THE WHITE HOUSE's latest news

Readout of President Biden’s Call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine
MARCH 05, 2022

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke this evening with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. President Biden highlighted the ongoing actions undertaken by the United States, its Allies and partners, and private industry to raise the costs on Russia for its aggression in Ukraine. In particular, he welcomed the decision this evening by Visa and Mastercard to suspend service in Russia. President Biden noted his administration is surging security, humanitarian, and economic assistance to Ukraine and is working closely with Congress to secure additional funding. President Biden reiterated his concern about the recent Russian attack on a Ukrainian nuclear power plant, and he commended the skill and bravery of the Ukrainian operators who have kept the reactors in safe condition. The leaders also discussed the recent talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on Russian Disinformation and Efforts to Undermine Free Press
MARCH 05, 2022


We applaud the steps taken by governments, U.S. and global companies, and other institutions around the world to condemn Putin’s war of choice in Ukraine, including those that call out and contest the Russian Government’s further efforts to undermine the free press and spread disinformation.

The Russian government’s efforts to propagate lies and obscure the truth have been rejected by the international community: governments, the private sector, and civil society have taken independent action in an unprecedented manner to reject efforts to sell Putin’s war as justified. For our part, the United States has leveraged new sanctions on individuals based in Russia and Ukraine, as well as Russian entities tied to Russian intelligence services, that promulgate destabilizing disinformation, and has provided critical assistance to increase digital safety measures for civil society and media. With our partners, we will continue to condemn Russia’s shuttering of independent media and technology platforms that refuse to allow Putin to run his disinformation campaigns unchecked.

To hide the truth from its own citizens, Russia’s censorship agency has shuttered independent Russian media outlets, blocked social media, and restricted access in Russia to international news outlets. We condemn the move by the Russian Federation Council to approve a law threatening prison sentences of up to 15 years for journalists and ordinary citizens that would spread so-called “false” information about Putin’s unconscionable war in Ukraine.

We urge continued action across all sectors of society to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms online and offline. This includes disinformation that seeks to divide the global community and conceal the Kremlin’s responsibility for this crisis. The United States firmly believes that the best way to accomplish this goal is to hold accountable the propaganda media and disinformation proxies that disseminate Putin’s lies. Through their principled actions, like-minded governments, private companies, and non-governmental organizations are demonstrating leadership in this moment. We will continue to work with and support all like-minded partners, and stand with the sovereign nation and people of Ukraine, and with the citizens of Russia speaking out against Putin’s war by the thousands.

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Readout of President Biden’s Meeting with President of Finland Sauli Niinistö
MARCH 04, 2022


President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met today with President of Finland Sauli Niinistö to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and ensuring strong defense and deterrence in northern Europe. The leaders also discussed ongoing transatlantic coordination to impose costs on Russia for its unprovoked and unjustified military invasion of Ukraine, and their respective efforts to provide security and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. The Presidents committed to start a process that would strengthen U.S.-Finnish security cooperation, which would be conducted in close consultation with other Nordic countries. The Presidents also discussed the importance of NATO’s Open Door policy. In addition, they discussed energy security and efforts to address climate change.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

March 5, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Prime Minister Trudeau strongly condemned the large-scale military aggression by Russia against the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine. The leaders stressed that Russia’s actions threaten peace and order in Europe and around the world. They condemned these actions as blatant violations of international law.

The Prime Minister thanked President Erdoğan for Turkey’s steadfast support for Ukraine and its people and for Turkey’s principled stand on having invoked the Montreux Convention in relation to the Dardanelles and Bosphorus Straits. The Prime Minister also recognized the heroic efforts and sacrifices of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and people. The two leaders called for an immediate ceasefire and for the respect of international law.

Prime Minister Trudeau and President Erdoğan reaffirmed their commitment to the strong cooperation between Canada and Turkey as NATO Allies and bilateral partners.

Associated links

• Canada-Turkey relations
• Canada and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
• Canada’s engagement in Ukraine
• Canada’s response to the crisis in Ukraine
• Canada announces additional measures to support Ukraine

IMF,interesting latest news

 

To mark this International Women’s Day, we present a roundup of our most recent blogs, podcasts, and research on gender.

Dear maria, We just published a new blog—please find the full text below.  How Empowering Women Supports Economic Growth (PHOTO: CANVA / ANADABGD GETTY IMAGES SIGNATURE / WORDFOTO) By IMFBlog International Women’s Day, first recognized by the United Nations in 1977, grew from early 1900s labor movements for better working conditions and women’s right to work. Now, as the continuing pandemic puts female roles in the labor market again in flux, attention to gender has never been more urgent. IMF research has consistently underscored the benefits of equality, including greater productivity and financial stability. To mark this International Women’s Day, we present a roundup of our most recent blogs, podcasts, and research on gender. Why jobs are plentiful while workers are scarce: Prolonged school closures and scarcity of childcare services put an extra burden on mothers of young children, pushing many to leave the labor force—the so-called “she-cession.” A new IMF staff research paper estimates that the excess employment contraction for mothers of children younger than 5 compared with other women accounted for around 16 percent of the total employment gap in the United States versus pre-pandemic levels. Gendered Taxes: How does tax policy affect gender equality? New IMF research considers implicit and explicit gender biases and corrective taxation, looking at household taxation, capital and wealth taxes, as well as consumption taxes. Tackling legal impediments to women’s economic empowerment: Laws can often perpetuate gender norms that limit women’s economic participation. In a recent working paper, staff outline the different types of legal barriers to women’s economic empowerment, and elaborate on how reforms, such as parental leave can effectively promote gender equality and incentivize women to participate in the workforce. Unleashing women and girls’ human capital: a game changer for Africa: Across most of sub-Saharan Africa, females fall behind males in human capital and related measures. As part of F&D ’s special feature on Africa, World Bank economists highlight how investments in women and girls unlock the region’s potential and spur recovery. Diane Coyle on making economics better: The British economist speaks on how a lack of diversity within the profession is holding it back. Economists need to start working with other disciplines if they are to live up to the influence they have in public policy and help deliver solutions to the complex challenges the world is now facing. How domestic violence threatens economic development : It’s called the “shadow pandemic”—an increase in physical, sexual and emotional abuse of women and girls amid the lockdowns and societal turmoil. New IMF staff research shows how such violence imperils economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. An increase in violence against women by 1 percentage can reduce economic activities by up to 8 percent, an estimate derived from satellite data on nighttime lights. Jayati Ghosh on unpaid care work: The professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst discusses how our notion of productivity is skewed because gross domestic product measures fail to capture unpaid work, primarily by women, caring for children, the elderly and other populations.

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION's update

ICYMI - February’s Research News Highlights from NSF
02/28/2022

ICYMI - February’s Research News Highlights from NSF



'Fitbit for the face' can turn any face mask into smart monitoring device

FaceBit can monitor wearer's health, sense heartbeat through the face

Ancient discovery reveals new knowledge of early Mesopotamian farming

Earliest definitive evidence of broomcorn millet in Mesopotamia



Gemini South captures remarkably clear images of two sidewinding stellar jets

Astronomers use adaptive optics system that reduces distortion



Microplastic pollution lingers in rivers for years before entering oceans

Water dynamics can trap lightweight microplastics that otherwise might float



Black-eyed peas could help eliminate need for fertilizer

Popular legume attracts beneficial nitrogen-fixing bacteria

January freeze dates becoming the norm for many northern US lakes

Climate change is driving later freeze dates and earlier thaws in lakes




Shape of melting ice depends on water temperature

Scientists discovered that ice formations are shaped by external forces

When should someone trust an AI assistant's predictions?

Researchers help workers collaborate with artificial intelligence systems



Facemasks halve the distance airborne pathogens travel

Findings could inform recommended social distancing measures

USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service,update

 

The following GAIN reports were released on March 6, 2022. _______   Brazil: Brazil Agriculture Seeks Remedies for Potential Fertilizer Disruptions Brazil is a powerhouse agricultural producer, ranking among the top three global exporters for a host of commodities. To support its massive agribusiness sector, Brazil relies on imported inputs, including fertilizers. Annually, Brazil imports over 80 percent of its total fertilizer needs. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has substantially elevated the risk of disruption to the global fertilizer trade. In Brazil, there is rising concern that growers may not be able to expand the crop planted area in the 2022/23 season. Without critical nutrients such as potash, Brazil will also see lower crop yields. In recent months, Brazil has engaged in international diplomacy, striking deals with Iran and Russia to maintain fertilizer flows. To reduce the sector's dependence on imports, the government has also developed a National Fertilizer Plan, though the implementation is expected to take decades.   China: Livestock and Products Semi-Annual In 2022, imports of breeding swine are estimated lower at 20,000 head and pork imports are estimated at 3.3 million metric tons (MMT). Domestic swine, breeding sows, and pork production are expected to exceed 2021 levels as producers increasingly compete for market share and morbidity associated with African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks, lowers. Consequently, and with weaker consumer demand in anticipation of a less robust economic outlook, domestic pork prices should remain low in 2022. Consumer demand for imported beef products and expanded exports of live cattle by South American countries will increase imports to 3.1 MMT and 375,000 head, respectively.   India: Oilseeds and Products Update India’s rapeseed and mustard production estimate for marketing year 2021/2022 (October-September) is revised upward to 10.8 million metric tons on account of significantly higher acreage at almost 9.2 million hectares, high domestic prices, and a good monsoon performance. Exports of rapeseed meal sank 66 percent between October 2021 through January 2022 due to lower crushing availability. Recently announced duty changes in palm oils will encourage domestic refineries to import crude palm oil and other edible oils as opposed to refined palm oil.   Mexico: Update on Process of NOM-187 - Products Derived from Wheat and Corn This report updates GAIN report number MX2022-0008 published January 10, 2022: Mexico to Update NOM-187 Regarding Some Products Derived from Wheat and Corn. The draft NOM-187 has been published in the Official Gazette and provides an additional 60-day public comment period. NOM-187 applies to both national and imported products. Public comments are due to the Government of Mexico (GOM) no later than April 18, 2022.   Philippines: CREATE to Extend Tariff and Tax Incentives to Source Agricultural Inputs The Philippines has two laws to provide tariff and tax exemptions that support the importation of raw materials and/or inputs for the benefit of local agricultural production. While a 1997 law, AFMA, has long facilitated duty-free imports for a select list of agricultural inputs, the more recent 2021 law, CREATE, has the promise to expand tariff and tax incentives to a priority list of agricultural sub-sectors.   Philippines: Philippine Avian Influenza Protection Program The Third Edition of the Philippine Department of Agriculture's Avian Influenza Protection Program (AIPP) Manual of Procedure was finalized in 2020. This manual provides guidance in preventing the entry of Avian Influenza (AI) in the Philippines, as well as disease response measures in the event of an incursion. This document also includes changes in definition of terms and the section on the recognition of AI-Free compartments or regions, as well the revisions in the coverage of quarantine and surveillance zones in case of a local detection of AI.   Philippines: Agricultural Fuel Subsidy Program Announced The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) will soon execute a $10 Million fuel subsidy program for farmers and fishers to reduce production costs (PhP500 Million). DOE earlier estimated total energy consumption in agriculture at 471.7 kTOE (kilo tons of oil equivalent), of which 227.6 kTOE was attributed to petroleum products (96 percent being diesel), 4.2 kTOE to Coco Methyl Ester (CME) biodiesel, and the remainder attributed to electricity. The National Biofuels Board's discussion on increasing inclusion rates of CME biodiesel to offset dependency on imported oil and petroleum fuels remain on hold.   Portugal: Food Processing Ingredients In 2021, Portugal imported $244 million worth of agricultural, fish, and forestry products from the United States. Outside the European Union Member States, the United States was the third main origin of Portuguese agricultural and related imports. Despite the pandemic and other trade related challenges, the total value of U.S. exports of agricultural and related products to Portugal remained stable in 2021 compared to the previous year. The external sector is projected to have a positive net contribution to growth in 2022, reflecting the recovery in tourism, although it is dependent on the evolution of the COVID situation. This report provides guidance to U.S. companies interested in exporting food products to Portugal including an overview of the country's economic situation, market structure, and export requirements.   Spain: Food Processing Ingredients In 2021, Spain imported $1.7 billion worth of agricultural, seafood, and forest products from the United States. The year 2021 ended with a robust economic growth rate and good employment figures. Adversely, 2022 began with economic uncertainties brought by the impact of the Omicron wave, although some experts expect the economy to grow faster again from the second quarter onwards. According to the latest European Union economic forecast, Spain’s economic growth is forecast at 5.6 percent in 2022 and 4.4 percent in 2023. Having one of the most competitive food processing industries in Europe, Spain’s demand for ingredients continues to increase, such as tree nuts, distilled spirits, pulses, and food preparations. The post-pandemic environment may also offer new opportunities for ingredients.   Taiwan: New Consumers Embrace Plant-based Trends in Taiwan  As the world’s third largest vegetarian market with an increasing flexitarian population, Taiwan bodes well for the ingredients that address low fat, high fiber, and plant-based protein. The plant-based market in Taiwan is valued at US$22 billion, attracting numerous traditional food manufacturers to rev up new food product developments. It provides tremendous opportunities to the U.S. food and ingredients that resonate with this trendy lifestyle, including not just fresh fruit and vegetables, but also dried beans, peas, lentils, tree nuts, soy flour, and many more.   Thailand: Rice Price - Weekly Rice export prices decreased 2-3 percent due to the weakening of the Thai baht and new supplies of MY2021/22 off-season rice entering the market.   Turkey: Oilseeds and Products Annual Turkey’s production of major oilseeds – sunflower seeds, cottonseeds, and soybeans – in MY 2022/23 is projected to rebound from the previous year as strong prices are expected to spur increased plantings. Notwithstanding these forecasted increases in production, Turkey is expected to continue its heavy reliance on imported oilseeds and meal. Meal and oil consumption is expected to increase year-over-year as Turkey’s economic situation stabilizes. Meanwhile, the government continues its efforts to combat inflation, such as eliminating the import duty and reducing the VAT on sunflower oil, which is an important household staple.   For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/. This email was sent to politikimx@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service · 1400 Independence Avenue, SW · Washington, DC 20250

EUROPEAN BANK's update

 

News EBRD supports the digital transformation of the Suez Canal Economic Zone 07-03-2022 02:42 PM GMT Creating an efficient, digital ‘one-stop shop’ for a world-class investment hub EBRD promotes greener urban transport in Egypt 07-03-2022 11:23 AM GMT €250 million for first high-capacity metro line in Alexandria as part of EBRD Green Cities EBRD assesses low-carbon hydrogen in Egypt 07-03-2022 10:15 AM GMT MoU with government ministries to guide national hydrogen strategy EBRD boosts tourism sector skills in Egypt 07-03-2022 12:33 PM GMT Cooperation on new hospitality and tourism Sector Skills Council EBRD and EU support the growth of Mongolia’s leading electronics trader 03-03-2022 10:34 AM GMT Sain International increases market share and decreases employee turnover EBRD boosts investment in Tunisia through digitalisation 02-03-2022 05:10 PM GMT New agreement to promote private-sector growth

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,update

 

WASHINGTON — United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced new policies that will provide better protection to immigrant children who are victims of abuse, neglect, abandonment, or similar parental maltreatment. “Today, we are taking action to help immigrant children in the U.S. who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned and offer them protection to help rebuild their lives,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “These policies will provide humanitarian protection to vulnerable young people for whom a juvenile court has determined that it is in their best interest to remain in the United States.” The new policies include updating regulations to clarify Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) eligibility criteria such as updating an age-out provision to protect petitioners who turn 21 while their petition is pending. Additionally, USCIS is updating regulations for evidentiary requirements to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the program and ensure that eligible victims of parental abuse, neglect, or abandonment receive SIJ classification and a pathway to apply for lawful permanent residence (LPR) status. USCIS may consent to a grant of SIJ classification when the petitioner has provided evidence of court-ordered relief from parental abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis under state law, as well as evidence of the factual basis for a juvenile court’s determinations. The regulations also make clear that petitioners cannot be required to contact their alleged abuser while USCIS makes a decision in their SIJ case. An SIJ petitioner may have an attorney, accredited representative, and/or trusted adult present, if an interview is scheduled, but only attorneys and accredited representatives are entitled to make a statement during such interviews. In addition to issuing the updated regulations, USCIS is updating the USCIS Policy Manual to consider deferred action and related employment authorization for noncitizens classified as SIJs who are ineligible to apply for adjustment of status to LPR status solely because a visa is not immediately available. Deferred action and employment authorization will provide invaluable assistance to these vulnerable noncitizens who have limited financial and other support systems in the United States while they await an available visa number. This Policy Manual update is effective May 6, 2022, and applies to eligible noncitizens classified as SIJs before, on, or after that date, based on an approved Form I-360, Petition for Ameriasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.