Oriental Pearl and Shanghai Tower, together with towers around the world, light up in red in celebration of the Spring Festival of the Year of the Snake

January 29, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 January 2025 – Shanghai extends an invitation to landmarks and towers from cities across four continents to light up in red and celebrate the first Spring Festival as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. The Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower, two of Shanghai’s iconic landmarks, is teaming up with members of World Federation of Great Towers (WFGT) and Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), including Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Empire State Building in New York, Tokyo Tower, Willis Tower in Chicago, Reunion Tower in Dallas, Vancouver Lookout, Torre Glories in Spain and SkyTower in Bucharest. Together, they will celebrate the first Spring Festival after its inclusion in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list by lighting up in red and sending Chinese New Year greetings.

View of the Lujiazui skyline as Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower lights up in red in the evening on January 28, 2025.

On the eve of the Spring Festival, Shanghai’s iconic Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower, the third tallest building in the world, took the lead in lighting up in festive red and shared the cheerful atmosphere with people around the world.

Shanghai Tower lights up in red in the evening on January 28, 2025.

At the same time, the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore has launched a Spring Festival-themed light show, projecting the beautiful color of Chinese red onto its buildings, as part of its Chinese New Year celebrations that will last till the Lantern Festival on February 12. Also, multiple towers in Asian cities will soon follow up. In Dubai, UAE, the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa tower will also light up in red, as tourists from around the globe gather at its foot to usher in the Year of the Snake. In Tokyo, Japan, as the clock counts down towards the Chinese New Year and the Tokyo Tower puts on a red coat, 2,025 balloons with the images of China’s giant pandas and Japanese anime characters will be released into the sky, carrying the wonderful wishes of the Chinese and Japanese people.

In the American continent, on January 29 local time in the US and the first day of the Chinese New Year, the Empire State Building in New York will appear in a dazzling red. In addition, the third tallest building in North America, the Willis Tower in Chicago, the Reunion Tower in Dallas, Texas will also light up in red during the Spring Festival. Further north, Canada is joining in as well. The red lights on the Vancouver Lookout will bring a special Spring Festival vibe to the Chinese people in Canada.

In Oceania, the city of Sydney will host a number of celebrations for the Spring Festival of the Year of the Snake.

In Europe, landmarks of a number of cities will also take part in the wonderfully red Spring Festival celebrations. In the Romanian capital of Bucharest, the emblematic SkyTower will turn into a red fairy. Several Spring Festival celebrations will also be held in the city to introduce traditional Chinese Spring Festival culture to the local people. In Barcelona, Spain, the Torre Glories, the most outstanding building of the city’s skyline, will light up in red and illuminate the city’s nightly sky. The Chinese community in Spain will also hold Spring Festival events bustling with joy and celebration, to welcome the arrival of the Chinese New Year together with the locals.

Hashtag: #ShanghaiEye

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

AstraZeneca achieves top rankings as Best Place to Work across North Africa and Levant in 2024

MIL OSI

January 29, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 January 2025 – AstraZeneca, a leading multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, has been recognized as the second-best place to work across the Middle East for 2024 according to the annual prestigious “Best Places to Work” ranking.

The company achieved remarkable country-specific ranking in the Best Places to Work certification, including being named the Best Place to Work for Women and the Best Place to Work for Millennials in select markets.

AstraZeneca took the top spot in Iraq, Algeria, and Lebanon, while securing second place in Morocco and Tunisia. In Jordan, the company earned the third position. Last year, AstraZeneca ranked second across the Middle East, demonstrating sustained recognition of its workplace culture and reinforcing its position as an employer of choice in the region.

In a statement from Rami Scandar, Near East & Maghreb Country President, he said: “It brings me immense pride and gratitude to witness the remarkable achievements that AZ NEMAG consistently attains. With the recent announcement of our rankings as the best places to work, I am delighted to share that we have secured the 1st and 2nd positions in the Middle East. This outstanding accomplishment is a true testament to your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence.”

Heba El Shabrawy, HR Director for AstraZeneca Near East & Maghreb commented on this achievement “Despite the numerous challenges that NEMAG has consistently faced, we continue to be amazed by the incredible talents, commitment, and passion demonstrated by our team members. The achievement of securing the first and second rankings in all our participating markets is a true testament to the remarkable strides we have made over the past year. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for your hard work and perseverance.”

AstraZeneca Near East & Maghreb has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture, earning the prestigious Best Place to Work certification for several consecutive years. This achievement reflects the company’s dedication to creating an environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and motivated to excel.AstraZeneca Near East & Maghreb excels by prioritizing well-being, growth, and diversity.

For more information about AstraZeneca, please visit www.astrazeneca.com.

For more information about Best Places to Work certification program, visit www.bestplacestowork.org.

Hashtag: #BestPlacesToWork

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Vodafone Egypt secures top spot in the Best Places to Work for Women ranking list for 2024

MIL OSI

January 29, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

CAIRO, EGYPT – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 January 2025 – Vodafone Egypt has been named the #1 Best Place to Work for Women, a prestigious recognition celebrating the company’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and supportive workplace for women. This achievement underscores Vodafone Egypt’s leadership in creating a culture where diversity thrives, and female employees can excel both personally and professionally.

The Best Places to Work for Women ranking is based on a rigorous evaluation of workplace practices, policies, and initiatives designed to empower women. Vodafone Egypt’s top position is a testament to its forward-thinking programs, including mentorship opportunities, leadership development, flexible working arrangements, and initiatives aimed at addressing gender equity across all levels of the organization.

Vodafone Egypt has been at the forefront of advocating for gender equality, launching initiatives such as & not limited to:

Parental Leave Policies: Vodafone Egypt’s industry-leading parental leave program provides equal opportunities for both mothers and fathers, supporting families and enabling career progression.
Leadership Development: Targeted programs to mentor and advance women into leadership positions, ensuring representation at the highest levels.
Supportive Culture: A workplace environment that actively champions diversity and inclusion through employee resource groups, training, and regular engagement.

In a statement, NaglaKinawi, Vodafone Egypt’s Human Resources Director, said: “We are deeply honored to receive this prestigious award, which stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to empowering women and supporting their professional aspirations. This recognition underscores our dedication to advancing gender equality and fostering an inclusive environment.

This accomplishment reflects our vision of cultivating a workplace that empowers women to drive change, inspire creativity, and pursue excellence daily. It directly contributes to our success and long-term sustainability. This recognition is the result of various innovative initiatives and programs designed to empower women, which have had a profound and lasting impact, significantly enhancing satisfaction levels among our female employees.”

As a leading company in Egypt, with localized efforts to promote diversity and gender equality within the communities it serves. This recognition is a milestone in the company’s broader mission to champion equality and inclusivity across all areas of its operations.

For more information about the certification and ranking process, please visit www.bestplacestoworkfor.org

Hashtag: #BestPlacesToWork

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Activist News – Predictable lineup of apologists for Israel attack PSNA campaign

LiveNews Publisher

January 28, 2025

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters, the Chief Human Rights Commissioner Stephen Rainbow and the New Zealand Jewish Council have lined up to protect Israeli soldiers in New Zealand on “rest and recreation” from the industrial-scale killing of Palestinians in Gaza.

“We are not surprised to see such a predictable lineup of apologists for Israel and its genocide in Gaza from lining up to attack a PSNA campaign with false smears of anti-semitism”, says PSNA National Chair John Minto.

“Why is concern for the sensitivities of soldiers from a genocidal Israeli campaign more important than condemning the genocide itself?”

Over 16 months Mr Peters has done absolutely nothing to put any pressure on Israel to end its genocidal behaviour but is full of bluff and bluster and outright lies to denounce those who demand Israel be held to account.

If Mr Peters was doing his job he would not only stop Israeli soldiers coming here (as per Russian soldiers) but he would also support the recent International Court of Justice ruling and deny visas to any Israeli with an address in an illegal Israeli settlement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The Human Rights Commission has issued a disingenuous media release – our campaign has nothing to do with Israelis or Jews – it is a campaign to stop Israeli soldiers coming here for rest and recreation after a campaign of wholesale killing of Palestinians in Gaza. To imply the campaign is targeting Jews is disgusting and despicable.

Some of the soldiers will be Druse, some Palestinian Arabs and others will be Jews.

In the meantime PSNA salutes the brave Israelis who have refused to take part in the genocide.

The deeply racist New Zealand Jewish Council regularly makes a meal of false smears of anti-semitism and they are at it again here. It’s deeply problematic that this Jewish Council strategy takes attention away from the real anti-semitism which exists in New Zealand and around the world.

“The priority of the Jewish Council is to protect Israel from criticism and protect it from accountability for its apartheid policies, ethnic cleansing and genocide”.

We are demanding that accountability.

John Minto

National Chair

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

MIL OSI

Road blocked, Te Poi

LiveNews Publisher

January 28, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway 29 at Te Poi is blocked following a serious crash.

It involved one vehicle and was reported about 8:10pm.

One person is believed to be in serious condition.

The Serious Crash Unit is attending and the road is currently blocked at the intersections of State Highway 29 and State Highway 24.

Motorists are asked to take alternate routes.

ENDS

MIL OSI

Name release: Fatal crash, SH73, Arthurs Pass

LiveNews Publisher

January 28, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash on State Highway 73, Arthurs Pass on Sunday.

He was 54-year-old Paul Wilcock, of Kumara.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Serious crash, Johnsonville-Porirua motorway

LiveNews Publisher

January 28, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway 59 at Tawa is closed southbound due to a vehicle incident.

Police were called to the scene about 5:55pm, and on arrival located a person with critical injuries.

They have since been transported to hospital, and the Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

The highway is blocked southbound between Mungavin and Tawa while emergency services attend – motorists are advised to take alternate routes.

ENDS

MIL OSI

Release: Luxon misleading on the economy

LiveNews Publisher

January 28, 2025

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is misleading the public by falsely claiming the economy has been in recession for three years.

“Let’s set the record straight: National’s economic mismanagement has caused a recession that began after they took office,” Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

A recession is defined as two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth, which has been the case for the last two quarters where official data is available.

“Trying to claim the economy was in recession when it wasn’t is frankly embarrassing for a Prime Minister.

“Recession indicators are easily verifiable from official sources, so for Luxon to make such an uninformed comment is truly mind boggling. Either Nicola Willis isn’t briefing him, or he’s not listening to her – either way it’s dysfunctional.

“Instead of taking responsibility and presenting a real plan to grow the economy, they are trying to rewrite history.

“New Zealanders deserve honesty and leadership, not excuses and spin,” Barbara Edmonds said.

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Cambridge Road lane closure to be lifted 4 days ahead of schedule

LiveNews Publisher

January 28, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

28 January 2025 4:26 pm | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi | Tauranga City Council

Sheet piling works for the Tauriko Enabling Works project are ahead of schedule at the SH29/Cambridge Road intersection, which means the lane closure will be lifted overnight on Wednesday 29 January.

Traffic will be able to turn off SH29 into Cambridge Road again from Thursday 30 January. The remaining sheet piling and retailing wall works will start taking place behind the barrier and both lanes will be open for traffic.

Works to improve safety at the SH29/Cambridge Road intersection have started off well, despite this area being challenging and narrow to work in, says Darryl Coalter, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Manager, Infrastructure Delivery Waikato/Bay of Plenty (Acting).

“Everything aligned. Great weather, good ground conditions, no machinery breakdowns and the opportunity for the crew to work extended hours, enabled this tricky stage of the job to be completed 4 days ahead of schedule,” says Mr Coalter.

“Scheduling this work in January while schools are out and traffic volumes are lower helped minimise overall disruption to the travelling public. We’d like to thank everyone for their patience while this work was completed, especially residents, businesses and project neighbours.”

Tauranga City Council Bethlehem Ward Councillor Kevin Schuler says seeing work associated with the lane closure completed ahead of schedule is a fantastic result.

“This is a great start to works at the SH29 and Cambridge Road intersection, and an excellent outcome for businesses and for local residents we know use this route often.”

With the temporary sheet piles almost fully in place on this section of Cambridge Road, work can commence on the permanent retaining wall soon, says Mr Coalter.

“Building a retaining wall in this location is complex due to the surrounding geography, traffic volumes on Cambridge Road and constructing a 210m-long concrete wall, with a steep gully on one side. This is further complicated by multiple underground services that also need to be installed including power, water and fibre.

“The retaining wall is a key step allowing us to widen the road, accommodating increased traffic and a shared path, and is scheduled for completion in late 2025. Once the retaining wall is completed, there will be a lane shift on Cambridge Road allowing intersection and drainage works to begin on the other side of Cambridge Road.

“The upgrade of the SH29/Cambridge Road intersection is a key part of the Tauriko Enabling Works project. It will be a much safer and more efficient intersection, including a new connection to Whiore Avenue for buses and people walking and cycling wanting to access Tauriko Business Estate.”

MIL OSI

Reminder: Southbound closures next week for State Highway 1 Ngauranga Gorge

LiveNews Publisher

January 28, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Night works begin next week that will see State Highway 1 Ngauranga Gorge closed to southbound traffic between Johnsonville southbound offramp and Ngauranga Interchange.

The highway’s southbound lanes will be closed for two nights of resurfacing – Sunday, 2 February and Monday, 3 February, between 9 pm and 4:30 am.

Closing the road at night when there are fewer vehicles on the road reduces disruption, allows more work to be completed faster, and ensures workers are kept safe on this steep section of road.

A local road detour will be available for light vehicles only. They can take the Johnsonville southbound offramp and detour to the city via Johnsonville, Khandallah, and the Ngaio Gorge. Drivers travelling to the Hutt Valley on State Highway 1 should detour via State Highway 58 and Haywards Hill.

Heavy vehicles cannot take the Johnsonville/Khandallah route because of a height restriction on the Johnsonville underpass. They must use State Highway 58 to Haywards Hill and State Highway 2 Hutt Valley to get to the city.

These detours are longer, so drivers should allow extra travel time.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank the public for their patience and cooperation while this essential state highway maintenance is completed.

Works schedule and detour routes

Sunday, 2 February and Monday, 3 February. 9 pm – 4:30 am
Southbound closure SH1 Ngauranga Gorge between Johnsonville southbound offramp and Ngauranga Interchange.
Travelling to the Hutt from SH1, detour via SH58 off SH1 Transmission Gully.
Light vehicles detour via Johnsonville southbound offramp, Middleton Road, Johnsonville, Khandallah, and Ngaio Gorge. This route is not suitable for heavy vehicles.
Heavy vehicles must detour via SH58 Haywards and SH2 Hutt Valley.

View larger map [PDF, 344 KB]

More information:

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