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CSIS to hire impartial reviewer as part of human rights settlement with Black officer

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

OTTAWA — Canada’s spy service has agreed to hire an independent human rights specialist to review its diversity strategy as part of the settlement of a complaint from a Black woman who worked as an intelligence officer.The Canadian Human Rights Commission and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service say the intelligence agency will also publish an executive summary of the specialist’s findings and recommendations.In addition, CSIS has committed to sharing its responses to the recommendations with the human rights commission, a federal watchdog with a broad mandate to protect people from discrimination.In a joint statement this week announcing the settlement, the commission and CSIS said the spy agency affirms its ongoing commitment to address systemic discrimination and racism, and increase diversity and inclusion in its workplace.A CSIS spokesman said the agency is determined to identify and resolve potential barriers to a safe, healthy and respectful workplace. Word of the...

Putin says some 244,000 Russian troops are fighting in Ukraine, offering a rare detail

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

MOSCOW (AP) — President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that some 244,000 Russian troops are currently fighting in Ukraine, a rare detail on Moscow’s military operation there. Putin said during his year-end press conference that the Kremlin doesn’t need a second wave of mobilization of reservists, with 1,500 men recruited into the army every day across the country. As of Wednesday evening, a total of 486,000 soldiers have signed a contract with the Russian military, Putin said. “Why mobilization? There is no need,” he said.THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin began his end-of-year news conference Thursday with a question about Ukraine, vowing that his goals remain the same and there would be no peace until they’re achieved. Putin was greeted with applause as he arrived in the hall in central Moscow, a short distance from the Kremlin. This year, ordinary citizens have the chance to phone in questions along ...

Daily horoscope for December 14, 2023

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Capricorn.Happy Birthday for Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023:Your flamboyance can call attention to you. You are a philosophical truth-seeker. You have given to others this year. In 2024, you will take time to renew your spiritual or religious beliefs. You will explore philosophies that get you closer to the true meaning of your life.ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★★Today you will make a great impression on parents, bosses, VIPs and the police — all authority figures in your life. In fact, this could lead to a sudden boost in your income. Gifts and favors might come your way. It’s a good day to seek a loan or ask for help from others. Tonight: You’re noticed!TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★★★Unexpected opportunities to travel might fall in your lap today. Likewise, a surprise chance to take a course or learn something new might be an exciting opportunity for you. Meanwhile, relations with ...

The National Interdisciplinary Centre for Circular Chemical Economy receives the IChemE 2023 Global Award in Sustainability

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

IChemE has announced the winners of its 2023 Global Awards at a ceremony held on 30 November at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham, UK. The IChemE Global Awards are esteemed as the world's most prestigious accolades in the field of chemical engineering. The event, hosted by television presenter Dallas Campbell, served as a platform to highlight and celebrate organizations and teams worldwide that showcase excellence in chemical, biochemical, and process engineering. A distinguished panel of 30 judges, representing diverse industries worldwide, meticulously selected winners from over 100 outstanding finalists spanning 19 award categories including Pharmaceuticals, Energy, Industry Project, Innovative Product, Nuclear Engineering, Oil and Gas, Process Automation and Digitalization, Sustainability, Water Resources, Young Researcher, Young Industrialist and so on. The international representation of winners and finalists from various countries including Trinidad and Tobago, the United S...

COP28: Let us listen to the countries that lead on deforestation

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

The COP28 conference this year has been organized around four cross-cutting themes aimed at tackling the causes of climate change and managing the impacts of a warming planet: Technology and Innovation; Inclusion; Frontline Communities, and Finance, writes Jan Zahradil, MEP and vice chairman of the European Parliament’s international trade committee.Brazil is a new convert, but nonetheless a pivotal player in the global climate change dialogue due to its vast Amazon rainforest. During a panel session at the COP28 climate summit  in Dubai, Brazil’s Environment Minister introduced "Tropical Forests Forever”, an initiative aiming to secure $250 billion for the protection and restoration of the world's tropical forests.The proposal outlines a global fund to finance forest conservation, with the ambitious goal of raising funds from sovereign wealth funds, investors, even the oil industry. Under the proposal, a fund would be created to offer compensation to residents and landowners w...

The UAE private investor, with ties to the Dubai Ruling Family, at the heart of the battle for Fortenova

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

When Saif Alketbi purchased a stake in Fortenova, the Croatian food giant and the country’s biggest private employer, many welcomed this significant foreign direct investment from the Gulf.But, since making the acquisition, it has not at all been plain sailing for Mr. Alketbi. After acquiring the 43 per cent stake in Fortenova, purchasing SBK ART LLC from the Russian bank, Sberbank, for €400 million, SBK ART (though not Mr. Alketbi himself) found itself targeted by EU sanctions, at the request of the Croatian government.Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Croatian state had previously attempted to sell Fortenova to Croatia’s pension fund. When the deal collapsed at the last moment, and in the absence of any other bidders, the respected Emirati businessman stepped in to acquire Sberbank’s stake. Since then, the Croatian government has been desperately trying to keep Fortenova in Croatian ownership, which has created the conditions for local tycoon, Pavao Vujnovac, to capitali...

Miss Manners: I’m irritated by drivers who leave their car at the pump

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I frequent a gas station that has four sets of pumps (with nozzles on both sides), a convenience store/coffee shop, plenty of parking away from the pumps, and designated handicapped spaces right near the door.Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: I’m offended that they think my husband knows best Advice | Miss Manners: Do they think that as doctors they have some special aura? Advice | Miss Manners: I’m taking the high road when it comes to the fruitcake Advice | Miss Manners: Is it vindictive to cross these people off my cookie list because of what they said? Advice | Miss Manners: I wish the cleaning lady wouldn’t openly covet my belongings I regularly observe drivers pull their cars up to the pumps, get out, go into the store, come back out, get into their cars and leave — without pumping any gas. Meanwhile, there are cars lined up waiting for a pump.For rea...

Dear Abby: This is my family’s pronunciation, and the correction is hurtful

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

DEAR ABBY: My daughter is married with two kids. They live a few hours away. I love seeing them, but I have just one issue. She constantly corrects the way I pronounce words.Related ArticlesAdvice | Dear Abby: If my daughter’s not good enough for his son, what does that mean for us? Advice | Dear Abby: I let a drunk guy stay on my couch, and he won’t leave Advice | Dear Abby: I skipped the wedding because of what the bride’s mother demanded Advice | Dear Abby: My kids want the inheritance but I’m scared to give it to them Advice | Dear Abby: Do I need to be honest about what happened to their gift? No one ever mentioned it before she did. A lot of the pronunciations are how my family members and people in my state pronounce them. She started criticizing me after she lived in three different states.It has reached a point where I dread seeing her. I feel self-conscious, and my self-...

President Vladimir Putin says some 244,000 Russian troops are currently on the battlefield in Ukraine

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

MOSCOW (AP) — President Vladimir Putin says some 244,000 Russian troops are currently on the battlefield in Ukraine.Source

Ex-Tokyo Olympics official pleads not guilty to taking bribes in exchange for Games contracts

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:50:25 GMT

TOKYO (AP) — Haruyuki Takahashi, a former member of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee, appeared in a Tokyo district court on Thursday and pleaded not guilty to taking bribes tied to the Games.Takahashi was arrested more than a year ago and its unclear when his trial will end.The defense will present its case early next year.A former executive with the powerful Japanese advertising company Dentsu, Takahashi is charged with accepting around 198 million yen ($1.4 million) in bribes in exchange for awarding Olympic contracts for the 2021 Tokyo Games.Takahashi appeared in court just nine days after a separate bid-rigging trial was adjourned with Dentsu and five other companies facing criminal charges. That trial is to resume early next year.“I assert my innocence on all the charges,” Takahashi, wearing a gray suit and burgundy tie, told the judge before the prosecution presented its case. “It was strictly business and it was not a bribe.” The indictment says Takahashi received bribe...