Latest news with #Latif
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Teacher on a mission to make state hamlets tobacco addiction-free
1 2 3 4 5 6 Ranchi: In the remote corners of Jharkhand, where awareness campaigns seldom penetrate and addiction quietly takes a heavy toll, one man, a para teacher, has been leading a determined crusade armed with a bicycle fitted with a loudspeaker and a microphone. Latif Ansari (49), a para teacher from Godda district, transformed personal sorrow into a lifelong mission — pedalling across the state since 2012 to raise his voice against the rising threat of substance abuse. In a heartfelt tribute to his noble cause and showcasing the love of his country, his bicycle proudly bears the Tricolour. Latif's campaign began over a decade ago, when he noticed some of his young students falling prey to tobacco addiction. What started as casual use for fun by the students turned into dependence and abuse, leaving a bad impact on their health and academics. Moved by the grief faced by his students, Latif decided not to remain a mute spectator but act, not just as a teacher within the four walls of a classroom, but as a torchbearer for social reforms against substance abuse. "The sight of my primary school students getting addicted to beedis and other tobacco products has shaken me. Speaking to their parents, I found that these children were imitating their elders at home. That's when I realised the problem was widespread and not just local. It was then that I resolved to launch my mission to spread awareness about the harmful effects of addiction, and since then, I have been visiting places, trying my best to de-addict people from tobacco. Till now, I have visited 22 out of 24 districts of the state to spread awareness and stop people from getting addicted to tobacco," Latif said. Over the past 13 years, Latif has travelled to hundreds of villages across Jharkhand, pedalling hundreds of kilometres every day. Whenever he spots a group gathering — be it playing cards or chatting under a tree — he halts his bicycle and seizes the moment to share hard-hitting facts and real-life stories about the harmful effects of tobacco products from gutkha, khaini to alcohol and other substances. Although Latif has received mixed reactions from people many often ask for his help to get medicines to get rid of the addiction. State rural development and panchayati raj minister Dipika Pandey Singh hailed Latif's tireless efforts in her recent visit to the district and promised to establish de-addiction centres in Godda district.
Shafaq News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Drone intercepted near Coalition base in northern Iraq
Shafaq News – Al-Sulaymaniyah Kurdish security forces shot down an unidentified drone on Thursday as it approached a military installation in al-Sulaymaniyah province in Iraqi Kurdistan, that hosts units of the US-led Global Coalition, officials confirmed. The incident occurred at approximately 10:25 pm local time, when surveillance units of the 70th Brigade detected a drone operating in restricted airspace near the base. 'There were no casualties or material damage,' said Maj. Gen. Ahmed Latif, spokesperson for the 70th Brigade. 'The drone's origin and objective remain unknown at this time.' Latif added that a technical investigation has been launched to determine whether the drone was part of a reconnaissance operation or intended to carry out an attack. No group has claimed responsibility.
Glasgow Times
08-07-2025
- Climate
- Glasgow Times
NHS 24 issues sun safety advice during warm spell
The forecast indicates sunny skies across most of the country. Dr Siama Latif, associate medical director at NHS 24, said: "It's wonderful to enjoy the sunshine, but we want everyone to remember that staying out for too long can cause problems. Dr Siama Latif (Image: Supplied) "Sunburn, blisters, and peeling skin are all unpleasant and even painful in the short term, but you should also be mindful of the long-term complications such as skin cancer." With this in mind, NHS 24 has provided sun safety tips, including wearing sun protection when outside, seeking shade, staying well-hydrated, and checking on those who may be vulnerable to the sun's rays. Read more: Glasgow community gathers for touching floral tribute remembering lost loved ones Dr Latif said: "Our advice is to make sure you cover up and stay in the shade when the sun is at its hottest between 11am and 3pm. "Wear loose, cool clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, and neck. "If you do need to be out and about, make sure you slather on plenty of sun cream. (Image: Supplied) "Don't be stingy, use enough to completely cover any exposed skin. "We recommend a minimum SPF of 30 to guard against harmful UV rays." She also emphasised the importance of hydration during warm weather. Dr Latif said: "It's also crucial to stay hydrated when the temperature rises. "Drink lots of water, and maybe some diluted juice, to prevent dehydration or heatstroke. "Ice lollies or ice poles are a fun way to keep the younger members of the family cool too." She also urged the public to keep an eye on those who are particularly vulnerable in the heat. She said: "Small children and babies can quickly become overheated, so ensure they're dressed appropriately and kept out of direct sunlight. "The elderly and those with long-term medical conditions can also be more susceptible to heat-related issues, so check on them too to make sure they're comfortable and staying cool and hydrated."
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Record
NHS 24 reminding public to take necessary precautions to stay safe in the sun
With the forecast predicting sunny skies for most of the county, it's important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. As Lanarkshire and West Lothian basks in a spell of fine, dry, and settled weather, NHS 24 is reminding the public to take necessary precautions to stay safe in the sun. With the forecast predicting sunny skies for most of the county, it's important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Dr Siama Latif, associate medical director at NHS 24, explained: "It's wonderful to enjoy the sunshine, but we want everyone to remember that staying out for too long can cause problems. "Sunburn, blisters, and peeling skin are all unpleasant and even painful in the short-term, but you should also be mindful of the long-term complications such as skin cancer. "Make the most of the good weather, but stay safe." NHS 24's sun safety tips including making sure you are wearing sun protection when outside, seeking shade, staying hydrated, and checking in on those who may be vulnerable to the sun's rays. "Our advice is to make sure you cover up and stay in the shade when the sun is at its hottest between 11am and 3pm. Wear loose cool clothing, sunglasses, and a wide brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, and neck," said Dr Latif. "If you do need to be out and about, make sure you slather on plenty of sun cream. "Don't be stingy, use enough to completely cover any exposed skin. We recommend a minimum SPF of 30 to guard against harmful UV rays." Dr Latif added: "It's also crucial to stay hydrated when the temperature rises. "Drink lots of water, and maybe some diluted juice, to prevent dehydration or heatstroke. "Ice lollies or ice poles are a fun way to keep the younger members of the family cool too. "Lastly, keep a watchful eye on those who are particularly vulnerable in the heat. "Small children and babies can quickly become overheated, so ensure they're dressed appropriately and kept out of direct sunlight. "The elderly and those with long-term medical conditions can also be more susceptible to heat-related issues, so check on them too to make sure they're comfortable and staying cool and hydrated." For more information on sun safety and advice and how to deal with heat-related health conditions such as sunburn, visit NHS 24's summer campaign page. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Singapore Law Watch
08-07-2025
- Business
- Singapore Law Watch
Shell heist: Second mastermind gets more than 25 years' jail for siphoning $100m of fuel
Shell heist: Second mastermind gets more than 25 years' jail for siphoning $100m of fuel Source: Straits Times Article Date: 08 Jul 2025 Author: Selina Lum The authorities have seized nearly $7.7 million in assets from him, including $4.7 million in cash from a safe that was moved around various locations. One of the two masterminds of a long-running scheme to misappropriate marine gas oil out of Shell's Pulau Bukom facility was sentenced to a jail term of 25 years and two months on July 7. Abdul Latif Ibrahim, 67, admitted he led a group of rogue employees that siphoned $100 million worth of fuel between August 2014 and January 2018, which was then sold to local and foreign vessels. Latif, whose salary was $3,700, received at least $7 million in illicit gains, which he spent on luxury watches, expensive cars and property. The authorities have seized nearly $7.7 million in assets from him, including $4.7 million in cash from a safe that was moved around various locations. He pleaded guilty to 20 charges of criminal breach of trust and 10 charges of money laundering. Another 34 charges were considered by the High Court during sentencing. The other mastermind, Juandi Pungot, who was then 45 years old, was sentenced to 29 years' jail in 2022 for his role in the largest marine fuel heist in Singapore's history. Juandi had pleaded guilty to 20 charges of criminal breach of trust, 10 money laundering charges and six corruption charges. Latif and Juandi both admitted that they began misappropriating fuel in 2007, when they were working in the same team. The stolen oil was loaded onto a bunker ship, in deals brokered through a middleman. The two men went on to expand the criminal enterprise by recruiting other members for their team. In early 2013, Latif left the team after a falling-out with the other syndicate members. That year, Latif accepted Shell's offer of re-employment, and was transferred to another team. Latif then started a new syndicate by recruiting Richard Goh Chee Keong, who planned the illegal loadings with him. Goh then recruited Ng Chee Seng. Ng later decided to stop the criminal activities, and was replaced in May 2015 by Mohd Ibrahim K. Abdul Majid. Latif continued his illegal operations, separate from Juandi, until their arrests in 2018. Each illegal loading began with the brokering of a deal to sell misappropriated fuel. The vessels that received the stolen oil included those owned by Singapore companies Sentek Marine & Trading and Sirius Marine, and Vietnamese entity Prime Shipping Corporation. Using various methods to evade detection, the rogue employees worked together to route the gas oil from tanks onto the vessels. They carefully planned routes in the pipelines to bypass meters, and activated pumps at the same time to mask the theft. Where the meters could not be avoided, they temporarily tampered with them so that the illegal outflow would not be recorded. Team members not involved in the illicit activities were encouraged to take longer breaks, and bribes were paid to bunker surveyors to not accurately report the amount of cargo loaded onto the vessels. In early 2015, Shell began observing significant unidentified oil loss at Pulau Bukom. After investigations, the company made a police report on Aug 1, 2017. Between 2014 and 2018, Juandi's syndicate siphoned 203,403 tonnes of gas oil worth nearly $128 million. Latif's group misappropriated 153,996 tonnes of gas oil, valued at about $100 million. He spent his ill-gotten gains on a condominium unit in Braddell Road and two properties in Indonesia. Latif bought at least three cars: a Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S sedan, a Mercedes-Benz AMG E43M and a BMW 435I Gran Coupe M Sport. He also invested money in a few businesses and funded the education for his two nephews in Australia. Deputy Public Prosecutor Ben Tan proposed a sentence of 25 to 27 years' jail for Latif, arguing that his culpability was similar to that of Juandi. Latif's lawyer, Mr Justin Ng, sought 22 years' jail, arguing that the scale of the scheme carried out by his client was significantly smaller than that carried out by Juandi. The lawyer added that his client will be consenting to the forfeiture of his seized properties to the state. Latif was allowed to defer the start of his sentence to Sept 30. Goh's and Ibrahim's cases are pending. The other rogue employees have been sentenced to jail terms ranging from one year and four months to 26½ years. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction. Print
