Latest news with #Speaking
Business Recorder
39 minutes ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PIA to resume UK flights from mid-August: spokesperson
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to resume its flight operations to the United Kingdom from mid-August, the national carrier's spokesperson confirmed during a televised interview on Wednesday. Speaking on Aaj News' program 'News Insight with Amir Zia', PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez said the airline will restore direct flights from Islamabad and Lahore to Manchester and Birmingham, while flights from Karachi will operate to London. 'The aircraft are ready, although we are facing a shortfall of four to five planes,' Hafeez said, adding that restoring full operations on older routes remains a logistical challenge. 'Still, the airline is making every possible effort to resume its key international connections.' The development comes after British aviation authorities granted clearance for Pakistani carriers to operate in UK airspace, marking a significant milestone after a prolonged suspension of direct flights due to regulatory issues. According to Hafeez, the UK remains PIA's most crucial route in Europe, and its revival is expected to significantly boost the airline's financial health. The resumption of UK-bound flights is part of PIA's broader strategy to regain international market share and restore public trust in its services.
Morocco World
2 hours ago
- Health
- Morocco World
Morocco Expands Social Protection Coverage to Over 11 Million Citizens
Rabat — More than 11.4 million Moroccan citizens now receive basic mandatory health insurance for people unable to pay contributions, Morocco's head of government Aziz Akhannouch announced Tuesday. Speaking during an oral questions session at the House of Advisors Akhannouch said that over 4 million households — representing more than 11.4 million people — benefit from the AMO-Tadamon program as of June 2025. The program provides free healthcare and hospitalization at public facilities, and the same services offered by the National Social Security Fund when households choose private establishments. The government covers contribution payments for these households at MAD 9.5 billion ($ 1.05 billion) annually to ensure the program's sustainability. Health insurance coverage among Moroccans jumped from 42.2% before the program launched to 88% currently. The prime minister also reported that nearly 4 million households received direct social aid by the end of April, covering 12 million people. He outlined that recipients include 5.5 million children, over one million people aged 60 and above, and more than 420,000 widows, including nearly 340,000 without children. Total aid distributed through the program exceeds MAD 34 billion ($ 3.75 billion) since its launch. Speaking of social protection spending, Akhannouch said it will reach MAD 39 billion ($ 4.3 billion) in 2025 and over MAD 41 billion ($ 4.53 billion) in 2026, up from approximately MAD 32 billion ($ 3.53 billion) in 2024. The government expanded retirement plan enrollment to guarantee professional and social futures for active workers and will implement unemployment compensation for employed workers before the end of this year to ensure their social and economic stability, he noted. Healthcare and education investments Morocco launched comprehensive health system reforms to strengthen sector efficiency and improve medical care nationwide. The health budget increased 65% from MAD 19.7 billion ($ 2.17 billion) in 2021 to MAD 32.6 billion ($ 3.6 billion) in 2025, the head of government said. For education, the government is implementing the 2022-2026 education reform roadmap, allocating over MAD 85 billion ($ 9.39 billion) for 2025 with an additional MAD 9.5 billion ($ 1.04 billion) planned annually through 2027, he noted. Wage increases The government approved significant salary increases for approximately 4.25 million citizens — 1.25 million civil servants and 3 million private sector employees — at a total cost exceeding MAD 45 billion ($ 4.97 billion) through 2026. The increases include a general salary raise of MAD 1,000 ($ 110.5)net monthly in two stages, a 15% increase in the minimum wage for non-agricultural activities, and higher minimum wages for agricultural workers. Akhannouch stressed that strengthening social state foundations represents a political and strategic choice the government prioritized from the beginning of its mandate, reflecting King Mohammed VI's ambitious social project for a modern social state that guarantees all Moroccans' right to decent living. Tags: health insuranceMoroccoSocial coverage protection
The Print
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Print
Miss Universe Nagaland Kelülü Dawhuo set for Miss Universe India contest
Kelülü, who is from the Chakhesang Naga tribe, will be donning a traditional costume titled 'Goddess of Folk Song', inspired by a legendary personality from her community. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday ahead of her departure, Kelülü highlighted the resilience of Naga women, stating, 'Even after facing hardships, we have the strength to rise again and continue with life.' Kelülü Dawhuo will leave for Indore on Thursday. Kohima, Jul 16 (PTI) Reigning Miss Universe Nagaland 2025, Kelülü Dawhuo, is all set to represent the state at the national finals of Miss Universe India 2025, to be held at the National Stadium in Indore in Madhya Pradesh. She emphasised her commitment to showcasing the strength, diversity, and cultural richness of Nagaland on the national platform. A BA second-year student, Kelülü acknowledged the challenge of balancing academics with pageantry. However, with family support and guidance from mentors, she said she is confident in managing both responsibilities effectively. Following in the footsteps of Ruofuozhano Whiso, who brought home the fourth runner-up crown last year, Kelülü admitted the pressure but remained determined. 'I am not here to outshine anyone but to shine in my own light and bring laurels to our state,' she said. She encouraged women to follow their dreams and announced her continued advocacy for girl child education, which she plans to pursue more actively post-competition. PTI NBS NBS ACD This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
North Wales Live
9 hours ago
- North Wales Live
Wife demands answers after husband's body lay in council toilet for six days
The devastated wife of a man whose body lay undiscovered in a council toilet for six days is demanding answers. Julie Stephen says she cannot cannot understand how her husband Sean's presence went unnoticed after he entered a cubicle at Edinburgh's City Chambers on July 1 and never re-emerged. Julie, aged 47, was chatting with Sean on the phone when he felt unwell and used the facilities. After failing to reach him subsequently, she reported him missing, yet it took nearly a week before his body was found. She is now pressing for answers from the council and police as to why her husband was left in such a state without detection. Speaking to the Daily Record, Julie recounted: "There's CCTV footage of him on the phone to me walking up the Royal Mile and into the council building. He was healthy but said he was feeling dizzy and sick. He said he was going to get a taxi." She continued: "I came off the phone when he was going to do the toilet. That was the last time I spoke to him. How's no one been in that toilet for six days, it baffles me. "There are security guards, cleaners and someone who sits at reception. The CID are still digging. Could he have been saved? These are questions which will be in my head for rest of my life." Julie posted a picture of Sean, 38, online with the caption: "Shame on Edinburgh Council. Left you inside their building for a week. You could've been saved." The couple had been married since 2019. Julie revealed she knew something was wrong when Sean wasn't answering his phone prompting her to call 999 that evening. She said: "I spoke to police on the phone but the first response I got was he's 38-years-old. He couldn't be a missing person (yet) because of his age. We spent a week looking for him and put flyers in shops. "We went searching everywhere. We were two minutes away from him, we didn't expect him to be in a locked building. When they found him his body was so decomposed. I couldn't even see his body. I had to give his toothbrush for DNA. This could happen to anybody. It's horrible, it's torture." Julie said: "I'm emotionally drained. I'm just asking for help. I just want to bring his body home and lay him to rest. I will get the answers but right now I just need to lay him to rest." A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "At 9.20pm on Tuesday, 1 July, 2025 we received a report of concern for a 38-year-old man in the Edinburgh area who failed to make an pre-arranged appointment. Enquiries were carried out to trace him and he was traced deceased on Monday, 7 July in the High Street area of Edinburgh." Edinburgh City Council were also asked for comment. A Council spokesperson said: "We're continuing to assist Police Scotland with their inquiries and can't comment any further at this stage." A GoFundMe page has been set up by pals to help raise funds to cover the funeral costs for the "loving gentle giant". Sean's pal Adele Ford, who set up the GoFundMe page, said: "I'm looking to raise some funds towards Sean's funeral costs. It's to lift a bit pressure off his wife Julie and family. Sean went missing on 1st July 2025 and unfortunately was found dead on 7th July 2025. "This was very unexpected. He's only 38 years old he had his full life ahead of him he was the most loving gentle giant you'd ever meet. He was born and bred in the Southside area of Edinburgh and was well known by a lot of people "I was like a sister to Sean. We are absolutely devastated that he was found dead, unexplained. Any help would be appreciated to give him the best send off he deserves. Thank you from the bottom of my heart." To donate to the fundraiser towards Sean's funeral, you can do so here.
Canada News.Net
a day ago
- Business
- Canada News.Net
Negotiations going on for win-win trade agreement with US: Union Minister Piyush Goyal
New Delhi [India], July 14 (ANI): Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Monday said that India-US trade negotiations are going on, to come up with a win-win agreement for both nations. Speaking to reporters, Piyush Goyal said, 'Negotiations are going on at a very fast pace and in the spirit of mutual cooperation so that we can come out with a win-win trade complementing agreement with the United States.' Goyal's statement comes in the backdrop of talks with the US to finalise a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). India is making concrete progress toward finalising a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States, with both countries committed to following the path outlined by their respective leaders, a senior government official said on Monday. Speaking on the ongoing trade negotiations, the official emphasised that India is 'moving in terms of a BTA' and actively 'looking at a mutually beneficial deal' that would serve the interests of both nations. The official highlighted that the current negotiations are proceeding along the framework established by the leadership of both countries, stating, 'We are following the path of BTA, which the two leaders have decided. 'When asked about the structure and timeline of the potential agreement, the official indicated that both nations are maintaining flexibility in their approach. 'We are looking at BTA. How it moves forward, whether there will be a first phase, a second phase, whatever phases will happen that will be mutually decided,' the official explained. A high-level team from India's Commerce and Industry Ministry has arrived in Washington DC, to take forward crucial negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States. This round of negotiations is expected to begin on Monday morning (US time) and will continue for four days, another official told ANI. Rajesh Aggarwal, Chief Negotiator and Special Secretary of the Commerce Ministry, will join the scheduled discussions on Wednesday. India and the US have to narrow differences in sectors like agriculture and automobiles, and are looking for a win-win pact for both sides. The Trump administration has deferred imposing additional tariffs on several countries, including India, till August 1, with the two sides now having additional time to negotiate a deal beyond the initial deadline of July 9. (ANI)
