Latest news with #94
Hindustan Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Tamil Nadu's average agri growth now 5.66 pc, says govt
Chennai, Tamil Nadu's average agricultural growth, which stood at 1.36 per cent between 2012-2013 and 2020-2021, has achieved a record average of 5.66 per cent from 2021 to 2024, the state government said on Sunday. Chief Minister M K Stalin, immediately after assuming office on May 7, 2021, had announced that cultivable agricultural area will be increased. As a result of the initiatives following his announcement, the area under irrigation, which was 36.07 lakh hectares in 2020-2021, increased to 38.33 lakh hectares in 2023-2024, resulting in a remarkable increase in food production, an official release said. Under the Kalaignar All Village Integrated Agricultural Development Scheme, 47,286 acres of fallow land has been brought under cultivation at a cost of Rs.786.86 crore benefitting 51.13 lakh beneficiaries. The government underlined achievements, including the state ranking first in the country in productivity of finger millet and guava and holding the second position as regards productivity of maize, sugarcane, tamarind, tapioca, jasmine, and oilseeds. Five separate agriculture budgets have been presented, with a total allocation of Rs.1,94,076 crore, introducing and implementing several new schemes to boost agricultural production and enhance the welfare of the farming community. "Due to the proactive steps of the chief minister, the average agricultural growth, which stood at 1.36 per cent between 2012-2013 and 2020-2021, has achieved a record average of 5.66 per cent from 2021 to 2024," the government said. Priority was accorded for desilting of rivers, canals and irrigation channels, benefitting lakhs of farmers and 917 irrigation tanks across 27 districts were renovated at a cost of 1,212 crore. In order to benefit small and marginal farmers and to increase agricultural production, 814 minor irrigation tanks were also renovated at a cost of 75.59 crore, aiding agricultural development. Check dams, built across rivers, improve irrigation facilities in the respective regions. In this regard, across 24 districts, 88 check dams have been constructed at a cost of 519 crore, helping maintain groundwater levels. Milk production was 8,362 tonne in 2018-19, during the AIADMK regime. Fresh initiatives of the Dravidian model government raised it to 10,808 metric tonne in 2023-2024, which was a record achievement, the government said. The government also outlined an increase in egg production from 1,884.22 crore numbers in 2018–2019 to 2,233.25 crore in 2023–2024, an increase of nearly 350 crore. "The Dravidian model government has established 72 new fish landing centres at a cost of 1,428 crore. Additionally, the chief minister has implemented several schemes to develop fisheries in areas like Tharangambadi, Rameswaram, and Thiruvotriyur Kuppam."
Montreal Gazette
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Montreal Gazette
Quebec Liberal leadership rivals decry Bill 21 during debate
By Candidates vying for the helm of the Quebec Liberal Party criticized Premier François Legault's secularism policies at a Saturday debate focused on identity, language and immigration. The meeting was the third of six planned debates in the party's five-way leadership race, with perceived front-runner Pablo Rodriguez facing off against Marc Bélanger, Karl Blackburn, Charles Milliard and Mario Roy. Columnist Marie-Ève Doyon moderated the debate. All five contenders spoke out against Bill 21, the Coalition Avenir Québec's controversial secularism law that saw certain public servants barred from wearing religious symbols. The bill's reliance on the notwithstanding clause attracted the strongest ire. 'The notwithstanding clause is used too often. It's like a candy shop and (Justice Minister Simon) Jolin-Barette is a big eater,' Milliard quipped. The line prompted laughter from the audience and candidates, with Rodriguez having to collect himself before taking his turn to speak. Rodriguez didn't offer any direct criticism of the law's policies, instead framing it as a distraction from more pressing issues, such as the deterioration of the health system. 'Bills 21 and 94 are laws that go too far,' said Roy, referring also to a bill that would expand the ban on religious symbols further across the education sector, including to janitors, cafeteria workers and volunteers in school libraries. 'We couldn't have a more intolerant government' than Legault's, Bélanger said. 'It's religious discourse that has to be banned' among civil servants, he said, 'not religious symbols.' Doyon asked the candidates whether they would renew the notwithstanding clause on Bill 21, which must be done every five years for it to stay in place. Milliard, Roy and Blackburn all said they wouldn't, while Bélanger and Rodriguez didn't specify their positions. Candidates were also asked about Legault's proposal to bar prayer in public spaces, a proposal the premier has admitted might require the notwithstanding clause to enforce. 'It's another distraction,' Milliard said. 'We need a society where we respect people's freedom of conscience.' 'I'm at the end of my rope,' he added. 'It's not often that I'm driving, having to steer around people who are praying in the streets,' Rodriguez said. 'It's not something you see on every corner.' 'Legault is battling a fake problem to divert attention.' Roy said Legault's secularism policies point to a need for a Quebec constitution, which he said would be an 'opportunity to protect the rights and liberties of everyone.' While the other candidates don't oppose the idea, Roy is the only one who has said he would make it a priority. International students 'anglicizing the job market': Bélanger The candidates were adamant the CAQ and the Parti Québécois don't hold a monopoly over protecting the French language. Bélanger came out of the gate with a proposal to refuse work permits to international students in Montreal who don't speak French, accusing them of 'anglicizing the job market.' Other candidates said they would bolster francization funding. 'When someone knocks on the door of a French course, I want the door to open and for there to be a teacher on the other side,' Milliard said. 'French is in decline in some areas,' and has to be protected, he said. Rodriguez criticized the CAQ for its handling of francization, which has included cuts to courses and layoffs of teachers. He, too, said the French language was under threat in Quebec and called it 'the most beautiful language in the world.' Roy agreed French should be protected, but said protection measures shouldn't be taken 'against others, but with others,' promising to work with universities to improve French-language education. Blackburn said French should be seen as an asset for economic growth, pointing to demographic trends that predict a growing francophone population worldwide. 'Change the tone' on immigration: Rodriguez 'We have to change the tone' on immigration, Rodriguez said, accusing Legault of framing immigrants as a threat. 'I'm not a threat,' said Rodriguez, who immigrated to Quebec as a child. Still, he said 'a step back' was needed on immigration so necessary levels could be determined. Milliard also took a shot at the CAQ, accusing the party of 'dividing people' with immigration politics, adding he would look at the capacity of each region to take in immigrants. 'We're not responding to the promise' immigrants should expect, he said, pointing to shortfalls in housing and other services. Quebec is experiencing a labour shortage, Blackburn said, meaning companies 'need workers coming through immigration.' But he called for a fairer distribution of asylum seekers and refugees across the country, saying Quebec should take in a proportion equivalent to its overall share of the population. 'We absolutely should take in foreign workers,' Roy said, calling for an immigration system that is 'controlled and planned for the long term.' Bélanger called for Quebec to reduce the number of immigrants it takes in based on 'cold and objective' calculations. Rodriguez remains target of attacks Though the debate, like the last two, remained civil, Rodriguez still got the front-runner treatment. The former federal cabinet minister was reminded more than once of his past gig. Roy at one point interrupted his call for better cooperation with Ottawa on francization, saying 'you were in the federal government.' The next debate is planned for May 22 in Laval and will focus on public services.
IOL News
04-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's food prices rise sharply despite easing inflation
This past week, data released by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity (PMBEJD) in its April 2025 Household Affordability Index showed that the price of a basic food basket increased by almost R100 month on month. While the latest inflation data for South Africa showed an easing, food prices in the country saw a sharp increase. This past week, data released by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity (PMBEJD) in its April 2025 Household Affordability Index showed that the price of a basic food basket increased by almost R100 month on month. In April, consumers had to fork out R5 420.30 to fill up a basic food basket. That means the average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R90,94 (1.7%), from R5 329.36 in March 2025 to R5 420.30 in April 2025. The average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R83.99 (1,6%), from R5 336,31 in April 2024 to R5 420.30 in April 2025. In April, of the 44 foods tracked in the basket, 24 foods increased in price, and 20 foods decreased in price. While consumer priced inflation softened, it was mainly attributed to lower fuel prices, while food prices remained the same or saw an increase. Foods in the basket which increased in price in April 2025 by 5% or more, include: potatoes (6%), onions (11%), beef (7%), fish (7%), tomatoes (26%), carrots (20%), spinach (7%), cabbage (6%), green pepper (7%), bananas (7%), and oranges (18%). Foods in the basket which increased in price in April 2025 by 2% or more, include: maize meal (2%), full cream milk (2%), beef tripe (2%), cremora (3%), apricot jam (4%), and brown bread (2%). Foods in the basket which decreased in price in April 2025, by 5% or more, include: butternut (-7%), and apples (-6%). Foods in the basket which decreased in price in April 2025, by 2% or more, include: rice (-4%), cake flour (-2%), sugar beans (-3%), salt (-2%), frozen chicken portions (-3%), stock cubes (-2%), soup (-3%), tea (-3%), margarine (-2%), and peanut butter (-2%). Gloomy day for workers As the country celebrated workers day this past Thursday, the numbers showed that there was not much to celebrate. The national minimum wage in South Africa is R28.79 per hour, R230.32 for an 8-hour day, and R4 836.72 for an average 21-day working month. In April 2025, with 19 working-days, the maximum National Minimum Wage for a General Worker was R4 376.08. "Workers work to support their families. The wage workers earn is not just to sustain themselves alone, it is used to support the entire family. For Black South African workers, one wage typically must support 4 people. Dispersed in a worker's family of 4 persons, the NMW, is R1 094.02 per person, this is below the upper-bound poverty line of R1 634 per person per month," the PMBEJD stated. The April 2025 average cost of a basic nutritional food basket for a family of four persons is R3 817.78. The group added, "On our calculations, using Pietermaritzburg-based figures for electricity and transport, and the average figure for a minimum nutritional basket of food for a family of four, puts electricity, and transport, taking up 58.6% of a worker's wage (R2 562.97/R4 376.08)." "Food is bought after monies for transport and electricity have been paid for or set aside (leaving R1 813.11 – for food and everything else), and so in April 2025, PMBEJD calculates that workers' families will underspend on food by a minimum of 52,5% (having R1 813.11 left over after transport and electricity have been paid, and with food for the month costing R3 817,78). In this scenario there is no possibility of a worker being able to afford enough nutritious food for her family. If the entire R1 813.11 all went to buy food, then for a family of 4 persons, it would provide R453,28 per person per month. This is below the food poverty line of R796," the PMBEJD further stated. Neil Roets, CEO of Debt Rescue said that the figures reflect a brutal truth, that millions of South Africans are no longer coping. Roets said, "To survive, many are turning to credit cards and payday loans just to buy groceries. We're seeing a sharp rise in consumers using short-term credit to put food on the table.' Hygiene items are also increasingly unaffordable. The cost of basic household hygiene products has risen to R1 033.09, up 2.6% from last year. 'When food and hygiene compete for the same shrinking budget, something has to give—and it's often health and dignity,' Roets added. 'People aren't overspending or living recklessly. They're doing everything right, but the numbers no longer work. They are trapped in a cycle of survival, borrowing just to eat, and falling deeper into debt every month,' he said. 'The April 2025 Household Affordability Index confirms what we see every day: the cost of survival is rising faster than people can keep up. South Africans are at breaking point right now under the combined onslaught of food prices that have increased far above the inflation rate, interest rates that are still among the highest they have been in a decade and the relentless financial onslaught from Eskom for an essential service that is also vital to the survival of households. Where to from here?', Roets asked. BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
30-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Rising food prices in South Africa: April 2025 Household Affordability Index
Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) said that the April 2025 Household Affordability Index indicated that the average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R90,94 (1.7%), from R5 329,36 in March 2025 to R5 420,30 in April 2025. Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) said that the April 2025 Household Affordability Index indicated that the average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R90,94 (1.7%), from R5 329,36 in March 2025 to R5 420,30 in April 2025. Civil society organisations have raised concerns about the rising cost of foods. Mervyn Abrahams, PMBEJD programme co-ordinator, said that in April 2025: The average cost of the Household Food Basket is R5 420,30. 'Year-on-year: The average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R83,99 (1,6%), from R5 336,31 in April 2024 to R5 420,30 in April 2025. Food pricing trends in April 2025. In April, of the 44 foods tracked in the basket: 24 foods increased in price, and 20 foods decreased in price.' Abrahams added that foods in the basket which increased in price in April 2025 by 5% or more, include: potatoes (6%), onions (11%), beef (7%), fish (7%), tomatoes (26%), carrots (20%), spinach (7%), cabbage (6%), green pepper (7%), bananas (7%), and oranges (18%). 'Foods in the basket which increased in price in April 2025 by 2% or more, include: maize meal (2%), full cream milk (2%), beef tripe (2%), cremora (3%), apricot jam (4%), and brown bread (2%).' Abrahams said that they have noticed increases in the food baskets across major cities in the month of April. 'In April 2025, food baskets in Joburg, Durban, Cape Town, Springbok and Pietermaritzburg increased in price. The Joburg basket increased by R77,58 (1,4%) month-on-month, and decreased by R52,72 (-0,9%) year-on-year, to R5 559,46 in April 2025. The Durban basket increased by R157,64 (3,0%) month-on-month, and increased by R168,23 (3,2%) year-on-year, to R5 425,23 in April 2025.' Abrahams added that the Cape Town basket increased by R11,25 (0,2%) month-on-month, and increased by R129,80 (2,5%) year-on-year, to R5 316,56 in April 2025. 'The Springbok basket increased by R242,93 (4,3%) month-on-month, and increased by R186,68 (3,3%) year-on-year, to R5 908,84 in April 2025. The Maritzburg basket increased by R138,46 (2,8%) month-on-month, and decreased by R15,84 (-0,3%) year-on-year, to R5 044,47 in April 2025.' Abrahams said that Statistics South Africa's latest Consumer Price Index for March 2025 shows that headline inflation was 2,7%, and for the lowest expenditure quintiles 1-3 it is 4,2%, 3,7%, and 3,3% respectively. 'CPI food inflation was 2,2% (for CPI Food & NAB it was 2,7%. STATS SA's Producer Price Index for March 2025 shows agriculture was 2,4%, of which, products of crops and horticulture was 9,2%, and live animals and animal products was -7.1%.' Evashnee Naidu, regional manager for Black Sash in KwaZulu-Natal, said that the organisation continues to advocate for an increase in the value of social grants across the board to the extent that these increases are able to cushion the ever-increasing blow of food price increases. 'Whilst Black Sash welcomes the fact that there will be no VAT increase in 2025, which would have had a significant impact on poorer households, South Africa continues to see food prices increase. The Black Sash amplifies its call for permanent Basic Income Support to provide additional support to individuals and households.' Aliya Chikte, project officer at the Alternative Information and Development Centre (AIDC), said that although food inflation is slowing down, the average cost of a household food basket is unaffordable in a context of mass unemployment and deep impoverishment. 'Even though more than half the population lives in poverty, the high rate of exclusion from the Social Relief of Distress leaves millions without the support needed to meet their immediate nutritional needs. As a new fiscal framework is tabled, we urge the government to protect and enhance social protection.' Siyanda Baduza, a researcher with the Basic Income Project at the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ), said that for the millions of grant recipients, the increase in food prices will continue to make life more difficult, as it does everyone else, even with the VAT reversal. 'The value of the child support grant and SRD grants remain far below adequate levels. Both lie below the food poverty line, now at R796, and also below all estimates of the cost to feed a child a nutritional diet.' BUSINESS REPORT
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Does playing sports lead to success for women? New podcast from 'L Word' star says yes
A new podcast is shining a spotlight on the connection between women playing sports and finding success later in life. Hosted by former Irish field hockey pro Nikki Symmons and Rachel Shelley of The L Word fame, the 94% plans to explore how participation in sports from an early age helps prepare women for leadership roles across various industries. The podcast gets its name from a surprising statistic claiming that 94% of women holding C-suite executive roles have a background in sports, with more than half competing at university level. Through conversations with guests excelling in various fields including business and entertainment, Symmons and Shelley aim to show how joining a sports team at an early age can help girls develop the skills and confidence to become successful women in their chosen fields later in life. "Our aim: to inspire women to start or keep playing sport — by revealing the astounding personal benefits and pivotal experiences sport can generate, beyond the physical," they said in a statement promoting the podcast. "Whatever your age, however you identify, women should never settle for less." Symmons has forged a career for herself in corporate communications and DEI advisory after more than a decade playing and coaching field hockey. In 2014, she became the first female athlete from Ireland to speak to the media about being gay, shortly before Ireland legalized marriage equality. Shelley is best known from her time spent as Helena Peabody on The L Word, although she's spent recent years diving headfirst into the world of podcasting, with an emphasis on creating content for the LGBTQ+ community. It's fitting, then, that the first guest on the 94% is fellow L Word alum Jennifer Beals, who played basketball and field hockey growing up and has taken up pickleball as an adult. The first episode is currently available on Spotify. See on Instagram
