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PostNL Seeks Subsidies Amid Declining Mail Volume
Dutch postal company PostNL is requesting a 2-cent subsidy per letter to offset losses stemming from a notable decline in mail volume. The company reports a 90% decrease in letter volume as 2000, mirroring a trend across Europe. Currently, PostNL is obligated to deliver standard mail within 24 hours, a requirement that will shift to 48 hours starting July 2024, a change approved by outgoing Minister of Economic Affairs Vincent Karremans to provide “more air” for the company’s business model.
though,PostNL CEO Hielke Berendsen argues that the extended delivery timeframe alone is insufficient to address the financial challenges. He stated that the current losses are unsustainable and that even the Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) acknowledges that expecting a commercial entity to operate at a loss is unreasonable. Berendsen emphasized the relatively small financial impact of the requested subsidy.
While PostNL’s parcel delivery service remains profitable, Berendsen dismissed the idea of cross-subsidizing letter delivery with parcel revenue. He cited unfair competition with companies in other European countries that have received more ample government support.
The situation reflects a broader European trend. in Denmark, PostNord, co-owned by the Swedish and Danish governments, will cease letter delivery services in 2024. Spokesperson Isabella Beck Jørgensen explained that despite extending delivery times to five working days a decade ago, the service remained financially unsustainable. Danes will still be able to send letters through option, more expensive delivery services, such as parcel post.
KPK to Re-examine Hasto Case After Acquittal
Judges Cite Timing in Ruling Against PDIP Secretary General
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) plans to meticulously review the court’s reasoning after Hasto Kristiyanto, the Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), was found not guilty of obstructing the investigation into the fugitive Harun Masiku.
Judicial Decision Sparks KPK Review
KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo announced the commission’s intention to re-evaluate the circumstances surrounding Hasto‘s alleged obstruction. The KPK will scrutinize the judges’ considerations, particularly the timing of Hasto‘s actions in relation to the investigation’s commencement.
“Of course we will also see again the allegations of what was done so after the investigation. This means that the actions of the pioneering after the investigation process or after the issuance of the sprindik will be seen again,”
—Budi Prasetyo, KPK Spokesman
The commission will also consider the court’s directive for the return of a notebook confiscated from Hasto.
Judges’ Rationale: Pre-Suspect Actions
The Jakarta Corruption Court judges acquitted Hasto Kristiyanto, stating his alleged obstructive actions occurred before Harun Masiku was officially declared a suspect and before the investigation had formally begun. This distinction proved crucial in the verdict.
The court found no concrete evidence that Hasto‘s alleged attempt to soak a cellphone constituted an effort to destroy evidence, as the device was retrievable by the KPK. The judges emphasized that the elements of intent to obstruct were not proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
“Considering that based on a comprehensive analysis of all trial facts, there is no evidence of cellphones that are soaked or submerged as alleged, the fact that the HP in question can be confiscated by the KPK, so that there is no evidence of efforts to eliminate evidence, so the elements in this intentional cannot be legally and convincingly proven,”
—The Judges, Jakarta Corruption Court
Furthermore, the judges ruled that Hasto‘s refusal to provide potentially incriminating information when questioned as a witness on June 6, 2024, was within his constitutional rights, citing the principle of *Nemo Tenetur in Ipsum Accusare*—the right against self-incrimination.
This legal principle, recognized universally in criminal law and protected by Indonesia’s constitution, allows individuals to avoid providing testimony that could worsen their legal situation. The court underscored its fundamental nature.
The Indonesian justice system’s handling of obstruction of justice cases often hinges on precise timing and intent. For instance, in a 2023 case involving the obstruction of a tax audit, the court emphasized that the accused’s actions occurred after the audit had officially commenced, differentiating it from a pre-investigation phase (Source: Directorate General of Taxes data, 2023).
IDF Stops Activists on Board Freedom Flotilla
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Israeli soldiers boarded the Handala, a vessel operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla movement, while it was en route to Gaza. The interception occurred in international waters, according to a live broadcast from the group. Footage showed pro-Palestinian activists on deck with raised hands,singing the Italian anti-fascist song “Bella Ciao” as soldiers took control of the ship. The live video transmissions were interrupted shortly after.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition stated on social media that the Handala was “intercepted and illegally boarded by Israeli forces while in international waters.” An online tracking tool indicated the boat’s position was approximately 50 kilometers off the Egyptian coast and 100 kilometers west of Gaza at the time of the interception. The Israeli military had not immediately confirmed the operation, but earlier that day, it had announced its intention to enforce “the legal maritime security blockade on the Gaza Strip.”
The Handala was carrying 19 activists, including European politicians, and two journalists from Al Jazeera, who managed to transmit from the boat until just before the interception. Among those arrested were two French parliamentarians, Emma Foureau and Gabrielle Cathala.Their party leader,Jean-Luc Mélenchon of France Unbowed (LFI),condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Netanyahu’s delinquents have boarded the Handala. They attacked 21 unarmed people in territorial waters where they have no right. A kidnapping of which two French parliamentarians are victims,” he wrote on X.
Mélenchon urged the French government to intervene. Gaza is currently facing a severe shortage of food and essential goods, with the United Nations and NGOs warning of an impending famine.The Handala crew had declared on X that they would begin a hunger strike if the Israeli army intercepted the boat and detained the passengers. The previous vessel sent by the Freedom Flotilla, the Madleen, was intercepted by the Israeli army in international waters on june 9 and towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod. It was carrying 12 activists,including the well-known Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
The soldiers of the IDF, who raided the Freedom Flotilla ship, were seen boarding the vessel.
Evergreen Insights: freedom Flotilla Context
the Freedom Flotilla Coalition is an international organization that organizes voyages to challenge the blockade of gaza. These flotillas aim to bring humanitarian aid and raise awareness about the situation in the Palestinian territories. The Handala, named after a famous Palestinian cartoon character, is a symbolic vessel in this movement. Interceptions by Israeli forces have occurred on previous occasions, often leading to international condemnation and diplomatic tensions.
The blockade of Gaza, imposed by Israel and Egypt, has been in place since 2007. International bodies, including the United Nations, have repeatedly called for an end to the blockade, citing its severe impact on the civilian population. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza,exacerbated by conflict and restrictions on essential goods,remains a important international concern.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Freedom Flotilla
What is the Freedom Flotilla?
The Freedom Flotilla is a coalition of international organizations and activists who organize maritime missions to challenge the blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid.
Why was the Handala intercepted?
According to Israel, the interception was part of enforcing the maritime security blockade on the Gaza Strip. The Freedom Flotilla states the interception occurred in international waters.
Who was on board the Handala?
the handala carried 19 activists, including European politicians and two journalists from Al Jazeera.
What are the conditions in Gaza?
Gaza is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with shortages of food and essential goods, and warnings of an imminent famine.
This article reports on a geopolitical event and dose not constitute health, financial, or legal advice.
what are your thoughts on this interception? Share your perspective in the comments below, and subscribe to World Today News for more updates on global events.
Mowbray Ditches Social Media in Pursuit of Balance, Questions Digital Ecosystems
In a move she describes as an attempt to “reset the norm and create balance,” prominent figure [Insert Name of Mowbray Here, if available in the original article] has removed Instagram and Facebook from her personal phone. This decision stems from her questioning the integrity of current digital ecosystems and the intentions behind technology’s use, prompting her to ask, “How can we support others in choosing connection over compulsion?” She famously stated, “Sometimes the boldest innovation is subtraction.”
Facebook and Instagram, both owned by Meta Platforms, Inc., a California-based technology company led by Mark Zuckerberg, boast considerable user bases wiht Facebook reaching 3 billion active users and Instagram 2 billion. Meta’s portfolio also includes other popular social media platforms such as Threads, WhatsApp, and Messenger.
The professional networking platform LinkedIn shares several functional similarities with Facebook and Instagram, offering features like status updates, photo and video sharing, and interaction tools such as likes, comments, and shares.
This personal digital detox follows a important business decision made just a week prior.[Insert Name of Mowbray Here] and her husband, Ali Williams, alongside investors bill Foley and Bennett rosenthal, withdrew their proposal to construct a new stadium at Western Springs.
[Insert Name of Mowbray Here] has been contacted for further comment on thes developments.
In an article, a journalist from the “Washington Post” says, after a trip to Italy, because according to her in our country the problem of extra pounds is less than the United States
«I had the great fortune to spend the entire month of May in Italy. And if you have heard the reports of people who go on vacation, they eat long and wide for the country and miraculously return home with a few more pounds, I’m here to tell you that it does not always go like this »debuts Tamar Haspel in his editorial on Washington Post.
We try to summarize his observations, starting from the question that arises at the beginning: How is it possible that Italians are less obese than the Americans If when you turn around the Bel Paese you see that they eat biscuits for breakfast, maybe pasta or risotto and/or dinner and maybe even appetizers and second? Not to mention pizzas, focaccia and ice cream. Having said that Haspel stressed that it is not based on scientific studies but only on his observations the reasons that has been given are “in summary” essentially the following.
- Italians They eat more fish of the Americans;
- They drink in general quite less alcohol;
- They eat much less flesh;
- Consume A little less added sugars;
- Drink Less carbonated drinks.
Then it is true that they probably eat more pasta but other considerations come into play: one is the dimension of portions and snacks. In the USA, the journalist underlines, the dimension of the portions is probably able to explain the largest number of calories consumed while the Italian portions seemed to be much more moderate.
Another are the snacks: Eating between meals is less common in Italy than in the USA (except ice cream).
Another aspect noticed by Haspel is that the non -food stores have fewer candies and snacks at the speakers.
«However, there is no doubt that food, and the way of eating it, is central to the sense of Italianness of many Italians. And a cuisine that is part of a national identity is something that America does not have, “concludes Haspel. “But the biggest differences are in where, when, in how and how much you eat”.
Package Lockers Surge in Popularity Across Central Europe
Convenience and cost drive consumers to opt for out-of-home delivery.
Across Central Europe, consumers are increasingly favoring delivery options beyond their homes. Package lockers and pickup points provide a convenient and often cheaper alternative for receiving online purchases. This trend is reshaping the e-commerce landscape in countries like the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland.
Rising Preference for Locker Delivery
Data indicates a significant percentage of customers in the region now prefer deliveries outside their homes. In Slovakia, 72% of customers choose this option, while in Hungary and Poland, the figures stand at 64% and 67%, respectively.
According to Ondřej Luštinec, a spokesperson for Packeta, one of the major players in the Czech parcel locker and delivery point sector, “People are increasingly choosing the possibility of picking up the shipment when it suits them.”
Cost-Effectiveness
Not only is delivery outside the home more practical, but it’s also easier on the wallet. According to Packeta data, delivery to a home address is, on average, 44% more expensive than delivery to a dispensing point or locker, considering the 188 largest e-shops.
Popular Purchases
Czechs frequently purchase items such as electronics, clothing, household equipment, cosmetics, and shoes via online retailers. These goods are well-suited for delivery to parcel lockers, adding to the convenience factor.
Regulation and Production
The expansion of dispensing boxes continues throughout the Czech Republic. Cities like Prague and Olomouc are developing regulations for box placement to ensure they don’t obstruct pedestrians or disrupt public spaces. Recently, there was an incident in Hradec Králové where boxes were inappropriately installed near a sculpture.
Companies like OX POINT from Pelhřimov and BlockBox from Hranice in the Přerov region are among the domestic manufacturers of these dispensing boxes in the Czech Republic.
Evolving Delivery Landscape
The rise of parcel lockers reflects a broader trend toward greater convenience and efficiency in e-commerce logistics. As of 2023, there were over 15,000 locker locations in the United States alone, demonstrating a similar trend of growing adoption (Statista).
