China has set a target of reducing its annual coal capacity by 800 million tons, according to a government plan reported Saturday by state media. Despite the target, Beijing expects total coal output to rise to around 3.9 billion tons by 2020, compared to 3.75 billion tons in 2015, the official Xinhua news agency said, citing a document issued by the country’s top economic planning body.
Day: December 31, 2016
The Year in Albany: Minimum wage, more scandal
It was a year that saw New York raise the minimum wage, legalize mixed martial arts and open its first state-regulated casino while state officials once again grappled with Albany’s long tradition of political corruption and insider dealing. State lawmakers also marked the year by regulating daily fantasy sports, repealing a sales tax on tampons and voting to extend paid family leave to workers caring for a loved one.
The Latest: Clarity sought for UN Syria cease-fire approval
The latest on the conflict in Syria, and the Russia and Turkey brokered cease-fire agreement between Syria’s government and opposition rebels. All times local.
5 countries that could destroy OPEC’s game plan
As an apparent wave of populism sweeps through the world, Theresa May prepares to trigger Article 50, and fears of a trade war between China and the U.S grow, financial markets are on edge. But alongside this uncertainty, there has been some good news for markets as well, with oil markets moving towards rebalancing.
Creative ways to ring in the new year
Counting down the hours until the new year can be exciting, as the world anxiously anticipates the adventures in store for the months ahead. Celebrating the new year dates back thousands of years to the ancient Babylonians, who celebrated a new year come the first full moon after the spring equinox.
Venezuela frees jailed activists, ex-presidential candidate
Venezuela’s government has freed a former presidential candidate and several student activists who were jailed during anti-government protests in 2014. Former opposition candidate Manuel Rosales was imprisoned in October 2015 on charges of illicit enrichment upon returning to Venezuela after six years of exile in Peru.
Weir Group Plc (The) (WEGRY) Downgraded by Zacks Investment Research to “Sell”
According to Zacks, “The Weir Group PLC provides engineering solutions. The company’s operating segment consists of Minerals, Oil & Gas and Flow Control.
Bought during Cold War, Russian mansions accused of housing spies in the US
Without warning, American agents descend on a Russian-owned compound in rural Maryland. A similar surprise unfolds at an estate on New York’s Long Island.
Body in burned car in Rio raises fears for missing Greek ambassador
The discovery of a burned-out car in Rio state on Thursday with a body inside have sparked fears that it might be that of the Greek ambassador to Brazil, missing since Monday. Rio police were examining the corpse and scene but could not say whether it was that of the envoy, 59-year-old Kyriakos Amiridis.
Ronda Rousey is stopped seconds into comeback
Amanda Nunes, right, connects with Ronda Rousey in the first round of their women’s bantamweight championship mixed martial arts bout at UFC 207, Friday, Dec. 30, 2016, in Las Vegas. Nunes won the fight after it was stopped in the first round.
Putin, Netanyahu discuss Syrian crisis
News selected on topics and regions – oil and gas, business, politics, IT, the South Caucasus, the Caspian Sea region, Central Asia Ranking of the Azerbaijani banking sector Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the Syrian settlement and Israeli-Palestinian conflict resolution over the phone on Saturday, the Kremlin’s press service said, Sputnik reported. “The phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was held on the initiative of the Israeli side.
Martial, Pogba score late as Man United beats Middlesbrough
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba, right, performs a scissor kick during their English Premier League soccer match against Middlesborough at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016.
Merkel On Refugee Terror Attacks: It’s ‘Bitter And Sickening’
Berlin mayor Michael Mueller, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and German interior minister Thomas de Maiziere stand in silence at the Christmas market in Berlin, Germany, December 20, 2016, one day after a truck ploughed into a crowded Christmas market in the German capital. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke.
Queen to make late decision on attending New Year church service
Her Majesty is due to attend the service at Sandringham, but doubt has been cast over this after she was struck down by a heavy cold before Christmas. She and the Duke of Edinburgh were forced to delay their journey from Buckingham Palace to their Norfolk estate in the days before Christmas after she fell ill.
As year comes to an end, Rutland’s sporting best are recognised
Now in their fifth year, the awards champion outstanding athletes, coaches, volunteers, sports clubs, participants and projects within Rutland – singling people out for their hard work, commitment and achievements over the past year. Following a rigorous judging process which looked at close to 100 nominees, the winners and runners up for this year’s awards were named at a special ceremony at Greetham Valley Hotel.
UN Security Council to vote on Syria cease-fire agreement
UNITED NATIONS >> The U.N. Security Council will vote Saturday on a resolution that would endorse the cease-fire agreement in Syria brokered by Russia and Turkey, and reiterate support for a roadmap to peace that starts with a transitional government. The resolution also calls for “rapid, safe and unhindered” access to deliver humanitarian aid throughout the country.
ABC New Year’s Eve coverage: Not terrible, just tedious
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Boulder residents pitch in to fund family’s ‘dream’ trip back to Mexico
On the other end of the line was Lynn Morgan, a longtime member of the Colorado Athletic Club in Boulder, where Arispe Mendoza, a 44-year-old Mexican immigrant, has worked as a custodian for 18 years – all but a few weeks of his time in the United States. “He makes this place run and hum.
Watch Paris Ring In The New Year
There might not be a better place in the world to spend New Year’s Eve than Paris. And even if you can’t truly be in the City of Light, you can follow along with the celebrations online.
Ram Gopal Yadav remains unaffected by expulsion revocation
Lucknow , Dec. 31 : Samajwadi Party’s re-inducted leader Ram Gopal Yadav on Saturday said that the revoking of his expulsion does not matter to him and he remains unaffected. [NK India] “It doesn’t matter as the expulsion took place yesterday and our decision happened before the eviction and we are conducting our conference which is along expected lines,” he told ANI here.
New Pak CJ forms larger bench to hear Panamagate case on Jan. 4
Islamabad [Pakistan], Dec. 31 : After taking oath as the new Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday constituted a five-judge larger bench to hear the Panamagate case. [NK World] The five-judge bench which will hear the Panama case on January 4 will be headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, reports the Express Tribune.
Congress to launch nation-wide movement against demonetisation from Jan 1
New Delhi , Dec. 31 : The Congress Party has decided to launch a nation-wide movement to expose the iggest scam of independent India, said spokesperson leader Randeep Surjewala on Saturday. [NK India] Referring to the issue of demonetisation, Surjewala said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken away jobs from labourers and many people have lost their lives in the last 50 days.
Pakistan to present report on alleged Indian interference to UN
Islamabad [Pakistan], Dec. 31 : Pakistan on Monday is expected to submit a report on alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav and evidence of attempted violation of maritime boundary by an Indian submarine to the United Nations. [NK World] The dossier is expected to be handed over by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dr. Maleeha Lodhi to incoming UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on his first working day at the UN headquarters in New York, reports the Dawn.
Hamstring injury rules Guptill out of Bangladesh T20s
Wellington [New Zealand], Dec.31 : New Zealand opener Martin Guptill has been ruled out of the upcoming T20 series against Bangladesh due to a hamstring strain. [NK Cricket] The 30-year-old sustained the injury while running between the wickets during their crushing eight-wicket win over Bangladesh in the third ODI in Nelson on Saturday.
The Crown’s creators reveal plans for season two
You might think you know what’s coming next in Netflix’s The Crown: after all, the life of the most famous family in the country is not exactly untold history and requires no spoiler alerts. But with the making of season two, creator Peter Morgan has revealed how he plans to continue the story of Elizabeth’s reign – and the focus will shift away from the Queen herself as other royals take centre stage.
Settlers reportedly attack IDF soldiers near Susiya
IDF soldiers were attacked by West Bank settlers Saturday who reported to the scene of clashes between Israelis and Palestinians near the village of Sussiya, south of Hebron, police said. Police received a report of graffiti of a Star of David and the word “revenge” spray painted in Hebrew near the Palestinian village in what authorities suspect may be a “Price tag” attack.
Hot Stuff: Pakistan’s Tea-Selling Hunk Brews Up A Movie Career
“My mother often used to tell me that one day you will become a famous man,” Arshad Khan told The National in late October. Had he read his tea leaves, Arshad Khan could not have foreseen the drastic turn his life would take in 2016.
Allan Williams, who set up Beatles’ early gigs, dies at 86
Graham Stanley, manager of the Jacaranda Club that Williams used to operate, said Saturday that Williams died Friday night.
British disabled ‘fit for work’ deaths covered up
Former Chancellor Norman Lamont walks into traffic to escape hearing about thousands of unnecessary deaths . THE Department for Work and Pensions “hid” the deaths of seven disability benefit claimants from an independent expert hired to review its “fitness for work” assessments , a freedom of information request has found.
Putin congratulates Trump, not Obama, in New Year’s statement
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump, rather than President Barack Obama, in his annual New Year’s greetings statement to foreign heads of state and government. However, Putin did convey his seasonal greetings to Obama, his family and the American people in a separate statement earlier Friday, while responding to the latest wave of US sanctions against Russia.
Irfan aims to target Steven Smith in ODIs
Karachi : Looking forward to playing on the bouncy pitches of Australia, world’s tallest bowler Mohammad Irfan of Pakistan has revealed that he is aiming to target in-form Australian skipper Steven Smith in the five-match ODI series between two sides beginning January 13 at the Gabba, Brisbane. “I am the only bowler with this sort of height so I feel I have an advantage over others which I will use on the bouncy pitches of Australia to take wickets.My main target will be Smith, who is in good form right now but as my bounce is unusual I will try to use it to bowl him out,” the Express Tribune quoted Irfan as saying.
Review of the Year: Didcot – From tragedy to a 80m transformation
Neil Wadley, 47, of Pound Lane, Upton, was the leader of a criminal gang and was jailed with nine accomplices at Oxford Crown Court for a total of 91 years and 11 months for their parts in a drug-dealing conspiracy. Wadley was given a 17-year jail term while his right-hand man Gary Hunt, 39, of Church Street, Didcot, was jailed for eight-and-a-half years.
Goldsmiths thieves still at large year after city centre raid
TODAY marks one year since 11 masked men smashed their way into an Oxford jewellers in one of the biggest ever heists in the city. And despite a major police investigation and CCTV showing the burglars sledge-hammering their way into the shopping centre from Cornmarket Street, no arrests have been made and detectives still have no idea where the men are 12 months on.
Manorlands-based Airedale healthcare worker ‘humbled’ to receive MBE
A HEALTHCARE worker with Airedale NHS Foundation Trust said she was “humbled” to be rewarded in the New Year Honours List. Dr Helen Livingstone, a specialist palliative care consultant currently working at Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands, was awarded the MBE.
Washington’s minimum wage to break national record on Jan. 1
Millions of U.S. workers will get a raise on New Year’s Day, as more than a dozen states increase their minimum wage. That will include thousands of people across Washington.
Turning Iraq history to rubble, leaving the mess to looters
This Nov. 19, 2008 photo released by the U.S. Army shows the statues of the lamassu, the winged, human-headed bulls that stood at the gates of the palace and were believed to ward off evil in the ancient city of Nimrud, near Mosul, Iraq. The bulls were destroyed by Islamic State group militants in early 2015 as they razed the entire site, one of the most important archaeological ruins in the Middle East.
Top China coal province vows 20 percent cut in pollution by 2020 – Xinhua
One of China’s top coal-producing provinces has vowed to slash its level of fine particle pollution by one-fifth by 2020, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday, citing the provincial government. China has adopted various measures from policing barbeques to halting industrial production in efforts to ease the yearly winter haze that hit the country earlier this month leaving cities veiled in foul-smelling smog.
Trump’s praise of Putin could signal a new day for US policy
Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a sword while listening an explanations from the head of Russian First Channel Konstantin Ernst, during his meeting with the historical action film Viking’s crew, in Moscow, Russia, Friday, Dec. 30, 2016. Viking is a historical action film based on the historical document Primary Chronicle and Icelandic Kings’ sagas.
Taiwan leader urges China for ‘calm’ talks as pressure grows
In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, President Tsai Ing-wen, right, and Vice President Chen Chien-jen look through name cards of journalists attending an international press conference at the presidential office, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, in Taipei, Taiwan. President Tsai urged China to engage in “calm and rational” dialogue to maintain peace, vowing not to give in to Beijing’s recent moves to “threaten and intimidate” the self-ruled island.
Australia kicks off global New Year party defying terror threat
SYDNEY: Global terror attacks have cast a pall over 2016 but Australia was Saturday set to defy the threats and ring in the New Year with bumper crowds gathering to watch a firework extravaganza on Sydney’s glittering harbour. 2016 has seen repeated bloodshed, most recently a deadly truck attack at a Berlin Christmas market, a similar incident on Bastille Day in France that killed 86, and atrocities in Turkey and the Middle East.