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Hans India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Students' Union polls to be held after 7 years
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is planning to hold elections to Students' Unions in colleges and universities this year, after a gap of seven years. Speaking to reporters here, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said, 'Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had earlier promised that Students' Union elections would be held this year.' Efforts are being made to commence the academic session for undergraduate and postgraduate courses by July 15 so that the first semester is completed on time before Dussehra holidays, and students' studies are not hampered during the elections, he said. On the extension of the deadline for admission into undergraduate courses in higher educational institutions under his department, Suraj made it clear that the students will get ample time for admission after the announcement of Class 12 exam results by the Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE), Odisha. The Class 12 students will be given at least 10 days time to upload their mark-sheets after the publication of their results, he said. Notably, on Tuesday, the government extended the deadline for admission into the degree courses from May 20 to June 1. 'This year, we started the admission process for UG courses earlier than other years, on April 16, so that we could wrap it up at the earliest and the syllabus and the students' elections could be completed on time. Last year, the admission process continued till December,' he said. The previous BJD government had stopped holding college elections since 2018 due to various reasons, including violence on campuses and the Covid-19 pandemic. The BJP, in its 2024 election manifesto, had promised to resume the students' elections after coming to power. Last year in December, the Chief Minister had said that elections to Students' Unions in colleges and universities, which were stopped since 2018, will be held from 2025 academic year. Speaking during the the 49th session of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) of Odisha, Majhi had said, 'Students' Union elections in colleges and universities have not been conducted in the State for many years. I am still at a loss as to why the previous government had stopped it.'
RNZ News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Lack of debate fans pay equity fury
Across the country, New Zealanders protested the rushed changes to the Equal Pay Amendment Act. The changes tighten up parameters for claims, introduce more restrictions, and give employers more ways to ignore them. Photo: RNZ / Tess Brunton Dumping 33 pay equity claims and telling underpaid workers to start again was always going to cause fury from those who stood to benefit from the claims - mostly women. But the government's shock and awe approach to changing the legislation has fanned the flames of anger. In a whirlwind 48 hours the law changed - no select committee, public meetings, opportunities for submissions or the usual processes laws go through. It is far from the first time a government has used urgency - but this was fast even by usual urgent standards. The Prime Minister has suggested the opposition, unions and the media have all been scaremongering on the issue. But there has been no time for debate on it, which Newsroom senior political reporter Marc Daalder said did not give people time to discuss its merits. "I don't think anyone was looking at this as an area for major reform, certainly not immediate reform," he said. "It's something that the government hadn't really spent very much time talking about. We know that the [workplace relationships] minister, Brooke van Velden, has been doing a lot of workplace reform and a lot of that has been forecast in the coalition agreements and in public statements that she's made. And she now says this pay equity issue is something that right when she got the job, at the very start in late 2023, she told the Prime Minister she was interested in working on it. "But it's not something the rest of us, or the public, had really known was on their radar." The changes to the Equal Pay Amendment Act made last week tighten up parameters for claims, introduce more restrictions and give employers more ways to ignore them. Van Velden said in her announcement that all ministers have been asked to save money, and that is what the move would do. They are substantial savings - billions - and Act leader David Seymour said van Velden had saved the Budget. National has played that aspect down, but it will get a lot of liability off the government books. That has paved the way for commentary that the savings have been made off the backs of women and made it harder for them to access economic justice. No one has lost any money - wages are not being slashed. But the fairness that many women were hoping for has just become that much further away. Daalder says Act and National MPs have now expressed concerns that many of the claims now cancelled were "basically bogus". "Nicola Willis called it [a Trojan horse for] a billion dollar grievance industry by the unions... that yes there are some situations where particular lines of work that are dominated by women have been systemically undervalued due to sexism and misogyny, as compared to types of work dominated by men that require similar skills, qualifications, and levels of work and so forth. "But that many of the claims that were currently being considered were not that. That they represented pay differentials for reasons other than sexism and misogyny. That's the heart of the argument from the government now ... the system was too loose, it was letting people make disingenuous comparisons between professions, and that there are professions that are paid less well not because they are dominated by women but for other reasons." Also on The Detail on Thursday, Helen Roberts, who is a professor of finance at the University of Otago, talks about the differences between equal pay, pay equity and the gender gap. She said we need to up our game on data gathering from employers so the situation is more transparent - and she uses the Australian example, the statutory body WGEA (Workplace Gender Equality Agency) as an example of what could be done here. Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here . You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter .
Local France
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Local France
What to expect from France's 2025 May Day protests
May Day is an important date in the French calendar not only because workers enjoy time off, but also thanks to its history as a day to protest in favour of better labour conditions. Despite the fact that the fête du travail actually has its origins on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, May Day is steeped in tradition in France . Every year, there are demonstrations in most of France's cities - from small to large - while shops and other services close their doors. READ MORE: What's open and what's closed on May 1st in France This year the intersyndicale, the coalition of France's eight main union federations, has plans for 'united' demonstrations across the country. Advertisement Unions are calling on workers and the public to join in marches to fight for 'international peace and social justice', as well as to stand up against the growing presence of the far right. In their press release dated to April 11th, the intersyndicale said: "Since the election of Donald Trump in the United States, the far right has been gaining power . . . The far right is directly attacking the rule of law, attacking the right to abortion, education, and the rights of immigrants and LGBTQIA+ people. "Racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, discrimination: everywhere, the poison of division is growing, exploited, even organised, by the far right and billionaire media." Unions are also calling for the repeal of France's 2023 pension reforms, as well as an increase in wages, pensions and social benefits. The May Day demos are usually largely peaceful, although some scuffles can take place on the fringes of the march routes, often as the demonstration comes to a close. Where will demonstrations take place? Most cities and large towns will have at least some type of demonstration. Last year, more than 100,000 people across France took to the streets on May Day, with 18,000 of them in Paris, according to the interior ministry. Paris - The detailed itinerary is still not clear, but the demonstration will begin at 2pm at Place d'Italie. Expect nearby roads to be closed off. The Paris Police préfecture should soon release a map with how traffic will be re-routed. It is likely that some Metro stations in the immediate vicinity of the demo route will close, although the lines will continue to run as normal. Advertisement Brittany - In Rennes, the protest will begin at 10.30am at the Place de Bretagne. In Saint Malo, it will also start at 10.30am at the esplanade Saint-Vincent. More info on the FSU website. Lyon - The protest will start at 10.30am at the Metro Garibaldi, according to the local CGT chapter . Marseille - The protest will start at 10.30am at the Vieux-Port, according to Action Populaire . Nice - The protest will begin at 10am in front of the Verdure Theatre. Bordeaux - The protest will begin at the Place de la République at 10am. To see demonstrations planned in other towns, the French media Basta has put together an interactive map . What about disruption to travel? Expect roads to be blocked off along the route for demonstrations. As such, there may be some traffic or delays on the nearby roads, as people are re-routed around the marches. As far as public transportation goes - whether or not buses, Metros and trams will run depends on the city. Many cities will not offer public transportation on May Day, so plan accordingly. Advertisement In the Paris region, public transportation will generally be operational, though it will run according to Sunday and public holiday hours (meaning at a reduced frequency compared to a normal weekday). Meanwhile, cities like Annecy, Chamonix, Nancy, and Metz are expected to have public transportation run at a minimal level. Other cities, like Lyon , Lille , Marseille , Bordeaux , Toulouse , Nantes , Strasbourg , Montpellier , Nice and Rennes are expected to completely suspend public transportation services on May 1st. In most cities, there are city bicycles you can rent to get around for a short period of time - these should continue to be operational. Otherwise, you will have to plan an alternative travel option. As for high-speed rail travel, TGV and Intercités lines should run normally on Thursday, according to Ça M'interesse. This year there are no plans for strikes on rail networks, but beware that next week (starting May 5th), unions have called for strike action , as France gears up for its second May public holiday (VE Day).
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Opinion: The new politics of food and health
Federal government discussions regarding health have revolved around insurance and food pyramids for decades. Like everything else, this too is changing in dramatic fashion. As foodies, we want to comment. The Trump administration and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are revamping how the federal government addresses health, medical research, vaccines and other issues. How and why is this happening? Cowley: The world's turned upside down. Unions are becoming less Democratic controlled, Republicans are now anti-global conflict and there is a Kennedy serving in a Republican administration! Health is among these shifting political paradigms. Republicans have become the party of single-ingredient foods, grounding and sunlight exposure. It used to be liberal hippies demonstrating their resistance to the man by creating co-op farms and refusing to eat GMO produce drenched in pesticides. Now, the biggest podcaster in the world, former Democrat Joe Rogan, often discusses clean eating and healthy lifestyles on his show. Crunchy moms who refuse to feed their kids processed sugar, treat seed oils like radioactive waste, and practically bathe in beef tallow are mainstream Republicans. It begs the question: If you aren't raising chickens in your backyard, are you even a Republican? Aside from vaccines, food is the focus of the MAHA movement. Fast-food chains are becoming healthier. Farm-to-table restaurants are in vogue, charging a premium for hormone-free dishes. Dare I say, Trader Joe's is not just for liberals anymore. Trump recently canceled what should have always been temporary COVID-era funding. The pandemic is over, and thankfully, so is the reckless overspending and overreaction. Pignanelli: 'There's nothing more political than food.' — Anthony Bourdain The dining habits of American citizens are a long-time target of federal government agencies. I remember the great debate of whether ketchup could be classified as a vegetable for school lunch programs early in the Reagan administration. The Department of Agriculture provided nutritional advice for a century, which was a battleground for lobbyists to ensure their clients were well-represented in such recommendations. Yet, suggestions for dietary restrictions from officials or experts were dismissed by many, opining that citizens have freedom of choice, regardless of consequences. Alternatively, recommendations from other healthcare entities and agencies regarding vaccines were implicitly followed as the memories of epidemics lingered. This long-established order is being flipped. The libertarian viewpoint is now applied to vaccines, fluoride and other traditional mandates. Federal and state officials focus on government pressure for healthier eating. Furthermore, research grants to prestigious universities and medical facilities are subject to new 'anti-woke' requirements. This could drive alterations in how health concerns are addressed. Technology, ever present in our lives, has shifted long-held beliefs. All available vaccines course through my veins while I aggressively pursue nutritional food options. Like many of my generation, I am aghast at — but also embrace some of — these unexpected changes. Such is life in the 2020s. The Utah Legislature passed several bills aimed at making Utahns healthier or altering how they receive care. This garnered praise from RFK and others. Why is Utah following, or perhaps leading, this trend? Cowley: Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints follow a divine law for health and well-being, making Utah MAHA before MAHA was cool. Despite a strong penchant for Dirty Dr. Pepper and enormous cookies, Utahns are consistently recognized for overall health, due to low rates of smoking and alcohol consumption. My favorite bill this year was Rep. Gricius' landmark legislation making Utah the first to ban fluoride, something EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said he's considering implementing nationwide. Expect the Utah Legislature to continue pioneering public policies that advance clean air, water and food. Admittedly, Utah has a lot of work to do on clean air. Obesity is a public health crisis with significant economic costs. Utah Congressman Blake Moore is chairing the Budget Committee's Health Care Task Force, tackling health care spending. When it comes to physical and fiscal health, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of gold in the federal reserve. Pignanelli: Because of the Church's influence, Utah enjoys a reputation for healthy lifestyles. Also, our citizens are respectful but effective challengers of authority, especially from Washington, D.C. Utah is an entrepreneurial haven with a mindset that pervades most residents and impacts lifestyles. Utahns consistently reevaluate what is working and what is not fulfilling expectations, including health and food. In government finances and economic development, Utah is a leader across the country. Does wellness provide another opportunity to showcase the 'Utah Way'? Cowley: Utah is making major investments in public health and seeing global impacts. University of Utah Health announced a campus in West Valley. BYU will soon enroll students in its medical school. The Huntsman Cancer Institute just broke ground on its new facility in Vineyard. Utah is also setting the standard for holistic, healthy communities through investments in mental health. Pignanelli: Regardless of where one stands on fluoride, vaccines, red dye or whatever, information exists to support or counter these positions. Thus, shrewd local officials must frequently evaluate data and research, not just emotions. The best results for citizens will require the collaborative approach of the 'Utah Way,' which will be an invaluable guide to the country.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
As Mexico Mulls Tariffs On China, Trump Doubles Down on North American Duties
'The tariffs are going forward, on time, on schedule,' according to President Donald Trump. The president told journalists at a Monday press conference from the White House that 25-percent duties on Mexico and Canada, which were deferred earlier this month, will be imposed in early March. The president said that the duties were moving forward 'very rapidly' following the month-long cooling-off period agreed upon by the trading partners. More from Sourcing Journal Panama Canal Shipments Show No Evidence of Preferential Vessel Treatment Shoppers Across the Political Spectrum Say Trump's Tariffs Will Raise Retail Prices Unions to Trump: 'The Time to Act is Now' on Chinese Shipbuilding Sanctions 'We've been mistreated very badly by many countries, not just Canada and Mexico. We've been taken advantage of,' Trump added. 'We want reciprocity… so if somebody charges us, we charge them.' Trump's act of doubling down may have come as a surprise to Mexican officials who met with members of his cabinet last week. Mexico's government is reportedly mulling hitting China with tariffs in a bid to appease the president and stave off duties on its own U.S.-bound exports. The plan was masterminded by the Trump administration, which advised Mexican officials on Thursday to impose their own duties on goods originating from China, according to a report from Bloomberg. Sources close to the matter told the outlet that newly confirmed Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Trump adviser Kevin Hassett met with Mexico's Economy Minister, Marcelo Ebrard on Thursday. While Mexico did not commit to levying new duties during the meeting, Ebrard tweeted, 'A constructive dialogue began, next Monday joint work begins.' Mexico's government has been toeing a line between holding firm against Trump's tariff intimidation and seeking to smooth things over with a president that believes the Latin American nation is responsible for the flow of migrants and fentanyl into the U.S. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has been speaking out publicly against Trump's 25-percent duty proposal since the Commander in Chief first publicized the scheme around Thanksgiving, saying Mexico doesn't want to engage in a tit-for-tat trade war. She's also engaged with the president on trade a number of times since his return to office, negotiating with Trump to defer duties on Mexico for 30 days after he signed an executive order on Feb. 2. At the time, Sheinbaum said, 'Mexico does not want confrontation. We start from collaboration between neighboring countries.' The cooling-off period comes to an end on March 2, after which Trump will move forward with the 25-percent duties on Mexico and Canada, according to his statements Monday. In the meantime, Lutnick has been charged with providing the White House with reporting on America's trade relationships, including trade agreements and trade imbalances, before the president makes a decision about reciprocal tariffs on the country's trade partners across the globe. Sheinbaum's level-headed approach to Trump's shifting trade policies and his bombastic, inflammatory rhetoric has earned widespread approval from Mexican voters. Earlier this month, news outlet El Financiero released the results of a voter survey showing that 81 percent approve of her performance, up from the 78 percent rating reported in December. However, 47 percent of Mexicans said they consider the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Mexico to be 'bad or very bad.' More than half (56 percent) of respondents said they believe it's 'very likely' that Trump will move forward with the 25-percent duties, and 69 percent said Mexico would be 'greatly' impacted if that were to occur. While a narrow majority of Mexican voters (52 percent) characterized Sheinbaum's relationship with Trump as 'unfavorable,' 31 percent said the opposite, indicating optimism that the relationship can be repaired or that Sheinbaum can act as a stabilizing force. Sheinbaum has repeatedly indicated, however, that Mexico won't be bullied by the Trump administration. On Thursday, the Mexican president vowed to protect the country's sovereignty amid the U.S. government's designation of several Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, which could lead to U.S. military strikes within Mexican territory. According to CNN, U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones have been flying into Mexican airspace to gather information about the cartels. Sheinbaum said during her morning press conference that 'The people of Mexico, under no circumstances will accept interventions, interference or any other act from abroad that is harmful to the integrity, independence and sovereignty of the nation' whether those actions take place within Mexico's 'land, water, sea or airspace.'
