New Year Brings New Leadership at UN

Incoming United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres takes over the top position at the world’s top diplomatic body Sunday. Ban Ki-moon’s term ended at midnight Saturday.

Guterres, former prime minister of Portugal and former High Commissioner for Refugees, has told the United Nations in a speech that the question of how to help millions of people caught up in conflict and war weighs heavily on his heart.

He noted that civilians are faced with deadly force, killed and injured, forced from their homes, and thrown into poverty. He lamented that even hospitals and aid convoys are not safe from violence.

Bridge builder

Guterres called on his peers at the U.N. to “make one shared New Year’s resolution: Let us resolve to put peace first.”

United Nations Secretary-General-designate Antonio Guterres of Portugal speaks to members of the media after being sworn in at UN headquarters in New York, Dec. 12, 2016. His term began with the new year.

“From solidarity and compassion in our daily lives to dialogue and respect across political divides,” he said, “from cease-fires on the battlefield, to compromise at the negotiating table to reach political solutions — peace must be our goal and our guide.”

Guterres has promised to be a bridge builder at a time when the U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has voiced concern that the United Nations is ineffective. Guterres has pledged to work with the Trump administration despite the friction and to try to cooperate on the “enormous challenges” that the United States and the United Nations will face in the coming years.

Ban farewell

Ban, the outgoing secretary-general, told his colleagues at the United Nations in his final address Friday that he is “so very proud” to have worked with them for the past 10 years. He asked them to set priorities and stay focused on issues such as sustainable development, climate change, women’s empowerment, youth empowerment, and many other issues.

He also pleaded with them “to never give up. To keep dreaming,” he said, “to keep believing, and to keep working hard until we achieve progress.”

He asked them to keep their focus on people’s rights and dignity, and to stand up for “those who are left behind” — those who have escaped the attention of the world community but still need help.

Ban’s second five-year term ended December 31. He said he felt “a bit like Cinderella” because of the abrupt change at the stroke of midnight. But he pledged always to “carry the title of global citizen” and said his heart will always be with his colleagues at the United Nations.

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Trump: ‘We’ll See’ About Meeting With Taiwanese Leader

President-elect Donald Trump has not ruled out meeting with Taiwan’s president if she visits the United States after he is sworn into office January 20.

Trump said Saturday at a New Year’s Eve celebration at his Mar-a-Lago estate that a meeting with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen would be “a little bit inappropriate, from a protocol standpoint, but we’ll see.”

He was roundly criticized for a phone conversation he had with Taiwan’s president after he won the presidential election in November.

No U.S. president or president-elect has had such contact with a Taiwanese leader since Washington broke ties with Taiwan in 1979 and switched to the larger, fast-growing China. But the U.S. has remained a staunch informal supporter of Taiwan since then.

In the 1979 U.S.-China Joint Communique, the U.S. recognized Beijing as the sole legal government of China, acknowledging the Chinese position that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China.

Chinese state media said that Trump’s “inexperience” led him to accept the call from the Taiwanese president but warned that breaching the one-China policy would “destroy” relations between Washington and Beijing.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen speaks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump through a speaker phone in Taipei, Taiwan. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)

Trump seemed bemused by the reaction to the call, saying on his Twitter account, “Interesting how the U.S. sells Taiwan billions of dollars of military equipment but I should not accept a congratulatory call.”

Over China’s objections, U.S. President Barack Obama a year ago authorized a $1.83 billion sale of defensive weapons to Taiwan, including two frigates, amphibious assault vehicles, and anti-aircraft and anti-ship systems.

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Judge Blocks Obama Administration Rules on Health Care

A federal judge in Texas on Saturday ordered a nationwide halt to enforcement of new Obama administration rules protecting those who apply for transgender or abortion-related health care services.

U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor issued the temporary injunction the day before the new anti-discrimination provisions were due to go into effect. His ruling was the result of a lawsuit brought by Texas and a handful of other states.

Those who oppose the new federal regulations say they could violate the religious freedom of physicians and other health care workers and thwart their “independent medical judgment” in cases involving transgender patients or women seeking abortions.

There was no immediate comment from the White House or other federal officials in Washington. The government could appeal the injunction or ask the judge to limit his ruling to the plaintiffs in the case. But since President Barack Obama is due to leave office on January 20, the fate of the lawsuit remains unclear.

O’Connor is the same judge who overruled the Obama administration in a similar case four months ago. He enjoined the federal government from restricting federal aid to schools that do not comply with rules prohibiting discrimination against transgender students. That case is currently under appeal.

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Bigg Boss Season 10 31st December 2016 Written Update

Bigg Boss Season 10 31st December 2016 Written Update by Atiba

Bigg Boss Season 10 31st December 2016 Written Episode

Weekend Ka Vaar
Newyear Special
Salman comes stage on song humka peni hai. Salman welcomes everyone and wishes newyear to everyone. He says some celebrities will come here. Celebrities of Jhalak Dikhlaja and comedy nights Bachao. This night is special because i will get chance to meet inmates as i will go in house, i will have fun and some will torture me too. He says BANI, GAURAV and MONA are nominated. Salman says many things happened in 2016, kids have become superhit in shows and bigg boss might brings kids in next season and will bring nagin to host it, all laugh. Salman says inmates made some newyear resolutions and also reminisced about time in this house, lets see.
Clip plays. Mona says this was lifetime experience for me,
Lopa says 2016 has been incredible, phenomenal.
i Want girls to follow and get inspired
Bani says it was emotional, i am happy thats its ending, i have high expectations i will do all tasks now .
Manveer says i have created world
Swami says i have learned to bear insults, i will promote Bigg boss in world.
Rohan says my resolution is to be happy
Manu says i want to marry and have daughter
Niti says i will enter bollywood. Clip ends

Call is connected to house through Tv. Salman asks what are plans? Lopa says party. Salman says all your friends must be having party and you are stuck in this house, how lucky, all laugh, Salman says you guys will see Swami’s face, Mona’s cries, all laugh. Salman says Swami what is your resolution? Swami says i will become bigg boss winner then i will have world tour and will promote Bigg boss. Salman asks whom will you go with? Swami says i will go with followers, if bigg boss provide any creative team member then it would be good, Salman says 60creatives resigned after you came, all laugh. Swami says more people will join, Salman says people are searching for one who found you and brought you, all laugh. Salman says to Manu that you want to have daughter this year? Manu says yes, Salman says you will have to dig for it right after coming out of house, all laugh. Salman asks if Piku is watching? Manu says yes, i took her name too, Salman says how will you propose? we read your love letter, you were talking about kabaddi, all laugh. Salman asks Niti if she wants to become heroine? Niti says i will try to presue acting, Salman says will you try for 60years? Niti says then i will get mother’s role. Salman says Bani has decided to do all tasks, Salman asks Manveer what he thinks if Bani will put efforts? Manveer says she become emotional and gives up. Salman says suppose Lopa has to decide Bani’s resolution, Lopa says i will suggest her to not quit conversations. Salman asks Gaurav, Gaurav says she should have more maturity and be calm, she has much mental strength but needs to put in right direction, Salman says thank you Gaurav priest, all laugh. Salman asks Swami what he wants for Rohan? Swami says i would want him to be more mature and become superstar, Salman asks Rohan. Rohan says i would want Swami to not do bad, not see bad,not say bad, Swami says i never do it. Manu says he didnt interrupt you when you were talking, Swami says he is saying wrong, Salman asks who agrees that Rohan is wrong? Rohan says he should try to not say anything at all.
Salman says you people dont know about outside world. Salman says i will have quiz with you and know much you guess about outside world. Salman asks Mona on which song remix, Lokesh did item dance in a movie? all are surprised hearing it, Manu says wow. Salman says she sang and danced too, she used to sing in this house. Salman sings that song and says you know with whom she did it? they say who? Salman says with Shahrukh Khan, all are stunned, Salman says Amir Khan was cameo, and Akshay directed it, Manu says good joke, Salman laughs. Salman says one contestant filed defamation case on Lopa or Rohan? Lopa says Priyanka might have done it but why? Salman says Lokesh filed it because she didnt want to do that song and said Lopa is suitable for it, all laugh. Salman asks if Swami has any followers or only Om is his follower? Swami says i have 50lacs followers, all laugh. Salman ends call.

On stage, Salman welcomes comedy nights team. Bharti and Krishna comes there. They have become note of 1000 and 500. Krishna says we are garbage now, we are lost from market. Bharti says Salman is good, he didnt have cash, he donated all. Krishna says people who took loan from him might be in trouble. Bharti says 2000note is our boss now. Krishna and Bharti leaves.
Salman connects call to house. Swami is running to lounge, Salman says where you left? Swami says i went to toilet, Salman says you could have done in mug, all laugh. Salman says i will give you task and you people can win goodies, go in activity area.
Inmates come in activity area. There is bull riding machine. Salman says girls will be on bull and guys have to guide them to pick tags for goodies. couple are Gaurav-Mona, Rohan-Niti, Manu-Bani, Lopa-Manveer. Swami is referee, Swami says what i have to do? Salman says just stay silent. Salman says tags picked by pair will be allotted to them only, if Bani wants to share then she can, all laugh.
Task starts. Gaurav makes Mona sit on bull. Bull starts moving, Mona is hitting tags hanging in air by using stick, Mona falls from bull, Gaurav says we got cupcakes, nuggets and brownies, Mona squeals and hugs Gaurav. Niti and Rohan comes forward, Niti has got cookies and cupcakes by hitting their tags. Lopa is next and wins donuts and cupcakes. Bani is next, she hit tags using stick on bull, she has got things too. Salman says next is Om Swami. Manu and Manveer makes Swami sit on bull, Swami hits tag but falls from bull funnily, Salman laughs and says he has got pizza. Salman says it was fun. Salman ask inmates to come in garden, there is surprise there, inmates leave.

In Bigg Boss house:
Inmates see garden decorated and tables set there. Bani says its good. Voiceover says this never happened before, guest will come in house who is not really guest, he loves you a lot but cant meet you, he tells you mostly about your journey, get ready to welcome him. Dancers come in house, Jumme ki raat plays. Dancers dance, inmates are enjoying. Gate opens and its a kid not Salman. Kid comes on stage. Kid hosts like Salman, kid says you people get saved because of me as i vote for you. Kid says i didnt think about newyear as i thought about you people. He says Bani you are looking beautiful, Bani laughs. Kid says Swami breath, kid takes of his shirt, Lopa says uh oh. Kid says you cant believe who is coming to entertain you, she has lived in this house, he welcomes Karishma Tanna. Karishma comes on stage set in garden. Karishma dances aaj jane kis zid song then she dances Laila mei laila, inmates enjoy her dance, Karishma brings Manu and Manveer on stage and dances with them, Lopa and Rohan are laughing. At the end of her dance. Gate opens and Karishna brings Salman in house, Manu, Manveer, Swami, Rohan touches his feet and hugs him, Gaurav hugs him, Lopa, Niti hugs him. Karishma hugs Bani and wishes everyone happy new year, she leaves house. Salman says i had to come here today, Salman sees kid there. Bigg boss welcomes Salman, and wishes newyear. Salman says kids have taken over TV, this kid is behind my job, Kid says i am new Salman. Salman says you have proof? Kid comes on stage with Salman and mimics Salman, he repeats his dialogues, kid dances like Salman too. Salman says you become Salman, forgive me, Salman laughs. Salman says this kid is in jhalak show, he asks kid if he can handle Swami if he stays in house? kid says i will ignore him and will eat his apples and i want to go in swimming pool with all. Salman says you come here after becoming 18years old, Kid takes selfie with Salman. Kid dances with Salman and hugs him, kid leaves waving to everyone. Salman sees him off.
Salman says to Swami happy new ear.. all laugh, Salman says your both ears should have been dead, all laugh. Bharti and Krishna connect with them through TV. Krishna says there is no need to say hi to Swami because he is getting haye haye too much. Bharti says Salman you gifted us stage today, how are you feeling like contestant? can you feel Swami’s smell? Salman says i am away from him. Krishna says Bharti have made resolution to not become elephant in birthday parties, all laugh. Salman says my resolution is to ignore you, Bharti says he is saying to you Krishna, Salman says you both, Bharti says he must be joking, Salman laughs.
Lokesh, Vindy and Ravi Krishan comes on stage. They dances with Krishna and Bharti. Lokesh waves to all inmates, Salman wishes birthday to Salman and also newyear. Bharti mimics her. Ravi asks Mona how are you? Bharti says she might start crying, Ravi says all are going crazy for you, be happy, i thought you would come out in one week, all laugh. Ravi says you are strong Mona, you will become star. Vindu says to Bani that everyone is happy for you. Bharti and Swami to relax, Vindu says Swami have out strength too much. Lokesh says to Manveer that people are loving you, Manu you are playing well too, Lokesh says Swami you are playing nice too. Krishna says Vindu is famous in every country not because he is winner of Bigg boss but he is banned there, Vindu laughs.
Krishna says welcome Bharti and Balraj. Bharti come there as kid. Bharti says you people might have thought Ranbir Kapoor came, all laugh. Bharti says Lopa hug me tightly, its cold, Lopa says come to me. Bharti says Lokesh’s voice is like Ravi eaten pan, all laugh. Balraj comes there as Bharti’s father. Balraj says i have brought stick for Swami, he need to get beaten, all laugh. Bharti says if Mona become hindi film heroine then hero will die lifting her on shoulder, Ravi should be saluted, Mona laughs.

Salman says to inmates that we will celebrate tonight. We will give you awards, award name is Faloda awards. Salman says first award is “sworn enemies” and nominees are Lopa, Bani, Rohan and Manveer. Bani says to Lopa it has to be us. Video plays, Lopa and Bani fights are shown, their kabaddi match, their fight in igloo task too. Salman says they get this award. Salman gives them slashes. Lopa says she is my sworn enemy and we will try to continue it, Bani says yes he will continue it, Bani says thank you Lopa. Salman says next award is “lazy person”, there is no nominee for it. Gaurav is given that award. Gaurav says i want to thank God, my parents and i will try that you people keep thinking that i dont work. Salman says next award is “footage king”, and Swami gets that award. Swami’s antics are played, his words about miracles are shown, how he said that he is dying, his dances are shown, his pee in mug is shown, all cringe. Salman gives him award. Swami says i requested.. Salman says please sit down. Salman says lets meet another footage king but he is funny. He welcomes Mobin and Anita through TV.
Anita comes on stage. Ravi, Vindu and Lokesh are there too. Mobin and Anita joke. Anita says i got film with Ravi, name was brother in law calling me in corner, all laugh. Mobin mimics, Sanjay, Sunil. Mobin’s dubbing is shown, Manveer’s voice is dubbed and says that i came in house to cut my beard, Gaurav’s voice is changed and says i came here to send my voice too. Swami’s voice is dubbed too, all laugh. Salman says to Om whats your message to your fans? He says to my lovers and haters I would say ommmm.
Bharti asks Lokesh who should win? She says Manveer.
Salman says next award for someone for the best hungry. Everyone says it’s a tie between Bani and Om. Salman says let’s have a look. Om said he doesn’t eat non veg but he ate it in the house and said he will eat it. Salman says second nominee. Bani said someone drank my coffee. She said who ate my muffin? I wasn’t gonna give to to anyone. Salman says its a tie. they both are given cheese burger. He says who eats first gets the award. BAni eats first and gets her foodie award.
Salman says who is the vamp? The guest Salman from Jhalak says you sent the vamp our, these women are all very good. Salman says the award goes to bani. Salman says I will celebrate you and gaurav will dance. The song ‘main hun hero tera’ plays. BAni and Gaurav dance.
Salman says next award is for the one who talks a lot but never gets to the point. The winners are gaurav and bani. gaurav says people who don’t understand me, it is because when I was in college and when I was in school.. look sparrows. Everyone laughs. Salmna says people talk about your friendship and call it more complicated than bermuda triangle. Two talented kids tried to solve it and tried to present it. Prijot and Tirya two kids play gaurav and bani on stage. SAlman calls Bani and Gaurav to come on stage and do the dance they keep practicing. Gaurav and Bani dance on I am a disco dancer. Salman says you are all cut off from world outside. Let’s see what happened outside this house when you were here this year.

Salman says next award is for, most unhygienic person in the house. We don’t have any nominees. There is only one person. It’s Om. Salman says the next is most salty personality. It goes to Mannu Punjabi.
Manveer does prophecies, he says for gaurav to make good friends. He says she cried whole season a lot. Mona. He says the other one is cute with a cute smile, Rohan. He will be just like 2016 a little immature. Next is miss India and beautiful. She has to take stands, Lopa. Next is the one who comes in between other people’s fights, Nitibha.
He says next is the greatest friend, Mannu Punjabi. He has to control emotions. The next is swami, I am scared of God, but still do what I want. He will win outside. Please wash your sins or you will be hit like you were in 2016.
Salman says so maybe there would be a romance in this house and they get together outside as well. But even today, I would suggest you not to face things Krishna had to.

Everyone in the house enjoys new year with champagnes. salman says wish you all a very happy new year. He tosses the champagne in the air. Everyone celebrates.

Precap-Salman says Rohan you shoved Om ji? Om says I was slapped. I was about to die. Salman says I will slap you now Om. I will never talk to you again. Amir says gaurav is doing this because he doesn’t have anyone else. I think it is one with benefits. One of them will be eliminated tomorrow. They hug each other in tears.

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How changes noted in the 1992-93 cabinet papers affect our super today

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Cabinet papers 1992-93: Australia moves to make Her Majesty obsolete

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Pakistan Plays Down Defense-Related US Sanctions

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — 

Pakistan says that the United States did not share evidence of wrongdoing before placing recent sanctions against certain defense-related Pakistani entities, but that it has pledged to work with Washington to address all concerns.

A December 15 notification by the Department of Commerce named the entities and added them to the Export Administration Regulations list, saying “these government, parastatal and private entities in Pakistan are determined to be involved in activities that are contrary to the national security and/or foreign policy of the United States.”

The facilities in question are thought to be associated with Pakistan’s missile development program, though officials in Islamabad have not acknowledged it. The U.S. government has not revealed details of violations these entities are alleged to have committed.

Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria told VOA on Saturday that the government was aware of the sanctions.

“This means that for any transfers of technology to these entities, U.S. exporters will need a license,” he said, adding that Pakistani authorities were examining the case to ascertain the facts behind the listing.

Ready for discussions

Zakaria called the timing of the sanctions “intriguing.” He told VOA that Pakistan was ready to work with the U.S. at the level of experts to devise mutually agreed-upon procedures for end-use guarantees.

“This will help in assuring nondiversion of high-technology exports from the U.S. without hampering our legitimate imports for socioeconomic development activities,” the Pakistani spokesman said.

Pakistan officials insist their missile and nuclear programs are “completely indigenous,” and that U.S. sanctions will have “little bearing” on them.

“It means nothing for us,” said a senior official associated with the projects. He requested not to be named because he was not authorized to speak to reporters.

The officials described the sanctions as a politically motivated move aimed at creating problems for the incoming Donald Trump administration’s relations with Pakistan.

Islamabad has developed and equipped its armed forces with a variety of short-, medium- and long-range missiles, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads.

The program has raised concerns in Washington about the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, though Islamabad dismisses such issues as misplaced.

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The 1992-93 cabinet papers reveal the chaos behind the government's economic statement

The 1992-93 cabinet papers, released today by the National Archives of Australia, reveal a government struggling for solutions to myriad problems.

These were tough, lean years for Australia. The recession “we had to have” was still biting deeply into the economy and showed no signs of lifting. The rural drought was still in full sway. Business confidence was shot.

The Labor government was entering its fourth term in government, unsure of its direction and suffering a crisis of confidence. It appeared besieged on all fronts, not least as the John Hewson led Opposition released Fightback! in 1991 – a neoliberal plan advocating major social and economic change.

Initially blindsided by the Opposition’s agenda, Labor gambled by changing its leader for the first time while holding office. Frustrated at the economic meltdown that had greeted his pro-market policies, new Prime Minister Paul Keating was uncertain as to the best steps to take going forward. He did not want to reverse his reform legacy, but was searching for solutions.

But newly released cabinet papers show that while the Labor government was trying to reassure itself that it was “not weakening our resolve”, many ministers were clearly reform fatigued.

To fill this void, much policy work was going on behind the scenes, largely led by a small number of key public officials, central agency bureaucrats and tireless taskforce working groups. The minions were busy crafting an omnibus agenda for a government that had tired itself out.

The issues

The Keating government was preoccupied with two big issues in 1992. First, a surging unemployment rate, and especially the increasing number of long-term unemployed workers who were virtually unemployable. Second, a budget deficit then hovering at around A$5.5 billion and getting slightly worse by the month.

Unemployment was 10.6% in December 1991 and expected to grow to 11% by 1992 before falling slowly thereafter. Government spending was still growing by 4% per annum and had increased Commonwealth outlays to 26.2% of GDP, while revenues were weak but slowly trending upwards. These twin problems overshadowed almost all the government contemplated and did. Cabinet briefs, with anything up to six or seven listed options to “do something”, were invariably about setting out the lowest cost option in the longer-term.

Scrambling for solutions

In the first few months of 1992 the Keating government busied itself pulling together its major economic statement named the One Nation statement. It built on a series of other economic and employment packages, from Building a Competitive Australia (1991) through to Working Nation (1994)).

The wonderfully named “Ad Hoc Committee of Cabinet”, seemed to be making the lion’s share of the key decisions. Senior ministers on the ad hoc committee were able to indicate pending decisions even before portfolio ministers had been consulted or agreed them, or cabinet had formally endorsed such decisions.

The statement reflected the frenetic policy process across government that had driven its construction. It was called a “stocktake of the government’s achievements” and reaffirmation of the “further pursuit of microeconomic reform”. Even items earmarked for release separately (such as the science and technology measures) were folded into the economic statement to maximise its breadth and intended impact.

The nation-building package became a grab bag of initiatives, most of which were only loosely related to the main themes. It included tax cuts, science and technology measures, R&D concessions, transport and electricity shakeups (Trans-Tasman shipping), mobile and radio frequency spectrums, postal services, housing needs, regulatory relaxations, selective privatisation of government business enterprises, the establishment of a new national rail corporation, infrastructure projects especially road network improvements, heritage and environmental projects, support for union amalgamations, drought relief, urban projects and city planning, various submissions called “further proposals”, and even funding for the newly announced second Sydney airport at Badgery’s Creek!

Much of this activity was rebadging existing programs or tweaking them to imply the government was doing something.

Various assistance packages were announced but most were short term adjustment programs. Not many amounted to much in terms of dollar amounts. There was a more general interest in labour market programs, with some continual renaming of employment creation schemes as the targeted cohort changed or proved difficult to place in jobs. Job scheme programs called Jobtrain were replaced by Jobstart and Jobskills, and others were invented to target those that did not fit the eligibility criteria such as the self-employed adjustment program or SEAP.

Moving forward

The government would later go onto other agendas in 1992 and 1993 (social, cultural, industrial relations, regional, Indigenous, refugees, disabilities, aged care etc.) once it had released its major economic paper. But the difficult years of 1992-93 show that while the main agendas of the government’s daily business sheet remained economic matters, grand politics began to triumph over the dismally-inclined economic agendas.

The One Nation economic statement did not itself turn around the economic malaise or improve the immediate political standing of the government, but it did provide a circuit-breaker to allow Paul Keating to boast he still had economic credentials while he dismantled “more slowly” John Hewson’s Fightback! strategy over the remaining months of 1992-93.

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US Lawmaker: Utility's Malware Discovery Points to 'Rampant Russian Hacking'

A U.S. congressman from Vermont said Saturday that Russian malware code found in a computer belonging to a major state electric utility was further evidence of “rampant Russian hacking.”

Democratic Representative Peter Welch called Thursday’s malware discovery further proof that Russian computer hacking was “systematic, relentless and predatory.”

“They will hack everywhere, even Vermont, in pursuit of opportunities to disrupt our country,” Welch said.

His statement came as criticism of Russian cyberspying escalated and support for sanctions against Moscow imposed by President Barack Obama broadened.

FILE – Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin, pictured at a New England-Canadian leaders conference in Boston in August 2016, says Americans should “be both alarmed and outraged” by reports of Russian cyberattacks in the U.S.

Earlier, Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin said Americans should “be both alarmed and outraged that one of the world’s leading thugs, [Russian President] Vladimir Putin, has been attempting to hack our electric grid.”

Officials said Friday that it wasn’t clear when the Russian code entered the utility’s computer, and that an investigation was aimed at determining the timing and the objectives of the intrusion.

Fraudulent emails

A report this week jointly authored by two U.S. security agencies said the hackers involved in the code entry used fraudulent emails to trick recipients into revealing their passwords.

The code discovery in sparsely populated Vermont came just days after U.S. cybersecurity officials shared details of the malware code with executives from a broad array of financial, utility and transportation groups nationwide.

Within a day, Vermont utility officials found the code embedded in their software and reported it to federal officials.

By late Saturday, Russia had not commented officially on the code discovery, which came after months of controversy surrounding U.S. intelligence reports that Moscow-backed hackers earlier this year stole a raft of internal emails from the Democratic National Committee.

FILE – Demonstrators make their way around downtown Philadelphia during the first day of the Democratic National Convention, July 25, 2016, after some of the 19,000 emails stolen from the DNC by hackers were posted to the website WikiLeaks.

Those documents soon began appearing on the website of the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks, prompting widespread suspicion that Moscow had collaborated with the group in an attempt to undermine Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.

Russia denied involvement, and Clinton’s opponent, Donald Trump, who won the presidency in the November 8 general election, has sought to discredit the hacking evidence. Early on, he said he doubted such incursions had occurred. But this week he said he would meet with U.S. intelligence officials to review details of the intrusions, which have been detailed in extensive reporting by The New York Times.

Trump’s decision to meet with intelligence officials came as Obama announced a series of economic sanctions against Russia and the expulsion of 35 Russian officials from the United States.

Moscow announced Friday that Putin would not retaliate for the sanctions or expulsions, in a move widely interpreted as evidence he hopes to see the penalties lifted after Trump takes office January 20.

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Cabinet papers 1992-93: Australia reluctant while world moves towards first climate treaty

Cabinet papers from 1992 and 1993 released today by the National Archives of Australia confirm that Australia was a reluctant player in international discussions about climate change and environmental issues under Prime Minister Paul Keating.

Internationally, it was an exciting time for the environment. In June 1992, the UN Earth Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro. Here the world negotiated the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (which last year gave us the Paris Agreement) and opened the Convention on Biological Diversity for signing.

So what was Australia doing?

Australia stumbles towards climate policy

Domestically, the focus was on Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD), a policy process begun by Prime Minister Bob Hawke. Working groups made up of corporate representatives, environmentalists and bureaucrats had beavered away and produced hundreds of recommendations.

By the final report in December 1991, the most radical recommendations (gasp – a price on carbon!) had been weeded out. Democrats Senator John Coulter warned of bureaucratic hostility to the final recommendations. Keating replaced Hawke in the same month.

The August 1992 meeting, where the ESD policies were meant to be agreed upon, was so disastrous that the environmentalists walked out and even the corporates felt aggrieved.

Two interim reports on the ESD process from the cabinet papers fill in some of the detail.

The first interim report, in March 1992, said that government departments had not been able to identify which recommendations to take on board. Cabinet moved the process on, but the only policies on the table were those that involved:

…little or no additional cost, cause minimal disruption to industry or the community, and which also offer benefits other than greenhouse related.

By May, federal ministers were told that the states and territories weren’t committed to either ESD or greenhouse gas policies.

The policy process rumbled on after the walkout, finally producing a National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development and a National Greenhouse Response Strategy. The greenhouse strategy contained only – surprise! – toothless voluntary measures, which proved ineffective in keeping emissions down to 1990 levels.

The November 1992 minutes mildly note that:

Most major interest groups have voiced concerns about their lack of involvement in the drafting of the NGRS [greenhouse strategy] document. Officials made provision for community input through the public comment process and a public consultative forum held in August [the one the environmentalists walked out of]. Reaction from conservation groups is likely to be negative, given the limited changes made to many of the responses in the revised strategy. They are likely to want to see more concerted efforts in areas such as fuel efficiency and renewable energy sources.

Indeed.

With equal prescience, the document warns:

Coal producers and resource-intensive industries (eg. aluminium) may express concern about their prospects in the medium to long term.

There are not many surprises here. The dithering over climate and environmental policies has been well covered by Clive Hamilton, David Cox, Joan Staples and numerous academic papers (see here, here, here, and here).

And while we won’t know officially who said what for another 30 years, there are tantalising hints in Neal Blewett’s A Cabinet Diary. Published in 1999, it reveals the antagonism between the environment minister and others in the Keating cabinet.

The international stage

International climate policy was dominated by the US threat, under President George Bush senior, not to attend the Earth Summit if the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) included specific emission-reduction targets. The US attended, and the UNFCCC didn’t include targets.

In Australia, the cabinet papers point out, not for the first or last time, that:

Australia is the only developed megadiverse country; it is a major user and exporter of greenhouse gas producing fossil fuels and energy intensive products; it could be significantly affected by global environmental change.

In May 1992 cabinet endorsed in principle support for the UNFCCC. There are three ironies here.

First, it was a major concern that the media statement to accompany Environment Minister Ros Kelly’s signing should be amended to include the fact that:

The Convention does not bind any signatory to meet any greenhouse gas target by a specified date.

Second, the minutes note that:

A decision by Australia not to sign the Convention would be criticised by domestic environment interests and could also attract international criticism, particularly in the Pacific region.

In later years, Prime Minister John Howard would not worry about this when repeatedly nixing ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.

Third, an emphasis on assisting developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region with climate adaptation looks odd given there had been zero mention of greenhouse gases in a March 1992 discussion document of aid to Cambodia (that country is feeling the effects already).

Keating’s willingness to let Kelly sign the convention may have been related to the following:

The Convention contains several safeguards which protect Australia’s interests … [A]llowance is made for “the differences in Parties’ starting points and approaches, economic structures and resource bases, and the need to maintain strong and sustainable economic growth, available technologies and other individual circumstances”. Additionally, Parties are obliged to take into consideration the situation of Parties with economies that are highly dependent on the production, processing, export and use of fossil fuels. These two provisions will give relevant countries, including Australia, flexibility in fulfilling their obligations under the Convention.

And they probably thought they had more time than they actually did. The May 1992 note argues:

[The UNFCCC] is likely to take some years to obtain the necessary ratifications to bring it into force.

It took two. Australia ratified the treaty in December 1992, but not before noting that the UNFCCC would worry industry for being too strong, and environmental groups for being too weak. So no changes there.

What happened next

At least when it comes to climate policy, there are no real secrets worthy of the name. We have always known that the Australian state quickly retreated from its already hedged promise to take action, and told us all along that this was because we had a lot of coal.

While Australia’s international credibility has flatlined (with a brief bump from 2007 to 2009), two other things have soared over the last 25 years: Australia’s coal exports, and atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide. Both look set to continue their upward trend.

Reading the documents, it is striking how concerned the cabinet was to minimise its financial commitments (unsurprising, perhaps, given the overall state of the economy at the time), and just how unimportant the climate issue was to leaders who ask us to trust them on the long-term future of the country. It seems it was a distant abstraction that many didn’t really think was real. How times have changed.

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Cabinet papers 1992-93: the balance of head and heart

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Cabinet papers 1992-93: Keating government fights for Indigenous rights on multiple fronts

Paul Keating’s first term as prime minister is often remembered for divisive debates over Indigenous affairs. He sought to pursue his vision of reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians, negotiated passage of the Native Title Act and acknowledged the injustices and cruelties of Australia’s colonial history in his famous Redfern Speech.

However, economic priorities often overshadowed these events. Australia was emerging from recession with high unemployment and a growing budget deficit.

Cabinet documents from 1992 and 1993, released today by the National Archives of Australia, reveal the extent to which the government was torn between concern for fiscal responsibility and a desire to tackle Indigenous disadvantage and pursue meaningful reconciliation.

This tension was clear in the two major issues the government responded to in this period: the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody report, and the High Court’s Mabo decision.

Deaths in custody

The response of the minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, Robert Tickner, to the royal commission unusually ranged across all aspects of Indigenous disadvantage. It recognised the commissioners’ strong argument that incarceration was a symptom of a long history of social, cultural and economic exclusion – one that demanded a more committed policy response.

Tickner had negotiated and co-signed policy measures with counterparts in the portfolios of employment, education and training, health, housing and community services, attorney-general, primary industries and energy, and others.

He proposed an expansion of the Community Development Employment Projects to provide both services and employment, particularly for Indigenous youth and women.

The package also proposed the appointment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commissioner in the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission who would report annually on social justice and human rights.

The policy package was slashed, however, from A$540 million to A$150 million over five years. This was in response to the demands of Treasury and Finance, which insisted that only the policies most obviously related to criminal justice be funded. The rest were to be reconsidered later if offsets could be found elsewhere.

This short-sighted response to the commission’s 339 recommendations is still criticised today. This is especially the case as Indigenous incarceration rates continue to spiral in response to profound and complex disadvantage.

Mabo and native title

The government’s response to Mabo was similarly contested. This time the enemies were outside cabinet.

Keating understood the significant opportunity the decision presented. However, it placed the government in an almost impossible position. It was caught between Indigenous expectations, mining industry demands, fiscal constraints and state government recalcitrance – in addition to heightened international scrutiny.

The Mabo decision was complex. The media and most MPs understood the issues poorly. It was also clear that legislative recognition of native title was more likely to lose the government electoral support than win it more votes. As Keating’s speechwriter, Don Watson, noted:

Designing a legislative response to Mabo was a moral imperative and a political death trap … [with] all the elements of political horror.

Cabinet nominated a Mabo committee, which consisted of Keating and Tickner along with the attorney-general, Michael Duffy. At its meeting on October 27, 1992, cabinet noted the dangers of “uncertainty” for the mining industry and observed:

… the importance of the threshold across which the High Court has taken the nation and the ultimate need for government decision.

At the same time, cabinet prepared itself for potential political disaster. It was aware it could not satisfy all the competing interests, and that there was little chance of support from the Liberal opposition.

Negotiations extended through 1993, following the federal election in March.

Cabinet adopted Keating’s “principles for a response” to the Mabo decision on June 1, 1993, in anticipation of a very tense Council of Australian Governments meeting. State premiers were keen to demonstrate their objections to Commonwealth intervention in their management of land and Indigenous affairs.

The states would test the Commonwealth’s patience throughout 1993. Queensland demanded the Commonwealth pay compensation for any invalidated mining leases. Western Australia passed its own pre-emptive legislation attempting to extinguish native title altogether.

When Keating presented a draft native title bill on September 1, the cabinet minutes hinted at nervousness about the potential political fallout. Ministers were encouraged to “be ready to discuss the proposals with interest groups”. Keating was exhorted to “take whatever action was necessary to advance and protect the Commonwealth’s interests”.

Cabinet saw fit to afford Keating “latitude” in his negotiations. This prime ministerial prerogative would prove critical to the legislation’s ultimate success. Its passage was based on delicate compromises made with state premiers, Greens and Democrats senators, the National Farmers Federation and Aboriginal leaders.

ATSIC’s role

Throughout the year, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) repeatedly insisted in cabinet submissions that alternative forms of redress be provided for the majority of Indigenous people who no longer enjoyed an unbroken connection with traditional lands.

The government prepared a “social justice and economic development package” within the constraints of the ever-present “fiscal realities” the government faced. Both ATSIC and the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation requested more time for consultation. The package was thus delayed and disconnected from the Native Title Act, which received royal assent on December 24, 1993.

One notable feature of this period is the role of ATSIC, which the Hawke government created in 1990 as a practical expression of self-determination. As an elected body with administrative responsibility for much of the portfolio of Aboriginal affairs, ATSIC fulfilled both representative and executive functions.

Cabinet documents reveal ATSIC was assertive in advising its junior minister. It commented on all relevant cabinet submissions and made additional submissions on key issues. This ensured the senior ministry took Aboriginal perspectives into account.

The Howard government abolished ATSIC in 2004, amid controversy. The bureaucrats were folded into mainstream departments, and the government abandoned the representative function entirely.

How much has changed?

Cabinet records from this period reveal some constants in Indigenous politics. Indigenous interests confront many powerful adversaries – including state and territory governments, and industries with interests in Aboriginal land.

Proposed expenditure tackling Indigenous social and economic disadvantage remains subject to the hard-headed decision-makers inside cabinet representing Finance and Treasury.

Finally, the task of tackling Indigenous priorities is even more challenging today, given the absence of ATSIC or some other representative body engaging in cabinet-level co-ordination and negotiation.

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Cabinet papers 1992-93: the rise and fall of enterprise bargaining agreements

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The Kapil Sharma Show Promo 1st January 2017

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New Year Celebrations Mark 2017 Around the World

Much of the globe has celebrated the beginning of 2017 with fireworks, parties, and other festivities, though many are somber in reflecting on the politics and popular culture of the past tumultuous year.

New Zealand, nearby Pacific islands, Australia and Russia were among the first to ring in 2017.

The annual fireworks show in Sydney, Australia drew a crowd of over a million people who lined the waterfront to watch a show dedicated to the late entertainers David Bowie and Gene Wilder – just two of an unusually large number of celebrities who passed in 2016.

Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Pyongyang all celebrated with fireworks shows as well.

But many countries are somber, wary of a new year of politics and security threats.

Residents of Berlin, where a terrorist attack on a Christmas market took place earlier in December, are not only concerned about security, but about the direction Europe’s politics in the face of attacks and consequent fear.

Many parts of China were on security lockdown Saturday evening, and state news agencies reported that fireworks sales had been banned in Shanghai.

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US Counterterrorism Authorities Target Student Wing of Pakistani Militant Group

U.S. counterterrorism authorities are growing increasingly concerned about the activities of the student branch of a banned Pakistani militant organization that’s seen as a threat to regional and U.S. interests.

The State Department this week announced it was adding the student wing of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) to its list of foreign terrorist organizations.

The move against the student group, Al-Muhammadia Students (AMS), came as the U.S. Treasury Department added two LeT leaders to the U.S. list of specially designated global terrorists, subjecting them to sanctions that bar Americans from doing business with them.

“AMS is a subsidiary of LeT and has worked with LeT senior leaders to organize recruiting courses and other activities for youth,” the State Department said in a statement.

LeT, or the Army of the Pure, is one of the largest and most virulent anti-India terrorist groups in Pakistan. It has been accused of orchestrating numerous attacks, including a 2008 assault in India’s Mumbai that killed 166 people, including six U.S. citizens.

Operates through fronts

The U.S. designated LeT as a foreign terrorist organization in December 2001. It has repeatedly changed its name and continued operating through front organizations. After the U.S. designation, LeT changed its name to Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JUD) and began humanitarian projects in an attempt to circumvent restrictions from sanctions.

A predominantly Punjab-based group, LeT was formed in the late 1980s and has conducted operations against Indian troops and civilian targets in Kashmir, several high-profile attacks inside India, and operations against Western coalition forces in Afghanistan, according to a State Department report.

FILE – Hafiz Saeed, leader of Jamaat-ud-Dawa, addresses an anti-Indian rally in Lahore, Pakistan, Sept. 30, 2016.

LeT’s student wing and its several charitable organizations are trying to mask its terror activities by posing as reputable aid groups, according to Pakistani analysts. They provide emergency and humanitarian assistance during natural disasters.

“They are attempting to create a parallel system to the civil society by replacing NGOs, human rights groups and humanitarian organizations in Pakistan,” Karachi-based journalist Ali Arqam, who covers security affairs, told VOA.

Militant organizations like LeT have an active presence in educational institutions across Pakistan as they seek to influence street politics by recruiting youths into their ranks.

Groups like LeT’s student wing recruit new members and distribute literature at universities, and their student organizations hold regular meetings and discuss their on-campus activities. They often organize rallies and sit-ins.

“Just recently, [LeT’s student wing] had a large gathering at a university in Jamshoro,” Arqam said.

Diplomatic isolation

As militant groups continue to flourish in Pakistan, the government is facing threats of increasing diplomatic isolation from some U.S. lawmakers over its inability to curb homegrown militancy and the threat it poses to its neighbors.

And experts say the U.S. move on the student wing indicates that it remains concerned about the continued presence of extremist groups in Pakistan that threaten the stability of the region and beyond.

FILE – Pakistan Rangers walk with their weapons during a counterterrorism training demonstration on the outskirts of Karachi, Pakistan, Feb. 24, 2015.

“The U.S. decision to designate a wing of LeT as a foreign terrorist organization is meant to put more pressure on Pakistan to take action against this group,” said Michael Kugelman, a South Asia specialist at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington.

“Washington has frequently pushed Pakistan to do more to bring LeT suspects to justice, and this has a lot to do with the fact that Americans have been directly targeted by the group,” he said, referring to the six Americans killed in the Mumbai attack.

Analysts say the U.S. move may push Pakistan to act more aggressively against terrorist organizations.

“The decision is significant in a way that the U.S. wants to increase pressure on Pakistan, and especially when Donald Trump takes over as president, he will increase the pressure more to act against such organizations,” Pakistan-based security affairs Hassan Askari told VOA’s Deewa service.

Dismissed as theater

Pakistan accuses U.S. lawmakers of diplomatic theater, saying the harsh anti-Pakistani rhetoric belies that government’s efforts to root out extremism. Pakistani officials also say thousands of Pakistani lives have been lost in terror attacks.

But Islamabad’s counterterrorism measures have widely been criticized by many Pakistani politicians who say the government has failed to formulate a counternarrative to extremism and terrorism.

“Among the range of legislative and administrative measures aimed at curbing terrorism, only the creation of military courts was fully implemented,” veteran Pashtun politician Afrasiab Khattak said in an opinion piece for Radio Free Europe.

“Reforms in religious schools, preventing banned organizations from opening shops under new names, mainstreaming the northeastern tribal areas, and security sweeps against militants in the eastern province of Punjab were put on the back burner.”

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Reporter's Notebook: Kennedy Center Performance

WASHINGTON — 

It’s a familiar joke… a pedestrian on New York City’s 57th Street sees a musician getting out of a taxicab and asks, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” Without missing a beat, the musician replies wearily, “Practice, practice, practice.”

Carnegie Hall is one of a cadre of world renowned concert halls and performing arts centers. Others include the Sydney Opera House, in Sydney, Australia; the Bolshoi Theatre, in Moscow, Russia; the Royal Albert Hall, in London, England; and the Vienna Musikverein aka The Great Hall, in Vienna, Austria.

Also making the list is the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in Washington, D.C. As a child growing up in the suburbs of the nation’s capital, I remember when the Kennedy Center opened to the public in September 1971. I remember walking through its grand hallways and marveling at the architecture, the tapestry and all the accoutrements of splendor.

Rehearsal on stage at Kennedy Center, Dec. 12, 2016. (Courtesy P. Murdock)

I played a musical instrument in school and grew up in a musically talented family. But I never imagined, as I toured that hallowed venue for the performing arts, that one day I would perform there.

That chance came by way of Ralph Herndon, a renowned pianist and singer, and the Choral Arts Society of Washington, a major choral organization in Washington.

Founded in 1965, the Choral Arts Society of Washington features a symphonic chorus of more than 190 professional caliber volunteer singers. The chorus regularly appears on television and tours around the world.

Recently, the chorus performed its annual Christmas concert, with Ralph Herndon as the featured guest artist. I accompanied Ralph as the bass guitarist in his rhythm section.

And so, on December 18 I found myself on stage in the main concert hall of the Kennedy Center. It’s hard to describe what it’s like performing in such a grand place before a large audience. The acoustics are spectacular! You can hear every nuance of sound reverberate throughout the auditorium and it inspires you to reach new levels of artistry.

Purnell Murdock practicing in the green room at Kennedy Center before performance, Dec. 18, 2016. (Courtesy P. Murdock)

I’ve often wondered how musicians can play flawlessly in big concerts or on television. It’s not easy, and you often hear artists talk about how they are transformed when they perform. But once the house lights go down and the opening cue begins, you get caught up in the moment – and you perform.

The Choral Arts Society put on three concerts over the holidays. Ralph and the band received standing ovations for each performance.

Backstage, as I walked the corridor leading to our dressing room, I tried to savor such a unique experience. The corridor is lined with autographed photos of the artistic luminaries who have performed in the main concert hall. They’ve walked along the same backstage corridor, taken refuge in the same dressing room.

I thought about them and their pathway to the Kennedy Center. We have a shared experience, offered to a chosen few. As for how I got here, I was reminded of the punchline to that well known joke. Yeah, practice makes perfect, though it also helps to know somebody who’s been there before.

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Conservationists Applaud China’s Plan to Phase Out Ivory in 2017

BANGKOK — 

China says it will end all ivory processing and trade by the end of 2017. The plan has been welcomed by conservationists as a “game changer” in the effort to end illegal ivory trading that has led to a sharp decline in Africa’s wild elephant population.

The world’s largest ivory market said Friday it plans to phase out all ivory processing and trade by the end of 2017, in a move widely backed by conservationists after calls to end a trade that has decimated wild elephant herds.

The plan, announced by China’s State Council, commits China to a timetable to end the trade, after a joint pledge in 2015 between U.S. President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping to end the legal and illegal trade of ivory in their countries.

FILE – Carved ivory is shown to the media before being destroyed in Beijing on May 29, 2015.

The council said it aimed to “strengthen the protection of elephants and crack down on the illegal ivory trade.” It called on law enforcement officials to take a tougher stance on the sale, transport and smuggling of ivory.

‘Game changer’

Conservationists broadly welcomed the move. The Wildlife Conservation Society in Asia, in a statement, called the decision “a game changer for Africa’s elephants”.

In Thailand, Steve Galster, director of the non-government conservation group Freeland Foundation, said the news marked a challenge to syndicates behind the elephant poaching gangs in Africa.

“This is a fantastic move, and it’s definitely going to send shockwaves back into [criminal] syndicates that have been moving [illegal ivory] from Africa to other parts of Asia, to China for decades, especially in the last few years,” said Galster.

He called it “the best New Year’s present that conservationists and elephants have had in a long time.”

The ivory trade was banned internationally in 1989.

Loophole exploited

The United Nation Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) created a loophole, however, allowing Southern African states with stable elephant numbers to sell stocks of tusks aimed at funding for conservation.

But the policy proved to be a disaster for elephant populations. The Great Elephant Census, a continent wide count of elephants released in August, reported a 30-percent slump or some 144,000 fewer African elephants from 2007 to 2014.

In 2008, CITES granted China permission to buy ivory legally from several southern African countries. Analysts say the ‘legal trade’ became a cover for poached ivory.

FILE – Customs officers stand guard in front of some illegal ivory during destruction in Dongguan, southern Guangdong province, China Monday, Jan. 6, 2014.

There also has been an explosion of demand in China for ivory and other illegal wildlife buoyed by a growing economy, rising wealth and consumption.

Kraisak Choonhavan, chair of the Freeland Foundation, said China’s decision to ban all ivory processing and trade followed years of campaigns by conservation groups.

“If China wants to have a better image in conservation of this very planet that China is a member – obviously it’s very good news. I mean we’ve been agonizing for years and years that China is the biggest consumer of illegal animals’ trade,” Kraisak said.

Animal conservation

He added that China could do much more in animal conservation, though, in which it remains a major market for wild animal parts. This includes tigers, snakes and mammals, such as pangolins, which are prized for their meat while their scales are used in traditional medicines.

FILE – Items made from pangolins are displayed during a press preview of confiscated wildlife contraband at the State Department in Washington during the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, June 24, 2015.

U.N. officials say the illegal wildlife trade is often linked with criminal syndicates dealing in other areas of illegal trafficking. U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, Asia regional representative Jeremy Douglas called China’s announcement “really encouraging.”

“They are banning the legal trade – this is great because it sends an incredibly strong signal from the world’s biggest market and this is no longer acceptable and to be phased out. That’s great,” said Douglas.

He said he hoped the decision also would send a message to the Asia region where often the “law is loose” or the illegal trade is fairly open. He called on China to take steps in dealing with the underground market.

Thailand has often played the role of a transport hub in the trafficking of wildlife from Africa to China.

Skepticism persists

Increased policing in Thailand and improved transport infrastructure has been marked by seizures of ivory, rhino horn and animal parts being uncovered in Cambodia. Vietnam also is a key target market for illegal animal trafficking.

But Edwin Wiek, of the Thai-based Wildlife Friends Foundation, is skeptical about the ban’s effectiveness, fearing loopholes in the law will allow the ivory trade to continue.

“I don’t see the victory yet, I have to be honest. I believe that this is just a political game for the Chinese to win some time again and the trade will just go on. I don’t really believe that this is going to be a positive outcome,” Wiek said.

Analysts also fear criminal syndicates, holding large inventories of ivory will seek out new markets in emerging economies in Asia. Three decades ago after a crackdown in Japan on illegal ivory, syndicates moved to tap into the then fast-growing market of China.

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Yeh Hai Mohabbatein 31st December 2016 Written Update

Yeh Hai Mohabbatein 31st December 2016 Written Update by Amena

Yeh Hai Mohabbatein 31st December 2016 Written Episode

The Episode starts with Ruhi calling Suhail. He asks which number is this. She says its my new number, there is a good news, blackmailer is caught and police got money back, now there is no tension. Suhail says that’s great, I will meet you soon. She smiles. Mihika, Aaliya and Mrs. Bhalla are worried for their wine chemicals and asks the men to take them to hospital, before any reaction happens. Romi says you were complaining about Bhalla men. Mihika says you were not giving me time, even Aaliya was saying same. Adi says I m working hard for you Aaliya, as you Dadi asked me to work hard for our future, I can’t live without you. Aaliya says so sweet and hugs him. She says sorry. Mihika and Romi apologize to each other. Mr. Bhalla says sorry. Mrs. Bhalla gets glad and says why are you saying
sorry, I should say sorry. He says the chemical thing was fake, you just have hangover. The women beat the men. Ruhi comes there and asks what’s happening.

Adi asks Ruhi to save him. Mrs. Bhalla says Ruhi, they fooled us and gave us tension. Mr. Bhalla says they troubled us a lot. Adi says yes, we did this to teach lesson. Mihika calls them liars. Ruhi says calm down. Romi says you become judge and decide. Ruhi smiles. Mrs. Bhalla asks her to tell decision. Ruhi asks them to see each other, the men have become cats today, aw.. Adi says they are troubling us. They all complain.

Ruhi talks to them to solve the matter. She asks them to forget it now. Adi tells Aaliya that I messaged Mani that you were going to stay here. Aaliya says so sweet. They hug. Mihika and Romi say sorry to each other. He says I will give you time. Mihika says you are the best Bhalla, thanks to Ruhi, who have sorted everything.

Neelu gives a courier to Ruhi. Ruhi checks it and says who has sent this CD. She plays the Cd. She sees the same MMS and gets shocked. She gets blackmailer’s call. He asks what did you think, you will change number and I will not know, I get all news. She says but you…. He says I will not get caught so easily, you are not so smart, see what I do. She says Papa gave you money, why are you doing this. He says wait for next call, if you call police, see what I do. She recalls Raman’s words and says Papa said he is caught, what’s happening, I have to talk to Ishimaa.

Raman is worried. Ishita says you are stressed. He says yes, so I came here. She says we lied to Ruhi that blackmailer is caught, but he is not. He says I lied as I can’t see Ruhi in that state, I m not able to find anything. She says when I see Ruhi scared, there is much fear in her eyes, I feel so helpless, we lied to her. He cries and says what could we do, think her pain got less, she got glad, we don’t have any option, Abhishek promised to catch that man, we can wait, I can’t say truth to Ruhi that blackmailer is still on loose. Ruhi hears them and cries.

She says I can’t tell them for CD, they are scared for me already, whom shall I say. Suhail asks what. Ruhi cries and hugs him, asking him to save her. He says you are not alone. She says that man got my new number too, he has sent MMS cd at my home. I went to Ishimaa’s clinic, they were not in state that I could tell them, if that man releases MMS then, I remember Papa said just Abhishek has this number, it may happen that Abhishek’s team member is helping that man, I m scared. He says you are not alone, sit, have water. She gets the call again.

Ruhi says its his call. He says don’t be scared, answer the call, we should know what he wants. She answers call. The blackmailer asks for more money, as police is finding him. He asks for 30 lakhs. Suhail asks her to answer. She says fine, you will get money, but I want 2 days time. He says you know what to do and what not. He ends call. Ruhi says 30 lakhs? Papa already gave him money, I have to talk to Papa. Suhail says calm down, we can’t tell this to Raman, I will get 30 lakhs. She asks how will you get 30 lakhs.

He says I will arrange, Raman will get stressed, I will come along to give money, trust me. She says no, I don’t think this will be right, its not right. He says its right way. She says if there is any mistake then, try to understand. He says there won’t be mistake, so we are doing this. She asks what are you saying. He says what I m going to tell you now, I did not share it with anyone, whatever is happening with you is close to my heart, this happened with my cousin too, when her parents knew this, they were worried, they used to protect her, then one day when she came back home from college, her parents committed suicide. She gets shocked.

Precap:
Raman shouts on Abhishek on phone. Abhishek argues and scolds Raman. He asks why did Suhail come in the party.
.

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'Turbocharged' Storm Clobbers Northern New England With Snow

PORTLAND, MAINE — 

The most powerful nor’easter in nearly two years brought heavy snow, powerful winds and even thunder and lightning to northern New England, leaving tens of thousands of people in the dark Friday and burying some towns under 2 feet of snow.

More than 100,000 homes and businesses in Maine were without electricity at the storm’s peak, and residents were warned that it could take days to restore service. The National Weather Service received reports of snow falling at up to 6 inches per hour.

“It went from just a garden-variety, low-pressure system to a turbocharged storm,” meteorologist Eric Schwibs said.

Unexpected thunder

In Brunswick, resident Jason Weymouth went to bed with a sense of dread as powerful thunderclaps accompanied the falling snow.

“It hit over the house, and it was pretty loud and very strong and very unusual. That set me a little bit on edge,” he said.

By Friday morning, he was among the thousands of Maine residents without power. Compounding his misery: His snowblower was unable to cope with the heavy snow and his wood-carving shop was knocked offline for the day.

The storm’s fury walloped some places and skipped others as powerful bands of snow buried some communities while others just miles away received mostly rain.

Fatal car crash

Hundreds of cars slid off roads from the beginning of the storm on Thursday through Friday morning, when the sun appeared. In Vermont, a 69-year-old man was killed in Cornwall when his car went off the road in slippery conditions Thursday and crashed into a tree, state police said.

In Maine, the storm was believed to have contributed to a fatal fire in the town of Pownal. The victim’s power had gone out, and investigators suspect he was using an alternative heat source when he died early Friday.

The heavy snow knocked down power lines and tree limbs. In Orono, the domed structure used by student-athletes at the University of Maine athletic complex collapsed under the weight.

Southern and western Maine turned out to be in the storm’s bull’s-eye, but the storm played a game of hopscotch, pummeling some communities with snow while leaving others just miles away drenched in rain.

Theo Bradeen, 5, of reacts to the cold as he disembarks from a ferry after a ride from his home on Peaks Island to Portland, Maine, Dec. 16, 2016.

27 inches of snow

In Cumberland County, Portland received 7.7 inches of snow while Standish was buried under 27 inches of snow, Schwibs said.

Other big snow totals in Maine included 27 inches in Naples, 25 inches in Parsonsfield and 22.7 inches in Hollis. Snow in New Hampshire peaked at around 17 inches in several towns near the Maine border.

New Hampshire and Vermont were largely spared significant damage and power outages. The power company Eversource said about 11,000 New Hampshire homes lost power, but most got it back by Friday morning.

The nor’easter’s barometric pressure reading was expected to close in on readings from a crippling storm on Valentine’s Day 2014, a storm that canceled flights, knocked out power and claimed more than two dozen lives on the East Coast.

More snow expected

Because of the power outage Friday, the National Weather Service couldn’t immediately provide a comparison of the two storms.

More snow was forecast for New Year’s Eve, providing incentive for people to get busy cleaning up before more snow began falling.

Portland resident Richard Haynes found out the hard way that the icy conditions were hazardous. He slipped Thursday night and ended up in the emergency room. But that didn’t keep him from digging out Friday.

“It caught us off-guard,” he said Friday as he shoveled snow. “I almost broke my back, had to get it checked at the hospital before I started shoveling.”

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Obama: America is Stronger Now than 8 Years Ago

In his last weekly radio address of 2016, U.S. President Barack Obama reflected on achievements, not only from the past year, but the whole of his two terms in office.

“At a time when we turn the page on one year and look ahead to the future, I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for everything you’ve done to make America stronger these past eight years,” he said.

He cited the recession, consistent job losses and nearly 180,000 troops in Iraq and Afghanistan as challenges faced when he took office in 2009, but said that now, eight years later, America tells “a different story.”

The president said that during his administration, the economic recession had turned into a recovery, millions of jobs were created, al-Qaida terrorist leader Osama bin Laden was taken out by American forces, and 165,000 troops had come back home from operations in the Middle East.

The president said the average American household income has risen by $2,800 just last year – the single biggest increase on record, according to the White House.

Among the list of achievements Obama cited in his address was his move to pass the Affordable Care Act, which the White House says has allowed 20 million more Americans to “know the financial security of health insurance.”

“And here’s the thing: none of it was inevitable,” Obama said of his list of accomplishments. “It was the result of tough choices we made, and the result of your hard work and resilience.”

Obama has less than a month left in office, and noted in his address his transition to “the more important role of citizen”, but stated his commitment to his country.

“Know that I will be there with you every step of the way to ensure that this country forever strives to live up to the incredible promise of our founding,” he said.

“And from the Obama family to yours, have a happy and blessed 2017.”

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In Ukraine, Three US Senators Take Hard Line on Russia

In an exclusive interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Ukrainian Service in Kyiv Friday, Senator John McCain, R-Ariz., along with two other U.S. senators, said any possible deal with Putin “would interfere with and undermine the freedom and democracies that exist today.”

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McCain Joins Colleagues in Calling for Tougher Russia Sanctions

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May I Come In Madam 30th December 2016 Written Update

May I Come In Madam 30th December 2016 Written Update by Amena

May I Come In Madam 30th December 2016 Written Episode

The Episode starts with Kashmira getting angry on Sanju. Mummy asks Kashmira not to throw glass plate, take steel plate. Kashmira throws plate. Sanju asks what are you doing. She says you gave my saree and then sandal. He says I m saying true, I did not give anything. Mummy asks how did it go to madam. Sanju says madam has stolen it. Kashmira says have some shame, there is limit to lie. He says then you be awake and see, madam walks in sleep and steals things. She throws things on him, He hides behind sofa and argues with her. He asks for some food.

She says you will not get food till I see Sanjana with my eyes. He taunts Mummy. Kashmira throws more plates on him. He throws back the bowl. Its night, Kashmira and Sanju wait for Sanjana to come. She asks when does Sanjana sleep. He
says don’t know, wait, sit quiet. He goes out and waits. He gets tired. Kashmira gets shocked seeing Sanjana coming. Sanju asks what happened. Sanjana passes by. Sanju and Kashmira see Sanjana sleepwalking.

Sanjana goes to Sanju’s room and keeps some sack. Bachke zara…..plays…….. Sanjana goes back. Sanju goes to Kashmira and checks the sack. She says Sanjana did not steal anything. He says because she has already done theft, how did she get so much money. She says we will call police and tell about Sanjana. He says madam will get arrested, my job will go, she will take revenge. She asks what to do now. He says I will throw this out and come.

He takes the sack and dumps it. Inspector catches him and asks what are you doing here, take me along. Sanju says I came to throw junk. Inspector says we will help you. He gets the notes and asks Sanju to come to police station and talk.

He takes Sanju to police station and does shayari. He beats up Sanju. Sanju screams. He says I m saying truth, I did not do any theft. Inspector asks him to say how he got the money, tell me, I m frustrated today. Sanju says I will say, actually….. He imagines Sanjana asking him not to say and smiles. Inspector beats him a lot. Sanju smiles and says don’t worry, I will not say. Inspector beats him more.

Inspector gets call and says someone left sack on road. Sanju says then it means I m not culprit. Inspector asks constable to drop Sanju home. Sanju goes. Its morning, Sanju comes to Sanjana. She asks him to do something manly. He says I will do it today, I will tell you which none told you till now, its imp to tell for your safety. She asks him to come and say, imagine you are big criminal and sharing secret with wife. He says you walk in sleep and also do thefts, you have stolen Kashmira’s saree and sandals too.

She says I know, I do sleepwalking in stress. He says you got notes sack in my house yesterday and got arrested, inspector has beaten me a lot, its all because of you. She says you cry for little things, you don’t know my stress, my friend is in ICU. He says I may go to ICU. She says I can’t show my stress to anyone, I m sharing it with you. She gets Riya’s call and says its good news, thanks. She tells Sanju that my friend is safe, now I will be less stressed and now I will do sleep walking. He says that doctor saved me also. She asks him to go now. He leaves.

Its night, Sanju asks Kashmira to sleep. She says no, Sanjana can steal anything. He says she was in stress, now she will not come, I will steal your heart. She says you have stolen my heart on marriage day. He flirts with her. Chedi comes sleepwalking. He sleeps between them. Sanjana calls Sanju and asks did anyone come to your house. He says yes, your call and your Papa. She says Papa is in stress as his glasses broke, so he is sleepwalking, my family has this problem. Sanju asks her to get treated for this illness. She says medicine science has no treatment. He says I will kick him and make him leave. Sanjana says no, he can get heart attack.

Chedi hugs Sanju. Sanju says this mean Chedi, your Papa is touching me. Sanjana says he is not cheap man, he is sleeping, keep him safe to keep job safe, he will sleep, see you tomorrow. She ends call. Sanju says Sanjana said Chedi will sleep after half an hour. Chedi kisses him. Kashmira says I will go and sleep in mummy’s room. She runs. Sanju asks Chedi to leave him.

Precap:
Sanjana says I will not marry, else I will marry a divorced man. Sanju says I wish to leave Kashmira, she is mad. Kashmira hears him and throws his bag. Sanju asks Sanjana to come to his side. She says i need time, I did not see you as BF.

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UN Names Warsame as Director for Global Emergencies

The United Nations has confirmed that a Somali-born official who has been doing humanitarian work for 25 years will be the UNHCR’s director for global emergencies, staff security, safety and supply services effective next month.

Ahmed Warsame has been a representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in South Sudan during the last three years. He worked in several hotbed humanitarian zones including Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda and Pakistan. During his time in Kenya, Warsame led UNHCR operations in Dadaab, the largest refugee camp in the world.

“I feel very much honored, to be asked to serve in this capacity, I have not asked for this,” he told VOA Somali.

Warsame’s resume

Warsame will be covering three main components of UNHCR programs in emergencies, staff security and supply services.

In Pakistan, he led UNHCR assistance and protection programs for 1 million Afghan refugees and 1.5 million internally displaced Pakistanis. In Geneva he worked as UNHCR’s humanitarian coordinator for Horn of Africa countries.

“I was at the center of these emergencies in terms of preparedness and response and advocacy, and making sure that those who are affected by conflicted are respected and provided with security and safety,” says the 54-year-old aid worker.

“Covering Pakistan, South Sudan and Dadaab are basically major part of my strength.”

His appointment comes at a time when the world is dealing with global refugee crisis in Syria, Iraq, Kenya and elsewhere.

“I will be overseeing UNHCR’s timely and quality deliveries, making sure that UNHCR in partnership and in collaboration with international, national organizations and with governments to respond to emergencies and the needs of the displaced populations in their home countries as well as those who cross into other countries, international borders,” he said.

“Our priorities” he said are “to make sure those who are affected by conflict and by man-made crisis and those who are subjected to flee their homes for fear of prosecution are assisted in a timely manner.”

Somalis return home

Part of international crisis facing UNHCR is dealing with Somali refugees who are returning from Kenya after more than 25 years abroad as Kenya pushes for the closure of the Dadaab camps.

“Somalia is part of our priority countries, we know many people are now returning from Dadaab camps back to Somalia, and they need help, they need to be assisted to be able to integrate into the communities in Somalia, safely and with dignity,” he said.

Warsame will be based in Geneva and will take up his post January 15.

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Final Preparations for Tournament of Roses Parade

Volunteers are in the final preparations for the 128th annual Tournament of Roses parade, which will wind through Pasadena, California, Jan. 2, 2017. Forty floats are in the parade this year, each covered with thousands of seeds, beans, vegetables, feathers and flowers. Faith Lapidus has more.

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International Students, School Recruiters Eye Trump Position on Visas

For the first time, the number of international students in the United States topped 1 million in the past year. But some educators and students say comments critical of China and other countries by President-elect Donald Trump have the potential to affect international enrollment in U.S. universities and colleges. Mariama Diallo reports.

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Traveler Shares Highlights -- and Lowlights -- of National Parks Adventures

Last April, Mikah Meyer set out to visit all of the more than 400 sites within the U.S. National Park Service. It was a tribute to his late father and his way of commemorating the parks’ 100th birthday this year. VOA has been following him with weekly check-ins. Julie Taboh has the latest.

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Ban Ki-moon Leaves UN Proud of Climate Accord, Regretting Conflicts

UNITED NATIONS — 

Ban Ki-moon ends 10 years at the helm of the United Nations lamenting the “fires still burning” from Syria to South Sudan but buoyed by a global agreement to combat climate change and new U.N. goals to fight poverty and inequality.

As a final act before his term ends at midnight New Year’s Eve, the secretary-general will push the button starting the descent of the glittering 11,875-pound ball in New York’s Times Square in the countdown to 2017’s arrival. At that moment, former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres will start his tenure as United Nations chief for the next five years.

Decade of test

Looking back at his stewardship of the United Nations at a farewell news conference earlier this month, Ban told reporters “this has been a decade of unceasing test.”

While he has seen collective action improve millions of lives, Ban expressed frustration at the failure to end Syria’s war, now in its sixth year, and conflicts in South Sudan, Yemen, Central African Republic and Congo, to name a few.

And in rare criticism of world leaders, he blamed unnamed presidents, prime ministers and monarchs for the turmoil in the world — and expressed disappointment many care more about retaining power than improving their people’s lives. He singled out Syria, saying he can’t understand why it is being held hostage to the destiny of Bashar Assad.

People walk amid the rubble as they carry belongings that they collected from their houses in the government controlled area of Aleppo, Syria, Dec. 17, 2016.

Even after leaving the U.N., Ban said he will continue to urge new and longstanding leaders to embrace the “pre-eminent 21st century fact” — that “international cooperation remains the path to a more peaceful and prosperous world” — and to demonstrate “compassionate leadership.’’

Ban has also expressed frustration at the way the U.N. operates and expectations in some quarters that the secretary-general has the power “to be some almost almighty person.” That’s impossible, he told the AP in September, because the U.N.’s 193 member states make decisions and the secretary-general implements them. The U.N. chief cannot implement his or her own policies and initiatives.

US support

John Bolton, who was U.S. ambassador to the U.N. when Ban was selected to be secretary-general, said President George W. Bush’s administration supported him because “we wanted someone who would do what the member governments wanted” and not take the lead on issues and act as the world’s top diplomat like then-secretary-general Kofi Annan.

“I think Ban Ki-moon lived up to our expectations, which is not to say I agreed with every position he took on climate change and things like that,” Bolton told AP.

When the former South Korean foreign minister, who grew up during the Korean War, took over as secretary-general from Annan at the start of 2007, he promised his tenure would be “marked by ceaseless efforts to build bridges and close divides.” And he made tackling global warming, then on a back burner, a top priority.

From left, French President Francois Hollande, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Foreign Affairs Minister and President-designate of COP21 Laurent Fabius, right speak together at the end of a plenary session, Dec. 12, 2015.

During his first term, he won praise for helping move climate change close to the top of the global agenda, for creating UN Women to focus on the fight for gender equality, and for speaking out early and strongly for demonstrators in Tunisia and other countries that rose up in the Arab Spring.

During his second term, his campaign for a new global climate deal culminated in the December 2015 Paris agreement. He got all 193 member states to agree on 17 new U.N. goals and 169 targets to combat poverty, achieve gender equality, protect the environment and ensure good governance by 2030. He called early on for an end to the Syrian conflict and he strongly backed gay rights despite opposition from many countries.

United Nations police from Bangladesh deliver drinking water to residents of Sous-Roche village, outside Les Cayes, Haiti, Oct. 11, 2016.

But Ban also faced criticism in his first term for not speaking out against human rights abuses in China and Russia. In his second term, the U.N.’s handling of the cholera epidemic in Haiti and its failure to deal effectively with sexual abuse by U.N. peacekeepers in the Central African Republic and elsewhere were widely criticized.

Ban’s temporary removal of the Saudi Arabia-led coalition in Yemen from a U.N. blacklist for allegedly killing children after coalition supporters threatened to stop funding many U.N. programs was sharply rebuked as well.

Record amount of travel

A workaholic, Ban traveled more than any of his predecessors on U.N. business. He said most Western leaders speak through statements, but he believes face-to-face meetings with world leaders are critical to getting support to end conflicts or promote action on issues like climate change and combating poverty.

Despite his decade as U.N. chief, Ban Ki-moon is hardly a household name. He has been criticized as lacking the charisma and communication skills crucial in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world, though in private and at the off-the-record U.N. Correspondents Association’s annual gala he has regularly displayed a good sense of humor.

France’s U.N. Ambassador Francois Delattre told AP he deeply values Ban’s “sense of humility.”

“The world owes him a lot, both as a man whose commitment to common good is second to none and as a leader whose secret weapon is a genuine respect for others — the best tool for real leadership,” Delattre said.

When Ban came to the U.N., he had been in the forefront of South Korea’s nuclear negotiations with Pyongyang. He said he planned to travel to North Korea as secretary-general, but he didn’t get there.

His hope of using his U.N. position to promote peace and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula “and a peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue” remained unrealized. But after some time off, he will return to South Korea amid widespread speculation he will be a candidate to replace the country’s impeached president. If so, North Korea will again be at the top of his agenda.

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