UAE reduces official working hours for public and private sector employees during Ramadan/Representative Photo
The UAE has announced reduced working hours for public and private sector employees during Ramadan.
federal government business hours
The Federal Government’s Human Resources Management Authority has confirmed the official working hours of various ministries and federal entities during Ramadan.Monday to Thursday, working hours are 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. On Friday, staff hours are 9:00 a.m. to noon. This schedule applies to federal ministries and entities, except for employees whose nature of work requires otherwise.In a statement posted on its official website, the agency noted that flexible working regulations can continue to apply during Ramadan, provided that the approved daily working hours are adhered to.It also further clarified that federal entities can grant employees the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays. However, remote working must not exceed 70% of the entity’s total workforce and must comply with approved regulations and controls.
private sector working hours
For the private sector, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization announced that daily working hours will be reduced by two hours during Ramadan.Employees in the UAE typically work eight to nine hours a day. During Ramadan, the schedule will be reduced by two hours each day in line with the Islamic holy month.The ministry said private businesses can implement flexible or remote working arrangements within the scope of reduced daily working hours. These arrangements must be consistent with the commercial interests of the company and the nature of its operations.Any additional hours worked after the shortened Ramadan hours will be considered overtime. Employees are entitled to additional compensation for overtime work in accordance with labor regulations.
Flexible remote working provisions
In both areas, authorities have provided room for flexibility while maintaining operational continuity.Federal entities can continue to apply approved flexible working systems during Ramadan working days. Additionally, they may allow remote work on Fridays, subject to a 70% cap.In the private sector, companies can adopt flexible or remote schedules as long as they stay within a reduced daily work time frame.The revised timing is designed to accommodate the spiritual and social rhythms of Ramadan, while ensuring that government services and business operations continue without disruption.
NEW DELHI: While medical certification of deaths reported in Delhi is relatively strong, the situation across the country remains grim – only 22% of deaths registered in India were medically certified in 2023, exposing serious gaps in the country’s ability to track disease trends and plan health policies.The concerns were raised at a two-day national workshop on strengthening mortality information systems held in the capital on February 11. Experts warn that despite years of reform efforts, much of India’s death data remains incomplete.The latest civil registration data shows huge disparities between states and territories. 66% of the registered deaths recorded in Delhi were medically certified, putting it among the better performing regions. Goa (100%), Lakshadweep (99.2%) and Puducherry (91.4%) have near-universal certification, while Chandigarh (76.4%) and Andaman and Nicobar Islands (67.2%) also have high coverage. In contrast, several large states are significantly behind – Maharashtra (42.4%), Tamil Nadu (39.1%), Telangana (38.4%), Karnataka (26.7%), Odisha (23.4%) and Gujarat (23.3%) – pushing the national average down to 22%.Dr Harshal Ramesh Salve of AIIMS told TOI that only one in five deaths across the country received proper medical certificate of death. A large proportion of deaths – especially in rural areas – occur outside health facilities, which often lack formal accreditation.Dr VK Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, inaugurating the workshop emphasized that a robust and interoperable mortality system is crucial for evidence-based governance. Health planning must be driven by reliable, real-time data, he said, stressing the need for coordinated action across sectors to ensure every death is counted and its cause is scientifically determined.Experts say counting every death and accurately recording its cause is critical to estimating disease burden, identifying risk factors and designing prevention strategies. Without reliable cause-of-death data, health programs risk relying on predictions rather than evidence. Greater data sharing between ORGI, health ministry and academic institutions will help in developing science-driven decentralized policies and increase India’s self-reliance in disease estimation, they added.Over the past decade, AIIMS and the Office of the Registrar General of India have stepped up surveillance through verbal autopsies and digital systems. More than 1 million cases have been reviewed and more than 400,000 deaths have had a possible cause identified, involving approximately 1,000 trained physicians at 27 institutions. However, most of these support sample-based monitoring rather than universal coverage. The number of deaths reported annually is close to 10 million, and comprehensive certification is still ongoing.A verbal autopsy is mainly used when a person dies outside a hospital. It involves interviewing family members about symptoms and circumstances leading up to the death, and then trained doctors assigning the most likely cause using a standard medical classification system. Experts say that while this improves national estimates, expanding routine medical certification of deaths in hospitals and communities remains vital.The workshop concluded with the formation of the National Alliance for Strengthening Mortality Data Systems to improve data quality, expand certification, and accelerate digital integration nationwide.Public health experts say that while Delhi’s 66% certification rate reflects progress, the national disparity highlights the urgency of ensuring the system records every death and its cause.
reported missing Nancy Guthrie The investigation remains active and authorities have not announced any arrests or identified a suspect or motive. As the case continues to draw attention, comments surrounding her daughter, Savannah Guthriewhich emerged after the New York Times bestselling author posted on social media.
There is no official indication that any workplace issues are related to the ongoing investigation into Nancy’s disappearance. (Vision/AP)
Chadwick Moore, in an article published on
According to the Daily Mail report cited in Moore’s post, a source told the outlet: “Savannah is in full panic mode. Although she’s shaken off her voice issues, the ratings are up!”
Reports indicate that Savannah took some time off in late December to recover from vocal cord surgery. The show attracted 2.86 million viewers during the period, a 12% increase from last year and surpassing ABC’s “Good Morning America,” according to Nielsen data cited by the outlet.
Statement Regarding Ratings and Return to Work
The Daily Mail article also quoted sources as saying that Savannah “urged her doctors to get her back to work as soon as possible. In order to ensure that viewers would not forget her, she insisted that the show include a segment of her recovery at home.”
There is no official indication of any workplace issues related to ongoing investigation Nancy’s disappearance. As the case remains under investigation, authorities continue to urge the public to rely on verified, up-to-date information.
Emirati students will attend online classes every Friday during Ramadan, in line with departmental initiative/representative profile
As Ramadan approaches, school week is once again reinvented in the UAE. Public school students across the country will learn from home every Friday during the holy month, part of a new effort to bring families closer together while keeping classes on track.
Launching the initiative for the second consecutive year
The UAE Ministry of Education announced on Thursday that remote learning will be implemented for public school students on Fridays during Ramadan. This marks the second consecutive year the initiative has been launched.The initiative, titled “Ramadan with Families,” aims to allow students more time at home while ensuring academic continuity. By adjusting the school timetable at the end of each week, the ministry aims to align learning with the social and spiritual rhythms of Ramadan.According to the arrangement, students will study remotely from home every Friday during Ramadan.
Balancing education and well-being
According to the Ministry of Education, the measure is part of wider adjustments to the academic calendar during Ramadan. The goal is to balance educational requirements with students’ well-being and family life during Ramadan.Officials have previously noted that flexibility during Ramadan can help improve student concentration and better support families in their daily lives, especially during fasting periods. Reducing commuting time is also seen as a way to relieve daily stress at home.The initiative also coincides with the Year of the Family, reinforcing the Government’s wider focus on strengthening family bonds and community cohesion.
On-site staff and optional in-person attendance
While students will move to remote learning on Friday, teaching and education staff will continue to work in-person at schools.The ministry has clarified that parents who want their children to attend classes in person will have that option. However, the parent or guardian will be responsible for arranging transportation to and from school that day.This approach allows families to choose the approach that best suits their circumstances while maintaining continuity of operations within the school.
Comprehensive guidance and enrichment activities
To support the initiative, the Ministry of Education will publish a comprehensive guidance manual. The handbook will contain comprehensive educational and enrichment activities taken directly from the school curriculum.These activities aim to:
Support students’ academic progress
Reinforce the values of the holy month
Strengthen family involvement
Enhance students’ sense of community
In addition, a detailed guidance manual will outline joint education and development activities derived from the curriculum, ensuring that distance learning remains structured and purposeful.By combining flexible scheduling with curriculum-based enrichment, the ministry aims to maintain academic standards while providing students with meaningful opportunities to engage with their families during Ramadan.
The Afghanistan captain and Legge’s decision not to play in either of the two Super Overs in the loss to South Africa was puzzling, especially since spinner Keshav Maharaj did the job for the winners…Some failures can crush you. It was such an afternoon in Ahmedabad on Wednesday for Afghanistan.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Two losses to South Africa in the Super League, which all but ended the team’s T20 World Cup campaign, now seems like the end of the world. But Afghanistan should take heart in the fact that it is their famous fighting spirit, inherent in their cricket, that enables them to overcome all odds in the competition.
T20 World Cup | Jonathan Trott holds press conference after loss to South Africa
Afghanistan is not without its share of heartbreaking losses. Glenn Maxwell’s superhero performance at the Wankhede saw them lose to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup, which could have cost them a semi-final spot. The 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final loss to South Africa was more sobering, but there was little the Afghans could have done differently in this defeat. Maybe just one thing – the bowlers they select in at least one super overs match. Rashid Khan has been their talisman over the years and is still considered one of the best players in T20 cricket, but interestingly, he has chosen to stay away from the game.Rashid used to enjoy bowling. However, in both defeats at this World Cup, the superstar did not bowl in the first six overs. His decision to avoid the pressure cooker of the Super Overs was a bit confusing, especially since South Africa picked Keshav Maharaj in the second Super Overs.
polling
Do you think Afghanistan can learn from this mega-failure?
Rashid brought many unforgettable moments to Afghanistan, but no one asked why he wasn’t here. Coach Jonathan Trott hasn’t been forced to confront the issue either, but it remains to be asked, is Rashid still the bowler he used to be?The question is relevant because the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is a familiar pitch for bowlers. Rashid plays for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL and has extensive experience of the Indian situation. He took figures of 2-28 in South Africa’s chase and was Afghanistan’s most economical bowler in the 20-over series. On top of that, no other bowler in his team creates the fear factor that he does.However, Azmatullah Omarzai was asked to bowl the second super over and the medium pacer conceded 24 balls which did make the task extremely difficult. But Rahmanullah Gubaz remains one of those players.Gubaz’s 42-ball 84 in Afghanistan’s chase and three sixes off Maharaj showed his strength of character.The 24-year-old has been a key figure in Afghanistan’s batting line-up for some time now.Coach Trott feels that Gubas has such talent and he should produce more performances like this.“This was probably the best inning I’ve ever seen him play, and unfortunately he couldn’t get us over the line. With his talent, size, athleticism and natural hand-eye coordination, now he’s going to move on.”“He puts his heart out there, and over the years I’ve tried to make him more consistent in everything he does,” Trott said.It will be interesting to see if Gubaz takes on more responsibility as time goes on, taking over the baton from Rashid and turning Afghanistan into a team better able to handle crunch time.
NEW DELHI: The Tamil Nadu government on Friday issued an advance payment of Rs 3,000 to 131 crore women beneficiaries and an additional Rs 2,000 as a “special summer package” under the Kalainiya Women’s Rights Scheme ahead of the assembly elections.In a social media post by X, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin received an advance payment of Rs 3,000 for the months of February, March and April. He also claimed that “some people” were trying to block women’s rights allocations for three months citing the upcoming elections, but said his government acted in advance to ensure beneficiaries did not face any disruption.“For the women of Tamil Nadu, this women’s rights grant is a promise given by Stalin. No matter who wants to create obstacles, I will not back down. They tried to block funds for women’s rights for three months, citing elections as a reason,” Stalin said. “But our #DravidianModel government is already ahead of them! As advance payment – Rs 3,000 for February, March and April, and special summer package of Rs 2,000! This morning, a total of Rs 5,000 has been deposited to all 131 crore beneficiaries of the Kalainiya Women’s Rights Scheme,” he added.He added that under the “Dravidian Model 2.0”, the current monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 would be doubled to Rs 2,000 if voted back to power, saying it was a commitment to women in Tamil Nadu.“With the support of #WinningTamilWomen, we will continue to win! We will increase women’s rights grant of Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 as per #DravidianModel 2.0! This is Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin’s promise to my sisters! #WeWillWinTogether,” the post further read.Meanwhile, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhgam unveiled five election promises, including increasing social security pension from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,000 for senior citizens, elderly widows, unmarried elderly women, women abandoned by their husbands, disabled people and transgender persons.Amid the election preparations, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is scheduled to hold a tightly controlled election meeting at Seelanayakkanpatti in Salem on Friday. Party leader Vijay is expected to address 4,998 attendees at the KVP Garden venue.The conference will strictly limit the participation of people holding QR code admission passes, and a large number of police will be deployed to check vehicles and divert traffic to ensure safety. Authorities stressed that people without passes should watch the show through live channels.Security measures were tightened after a stampede at a TVK rally in September that killed 41 people, prompting authorities to ensure strict crowd management during the high-profile political event.The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will go to polls in the first half of this year. DMK won 133 seats in the 2021 assembly elections. Congress won 18, PMK won 5, VCK won 4 and others won 8.
Americans who live alone may end up paying $10,000 more per year than those who live in a shared household. this Report Real estate marketplace Zillow follows suit Valentine’s Day. They call the fee the state’s “singles tax.”
A recent report showed that living alone is more expensive than living in a shared house. Images used for representational purposes. (Pixar Bay)
According to Zillow, renters who live alone pay an average of $10,470 more per year than renters who share a home. The report attempts to highlight the huge price differences while keeping in mind that living alone comes with its own benefits, such as privacy and control over personal space. “Love is not just romantic, it’s also financial,” the Zillow report reads.
What is the “singles tax” and how does it work?
According to Zillow, the “single tax” refers to the additional costs a person must bear when living alone rather than sharing a home. Data shows that tenants who choose to live alone end up paying more than those who rent.
Tenants who share one lease instead of maintaining two separate households can save up to $20,940 per year when it comes to rent, according to the company’s analysis. Known as the “couples discount,” this can save thousands of dollars each year for other expenses and even increase personal savings.
“When you live alone, you can pay your entire rent with one income, and that income adds up quickly. Apartments often make living alone easier while also providing shared space that helps people feel connected. For renters who choose to live with a partner or roommates, sharing daily expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries can go a long way in easing the stress of today’s higher cost of living,” says Zillow rental trends experts.
Data display in reports New York This is the most expensive market for renters living alone. Single renters in New York end up paying $23,400 more per year than those who choose to rent in a shared apartment. San Jose is second, followed by boston.
However, finding shared accommodation in these places can bring the greatest rewards. “Tenants in shared housing can save more than $30,000 per year in New York City, San Jose, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego,” the report states.
Despite the high costs, the report noted that apartment affordability is at its best level since April 2021, taking into account rising incomes. This is bound to come as a relief to some renters. According to another recent analysis, renting is now cheaper than buying by up to $548 per month.
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Steve Smith (Cover by Mitchell Marsh).
Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi India on Friday congratulated Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairman Tariq Rehman for his “decisive victory” in the country’s parliamentary elections and reiterated India’s continued support for a “democratic, progressive and inclusive” Bangladesh.Prime Minister Modi posted on“I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relationship and advance our shared development goals,” he added.The BNP secured a two-thirds majority in the general election, winning more than 200 seats, its strongest performance ever, surpassing 193 seats in 2001. The outcome was widely seen as paving the way for political stability after months of turmoil following the former prime minister’s ouster. Sheikh Hasina August 2024 Generation Z-led uprising.Rahman, the son of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, is expected to be sworn in as prime minister. He returned to Dhaka in December after spending 18 years abroad. His father ruled Bangladesh from 1977 until his assassination in 1981 and remains a key figure in the country’s independence-era politics.Shortly after the results were announced, the BNP thanked voters and urged supporters to exercise restraint. The party said in a statement that “despite… the massive vote win, no celebratory marches or rallies will be organized” and called for nationwide prayers.The election was Hasina’s first since she fled to neighboring India. Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, 85, has been serving as head of an interim government since leaving office. Hasina, who currently lives in exile in New Delhi, has dominated Bangladeshi politics for years alongside Rahman’s mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.The Awami League, which has been in power for 15 years but was barred from contesting this election, had previously won 230 seats in 2008.Meanwhile, the Jamaat-e-Islami president admitted defeat and said the party would not engage in “opposition politics” just for its own benefit. The National Civic Party (NCP), led by youth activists, played a major role in the campaign against Hasina and was part of the Congress-backed alliance, but won only five of the 30 seats it contested.
more and more American Retirees are moving to smaller communities where the cost of living is low and the standard of living is high. In these smaller cities, where concerns about the cost of living and financial pressures associated with retirement age are growing, an annual salary of about $50,000 can provide millionaire luxury.
Increasing numbers of American retirees are relocating to small towns with high living standards and affordability, offering a luxurious lifestyle on a modest income. (Unsplash | For reference only)
Here’s a roundup of 10 towns across the country that fit the bill, including low housing costs, friendly neighborhoods and amenities that appeal to seniors. This list is compiled based on data from Zillow and Apartments.com.
As its name suggests, this city in the Bayou State is surrounded by swamps and rivers that grandparents can explore by boat on quiet and peaceful evenings.
Lake Charles is located in southwestern Louisiana and has one of the largest lakes in the carnival The state hosts annual events that provide visitors with a true flavor of local culture.
Now, the most important factor in this city of lakes is The average rent is $1,100, Enjoy your own backwater boating experience within the city.
this average house price Located in Lake Charles is $197,799.
Morristown, Tennessee
If you’re a nature lover and enjoy watching the kids play in a nearby state park, Morristown is the place for you.
The picturesque Cherokee Reservoir is located near Morristown, and adjacent state parks provide easy access to outdoor activities.
It’s even the disc golf capital of Tennessee, which could be a fun new pastime. this average rent rising in morristown to $1,650,and The average home price is $257,008.
freeport illinois
for freeportlet’s dig deeper into the city’s most attractive feature, which is average rent lie in $722 per month. this The average home price is $120,331.
This is a cost-effective city where you can live a “millionaire’s” lifestyle for just a few dollars.
In addition, Freeport is also an excellent choice. The charming city center offers many dining and shopping options. It’s ideal for retirees looking to settle down in their later years.
Freeport is home to several community theaters and groups that host monthly events, like gilmore girls‘Starry sky.
To keep your days filled with activity and vitality, Eufaula offers excellent opportunities, and the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge is an ideal place for hiking, boating, and bird watching.
Eufaula sits on the Chattahoochee River, across the water from the state of Georgia. The town is rich in history and its buildings are set among charming oak trees.
this The average rent in Eufaula is nearly $865,as well as The average house price rose to 156,982.
Florence, Alabama
Florence is located across from Muscle Shoals on the banks of the Tennessee River. Both cities are known for their great music, with plenty of live music venues and events year-round.
Much like Eufaula and Morristown, there are plenty of hiking trails in the area if you want to get out and about. The town has a vibrant senior center that hosts activities most days of the week.
this The average rent is nearly $1,100, and The average home price is $200,270.
tupelo mississippi
Southern states are known for their small-town charm. Tupelo has just that kind of charm.
Take in stunning natural scenery and sample mouth-watering dishes at highly regarded restaurants along the Natchez Trace Parkway just outside the city.
The nearby senior center hosts weekly activities, including a bridge club popular with card enthusiasts.
this Average rent is approximately $1,150the average house price here is $197,596.
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Hattiesburg is not only known for its affordable cost of living. This community excels in many ways, including providing housing for Southern University mississippi. There are an incredible number of cultural events held throughout the year, partly due to the university town atmosphere.
This town has plenty to offer seniors, including a bustling downtown and several museums.
this Average rent is $1,150,as well as The average home price is $213,638.
Santa Rosa, New Mexico
If you’re looking for a place with talent, Santa Rosa may be the ideal place to retire. Located on historic Route 66, it has a fascinating history that attracts creatives and artists from across the country.
Retired thrill seekers may find it interesting that Santa Rosa even offers diving opportunities in its deep blue waters.
this average rent in santa rosa is $1,200,as well as The average home price rose to $306,813.
bluefield, west virginia
Bluefield is like the ultimate mountain summer retreat. Bluefield’s famed Appalachian Mountains provide a tranquil backdrop for your golden years.
There’s a lot to enjoy about this lovely place, including mild summers and small-town charm. Plus, enjoy the natural beauty of nearby New River Gorge National Park with easy access.
With over 20% of the town’s population over 65, there are plenty of opportunities to meet other retirees.
this average rent Because this little paradise is as low as $850,as well as The average home price is $105,770.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The Cedar Rapids Kernels, minor league baseball team, Indian Creek Nature Center and McGrath Amphitheater are just a few of the city’s many recreational facilities.
There’s always something going on, including support for youth hockey teams, numerous museums and a busy city market. There are so many people over 65 here that you’ll have no problem making friends with other retirees.
this Average rent is $1,090,as well as The average home price rose to $202,097.
