New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is facing scrutiny over a deal he scored for a book on his coronavirus response, as residents of his state reel from the financial impacts of his lockdowns.
Titled “American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic,” the book purportedly offers “intimate and inspiring thoughts of a leader at an unprecedented historical moment,” according to its Amazon description. The website adds that “American Crisis is a remarkable portrait of selfless leadership and a gritty story of difficult choices that points the way to a safer future for all of us.”
Cuomo’s book was released on Oct. 13 by Crown Publishing and, unlike his previous book, “All Things Possible,” became a best-seller. It’s unclear how much Cuomo received for “American Crisis,” but a financial disclosure showed him receiving $783,000 for “All Things Possible.”
The governor has declined to disclose the amount paid for his coronavirus-related book, reportedly saying he would reveal the sum in his financial disclosures, which are due in the spring of 2021. According to the news site lohud.com, Cuomo has pledged to donate an unspecified amount of the proceeds to a COVID-related entity.
Neither Cuomo’s office nor his publisher responded to Fox News’ multiple requests for comment.
The book’s success, however, raises additional questions about how public officials might benefit or encounter different circumstances during a crisis like the pandemic.
As the nation headed towards more potential shutdowns for the winter, another Democratic state chief executive, California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom, was caught at a dinner party that seemed to flout his own social distancing guidelines. A Sacramento Bee editorial slammed the party, which took place at an upscale French restaurant and was in honor of a lobbyist. “Nothing will launder the stain of stupidity from his reputation after this ill-conceived outing,” the Bee said.
Last week, the Albany Times-Union newspaper reported on a debate within New York’s Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) that appeared to arise out of concerns surrounding Cuomo’s book. State Republican Sen. Gary Lavine, who serves on JCOPE, “instigated” a discussion on how much sway the commission, which approved Cuomo’s book as a source of outside income, had.
The Times-Union reported: “JCOPE commissioner Gary Lavine, who instigated the discussion, refused to say whether his interest in the topic was prompted by the book deal. ‘I will not confirm or deny any confidential request for an ethics opinion,’ Lavine said.”
Fox News’ Joseph Wulfsohn contributed to this report.
A World Health Organization (WHO) Guideline Development Group (GDG) panel of international experts made the recommendation in the BMJ – the weekly peer-reviewed medical journal, published by the British Medical Association – as part of so-called “living guidelines” to manage the coronavirus and help doctors make better decisions in consultation with patients.
“Living guidelines are useful in fast moving research areas like COVID-19 because they allow researchers to update previously vetted and peer reviewed evidence summaries as new information becomes available”, said WHO, in a press release on the findings.
Remdesivir has received global attention in treating severe coronavirus cases and is increasingly being used for hospitalized patients. But its role in clinical practice has remained uncertain.
WHO’s recommendation is based on new evidence comparing the effects of several drugs on treating the virus and includes data from four international randomized trials involving more than 7,000 COVID-19 inpatients.
After reviewing the evidence, the WHO GDG expert panel, which includes four patients who have had the coronavirus, concluded that the intravenously administered Remdesivir “has no meaningful effect on mortality or on other important outcomes for patients, such as the need for mechanical ventilation or time to clinical improvement”.
Arguing its use
The panel acknowledged that the certainty of the evidence is low and did not prove that Remdesivir has no benefit; but rather, “there is no evidence based on currently available data that it does improve important patient outcomes”, according to the WHO release.
However, the GDG supported the continued enrolment of patients into Remdesivir evaluation trials to determine whether more substantial evidence can be obtained, especially with regards to specific groups of patients.
The WHO press release also cites a feature article linked in the panel’s BMJ report, which says that the full story of Remdesivir will not be understood until its manufacturer, Gilead, releases full clinical study reports.
In the meantime, reports the journalist who wrote the feature, Jeremy Hsu, alternative treatments such as widely available corticosteroid, dexamethasone, that has been proved to reduce mortality among some severely-ill COVID-19 sufferers, are “now impacting discussions about Remdesivir’s cost-effectiveness”, in the words of the WHO press release.
Written by Amit Sharma
| Meerut |
Updated: November 20, 2020 5:47:50 am
Neetu Yadav has also alleged that her husband Akram Khan and his brother manhandled her and tried to forcibly abort when she was six-month pregnant with Akram’s child.
Baghpat police in western UP have arrested a couple following allegation by a nurse working at a local private nursing home that the man had married her as his second wife eight months ago by concealing his religious identity, and also allegedly wanted her to convert, the police said on Thursday.
Neetu Yadav has also alleged that her husband Akram Khan and his brother manhandled her and tried to forcibly abort when she was six-month pregnant with Akram’s child.
Before his arrest Wednesday evening, Akram denied the allegations and said he never hid his religious identity. He told the media that he had informed Neetu about his first wife, Rashida, and also told told her that bigamy is not a crime in his religion.
Both the woman and Akram worked at the same nursing home in Baraut town of the district.
“The staff nurse met me and told everything. She also claimed that her husband was trying to coerce her to convert,” SP Abhishek Singh said over telephone. “I immediately directed the police in-charge there to take action.”
On Wednesday, Akram told reporters in Baraut that he married the nurse in March: “”I never hid my religion, nor am I denying having married her. She was pressuring me to divorce my first wife and live with her. She made these allegations after I refused.”
The woman said, “I did not know (at the time of marriage) that he is Muslim…”
Foundations of the national House of Worship are complete and work on the superstructure advances.
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — Coming into view from all directions as one approaches the Waigani area of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, is the rising structure of the Bahá’í House of Worship currently under construction. Once completed, the House of Worship will act as a focal point for devotion and service to society, open to people from all backgrounds.
“In Papua New Guinea, where there are more than 800 languages and as many tribes, the House of Worship represents unity for all the people of the country,” says Confucius Ikoirere, Secretary of the country’s Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly. “The design of the temple, which is based on traditional weaving patterns, is itself symbolic of unity. This art form is found everywhere in the country, from baskets created for special occasions or use in everyday life to matts woven for family and friends. Weaving calls to mind how we come together among our diverse backgrounds and customs.”
Slideshow 10 imagesThe rising structure of the Bahá’í House of Worship comes into view from all directions as one approaches the Waigani area of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Since the foundations of the House of Worship were completed last December, work has progressed on an intricate steel structure for the central edifice that traces the unique weaving pattern of the exterior. An innovative design for the steel dome, devised by Werkstudio, an engineering firm based in Germany and Poland, provides the required strength with an economical use of material.
The structural system interfaces with the nine entrance canopies that provide lateral strength to the temple. This system, parts of which are nearing completion, will eventually support a steel dome mesh that will at its apex reach a height of approximately 16 meters above floor level.
Slideshow 10 imagesThe structural system will eventually support a steel dome mesh that will at its apex reach a height of approximately 16 meters above floor level.
Designs are being finalized for wood panels that will adorn the entrances of the temple, using local timber. Planning is also under way for gardens that will surround the central edifice.
Mr. Ikoirere says, “The House of Worship will provide an environment where people will find solace and peace, to give time to their Creator and find inspiration to serve humanity.”
Slideshow 10 imagesParts of the structural system are nearing completion.
Several ongoing crises, including a breakdown in talks between British Brexit negotiator David Frost and his EU counterpart, Michel Barnier, have spiked levels of uncertainty in Britain’s post-Brexit ambitions.
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has further blocked efforts on both sides of the English Channel as government allocate resources to battle with the second wave of infections and lockdown measures impacting large and small enterprises.
With just over six weeks before the transition period ends, the UK is now left at an impasse and analysts expect Downing Street to ‘crash out’ of the EU without a trade agreement.
Sputnik takes a closer look at three key concerns in the UK’s Brexit preparedness plan.
One of the most contentious issues in the UK’s Brexit preparedness is the Irish backstop, which maintains EU regulations in Northern Ireland, including customs and single market regulations on goods, an Institute for Government report said.
Such measures will enter force on 1 July next year and businesses trading across the Irish sea will need to comply. But according to the report, preparations for essential infrastructure were “off track”.
The Joint Committee was also tasked with deciding how to enforce the backstop but “significant” uncertainty on key details of operations remained, including good exemptions in the fisheries industry, determining which goods are ‘not at risk’ and applicable tariffs on goods, among others.
The UK Internal Markets Bill would also ‘unilaterally’ define such products despite breaching international law, causing further uncertainty for Northern Irish businesses, the report said.
“The UK’s apparent willingness to disregard what it signed up to just a year ago has reopened previously closed questions about the possibility of a land border on the island of Ireland, with potentially serious implications for peace and security in Northern Ireland. It also puts businesses, who do not want to break the law, in a difficult position – caught between applicable EU law and the UK’s non-application of it,” it said.
Johnson’s refusal to extend the Brexit transition period after 31 December this year and the ongoing coronavirus crisis in the UK and EU would prevent both Downing Street and British businesses from fully preparing to leave the EU.
Further problems are expected after media projected Joe Biden to win the November elections, which could see Democratic party opposition to a post-Brexit trade deal with London over violations of the Good Friday Agreement.
Further concerns over the backstop were echoed by European Commission vice-president Maroš Šefčovič at the fourth EU-UK Joint Committee meeting in London on 19 October.
“Given the limited time left before the transition period ends, Vice-President Šefčovič underlined the need to concentrate all efforts on both sides on bridging existing implementation gaps and delivering results so that the Withdrawal Agreement is fully operational as of 1 January 2021. This requires moving beyond a business-as-usual approach”, and EU statement said.
Brexit and the COVID-19 Crisis
COVID-19 woes had further delayed preparedness responses for many businesses than prior to the health crisis, and PM Johnson’s failure to extend talks with Brussels was a “high-risk bet”, a further report said.
Companies were “in a worse position” than before COVID-19 and risked becoming “unviable” in a no deal Brexit, it said.
“Coronavirus has starved firms of cash and left many struggling to stay afloat. This has derailed their Brexit preparations, preventing them from investing in new customs processes or stockpiling to protect themselves against disruption to supply chains. Smaller businesses have been particularly badly affected,” it said.
The government should clearly show the effects of leaving the Single Market and Customs Union, including increased levels of bureaucracy for traders, despite reaching a deal, as well as identify support for affected firms amid COVID-19, it read.
As of 7 August, COVID-19 efforts have cost the UK government an estimated £210bn, including £70bn in confirmed expenses, the National Audit Office reported, but the figures do not include further measures amid the second wave.
Trade (Dis)Agreements
According to UK media, the UK and EU would need to begin trade continuity agreements after the transition period ends.
Agreements would aim to reduce trade tariffs in both the goods and services markets after ending the 11-month transition period. But the Prime Minister has failed to reach an agreement by his proposed 15 October target, the BBC reported.
Despite sharing ‘level playing field rules’ on matters such as environmental policy and workers rights, the EU has demanded the UK stay close to current regulations amid protests from London.
Further disagreements over fishing rights, customs checks and the Irish backstop due to mandated EU regulations on goods would cause further headaches for UK businesses, potentially delaying transit across the English Channel.
Nearly 50 percent of the UK’s total trade, including 40 trade deals the EU had inked with 70 countries, is with the 27 member trade bloc, UK government figures show.
British imports to the EU were £394bn, or 43 percent of total UK trade, and British imports from the EU were £374bn, or 52 percent of total UK imports, government figures show.
To date, the UK has only signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Japan, valued at £29.1bn or just 2 percent of the UK’s total trade agreements and 0.07 percent of GDP, according to government figures.
The Department for International Trade estimates a post-Brexit deal with the United States – Britain’s closest ally – would only account for 0.16 percent GDP growth in the long-term, or £3.4bn over 15 years.
Further challenges to a US-UK trade deal as noted by a Policy Exchange report include unilateral agricultural liberalisation policies of US exports, drug pricing and National Health Service (NHS) reform demands from Washington, among others.
Washington could also use any free trade deals to “influence the UK’s China policy”, including a ‘China clause’ as previously implemented in the US-Mexico-Canada agreement (USMCA) allowing for parties to walk away if other members sign trade deals with ‘non-market’ economies, the report added.
Roughly 30 continuity trade deals have been reached with countries and regions, including Switzerland, Israel, South Korea, the CARIFORUM trade bloc of Caribbean nations, Iceland and Norway, among many others.
The UK will need to complete continuity trade agreements with partner countries globally to continue trading outside the EU or face terms set by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the UK government said.
… America, Mexico, Africa and Eastern Europe, offering higher growth potential … sheet improvement, delivering profitable organic growth in 2020, and … million of low hanging fruit of EBITDA growth in … are actually preparing their restaurants and considering models …
Sri Lanka’s import restrictions impact negative – European Union ::. Latest Sri Lanka News
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Respectable Francisco Sagasti of the moderate centrist Purple Party has been chosen to uphold the integrity of Peru`s Red and White national colors, by its Congress. As the leader of Congress, the role falls to him to try and re-gain stability. It`ll be no easy task, as Peru has been hit hard by the covid 19 pandemic, and its economy is in nosedive. GDP or gross domestic product is expected to fall by 14 percent this year. His chief ally as caretaker President, is the respect and esteem in which he`s held. The 76 year old industrial engineer has all the political tools, credibility and statesmanship, to repair the stalled situation in which Peru finds itself. In a speech he said: “We`ll do everything possible to return hope to the people, and show them that they can trust us.”
Confidence was severely shaken with the impeachment of democratically elected President Martin Vizcarra, who took office in 2018. He denies accepting bribes when he was a State Governor. He was replaced by Manuel Merino, who lasted just five days, resigning in the midst of nationwide protests in which two young men were killed by security forces and dozens of other demonstrators were wounded and injured.
Sagasti`s task is to grimly hang on until the next Presidential Election, which is in July of next year. For his part, Vizcarra who`s non renewable term ends then, has agreed to stick to the decision of Congress.
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Nov 19, 2020 / 12:01 pm MT (CNA).- The U.S. will be working against the use of technology to suppress religious minorities, the religious freedom ambassador announced this week.
“The United States announced today that we will pursue the topic of misuse of technology to oppress religious minorities,” said Sam Brownback, Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, on a Nov. 17 press call about the 2020 Ministerial to Advance Freedom of Religion or Belief.
Brownback cited China’s abuses against Uyghurs; it has created a “virtual police state” to track the movements of the population and to engage in predictive policing.
“We’re seeing this graphically done in Xinjiang, where high-tech observation systems using artificial intelligence and facial recognition are oppressing a dominantly Muslim majority from practicing its faith, this along with being locked up in detention facilities – over a million Muslim Uyghurs locked up in detention facilities,” Brownback said.
Poland hosted the third annual ministerial, held virtually Nov. 16-17 due to the pandemic. The meeting featured leaders from more than 50 countries and international organizations. The United States hosted the first two ministerials in 2018 and 2019.
Callista Gingrich, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, stated Nov. 16 that “[u]pholding the right to religious freedom is not just a moral necessity. It is a national security imperative. When nations effectively protect religious freedom, they are safer, more prosperous, and secure.”
Brownback was asked about the recent election of presumptive President-elect Joe Biden, and what a new administration might mean for the future of religious freedom in U.S. diplomacy.
The ambassador said he was “optimistic” because promoting international religious freedom “is a bipartisan movement” that “goes deeply into the American psyche.”
The new International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, with 32 member countries, “is not going to stop with the change of an administration,” he added.
One of the priorities for the U.S. in the coming year will be countering China’s deployment of a “virtual police state” to suppress Tibetan Buddhists and Uyghur Muslims, among others.
“And we want to stop this from spreading to other countries around the world or spreading more to other countries around the world,” he said.
Some other priorities for the U.S. next year include advocating for the release of prisoners of conscience and the repeal of blasphemy laws, Brownback said.
“We advocated for prisoners of conscience to be released during the pandemic,” he said, adding that “literally thousands of religious prisoners were released” in several countries.
“There are 10 countries in the world that give – they give the death penalty for apostasy or blasphemy,” he said, noting that the U.S. is working “for all of them to be repealed as a undue restriction on people’s religious freedom.”
Over 2000 “change-makers” from all corners of the earth are participating in the three-day “The Economy of Francesco” event taking place until Saturday 21 November.
A virtual platform connected participants for the launch of the event on Thursday afternoon, with the city of Assisi at the heart of it all, providing inspiration, its peerless spirit of fraternity and universal love, and much symbolism upon which to place the cornerstone of an economy of communion.
The so-called “change-makers” are young economists, businessmen and women bringing their virtuous models of entrepreneurship to the table, and world-class experts in economy and social sciences who have come together to respond to Pope Francis’ invitation to transform hope for the rights of future generations into reality.
A brief video, featuring some of the participants from across the globe set the event into motion: “We are here together to build the world of tomorrow where nobody will be left behind,” they declared.
And throughout the afternoon (or morning depending on where they are), people young and not-so-young, from different continents and realities, linked-up to listen to each other’s stories, testimonies and ideas. The intense 4-hour session was interspersed with videos, music, drama and the breathtaking images Assisi, its art, nature and places of faith.
A warm welcome
The first to address the multitude was Bishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi, with words of (spiritual) welcome, because he said, coronavirus may have changed the logistics – moving what was intended to be a “physical meeting” into a virtual realm – but it has certainly not dampened enthusiasm or curtailed commitments.
Speaking in English, he thanked the young people for being here; he thanked Pope Francis for his intuition and guidance; and he thanked St Francis, himself “a change-maker” and an “economist” who diverted a ruinous trend of injustice and exclusion when he “embraced the leper” and placed the poor at the centre of his apostolate.
Cardinal Peter Turkson was next in line. The Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Integrity, the main promoter of the event, also set his welcome speech within the context of the pandemic that, he noted, has created even more exclusion and inequality.
Recalling Pope Francis’ invitation to come up with more equitable economic models that “invest in people in respect for creation” and global solidarity, Cardinal Turkson said: “you seek to help Pope Francis, the Church and the world to emerge better, imagining and developing an economy that is inclusive, sustainable and that can help our brothers and sisters to live together in our common home.”
He reflected on the possibility of new and equitable economic models, “aimed not at serving few but at benefiting all”, and he thanked those present for setting the course for radical change, “conceiving economies and business activities as noble vocations” directed towards producing wealth that improves the world and that serves humanity.
He said that the Dicastery he heads works alongside men and women of goodwill who strive to create “good companies” and “good jobs” in pursuit of the common good, and pledged always to “accompany” and provide “moral guidance.”
“Inspired by S Francis of Assisi, with our gaze firmly fixed on Jesus and the leadership of Pope Francis,” the Cardinal added, “you, young people of faith and goodwill, can deploy a noble expression of social love by generating a new economy that brings about good wealth.”
“Thank you,” he concluded, “for bringing light into our dark world, for bringing love in these times of indifference and challenges, for bringing hope to many of us who are still in despair, and for bringing faith in a different economy which will sow friendship and bring harmony among God’s children.
Other words of welcome were proffered – in English – by the Mayor of Assisi, Stefania Proietti, who said: “fraternity and humanism should be the fuel of a sustainable economy”.
Finally, the moving speech of the visibly moved President of Assisi’s Istituto Serafico for severely disabled children: “Pope Francis has given you the responsibility and the trust to care for our brothers and sisters and our common home,” said Francesca Di Maolo, noting that the pandemic has not stopped “The Economy of Francesco” but has set a chain-reaction into motion.
In Assisi, she said, a new equation can be formulated: “Economy + Fraternity x Development = Future”
