CAIRO, Feb 16 (Bernama-Xinhua) — Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced Sunday a social protection package worth 40 billion Egyptian pounds (about US$858 million) to support vulnerable groups ahead of Ramadan, Xinhua reported. He said the expanded state assistance is made possible by improving economic indicators. The package, mandated by President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, provides direct cash support to 15 million families in two installments before Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr, Madbouly told a press conference. It also allocates about 9 billion pounds (US$193 million) to healthcare, including funds for state treatment, surgical waiting lists, and health insurance expansion in Minya Province, […]

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Deputy minister of defence and veterans affairs Charles Mubita has revealed that 12 702 veterans of the liberation struggle are still waiting for their approved benefits, more than a decade after the programme began. Responding to questions from Nudo member of parliament Vetaruhe Kandorozu in the National Assembly last week, Mubita said the ministry has paid out N$2.52 billion to 13,398 veterans since the start of the programme in the 2011/2012 financial year. “Out of the 33,500 veterans, 13,398 have been paid at an amount totalling N$2,52 million, while 12,702 are yet to be paid,” he said. He said delays are due to budget constraints, and that the ministry follows a “First In-First Out” system, meaning those who applied earlier are prioritised. The ministry offers cash payments of N$170,000, replacing the original individual project approach.  “This means that if a veteran had applied in 2011, they are considered for the cash payment ahead of someone who had applied in 2013 or after,” Mubita explained. In the 2023/2024 financial year, 587 veterans received payments.  The number rose to 1,798 in the 2024/2025 financial year.  Mubita said increasing this number is a priority, and that the ministry is working with the ministry of finance to improve annual budget allocations. Kandorozu asked why approved veteran projects from over ten years ago were never funded and whether the allocated funds are reaching the intended beneficiaries. Mubita rejected the claims, saying the money is being used for monthly financial support, medical care, and funeral assistance.  “It is rather unfortunate to suggest the money allocated to the veterans is not reaching them. I would like to urge you to try and access our ministry’s accountability reports so that you are informed in terms of how this money is spent,” he said. He added that the ministry has consistently received clean audits from the office of the auditor general.  On the issue of stagnant monthly financial assistance, Mubita said the ministry is aware of veterans’ concerns and is reviewing the amount.  “We do acknowledge the amount has been static and we have heard the veterans’ outcry. This amount is stated in the law and is a subject of review. We are looking at the possibility of an inflationary increase, should resources permit,” he said. Kandorozu also questioned whether the ministry is intentionally delaying payments in hopes that some veterans may pass away before receiving their benefits. Mubita rejected the accusation as misleading and offensive.  “This insinuation is a serious misrepresentation of facts, loaded with mischief. The matter of the veterans for the struggle for national liberation is sensitive. I would suggest we try to avoid using it to score political points,” he said.

A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia's western valleys, killing at least 250 people and injuring over 3,770 others. Rescue teams are racing against time to save survivors trapped under rubble, with less than a day remaining in the crucial 72-hour window for finding quake victims. Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder warned that silence and order are essential for detecting survivors amid collapsed buildings. The disaster has devastated regions like Cali, where over 56 buildings collapsed, and Pereira, which reported at least 79 fatalities. President Abelardo De La Espriella, who campaigned on reducing public spending and enhancing security, is coordinating aid efforts. International assistance from Peru, Mexico, and El Salvador is being coordinated, though some local authorities have imposed curfews to prevent looting. The earthquake has tested the new administration's emergency response capabilities, with critics highlighting the government's reduced funding for disaster preparedness.

The Canadian federal government has approved a $76-million emergency aid package for Flair Airlines to help offset the financial strain caused by soaring jet fuel prices. According to Flair CEO Len Corrado, the funding demonstrates that government officials recognize the severity of the situation and aim to maintain competitiveness within the aviation industry. The Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corp. (CEEF) has approved the loan, which must be repaid within four years with interest rates below market levels. This aid comes as part of broader government support for airlines facing unprecedented fuel cost pressures. Air Transat's parent company, Transat A.T. Inc., has already secured $430 million in financial assistance since the Iran conflict began in late February, which triggered a surge in energy prices and doubled jet fuel costs compared to the previous year. Porter Airlines has also recently received a $125-million bailout loan. The government's intervention aims to stabilize the transportation sector and make airfares more affordable for consumers. Flair's CEO emphasized that the financial lifeline is a recognition of the industry's challenges and a commitment to preserving its competitive position in the market. The aid package is structured to provide immediate relief while ensuring long-term financial responsibility for the airline. This move aligns with the government's broader strategy to support key sectors during economic volatility. The funding reflects the government's acknowledgment of the critical role airlines play in Canada's economy and transportation infrastructure. With fuel prices remaining volatile, such support is seen as essential to prevent further financial distress for airlines and maintain service reliability for passengers. The approval of these loans underscores the government's proactive approach to addressing sector-specific challenges amid global economic uncertainties. The CEEF's decision to provide below-market interest rates on these loans is intended to reduce the burden on airlines while still requiring repayment within a reasonable timeframe. This balanced approach aims to support the industry without creating long-term fiscal liabilities for the government. The news of Flair Airlines' aid approval follows similar support for other major carriers, indicating a coordinated effort to stabilize the aviation sector during a period of significant cost increases. The government's actions are expected to help airlines manage their operational costs and continue providing essential services to the public. The approval of these funds is a significant step in addressing the immediate financial pressures faced by the airline industry, with potential long-term benefits for both the sector and consumers.

Residents of St. Catharines, Niagara, are grappling with the aftermath of severe rainfall that caused widespread flooding and property damage. Many have lost personal belongings and homes, prompting local authorities to seek urgent support from provincial and federal governments. The mayor emphasized the need for increased funding to address infrastructure vulnerabilities and assist affected communities. Heavy rains led to flooded streets, disrupted utilities, and forced evacuations in some areas. Emergency services worked tirelessly to rescue stranded residents and provide temporary shelter. While the situation highlights climate-related challenges, officials are urging policymakers to prioritize long-term flood mitigation strategies. The incident has sparked discussions about regional preparedness and the importance of federal aid in disaster recovery efforts. Local businesses and volunteers are also stepping up to support impacted families, showcasing community resilience amid the crisis.

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YouTube video by KakiShopee

As the Trump administration fires federal employees, lays them off and urges them to resign, officials in the D.C. area are offering resources for workers.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 (Bernama) — The MADANI Government will continue prioritising the needs of the people in Sabah by ensuring that every government policy and assistance initiative is implemented effectively and reaches those who need it most, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. In a Facebook post, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said he had reviewed several matters concerning development and the welfare of the people in Sabah. The prime minister said the issues were discussed during a courtesy call by Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, who is also Batu Sapi MP, and […]

PUTRAJAYA: Payments of the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR) Phase 2 to 5.2 million recipients will be initiated and credited in stages starting March 10, involving an allocation of RM1.3 billion. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government decided to expedite the payment to ease the burden on the people during the month of Ramadan and preparations for the Aidilfitri celebration. “We are bringing forward the second phase of STR because we want to celebrate Ramadan and we want to celebrate Aidilfitri. So we are bringing forward on March 10, 2026, you will receive the second phase of STR […]

BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand will spend 18.5 billion baht ($572 million) on stimulus measures to support the economy as it braces for the impact of U.S. tariffs, and will compensate families of those who died in last month’s border conflict, officials said on Tuesday. The stimulus measures approved by cabinet are aimed at enhancing economic competitiveness and supporting student loans, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat told reporters. The government still has about 25 billion baht of funds to use to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs and for broader relief efforts, Julapun said. The U.S. last week set a 19% tariff on imported goods from Thailand, lower than the 36% rate announced earlier this year and more aligned with other countries in the region. Julapun said cabinet gave the government approval to prepare a joint statement on tariffs and trade with the United States, but said discussions were ongoing and there was no set signing date. On Tuesday, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce said it expected the economy to grow 1.7% this year. That is below both the finance ministry’s revised forecast of 2.2% growth in 2025 and last year’s actual growth of 2.5%. The cabinet also approved a 10 million baht ($310,000) payment to the families of government officials who died in the July conflict with Cambodia, while those injured will receive up to 1 million baht, government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap told a briefing. ($1 = 32.35 baht) With valuations skyrocketing in 2024, many investors are uneasy putting more money into stocks. Unsure where to invest next? Get access to our proven portfolios and discover high-potential opportunities. In 2024 alone, ProPicks AI identified 2 stocks that surged over 150%, 4 additional stocks that leaped over 30%, and 3 more that climbed over 25%. That's an impressive track record. With portfolios tailored for Dow stocks, S&P stocks, Tech stocks, and Mid Cap stocks, you can explore various wealth-building strategies.

Under the revamped definition of “professional" degree programs, nursing and other key health care jobs were excluded.

The Puducherry government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, has announced a comprehensive relief package to support those affected by