Union Budget 2019: Indian farmers' income will double by 2022 - Khaleej Times

Finance Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday announced the "Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan", a scheme to provide assured monthly pension of Rs 3,000 per month for workers in the unorganised sector.

Goyal announced direct annual income support of Rs 6,000 to farmers with land holding of two hectares. 

Presenting the Interim Budget for 2019-20 in the Lok Sabha, Goyal said the Pradhan Mantri Fund Scheme has been constituted with an aim to double farmers' income by 2022.

 

Finance minister Piyush Goyal: The defence budget has enhanced beyond Rs 3 lakh crore #BudgetSession2019 pic.twitter.com/w91U1kWy5Z

Piyush Goyal: We have already disbursed Rs 35,000 crore for our soldiers under 'One Rank One Pension', substantial hike in military service pay has been announced https://t.co/fbmw7LDBT2

FM Piyush Goyal: This initiative will benefit 12 crore small and marginal farmers, at an estimated cost of Rs. 75,000 crore https://t.co/TdjD4wkwAi

FM Piyush Goyal: For the welfare of farmers and for doubling their income, historic decision was taken to increase MSP by 1.5 times the production cost for all 22 crops https://t.co/3LdxHFRNn7

Piyush Goyal: I can confidently say, India is solidly back on track and marching towards growth and prosperity pic.twitter.com/0wLpbJvUYG

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February 01, 2019 at 12:59PM

How India's budget this week will shape its general elections this year - CNBC

Investors will be paying close attention to India's budget.

So will voters.

As India unveils its interim budget on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party will likely dole out handouts to attract voters ahead of the general election that's due to be called by May. The main planks of India's budget will likely include: A farm sector relief package to attract the crucial farmers' vote, tax cuts and support for badly hit small and medium businesses.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) suffered a stinging election defeat in December, losing three key states to the opposition party. The budget is all the more crucial now as it marks the last major chance for the BJP to consolidate support from its voter base, pointed out Rajiv Biswas, Asia Pacific chief economist at IHS Markit.

The government's new budget will likely introduce measures to boost support for rural voters, as well as to small and medium businesses, that were badly affected by the unpopular demonetization program and implementation of the new Goods and Services Tax in the last few years.

The need to maintain fiscal prudence, however, will keep the government's budget in check, preventing them from giving out too many sweeteners, analysts said.

A relief package for farmers will be a key focus in the budget as they make up a large proportion of the Indian electorate and many of them struggle with high debt and crop failures, analysts said.

"A farm sector package will be a centerpiece of the upcoming Budget, due to the crucial importance of the farmers' vote, with 69 percent of India's population still living in rural areas," said Biswas.

"Key measures that could be included in the BJP's farm package include income support measures and interest relief for crop loans for small farmers to help mitigate the impact of rural debt distress in many states," Biswas added.

But the devil is in the details, as debate is ongoing as to what form that relief could take.

Rhetoric has been split on whether the package would include a cash transfer scheme for smaller farmers, loan waivers, or a broader universal income scheme, according to Radhika Rao, an economist at Singapore bank DBS.

Other measures may include personal income tax relief for low income households, and measures to reduce tax and regulatory burden on small and medium-sized businesses, according to Biswas and some other analysts.

Such measures will set the stage for a budget that would be "'popular', yet not profligate," said Vishnu Varathan, Mizuho Bank's head of economics and strategy.

However, he added: "The need for fiscal discipline means that the BJP cannot be unbridled on using the Budget to dish out 'goodies'. So a very mild positive effect may be the outcome."

The farmers relief package is thus both "a political hot potato" as well as "an onerous fiscal burden," said Varathan.

The finance ministry had cut spending amounting to 750.8 billion rupees ($10.55 billion) in the last financial year ending in March 2018.

But in its desperation to find ways to pay for pre-election spending, the government has also pressed the central bank to part with more of its reserves, causing a rift that culminated in the resignation of its governor in December.

According to a Reuters report citing two government sources, the farm relief package alone could run up to at least one trillion rupees ($14 billion) — that's if the government is to have a meaningful impact on which way voters lean in rural areas, home to two-thirds of Indians.

A Morgan Stanley report in January estimated that the farmers package could cost 0.7 percent of India's GDP if it was to focus on small and marginal farmers, or an annual 0.2 percent of GDP or 440 billion rupees.

Regardless, the pressure is on the BJP to address the ongoing farmers' distress, said Rao, as the opposition Indian National Congress has pledged a "minimum income guarantee" to the poor, if voted to power.

Experts say the likely optimal option could be a cash transfer to farmers instead of full loan waivers, but that might be somewhat of a disappointment to farmers, said Varathan.

However, "the overall political calculus will still shift against him (Modi) should he try to be far more generous than the Budget allows," Varathan said.

Given that financial constraint, any election sweeteners in the budget is likely to be long-term in nature, said Capital Economics Senior India Economist Shilan Shah.

"They could include pledges to boost spending in rural areas or exempt more SMEs from the GST. This type of announcement would give the government wriggle room to adjust course if needed at a less politically-sensitive time," he said.

— Reuters contributed reporting to this story.

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February 01, 2019 at 07:30AM

Trump pushed incoherent talking points about the border wall - Vox.com

President Donald Trump wants you to believe his administration is already building a wall along the southern border, even if Congress refuses to give him any money for it. But he’s also demanding Congress give him money so he can build the wall.

Trump pushed these incoherent talking points repeatedly throughout the day on Thursday.

But the president never bothered trying to explain why the wall is worth another government shutdown, or worth declaring a national emergency to build a structure he claims is already under construction ahead of a February 15 deadline.

Trump tweeted on Thursday morning he wants Republicans to stop “wasting their time” trying to persuade Democrats to give him money for the “DESPERATELY needed WALL,” and just let him finish the job he claims he’s already started.

“I’ve got you covered,” Trump wrote. “Wall is already being built, I don’t expect much help!”

Republicans on the Homeland Security Committee are wasting their time. Democrats, despite all of the evidence, proof and Caravans coming, are not going to give money to build the DESPERATELY needed WALL. I’ve got you covered. Wall is already being built, I don’t expect much help!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 31, 2019

Just over an hour later, Trump posted another tweet in which claimed that while the wall is already under construction, stopping people from crossing the border “would be soooo much easier and less expensive” if there were a wall there.

More troops being sent to the Southern Border to stop the attempted Invasion of Illegals, through large Caravans, into our Country. We have stopped the previous Caravans, and we will stop these also. With a Wall it would be soooo much easier and less expensive. Being Built!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 31, 2019

The same tension was on display during a White House press event later in the day in which Trump oscillated between claiming, “We’re building the wall right now,” and saying he won’t accept any border security funding deal from Congress that doesn’t include money for the wall.

In one instance, Trump pushed his incoherent talking points in successive sentences, saying, “If there’s no wall it doesn’t work. And we’re building the wall right now.”

Reporter: Nancy Pelosi said this morning that there is not going to be a wall in this deal… Would you accept that?

Trump: No... If you go to Tijuana and you take down that wall, you will have so many people coming into our country that Nancy Pelosi will be begging for a wall pic.twitter.com/edOkUJfLUE

— POLITICO (@politico) January 31, 2019

Trump went as far as to say on January 2 that “Much of the Wall has already been fully renovated or built.” That’s not true, even if it’s arguably the case that some “wall” has been constructed under his watch.

Congress has not allocated a single dollar to build the border wall prototypes Trump made a show of inspecting in San Diego in March of last year. The omnibus spending bill he signed that same month contained $1.6 billion for border security, but the appropriation specified it couldn’t be used to construct new border wall.

Politifact explains:

The bill said the designated funds “shall only be available for operationally effective designs deployed as of the date of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017” (May 5, 2017), “such as currently deployed steel bollard designs, that prioritize agent safety.”

The specific uses are:

• $251 million for approximately 14 miles of secondary fencing along the southwest border in the San Diego sector;

• $445 million for 25 miles of primary pedestrian levee fencing along the southwest border in the Rio Grande Valley Sector;

• $196 million for primary pedestrian fencing along the southwest border in the Rio Grande Valley Sector;

• $445 million for replacement of existing primary pedestrian fencing along the southwest border;

• $38 million for border barrier planning and design; and

• $196 million for acquisition and deployment of border security technology

Since Trump took office, about 34 miles of walls and fences along the border have been upgraded. Construction of the projects funded by the bill he signed in March of last year hasn’t started yet, though in one stretch along the border in Texas it’s scheduled to begin soon.

So if you regard the upgrade of materials in areas where there were already barriers on the border as “building the wall,” then it’s arguably true that Trump has built some wall. But Trump’s claim that “the wall is going up right now in all different forms” and has largely been “fully renovated or built” is at best misleading.

After all, if Trump were already building the wall, then you’d think he could safely move on to other issues and let the work take its course.

Instead, Trump instigated an ill-considered partial government shutdown last month in the hope it would compel Democrats to give him $5.7 billion for 215 miles of new wall. Administration officials have suggested in recent days that Trump is willing to force another shutdown if Congress doesn’t give him money for the wall, while Trump has repeatedly suggested he’ll declare a national emergency in an attempt to bypass Congress and secure money for the wall.

Trump’s messaging about the wall has been incoherent in more ways than one. During a White House event last week, Trump touted the nation’s gradual, decades-long decrease in violent crime — while making a case that if a wall isn’t built, crime will soon be out of control.

“If we don’t do it, this country is going to be worse than at any time in our history in terms of drug infestation and in terms of crime,” Trump said. “And our crime numbers are very good.”

In other words, Trump wanted to remind people that crime has been under control without a wall while arguing that a wall is needed to reduce crime.

The president has also bragged about how effectively his administration has prevented migrant caravans from entering the country while claiming that a wall is needed to stop migrant caravans.

Trump is totally incoherent: "We stopped the 1st [caravan]... [but] if we didn't have a wall in those areas, it would've been very hard... but if we had a wall we wouldn't have that problem."

So the wall stopped the caravan, but we need a wall to stop the caravan pic.twitter.com/dRLWpCeRbx

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 24, 2019

One thing is clear: Americans aren’t buying whatever Trump is trying to sell. Two polls conducted following the partial government shutdown Trump instigated over the wall show a majority of voters still oppose building the wall. Support for Trump’s wall has consistently polled below 40 percent, even as it has become more popular with Republicans.

---

The news moves fast. To stay updated, follow Aaron Rupar on Twitter, and read more of Vox’s policy and politics coverage.

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February 01, 2019 at 05:30AM

Samsung Suddenly 'Confirms' New Galaxy's Nasty Surprise - Forbes

Despite its practical improvements and controversial changes, Samsung’s 10th-anniversary Galaxy S10 does not come close to being Samsung’s most radical phone of 2019. But Samsung has now revealed the reason you are unlikely to ever buy the model that is… 

Speaking to PhoneArena, “a senior Samsung official” warned that if you think the Galaxy S10 is expensive (and it is), then the screen-folding Galaxy X (details) is going to blow your mind.

Samsung's folding Galaxy X (concept)Phone Designer / NieuweMobiel

The official told PhoneArena "the folder phone will be released at twice the price of a premium phone.” And given flagships from Apple, Google and Samsung itself now all start from around $1,000, that means you are looking around $2,000 if you truly want the latest and greatest technology the smartphone world has to offer.

And great it really is.

Samsung Mobile Division CEO DJ Koh is on record stating the Galaxy X (sometimes referred to as the Galaxy F), thanks to its screen fold, is both a tablet (when open) and a smartphone (when closed) rolled into one. Of course, the fact the Galaxy F now looks set to cost more than a flagship smartphone and a flagship tablet combined puts the pressure on Samsung to deliver.

Folding Galaxy X conceptPhone Designer / NieuweMobiel

To this end, PhoneArena reports its senior Samsung official admitted: “a strong user case is needed" (to put it mildy). Though the Galaxy F has already started making its case in some key areas where is blows the Galaxy S10 away.

Needless to say, however, the Galaxy S10 is going to be the more sensible buy for most Samsung fans with eye-catching upgrades and an imminent launch. The Galaxy F, therefore, remains the outsider but a potentially game-changing outsider at that…

___

Follow Gordon on Twitter, Facebook and Google+

More On Forbes

Samsung Teases Folding Galaxy F Smartphone Display

Samsung CEO Explains Folding Galaxy F Design

Galaxy F Mass Production Looks Highly Unlikely

This Is Samsung's Polarizing Galaxy S10 Smartphone

Samsung 'Confirms' Significant Galaxy S10 Battery Changes

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February 01, 2019 at 09:00AM

A looming shutdown deadline hasn’t changed the central conflict: the wall - Vox.com

President Donald Trump appears keen to kill any border security compromise before it even gets off the ground.

On Thursday, he insisted that any deal on border security would have to include funding for a “wall,” and not just “physical barriers,” digging in his heels mere hours after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that wall money in a final agreement was a nonstarter.

Shifting the labels and framing of a border barrier had previously been seen as a possible opening for negotiations, with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) even telling reporters that a final agreement doesn’t necessarily need to include the word “wall.” During an opening meeting for the House and Senate conference committee that’s been tasked with working out a deal, lawmakers broadly shied away from using the term at all.

That approach doesn’t seem to sit well with Trump, however.

While the president has previously said he’d be content with a “wall or physical barrier,” he’s seemingly redoubled his commitment solely to a “wall.” And that’s the main thing that Democrats say they absolutely can’t accept, even as they’ve signaled some openness to other physical barriers.

“There’s not going to be any wall money in the legislation,” Pelosi said Thursday. “Many places on the border have cliffs, there’s a river, and there’s 600 miles of something; 300 of them are Normandy fence. If the president wants to call that a wall, he can call that a wall. Normandy fencing would work. Let them have that discussion.”

During a press event later the same day, Trump vehemently pushed back against this suggestion.

When a reporter asked Trump if he’d be open to allocating funds to “physical barriers” instead of a “wall,” his answer was a resounding “no.”

“If there’s no wall, it doesn’t work,” he said, in a comment that echoed one of his Thursday morning tweets. “She’s just playing games.”

Lets just call them WALLS from now on and stop playing political games! A WALL is a WALL!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 31, 2019

Trump and Pelosi’s respective stances underscore the challenge that congressional negotiators, who must find a deal before a looming February 15 shutdown deadline, continue to face.

At its core, the shutdown fight has always been over a border wall, and someone will have to cave if the government is going to stay open.

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February 01, 2019 at 04:50AM

Apple, Facebook spat is over, for now—iOS certificate access restored - Ars Technica

Indonesia's volatile Merapi volcano unleashes river of lava：The Asahi Shimbun - Asahi Shimbun

YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia--Indonesia's volatile Mount Merapi volcano has unleashed a river of lava that flowed 1,400 meters down its slopes.

Merapi, on the island of Java, has entered an "effusive eruption phase," Kasbani, head of the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center, said Wednesday.

Kasbani, who goes by a single name, said the volcanic material that spewed out late Tuesday was the volcano's longest lava flow since it began erupting again in August.

He said the alert level of the volcano has not been raised but people should stay out of a 3-kilometer danger zone around the crater.

The 2,968-meter mountain, located near the ancient Indonesian city of Yogyakarta, is the most active of dozens of Indonesian volcanoes.

Its last major eruption in 2010 killed 347 people.

Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 260 million people, is prone to earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions because it straddles the Pacific "Ring of Fire."

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January 30, 2019 at 03:00PM

Trump, Democrats battle in early stage of US border security talks - Channel NewsAsia

Tony Perkins: Nancy Pelosi's God Problem - Patriot Post

Just 28 days ago, Nancy Pelosi claimed the Speaker’s gavel and promised that her House would be “bipartisan and unifying.” What have we seen since? House Democrats are pushing to open the floodgates of millions of taxpayer dollars to pay for elective abortions — even as Speaker Pelosi insists that she can’t offer more than a dollar to build a border wall. And then Tuesday, Democrats on the Natural Resources Committee announced they would remove “so help you God” from the oath that is administered to witnesses who testify before the committee. So under the new Democratic House majority, it’s “yes” to taxpayer funding for abortion, “no” to a border wall, and “no” to God.

Tuesday night, Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.), a Republican member of the committee, joined me on radio to talk about an amendment he filed to put God back in the oath. We gave out the Capitol switchboard phone number to aid in the effort and folks responded and the Democrats reversed course. You made a difference! Wednesday, God was put back in the oath. This isn’t the first time this scenario has played out. In 2012, Democrats removed God from their party platform. After widespread criticism, Democratic party officials reinserted an oblique reference to God — but only after voting three times amid a chorus of boos from convention delegates opposed to God in the platform.

The reaction from GOP House members to this latest outrage has been swift. “We obviously need more God here — not less,” Congressman Graves told our radio listeners Tuesday. “We have a chaplain. We open Congress with prayer each morning. It is unbelievable to see folks move us in a different direction.” House Republican Conference Chairwoman Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) told Fox News, “It is incredible, but not surprising, that the Democrats would try to remove God from committee proceedings in one of their first acts in the majority. They really have become the party of Karl Marx.”

She is right. There has never in our nation’s history been such a difference between the two party platforms. And that is an important distinction to make because the research shows that politicians vote more than 80 percent of the time with their party platform. Should anyone be surprised that the same party that wants to take the lives of children up to the moment of birth would also try to eliminate any reference or notion of accountability to God? Removing God from government has increasing become the focus of the Left. Of course this is not new as the roots of the modern Left go back to the French revolution whose members’ first target was to eliminate God and those associated with Him.

The new Democratic party is clearly out of step with Americans on faith and public service. Polling shows that a majority of Americans want their elected officials to believe in God. The most likely reason is that a belief in God gives citizens a level of comfort knowing that their elected officials are more likely to understand that their accountability goes beyond the citizens, who unlike God, don’t see everything.

In a nation whose motto is “In God We Trust,” it is a sad commentary on the mindset of House Democratic leadership that removing God would even be considered. Although the House committee has reversed course, I believe it’s important that Speaker Pelosi be put on notice that as Americans, we want and need the presence of God in our government. Please join me in signing this petition to Speaker Pelosi that recognizes God as our Creator and acknowledges, as John Adams once said, that “our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

Originally published here.

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The State of State Abortion Laws

You’ve no doubt heard it before, but in light of what happened in New York, it bears repeating — elections have consequences! The celebration that broke out in New York last week over the pronouncement that essentially declares the Empire State’s desire to be the nation’s abortion empire along with three other states that are pursuing laws that would potentially challenge Roe v. Wade, not for liberalizing abortion, but for restricting it.

This wave of pro-abortion measures comes after nearly a decade of pro-life gains. Following the 2010 elections when conservatives responded to the pro-abortion, anti-family policies of the Obama administration by going to the polls en masse 22 legislatures switched to the Republican column giving the GOP the largest majority of state governments under their control since 1928. One tangible result of the conservative swing has been that since 2011 approximately 427 pro-life bills have been enacted into law. How significant of a number is this? The last seven years account for over one-third of all pro-life measures passed since 1974.

Complacent, disgruntled, disheartened. Choose your own adjective but conservative voters in several states did not turnout in 2018 with the same enthusiasm giving the edge to liberal candidates. As a result, six state legislative chambers and eight governorships switched hands. Now we are beginning to see the bitter fruit of their victories; one pro-abortion law after another in those states.

Prior to the 2018 midterms, the New York Senate was split almost down the middle: 32 Democrats, and 31 Republicans filled the 63-seat legislative body. One conservative pro-life, pro-family Democrat state senator caucused with the GOP for years — helping prevent some of the worst of the liberal agenda from advancing past the NY Senate. After the 2018 mid-terms the upper chamber is split 40-23 and nothing is hindering the radical abortion-expansion, and anti-religious liberty agenda.

In 2017, the Virginia House of Delegates elections saw Democrats whittle the GOP majority from 32 seats to just two while also electing a liberal Democrat as governor. Though they did not attain a majority in the Senate, the abortion crowd has been empowered to push for a rewrite of the state’s abortion laws to dramatically expand late term abortions and repeal common-sense health and safety regulations for women and children facing the evil of abortion.

Thankfully, one of their key measures to expand abortion died in a committee hearing on Tuesday. In the committee hearing the bill sponsor admitted her bill would allow abortion up until the point of birth. If this bill were to become law, abortionists would no longer be required to inform women of the risks involved in abortions, the alternatives to abortion, the right to reverse a decision to go through with the abortion or offer to view an ultrasound of the unborn child. What’s more, this bill would have repealed certain minimum health and safety standards for facilities in which abortions are performed, putting the lives of women at even greater risk.

Other states in which the abortion-expansion crowd has tightened their grip on the state government are New Mexico — where Democrats elected a pro-abortion governor and are pushing a ban to repeal a pre-Roe v. Wade ban on abortion, Rhode Island — where Democrats improved their pro-abortion supermajorities in the state legislations and are pushing abortion-expansion bills, and Vermont — where Democrats expanded their pro-abortion supermajorities and have a GOP Governor who said he’ll sign an abortion-expansion bill.

Tuesday in Rhode Island the House Committee on Judiciary held a public hearing on two bills that would codify Roe v. Wade, and rewrite current state law to repeal measures designed to protect women and children. Take a moment today to call the Rhode Island House Committee on the Judiciary and tell them because you stand for life you oppose HB 5125 and HB 5127.

Make no mistake about it, elections have consequences and sometimes those consequences can be deadly. We must stand up for the unborn. We must under no circumstance support candidates or elected officials who promote or allow the expansion of abortion or even tolerate the status quo.

Originally published here.

---

Governor Cuomo’s Faith Fallacy

Responding to Cardinal Dolan’s criticism of his support for New York’s new abortion law, which allows babies to be killed right up to birth, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo attempted to separate his personal beliefs from his role as governor: “I have my own Catholic beliefs, how I live my life … That is my business as a Catholic … I don’t govern as a Catholic. I don’t legislate as a Catholic.” In essence, Cuomo is arguing that while he has religious views on the topic, he has to “separate” his personal views from his public policy positions. While not exactly new, this type of thinking is very dangerous and deceptive — and breaks down when carried to its logical conclusion.

Faith is at the core of what it means to be human. Everyone has faith in something. As the writer David Foster Wallace (not necessarily a religious man himself) once said, “[e]verybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship.” Our faith in God or the absence of our faith in God is at the core of our worldview, which is how we interpret the world around us and interact with it.

If values coming from God do not inform our public views, then what does? Doesn’t our faith shape our character and determine our values? How are we informed as to what is right and what is wrong? We must rely on a source of moral authority higher than ourselves. Without it, “[e]veryone [does] what [is] right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).

Recent polling shows that Americans want more faith in public life, both in terms of pronouncements from political leaders and its impact on public policy. Another very recent poll found that “57 percent of people say religion should influence government policies dealing with poverty,” showing the public’s appetite for religion to serve as a source of influence in how our society seeks to solve problems. It would seem Cuomo should run toward his faith on questions of public policy, not away from it.

The nature of one’s worldview, along with the consistency with which one applies it, are qualities that voters can and do look at in determining the credibility, integrity, and reliability of those who run for and hold public office. This doesn’t mean that a person of faith seeks to impose his or her faith on others, but it does mean that their actions are informed and guided by their faith. Nor does it mean that all religious obligations are automatically carried over into public life; the Christian’s desire to eliminate pride does not mean we automatically legislate it. But our faith does impact what we believe about matters of public policy. If our public policy is now to permit a baby to be slaughtered in the womb when it could survive outside it just moments later, that does say something about our worldview. A leader who publicly says he is associated with the Catholic Church, as Governor Cuomo claims, would be expected to advocate for a view of human life that is in keeping with the teachings of the Church. Indeed, these teachings are clear to any Christian following the Bible, aside from what natural law and science plainly tell us about human life. At a minimum, it would be expected that Governor Cuomo would not seek to advance laws that are 180 degrees from biblical teachings on life. Yet that is exactly what he is doing.

America is not in moral and cultural decline because we have too much of God’s presence in public life, but because we have too little. May all of us in America repent of how we have fallen short of God’s standards, and re-orient our lives back toward Him. I pray we do this for the sake of our society, for our own sake, and the sake of the helpless ones in the womb. God has created them. He has His eye on them. He will not overlook our treatment of them.

Originally published here.

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This is a publication of the Family Research Council. Tony Perkins’ Washington Update is written with the aid of FRC Action senior writers.

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January 31, 2019 at 07:21PM

Denis Suarez has dropped a massive hint about Barcelona future after signing Arsenal deal - Football.London

Dr. Mario World announced for smartphones - Gematsu

Dr. Mario World announced for smartphones

Due out in the early summer.

Nintendo has announced Dr. Mario World for iOS and Android devices in partnership with LINE. The puzzle game will launch as a free to download title with optional in-app purchases in the early summer in approximately 60 countries / regions including Japan and the United States.

Get the press release below.

Nintendo Announces Mobile Game Partnership with LINE Corporation and a New Game for Smart Devices

Kyoto, Japan, Feb. 1, 2019 JST – Nintendo Co., Ltd. (HQ: Minami-Ku, Kyoto, Representative Director and President: Shuntaro Furukawa, hereinafter referred as “Nintendo”) and LINE Corporation (HQ: Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, President: Takeshi Idezawa, hereinafter referred as “LINE”) have announced a partnership in the mobile game business. The companies will co-develop and jointly operate a new game for smart devices.

1. Context of the Partnership

Nintendo continues to introduce unique entertainment products and characters like Mario to the world, establishing itself as a globally recognized brand that represents video game culture in the home entertainment industry. In 2016, Nintendo entered the mobile games business, creating even more opportunities for consumers to engage with Nintendo IP and reaching audiences beyond its dedicated video game platform business.

“LINE,” under its corporate mission “Closing the Distance,” is dedicated to creating a world that seamlessly connects people, information, content, and, services anywhere, anytime, and at the most comfortable distance. In its endeavor to realize a self-contained Smart Portal strategy, LINE offers services in a variety of fields to its 165 million monthly active users in four key markets (Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and Indonesia), where the userbase continues to expand.

Utilizing both companies’ strengths, Nintendo and LINE will co-develop and jointly operate a new action puzzle game featuring Dr. Mario titled Dr. Mario World to be released by Nintendo. Dr. Mario World is targeting an early summer 2019 global release, including in Japan and the United States.

Together with Nintendo and LINE, NHN Entertainment, which has released and operated various online and mobile games, will take part in the development and operation of Dr. Mario World.

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February 01, 2019 at 06:13AM

Indonesia's Merapi volcano unleashes river of lava - KVEO-TV

YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Indonesia's volatile Mount Merapi volcano has unleashed a river of lava that flowed 1,400 meters (4,590 feet) down its slopes.

Merapi, on the island of Java, has entered an "effusive eruption phase," Kasbani, head of the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center, said Wednesday.

Kasbani, who goes by a single name, said the volcanic material that spewed out late Tuesday was the volcano's longest lava flow since it began erupting again in August.

He said the alert level of the volcano has not been raised but people should stay out of a 3-kilometer (1.8-mile) danger zone around the crater.

The 2,968-meter (9,737-foot) mountain, located near the ancient Indonesian city of Yogyakarta, is the most active of dozens of Indonesian volcanoes.

Its last major eruption in 2010 killed 347 people.

Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 260 million people, is prone to earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions because it straddles the Pacific "Ring of Fire."

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January 30, 2019 at 02:00PM

Refugee Behrouz Boochani, detained on Manus Island, wins literary prize - The Times

An Iranian Kurdish writer detained on a remote island for nearly six years under Australia’s harsh anti-migrant policy has won the country’s richest literary prize for his poetic memoir about trying but failing to rebuild his life.

The award to Behrouz Boochani of the A$100,000 (£55,000) Victorian Prize for Literature has embarrassed the Australian government.

Boochani, 35, a journalist and filmmaker, wrote most of No Friend But The Mountains on an old iPhone. He has been held in an Australian immigration detention centre on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea since 2013.

Under Australian law, anyone caught trying to reach the country by small boat can never be allowed to settle in the country and is banished to Pacific island detention centres.

Boochani, who graduated…

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February 01, 2019

Latest January transfer window updates: Catch up on the major signings, transfer rumours, reports & transfer odds - Sportinglife.com

Catch up on all the transfer news and get details of the done deals on a hectic Transfer Deadline Day.

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🔄 REFRESH PAGE FOR LATEST UPDATES

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HIGHLIGHTED DEALS - JANUARY 31

• Miguel Almiron (Atlanta - Newcastle) - Undisclosed
• Denis Suarez (Barcelona - Arsenal) - Loan
• Adrien Silva (Leicester - Monaco) - Loan
• Youri Tielemans (Monaco - Leicester) - Loan
• Georges-Kevin N'Koudou (Spurs - Monaco) - Loan
• Jonny Otto (Atletico Madrid - Wolves) - £18m
• Pele (Monaco - Nottingham Forest) - Loan
• Philip Heise (Dynamo Dresden - Norwich) - Undisclosed
• Scott Hogan (Aston Villa - Sheffield United) - Loan
• Antonio Barreca (Monaco - Newcastle) - Loan
• Tyrone Mings (Bournemouth - Aston Villa) - Loan
• Leandro Bacuna (Reading - Cardiff) - Undisclosed
• Wilfried Bony (Swansea - Al-Arabi Sports Club) - Loan
• Aboubakar Kamara (Fulham - Yeni Malatyaspor) - Loan
• Peter Crouch (Stoke - Burnley) - Swap deal
• Sam Vokes (Burnley - Stoke) - Swap deal for Crouch, plus £7m
• Frederic Guilbert (Caen - Aston Villa) - Undisclosed
• Michy Batshuayi (Chelsea - Crystal Palace) - Loan
• Havard Nordtveit (Hoffenheim - Fulham) - Loan
• Beni Baningime (Everton - Wigan) - Loan
• Jeremy Toljan (Borussia Dortmund - Celtic) - Loan
• Jacob Murphy (Newcastle - West Brom) - Loan
• Andy King (Leicester - Derby) - Loan
• Yannick Bolasie (Everton - Anderlecht) - Loan

Head here for all of January's completed deals

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BOLASIE HEADING TO HOLLAND

Anderlecht confirm the loan signing of Yannick Bolasie from Everton until the end of the season.

OWLS BAG NEWCASTLE PAIR

Rolando Aarons and Achraf Lazaar have joined Sheffield Wednesday from Newcastle on loan until the end of the season.

A busy day/night at Hillsborough but we are delighted to welcome this man! #swfc

— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) January 31, 2019

BAGGIES BAG MURPHY

Newcastle forward Jacob Murphy has joined West Brom on loan until the end of the season.

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WIGAN MAKE BANINGIME LOAN DEAL

Wigan have signed Everton midfielder Beni Baningime on loan from Everton until the end of the season.

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TOLJAN MAKES CELTIC LOAN MOVE

Celtic have signed highly-rated full-back Jeremy Toljan on loan from Borussia Dortmund.

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NORDTVEIT JOINS FULHAM

Fulham confirm the signing of Havard Nordtveit from Hoffenheim on loan until the end of the season.

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SUNDERLAND CLOSE IN ON GRIGG

At the sixth time of asking, Sky Sports News says Sunderland have agreed a fee for Wigan’s Will Grigg. 

The deal is understood to be in the region of £1.5m, with Sunderland trying to push this through before the deadline having been after the striker for weeks.

Will Grigg

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PALACE AGREE BATSHUAYI LOAN DEAL

Crystal Palace agree deal to sign Michy Batshuayi on loan from Chelsea.

Michy Batshuayi

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PSG PUSH FOR GUEYE

Sky Sports News is reporting that PSG have made a new bid of €30m (£26.2m) for Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye.

It is understood that the bid has been rejected by Everton.

Idrissa Gueye

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VILLA SIGN GUILBERT

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Frederic Guilbert from Caen for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old defender will return to the Ligue 1 side on loan for the remainder of the 2018/19 season.

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KING SET FOR DERBY LOAN MOVE

Andy King is currently undergoing a medical at Derby ahead of his proposed loan move from Leicester, Sky Sports News has reported.

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CLARKE BACK AT BRADFORD

Billy Clarke's contract at Charlton has been terminated to allow him to rejoin Bradford City.

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NEWCASTLE TRIO CLOSE ON LOANS

Three players are on the verge of leaving Newcastle on loan, according to Sky Sports News.

Jacob Murphy is closing on a move to West Brom, while Rolando Aarons and Achraf Lazaar are on their way to Sheffield Wednesday.

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ANOTHER CHELSEA LOAN

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RIDGEWELL RETURNS

The 34-year-old defender, formerly of Aston Villa, Birmingham and West Brom, had been in the MLS with Portland Timbers.

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ONE OUT, ONE IN AT LEICESTER

A loan swap for the Foxes with Monaco...

T I E
LEM
ANS

The Belgium midfielder joins Leicester City on loan until the end of the 2018/19 season 🔵#BienvenueYouri

— Leicester City (@LCFC) January 31, 2019

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RAMS UPDATE

Sky Sports say Leicester midfielder Andy King is currently travelling to Derby to discuss a loan deal, while that Tom Huddlestone to Udinese deal we just mentioned is now off. 

Derby were not sure they wanted to lose him, and the deal eventually ran out of time - Huddlestone wasn’t able to get over to Italy to complete a medical and the necessary paperwork in time, before the Italian window closed. 

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📺 SKY SPORTS HAVE NEWS FROM TOTTENHAM

• Presenter: 'News from Tottenham, IS IT A NEW SIGNING?'
• Reporter: "No, no it's not..."

Just a youngster going out on loan.

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LIKE A NEW SIGNING

None in at Tottenham, but Harry Kane is stepping up his return from injury...

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ITALY MOVE FOR WATFORD YOUNGSTER

Nineteen-year-old Ben Wilmot moves to Italy on loan with Udinese, who share owners with the Hornets.

The centre-back has made six appearances for Watford this season, starting four cup games and coming off the bench in two Premier League matches.

Wilmot, who has represented England at youth level, was a second-half substitute in Watford's last league outing in the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham at Wembley on Wednesday.

The former Stevenage man joins Watford team-mates Stefano Okaka and Marvin Zeegelaar in moving to the Serie A outfit.

They could be joined by Tom Huddlestone too, with the Derby man

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MASS EXODUS AT SWANSEA

Wilfried Bony celebrates

Look away now, Swans fans...

Jefferson Montero and Daniel James are expected to join West Brom and Leeds respectively before the deadline and the Welsh club have confirmed the exit of their biggest earner, Wilfried Bony, who goes to Qatar.

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MAN UNITED LOAN DEPARTURE

A good move for Joel Pereira, considering he was at least fourth choice goalkeeper at the club...

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STOKE SIGN VOKES

As part of the Crouch deal, with Stoke reportedly paying £7m...

🚨 VOKES INCOMING! 🚨

💬 'You can see a great squad here and it's one I'm definitely looking forward to getting started in.'

Sam's a Potter, joining on a three-and-a-half year deal from @Burnley#SCFC 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/QEsusAgq26

— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) January 31, 2019

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BURNLEY SIGN CROUCH

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MONTERO IN FOR BAGGIES MEDICAL

Jefferson Montero in action for Swansea

Swansea winger Jefferson Montero is in the West Midlands for a medical with West Brom ahead of a move.

The 29-year-old has made 12 appearances for the Swans this season, contributing three assists.

Elsewhere, Leeds have concluded a deal for Swansea's Daniel James, who will join on-loan initially before a permanent move should the Whites reach the Premier League.

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IORFA SET FOR OWLS SWITCH

Wolves defender Dominic Iorfa undergoing a medical at Sheffield Wednesday ahead of a permanent move, according to Sky Sports.

The 23-year-old defender made 23 appearances for Ipswich in the Sky Bet Championship last season but has failed to make any Premier League appearances for his current club.

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SMITH ROWE MAKES LEIPZIG MOVE

Arsenal youngster Emile Smith Rowe has joined Bundesliga side RB Leipzig on loan for the remainder of the 2018/19 season.

On the deal, Gunners Head coach Unai Emery said: "Emile is a promising young player. This move will get him valuable competitive action which is important as he continues his development."

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LEEDS YOUNGSTER JOINING SCUNTHORPE

Tom Pearce (right) in action for Leeds

Leeds youngster Tom Pearce is set to join Scunthorpe on-loan for the remainder of the season.

The left-back broke into the first-team last season but has been out-of-favour under current boss Marcelo Bielsa.

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SUNDERLAND LOOK TO WINNALL

Sam Winnall during his time at Derby

Sunderland's striker search has taken them to Sheffield Wednesday where they are looking to bring in Sam Winnall on-loan for the remainder of the season.

The 28-year-old scored seven goals and contributed two assists in 19 Sky Bet Championship games last season during stints at the Owls and Derby.

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OXFORD TO AUGSBURG

West Ham defender Reece Oxford has joined Augsburg on loan for the rest of the season.

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BRADFORD CLOSE IN ON BUTTERFIELD

Jacob Butterfield is joining Bradford

Jacob Butterfield is undertaking a medical with Bradford City ahead of a loan move from Derby, according to Sky Sports.

The 28-year-old has not made an appearance for Frank Lampard's side in more than a year, but is one of the club's top earner.

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BONATINI JOINS FOREST

Leo Bonatini has joined Nottingham Forest

Wolves forward Leo Bonatini has completed his loan move to Nottingham Forest for the rest of the season. 

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OWLS EYE NEWCASTLE DUO

Rolando Aarons is set to join Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday are set to sign Newcastle duo Rolando Aarons and Achraf Lazaar on loan, according to Sky Sports.

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HESKETH MAKES MK SWITCH

Jake Hesketh scores the goal that put Burton into the Carabao Cup semi-final

MK Dons have signed midfielder Jake Hesketh on loan from Premier League Southampton for the rest of the season.

The 22-year-old spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Burton, scoring three goals in 23 appearances.

Hesketh becomes the Dons' third signing of the January transfer window following the arrivals of Russell Martin and David Wheeler.

"I'm very happy to be here," Hesketh told iFollow MK Dons. "I'm looking forward to getting started and giving my best for the team.

"I'd like to think I can bring some creativity, work-rate and a few goals and assists as well.

"The team are going for promotion so every goal matters - hopefully I can contribute in that sense."

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BACUNA JOINS CARDIFF

Cardiff manager Neil Warnock

Leandro Bacuna has joined Cardiff City from Reading. Sky Sports report that the fee is around the £3m mark.

Speaking about joining, Bacuna said: "Every game I play I give 100%, and I’ll be fighting hard to help our team.

"I’ve played against the manager and you can see he always wants to win.

"He is so passionate. It’s going to be great to work under him and hopefully he will push me on as a player."

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ELSEWHERE...

Of course, it's not just the transfer deadline that is the big news in the sporting world this weekend.

Super League starts tonight with 12 teams looking to begin their route to Grand Final glory. Tom Carnduff and Dave Ord pick out their best bets for the upcoming season.

It's also Superbowl weekend and Sporting Life has all the NFL content you need over on our NFL page.

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RAMS TARGET PENNINGTON

Matt Pennington may switch Ipswich for Derby

Sky Bet Championship side Derby County have made an approach to sign defender Matthew Pennington.

Pennington is currently on-loan at Ipswich from Everton, but the Rams are wanting to conclude a temporary deal for the centre-back.

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DERBY ODDS-ON FOR KING

Frank Lampard: Pictured during Derby's FA Cup win over Southampton

Frank Lampard's Derby County™️ are 4/5 favourites to sign Leicester midfielder Andy King.

EFL title sponsors Sky Bet make the Rams odds-on to bring him in before the deadline, while a price of 9/4 is available on King not making a move today.

Head here to view Sky Bet's full transfer market specials

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DYCHE DISCUSSES CROUCH

Peter Crouch is joining Everton

"What interests me is motivated players. Michael Duff was one of those for us at 37 and I think Peter Crouch is the same.

"There’s no issue about his fitness and I think he has an intention and a desire to still make a mark in football.

"We know what a good character he is and he still has that edge. We know he’s an effective footballer and he has a hunger to come here and make a mark."

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BOLASIE CLOSE TO ANDERLECHT

Yannick Bolasie

Unwanted Everton winger Yannick Bolasie could be on his way to Anderlecht if the Belgian club can thrash out a loan deal.

The DR Congo international decided to cut short his spell at Aston Villa earlier this month, but Toffees boss Marco Silva has no plans to bring him back into his squad.

A stumbling block for Anderlecht, however, could be the winger's £70,000-a-week wages and they will have to reach a compromise with Everton to progress further.

"Anderlecht can be interesting for me," Bolasie told Belgian newspaper HLN.

"I have seen the information circulate, I do not say, 'No'. After all, I have to play with a view to the African Nations Cup that is coming."

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KAMARA MAKES LOAN SWITCH

Aboubakar Kamara argues with Aleksandar Mitrovic over the penalty

Now it's confirmed!

Fulham have announced that Aboubakar Kamara has joined Turkish side Yeni Malatyaspor on loan until the summer.

The 23-year-old fell out of favour at Fulham after he was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm and criminal damage after a fight at the club's training ground.

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BENITEZ ON ALMIRON

Miguel Almiron has joined Newcastle

Rafael Benitez has challenged record signing Miguel Almiron to fulfil his potential in the Premier League after completing his move to Newcastle.

The 24-year-old Paraguay international has joined the club on a five and a half-year deal for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £21million, and has been handed the number 24 shirt.

Almiron, who could make his debut at Tottenham on Saturday, is now the Magpies' most expensive acquisition after owner Mike Ashley finally sanctioned a purchase costing in excess of the £16million then chairman Freddy Shepherd paid to lure Michael Owen to Tyneside from Real Madrid in 2005.

For more on that story, click here

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RANIERI CONFIDENT OF SIGNINGS

Claudio Ranieri is looking to add signings

Claudio Ranieri remains confident Fulham will strengthen their squad before the conclusion on Thursday of the transfer window.

On the final day of the summer transfer window Fulham signed five new players, under then-manager Slavisa Jokanovic, and even if that instability has contributed to their struggle against relegation, Ranieri said: "I am confident. In the last market on the last day five players arrive; if we have a chance we'll sign some good players, the group needs some good players.

"The club is working hard until 11pm and something good can happen. If it happens, much better, if it doesn't, we stay stronger together and continue to fight.

"We are working hard and I hope something could happen and I am positive."

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WAIT, HAS KAMARA GONE?

Aboubakar Kamara argues with Aleksandar Mitrovic over the penalty

Turkish side Yeni Malatyaspor have announced the signing of Aboubakar Kamara from Fulham on loan and have unveiled the striker at a press conference.

However, Fulham are saying the deal has not been completed, according to Sky Sports.

So, doesn't look like that one has been done yet...

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SPURS WINGER JOINS MONACO

Tottenham winger Georges-Kevin Nkoudou has joined Monaco on loan for the rest of the season.

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JAMES IN FOR LEEDS MEDICAL

Leeds are looking to do a deal for Swansea's Daniel James

Swansea winger Daniel James is in for a medical ahead of his switch to league leaders Leeds, Sporting Life understands.

James will join the Elland Road club on-loan initially, for a fee believed to be around the £1.5m mark, before a permanent switch for £8m if Leeds are promoted to the Premier League.

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🚨 ALMIRON MAKES CLUB RECORD SWITCH

Miguel Almiron is set to join Newcastle

Newcastle have completed the signing of Atlanta United star Miguel Almiron for a club record fee.

The 24-year-old has penned a five-and-a-half-year deal which will keep him at St. James' Park until June 2024.

On the signing, Rafa Benitez told their club website: "We were following Miguel Almirón for a while, and we saw a player with some pace in attack, who can play behind the striker. We have someone who can score goals and give assists.

"We know that MLS is a different challenge to the Premier League but he has the potential to do what we are expecting, and what we need.

"From talking to the lad, you can tell that he is really focussed and wants to do well. He wants to be successful and he wants to help the team, to score goals and give assists if it is possible.

"His impact in MLS has been really good - he's been one of the best players this year - and hopefully he can give us more competition and more quality in the final third.

"I am pleased that the hard work behind the scenes has ended positively and I thank everyone for their efforts."​

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MINGS MOVES TO THE MIDLANDS

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Bournemouth defender Tyrone Mings.

He joins the club on-loan for the remainder of the season.

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NO HUDSON-ODOI TO BAYERN MOVE

Callum Hudson-Odoi celebrates after scoring in the Europa League

Bayern Munich head coach Niko Kovac has stated that he doesn't expect to do any late business, meaning there won't be any further movement for Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi this month.

"It's clear that other clubs don’t want their good players to leave. We have a big squad now, almost all of the players are fit again. 

"Franck (Ribery) and Arjen (Robben) have been training, so I have to leave one, two at home anyway. That's why it does not make sense for us to get three or four more players."

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NEWCASTLE WINGER DEPARTS

Callum Roberts celebrates after scoring his first goal for Newcastle, against Blackburn in the FA Cup

Joselu may not be going anywhere, but one Newcastle player on the move is Callum Roberts who has joined League Two side Colchester.

He was a winning 6/1 tip for anytime scorer when the Toon played Blackburn in the FA Cup - so it remains to be seen if he can carry over that form in front of goal to more regular senior football.

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JOSELU GOING NOWHERE

Newcastle striker Joselu had been linked with a move away, but it looks like he's staying put according to Sky Sports' Keith Downie.

Just spoke to Joselu, who reckons he’s staying at Newcastle despite speculation saying the opposite #NUFC

— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) January 31, 2019

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SUAREZ SAYS HELLO

Denis Suarez has done one of those generic "hello, I am happy to be here" videos. You can enjoy it below.

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EMBARGO COMPLICATES POTENTIAL ADAMS MOVE

Birmingham forward Che Adams

Birmingham City have told Burnley that under the terms of their EFL transfer embargo, they are not allowed to sell Che Adams and then loan him back, according to Sky Sports.

Burnley were exploring that possibility as a compromise, so that Adams could be bought now, but remain at St Andrews for the remainder of this season.

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LEEDS TO CONCLUDE JAMES DEAL

Leeds are looking to do a deal for Swansea's Daniel James

Leeds are set to complete a deal for Swansea winger Daniel James.

The 21-year-old has been the club's top target this month and they are believed to have finally struck a deal with the Swans that will see him link up with Marcelo Bielsa's promotion chasing side.

James will join the Elland Road club on-loan initially, for a fee believed to be around the £1.5m mark, before a permanent switch for £8m if Leeds are promoted to the Premier League.

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NEWCASTLE BRING DEFENDER IN

Newcastle have confirmed the loan signing of Antonio Barreca from Monaco on loan until the end of the season.

On the signing, Rafa Benitez told their club website: "The left-back/left-wing-back position is one we've been looking to strengthen for a while and he's an Italy under-21 international who we know has quality, good delivery and is good going forward.

"He has the attributes, he has the quality and he has the characteristics that we look for. Now we must see how quickly he can adapt, but we will try to help him and if he can give us more competition in this area, and more quality in the final third with his deliveries, the only thing I can see is a positive."

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SINCLAIR JOINS OXFORD

Watford striker Jerome Sinclair is heading on loan to Oxford until the end of the season.

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FULHAM GET CZECH BOOK OUT

Fulham are in talks with Cameroon captain Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui over a proposed move to Craven Cottage. Ngadeu-Ngadjui, 28, plays for Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic and can operate in either central defence or as a defensive midfielder.

"Slavia gave Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui permission to travel to London for negotiations with @premierleague side @FulhamFC," the club said on their official Twitter account.

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BLUES STAND FIRM OVER ADAMS

The Che Adams story rumbles on with Sky reporting a second Burnley bid having been turned down by Birmingham.

Sky Bet make the Blues 1/3 to keep the striker beyond the deadline but he's 9/4 to leave for any club, with Southampton currently on offer at 5/2.

Saint boss Ralph Hasenhuttl was certainly sounding like he hoped to do some deadline-day business.

"On the last day there are always a few options that suddenly pop up and it show us that is maybe a chance to get an interesting player," he said.

"We are still busy and the last day is a day where everyone stops with the poker and then the cards come on the table and it's not about wasting time then. It can happen that we do something today. Let's have a look."

It is understood that Southampton may require Charlie Austin to leave the club if they're going to bring in a striker.

Birmingham forward Che Adams

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IN AND OUT...

Manchester City have announced the signing of Ante Palaversa, who has completed his move from Hadjuk Split for a fee that could rise to £7m. The 18-year-old midfield man has re-joined Hadjuk on loan until the end of the season.

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WHO WINS RACE FOR BATSHUAYI?

Chelsea have agreed loan deals, in principle, for Michy Batshuayi with West Ham and Real Betis. However, the Blues value him at around £30m and would prefer to sell to Everton, according to Sky Sports.

West Ham are now 5/4 favourites in Sky Bet's Transfer Special market. Click on the image below to check out all the latest Deadline Day betting...

Michy Batshuayi and the Chelsea fans celebrate

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HOLA, DENIS

"The notification you've all been waiting for."

Not my words, the words of Arsenal FC after finally announcing the loan signing of Denis Suarez from Barcelona.

Hola, Denis.

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#BUTCHERISTANGERINE

Let's just pause for a moment and appreciate the production levels on this tweet from Dundee United FC...

United have signed Calum Butcher on an 18-month loan and manager Robbie Neilson said, "Calum will add strength and drive to our midfield. He has grown as a player during his spell back in England and is an important addition to our squad. He knows the Scottish game and Dundee United well. I am pleased to have got him signed."

Meanwhile, Dundee FC have signed Ryan McGowan and Ethan Robson from Bradford and Sunderland respectively.

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BLACK CATS POUNCE ON MORGAN

Another loan deal tied up in the Sky Bet Championship as Sunderland seal a move for Celtic's 22-year-old winger Lewis Morgan.

The man himself said: "I’m joining coaching staff I’ve worked with before, and once I got the opportunity to speak with them, my decision was made.

“My game is based around scoring and creating goals, but I obviously also try to work hard for the team, and that is the most important thing.

“Something special is happening at the club this season, and hopefully I can contribute to that."

At least Morgan, yet to score a goal this season, sounds positive about the switch.

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'SHARP' McLOUGHLIN MOVES TO WIMBLEDON

AFC Wimbledon have signed Shane McLoughlin on a permanent deal from Sky Bet Championship side Ipswich. The 21-year-old midfielder could be in contention for his Dons debut in Saturday's League One match at Sunderland.

"Shane is versatile and very sharp and accurate on the ball," manager Wally Downes told the Dons website.

""He has great energy, a superb attitude, and he fits the age bracket we want. He is the type of player that we want here.

"Shane has been on my radar for ages. A couple of friends I know that used to play for Ipswich told me about him quite a while ago, so I kept my eye on him. He is young and hungry to do well, which is what we want, and he has a great attitude."

---

SKY BET TRANSFER SPECIALS

There's still bags of time to have a thumb through the live odds from Sky Bet, with one or two potential moves still hanging in the balance.

Che Adams can be backed at 5/2 to join Southampton before the window closes and Michy Batshuayi is evens to secure a move to Everton and 3/1 to hook up with Monaco.

Just click on the image below to check out all the latest prices.

The latest done deals and transfer rumours on Deadline Day with Sporting Life

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CHASING CARS

It doesn't sound like Hearts will be making any late deals, with manager Craig Levein stating he's off out tonight to watch Snow Patrol.

"No, I'm going to watch Snow Patrol tonight, my phone will be off. Brilliant, eh?"

Brilliant.

---

SCOTTISH SWITCH

Irish striker David McMillan has joined Hamilton on loan. The 30-year-old arrives in Scotland after a successful spell at Dundalk.

"During his time across the water, McMillan became the League of Ireland’s all-time leading goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League," according to the Accies website.

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HOGAN MAKES BLADES MOVE

Lovely Twitter graphic from Sheffield United as Scott Hogan is unveiled as their latest signing, joining on loan from Ascot Villa until the end of the season.

He's made limited appearances for Villa this term - six league outings to be precise - but was a mainstay the previous season, when he scored nine goals in all competitions.

---

PLYMOUTH SIGN CENTRE-BACK JONES

Formerly captaining Liverpool Under-23s, centre-half Lloyd Jones has signed for Plymouth from fellow Sky Bet League One side Lutown on loan until the end of the season.

He's a product of the Plymothian Argyle Academy so is another player 'returning home' on this Transfer Deadline Day.

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SOUTTAR TO SECURE HEARTS STAY

Hearts boss Craig Levein has revealed defender John Souttar is close to agreeing a new deal at Tynecastle. The defender returned against St Johnstone on Saturday after three months out with a hip injury and has another 18 months to run on his current contract.

But Levein said this morning: "I don't want to say too much, but we're very, very close to John Souttar signing a new contract."

Hearts have already handed extended deals to Christophe Berra and Michael Smith and Levein added: "There are two or three others as well (close to agreeing new contracts) and that is solely based on trying to get this stability that we're after."

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KAMARA OFF TO TURKEY

Fulham's controversial forward Aboubakar Kamara is closing in on a move to Turkish side Yeni Malatyaspor, Press Association Sport understands.

The 23-year-old has been suspended by the Cottagers pending internal disciplinary proceedings due to a training ground incident last week.

Kamara was arrested on suspicion of ABH and criminal damage, with the forward now set for a fresh start in Turkey. The player has landed in Turkey to finalise the move, which is reported to be a loan agreement until the end of the 2019-20 season.

---

BUNNEY BOUNCES BACK

“I don’t really feel like I’ve left – it has only been a year. I’ve not had a lot of football in that year, so it’s good to be home."

Joe Bunney is buzzing after securing a return to Rochdale from Northampton Town on loan. He made almost 150 outings for the club but his switch to Northampton last year didn't work out.

---

CROUCH SET FOR PREM RETURN

Just two goals and a smashing podcast from 26 Stoke appearances this season but Peter Crouch is still very much in demand it seems. The most amazing thing to emerge from this story is that Crouch has never played for Burnley before... He was simply made for Burnley.

As if he genuinely needs a medical.

Going the opposite direction is Sam Vokes. He's reportedly going to cost Stoke £10m.

Wales international Vokes has netted three goals in 20 Premier League appearances this term. The 29-year-old joined Burnley from Wolves in 2012, having already had a loan spell at Turf Moor.

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NO JAN MOVE FOR OZIL?

Suggestions from German media that Mesut Ozil has no interest in leaving Arsenal at present, with PSG standing by with a loan offer. He's clearly not in Unai Emery's main plans and will presumably look for a permanent switch in the summer.

---

N'KOUDOU HAVING MONACO MEDICAL

Tottenham's Georges-Kevin N’Koudou is having a medical at Monaco according to Sky Sports.

The winger is set for Deadline Day a loan move to the Ligue 1 club.

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HEISE IS A CANARY

German left-back Philip Heise has signed a (relatively long-term) deal with Sky Bet Championship side Norwich which will tie him to the club until 2022.

He's been playing for Dynamo Dresden in the second tier of Germany football having previously played in the Bundesliga for Stuttgart.

“I’ve seen the training ground which is very nice, and I’ve also seen the stadium which was amazing,” he said. “It’s a dream for every German player to play somewhere like this."

Good luck to you, Herr Heise.

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PELE SIGNS FOR FOREST!

Nottingham Forest have announced the signing of Pele, AKA Judilson Mamadu Tuncará Gomes.

The 27-year-old midfield man joins on loan from Monaco until the end of the season.

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OTTO MAKES MOVE PERMANENT

Wolves full-back Jonathan Castro Otto has turned his loan deal from Atletico Madrid into a permanent move.

Jonny has made 25 appearances in all competitions for last year's Sky Bet Championship winners, scoring a Premier League goal in the 2-0 win over Southampton at the end of September.

He's cost a reported £18m - matching the club record fee - so has clearly impressed those at Molineux since joining the club in the summer.

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NEILSON GETS HIS MAN

Robbie Neilson has made a signing he knows pretty well, with Dundee United snapping up Peter Pawlett for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old moves from MK Dons, who Neilson left early last year.

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FELLAINI PASSES MEDICAL

Marouane Fellaini is one of those players who hobbles and limps his way around the pitch before a game has even kicked off but it's good news (I presume it's good news, Man United fans?) - he's passed his medical and will be linking up with Chinese Super League outfit Shandong Luneng, subject to all the paperwork going through in time.

Quite a significant statement from Ole Gunnar Solskaer to get rid of Jose Mourinho's go-to man. He was close to unplayable at times for Belgium in the World Cup and one would suspect he won't be easy to handle in China. He will be handsomely paid, that much is clear.

Marouane Fellaini celebrates after scoring for Belgium against Egypt

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PAPER ROUND-UP

PSG's interest in Willian features quite heavily in today's Deadline Day Paper Talk but the strongest line from the back pages this morning would appear to be Real Madrid ramping up their interest in Man United striker Marcus Rashford, with a £100m bid being mooted in the summer.

It's a strange beast Deadline Day... it's never quite going to be the same since the young fella waving that item behind the camera outside Stoke's ground a couple of years back. It's all a bit clinical now isn't it?

Anyway, there's a spot of snow around, particularly in the north west based on the shots from outside Everton's training ground this morning, which has spiced things up a bit.

The Toffees are reportedly trying to hang on to Idrissa Gueye, with interest from Arsenal and one or two others. They are also showing some interest in saving Michy Batshuayi from his tough time out on loan at Valencia, but the costs could be just out of reach.

Gueye in action for Everton

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COUNTDOWN BEGINS...

Here we go then, it's almost over. The doors to Vegan-uary slam shut at midnight tonight. I sincerely hope you've enjoyed it. Roll on Fat February.

Before then, though, we're counting back from 11pm which is the deadline for the January transfer window. Scottish clubs have that vital extra hour to get the deals over the line, don't forget.

So who goes where?

Well, Sky Sports are reporting some interest in William from French giants PSG, which is relatively interesting if you're that way inclined, with Chelsea could make a move for Watford's Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Fulham are one of three Premier League clubs who are pursuing Birmingham striker Che Adams, who has been in great form in the Sky Bet Championship, while Arsenal are still waiting to tie up the loan deal which will see Denis Suarez become a Gunner - on loan.

It didn't work out badly for another Suarez who joined the Premier League mid-way through the season a few years ago...

Sky Bet have a bunch of Transfer Specials on the go, including 'Jim White Deadline Day Bingo', and you can gently peruse the markets throughout the day by clicking on the image below.

Ivan Perisic: 3/1 to join Arsenal

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February 01, 2019 at 06:10AM