India’s Enforcement Directorate issues notice to Natwar Singh

Monday, September 4, 2006

India’s former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh has, for the first time, been directly accused by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for his involvement in the Iraq oil scam. The ED, which is responsible for enforcing foreign exchange control laws, has alleged that Singh, along with his son Jagat Singh and three others, acquired foreign exchange worth $8.9 lakh illegally. The 18-page show-cause notice issued by the ED says the money was acquired by the accused, in violation of U.N regulations, in exchange for two oil contracts awarded to Iraq’s State Oil Marketing Organisation (SOMO).

Of the $8,90,000, $7,48,550 was allegedly transferred by them to an account in the Jordan National Bank, the remaining $1,46,247.23, which was the commission for the oil-contracts, was deposited with Barclays Bank, in the Channel Islands. The money was transferred to an account in the name of Indus Trading Company, which itself is owned by Andaleeb Sehgal, a friend of Mr. Singh.

The accused are required to respond to the show-cause notice (issued on the 2nd of September), which Natwar says is an attempt by the ED to “defame” him, within 30 days. The independent Pathak Commission’s report had stated that there was “no material evidence to show that Natwar Singh derived any financial or other personal benefits from the contracts.”

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How To Build A Medical Startup: A Useful Resource Guide

The Ultimate Resource List in Healthcare Technology

Halfof the world’s population lacks essential healthcare services, as reported by the World Bank and World Health Organization. The number ofdeaths from poor-quality careexceeds deaths from AIDs and diabetes. Technology exists to transform healthcare. But despite the promise technology holds, the healthcare industry is slow to embrace it because healthcare ecosystems are bureaucratic and stifling.

However, innovation in healthcare is happening faster than most people realize. Individuals who decided to build a medical startup were able to raise$9.5billion in funding in 2018. Sooner or later, we’ll witness a massive adoption of healthcare technology globally.Entering the healthcare market is complex. The presence of players such as insurance companies, governments, and regulatory bodies — which influence prices and policies — creates considerable friction. Additionally, many solutions fail to address real pain points of consumers.

To see what the HealthTech landscape looks like and empower you as a healthcare entrepreneur, we’ve created the ultimate resource guide with a selection of articles, case studies, statistics, and more. This guide addresses issues in regard to healthcare technology and reveals best practices to cover blind spots you might have.

What are the top healthcare apps today?

Digital health is not a myth, it’s a reality. The best medical apps are winning over doctors and patients alike because they assist in diagnosis, treatment, and well-being, enabling patient-centric care. Jump to the section below to learn about healthcare startups, mobile health apps, and the features that attract users.Read more – Healthcare app development

US adds 173,000 jobs in August; unemployment rate drops to seven year low

Monday, September 7, 2015

The US economy added 173,000 jobs in August, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Friday. The unemployment rate fell from 5.3 to 5.1 percent, the lowest since April 2008.

Although August job gains were lower than most economists forecast, job growth numbers for June and July were revised upwards by a combined 44,000. Average job gains over the past three months stand at 221,000, compared to March-May’s 189,000 monthly average. Over the past twelve months, job growth has averaged 247,000 per month.

Average hourly earnings rose 0.3 percent, or 8 cents, marking the largest increase in earnings in seven months. Hourly earnings had risen by 6 cents in July. Wages have risen by 2.2 percent over the past year.

Job growth in August was primarily concentrated in the health care and social assistance, financial activities, and professional and business services sectors. Those three areas of the economy added a combined 108,000 jobs. Food service and drinking places employment increased by 26,000 over the month, and other economic sectors saw employment hold steady. Manufacturing, on the other hand, saw employment decline by 17,000 in August. A stronger dollar and worldwide economic weakness make US exports less desirable, leading to a flattening in manufacturing employment so far this year after steadily rising in the early years of the US economic recovery.

The solid overall job gains led analysts to slightly raise expectations for a decision by the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates this month. Investors raised the likelihood of a September rate increase from 26 percent before the jobs report to 30 percent, and stocks dropped by over one percent on Friday. “The payrolls data is certainly good enough to allow for a Fed rate hike in September,” said Deutsche Bank’s head of currency strategy, Alan Ruskin. “The big question is still whether financial market volatility will scupper the plans.”

“This is the first time the market has looked at a Fed meeting and really has no idea what the Fed is going to do,” said Mark Kepner, a New Jersey equity trader with Themis Trading. “Right now you’re looking at the overall uncertainty and that’s what’s hanging on the market. I don’t think this number in and of itself changes how somebody’s going to vote.”

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South African president dismisses deputy on implications of corruption

Tuesday, June 14, 2005File:JacobZuma.jpg

Today at about 1600 UTC/GMT, South African President Thabo Mbeki announced in a special session of parliament that he has taken action he feels is necessary, that is to “release [his deputy president], Jacob Zuma, from his responsibilities as deputy president of the republic and member of the cabinet”.

Zuma was implicated in corruption arising from his relationship with his former financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, who was convicted of corruption and fraud earlier this month. Shaik was found guilty by Durban High Court of two counts of corruption and one of fraud and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

The President has called this one of his toughest decisions. Opposition leader of the Democratic Alliance immediately praised the president for holding “principle over politics”, and, while deeply saddened, former president Nelson Mandela supported Mbeki’s decision. Jacob Zuma was the favourite of the ruling African National Congress party to succeed Thabo Mbeki as president.

Following this ordeal, the government of South Africa has reaffirmed its dedication to the reduction and eventual elimination of corruption in all areas of politics.

UPDATE (July 7)

The African National Congress held a meeting of it’s National General Council over the weekend of 2-3 July. Zuma attracted a lot of favourable attention, mostly from people who wished to defeat policy initiatives that included relaxing some of the legal constraints on employers. He was reinstated as ANC deputy president and, in a first for the party, granted a salary (details not revealed). It now appears that Jacob Zuma’s political future is closely tied to that of the “left wing” of the ANC.

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Six Considerations Before Buying An Electric Wheelchair

Six Considerations Before Buying an Electric Wheelchair

by

MobiltityScooterStore

Electric powered wheelchairs are rapidly replacing manual wheelchairs due to the simplicity of operation, convenience, and advances in construction. As far as personal mobility options go, however, electric powered wheelchairs can be quite expensive; making the assessment of needs and other considerations a critical step in the process of buying a wheelchair.

* The Budget Of the personal mobility options, electric powered wheelchairs are the most expensive, ranging in price from $5,000 to $30,000. Narrowing add-ons to only those that are daily life necessities can keep costs in check and provide a better chance at getting at least some of the costs covered by a health insurance provider.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WlUuGGdgyg[/youtube]

* Needs As the most important consideration, determination of the needs of the buyer should dictate everything that follows. From the physical limitations of the buyer to the types of surfaces the wheelchair will be driven on, an outline will be formed on the type of Electric Power Lift Chair will best suit the needs of the person using the chair. The needs assessment can start narrowing the various categories of wheelchairs (front, center, and rear wheel drive as well as heavy duty), eventually determining the best option for the buyer.

* Features Adding features based on physical need is the best way to determine what should be added and what should be left alone. Considerations on physical strengths and weaknesses, uses, and an estimate of when and where the wheelchair will be used the most can help to define a list of necessary features.

* The control system This is the panel that makes the wheelchair go, so determining the optimal control panel is of utmost importance. For those with upper body mobility, controlling the wheelchair with a joystick provides a convenient solution. If upper body mobility is severely limited, buying a control system which is directed by head or upper body motions would be the logical choice.

* The test drive Take the chair for a spin to check for comfort and functionality. Most manufacturers allow for a test periods for a short period of time prior to the buyer s final commitment. Be prepared to ask for it if the test drive option is not presented.

* Personalizing the wheelchair Only after a successful test drive should personalization be undertaken. Additional padding, colors, accessories, and color schemes can customize the look of the chair once the final determination has been made.

The variety of available Electric Lift Chairs can make the decision process for the right one seem almost overwhelming. By starting with the considerations above, buyers can start to narrow the choices down to where a confident decision can be made that the wheelchair will meet and surpass the requirements of the user. The customer support team at The Mobility Scooter Store can help with the decision making process as well. For more information, visit

Lift Recliner Chairs

Mobility products allow millions of users with mobility issues to lead a more active lifestyle. Whether you re looking for a lift chair, a luxury adjustable bed, a power chair or a mobility scooter, The Mobility Scooters Store is the best place online to shop for all of your mobility products.Visit us online at :

Easy Lift Chair

Article Source:

ArticleRich.com

Worldwide student competition brings WTO debate battle to Geneva

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

The final round of the ELSA Moot Court Competition on WTO Law is taking place in Geneva this week. Eighteen teams from Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia-Pacific have made it to the finals to contest one of the key issues underpinning WTO trade negotiations – commitment to public health.

The 2001 WTO Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health was a vital step in increasing access to medicines in health emergencies. It permits governments to temporarily set aside patents on specific medicines to protect the health of their people.

Many of the key arguments of the WTO negotiations on this matter as well as the issues surrounding free trade agreements (FTAs) between WTO members will be used by the students as they debate the issues at hand. Students will play out a dispute between two WTO members – one setting aside a pharmaceutical patent, the other challenging this on behalf of its industry – in front of a distinguished panel of judges, including many WTO luminaries.

Giorgio Sacerdoti, Chairman, WTO Appellate Body, said: “The WTO dispute settlement system fulfills at least two important systemic functions in today world society: (1) “ensure the respect of treaty based rights and obligations in a multilateral setting by providing the speedy resolution of disputes in an impartial way, based on the rule of law”, (2) “by collective monitoring ensure implementation of those decisions”. Lawyers are called to play an increasing role in this mechanism. ELSA has to be commended for preparing students to this challenge and opportunity on a worldwide basis.”

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Four Indonesian airlines allowed back into Europe; Zambia, Kazakhstan banned

Friday, July 17, 2009

The European Union (EU) has allowed four Indonesian airlines back into their airspace. A blanket ban had been placed on Indonesian air carriers in 2007. The EU has now added every Zambian airline and all but one from Kazakhstan to their blacklist.

We cannot afford any compromise in air safety

The four airlines allowed to fly into Europe are state-owned flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, privately owned scheduled carrier Mandala Airlines and two private chartered airlines dealing mainly with western clients, Airfast Indonesia and Premiair.

The decision to place the nation’s fleet on the list of air carriers banned in the European Union followed a string of accidents, as well as a safety audit by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The accidents included the Adam Air Flight 574 disaster, where an airliner vanished from radar and crashed, Adam Air Flight 172, a nonfatal accident in which a plane cracked in half after landing and Garuda Indonesia Flight 200, a runway overrun that killed 21.

The ICAO had issued 600 safety recommendations to Indonesia. According to foreign minister Hassan Wirajuda, there are 69 requirements issued to the airlines by the EU, of which 62 have been met. Indonesia has also made improvements to its safety infrastructure, introducing better inspections. Earlier this year, five airlines had their operating certificates revoked for failing inspections.

The EU said the decision was made as a result of “significant improvements and accomplishments of the Indonesian civil aviation authority” which “are recognised in the area of safety.” Garuda plans to launch services to Europe next year.

The EU list now also contains all Zambian airlines and every airline from Kazakhstan except Air Astana. Astana has had restrictions put upon its flights to Europe.

European Commissioner for Transport Antonio Tajani used these additions as an opportunity to repeat a call for the list to be made global, which he had first suggested after the crash of Yeminia Flight 626 earlier this month.

“We cannot afford any compromise in air safety,” he said. “Citizens have the right to fly safely anywhere in the world. It is high time that the international community rethinks safety policy. Those airlines which are unsafe should not be allowed to fly anywhere.”

The only other modification to the list was to Angolan flag carrier TAAG. Previously banned completely, they will now be allowed to fly some of their aircraft into Portugal, with operating restrictions. The move comes after the Portuguese and Angolan civil aviation bodies signed a deal to co-operate to improve safety.

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Soccer Betting Tips: A Quick Guide On How To Win With Betting

There are 2 types of bettors in the world ofsoccer betting tips, which you always hear about; there are gamblers who bet to earn money and those who bet to just have fun.Here are soccer betting tips that we’ve listed so you can do both, win and have fun. The first thing you have to learn from out soccer betting tips is that the ultimate goal when playing sports betting is to make your bookie lose so that you can win money.Soccer is a sports that is very dynamic and tough to predict which is really one of the reasons why gamblers like playing it because its a mixture of analysis and luck. However unpredictable soccer games and soccer betting can bet there are certainsoccer betting tipsand guidelines which can help you predict better.The second part of our soccer betting tips is to always be confident about your decisions. You can not be indecisive because you should be confident that your knowledge can be useful in predicting the right outcome of the game.The third part of our soccer betting tips series is to check these points before you begin to bet on a particular team consider these factors:What is the soccer teams form? Check all the data, reports, and analysis about the particular soccer team you are interested in betting for. The best way to make a right decision when it comes to soccer betting is to gather all the strengths and issues that soccer team is currently facing.Check how the soccer team performs when playing on home court or far away. See if the team has a particular pattern when playing with home court advantage and when that team is playing in the opponents court. This way you can factor in the situation when you bet.Check the teams previous record We give yousoccer betting tipsthat are unheard of but true such as the fact that when it comes to football, history seems to repeat itself. So research on that teams particular performance and you can gauge its future performance.Check for handicaps due to suspension or injuries. If you see a soccer player injured this season you can bet that that would play a factor in the upcoming seasons soccer performance.Is the team motivated to win? Sometimes its not the past years champion that is most likely to win the finale. Usually those who are second will have the motivation to climb on top and claim the main spot. So check if that team is motivated and just how passionate they are to win the game?

Bolivia’s Evo Morales wins referendum on a new leftist constitution

Monday, January 26, 2009

File:Schafik handal con fidel.jpg

The Bolivian President, Evo Morales, 49, has claimed victory after voters ratified a new leftist constitution, granting more power to the country’s indigenous majority.

“The indigenous farmers, the most marginalized sector throughout the history of the republic, are now recognized as people with the same rights as any citizen. Here begins the new Bolivia. Here we begin to reach true equality,” Morales told a crowd in front of the flag-draped balcony of Palacio Quemado in La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia.

Ratified with about 60 percent support in a referendum on Sunday based on exit polls, the new constitution lets Morales run for re-election later this year and grants him tighter control over the economy. An official vote count of some 3.8 million registered voters who cast their ballots will be announced February 4.

With the new Magna Carta, South America‘s second poorest country after Guyana becomes a leader in the regional “pink tide” of left-wing governments that have ousted traditional elites and challenged American influence. The new constitution’s elements include recognition of 36 distinct Indian “nations”, increasing the autonomy of Bolivia’s nine regions, establishing state control over key natural resources such as gas, and setting limits on land ownership.

Morales has also promised Bolivia’s native groups that the constitution will keep the white “oligarchs” who ruled the country for 183 years from returning to power. The leftist constitution empowers the government to distribute land to indigenous communities and apportion ethnic quotas for state jobs, including congress seats. “After 500 years, we have retaken the Plaza Murillo! Internal colonialism and external colonialism end here too. Sisters and brothers, neo-liberalism ends here too!” said Morales.

Vice-President Álvaro MarceloGarcía Linera, a principal author of the draft constitution, hailed Sunday’s referendum results, saying, “this will be an egalitarian Bolivia, a Bolivia that leaves behind a dark, colonial, racist past.” Linera, however, has acknowledged that the government has provoked deep divisions and faces vehement oppositions from many of the traditional elite, coming from many mixed-race people in the fertile eastern lowlands which rejected the draft charter.

“I am not saying there will be no more conflict, there will be tensions for a while, I say a decade … but we will have built a state on three principles: the economy under state control, equality, and the territorial decentralization of power,” he said. The new constitution was rejected in four opposition-controlled regions: the tropical lowlands of Pando, Santa Cruz, Tarija and Beni, which contain most of Bolivia’s natural gas production and are responsible for most of its agricultural output.

There will be tensions for a while, I say a decade… but we will have built a state on three principles: the economy under state control, equality, and the territorial decentralization of power.

With the split vote, Oscar Ortiz, the president of the opposition-controlled Senate, has voiced concerns that the charter has become a war of ideas. “The result [of the vote] … will show deep divisions between regions and between Bolivians in each region. A confrontation between ideas and visions about how this country will build its common future will continue,” he said ahead of the referendum.

Former president Carlos Mesa has predicted that the constitution is unlikely to pave the way for real social change amid continuing political struggles. “We will have so many legal battles to go through that I fear that last year’s belligerent climate will continue this year. President Morales is not coming at this with open hands, he has built trenches and dug in,” Mr. Mesa said.

Morales has dismissed the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia, accusing both of conspiracy with the opposition to overthrow his government. The U.S. Embassy in La Paz has called the accusations “false and absurd.” Morales has been very popular among the poor and among Aymara, Quechua and Guarani.

The new constitution’s 411 articles address underrepresentation of indigenous peoples. “It may be the equivalent of Spain’s Reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors in 1492. But instead of the blood spilled in that process, Bolivia is advancing in a democratic process that does not exclude or subjugate anyone,” said Xavier Albó, a Jesuit scholar and linguist.

“Finally we have a constitution that leaves racism and hatred aside, because indigenous people are included,” said Adolfo Chavez, president of the Confederation of Indigenous people of Bolivia (CIDOB).

In March 2005, then-President Mesa resigned. The President of Senate Hormando Vaca Díez assumed office as the country’s temporary President. Mesa resigned because of the announcement of highway blockages by Evo Morales and leaders of both the coca growers and the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS). The blockages were meant to pressure the Legislative so that the Hydrocarbons Law, which would raise taxes levied on hydrocarbon extraction from 18% to 50%, could be approved.

The MAS is a political party formed basically by coca-growing campesinos (farmers or farmworkers), communists, admirers of Fidel Castro and indigenous people. The party is against the U.S. government and the alleged American influence in the region, neoliberalism and globalization.

In December 2005, Morales won the presidential election in Bolivia to serve a five-year term. In the 2005 election, his victory marked the country’s first election of an indigenous head of state, but this claim gendered controversy due to the number of mestizo presidents who were elected or appointed before him. He was openly criticized by such figures as Mario Vargas Llosa, who accuses the President of fomenting racial divisions in an increasingly mestizo Latin America.

Morales ran on a campaign of restoring coca farming in Bolivia, in spite of the U.S. program aimed at reducing the ability to grow coca to curb the cocaine industry. Morales is an Aymara Indian and former coca farmer himself, and has described his victory as a signal that “a new history of Bolivia begins, a history where we search for equality, justice and peace with social justice.”

Morales is an admirer of Fidel Castro and he says he is also inspired by the President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Morales supports the creation of an anti-imperialist block formed by Latin-American and Arabian countries against the U.S., which is being organized by the Brazilian President.

In August 2008, Bolivian unrest began against Morales and calls for greater autonomy for the country’s eastern departments grew. Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando, Tarija and Chuquisaca called strikes and protests to oppose the central government’s plan to divert part of the national direct tax on hydrocarbons in favor of its Renta Dignidad pension plan. Brief clashes occurred in the Santa Cruz de la Sierra between police and armed youths enforcing the strike. Violence between Morales’ supporters and opponents resulted in at least 30 deaths.

In September 2008, Bolivian authorities declared a state of emergency in Pando, where Bolivian troops took control of the airport in the region’s capital, Cobija. Amid preparations to retake the city, 20 people were killed. In October 2008, the government and the opposition held talks following which resulted in the signing of a compromise agreement which set the referendum on 25 January 2009 and early elections on December 6, 2009.

Morales in turn promised that he would not run again in 2014 after his likely reelection in 2009, despite the fact that he would be allowed to do so under the new constitution. The new constitution was drafted by the Constituent Assembly in 2007. The referendum set forth two questions: whether to approve the new constitution and whether to limit private estates to 1,000 or 5,000 hectares.

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