Latest news with #States
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Population likely lower than data shows
There could be a drop of 3% in Guernsey's recorded population when "IT system changes and data validation tasks" are completed and island statistics are restored, the States has said. It added it was because the number of people who moved away from Guernsey was "likely" to have been understated in the past, which was identified by a new States computer system. The States said work was continuing to restore quarterly publications of population, employment and earnings figures, but "more time is needed" to ensure statistics were accurate. It added a "series of IT system changes and data validation tasks need to be completed and thoroughly tested before publication can be resumed". More news stories for Guernsey Listen to the latest news for Guernsey The new IT systems in the Revenue Service had "brought to light" the data issues in the Rolling Electronic Census, it said. "These issues are likely to have caused historical outward migration statistics, i.e. the number of people moving away from Guernsey, to be understated," it said. The States added: "While it is normal for these statistics to be restated by small amounts each time they are issued after new information comes to light, it is now expected that the next publication could include a downward revision of the total population of up to 3% - a larger revision than is normal." It said previously published employment and earnings statistics should be unaffected and "accuracy of statistics remains the priority". "It is important that the public can have confidence in the published statistics. "Since it is taking longer than anticipated to apply and validate all the necessary changes, additional resources have been applied to this work to accelerate it," the States added. The latest recorded population of Guernsey, recorded for December 2023 and published in October 2024, was 64,781 - which marked an increase of more than 1%. Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to More on this story Guernsey population increases by 1% Related internet links States of Guernsey
BBC News
18 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Last published data "overstated" Guernsey population
There could be a drop of 3% in Guernsey's recorded population when "IT system changes and data validation tasks" are completed and island statistics are restored, the States has added it was because the number of people who moved away from Guernsey was "likely" to have been understated in the past, which was identified by a new States computer States said work was continuing to restore quarterly publications of population, employment and earnings figures, but "more time is needed" to ensure statistics were added a "series of IT system changes and data validation tasks need to be completed and thoroughly tested before publication can be resumed". The new IT systems in the Revenue Service had "brought to light" the data issues in the Rolling Electronic Census, it said."These issues are likely to have caused historical outward migration statistics, i.e. the number of people moving away from Guernsey, to be understated," it States added: "While it is normal for these statistics to be restated by small amounts each time they are issued after new information comes to light, it is now expected that the next publication could include a downward revision of the total population of up to 3% - a larger revision than is normal."It said previously published employment and earnings statistics should be unaffected and "accuracy of statistics remains the priority"."It is important that the public can have confidence in the published statistics. "Since it is taking longer than anticipated to apply and validate all the necessary changes, additional resources have been applied to this work to accelerate it," the States latest recorded population of Guernsey, recorded for December 2023 and published in October 2024, was 64,781 - which marked an increase of more than 1%.
New Indian Express
21 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
OPS slams Centre over withheld Samagra Shiksha funds, cites impact on Tamil Nadu students and teachers
He further pointed out that Samagra Shiksha, a joint initiative by the Centre and States, is aimed at improving access to quality education from pre-primary to higher secondary levels, enhancing enrolment, ensuring equal opportunities, and bridging social and gender gaps. While the Central government contributes 60% of the funds, the remaining 40% is provided by the State. Citing information presented in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary, OPS noted that ₹2,151 crore allocated to Tamil Nadu for 2024–25 has been withheld due to the State's non-compliance with certain guidelines. Highlighting the scheme's wide reach, he said around 65 lakh students are enrolled in private schools across the State, with six lakh teachers also depending on the scheme's support. With the Centre's funds frozen, schools are now under financial strain, teacher training initiatives have been halted, and sanitation efforts in schools have been suspended. Additionally, OPS stressed that the admission of 25% of students under the Right to Education Act has become unfeasible this year, placing the future of current RTE students in jeopardy. He reiterated his demand for the immediate release of funds to safeguard the education of underprivileged students and the well-being of teachers, and to uphold the federal spirit of the Constitution.
The Print
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Retd IAS write to Haryana CM on engaging stalking accused Vikas Barala—‘betrayal of Beti bachao'
In a letter to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, posted on X by veteran journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, 45 former IAS officers of the 1986 batch, including R.R. Jowel and Rajni Sekhri Sibal of the Haryana cadre, voiced their outrage: 'We are a group of retired IAS officers, who served in various capacities for over three decades at the Centre and States. We are surprised to hear that a stalking case accused, son of BJP ex-state chief, one Mr Vikas Barala has been appointed Assistant Advocate General by your government. We fail to understand the reasoning behind such an appointment of (someone) accused of stalking a woman as Asst AG. He will serve as the state legal officer, when he himself stands on the wrong side of the law in such a grave issue.' Barala, accused in the 2017 stalking and attempted abduction case involving Varnika Kundu, daughter of retired IAS officer V.S. Kundu, is currently on bail, with his trial pending in a Chandigarh court. The decision to engage Barala, in a list of 95 law officers notified on 18 July 2025, has been slammed as a betrayal of Haryana's 'asmita' (pride) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Beti Bachao' campaign, by the ex-IAS officers, with calls for its immediate revocation. Gurugram: The appointment of Vikas Barala, stalking accused and son of BJP Rajya Sabha member and former BJP Haryana chief Subhash Barala, as Assistant Advocate General (AAG) in the office of Advocate General for Haryana in Delhi has stirred a massive controversy, with 45 retired IAS officers expressing outrage over what they describe as a serious lapse of ethics. The letter, referring to the 2011 Supreme Court judgment that invalidated P.J. Thomas's appointment as Central Vigilance Commissioner because there was a criminal case pending against him, contends that Barala's appointment is as indefensible. To The Chief Minister, Haryana, Chandigarh. Sir, We are a group of retired IAS Officers, who served in various capacities for over three decades at Centre and the States. We are shocked to learn that a stalking case accused, son of BJP Ex-State Chief, one Mr. Vikas Barala has… — ParanjoyGuhaThakurta (@paranjoygt) July 25, 2025 'It appears that your government did not take into account the fact that there is a serious criminal case against Mr Barala, or else he would not have been appointed, being ineligible for holding such a sensitive position,' the officers said. They added, 'This appointment is against the 'asmita' of Haryana. By appointing this accused as Asst AG, you have opposed the slogan of Hon PM's Beti Bachao. We ask you to cancel his appointment immediately, as his continued stay in the position is bound to influence the determination of the case in which he stands accused. We also request you to approach the judiciary to expedite the trial of the case, as already over seven years have elapsed.' The letter was signed by prominent retirees such as P.D. Vaghela, G.V. Venugopala Sarma and Ravi Capoor, among others. All these ex-IAS officers are from Varnika Kundu's father VS Kundu's 1986 batch. Also read: Anil Vij calls gang rape charge against Haryana BJP chief Badoli 'very serious', says party will act Political and public backlash The appointment has invited tough responses from political circles and civil society. Actor and ex-MP Divya Spandana, also popularly known as Ramya, was amongst the first from the world of cinema to express her indignation on X: 'The BJP Govt in Haryana has appointed the accused Vikas Barala in the Varnika Kundu stalking case as Assistant Advocate General of the very state that is prosecuting him!! @PMOIndia @AmitShah @arjunrammeghwal @NayabSainiBJP How did the screening committee approve this?' The BJP Govt in Haryana has appointed the accused Vikas Barala in the Varnika Kundu stalking case as Assistant Advocate General of the very state that is prosecuting him!! @PMOIndia @AmitShah @arjunrammeghwal @NayabSainiBJP How did the screening committee approve this? — Ramya/Divya Spandana (@divyaspandana) July 23, 2025 Her post amplified the scepticism over the screening process which led to Barala's selection despite the severity of Barala's outstanding charges. The Congress party also criticised the appointment and has asked for his removal from the post. पिछले कुछ साल में महिला अपराध के कई मामले सामने आए हैं, जिसमें BJP द्वारा अपराधियों का संरक्षण किया जा रहा है। ताजा कड़ी में मामला हरियाणा का है, जहां विकास बराला नाम के व्यक्ति को लॉ ऑफिसर के तौर पर नियुक्त किया गया है। विकास बराला, BJP राज्य सभा सांसद सुभाष बराला का बेटा… — Congress (@INCIndia) July 25, 2025 Aditya Devilal, the INLD MLA from Dabwali, said in a message on X that those who claimed to be against dynastic politics have today appointed the son of a former Haryana BJP president as Advocate General—and that too, someone who was himself an under-trial. 'Is this the new justice of the Nayab government?' he asked. Haryana PWD Minister Ranbir Gangwa, however, defended Barala's selection and said that the Opposition has nothing better to do, so was making a hue and cry over all issues. 'The selection has been made by a committee constituted for this purpose. The committee has checked all documents before making appointments,' Gangwa told media persons at Chandigarh on Friday. Varnika Kundu, whose 2017 experience ignited countrywide discussions about women's security, issued a tempered but evocative message on social media after media started calling her for comments: 'Appointing someone to a public position of power is not just a political decision, it's a reflection of values and standards. So, perhaps, the questions should be directed at the authorities whose ethics and standards allowed this decision to be made.' 'Our politicians govern the nation; the rest of us are merely hoping that they recall that they work for the Indian citizen.' Frustrated with the slow pace of the trial, she said, 'Despite months of national media attention, (the trial) has dragged on for this long with little progress.' 'Though we are no nearer to a verdict than we were five years ago, I remain confident in the judiciary up until the time of the judgment—but won't deny that confidence has been shaken,' she added in her statement. Kundu expressed gratitude to the media and public for standing by her side, observing, 'It made all the difference—gave me great courage and still moves me to tears.' A high-profile case The issue arose out of an incident on the night of 4 August 2017, when Varnika Kundu, who was a disc jockey at the time, was returning home from Chandigarh's Sector-8 market at 12:15 AM. She spotted a Tata Safari following her. In her complaint, she explained how Vikas Barala and his friend Ashish Kumar followed her, tried to stop her, and tried to force themselves into her car. 'I attempted to take a different route closer to Sector-7, but they compelled me towards Sector-26. One of the accused alighted and reached my car, trying to open the door. It was saved only due to the central lock,' she said. Kundu made a call to the emergency helpline (100), alerted her father, and called Chandigarh Police, which nabbed the duo. An FIR was lodged under IPC Sections 354D (stalking), 341 (wrongful restraint), 365 (attempt to abduct), 511 (attempt to commit an offense), and charges of drunk driving. The case, which was registered in Sector 26 police station in Chandigarh, gained national attention as Subhash Barala was the Haryana BJP chief at that time. Vikas Barala was detained on 9 August 2017, following public backlash, and remained in Burail jail for five months until he got bail from the Punjab and Haryana High Court in January 2018. Charges were framed in October 2017, and the trial is ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for 2 August 2025, for recording defence evidence. Appointment process Barala's appointment was one of more than 95 law officers, such as AAGs, Deputy Advocates-General, and others, in a notification dated 18 July 2025. The process, regulated by the Haryana Law Officers (Engagement) Act, 2016, is one where the screening committee analyses the legal experience of the applicants. Section 8(c) of the 2016 Act disqualifies a person 'convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude' unless overturned or pardoned. A top Haryana government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, justified the appointment, saying, 'According to law, there is no irregularity. Barala is eligible and does not fall under any disqualification.' Vikas Barala and Subhash Barala have not responded to requests on Whatsapp for comment. This report will be updated if they make a statement. (Edited by Viny Mishra) Also read: Why UPSC has returned Haryana govt's proposal for promotion of 27 of its officers to IAS
Geek Girl Authority
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Book Review: THE ALCHEMY OF FLOWERS: A NOVEL
Exhausted and broken by loss, Eloise takes the chance of a lifetime to answer an ad in a French gardening magazine. To fly away from her life in the States and tend to both her shattered heart and the flowers of Paradise. And, best of all, for her … Absolutely no children allowed on the premises. Within the high garden walls, Eloise starts to learn the strange rules of the elusive estate owner. Living and working in isolation with her three companions, she finds her heart opening again to friendship — and realizes she's drawn to the handyman, Raphael. The flowers whisper to her, enchanting, delighting, healing. RELATED: Book Review: A Far Better Thing But why are the workers forbidden from going out during dusk? Who is the 'Goddess of the Garden'? Is her mind playing tricks on her, or does she see a woodsprite flitting through the trees? The giggles and glimpses of a little girl haunt her and make her question: What is real in Paradise, and what is illusion? Eloise tries to rationalize her uneasy feelings and the darkness she uncovers beneath the garden's lush beauty, but as she digs deeper into the mysteries of her sanctuary, she begins to suspect there's a child on the grounds — who may be in danger. When Paradise becomes a deadly prison, she must risk everything to protect her newfound family and claim her second chance at happiness. RELATED: Book Review: This Is My Body A Garden of Language The highlight of Laura Resau's The Alchemy of Flowers is its lush setting. More accurately, the sensual descriptions of said setting. This is a novel where part of me wants to see it on screen to really see what's in my mind's eye after reading the poetic prose; the other part of me thinks there's no way the visual medium would do Resau's images justice. I could taste every morsel Eloise eats, inhale every flower she touches her nose to … and I could feel the terror she felt in the twilight. Because, yes, for all its beauty, The Alchemy of Flowers is a thriller. Sort of. RELATED: 6 Slice-of-Life Webtoons That Will Help You Chill When Thrills Are Low-Stakes If there wasn't such a thing as a cozy thriller before, Resau has invented it with this book. More ambience than jump scares, the horror in The Alchemy of Flowers reflects Eloise's inner turmoil. Her backstory is deeply mournful, and the most distressing part of the tale. Even so … I'm the same age as Eloise, and her whole schtick did cause me to side-eye her at times. (But at least Stella gets her groove back.) Don't get me wrong, the novel has a body count and its fair share of people acting strange. It's just more Haunting of Bly Manor than Haunting of Hill House . RELATED: Book Review: A Resistance of Witches Will You Love It Or Love It Not? This book is a mood . I found the lush setting and rich emotions a welcome escape. That said, about 75 percent of The Alchemy of Flowers consists of descriptions of food, flowers, treehouses and the like. Some might find that tedious. If you're plot-driven, this novel might not be for you. If you don't mind a slow, meandering approach to action, I highly recommend settling in with this one. Laura Resau's The Alchemy of Flowers: A Novel is out on July 29, 2025. Borrow a copy from your local library or pick one up at your local indie bookstore. Content warnings
