Air Liquide is asking would-be buyers of its hand sanitiser unit to offer a higher sum in the wake of the outbreak. 

 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.




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London Gatwick under a cloud as carriers threaten to quit airport

Virgin Atlantic could be followed by British Airways in abandoning UK’s second-biggest gateway




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The new AirFly Pro is the perfect travel buddy for your AirPods Pro

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Fairphone teams up with /e/OS on a box-fresh ‘deGoogled’ handset

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Audio: Chairperson’s concluding remarks

Trade Policy Review: European Union The fourteenth review of the trade policies and practices of the European Union takes place on 18 and 20 February 2020. The basis for the review is a report by the WTO Secretariat and a report by the European Union.




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Fairphone teams up with /e/OS on a box-fresh ‘deGoogled’ handset

The makers of the world’s most ethical smartphone, the Fairphone 3, have teamed up for a version of the device with even less big tech on board. The Netherlands-based device maker has partnered with France’s /e/OS to offer a “de-Googled” version of its latest handset, running an Android AOSP fork out of the box that’s […]




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Iggy Azalea cuts a casual figure while shopping at JFK airport after arriving in NYC

She split from boyfriend Playboi Carti after one year of dating. And on Wednesday, Iggy Azalea was spotted enjoying a shopping spree at JFK airport in New York City upon her arrival to NYC.




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Getafe 0-2 Barcelona: Luis Suarez and Junior Firpo strike to send 10-man visitors second in La Liga

PETE JENSON IN SPAIN: Luis Suarez put last week's whistles behind him to give Barcelona their first away win of the season, and he was the first to turn and thank Marc Andre ter Stegen.