Latest news with #Manual
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Immigration Officials Issue US Visa Policy Update
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Immigration officials have issued new guidance on who should be allowed into the United States "to prevent the entry of male athletes seeking to compete in women's sports." On Monday, the latest directive from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services revealed that international transgender athletes will not be allowed to enter the U.S. to compete. Various visa options have now been closed off to them. The move comes ahead of the U.S. hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Last month, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee updated its guidelines to reflect that it will comply with President Donald Trump's executive order banning transgender athletes from the Games. Newsweek reached out to the White House and the LGBTQ+ group Athlete Ally via email for comment outside of working hours. President Donald Trump is joined by female athletes as he signs the 'No Men in Women's Sports' executive order at the White House on February 5, 2025. President Donald Trump is joined by female athletes as he signs the 'No Men in Women's Sports' executive order at the White House on February 5, It Matters The new immigration rules come amid an increasingly fierce debate about the rights of transgender athletes and their inclusion in women's sports. Critics argue it is unfair for biological women to go head-to-head with trans women because they cannot compete on an even playing field. Some also have safety concerns, including fears that women could be at risk of serious injury in contact sports. However, others argue that trans athletes should enjoy the same opportunity to participate in sport as anyone else, and insist that transgender rights are simply human rights. Sports governing bodies and sports teams in schools across the U.S. have responded differently to the debate, resulting in a patchwork of various policies. What To Know The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said it was "updating [its] policy" on August 4. "U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual in alignment with Executive Order 14201, Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports, which directs the Department of Homeland Security to develop policies to prevent the entry of male athletes seeking to compete in women's sports," the agency said. It added: " USCIS will affirmatively protect all-female athletic opportunities by granting certain athlete-related petitions and applications, that had previously been abused and offered to men, only to women, ensuring that male aliens seeking immigration benefits aren't coming to the U.S. to participate in women's sports." The directive went on to lay out the particular visas that may be affected by the change, such as the O-1A aliens of extraordinary ability, E11 aliens of extraordinary ability, and the E21 aliens of exceptional ability. USCIS said: "This policy update clarifies that USCIS considers the fact that a male athlete has been competing against women as a negative factor in determining whether the alien is among the small percentage at the very top of the field; USCIS does not consider a male athlete who has gained acclaim in men's sports and seeks to compete in women's sports in the United States to be seeking to continue work in his area of extraordinary ability; male athletes seeking to enter the country to compete in women's sports do not substantially benefit the United States; and it is not in the national interest to the United States to waive the job offer and, thus, the labor certification requirement for male athletes whose proposed endeavor is to compete in women's sports." The policy is "effective immediately." What People Are Saying U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesperson Matthew Tragesser, in a press release: "Men do not belong in women's sports. USCIS is closing the loophole for foreign male athletes whose only chance at winning elite sports is to change their gender identity and leverage their biological advantages against women. It's a matter of safety, fairness, respect, and truth that only female athletes receive a visa to come to the U.S. to participate in women's sports. The Trump Administration is standing up for the silent majority who've long been victims of leftist policies that defy common sense." LGBTQ+ group Athlete Ally, in a July 23 statement in response to news that the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee plans to ban trans women from its female-category competitions: "This decision is yet another striking blow to that hope for a more inclusive and equitable solution and further contributes to the erasure of transgender people from existing safely in society. We mourn for the careers that will be lost because of this decision and for every transgender young person who will never have the opportunity to play sports because of this." What Happens Next The visa policy, effective immediately, includes pending requests, meaning trans athletes hoping to come to the United States to compete or train will no longer be allowed to do so. It remains to be seen whether there will be any legal challenges.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Tougher checks for marriage-based Green Cards: US issues fresh guidelines to detect fraud- All you need to about the new policy
Representative image The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), introduced a significant update to its Policy Manual, specifically targeting marriage fraud in family-based immigrant visa petitions. The critical update to its Policy Manual titled 'Family-Based Immigrants', released August 1, is designed to ensure that only genuine relationships, particularly bona fide marriages, qualify for lawful permanent resident (green card) status in the US. This measure aims to prevent fraudulent applications and strengthen the integrity of the immigration process. The USCIS stated that thorough verification processes will be implemented to assess the authenticity of relationships submitted for immigration purposes. Why did this policy come into place? The USCIS took this firm stance in response to rising concerns that "fraudulent, frivolous, or otherwise non‑meritorious" immigration applications are undermining public confidence in family-based immigration and posing national security risks. USCIS explicitly stated its commitment to "robust alien screening and vetting that protects Americans from potential national security threats" and to "detecting aliens with potentially harmful intent so they can be processed for removal from the US." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn More - How Donating Sperm May Boost Your Income SpellRock Undo Additionally, there have been cases involving Indian nationals caught in marriage fraud. According to a recent release by the US Attorney's Office, in May 2025, Indian national Aakash Prakash Makwana pleaded guilty to marriage fraud. He overstayed his J-1 visa, arranged a fake marriage with a US citizen, fabricated rental and utility records to feign cohabitation, and falsely claimed domestic abuse to obtain a green card. Upon being convicted of marriage fraud, an individual faces significant prison time, fines, and deportation. Enhanced screening and vetting procedures The updated policy mandates more comprehensive evidence of bona fide marriages, including photographs, financial documents, and affidavits from acquaintances. Couples may face rigorous interviews to verify the authenticity of their relationship. The USCIS will scrutinize any history of multiple applications by a US citizen for different spouses or prior applications for the same beneficiary, flagging them for detailed investigation. USCIS may issue a Notice to Appear if the beneficiary is found removable due to ineligibility or fraudulent intent. Additionally, according to an earlier report, marrying a US citizen or green card holder no longer guarantees a smooth path to a green card. Immigration interviews are now stricter, with officers demanding more proof of a genuine relationship- from photos and call logs to joint finances and shared plans. Spouses abroad face rigorous consular interviews, while those in the US may be called for 'Stokes interviews,' where couples are questioned separately. Long wait times, especially for green card holder spouses, raise additional red flags. Immigration lawyers advise treating the process like an exam: prepare thoroughly, bring evidence, and be ready for personal questions. A weak case could mean denial — or even deportation proceedings. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . Discover stories of India's leading eco-innovators at Ecopreneur Honours 2025
Cision Canada
28-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Mountain Province Diamonds Announces US$10 Million Additional Borrowings Under Bridge Facility
TSX and OTC: MPVD TORONTO and NEW YORK, July 28, 2025 /CNW/ - Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. (" Mountain Province" or the " Company") (TSX: MPVD) (OTC: MPVD) announces today that it has entered into an amendment (the " Amendment") to the amended and restated bridge credit facility agreement with Dunebridge Worldwide Ltd., (" Dunebridge") to increase such the size of the bridge term facility under that agreement by US$10 million (the " Additional Bridge Term Facility"), from US$30 million to US$40 million. The bridge credit facility agreement, which was originally entered into on February 24, 2025 (and was subsequently amended and restated on May 13, 2024, to provide for a US$33 million working capital facility), provided for US$30 million in immediately available funds to the Company (the " Original Bridge Term Facility"), with the Additional Bridge Term Facility to be made available to the Company at the discretion of Dunebridge on terms and conditions to be agreed to, which are now represented in the Amendment. The Additional Bridge Term Facility will mature on the same date as the Original Bridge Term Facility, on March 18, 2026, and is subject to the same rate of interest of 10.5% per annum, to be capitalized and compounded quarterly on the principal amount and payable on maturity. The interest rate will increase to 12.5% per annum, if the Additional Bridge Term Facility or the Original Bridge Term Facility are not repaid, together with all accrued interest, upon maturity. As consideration for the Additional Bridge Term Facility, the Company will pay Dunebridge a US$1 million fee (the " Facility Fee") on maturity. Payment of the Facility Fee is subject to receipt of disinterested shareholder approval in accordance with the TSX Company Manual (the " Manual") at a duly called meeting of the Company's shareholders or such approval no longer being required if the Company obtains an alternative listing of its common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the " TSXV") and voluntarily delists its common shares from the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Company has not yet determined whether it will proceed with pursuing a listing on the TSXV. Failure to either obtain the requisite disinterested shareholder approval under the Manual or obtain an alternative listing of its common shares on the TSXV in advance of January 25, 2026, unless waived or extended by the lender will constitute an event of default under the amended and restated bridge facility agreement. MI 61-101 Reliance on Exemption for Financial Difficulty in Respect of Additional Bridge Facility Dunebridge is a "related party" of the Company, for the purposes of MI 61-101 and the entering into of the Amendment is a related party transaction for the purposes of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (" MI 61-101"). The Amendment is being completed pursuant to an exemption from the minority shareholder approval requirements applicable to a related party transaction under section 5.7(1)(e) of MI 61-101 on the grounds that the Company is in serious financial difficulty. The board of directors of the Company, acting in good faith, and all of the Company's independent directors, acting in good faith, have determined that entering into the Amendment, generally, and the Additional Bridge Term Facility, including the Facility Fee, is reasonable given the financial difficulties that the Company is facing (the " MI 61-101 Exemption"). TSX Conditional Approval On the basis that the Amendment involves Dunebridge, an insider and related party of the Company, but does not involve the issuance or potential issuance of the listed securities of the Company, MPD applied for, and received, the TSX's conditional approval for the Amendment and under Section 501(c) of the TSX Company Manual. The TSX provided conditional approval of the Amendment on the basis that the value of the consideration to insiders in respect of the Additional Bridge Facility (excluding the Facility Fee) will not exceed 10% of the Company's market capitalization as of July 28, 2025, being approximately CAD11.68 million. Value of Consideration to Insiders The value of the consideration to insiders for the Additional Bridge Facility (excluding the Facility Fee) is an estimated CAD959,000 as of July 28, 2025 or 8% of the market capitalization of the Company discussed above. Such consideration reflects the interest consideration payable on the Additional Bridge Facility on maturity. The value of the consideration to insiders for the Additional Bridge Facility (including the Facility Fee) is an estimated CAD2,329,000 as of July 28, 2025 or 20% of the market capitalization of the Company discussed above. Such consideration reflects the interest consideration payable on the Additional Bridge Facility on maturity plus the amount of the Facility Fee. About Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. Mountain Province is a 49% participant with De Beers Canada Inc in the Gahcho Kué mine (the " GK Mine") located in Canada's Northwest Territories. The GK Mine consists of several kimberlites that are actively being mined, developed, and explored for future development. The Company also controls more than 96,000 hectares of highly prospective mineral claims and leases surrounding the GK Mine that include an indicated mineral resource for the Kelvin kimberlite and inferred mineral resources for the Faraday kimberlites. For further information on Mountain Province Diamonds and to receive news releases by email, visit the Company's website at Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian and United States securities laws concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Mountain Province. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include but are not limited to: the maturity of the bridge credit facility, an alternative listing for the Company's common shares; the potential delisting of the Company's common shares; and the value of the consideration to insiders and related parties. Except for statements of historical fact relating to Mountain Province, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates," "may," "can," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "targets," "intends," "likely," "will," "should," "to be", "potential" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "should" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Mountain Province and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking statements include the ability to obtain approval of regulators, including stock exchanges, parties and shareholders, as may be required; satisfaction of the conditions acceptable to the parties; cash flow; risks relating to the availability and timeliness of permitting and governmental approvals; supply of, and demand for, diamonds; fluctuating commodity prices and currency exchange rates, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated. These factors are discussed in greater detail in Mountain Province's most recent Annual Information Form and in the most recent MD&A filed on SEDAR+, which also provide additional general assumptions in connection with these statements. Mountain Province cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Investors and others who base themselves on forward-looking statements should carefully consider the above factors as well as the uncertainties they represent and the risk they entail. Mountain Province believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Although Mountain Province has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Mountain Province undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. SOURCE Mountain Province Diamonds Inc.
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First Post
17-07-2025
- Health
- First Post
'Swollen ankles, bruised hands': Is everything okay with Donald Trump?
Following his recent attendance at the FIFA Club World Cup in New Jersey, speculations about President Donald Trump's health swirled once again on social media. The 79-year-old was seen with swollen ankles and bruised hands. This comes just months after Trump's official health report described him as 'fully fit'. Are the recent signs a cause for concern? read more Attending the FIFA Club World Cup at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025, Trump was photographed with noticeably swollen ankles and what seemed to be bruises on his hand. AFP Images of US President Donald Trump at a recent public appearance have stirred fresh chatter online, not about politics this time, but about his health. Attending the FIFA Club World Cup at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025, Trump was photographed with noticeably swollen ankles and what seemed to be bruises on his hand. Neither Trump nor his team has issued any clarification, but the photos have triggered speculation on social media about the 79-year-old's president's health. What makes this even more noticeable is that just a few months ago, in April, Trump's official health report described him as 'fully fit,' with no concerns mentioned about his mobility or extremities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, are these recent signs something to worry about? Here's what we know Why are Donald Trump's ankles swollen? As social media speculations about Trump's health gained traction, a physician expressed concerns that the US President could be dealing with a serious health issue. Speaking to ReachPlc, Dr Jeff Foster, Medical Director of Manual, shared what might be behind the visible swelling. 'Ankle swelling can be due to a range of factors: anything from standing up for too long in the hot weather, to heart or liver problems,' he said. Foster also pointed to a more concerning possibility. 'The big one we worry about is heart failure, which is a condition where the heart cannot pump the blood around the body fast enough, which results in fluid pooling in the feet and ankles.' Swollen ankles at the World Cup Bruised hand at today's press availability. Is the Trump administration hiding the President's health? Where is @jaketapper? — Maine (@TheMaineWonk) July 15, 2025 While swelling during summer isn't unusual, Foster noted it's not typically a sign seen in someone who's in good health. 'While we all get a tight rim round our socks in the heat, we don't usually see any significant ankle swelling in anyone who is fit and well and this would beg the question as to whether there is something more significant health-wise going on,' he explained. Offering a similar warning, Dr Mahesh Agarwal, an interventional cardiologist at Manipal Hospital in Bhubaneshwar, told Times Now, 'The body often sends out early distress signals, and ignoring them could delay crucial diagnoses. Symptoms like swollen ankles, unexplained bruises, or a persistent limp may appear minor, but they could be the body's way of signalling something more serious beneath the surface.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The conversation around Trump's health picked up after he and First Lady Melania were seen attending the FIFA Club World Cup finals at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Photos from the event, especially those showing the President from a front angle, revealed his visibly swollen ankles and drew immediate attention online. The conversation around Trump's health picked up after he and First Lady Melania were seen attending the FIFA Club World Cup finals at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. AFP 'Swollen ankles at the World Cup. Bruised hand at today's press availability. Is the Trump administration hiding the President's health?' one user posted on X. Another commented on his posture, saying, 'He walks slumped over and sits in a way that looks like he is compensating for some breathing difficulty.' Did excessive handshaking cause bruising on Trump's hand? A recurring bruise on the back of President Trump's right hand has also raised concerns, especially after it was spotted again during a recent public appearance. Trump was photographed boarding Marine One at the White House en route to Pittsburgh, where he appeared to be wearing a noticeable amount of concealer on the back of his hand. A recurring bruise on the back of President Donald Trump's right hand has raised eyebrows, especially after it was spotted again. File image/ AFP White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told The Daily Beast that the mark was caused by the president's habitual handshaking. 'President Trump is a man of the people and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other President in history,' she said, offering a similar explanation just a month earlier. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, not all medical professionals are convinced by that reasoning. Dr Neal H Patel, a physician at Providence St Joseph Hospital, told the Daily Mail earlier this year that it's unlikely handshaking alone could lead to such bruising. 'I see a lot of patients who are businessmen, and I've never really seen them getting bruising from too much handshaking,' he said. 'I guess it's possible, but that would really not be on my list of ideas of what causes it.' Instead, Dr Patel speculated that the bruise could be from an IV needle. Other experts have pointed out that Trump's age may play a role, especially if he is also dealing with conditions like osteoporosis. Dr Mahesh Agarwal also added a word of caution, telling Times Now that bruises without an obvious cause should not be ignored. 'They may indicate issues with blood clotting or platelet disorders or even be a side effect of certain medications like blood thinners or steroids,' he said. 'In rare cases, frequent bruising could be linked to liver disease, leukaemia, or vitamin deficiencies (especially C and K).' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With input from agencies
The Sun
28-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The TRUTH about Ozemd**k – the bizarre weight loss jab side-effect that's ‘adding inches' to manhood size
OZEMPIC-PENIS sounds like a sexually transmitted disease you really wouldn't want to catch. But it's actually a term that has cropped up online, largely amongst men on Reddit, who are saying they've noticed a change to their penis size as a side-effect of weight loss injections. One anonymous user wrote: 'I recently measured myself down there and noticed I gained about one inch.' Another asked: 'Increased size, anyone else notice?' Weight loss drugs were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes, and Ozempic is still prescribed for just that. Wegovy and Mounjaro, which are available on the NHS, and Saxenda, meanwhile are licensed for weight management, but only obese Brits (a BMI over 30), or those that are overweight (a BMI of 27) with a related comorbidity like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, are eligible for them. They work by mimicking naturally occurring hormones, like GLP-1, that make you feel full, slow digestion and regulate appetite, leading to sometimes drastic fat loss. The health benefits can be huge considering obesity can cause cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer and more. But is it too good to be true that the drugs can add inches to your penis as well? We asked GP and men's health and erectile dysfunction expert Dr Jeff Foster, Medical Director of Manual, to explain all… Can taking weight loss drugs really make your penis bigger? 4 THE short answer is no, but the drugs can certainly make your penis LOOK bigger. 'It's true,' says Dr Foster. 'You naturally have a small fat pad just above the base of the top of your penis. What is Erectile Dysfunction? 'As you develop abdominal fat - and men in particular will develop abdominal fat compared to women, who put it on their bum and thighs more - you can find this small, little fat pad starts to become fuller. 'It appears, therefore, that everything has shrunk. 'It's as if your penis has gone inside, but all that's really happening is the surrounding tissue to your penis has become more protruded - the true penis size hasn't changed. 'And in fact, about 70 per cent of your penis is external, there's another 30 per cent inside that you just never see.' Pre-Ozempic, some men found this illusion so upsetting that they'd be referred for liposuction to have the fat pad reduced. 'The removal of this fat pad just above the penis does make it look bigger, but the problem is, it's not actually any bigger, it's just the appearance of the outward area,' says Dr Foster. Losing some of that fat pad as a side-effect of weight loss drugs can have the same effect though - and doesn't involve a surgical procedure. 'It's a win, isn't it?' says Dr Foster. 'You're going to be healthier, and you might end up looking like you've got a bigger penis. 'I mean, no men are ever going to go, 'Ah, I'm really worried my penis is too big'.' Do fat jabs help improve erections too? 4 'DEFINITELY,' says Dr Foster 'Fat increases oestrogen levels in men, and it also reduces testosterone and increases insulin resistance. 'All of those three together will have a really negative impact on your testosterone production. 'And if you haven't got testosterone, or not as much of it, you don't get a libido, you don't get erections. 'So it's really simple: by reducing your body fat, your erections get better, your sex drive goes up and you feel more manly.' Does that mean weight loss meds could eventually be prescribed for ED? 'IT could be one of your tools as part of an overall arsenal of treating erectile dysfunction (ED), but you wouldn't use it as a primary treatment,' says Dr Foster, who says that crucially you need to find the root cause of the problem. 'The biggest cause of erectile dysfunction in men is still heart disease. 'If you've got narrowing of the arteries you can't get a decent erection. 'Your penile artery is almost identical in calibre and design to your coronary artery. 'That's how they discovered Viagra - it was designed for blood pressure in your heart originally, and they found it worked really well down below.' He adds: 'This is why we say to men, if you have got erectile dysfunction, find out why. 'The worst thing you can do is just buy some over the counter tablet without finding out why [it's happening]. 'We say that on average, if you have an arterial cause for erectile dysfunction, you have about a three-year window before something bad happens to your heart, like a heart attack - so really understand the cause.' This is when weight loss drugs could make a difference, by supporting overall heart health, and therefore, erection health. 'If we think there's a cardiovascular cause, then using something like Ozempic or Mounjaro could be amazing, because not only do you fix your erection, but you actually fix the underlying process that's causing the whole thing,' says Dr Foster. 'It improves your heart and your penis.' Are there any potential penile risks? 4 'I'VE heard the rumour that allegedly GLP-1 drugs may reduce penis size or have adverse effects on male health in general,' says Dr Foster. 'The theory behind it is whether testosterone or male wellbeing is affected by GLP-1s.' He explains: 'GLP-1s work by improving satiety, so you eat less. 'By doing that, you reduce body fat, but the other part of that, which we're now seeing evidence of, is that if you're not careful, you also start to reduce muscle mass. 'That's the big worry, because on one hand, yes, you want to get rid of excess fat, but you don't want to reduce your muscle because that's not healthy for anyone.' Loss of muscle can lead to falls, lack of mobility, increased fractures, and in older age, even premature death. '[People] think that sarcopenia-effect (muscle loss) is because of lowered testosterone, but it's probably not a direct effect of [GLP-1s],' he explains. Muscle loss is a problem that should be managed though, whether you're worried about how your penis looks or not. 'If you are going to be taking a weight-loss drug and want to maintain your masculinity, then you have to make sure you eat enough protein and do weight bearing exercise,' says Dr Foster firmly. 'You must do both, and that will help your erections, because we are starting to see the effects of weight loss drugs causing loss of muscle and that's having massively negative impacts on male health. 'To maintain your testosterone, to maintain your erection, make sure you do some decent exercise, and make sure you eat enough protein, even if you don't feel like it, because otherwise you're going to lose more important things [than fat alone], like sexual function and muscle.'
