Tariff policy under the new government will indeed be a challenge and will trigger new inflationary cycles if campaign proposals are fully enacted, making apparel expensive for Americans, trade body AAFA recently said. AAFA will continue to push Congress and the Administration to renew expired and expiring programmes like the AGOA, the GSP and the Haiti HELP/HOPE preference programme.

DOJ Opens Recruitment for Legal Technology Officer  GovTech

Gov Tech Leader Nina D’Amato Named Chief Technology Strategist by Lenovo  GovTech

[Nile Post] Government has put the 2025/26 budget projections at Shs57.4 trillion which is lower than this year's shs72.1 trillion budget.

[Premium Times] The cleric commended the government for ensuring that the scope of intervention of TETFund expanded from building infrastructure to carrying out research programmes.

[Ghanaian Times] The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama, says the next NDC government will revisit the cocoa roads project when he wins the December 7, 2024 elections.

[New Zimbabwe] GOVERNMENT has distanced itself from the recent demolitions in Ridgeview, Belvedere saying it has ordered the Harare City Council to stop bulldozing houses built illegally in the capital.

Johnson & Johnson has agreed to pay a $700 million settlement to resolve a probe by 42 US states and Washington, DC. The inquiry examined the marketing of their baby powder and other talc-based products, which have faced allegations of causing cancer. The settlement addresses claims that Johnson & Johnson deceived consumers about the safety of its talc products.

Government initiatives, such as mandatory quality control orders and increased customs duties, have significantly boosted India's toy exports, but further efforts are needed, according to DPIIT Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. He mentioned ongoing efforts to include the toy sector in the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, with a proposed budget of Rs 3,489 crore, to enhance domestic manufacturing.

The official Government and Legal notices for today [Nov 12] include notification of planning applications registered. List of Planning Applications Advertised on November 12, 2024 Notice type: Government Notice Notice sub type: Notification of Planning Applications Registered Notice ID: GN1010/2024 Public Authorities / Department: Planning Publication date: 12 November, 2024 The applications shown below are available for […]

The Government has introduced the Draft Consultation Fuels Bill and is inviting the public to provide feedback by emailing the Department of Energy at energy@gov.bm by September 7th. A Government spokesperson said, “The public will recall the efforts of the Department of Energy that led to the Government’s adoption of Bermuda’s National Fuels Policy in […]

“The Ministry of Home Affairs is “encouraging the public to participate in the next-generation Integrated Resource Plan [IRP] consultation process, highlighting the community’s crucial role in shaping Bermuda’s energy future.” A Government spokesperson said, “This public engagement ensures that our energy landscape aligns with both global advancements and local innovations. “Since 2018, Bermuda has embarked […]

Governor Rena Lalgie recently presented Randolph Horton with an award honouring his contributions to sport and public service. A post on Government House’s Facebook page says, “This evening, Her Excellency the Governor, Ms Rena Lalgie held a formal investiture ceremony for The Hon K H Randolph Horton OBE. “The Hon Mr Horton was appointed as […]

Chenice Berkeley, Kaeli Weeks-Ible and Francis Mussenden received bursary awards from the government. A Government spokesperson said, “Last week, the Government of Bermuda presented its annual Bursary Awards to three deserving young people with a combined $60,000 in funding for their studies. “This year’s awardees are: Chenice Berkeley – Studying Public Health [$20,000] Kaeli Weeks-Ible […]

The Minister of Legal Affairs has issued a public notification that convicted sex offender Neville Craig Richardson is set to be released, with the 54-year-old due to be released on August 31st. Photo provided by the Government The full Public Notice follow below [PDF here]: Related Stories Sex Offender Devaun Cox To Be Released Sex […]

“The development of Brookfield Place is a real and tangible demonstration of the significant confidence that investors have in Bermuda as a premier business centre,” said the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Vance Campbell “following the Brookfield Place planning approval decision.” A Government spokesperson said, “The public will be aware that last March, Brookfield originally […]

Starting on April 1, the Government will expanding Phase 2 of the Mortgage Guarantee Programme to “include employees of Government quangos and part-time Regiment soldiers who will now also be eligible to transfer their mortgages into this programme,” Premier David Burt announced in the Budget, The relevant extract of the 2024 Budget statement said, “In […]

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said they are “receiving an increasing number of reports about people entering the water to swim with the whales,” adding that it is “strongly recommended that members of the public do not swim with any whales, no matter how docile they may appear, as they are wild animals and […]

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said they have “received reports of reckless boaters and swimmers trying to get close to whales” and added that it is ”strongly recommended that members of the public do not swim with any whales.” A Government spokesperson said, “The Department of Environment and Natural Resources [DENR] has received reports […]

Governor Rena Lalgie met with Victor School Primary and Dellwood Middle School students for the last day of their ‘school gardens’ project at Government House Government House said, “Over the school year, the students planted and maintained their gardens each week and their hard work paid off with both schools winning a “First Place” prize in […]

The Fishermen’s Association Bermuda has released a video to further respond to the Government, stating that the Steering Committee mostly consists of Government departments and said the Government has “inserted tokenism” to “give the impression that the fishing industry is fairly involved in the consultation and voting process.” Screenshot from the video statement released A […]

The Government released a statement covering aspects including the marine exclusive economic zone, Fisherman’s Association Bermuda [FAB] and more. A Government spokesperson said, “While the Government appreciates that the Fisherman’s Association Bermuda [FAB] disagree with the commitment to fully protect twenty per cent of the island’s exclusive economic zone, developing a balanced and integrated marine […]

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources [DENR] announced a “new online platform and mobile app designed to modernise fisheries data management in Bermuda.” A Government spokesperson said, “This innovative system streamlines the licensing process, simplifies catch reporting for fishers, and ensures that relevant information is easily accessible to support scientific research and enforcement activities. […]

Recently, the Government of Bermuda held its first Public Service Community Clean-up event in partnership with Keep Bermuda Beautiful [KBB]. A Government spokesperson said, “Employee volunteers from various Government Ministries and Departments came together to clear approximately 6,680 pounds of litter and illegally dumped bulk waste from multiple sections of the railway trail and roadsides […]

The Ministry of Health says that there has been an increase in reported cases of fever and respiratory symptoms on the island. A Government spokesperson said, “The Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit [ESU] at the Ministry of Health is alerting the public to an increase in reported cases of fever and respiratory symptoms, including Covid-19, the […]

On October 27, Bermuda will join the global community in celebrating World Occupational Therapy Day, recognizing the vital contributions of Occupational Therapists [OTs] who empower individuals to engage fully in daily life and promoting the 2024 theme, “Occupational Therapy for All.” A Government spokesperson said, “World Occupational Therapy Day will be celebrated on October 27th, […]

The Government has issued an RFP for rooftop solar for “approximately thirty Government owned buildings across Bermuda.” The notice said, “This Request for Proposals [RFP] is an invitation by the Government of Bermuda to prospective proponents to submit proposals for Government Solar Development Project, as further described in Section A of the Request for Proposal […]

In this year’s Budget, “$400,000 will be spent to complete the installation of solar panels on several government buildings,” the Minister of Public Works Lt/Col David Burch said. The Government tweeted the graphic below, saying, “Capital funding will be allocated to installation of solar panels on several government buildings, to Forts & historical sites, continuance of […]

Minister of the Cabinet Office Crystal Caesar “welcomed chairs, union partners, and technical officers to a training session on interest-based bargaining.” A government spokesperson said, “Representatives from the Bermuda Industrial Union [BIU], Bermuda Public Services Union [BPSU], Prison Officers Association [POA], Fire Services Association [FSA], Bermuda Police Association [BPA], and Bermuda Union of Teachers [BUT], […]

Communications and Digital Technology Minister Solly Malatsi will issue a policy direction on equity alternatives to the 30% equity employment rule in the communications industry.

South Africa's national government said it will, for the first time, ask private companies to help revive dilapidated buildings it owns in inner cities in the country's biggest urban centres.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang and the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, on Tuesday, dismissed the bomb scare in the state. The government, in a statement denying the explosion in Jos, the state capital, described it as “only a bomb scare.” This is despite reports of an explosion said to have occurred in the city

United States President-elect Donald Trump has announced that tech billionaire Elon Musk will serve in the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk will be joined by American patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, and together they will lead the department. This was disclosed in a statement issued by Trump on Tuesday, 12th November 2024, which was shared via Musk’s

Following the keenly contested war of ballots in the recent presidential election between the incumbent President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan — who represented the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and retired General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) — which ended in favour of the retired General, Nigerians have barred their minds on their expectations from the incoming administration as they say, “to whom much is given, much more is expected.” Foremost amongst the challenges Nigerians are confronted with are economic instability, insecurity and terrorism, provision of shelter, social and infrastructural amenities, qualitative education, employment generation, and more. Proffering […]

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, has assured that the Federal Government will soon begin payment of the pension backlog. Edun gave this assurance on Tuesday in Abuja during a peaceful rally by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector, NUPCPS, at the Federal Ministry of […]

Nigerian Govt to commence payment of pension backlog – Finance Minister Edun

    The United States authorities have declared Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, a 48-year-old Nigerian man, wanted over the death of a minor, with a $25,000 reward offered for aby information leading to his arrest. The suspect, believed to have fled to Nigeria, faces charges of first-degree murder and two counts of inflicting serious bodily injury […]

The post US govt places $25k bounty on Nigerian wanted for murder of minor first appeared on Business Hallmark.

The newly sworn-in governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo,  is set to probe the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki. Okpebholo announced he will set up a panel of inquiry to investigate the past administration’s refusal to inaugurate 14 elected lawmakers of the State House of Assembly in 2019. The 14 lawmakers elected on the […]

The post Edo: Okpebholo to probe Obaseki’s govt first appeared on Business Hallmark.

[Capital FM] NAIROBI -- Talks between the National Assembly Education Committee,university lecturers, and public universities failed to kick off on Tuesday amid a stalement over a strike declared unprotected by courts.

The government has brushed aside reports of former finance minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong making the cut as new chairman of the Bank of Thailand (BoT) board, saying nothing has been made official yet.

The government of Punjab on Tuesday — expanding on its previous order — closed all the educational institutions up to the higher secondary level in the province from tomorrow until the end of the week, shifting them to an online mode, as the province tackles the hazardous smog situation prevalent for the past few weeks.

The recent smog situation was declared a “calamity” in Punjab last month. Schools have been closed in the province’s main divisions — Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Multan — until November 17 in a bid to lower children’s exposure to pollution.

Separately, the public has been barred from entering public parks, zoos, playgrounds, and museums until November 17 to reduce public exposure to smog.

A day ago, the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) representative in Pakistan called for urgent and greater efforts to reduce air pollution, noting that over 11 million children under five years of age were exposed to smog in the worst affected districts of Punjab.

The province’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said in a notification issued today, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com that “All the educational institutions […] up to higher secondary level shall remain closed and will shift to online mode with effect from Nov 13 within […] DG Khan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Sargodha and Rawalpindi divisions […] till Nov 17.”

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat also announced the closure of schools during a press conference today, saying that the “decision was made in light of the complaints received from the district.”

“This drastic decision had to be taken to protect children from the deadly effects,” he said, “There is a sense of educational loss, but the decision to close educational institutions is being taken out of compulsion.

“In view of the difficulties in online teaching, an alternative strategy is being quickly brought in,” the minister added.

He also appealed to the public to cooperate and do what was in their capacity to help the government deal with this issue.

50pc of govt offices to work online

Separately, all government offices were ordered to shift half of their workforce to online mode to reduce traffic load on roads to prevent the worsening of the smog situation due to vehicular emissions.

“The physical presence of human resource(s) of offices in your jurisdiction may kindly be reduced to 50pc by shifting them to online mode/work from home,” the EPA said in a separate notification issued today.

In the order issued on Tuesday, which is seen by Dawn.com, the Punjab EPA directed all the administrative secretaries, as well as heads of attached departments and semi-government/autonomous bodies, to reduce the physical presence of human resources by 50 per cent.

According to the notification, the situation was likely to prevail for a few weeks, adding that local pollution contributing factors, especially vehicular emissions, may further exacerbate the conditions.

“Hence, the situation warrants to specify safeguards to reduce the number of vehicles on roads in order to control air pollution, through preparation and implementation of contingency plans,” the notification said.

The EPA also called for inter-departmental meetings to be convened in an online mode unless the physical presence of participants was “extremely necessary”.

Bad-quality air aggravating pulmonary diseases: doctor

Speaking to Dawn.com, a pulmonologist at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital, Dr Nasir Javed, said that asthmatic patients, who were earlier stable, are now facing chronic health conditions due to the smog.

“[Due to the smog], asthma patients would start feeling inflation in their airways and it would become difficult for them to breathe smoothly,” he said. “Even medicines have stopped working properly to cure the problem.”

He further added that asthmatics and chronic smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were at greater risk and were visiting the hospitals with exacerbation of their diseases.

“Air-Quality Index is directly proportional to the symptoms/ severity which one can suffer,” he said.

“Limited outdoor activity and hydration are the mainstays to avoiding respiratory issues as antibiotics were of no use.”

Smog to persist in major cities as weather conditions worsen: NDMA

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in an advisory issued today, said that the smog situation was expected to persist across the urban centres in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa throughout November and December due to high humidity, low wind speeds, and upper atmospheric pressure.

According to the advisory, as reported by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) the cities most likely to be affected by the worsening smog situation include Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Peshawar, Mardan, and Nowshera.

“The advisory highlights the rising smog levels in the affected areas, driven by the current weather conditions, and advises residents to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure and adopt protective measures to safeguard their health,” the *APP report said.

“[…] The National Emergency Operation Centre has been monitoring the current smog situation in Pakistan and surrounding regions.

According to the advisory, the team has access to advanced ground-based and space-based monitoring tools, enabling the analysis and projection of pollution emissions from various sources, including industry, transportation, and agriculture.

Precautionary measures

The NDMA advisory recommended the public adopt several measures to mitigate the effects of smog, such as avoiding unnecessary outdoor exposure during peak smog hours, especially in the morning, and wearing masks during outdoor activities, according to the APP.

“Staying hydrated, using dehumidifiers and air purifiers to improve indoor air quality, and adopting efficient transportation methods—like carpooling and eco-friendly driving, along with using COx and NOx filters—are also advised,” it said.

Dhaka (AFP) Nov 3, 2024
A Bangladeshi worker died in a air strike in Lebanon, Dhaka's foreign ministry said Sunday, as the Israeli bombardment hampered efforts to repatriate citizens. The foreign ministry estimates that between 70,000 and 100,000 of its nationals are working in Lebanon, many as labourers or domestic workers. The first flights, organised by Dhaka's government with the UN's International Organisa

Whilst the timeline set for adhering to the revised Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act ends on December 31 for pharmaceutical companies with a turnover of less than Rs. 250 crore, the union ministry's

The Public Service has expressed its commitment to implementing flexible work arrangements (FWAs) for its employees, taking into account the workforce's changing needs. In a written answer to a Parliamentary question posed by Choa Chu Kang GRC MP Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim on Monday (Nov 11), Minister-in-charge of the Public Service Chan Chun Sing said the Government recognises the growing need for FWAs, given Singapore's demographic changes and its ever-changing demands on Singaporeans. Zhulkarnain had asked whether the Civil Service will continue to support flexible working arrangements despite some companies in the private sector requiring employees to work from the office five days a week. Grab Singapore, for example, said it will enforce its five-day return-to-office mandate starting Dec 2, reported CNA. Referencing the Tripartite Guidelines on FWA Requests (TG-FWAR), which will be enforced starting Dec 1, Chan stressed the importance of such arrangements in supporting working caregivers, encouraging workforce re-entry, sustaining labour force participation, and attracting and retaining talent.

In a major boost to the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, the government has outlined ambitious credit growth targets, mandating scheduled commercial banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) to extend additional credit of R...

Highlights: Allocates over 2% for health of the nation Setting up of 157 new nursing colleges in collaboration wi

In a significant move, the Central Government has introduced amendments to the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, granting extended maternity

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC, convened for a four-day session on Tuesday to begin the next round of what is known as the assessment cycle.

The post Cause and Effect | ‘Scientist’s job isn’t to negotiate, but to give evidence to govts’: Aditi Mukherji, IWMI first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

At Pakistan Water Week, the Minister noted the urgent need for significant investments in climate resilience and international support.

The post Minister reiterates govt’s resolve to address water woes first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

The government's new Rs 500 crore scheme for the medical device industry will not only boost domestic manufacturing but also reduce reliance on import, said medtech leaders on Saturday.