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Living above the shop
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House ready to support 2020 budget revisions to account for COVID-19
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has revealed that government officials and legislators are in talks to raise Indonesia’s budget deficit cap from the current 3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), which would allow the state to borrow more money to fund its emergency response measures to the coronavirus pandemic.The chairman of the House budget committee (Banggar), Said Abdullah, said on March 23 that the government should raise the ceiling from the current 3 percent to 5 percent.Read also: Indonesia’s budget to fight COVID-19: What we know so farAccording to multinational investment bank Morgan Stanley’s analysis, Indonesia’s budget deficit may reach between 2.7 and 3.5 percent this year, which would be the highest level in history.Meanwhile, Bahana Sekuritas economist Satria Sambijantoro said the budget deficit would eventually hover at around 3.5 to 4 percent of GDP.“Indonesia’s deficit cap of 3 percent of GDP, introduced in the aftermath of the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis, has brought fiscal prudence and lowered the country’s credit risks,” Satria said in a research note.“Thus, we expect the waiver to be only temporary, with the deficit cap back in place after risks from the COVID-19 outbreak subside.”The government’s baseline scenario had been for Indonesia’s GDP to grow more than 4 percent this year, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said recently. Under the assumptions the pandemic will last for six months, that global trade will slump by 30 percent and the country goes into lockdown, economic growth could fall to between zero and 2.5 percent, she added.Under a baseline scenario, Morgan Stanley expects Indonesia’s economy to grow 3.7 percent this year. However, under a bear case scenario, Indonesia’s economic growth is tipped to drop to just 2.8 percent this year.Topics : The House of Representatives stands ready to support the government to make the necessary changes to the 2020 state budget, including raising the budget deficit cap, as the number of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia continues to rise.House Speaker Puan Maharani said COVID-19 had had a severe impact on the global economy, adding that the crisis would lead to significant changes in macroeconomic assumptions set in the 2020 state budget.“The House is ready to support mitigation measures needed by the government through the state budget and [we will support] a government regulation in lieu of law [Perppu] to improve fiscal resiliency,” said Puan during the House’s plenary meeting in Jakarta on Monday. Macroeconomic assumptions in the state budget would be changed, including the economic growth target, which will be changed from 5.3 percent to between 4 and 5.1 percent, she said. The rupiah is expected to hover around Rp 16,000 per US dollar this year from its initial projection of Rp 14,400 per US dollar, Puan added.Read also: Expand deficit to 5%, cut taxes on rich in exchange for required COVID-19 donations: House“We need fiscal intervention to strengthen spending in the state budget and government programs to anticipate the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on people’s lives and the national economy,” Puan added.The House Speaker urged the government, together with Bank Indonesia (BI) and the Financial Services Authority (OJK), to step up coordination efforts to integrate policies to support the national economy.
Australia’s High Court says former judge sexually harassed six female staff
The court’s statement did not give details or the time of the incidents under scrutiny, but said it was told of “allegations of sexual harassment against a former justice” in 2019 and immediately ordered an independent investigation.”The findings are of extreme concern to me, my fellow justices, our chief executive and the staff of the court,” the court’s chief judge, Susan Kiefel, said in the statement.”We’re ashamed that this could have happened at the High Court of Australia,” Kiefel added.In its statement denying the accusations quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald, Speed & Stacey also said Heydon apologized for any offence caused to the women. “Any allegation of predatory behavior or breaches of the law is categorically denied by our client,” the newspaper quoted the law firm as saying.”Our client says that if any conduct of his has caused offence, that result was inadvertent and unintended, and he apologizes for any offence caused,” it added.”We have asked the High Court to convey that directly to the associate complainants.”The court also said it had apologized to the women. It did not mention taking any action against the former judge but said it had accepted six recommendations made by the inquiry, including to “make clear to associates that their duties do not extend to an obligation to attend social functions”. A former High Court of Australia judge was found to have sexually harassed six female staff, the court said on Monday, one of the country’s most powerful figures to face such recriminations amid a global reset in workplace gender relations.Dyson Heydon, who served on the country’s most powerful court from 2003 to 2013, was found to have harassed six former staff members, known as judges’ associates, the court said in a statement following an inquiry lasting several months.A law firm named in local media as acting for Heydon, Speed & Stacey Lawyers, was not immediately available for comment. The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper quoted the firm denying the allegations on Heydon’s behalf.
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Ian Wright sends message to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over Arsenal future
Aubameyang has 18 months remaining on his Arsenal deal (Picture: Getty Images)Ian Wright has urged Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to sign a new deal, with the striker’s future at the Emirates Stadium in doubt.Aubameyang is the Gunners’ top scorer this season with 17 Premier League goals, but could be at risk of leaving this summer with just 18 months left on his current deal.The 30-year-old missed a gilt-edged opportunity to score an extra-time winner against Olympiacos on Thursday night, as his side crashed out of the Europa League.After the full-time whistle, the Gabon international was on the verge of tears, prompting club legend Ian Wright to send his well-wishes.AdvertisementAdvertisementADVERTISEMENTCommenting on Aubameyang’s Instagram post, former England striker Wright said: ‘We love you!!! This club loves you. Our fans love you. Forget about last night.‘If you weren’t here with all due respect to the rest of our team we’d be in deep trouble.‘For you to score the amount of goals you are scoring whilst doing all that defending is just incredible!!!‘(Please stay and sign the ting).’ Comment Youssef El-Arabi scored Olympiacos’ late winner (Picture: Getty Images)After the game Aubameyang blamed tiredness and muscle cramps for the miss, but was overwhelmed by the positive response from fans.He wrote on Instagram: ‘I woke up this morning praying as usual and I thank God for what he gave me. An incredible family and you fans are part of it.‘Thanks for all the messages and the love I received yesterday. Football is great even if it gives you strange emotions.‘But I take it as a lesson and keep my head up, the season’s not over yet, we’ll fight as a team to the end.’More: Arsenal FCArsenal flop Denis Suarez delivers verdict on Thomas Partey and Lucas Torreira movesThomas Partey debut? Ian Wright picks his Arsenal starting XI vs Manchester CityArsene Wenger explains why Mikel Arteta is ‘lucky’ to be managing ArsenalBarcelona have already stated their interest in bringing the striker to the Nou Camp in the summer.The Spanish giants failed in their attempt to recruit Aubameyang in the January transfer window, and will likely be back with an improved offer at the end of this campaign.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta admitted the club will do everything in their power to convince their ‘most important player’ to stay in north London.Follow Metro Sport across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.For more stories like this, check our sport page.MORE: Martin Keown gives damning assessment of Arsenal after Olympiacos defeatMORE: Martin Keown believes Mikel Arteta made obvious mistake in Arsenal’s defeat against Olympiacos Ian Wright sends message to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over Arsenal future Advertisement Metro Sport ReporterFriday 28 Feb 2020 10:32 pmShare this article via facebookShare this article via twitterShare this article via messengerShare this with Share this article via emailShare this article via flipboardCopy link2.1kShares Advertisement
WATCH: Governor Wolf’s Message on the Inauguration and Making Progress in Pennsylvania
WATCH: Governor Wolf’s Message on the Inauguration and Making Progress in Pennsylvania Two years ago today, I was sworn in as your 47th governor of Pennsylvania. On that day, I vowed to restore the billion dollar cuts to education and to take a different approach for Pennsylvania. Together, we are making progress on that promise.We have restored the cuts to our schools, worked with law enforcement and medical professionals to expand treatment and tackle the heroin and opioid crisis, legalized medical marijuana, reformed our liquor system, and expanded health care to nearly 700,000 people.On a national level, today also marks the inauguration of President Donald Trump. And no matter who you voted for, every one of us must recognize the reality that too many middle class and working class families are hurting.I’ve traveled to every corner of Pennsylvania — from Hazleton to Connellsville, Edinboro to Norristown, to inner cities and rural counties — to listen to you.And what I’m hearing is that the economy isn’t working for you and that you’re looking to your elected leaders to act.In Pennsylvania, I have shown that we can do things differently, and take on special interests and the well-connected to make Pennsylvania stronger. I am committed to continuing that work, in a bipartisan way, to protect seniors and education, continue to fight the opioid and heroin crisis, reduce property taxes, protect Pennsylvania jobs from being sent to other states, invest in manufacturing and our economy, and address our budget deficit that threatens all of our futures. These priorities are values shared across our state — regardless of where you live or what party you belong to.I am not a product of our political system — and I don’t care what party you’re in, as long as you’re dedicated to these values. I am from a small town in Central Pennsylvania, I am the first governor of the commonwealth who operated a forklift, managed a hardware store, volunteered for the Peace Corps, and ran a business. Before I was elected, I built a business the right way – by treating my employees fairly, offering solid benefits, and sharing my profits with them.I also changed my business model from a distributor of other people’s goods to one that manufactured products right here in United States that directly competed with Chinese products.And during my Budget Address on February 7th, I’ll present a plan for rebuilding our middle class and making government more efficient so that we can protect education, job creation programs, and social services for the most vulnerable.We need leaders today who are willing to listen to each other, learn from each other, and work together to give all Pennsylvanians a shot at a great life. This age—and this time—demands nothing less. I look forward to continuing to work with Republicans, Democrats, and everyone in between to move our state forward. By: Governor Tom Wolf The Blog, Videos January 20, 2017 Like Governor Tom Wolf on Facebook: Facebook.com/GovernorWolf SHARE TWEET SHARE Email Facebook Twitter
ABTO: Liquefaction Testing Is Inadequate
The Association of Bulk Terminal Operators (ABTO) has called for a complete overhaul of the cargo sampling and liquefaction testing protocols for raw ores and less common cargoes, such as nickel ore, fine wet coal and bauxite.According to Professor Mike Bradley, a member of the advisory panel to ABTO and head of Greenwich University’s Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology, the current measures in place to test cargoes for potential liquefaction are inadequate, especially for raw ores and variable materials being loaded in ports where conditions are inclement.Current methods available to a ship’s master for identifying the dangers of cargo liquefaction – the so-called “splash” and “can” tests – are very rudimentary, said Bradley.“The ‘can test’ consists of nothing more than a ‘baked beans tin’ filled with a sample of the cargo, which is then vigorously tapped on the table. If a liquid film forms on the sample surface, the cargo is deemed dangerous and must be rejected; if not, it may be either safe or dangerous!”As disclosed, Bradley’s research group has investigated cases where masters have used the “can test” to accept and reject portions of cargo, resulting in later liquefaction in heavy weather. The splash test, meanwhile, simply checks to see if the cargo “splashes” when dropped from a grab into the hold – “not easy to see in the dead of night with dark coloured cargo in a badly lit hold,” he said.“Such rudimentary testing is inadequate. We have seen that dangerous cargoes can pass these tests, with moisture content exceeding the allowable limits, liquefying at a later stage. The efficacy of existing testing and sampling protocols does need to be addressed, especially when assessing terminal stock piles where obtaining a decent sample is difficult.“The current IMO protocol for setting Transportable Moisture Limits and certifying actual Cargo Moisture Content is robust for some cargo flows, but sadly falls down too often for others, as evidenced by the number of lives still being lost at sea due to cargo liquefaction.“Ultimately the master has to take responsibility for whether a cargo is loaded or not, and he is under commercial pressure not to reject it – so in cases where he has suspicions he really needs a better, more reliable shipboard test he can use to protect both his employer’s business and the lives of his crew,” he added.Although the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code includes provisions for sampling, Bradley says it is “inordinately difficult” to get a representative sample of the cargo from a stockpile, and in many cases severe rain will have occurred since the sample was taken for moisture certification.What is more, some master mariners have expressed concern that the current tests do not work with some cargoes. There have also been cases in which moisture content certificates are alleged to have been falsified.Bradley explained that the Wolfson Centre has completed some preliminary research work in the development of a more effective, accurate cargo liquefaction test kit for shipboard use.“Current tests used in cargo labs require far too much specialist skill and expensive equipment to be used by the crew aboard ship. The proposed test is based on a practical approach that can be done using low-cost equipment that can be replicated easily. It doesn’t replace the current system of TML and MC certification, but provides the ship’s master with an opportunity to make his own check, in any case where there is some doubt over change in the condition of the cargo, the quality of sampling, the veracity of the certification, or the effect of bad weather on moisture during loading.“We have been talking to a number of parties, including ABTO members, P&I Clubs and classification societies to take the initiative forward. We have proven the basic concept, which seems to work, so we are now looking to the industry to support the development.” “Anything that can be done to improve the safety of vessels carrying dry bulk cargo that may liquefy has got to be thoroughly investigated. We believe that this issue is one of the biggest challenges facing our industry. We therefore welcome anyone who is interested in progressing this research to contact us so that progress can be made on developing this test,” Ian Adams, ABTO Chief Executive, added.
Romania approves BSOG’s Midia Gas Development
Romanian Government has approved BSOG’s plan for the development of the Ana and Doina offshore gas fields. The two fields make up the Midia Gas Development Project.As previously reported, Black Sea Oil & Gas (BSOG) with its Partners Petro Ventures and Gas Plus International in February made the Final Investment Decision (FID) to proceed with the $400 million Midia gas development.The MGD Project, which is the first new offshore gas development project in the Romanian Black Sea to be built after 1989, consists of five offshore production wells (one subsea well at Doina field and four platform wells at Ana field), a subsea gas production system over the Doina well which will be connected through an 18 km pipeline with a new unmanned production platform located over Ana field. The development is estimated to hold 10 bcm of gas reserves.A 126 km gas pipeline will link the Ana platform to the shore and to a new onshore gas treatment plant (GTP) in Corbu commune, Constanta county, with a capacity of 1 BCM per year representing 10% of Romania’s consumption. The processed gas will be delivered into the NTS at the gas metering station to be found within the GTP.Gigi Dragomir, The National Agency for Mineral Resources President, said: “The Development of the Ana and Doina gas fields offshore Romania is a top priority for NAMR, which supports the implementation of the Romanian Offshore Project that could lead to the diversification of the supply sources in Romania.”BSOG, owned by Carlyle International Energy Partners and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, in 2019 expects to begin the fabrication of the Ana Wellhead Platform at the shipyard in Agigea, and start the construction works at the GTP site in Corbu.The company has previously secured a long-term gas sales agreement with a Romanian subsidiary of Engie. The contracted volumes refer to all MGD Project gas production, reduced by the volumes that the producers are currently obliged to sell on the centralized market.BSOG has also secured a gas transmission contract with Transgaz for the transport of the MGD Project production into the National Transmission System (NTS) for a contractual period of 15 years.The entire project infrastructure, including all offshore and onshore facilities, has been contracted to be built, installed and commissioned under an EPCIC Contract with GSP Offshore SRL, with a contracted delivery date 1Q 2021. The development drilling of the five production wells will also be performed by GSP for which GSP Uranus jack-up rig will be deployed.BSOG also confirmed that all the contracting activities for this project would, in total, have Romanian content of roughly 70%. The project is expected to go online in 2021. Images by BSOGSpotted a typo? Have something more to add to the story? Maybe a nice photo? Contact our editorial team via email. Offshore Energy Today, established in 2010, is read by over 10,000 industry professionals daily. We had nearly 9 million page views in 2018, with 2.4 million new users. This makes us one of the world’s most attractive online platforms in the space of offshore oil and gas and allows our partners to get maximum exposure for their online campaigns. If you’re interested in showcasing your company, product or technology on Offshore Energy Today contact our marketing manager Mirza Duran for advertising options.
Explore Iloilo province, too, Dinagyang tourists urged
In northern Iloilo alone which is madeup of the municipalities of Barotac Viejo, Ajuy, Sara, Concepcion, San Rafael,Batad, Balasan, Carles, Estancia, Lemery, and San Dionisio, there are lots ofislands to explore. Among the more popular islands are the following: * Agho Island – This eight-hectareisland is one of the few uninhabited islands in Concepcion with extensivecreamy-white sand beach and sprawling coral garden perfect for swimming andsnorkeling. ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.urged tourists who witnessed yesterday’s Dinagyang Festival highlight in IloiloCity to also explore Iloilo province. * Bulabog Puti-an National Park inDingle and San Enrique – designated as National Park in June 14, 1961. It has arainforest trail with 33 caves, although only six are recommended forexploration. The trail will lead one to its most prominent cave, the Maestranza(Spanish for garrison) where an amazing heritage experience awaits everyvisitor. Maestranza is famous for its coral rock with Spanish inscriptionbelieved to have been written by a guerilla during the Spanish-American War. * Mapols Farm in Barangay Bagacay,Pototan – a recycled-themed farm with creation areas and a café. It has picnictables and bamboo cottages and a farm house available for renting. It alsocaters to group overnight camping. * Calabazas Island – This is a 20-minuteride by motorized from Culasi Port in Ajuy town. The island is more commonlyreferred by the townsfolk as Parola because it is home to the ruins of an 1884lighthouse, the second oldest in the country. Stroll along the coral rubbleswhere visitors can go swimming and snorkeling * Jade Energetic Paradise andAdventure in Barangay Cabayogan, Badiangan – a family-friendly inland resortwith accommodation and amenities, food and beverages and fun and adventureactivities for everyone * Bulubadiangan Island – known for itsbeautiful panoramic view with the longest sandbar in all of the islands inConcepcion. It is one of the most-visited and photographed island beaches inthe province. It offers amenities for those who would want to stay overnight. Central Iloilo, on the other hand,boasts of eco-agricultural and eco-tourism destinations. Among these are thefollowing: * Mariit Wildlife Conservation Park inBarangay Jayubo, Lambunao – a facility for wildlife conservation, habitatpreservation and environmental protection of the endemic Tariktik hornbill,Panay spotted deer, Visayan warty pig and cloud rat * Damires Hills Tierra Verde inBarangay Damires, Janiuay – a 40-hectare inland resort where visitors can beone with nature and so some physical activities. They offer accommodation withvenues for any kind of party. * Ephrathah Farms in Barangay Sariri,Badiangan – a 14-hectare sprawling inland resort and farmland with charmingaccommodations and a popular venue for functions and events with family-run andadventure activities Visitors need to climb a steep rockywall that serves as the lagoon’s fortress. An easier and short climb from wherethe motorized boat docks alongside its wall is done only during high tide. Thelagoon’s rocky borders offer visitors one-of-a kind formations. * Tangke in Barangay Gabi, GigantesSur, Carles – a hidden saltwater lagoon formed by a surrounding wall of granitemonolithic cliffs. Northern, central and southern Iloilohave points of interest that the Provincial Tourism Office is promoting, hesaid. * Buacari – located 21 kilometers awayfrom the town proper of Leon, it covers 500 hectares of forestland with terrainranging from hilly to mountainous. The Bucari campsite which is the heart ofthe Bucari Eco-Tourism area has an elevation of 773 meters above sea levelwhile the Mansiga Viewing Deck, also found in the campsite, is 863 meters abodethe sea level. Its subtropical highland climate makes it the “Summer Capital ofIloilo.” Bucari offers a plethora of activitiesthat include camping, trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horsebackriding and swimming in its falls one of which is the famous Imoy Falls, locatedin Barangay Camandag./PN
South Dearborn Schools to stay closed for 19-20
Aurora, IN— In a letter to parents, staff, and the community of Dearborn County, South Dearborn Community School Superintendent Eric Lows stated that “for the health and safety of our students, staff, and community, it will close all the schools in South Dearborn School Corporation for the rest of the year.” they will be implementing a combination of waived and eLearning days for the remainder of the year. The letter also addressed that beginning April 6, all students will have access to free meals at the elementary distribution points located throughout the district. Meals will be delivered daily to each vehicle by staff members. Parents are encouraged to stay in their vehicles and please be patient for this meal delivery process.
Toure brushes off criticism
Manuel Pellegrini’s side are aiming to regain the title from the Blues after finishing second last season and, ahead of their clash, Toure will aim to forget their critics. He said: “I think last season people were talking all the time. Last season was not the best season for us, but second in the table isn’t bad at all. There’s been a lot of criticism about me but it was not been a bad season. “I know what I want, I know what I have to do, I don’t care what people are saying about me. Sometimes people understand we are human beings. Things can go wrong. “When you’re fully focused in your job, you love your job and want to win all the time. “The Premier League is very tough, there’s a very long way to go. “Sunday is going to be tough again after that we have Everton. I think it is a strong start. We are fully focused this year.” Albion’s Joleon Lescott, who won two titles at City, faced his old club and was beaten to the ball by Vincent Kompany to score the visitors’ third goal after David Silva had flicked in Toure’s shot for the opener, which eventually came off Craig Dawson. The defender played at the Etihad between 2009 to 2014 and wants them to recapture the title from Chelsea. Yaya Toure has brushed off any criticism of Manchester City and insisted they will ignore their doubters. But the midfielder also played down City’s lightening start – ahead of their showdown with title rivals Chelsea – after he scored in their 3-0 win over West Brom. City cruised past the Baggies on Monday and they host Barclays Premier League title rivals Chelsea on Sunday. Press Association “It’s early to say but I’m sure they expect themselves to win the title. Hopefully they will. I know how they think and I hope they do,” he said. “Obviously it’s evolved again. They have new faces coming in freshen it up and Raheem (Sterling) will add a different dimension. I wish him all the best and them all the best.” New £12million record buy Salomon Rondon watched the game and Albion boss Tony Pulis admitted he took advice from City boss Manuel Pellegrini and ex-Tottenham chief Andre Villas-Boas over his latest signing. He added: “I spoke to Manuel and Andre Villas-Boas who have both worked in the Premier League and both worked with the lad. “We have watched him but he comes highly recommended by those two.” 