Share Facebook Twitter Google + LinkedIn Pinterest Benson Hill Biosystems, a crop improvement company unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants, and Beck’s are partnering to bring to market the first photosynthetic efficiency trait, enabling corn farmers to increase the yield, sustainability and profitability of their farms.Sunlight is the critical natural input for food production, capturing and storing carbon as a source for all energy, but photosynthesis is highly inefficient. Increasing carbon capture by improving photosynthesis efficiency is recognized as an important opportunity to improve crop productivity and sustainability.“For years, trait innovation has been largely limited to only the largest multinational companies. The goal of our product development and testing programs has always been to help farmers succeed by bringing them more choice and profitability,” said Kevin Cavanaugh, Director of Research at Beck’s. “We have been working with Benson Hill now for years and are convinced that this collaboration will allow us to open new channels for innovation and greater opportunity for our customers.”Benson Hill has developed a robust pipeline of trait product candidates that improve crop photosynthetic efficiency, one of which has demonstrated significant yield increases in hybrid corn across three years of field trials in a broad range of environments and genetic backgrounds. Through its co-development and commercialization agreement, Beck’s and Benson Hill will advance a trait product candidate through the final stages of development and anticipate filing a regulatory dossier with the USDA by 2021.“It’s encouraging to see companies tackling some of the most critical and challenging areas of crop improvement such as photosynthesis,” said David Ertl, Technology Commercialization Manager at the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. “Novel trait development research is important, but it is equally important that these trait developers partner with others in the seed industry to commercialize these traits and get them into the hands of farmers.”The partnership is particularly timely given the unprecedented level of consolidation underway in the agriculture industry. Through true collaboration, the companies will combine their expertise in product development, testing, and commercialization to bring greater choice to farmers in the marketplace. The companies plan to broadly license this exciting technology to many seed corn companies so that all farmers will have the opportunity to increase corn yields.“When we started Benson Hill, we envisioned that the intersection of disciplines known as cloud biology could help address major challenges like improving photosynthesis,” said Matthew Crisp, CEO and co-founder of Benson Hill. “This outcome has since been demonstrated, and dedicated partners like Beck’s are now helping us define new channels to market for the resulting product opportunities.”
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Rajasthan Budget lacks focus on health sector, say activists
The Rajasthan Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (JSA), representing the State’s activists working in the health sector, has expressed surprise over the absence of any reference to legislation on right to health in the 2019-20 State Budget, presented by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot last week. Activists said the Budget was “full of rhetoric” and had very little to offer in real terms for the health sector.The Congress, which had promised to bring the Right to Health Bill in its 2018 Assembly election manifesto, has not made any progress on this front after the formation of the government. The JSA had submitted a draft Bill to the State government earlier this year, after which there were a couple of rounds of consultations without any subsequent action.The JSA, which functions as the State chapter of the People’s Health Movement, said the Budget had reduced allocations for health care and free medicines and diagnostics schemes, while there was no clarity about ‘Janata Clinics’, to be opened on the lines of Delhi’s ‘Mohalla Clinics’, for which no budgetary allocation had been made.‘Hike negligible’Chhaya Pachauli, senior programme coordinator of voluntary group Prayas, said here on July 16 that the increase of ₹875.19 crore in the allocation for medical, health and family welfare, from ₹12,163.41 crore in 2018-19 to ₹13,038.60 crore in 2019-20, was negligible and would not help in the increase in per capita expenditure on health or it share in the State’s gross domestic product.“What is really problematic and alarming is that while the last year’s allocation constituted 6.16% of the total Budget allocations, its share has gone down to 5.97% this year,” Ms. Pachauli said. This slash indicated a clear undermining of health as a priority and a denial of the need for intensifying health budget to strengthen the public health care system, she said.The reduction in the budget of the Bhamashah Swasthya Bima Yojana — the health insurance scheme initiated by the previous BJP regime in 2015 – from ₹1,491 crore last year to just ₹631 crore this year might be an indication of its merger with the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Bima Yojana. Health Minister Raghu Sharma had hinted of the merger recently, with the Centre and the State making contribution in 60:40 ratio.Ms. Pachauli said the allocations for free medicines and diagnostics schemes should have been increased generously this year in view of the announcement for increase in the number of medicines and diagnostic tests provided free by the State government. In the dearth of adequate funds, the schemes were not likely to revive from the neglect that took a toll on them in the last five years during the previous government’s tenure.The JSA said the State Budget, which lacked focus and commitment, had left public health sector starving for adequate resources. “There is little hope that the State health infrastructure and public health services would see any vital improvement in the near future,” it said.
16 days agoBVB, PSG challenge Arsenal for Celtic whizkid Dembele
TagsTransfersAbout the authorAnsser SadiqShare the loveHave your say BVB, PSG challenge Arsenal for Celtic whizkid Dembeleby Ansser Sadiq16 days agoSend to a friendShare the loveBorussia Dortmund are joining Arsenal in the race to sign Karamoko Dembele from Celtic.The 16-year-old has become one the hottest properties in Europe over the past few months.The Sunclaims that Arsenal boss Unai Emery is a huge fan of Dembele and wants to add him to the squad.But it appears that he will have competition. PSG are interested, while Bild reports that Borussia Dortmund are “hot” for the youngster as well.Dembele has not played this season for the Celtic first team, but is rated very highly by everyone in the game. 
3 days agoChelsea winger Hudson-Odoi: I know I can improve
About the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say Chelsea winger Hudson-Odoi: I know I can improveby Paul Vegas3 days agoSend to a friendShare the loveChelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi says he’ll get better as he gets fitter.Hudson-Odoi is confident of his place in manager Frank Lampard’s plans.”I definitely think I can improve. I am not a perfect player,” he said. “I say to myself, keep going, keep working hard and hopefully more opportunities will come.”I just need to get up to speed and get my fitness back. I think once that happens gradually my dribbling and everything will come back to what it was. Now I am feeling a bit more confident to get on the ball and do my stuff.” 
Iowa Releases “4th Quarter” Hype Video Ahead Of Rose Bowl
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – JANUARY 05: Quarterback Ricky Stanzi #12 of the Iowa Hawkeyes leads his team onto the field against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the FedEx Orange Bowl at Land Shark Stadium on January 5, 2010 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)The College Football Playoff semifinal contests may be over, but ‘The Granddaddy of Them All’ still awaits. Friday, Iowa and Stanford are set to tangle in the Rose Bowl in what might be the most exciting non-playoff postseason contest. It’s the first appearance in the big game for the Hawkeyes since 1991, and as such, tens of thousands of Hawkeyes fans are making the trip out west.Thursday, the school released an interesting hype video for fans to watch ahead of the fourth quarter. Check it out:For your viewing pleasure during the 4th quarter of the @rosebowlgame | #Hawkeyes : @chrisruthiowa https://t.co/5Zh1MDgMcB— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) December 31, 2015Will Iowa restore faith in the Big Ten after a rough Thursday night? We’ll find out in just a few hours.
Stars Of Soccer Aid For UNICEF Welcomed To 10 Downing Street
This week, the British Prime Minister welcomed the stars of this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF, including former Olympic athletes Usain Bolt and Soccer Aid co-founder Robbie Williams to a reception at 10 Downing Street.The event celebrated the commitment by the UK government to match every £1 donated by the public through its UK Aid Match scheme, doubling the difference for children in danger around the world.Soccer Aid for Unicef star players including Sir Mo Farah and Olly Murs joined the Prime Minister to celebrate change made possible by the generous donations of the British public, who have previously raised more than £24 million for Soccer Aid for Unicef since the first match in 2006.The reception also welcomed young reporter Kendra, aged 14, who travelled to see how donations to Soccer Aid for Unicef can help children in Lesotho, school children and Unicef UK Children’s Champions – members of the public who campaign in support of children’s rights and UK aid in their communities.The garden event offered guests the opportunity to engage with and learn about the work done by Unicef through its partnership with the Department for International Development (DFID). Interactive stalls included a School in a Box, which helps at least 40 children continue their education in times of emergency and conflict, VR headsets showing childhood around world, and an opportunity to take part in the Soccer Aid Playground Challenge alongside school children.Soccer Aid World XI captain Usain Bolt said: “We as the Soccer Aid team are honoured to have met UK Prime Minister Theresa May at Downing Street today to celebrate the vital work made possible by donations to Soccer Aid for Unicef and the UK government, who are matching all donations this year pound for pound.”Robbie Williams, co-founder Of Soccer Aid for Unicef said: “Soccer Aid is always such a special event to be a part of, and seeing the real difference made by the money raised really helps the importance of the game hit home. I hope we can push the total even higher this year to help even more children around the world.”The Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Today’s reception is a chance to celebrate charity workers and the kindness of those who help raise money including the Soccer Aid for Unicef participants who have previously raised £24 million to support vulnerable children around the world.”“We could not have done this without the extraordinary generosity of people in the UK and their determination to support others in need.”Unicef UK Executive Director Mike Penrose said: “We are hugely proud of Soccer Aid for Unicef and the place it holds in the heart of the British public. Time and time again we have proved what a generous nation we are, and with the UK government matching public donations for Soccer Aid for Unicef pound-for-pound this year, together we can make double the difference for children.”International Development Secretary, Penny Mordaunt, said: “UK aid will continue to work to make the world – and ultimately the UK – a better, safer and more prosperous place and through UK Aid Match we are giving the British public a say in how the aid budget is spent. We will be matching all UK public donations to Soccer Aid for Unicef pound-for-pound up to £5 million.“I want to say a huge thank you to the British Public whose fundraising efforts are helping save lives around the world. Today’s reception is about them.”Soccer Aid for Unicef features an impressive line-up of celebrities and former sportsmen this year, including: Robbie Williams, Usain Bolt, Sir Mo Farah, Eric Cantona, Gordon Ramsay, Olly Murs, Michael Sheen, Mark Wright, Brendan Cole, Joe Wicks, Rak-Su, Clarence Seedorf, Robert Pirès, Yaya Toure, Jaap Stam, Patrick Kluivert, Edwin van der Sar, Kevin Pietersen, David Seaman, Dan Carter, Phil Neville, Jamie Redknapp, Danny Murphy and Robbie Fowler.You can also join the Soccer Aid team and try your luck at the Blindfold Keepy-Uppy Challenge to see how many keepy-uppies you can do blindfolded. Share your videos with your social media followers and get them to donate to Soccer Aid for Unicef with the link unicef.uk/keepitup.The Soccer Aid for Unicef match will take place at Old Trafford on Sunday 10th June, just four days before the FIFA World Cup in Russia begins. Tickets are on sale now and the game will be broadcast live on ITV. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 BST.Soccer Aid for Unicef is the original England vs. Soccer Aid World XI charity match. It was launched and co-founded in 2006 by Unicef UK Ambassador Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes and has previously featured A-list stars such as Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Mike Myers and Niall Horan, plus footballing royalty including Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Ronaldinho.Unicef, the world’s leading organisation for children, has joined forces with ITV to make the pro-celebrity football match bigger and better than ever, with more potential to raise money and vital support for children in danger. Soccer Aid for Unicef is produced by Initial, part of Endemol Shine UK, for ITV.100% of all public donations to Soccer Aid for Unicef will be doubled by the UK government, up to a total of £5 million, and will go towards supporting the vital work protecting children around the world. So far £24 million has already been raised through Soccer Aid over the last 12 years.Tickets for the Soccer Aid for Unicef football match on Sunday 10th June 2018 at Old Trafford are available now at www.manutd.com/socceraid or by calling 0161 444 2018 with tickets priced between £10 and £50.
Zimmer hosting second roundtable discussion on firearms laws in Fort St John
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies MP Bob Zimmer hosted a roundtable discussion regarding new proposed federal firearms laws in Prince George earlier this week.In a release, Zimmer said the discussion topics included Canada’s current firearms classification system, the process a law-abiding firearms owner has to go through to purchase a firearm legally, and the recent introduction of firearms legislation by the Liberal government.“I wanted to hold this roundtable to have an open conversation about firearms and our current laws. It is important to me that I consult with constituents from Prince George and the region about how they feel about this issue. If people have concerns, it’s my goal to hear those concerns and help with them in any way I can,” said Mr. Zimmer. “There is a lot of misinformation out there about our current firearms laws, and one of the reasons why I wanted to have this roundtable was to be able to provide accurate information.” “It was a great discussion and I was able to learn a lot about where people are at on the issue. I want to hear from any of my constituents regarding any changes that they would like to see to firearms legislation. It is also my hope those who attended were able to come away with a better understanding of our current system.”
Khawaja hits century before India stop Australia to 2729
New Delhi: India staged a decent comeback to restrict Australia to 272 for nine after Usman Khawaja continued with his imperious form by hitting his second hundred of the series in the decisive fifth ODI here Wednesday. Khawaja, who had not scored a century before arriving to India for this series, hit an exact 100 off 106 balls and shared two big partnerships at the top of the order. Australia were placed comfortably at 175 for one in the 33rd over and set for a kill in slog overs, but the script changed for the hosts when Bhuvneshwar Kumar got rid off Khawaja in the last ball of the that over. Also Read – Dhoni, Paes spotted playing football together The visitors added only 97 runs after that in 17 overs, surrendering the advantage, which was well-earned by Khawaja and his top-order colleagues. The left-hander, who hit a century in Ranchi as well, first raised a 76-run stand with Aaron Finch (27) after his skipper elected to bat in hazy and overcast conditions and followed it up with a 99-run partnership with Peter Handscomb (52). Bhuvneshwar took three wickets for 48 runs while Ravindra Jadeja (2/45) and Mohammed Shami (2/57) accounted for two batsmen each. Also Read – Andy Murray to make Grand Slam return at Australian Open The Feroz Shah Kotla wicket did not have much for either spinners or pacers but was far from usual low and slow track as the Australians easily worked the ball around. Khawaja was yet again impressive with his footwork, handling the Indian spinners nicely before being caught at shot extra cover by Kohli off Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The left-hander hit 10 fours and two sixes before driving straight to Kohli. Jadeja then got rid of Glenn Maxwell (1) and Shami sent back Handscomb as Australia lost three wickets in the space of 14 balls. The tide turned in India’s favour with Australia managing just 27 runs in overs between 34 and 40. Jadeja, who replaced Yuzvendra Chahal, made a strong case for himself for inclusion in the World Cup squad with figures of 10-0-45-2. Jasprit Bumrah was exceptional in his first eight overs giving just 14 runs but Jhye Richradson (29) spoilt his figures by creaming off four boundaries from his ninth over, providing one last push to Australian innings. It turned out to be a forgettable day for chinaman Kuldeep Yadav who bled 74 runs in his 10 overs but dismissed dangerous Ashton Turner (20) cheaply. Earlier, it was only Mohammed Shami who initially tested Finch with away-going and in-coming balls but once the Australia captain got his eye in, he went about his business without fuss. Khawaja continued with his rich form, striking boundaries easily. His straight boundary, punched on the up, off Bhuvneshwar was a treat to watch.
SSC candidates withdraw agitation following assurance from Mamata
Kolkata: The School Service Commission (SSC) candidates who had been part of a hunger strike in the city since February 28, withdrew their movement on Thursday, following the assurance of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who personally met them on Wednesday.Following the Chief Minister’s instruction, five SSC candidates on Thursday met a committee comprising five senior Education department officials at Bikash Bhawan and placed their 14-point charter of demands.
The Education department secretary assured them that they would get back to the candidates after going through their demands. After Thursday’s meeting, the students called off their hunger strike but said that they would again start a similar movement from the first week of June, if their demands are not met by then. SSC Chatra Yuva Adhikar Mancha secretary Insan Ali said: “We had a long discussion with senior Education department officials and submitted files carrying our 14-point agenda. The officials will come up with a decision within April 3. We have withdrawn the strike following the assurance of the Chief Minister, for whom we have the highest regard.” Banerjee had met the candidates on Mayo Road on Wednesday and urged them to end their hunger strike, assuring them that she would look into the matter. She also sought some time from the candidates. She also reminded them that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was already on and hence she would not be able to make any specific assurance in this regard. The Chief Minister also told them that her sympathy is with the candidates and also said that her government would try to find a solution in the first week of June, after the conclusion of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. She clarified that nothing can be done immediately as that would violate the MCC and if anything is done in haste, it could be challenged in the court of law. Banerjee instructed state Education minister Partha Chatterjee, who was accompanying her, to include five of the agitating candidates in the expert committee headed by the Education department secretary Manish Jain, to make a comprehensive report on the issue. It may be mentioned here that Thursday was the 29th day of the hunger strike by the SSC candidates. Over 400 SSC candidates from the state had been part of the hunger strike at Mayo Road under the banner of SSC Chatra Yuva Adhikar Mancha. The candidates had accused that there have been some irregularities in the appointment of assistant teachers at state-run schools. They have called for immediate recruitment in the numerous vacancies across the state.
Making of Mankading
The 41.16 Law “If the non-striker is out of his/her ground from the moment the ball comes into play to the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the bowler is permitted to attempt to run him/her out. Whether the attempt is successful or not, the ball shall not count as one in the over. If the bowler fails in an attempt to run out the non-striker, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball as soon as possible.” Also Read – Puducherry on top after 8-wkt win over ChandigarhFirst Instance India’s Vinoo Mankad, after whom the rule is named, was among the earliest bowlers to run a non-striker out. On December 13, 1947, during India’s tour of Australia, Mankad had run out Bill Brown when Brown had left the crease before he delivered the ball. Since then, this tactic has been referred as ‘Mankading’.Bradman’s Reaction “An early sensation came in Australia’s innings when Brown was once more run out by Mankad, who, in the act of delivering the ball, held on to it and whipped the bails off with Brown well out of his crease. Immediately, in some quarters, Mankad’s sportsmanship was questioned. For the life of me, I cannot understand why. The laws of cricket make it quite clear that the non-striker must keep within his ground until the ball has been delivered.”There have also been situations when bowlers have decided against this particular form of dismissal. For instance, in the 1987 World Cup, West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh had refrained from running out Saleem Jaffar – eventually losing the game. It is definitely not a binding question of upholding spirit, rather it is a personal choice that mustn’t be unlawfully enforced.