Beijing: A Belgian cargo vessel leaked oil into waters off northern China after a Chinese ship crashed into it at a refuelling dock, a state news agency said on Sunday.
The Belgian ship, ‘Lowlands Prosperity’, was docked late Saturday at the Caofeidian port, a steelmaking and energy base in northeastern Hebei province, near Beijing, when a Chinese oil supplying ship hit the vessel's stern, the official Xinhua News Agency said.
The 290-meter-long (950-foot) Belgian vessel had planned to unload and refuel when the Chinese fuel supplier, ‘Jinyou No 1’, crashed into it and damaged its hull, causing an oil leak.
The extent of the oil leak was not immediately clear, but Xinhua cited workers as saying it was temporarily under control. The provincial maritime department dispatched workers and ships to the site but a thick fog hindered cleanup operations Sunday, Xinhua said.
Showing posts with label national news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label national news. Show all posts
Sunday, October 25, 2009
US Health Bill may cut employer mandate
Washington: Businesses would not be required to provide health insurance under legislation being readied for Senate debate, but large firms would owe significant penalties if any worker needed government subsidies to buy coverage on their own, according to Democratic officials familiar with talks on the bill.
For firms with more than 50 employees, the fee could be as high as $750 multiplied by the total size of the work force if only a few workers needed federal aid, these officials said. That is a more stringent penalty than in a bill that recently cleared the Senate Finance Committee, which said companies should face penalties on a per-employee basis.
These officials also said individuals would generally be required to purchase affordable insurance if it were available, and face penalties if they defied the requirement.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, saying they were not authorized to discuss the private negotiations involving key Senate Democrats and the White House. They also stressed that no final decisions have been made on the details of the measure, expected to reach the Senate floor in about two weeks.
In general, the bill taking shape in private talks led by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada is designed to answer President Barack Obama's call to remake the nation's health care system. It would expand coverage to millions who lack it, ban insurance industry practices such as denial of coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and slow the growth in medical spending nationally.
Like a companion measure in the House, it would create a new federally regulated marketplace, termed an exchange, where individuals and families could purchase insurance sold by private industry. Federal subsidies would be available to help those at lower incomes afford the cost.
Subsidies would also be available to smaller businesses as an incentive for them to provide insurance.
For firms with more than 50 employees, the fee could be as high as $750 multiplied by the total size of the work force if only a few workers needed federal aid, these officials said. That is a more stringent penalty than in a bill that recently cleared the Senate Finance Committee, which said companies should face penalties on a per-employee basis.
These officials also said individuals would generally be required to purchase affordable insurance if it were available, and face penalties if they defied the requirement.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, saying they were not authorized to discuss the private negotiations involving key Senate Democrats and the White House. They also stressed that no final decisions have been made on the details of the measure, expected to reach the Senate floor in about two weeks.
In general, the bill taking shape in private talks led by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada is designed to answer President Barack Obama's call to remake the nation's health care system. It would expand coverage to millions who lack it, ban insurance industry practices such as denial of coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and slow the growth in medical spending nationally.
Like a companion measure in the House, it would create a new federally regulated marketplace, termed an exchange, where individuals and families could purchase insurance sold by private industry. Federal subsidies would be available to help those at lower incomes afford the cost.
Subsidies would also be available to smaller businesses as an incentive for them to provide insurance.
India rebuffs China on Dalai, but wants peace on border issue
Hua Hin (Thailand): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday rebuffed Beijing over its opposition to the Dalai Lama's planned visit to Arunachal Pradesh while declaring that he and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao have agreed to maintain "peace and tranquility" along their disputed border.
In his first public comment since China came out strongly against the Tibetan spiritual leader's November trip to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, a state Beijing claims, the prime minister described the Dalai Lama as a religious leader and India's "honoured guest".
At a press conference at the end of his hectic two-day visit to Thailand, Manmohan Singh said he was not aware of the travel plans of the Dalai Lama, who has lived in India since fleeing his homeland in 1959.
"I have explained this position to the Chinese leadership... I explained to Premier Wen that the Dalai Lama is our honoured guest. He is a religious leader," Manmohan Singh said.
"(But) we do not allow Tibetan refugees to indulge in political activities. As a proof of that, last year we took resolute action at the time of Olympics when there were reports that some Tibetan refugees might disrupt (the Olympic torch relay)."
Manmohan Singh's comments followed his formal delegation-level discussions with Wen Saturday morning on the sidelines of the India-ASEAN Summit. But he quickly added that the talks over the Dalai Lama took place at a dinner hosted by the Thai prime minister Saturday night.
Manmohan Singh said he had "frank and constructive exchange of views" with Wen at both the interactions Saturday - the first meeting between the two leaders since they met in New York in September last year.
"The premier and I reaffirmed the need to maintain peace and tranquility on the border pending the resolution of the boundary question. Both of us agreed that we should continue and strengthen efforts to build political trust and understanding.
"We ... agreed that existing mechanism for bilateral cooperation should be used to resolve all issues amicably in the spirit of strategic and cooperative partnership. The Chinese foreign minister will be visiting India in two days and the foreign ministers (of India and China) will have an opportunity to discuss all issues which have a bearing on our relationship.
"We both agree that the boundary question is a complex question and that pending the resolution of the boundary question we both have an obligation to maintain peace and tranquility along the border.
"One doesn't have to go to the media to accentuate or exaggerate the amount of differences that prevail."
Manmohan Singh said he raised with Wen the reported issue of a dam being built on the Chinese side of the Brahmaputra, an issue that has generated fears of water scarcity in India's northeast.
"I conveyed to him that cooperation in the area of trans-border rivers is of mutual benefit... He said that relevant discussions on trans-border river issues could be held through the expert level mechanism that we have constituted."
But the prime minister said he did not raise the issue of Arunachal Pradesh or the issue of visas to people of Jammu and Kashmir on separate papers. "Whether it is Arunachal or Jammu and Kashmir, they are integral parts of our country."
On the Commonwealth Games: Manmohan Singh admitted to some delays in the execution of projects, but said that mechanisms now in place will work effectively and visitors "will see a spectacular show" in October 2010.
On Maoism: I have stated repeatedly that the Naxalite problem has emerged as the biggest internal security threat. Both the central and state governments have an obligation to take effective steps to control the problem.
Kashmir: It is our desire to engage all sections of political opinion in Jammu and Kashmir to find practical, pragmatic solutions to the problems facing the state... I have already had two-three meetings with the Hurriyat people. They promised to come back with specific suggestions. I am still waiting for them.
Monetary policy: Monetary policy is the preserve of the Reserve Bank of India. I am satisfied that both the monetary and fiscal policies in our country are in line with our requirements.
On union minister A. Raja: It is not proper for me to join issue with a cabinet colleague in public.
Myanmar: The next year's elections should see a reconciliation of the various segments of the Myanmar society.
In his first public comment since China came out strongly against the Tibetan spiritual leader's November trip to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, a state Beijing claims, the prime minister described the Dalai Lama as a religious leader and India's "honoured guest".
At a press conference at the end of his hectic two-day visit to Thailand, Manmohan Singh said he was not aware of the travel plans of the Dalai Lama, who has lived in India since fleeing his homeland in 1959.
"I have explained this position to the Chinese leadership... I explained to Premier Wen that the Dalai Lama is our honoured guest. He is a religious leader," Manmohan Singh said.
"(But) we do not allow Tibetan refugees to indulge in political activities. As a proof of that, last year we took resolute action at the time of Olympics when there were reports that some Tibetan refugees might disrupt (the Olympic torch relay)."
Manmohan Singh's comments followed his formal delegation-level discussions with Wen Saturday morning on the sidelines of the India-ASEAN Summit. But he quickly added that the talks over the Dalai Lama took place at a dinner hosted by the Thai prime minister Saturday night.
Manmohan Singh said he had "frank and constructive exchange of views" with Wen at both the interactions Saturday - the first meeting between the two leaders since they met in New York in September last year.
"The premier and I reaffirmed the need to maintain peace and tranquility on the border pending the resolution of the boundary question. Both of us agreed that we should continue and strengthen efforts to build political trust and understanding.
"We ... agreed that existing mechanism for bilateral cooperation should be used to resolve all issues amicably in the spirit of strategic and cooperative partnership. The Chinese foreign minister will be visiting India in two days and the foreign ministers (of India and China) will have an opportunity to discuss all issues which have a bearing on our relationship.
"We both agree that the boundary question is a complex question and that pending the resolution of the boundary question we both have an obligation to maintain peace and tranquility along the border.
"One doesn't have to go to the media to accentuate or exaggerate the amount of differences that prevail."
Manmohan Singh said he raised with Wen the reported issue of a dam being built on the Chinese side of the Brahmaputra, an issue that has generated fears of water scarcity in India's northeast.
"I conveyed to him that cooperation in the area of trans-border rivers is of mutual benefit... He said that relevant discussions on trans-border river issues could be held through the expert level mechanism that we have constituted."
But the prime minister said he did not raise the issue of Arunachal Pradesh or the issue of visas to people of Jammu and Kashmir on separate papers. "Whether it is Arunachal or Jammu and Kashmir, they are integral parts of our country."
On the Commonwealth Games: Manmohan Singh admitted to some delays in the execution of projects, but said that mechanisms now in place will work effectively and visitors "will see a spectacular show" in October 2010.
On Maoism: I have stated repeatedly that the Naxalite problem has emerged as the biggest internal security threat. Both the central and state governments have an obligation to take effective steps to control the problem.
Kashmir: It is our desire to engage all sections of political opinion in Jammu and Kashmir to find practical, pragmatic solutions to the problems facing the state... I have already had two-three meetings with the Hurriyat people. They promised to come back with specific suggestions. I am still waiting for them.
Monetary policy: Monetary policy is the preserve of the Reserve Bank of India. I am satisfied that both the monetary and fiscal policies in our country are in line with our requirements.
On union minister A. Raja: It is not proper for me to join issue with a cabinet colleague in public.
Myanmar: The next year's elections should see a reconciliation of the various segments of the Myanmar society.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Swedish church agrees to conduct gay weddings
Stockholm: Sweden's Lutheran Church has decided to allow gay marriages in its places of worship, five months after they became legal.
Nearly 70 percent of the 250 members of the Church of Sweden's synod voted to allow same-sex couples to marry in its congregations from November 1 and adopted a marriage rite for gay weddings, the church said in a statement.
The Church of Sweden, which was the state church until 2000, had backed the parliament's adoption of the gay marriage law, which took effect on May 1. But it deferred its synod's decision on church weddings until now.
Sweden, already a pioneer in giving same-sex couples the right to adopt children, becomes one of the first countries in the world to allow gays to marry in a major Church.
Around three in four Swedes are members of the Lutheran Church.
The country's largest gay rights group, RFSL, welcomed the protestant church's decision
"RFSL congratulates the Church of Sweden for its decision, your homosexual and bisexual members will finally be able to feel a little more welcome within society," it said in a statement.
But the group was disappointed that ministers can refuse to celebrate a gay marriage. In such cases, the Church should find another priest for the ceremony.
The country's smaller Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches said they were disappointed by the Lutherans' decision.
"It is with sadness that we learn about the decision by the synod of the Church of Sweden," Fredrik Emanuelson, a leader of the Roman Catholic Church, and Orthodox church senior official Misha Jaksic said in a joint statement.
"In our churches and communities, we will not unite homosexual couples since it is in complete contradiction with the tradition of the church and our vision of creation," they said.
Nearly 70 percent of the 250 members of the Church of Sweden's synod voted to allow same-sex couples to marry in its congregations from November 1 and adopted a marriage rite for gay weddings, the church said in a statement.
The Church of Sweden, which was the state church until 2000, had backed the parliament's adoption of the gay marriage law, which took effect on May 1. But it deferred its synod's decision on church weddings until now.
Sweden, already a pioneer in giving same-sex couples the right to adopt children, becomes one of the first countries in the world to allow gays to marry in a major Church.
Around three in four Swedes are members of the Lutheran Church.
The country's largest gay rights group, RFSL, welcomed the protestant church's decision
"RFSL congratulates the Church of Sweden for its decision, your homosexual and bisexual members will finally be able to feel a little more welcome within society," it said in a statement.
But the group was disappointed that ministers can refuse to celebrate a gay marriage. In such cases, the Church should find another priest for the ceremony.
The country's smaller Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches said they were disappointed by the Lutherans' decision.
"It is with sadness that we learn about the decision by the synod of the Church of Sweden," Fredrik Emanuelson, a leader of the Roman Catholic Church, and Orthodox church senior official Misha Jaksic said in a joint statement.
"In our churches and communities, we will not unite homosexual couples since it is in complete contradiction with the tradition of the church and our vision of creation," they said.
US backs Iran nuclear deal
Washington: The United States gave its backing today to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) proposals that aim to break the deadlock over Iran's nuclear efforts, the White House said.
"The United States delivered its positive response to IAEA Director General's (Mohamed) ElBaradei's proposal," said National Security Council spokesman Mike Hammer in a statement.
"We look forward to Iran's reply," Hammer added.
Earlier this week, ElBaradei set a Friday deadline for France, Iran, Russia and the United States to give their formal approval to an arrangement under which Russia would further enrich Iranian low-enriched uranium on Russian soil.
Moscow was the first to give the official nod, and earlier Friday French foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero agreed that the draft agreement "suits" Paris.
"We have made this known in an official manner," Valero said, adding that ElBaradei was awaiting "a clear response from Iran."
"The United States delivered its positive response to IAEA Director General's (Mohamed) ElBaradei's proposal," said National Security Council spokesman Mike Hammer in a statement.
"We look forward to Iran's reply," Hammer added.
Earlier this week, ElBaradei set a Friday deadline for France, Iran, Russia and the United States to give their formal approval to an arrangement under which Russia would further enrich Iranian low-enriched uranium on Russian soil.
Moscow was the first to give the official nod, and earlier Friday French foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero agreed that the draft agreement "suits" Paris.
"We have made this known in an official manner," Valero said, adding that ElBaradei was awaiting "a clear response from Iran."
Friday, September 11, 2009
Brit office workers to be allowed 10-minute 'Facebook break'!
Bosses in Britian have decided to impose a new rule in the workplace which will allow employees a 'Facebook break' of 10 minutes a day.
The decision has been taken after a research suggested that Britain's economy is suffering thanks to workers surfing social networking sites, reports The Telegraph.iles Ridgeway, a leading consultant at Employment Law Advisory Services (ELAS) says Facebook is a "curse."
"They feel some staff are failing to do the job they're paid for because they're spending too much time on such websites," he said.
"Some have said it appears to be a habit similar to smokers needing their fix of nicotine," he added.
According to Ridgeway, social networking sites are not a part of workers "legal entitlement".
"In days past, staff would have gathered around the office tea trolley for a quick chat. Now, they can talk to friends on the other side of the globe from their desks," he said.
"But to remain able to do so means committing to doing the job they're employed for. If they don't and bosses take exception to what they believe to be an abuse, they could find themselves out of work and companies would be well within their rights to take such action," he added. (ANI)
The decision has been taken after a research suggested that Britain's economy is suffering thanks to workers surfing social networking sites, reports The Telegraph.iles Ridgeway, a leading consultant at Employment Law Advisory Services (ELAS) says Facebook is a "curse."
"They feel some staff are failing to do the job they're paid for because they're spending too much time on such websites," he said.
"Some have said it appears to be a habit similar to smokers needing their fix of nicotine," he added.
According to Ridgeway, social networking sites are not a part of workers "legal entitlement".
"In days past, staff would have gathered around the office tea trolley for a quick chat. Now, they can talk to friends on the other side of the globe from their desks," he said.
"But to remain able to do so means committing to doing the job they're employed for. If they don't and bosses take exception to what they believe to be an abuse, they could find themselves out of work and companies would be well within their rights to take such action," he added. (ANI)
Stop work on memorial sites in Lucknow: Apex court tells Uttar Pradesh
The Supreme Court Friday asked the Uttar Pradesh government to 'forthwith stop' all sorts of activities including construction, maintenance and repair work at various memorial sites in Lucknow.
A bench of Justice B.N. Agrawal and Justice Aftab Alam asked the state government to vacate all the memorial sites by 7 p.m. Friday and clear all the construction materials and workers.
The bench passed this stern order while also issuing contempt to court notice to the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary seeking his explanation as to why the government continued construction activities at various memorial sites.
The state government had given assurance to the court two days back that no construction activities would be carried out. But news reports said that the activities were on at various memorial sites in Lucknow.
A bench of Justice B.N. Agrawal and Justice Aftab Alam asked the state government to vacate all the memorial sites by 7 p.m. Friday and clear all the construction materials and workers.
The bench passed this stern order while also issuing contempt to court notice to the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary seeking his explanation as to why the government continued construction activities at various memorial sites.
The state government had given assurance to the court two days back that no construction activities would be carried out. But news reports said that the activities were on at various memorial sites in Lucknow.
Helipads at police stations for anti-Maoist operations
The Jharkhand government will undertake a pilot project to construct helipads at police stations in two districts worst affected by the Maoist violence, an official spokesperson said Friday.
'Under the project, helipads will be constructed at police stations in Palamau and Chatra districts. These will be used for anti-Maoist operations,' S.N. Pradhan, Jharkhand police spokesperson, told IANS.
A senior police official, involved in anti-Maoist operations, said: 'In Palamau and Chatra districts, it is difficult to move in deep jungle areas as the Maoist rebels have planted landmines. The geographical terrain of both the districts favour the rebels. The construction of helipads will help in the movement of security forces.'
According to sources, Jharkhand government could plan such helipads in other districts also.
Maoist guerrillas are active in 18 of the state's 24 districts. Nearly 1,550 people have been killed in Maoist-related violence in the past eight years
'Under the project, helipads will be constructed at police stations in Palamau and Chatra districts. These will be used for anti-Maoist operations,' S.N. Pradhan, Jharkhand police spokesperson, told IANS.
A senior police official, involved in anti-Maoist operations, said: 'In Palamau and Chatra districts, it is difficult to move in deep jungle areas as the Maoist rebels have planted landmines. The geographical terrain of both the districts favour the rebels. The construction of helipads will help in the movement of security forces.'
According to sources, Jharkhand government could plan such helipads in other districts also.
Maoist guerrillas are active in 18 of the state's 24 districts. Nearly 1,550 people have been killed in Maoist-related violence in the past eight years
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
