Day: November 24, 2021

Categories
Affairs General

Cabinet decides to hold provincial , municipal and GAM councils elections

The Cabinet, in its session Wednesday chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Bisher Khasawneh, decided to hold provincial and municipal council elections, in accordance with the provisions of Article 35/a/1 of the Local Administration Law No. 22 of 2021.

 

The Council of Ministers also decided to hold the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) council elections in accordance with the provisions of Article 6/c of the GAM Law No. 18 of 2021.

 

In this regard, the premier sent a letter to Independent Election Commission (IEC) to take the necessary measures to hold the elections, in accordance with the provisions of the two laws referred to above.

 

On the other hand, the Council of Ministers approved the 2021 amended pension bylaw for Jordanian Engineers Association (JEA) members, aimed at sustaining the work of the JEA’s retirement fund, preserving its financial status and performing its services.

 

Under the amendments, a basic category will be created for young engineers with a low subscription, with exemptions from additional unpaid fees under certain conditions and setting a ceiling on the number of subscriptions that allow the JEA member to obtain a pension.

 

To achieve fairness, the bylaw prohibits moving to a higher pre-pension category in the last two years to achieve the JEA fund’s financial balance.

 

The Council of Ministers also approved the recommendations of the settlement and conciliation committee related to settling pending cases between 61 companies and taxpayers and the Income and Sales Tax Department.

 

SOURCE: JORDAN NEWS AGENCY

Categories
General

Army chief meets Pakistani envoy over defense cooperation

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Major Gen. Yousef Huneiti, on Wednesday met the Pakistani Ambassador to Jordan, Sajjad Ali Khan and the accompanying delegation.

 

In the presence of Pakistani military attaché and a number of senior officers from Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF)- the Arab Army, Huneiti discussed with the military delegation aspects of joint cooperation and coordination.

 

The talks also tackled ways to enhance bilateral collaboration relations to serve the two armed forces’ interests, according to a JAF statement.

 

SOURCE: JORDAN NEWS AGENCY

Categories
Health

Jordan sees 26 COVID-19 fatalities, 4, 534 new cases Wednesday-MoH

The Ministry of Health announced 26 Covid-19 fatalities and 4, 534 new cases were recorded in the Kingdom on Wednesday, bringing the death toll to 11,429 and the caseload to 928,256.

 

To date, there are currently 44,810 cases countrywide, according to the media statement issued by the Prime Ministry and the Ministry of Health.

 

The statement added that the number of patients who were admitted to hospitals today stood at 186, while 134 cases have recovered and discharged.

 

According to the briefing, the total number of recoveries recorded Wednesday, whether at hospitals or at home, stood at 2, 596 bringing the total to 872,017 since the outbreak began.

 

Moreover, the number of Covid-19 patients still receiving treatment at hospitals countrywide has reached 961.

 

The statement also indicated that occupancy of ICU beds in the northern, central and southern regions, has reached 48%, 41%, and 20%, respectively.

 

With regard to testing, 49,281 tests were conducted Wednesday, 9.20 per cent of which were positive.

 

Since March 2020, the total number of tests administered has increased to 11,889,329, the joint statement noted.

 

The statement also added that the total number of people who received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine has reached 4,100,375 and 3,703,946 have received their second shot.

 

SOURCE: JORDAN NEWS AGENCY

Categories
General

UNA, Sputnik sign memorandum of cooperation to promote joint media work

Adviser to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Governor of Makkah Region Prince Khalid Al-Faisal and Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhano witnessed Wednesday the signing ceremony of a memorandum of cooperation between the Union of OIC News (UNA) and Russia’s Sputnik news agency and radio.

 

The agreement was signed by Acting UNA Director-General Mohammed bin Abd Rabbo Al-Yami and Sputnik Director for International Cooperation Vasily Pushkov, on the sidelines of the meeting of the Group of Strategic Vision: “Russia – Islamic World” currently being held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

 

The memorandum aims to enhance cooperation between UNA and Sputnik in the area of joint media work, news exchange, and the advancement of the media industry in Islamic countries, in addition to coordination between the two institutions in providing training programs and media consultancy.

 

Al-Yami stressed that the memorandum will contribute to strengthening the media presence of the news content of the Islamic countries’ news agencies in the Russian media, given the fact that Sputnik agency delivers a wide range of news services on radio and online.

 

He added that the agreement will also support press publication on topics of common interest, such as strengthening interreligious and intercultural dialogue and confronting hate speech and extremist ideology.

 

Al-Yami expressed his gratitude to the Group of Strategic Vision: “Russia – Islamic World” for coordinating the meetings between UNA and Sputnik. He also expressed his thanks to Russian Permanent Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ramazan G. Abdulatipov, and his efforts in facilitating the signing of this memorandum.

 

In turn, Pushkov reiterated the great importance of the UNA as an international organization that brings together about 57 official news agencies in Islamic countries, pointing out that the memorandum signed today will allow Sputnik direct access to these agencies and thus diversify its news sources and support its media coverage of the Islamic world news, which is of constant interest to Sputnik and its various news platforms.

 

SOURCE: JORDAN NEWS AGENCY

Categories
Affairs

Jordan tops Arab countries in anti-graft efforts – report

Jordan ranked 1st among Arab countries and 57th globally in anti-corruption efforts, according to the 2021 Global Corruption Index (GCI), which measures perceived public and private corruption.

 

According to the Global Risk Profile (GRP), which issued the report, the 4th edition of the GCI covers 196 countries and territories and provides a comprehensive overview of the state of corruption around the world based on 43 variables. Country results are presented on a 0-100 scale, where 0 corresponds to the lowest risk and 100 corresponds to the highest risk.

 

It said that the index comprises two sub-indexes: corruption and white collar crime, which was introduced this year, and is enriched with data on banking secrecy, sanctions, international cooperation and beneficial ownership transparency, among others. On the corruption sub-index, Jordan was the best performing in the region, with a low risk score at 38.04, while on the white collar crime sub-index, the Kingdom held a medium risk score.

 

This year’s edition was based on data collected post-coronavirus. Although a causal effect cannot be inferred, the company reported, the health crisis is in parallel with a higher perception of corruption and an overall decline in government effectiveness between 2020 and 2021.

 

On a global scale, Finland ranked on top of the GCI, followed by Norway, New Zealand, Denmark and Sweden, while Jordan ranked first among Arab countries followed by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.

 

The Jordan New Agency (Petra) pinpointed 11 reasons why Jordan moved up nine places on the GCI, including Jordan’s commitment to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which was incorporated into the Jordanian Constitution, commitment to the Arab Anti-Corruption Convention, amending the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission law, expanding the definition of corruption crimes to include money laundering and terrorism crimes.

 

Additionally, the Kingdom’s anti-graft efforts included introducing the Judicial Independence Law, actively addressing violations listed in the annual Audit Bureau report, shifting to an electronic government for payments and paperwork, receiving anonymous complaints on corruption to encourage citizens to report, issuing stiff and major court rulings, allocating specialized judicial bodies for corruption-related crimes, and bringing on more public prosecutors to crack-down on corruption.

 

SOURCE: JORDAN NEWS AGENCY

Categories
General

Interior minister, Turkish counterpart talk counter-terrorism cooperation

Minister of Interior, Mazen Faraya, on Wednesday met in Istanbul with his Turkish counterpart, Suleyman Soylu, on the sidelines of the Interpol General Assembly’s meetings, which saw Jordan’s participation.

 

The discussions went over ways to enhance aspects of Jordanian-Turkish cooperation, especially in the field of combating terrorism and crime, in addition to the refugee issue and the responsibilities entrusted to the two countries as a result of hosting a large number of refugees, according to a ministry’s statement.

 

During the meeting, Faraya stressed the “strong, deep-rooted” Jordanian-Turkish relations, whose foundations were laid by the two countries’ wise leaderships in various fields.

 

Faraya stressed the need to move forward in building, supporting and strengthening the bilateral ties, especially in the security and economic fields in a way that achieves common interests.

 

Jordan, he said, has faced throughout its history many waves of refugees, which put “remarkable” pressure on its limited resources and capabilities.

 

The Syrian refugee crisis imposed a “remarkable” burden on the Kingdom’s various vital, service and security sectors, which requires the international community to assume its responsibilities towards Jordan to carry out its humanitarian duties towards refugees on behalf of the entire world, according to Faraya.

 

For his part, Soylu affirmed his country’s keenness to strengthen bilateral cooperation and open “wider” areas to enhance the existing relations, especially in the security and economic fields.

 

At the end of the meeting, the two ministers agreed to maintain contact and coordination on all issues of common concern, in addition to continuing to make the necessary efforts to counter terrorism and crime of all kinds.

 

SOURCE: JORDAN NEWS AGENCY

Categories
Government Policy

China, Russia furious over Biden democracy summit snubs

Published by
AFP

Beijing (AFP) – China and Russia reacted furiously Wednesday to US President Joe Biden’s planned democracy summit, which will exclude them, with Beijing angered over an invitation for Taiwan and the Kremlin branding it divisive. The global conference was a campaign pledge by the US president, who has placed the struggle between democracies and “autocratic governments” at the heart of his foreign policy. The inclusion of Taiwan, and not China, led to an angry rebuke from Beijing, which said it “firmly opposes” the invitation to “the so-called Summit for Democracy.”  Beijing claims self-ruled Ta…

Continue reading “China, Russia furious over Biden democracy summit snubs”
Categories
General

Controversial Pa. Republican Scott Perry is about to lead Congress’ most far-right faction

Published by
The Philadelphia Inquirer

WASHINGTON — One of Pennsylvania’s most conservative and controversial Republicans is getting a promotion. And it could shape how the GOP confronts President Joe Biden’s agenda in Congress. U.S. Rep. Scott Perry — who led the House charge to throw out Pennsylvania’s votes in the 2020 presidential race — has been elected as the new chairman of the Freedom Caucus, the hard-right group that for years has often steered GOP politics in the House by defying compromise and clashing with party leaders. Starting in January, Perry, from the Harrisburg area, will follow in the footsteps of previous Freed…

Continue reading “Controversial Pa. Republican Scott Perry is about to lead Congress’ most far-right faction”
Categories
MENA Press Releases

Kavalan Wins IWSC ‘Worldwide Whiskey Producer Trophy’

Scooping more than 100 international gold medals in 2021. Breaking the record again.

TAIPEI, Nov. 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) has awarded its Worldwide Whiskey Producer Trophy to Kavalan for the third time, ending a spectacular 2021 awards year for the Taiwanese distiller.

Kavalan Distillery celebrates winning the top 2021 prizes in international contests

The Worldwide Whiskey Producer trophy is awarded to the highest scoring whisky producer across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australasia, and this year’s recognition was based on Kavalan’s 7 Gold Outstanding and 8 Gold medals as well as the Worldwide Whiskey Trophy for the Podium Single Malt Whisky.

The trophy crowns a spectacular awards season for Kavalan, in which the distiller collected more than 100 gold medals and 10 of the industry’s highest honours.

This includes being named Producer or Distillery of the Year from all the top competitions: IWSC, International Spirits Challenge (ISC) and San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

CEO Mr YT Lee said 2021 had been a record year for Kavalan.

“Kavalan has always pushed through barriers to deliver quality while innovating continuously. We will keep striving to bring to our whiskies the exceptional flavour and aromas our fans have come to expect. I thank the judges for this trophy and dedicate it to my hardworking team,” said Mr Lee.

2021 Ten Top Awards

Kavalan Distillery

  • IWSC Worldwide Whiskey Producer of the Year
  • SFWSC Distillery of the Year
  • ISC World Whisky Producer of the Year Trophy
  • ISC Spirit Tourism Awards Distillery Visitor Centre Trophy
  • Icons of Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year

Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky

  • SFWSC Best Other Single Malt Whisky
  • BTI Best Single Malt Whisky

Kavalan Solist PX Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky

  • WWM Taste Master

Kavalan Podium Single Malt Whisky

  • IWSC Worldwide Whiskey Trophy

Kavalan 10th Anniversary Sky Gold Wine Cask Matured Single Cask Single Malt Whisky

  • TWSC Best of the Best Single Malt

About Kavalan Distillery 

Kavalan Distillery in Yilan County has been pioneering the art of single malt whisky in Taiwan since 2005. Our whisky, aged in intense humidity and heat, sources the crystal meltwaters of Snow Mountain and is enhanced by sea and mountain breezes. These conditions combine to create Kavalan’s signature creaminess. Taking Yilan County’s old name, our distillery is backed by about 40 years of beverage-making under parent company, King Car Group. We have collected more than 600 gold awards or higher from the industry’s most competitive contests. Visit www.kavalanwhisky.com

Media Contact:

Kaitlyn Tsai
kaitlyn@kingcar.com.tw

Sandra Tsai
sandratsai@kingcar.com.tw

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1695472/Kavalan_2021_wins.jpg

Categories
Africa MENA Pakistan Press Releases South Africa

Nikkiso Cryogenic Industries Becomes North American Authorized Aftermarket Partner for Tatsuno

TEMECULA, Calif., Nov. 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nikkiso’s Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group (“Nikkiso”) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Tatsuno North America, Inc. (“Tatsuno”) to initiate cooperation as the Authorized Aftermarket Partner for their Hydrogen Dispensers in North America to establish a framework for cooperation.

Under the terms of the MOU, Nikkiso will provide spare parts, maintenance and repair services of Tatsuno’s Hydrogen Dispensers from Nikkiso’s network of North America facilities that are near the end user’s hydrogen refilling stations. In addition, Nikkiso will install and commission new dispensers, including the provision of engineering and pre-setup support for Tatsuno’s charging and fleet management systems.

Hydrogen dispensing is a new and developing market and an important component of the Hydrogen fueling station solution. These dispensers provide safe and fast fueling for both light duty and heavy-duty vehicles at 350 barg and 700 barg.

“The newly formed partnership with Nikkiso Cryogenic Industries and Tatsuno strengthens our Hydrogen presence and allows us to better serve the North American markets,” according to Teru Murakami, General Manager, Cryogenic Business Department, Nikkiso Co., Ltd. “We are looking forward to providing Tatsuno’s customers top quality service and support.”

Nikkiso Cryogenic Industries was chosen for this new, long-term partnership because of their relationships and hydrogen experience. They are also able to provide expanded services including complete Hydrogen fueling system solutions. This partnership will also provide new jobs for the local service facility economies.

ABOUT CRYOGENIC INDUSTRIES
Cryogenic Industries, Inc. (now a member of Nikkiso Co., Ltd.) member companies manufacture engineered cryogenic gas processing equipment and small-scale process plants for the liquefied natural gas (LNG), well services and industrial gas industries. Founded over 50 years ago, Cryogenic Industries is the parent company of ACD, Cosmodyne and Cryoquip and a commonly controlled group of approximately 20 operating entities.

For more information please visit www.nikkisoCEIG.com and www.nikkiso.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Anna Quigley +1.951.383.3314
aquigley@cryoind.com