Trump administration holds off on new Russia sanctions, despite law Russian President Vladimir Putin, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Deputy Defence Minister Yuri Borisov visit the Gorbunov Aviation factory in Kazan, Russia January 25, 2018. — Reuters WASHINGTON: The Trump administration said on Monday it would not immediately impose additional sanctions on Russia, despite a new law designed to punish Moscow’s alleged meddling in the 2016 US election, insisting the measure was already hitting Russian companies. “Today, we have informed Congress that this legislation and its implementation are deterring Russian defense sales,” State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. “Since the enactment of the ... legislation, we estimate that foreign governments have abandoned planned or announced purchases of several billion dollars in Russian defense acquisitions.” Seeking to press President Donald Trump to clamp down on Russia, the US Congress voted nearly unanimously last year to pass a law setting sweeping new sanctions on Moscow. Trump, who wanted warmer ties with Moscow and had opposed the legislation as it worked its way through Congress, signed it reluctantly in August, just six months into his presidency. Under the measure, the administration faced a deadline on Monday to impose sanctions on anyone determined to conduct significant business with Russian defense and intelligence sectors, already sanctioned for their alleged role in the election. But citing long time frames associated with major defense deals, Nauert said it was better to wait to impose those sanctions. “From that perspective, if the law is working, sanctions on specific entities or individuals will not need to be imposed because the legislation is, in fact, serving as a deterrent,” she said in a statement. The measure, known as “Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act,” or CAATSA, required the administration to list “oligarchs” close to President Vladimir Putin’s government and issue a report detailing possible consequences of penalising Russia’s sovereign debt. Would Trump clamp down on Russia? Monday’s deadline to release those reports was seen as a test of Trump’s willingness to clamp down on Russia. Critics blasted him for failing to announce any sanctions. “The State Department claims that the mere threat of sanctions will deter Russia’s aggressive behaviour. How do you deter an attack that happened two years ago, and another that’s already underway? It just doesn’t make sense,” said Representative Eliot Engel, the top Democrat on the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. “I’m fed up waiting for this Administration to protect our country and our elections,” he said in a statement. Members of Congress, including Democrats and some of Trump’s fellow Republicans, have been clamouring for his administration to use sanctions to punish Moscow for past election interference and prevent future meddling in US polls. Shortly before midnight (0500 GMT) on Monday, the Treasury Department released an unclassified “oligarchs” list, including 114 senior Russian political figures and 96 business people. Those named on the list will not immediately face any immediate penalties like asset freezes or visa bans. But the law mandated that the US Treasury and State Departments, and intelligence agencies, compile a list of political figures and business people close to Putin’s government and network, for potential future sanctions. Several US congressional committees, as well as Special Counsel Robert Mueller, are investigating whether Russia tried to tilt last November’s election in Trump’s favour, using means such as hacking into the emails of senior Democrats and promoting divisive social and political messages online. Trump and the Kremlin have separately denied any collusion. Senator Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, one of the main congressional architects of the sanctions law, said he was not concerned that the administration did not announce sanctions by Monday’s deadline. “This is when sanctions season begins, and so they’ll be rolling them out,” he told reporters. “We feel pretty good about the process,” Corker said. “They’re rushing the information over to us today, and by the close of business, they’re going to have two of the three, as I understand it. So they’re taking it very seriously.”

Trump administration holds off on new Russia sanctions, despite law Russian President Vladimir Putin, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Deputy Defence Minister Yuri Borisov visit the Gorbunov Aviation factory in Kazan, Russia January 25, 2018. — Reuters WASHINGTON: The Trump administration said on Monday it would not immediately impose additional sanctions on Russia, despite a new law designed to punish Moscow’s alleged meddling in the 2016 US election, insisting the measure was already hitting Russian companies. “Today, we have informed Congress that this legislation and its implementation are deterring Russian defense sales,” State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. “Since the enactment of the ... legislation, we estimate that foreign governments have abandoned planned or announced purchases of several billion dollars in Russian defense acquisitions.” Seeking to press President Donald Trump to clamp down on Russia, the US Congress voted nearly unanimously last year to pass a law setting sweeping new sanctions on Moscow. Trump, who wanted warmer ties with Moscow and had opposed the legislation as it worked its way through Congress, signed it reluctantly in August, just six months into his presidency. Under the measure, the administration faced a deadline on Monday to impose sanctions on anyone determined to conduct significant business with Russian defense and intelligence sectors, already sanctioned for their alleged role in the election. But citing long time frames associated with major defense deals, Nauert said it was better to wait to impose those sanctions. “From that perspective, if the law is working, sanctions on specific entities or individuals will not need to be imposed because the legislation is, in fact, serving as a deterrent,” she said in a statement. The measure, known as “Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act,” or CAATSA, required the administration to list “oligarchs” close to President Vladimir Putin’s government and issue a report detailing possible consequences of penalising Russia’s sovereign debt. Would Trump clamp down on Russia? Monday’s deadline to release those reports was seen as a test of Trump’s willingness to clamp down on Russia. Critics blasted him for failing to announce any sanctions. “The State Department claims that the mere threat of sanctions will deter Russia’s aggressive behaviour. How do you deter an attack that happened two years ago, and another that’s already underway? It just doesn’t make sense,” said Representative Eliot Engel, the top Democrat on the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. “I’m fed up waiting for this Administration to protect our country and our elections,” he said in a statement. Members of Congress, including Democrats and some of Trump’s fellow Republicans, have been clamouring for his administration to use sanctions to punish Moscow for past election interference and prevent future meddling in US polls. Shortly before midnight (0500 GMT) on Monday, the Treasury Department released an unclassified “oligarchs” list, including 114 senior Russian political figures and 96 business people. Those named on the list will not immediately face any immediate penalties like asset freezes or visa bans. But the law mandated that the US Treasury and State Departments, and intelligence agencies, compile a list of political figures and business people close to Putin’s government and network, for potential future sanctions. Several US congressional committees, as well as Special Counsel Robert Mueller, are investigating whether Russia tried to tilt last November’s election in Trump’s favour, using means such as hacking into the emails of senior Democrats and promoting divisive social and political messages online. Trump and the Kremlin have separately denied any collusion. Senator Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, one of the main congressional architects of the sanctions law, said he was not concerned that the administration did not announce sanctions by Monday’s deadline. “This is when sanctions season begins, and so they’ll be rolling them out,” he told reporters. “We feel pretty good about the process,” Corker said. “They’re rushing the information over to us today, and by the close of business, they’re going to have two of the three, as I understand it. So they’re taking it very seriously.”

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Pencil-maker Faber-Castell sharpens up for digital age Wood-cased coloured pencils are pictured in a shop at Faber-Castell manufacturer in Stein near Nuremberg, Germany January 16, 2018. Picture taken January 16, 2018. Photo: Reuters NUREMBERG: If the digital revolution is going to consign anything to the dustbin of history, you might think the humble pencil would be a leading contender. However, with such pastimes as doodling and colouring being touted as stressbusters to escape the daily grind and the relentless lure of smartphones, German pencil-maker Faber-Castell is thriving 256 years after it was founded. “We see that people with all the digital devices around go back to a more manual way of expressing themselves,” Daniel Rogger, chief executive of the family-owned firm, told Reuters. “It’s like a counter-trend to digitalization in terms of product usage and of course that’s something that we love to see.” The fashion for adult coloring, where people have books of different themes and patterns to complete, like children, lifted Faber-Castell to record sales of 667 million euros in 2016/2017. While that fad has now ebbed, new trends such as “bullet journals” - a combination of writing to-do lists and artistic doodling - will keep sales stable in 2017/2018, Rogger said. Faber-Castell is even seeking to turn the online world to its advantage by setting up a digital gallery. It launched the platform last year in Brazil – one of its biggest markets – where artists can share their work and creative ideas. It is also setting up fine art academies in Japan and Lebanon modelled on the one in Stein, outside Nuremberg, where Faber-Castell makes 150 million coloured pencils a year. A larger factory in Brazil produces more than 2 billion each year. Laid end to end, its annual production would go round the world 10 times. The company has been in the same family for nine generations, and over that time it has faced repeated threats to its existence. The castle overlooking its factory was commandeered by the Nazis and, after World War Two, requisitioned by the Americans to house journalists covering the Nuremberg war crimes trials. And, in a case of what today might be called digital disruption, the invention of electronic calculator in the 1970s destroyed Faber-Castell’s sideline making slide rules virtually overnight. Last year Faber-Castell appointed Rogger as its first chief executive from outside the family. For him the digital era and social media presents an opportunity. “It enables us to get very close to our customers, to our consumers, to interact, to get direct feedback on our products, on trends,” said Rogger, a 49-year-old Swiss with a background in the luxury watch industry.

Pencil-maker Faber-Castell sharpens up for digital age Wood-cased coloured pencils are pictured in a shop at Faber-Castell manufacturer in Stein near Nuremberg, Germany January 16, 2018. Picture taken January 16, 2018. Photo: Reuters   NUREMBERG: If the digital revolution is going to consign anything to the dustbin of history, you might think the humble pencil would be a leading contender. However, with such pastimes as doodling and colouring being touted as stressbusters to escape the daily grind and the relentless lure of smartphones, German pencil-maker Faber-Castell is thriving 256 years after it was founded. “We see that people with all the digital devices around go back to a more manual way of expressing themselves,” Daniel Rogger, chief executive of the family-owned firm, told Reuters. “It’s like a counter-trend to digitalization in terms of product usage and of course that’s something that we love to see.” The fashion for adult coloring, where people have books of different themes and patterns to complete, like children, lifted Faber-Castell to record sales of 667 million euros in 2016/2017. While that fad has now ebbed, new trends such as “bullet journals” - a combination of writing to-do lists and artistic doodling - will keep sales stable in 2017/2018, Rogger said. Faber-Castell is even seeking to turn the online world to its advantage by setting up a digital gallery. It launched the platform last year in Brazil – one of its biggest markets – where artists can share their work and creative ideas. It is also setting up fine art academies in Japan and Lebanon modelled on the one in Stein, outside Nuremberg, where Faber-Castell makes 150 million coloured pencils a year. A larger factory in Brazil produces more than 2 billion each year. Laid end to end, its annual production would go round the world 10 times. The company has been in the same family for nine generations, and over that time it has faced repeated threats to its existence. The castle overlooking its factory was commandeered by the Nazis and, after World War Two, requisitioned by the Americans to house journalists covering the Nuremberg war crimes trials. And, in a case of what today might be called digital disruption, the invention of electronic calculator in the 1970s destroyed Faber-Castell’s sideline making slide rules virtually overnight. Last year Faber-Castell appointed Rogger as its first chief executive from outside the family. For him the digital era and social media presents an opportunity. “It enables us to get very close to our customers, to our consumers, to interact, to get direct feedback on our products, on trends,” said Rogger, a 49-year-old Swiss with a background in the luxury watch industry.

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‘World’s oldest man’ dies in Spain aged 113 Francisco Nunez Olivera, who was 10 years old when World War I broke out, died on Monday in the village of Bienvenida in southwestern Spain where he had lived throughout his life, village mayor Antonio Carmona told AFP. Photo: AFP file MADRID: A Spanish village on Tuesday declared a day of mourning following the death of a retired farmer billed as "the world’s oldest man", who passed away just over a month after turning 113. Francisco Nunez Olivera, who was 10 years old when World War I broke out, died on Monday in the village of Bienvenida in southwestern Spain where he had lived throughout his life, village mayor Antonio Carmona told AFP. "It’s a very cold day and most of all a very sad day," Carmona said. Born on December 13, 1904, relatives credited Nunez Olivera’s long life to a diet based on vegetables he grew on his own land and a daily glass of red wine. Every morning for breakfast, he would have sponge cake made with olive oil and a glass of milk. And until the age of 107, he went out for daily walks by himself, according to Spanish media reports published when he celebrated his last birthday. While the Spanish media described Nunez Olivera as the world’s oldest man, his name did not appear on a list kept by the Gerontology Research Group, which validates the ages of the world’s longest-living people. The US-based group lists Japan’s Masazou Nonaka, born on July 25, 1905 making him 112, as the world’s oldest man but Carmona said there were documents to prove the Spaniard was in fact older. It also lists a Japanese woman, aged 117, as the world’s oldest person. Mediterranean diet benefits? "We were in the process of applying for him to enter into the Guinness Book of World Records. It meant a lot to his neighbours to be represented by the oldest man in the world," Carmona said. Proving Nunez Olivera’s exact age has been complicated by the fact that most of Bienvenida’s public archives were destroyed during Spain’s 1936-39 civil war, according to newspaper El Mundo. Nunez Olivera, known in the village as Marchena due to his likeness to a Spanish flamenco singer who used that stage name, had been a widower since 1988. He fought in the Rif War in the first half of the 1920s between Spain and the Berber tribes of the Rif mountains in Morocco and survived General Francisco Franco’s 1936-75 dictatorship. On Tuesday afternoon, he was set to be buried in Bienvenida. He was one of 32 people over the age of 90 among the roughly 2,200 inhabitants of the village, according to El Mundo. Spain has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, which doctors often attribute to the country’s Mediterranean diet.

‘World’s oldest man’ dies in Spain aged 113 Francisco Nunez Olivera, who was 10 years old when World War I broke out, died on Monday in the village of Bienvenida in southwestern Spain where he had lived throughout his life, village mayor Antonio Carmona told AFP. Photo: AFP file MADRID: A Spanish village on Tuesday declared a day of mourning following the death of a retired farmer billed as "the world’s oldest man", who passed away just over a month after turning 113. Francisco Nunez Olivera, who was 10 years old when World War I broke out, died on Monday in the village of Bienvenida in southwestern Spain where he had lived throughout his life, village mayor Antonio Carmona told AFP. "It’s a very cold day and most of all a very sad day," Carmona said. Born on December 13, 1904, relatives credited Nunez Olivera’s long life to a diet based on vegetables he grew on his own land and a daily glass of red wine. Every morning for breakfast, he would have sponge cake made with olive oil and a glass of milk. And until the age of 107, he went out for daily walks by himself, according to Spanish media reports published when he celebrated his last birthday. While the Spanish media described Nunez Olivera as the world’s oldest man, his name did not appear on a list kept by the Gerontology Research Group, which validates the ages of the world’s longest-living people. The US-based group lists Japan’s Masazou Nonaka, born on July 25, 1905 making him 112, as the world’s oldest man but Carmona said there were documents to prove the Spaniard was in fact older. It also lists a Japanese woman, aged 117, as the world’s oldest person. Mediterranean diet benefits? "We were in the process of applying for him to enter into the Guinness Book of World Records. It meant a lot to his neighbours to be represented by the oldest man in the world," Carmona said. Proving Nunez Olivera’s exact age has been complicated by the fact that most of Bienvenida’s public archives were destroyed during Spain’s 1936-39 civil war, according to newspaper El Mundo. Nunez Olivera, known in the village as Marchena due to his likeness to a Spanish flamenco singer who used that stage name, had been a widower since 1988. He fought in the Rif War in the first half of the 1920s between Spain and the Berber tribes of the Rif mountains in Morocco and survived General Francisco Franco’s 1936-75 dictatorship. On Tuesday afternoon, he was set to be buried in Bienvenida. He was one of 32 people over the age of 90 among the roughly 2,200 inhabitants of the village, according to El Mundo. Spain has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, which doctors often attribute to the country’s Mediterranean diet.

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Saudi attorney general says 56 graft suspects still held RIYADH: Saudi Arabian attorney general Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb said on Tuesday that 56 corruption suspects were still in custody out of 381 high-profile figures detained on graft allegations. He said he has decided to release all those proven not guilty and others who had agreed to financial settlements with the government after admitting to corruption allegations. Mojeb also said that total settlements with the suspects had topped $107 billion in various forms of assets including property, securities and cash. "The total number of subpoenaed individuals reached 381, a significant number of whom were called to testify or provide evidence," Mojeb said in a statement released by the information ministry. Saudi authorities launched an unprecedented anti-corruption drive in early November and arrested hundreds of royals, businessmen and officials. They included billionaire prince Al-Waleed bin Talal who was freed on Saturday after agreeing to a settlement. Those held were detained at the luxury Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh. The hotel is due to reopen on February 14, and it was not immediately known if any of the 56 still in custody were kept there. Mojeb said he has also decided to "keep in custody those individuals - 56 in total - where the attorney general has refused to settle with them due to other pending criminal cases". He said he will continue investigating the 56 detainees.

Saudi attorney general says 56 graft suspects still held RIYADH: Saudi Arabian attorney general Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb said on Tuesday that 56 corruption suspects were still in custody out of 381 high-profile figures detained on graft allegations. He said he has decided to release all those proven not guilty and others who had agreed to financial settlements with the government after admitting to corruption allegations. Mojeb also said that total settlements with the suspects had topped $107 billion in various forms of assets including property, securities and cash. "The total number of subpoenaed individuals reached 381, a significant number of whom were called to testify or provide evidence," Mojeb said in a statement released by the information ministry. Saudi authorities launched an unprecedented anti-corruption drive in early November and arrested hundreds of royals, businessmen and officials. They included billionaire prince Al-Waleed bin Talal who was freed on Saturday after agreeing to a settlement. Those held were detained at the luxury Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh. The hotel is due to reopen on February 14, and it was not immediately known if any of the 56 still in custody were kept there. Mojeb said he has also decided to "keep in custody those individuals - 56 in total - where the attorney general has refused to settle with them due to other pending criminal cases". He said he will continue investigating the 56 detainees.

January 31, 2018 No comments Read More

Indian techie's widow attends Donald Trump's first State of the Union Address

Indian techie's widow attends Donald Trump's first State of the Union Address

Sunayana Dumala's husband Srinivas Kuchibhotla was shot dead while his colleague, also an Indian, sustained bullet injuries after an Ame...

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BJP got 77% donations from electoral trusts in last four years

BJP got 77% donations from electoral trusts in last four years

Corporate donations to political parties via electoral trusts have grown four-fold in last four years, according to a recent report by the A...

January 31, 2018 No comments Read More

10 things you need to know about the Scorpene-class submarine Karanj

10 things you need to know about the Scorpene-class submarine Karanj

from India News | Latest News Headlines & Live Updates from India - Times of India http://ift.tt/2nnLEMz

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Indian Navy launches 3rd Scropene class submarine Karanj

Indian Navy launches 3rd Scropene class submarine Karanj

Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba's wife Reena Lanba launched 3rd Scropene class submarine Karanj​, which has been constructed by shipbuild...

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Vijay Gokhale, T S Tirumurti rise on Malaysia experience

Vijay Gokhale, T S Tirumurti rise on Malaysia experience

Prior to the incumbent Mr Tirumurti, Mr Gokhale served as High Commissioner in Malaysia, joining in 2010, until he was given a posting in Ge...

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Controversial firing by Army in Shopian: Civilian death toll rises to 3

Controversial firing by Army in Shopian: Civilian death toll rises to 3

A third civilian died today following the January 27 firing by the Army in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian. Earlier, two civilians were kill...

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Third Scorpene-class submarine Karanj to be launched today

Third Scorpene-class submarine Karanj to be launched today

Karanj is the third of the six Scorpene-class submarines being built by MDL under the Project 75 programme. The first one, INS Kalvari, was ...

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BJP takes jibe at Rahul Gandhi's Rs 70,000 jacket

BJP takes jibe at Rahul Gandhi's Rs 70,000 jacket

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday took a potshot at Congress president Rahul Gandhi after he was seen wearing a black jacket, cost...

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News brief: I-T attaches SRK's bungalow under benami law

News brief: I-T attaches SRK's bungalow under benami law

from India News | Latest News Headlines & Live Updates from India - Times of India http://ift.tt/2BH71wC

January 31, 2018 No comments Read More

IPL teams oppose change in match timings requested by Star Sports

IPL teams oppose change in match timings requested by Star Sports

IPL teams oppose change in match timings requested by Star Sports from Sports - Videos - The Times of India http://ift.tt/2EqT3lD

January 31, 2018 No comments Read More

Why Rahul Gandhi's plane pictures are going viral

Why Rahul Gandhi's plane pictures are going viral

from India News | Latest News Headlines & Live Updates from India - Times of India http://ift.tt/2Gx6ssH

January 31, 2018 No comments Read More

World markets can absorb some trade turbulence as Trump digs in January 31, 2018 at 08:11AM Container ships are seen at the Yangshan Deep Water Port — part of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone — in Shanghai, China, September 24, 2016. REUTERS/Aly Song/Files LONDON/GENEVA: Booming global trade and economic growth have cushioned world markets against the political turbulence of Donald Trump’s first year in the White House, but that resilience will be tested if the US president wants protectionism to define 2018. With stocks on one of their longest bull runs in history, they are particularly vulnerable to upsets, although the global economy’s strength means they could probably absorb greater trade conflict - provided governments keep it all within limits. Emboldened after finally pushing his signature tax cut reforms through Congress, Trump seems likely to train his sights on trade — another pillar of his election pledge to “Make America Great Again” — by fixing its deficit and punishing countries deemed to be profiting at US expense. His administration is beating the trade drum ever louder. This month, it has announced steep US tariffs on imported washing machines and solar cells, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has warned China over intellectual property practices and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin has endorsed a weaker dollar to help American exports. Discussing trade wars at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ross said: “US troops are now coming to the ramparts.” That warning provoked only a short-lived wobble in world stocks, with investors reluctant to bail out of a market still clocking record highs at an accelerating pace even after adding $9 trillion in value last year. Much of that bullishness is down to a sustained rebound in trade in recent years, with volumes growing at a faster pace than world gross domestic product. Despite Trump’s protectionist rhetoric of the past year and actions such as pulling the United States out of the TPP trade pact for Pacific Rim countries, indicators show no let-up. Global trade is expanding at annualized rates of more than 4 percent, the strongest performance since 2011, according to the Netherlands Bureau of Economic Policy Analysis. Freight volumes are surging at the fastest pace this decade. Merchandise trade is likely to have expanded 3.6 percent in 2017 in volume terms, rebounding from the post-crisis low of 1.3 percent growth in 2016, the World Trade Organization reckons. Overall, the IMF forecasts global GDP will expand 3.9 percent this year. But investors fear a shift from rhetoric to action may still hurt markets even if the robust growth acts as a shock absorber. “Protectionism means lower growth and higher inflation. That’s the worst possible combination you can have when markets are at record highs,” said Luca Paolini, chief strategist at Pictet Asset Management. However, the world economy’s strength and double-digit company earnings allow markets to “absorb a lot”, Paolini said. He cited short-lived reactions to Britain’s impending exit from the European Union, political upsets elsewhere on the continent such as Catalonia’s failed referendum on independence from Spain and North Korea’s nuclear weapons program as examples of how much flak the market was able to take. Protectionism is neither new nor a US monopoly. Since 2008, the 60 top world economies have adopted over 7,000 protectionist trade measures in net terms, international law firm Gowling WLG reported last November. And yet these have failed to scupper the bull market in equities. Among the upcoming flashpoints are talks with Mexico and Canada on Trump’s demand that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) be renegotiated. His State of the Union speech later on Tuesday could also detail steps against China’s tech sector. A US Treasury report on trade partners’ currency practices, plus decisions on steel and aluminum import restrictions, are due in April. “(A trade shock) is something you have to keep in mind, given how stretched markets are but there has to be a credible decision, not just a threat,” Paolini said. What's the damage? Most expect forthcoming curbs, and the fallout, to be limited. Trade wars have had little direct impact on equity markets in the past, JPMorgan analysts wrote, citing a dispute between Washington and Tokyo in 1993-95 over Japanese car exports to the United States as an example. Trump could double or triple the number of trade penalties “without harming risky markets more than intra-week”, they said, adding that they had made no portfolio changes to account for additional trade risks. Even 100 percent tariffs on steel and aluminium would dent Chinese exports by just 0.3 percentage points, while semiconductor and telecommunications import curbs may lower exports by 0.8 percentage points, Morgan Stanley said. Given multinational firms’ reliance on complex cross-border supply chains, Wall Street would undoubtedly suffer but other markets may be hurt more. The United States, relying on trade for 28 percent of its economic output, has less to lose than Mexico, with a trade-to-GDP ratio of 78 percent or Germany with 84 percent. China’s ratio is 34 percent, World Bank data shows. As a result, any US pullout from NAFTA would cut 2019 GDP by half a percent in the United States, while reducing Mexico’s by almost 1 percent, Oxford Economics predicts, adding that Mexico’s economy could be 2 percent smaller by 2022. However, it is Asia that accounts for three-quarters of the US goods trade deficit — led by China, South Korea and Japan — and over a third of global exports. The annual deficit with China at $370 billion is the biggest, implying that this is where Trump and Ross have set their sights. Some analysts argue that the United States would also lose if trade partners retaliated by cutting purchases of American goods or halting supplies of components to US firms, perhaps along the lines of China’s decision in 2010 to ban exports of rare earth metals to Japanese electronics makers. Another threat lies in the quest for a weaker dollar, should that spur inflation by pushing up the cost of imports in the United States. This could prompt faster and bigger rises in interest rates which feed through to equity markets. But Trump may be wary of disrupting the equity boom which he has cited as evidence of his administration’s successful policies. “At today’s (share price) valuations, a trade war would be material,” said Andrew Milligan, head of global strategy at Aberdeen Standard Investments. “I‘m sure he’s received a lot of advice that a trade war would damage the Dow.”

World markets can absorb some trade turbulence as Trump digs in January 31, 2018 at 08:11AM Container ships are seen at the Yangshan Deep Water Port — part of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone — in Shanghai, China, September 24, 2016. REUTERS/Aly Song/Files LONDON/GENEVA: Booming global trade and economic growth have cushioned world markets against the political turbulence of Donald Trump’s first year in the White House, but that resilience will be tested if the US president wants protectionism to define 2018. With stocks on one of their longest bull runs in history, they are particularly vulnerable to upsets, although the global economy’s strength means they could probably absorb greater trade conflict - provided governments keep it all within limits. Emboldened after finally pushing his signature tax cut reforms through Congress, Trump seems likely to train his sights on trade — another pillar of his election pledge to “Make America Great Again” — by fixing its deficit and punishing countries deemed to be profiting at US expense. His administration is beating the trade drum ever louder. This month, it has announced steep US tariffs on imported washing machines and solar cells, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has warned China over intellectual property practices and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin has endorsed a weaker dollar to help American exports. Discussing trade wars at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ross said: “US troops are now coming to the ramparts.” That warning provoked only a short-lived wobble in world stocks, with investors reluctant to bail out of a market still clocking record highs at an accelerating pace even after adding $9 trillion in value last year. Much of that bullishness is down to a sustained rebound in trade in recent years, with volumes growing at a faster pace than world gross domestic product. Despite Trump’s protectionist rhetoric of the past year and actions such as pulling the United States out of the TPP trade pact for Pacific Rim countries, indicators show no let-up. Global trade is expanding at annualized rates of more than 4 percent, the strongest performance since 2011, according to the Netherlands Bureau of Economic Policy Analysis. Freight volumes are surging at the fastest pace this decade. Merchandise trade is likely to have expanded 3.6 percent in 2017 in volume terms, rebounding from the post-crisis low of 1.3 percent growth in 2016, the World Trade Organization reckons. Overall, the IMF forecasts global GDP will expand 3.9 percent this year. But investors fear a shift from rhetoric to action may still hurt markets even if the robust growth acts as a shock absorber. “Protectionism means lower growth and higher inflation. That’s the worst possible combination you can have when markets are at record highs,” said Luca Paolini, chief strategist at Pictet Asset Management. However, the world economy’s strength and double-digit company earnings allow markets to “absorb a lot”, Paolini said. He cited short-lived reactions to Britain’s impending exit from the European Union, political upsets elsewhere on the continent such as Catalonia’s failed referendum on independence from Spain and North Korea’s nuclear weapons program as examples of how much flak the market was able to take. Protectionism is neither new nor a US monopoly. Since 2008, the 60 top world economies have adopted over 7,000 protectionist trade measures in net terms, international law firm Gowling WLG reported last November. And yet these have failed to scupper the bull market in equities. Among the upcoming flashpoints are talks with Mexico and Canada on Trump’s demand that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) be renegotiated. His State of the Union speech later on Tuesday could also detail steps against China’s tech sector. A US Treasury report on trade partners’ currency practices, plus decisions on steel and aluminum import restrictions, are due in April. “(A trade shock) is something you have to keep in mind, given how stretched markets are but there has to be a credible decision, not just a threat,” Paolini said. What's the damage? Most expect forthcoming curbs, and the fallout, to be limited. Trade wars have had little direct impact on equity markets in the past, JPMorgan analysts wrote, citing a dispute between Washington and Tokyo in 1993-95 over Japanese car exports to the United States as an example. Trump could double or triple the number of trade penalties “without harming risky markets more than intra-week”, they said, adding that they had made no portfolio changes to account for additional trade risks. Even 100 percent tariffs on steel and aluminium would dent Chinese exports by just 0.3 percentage points, while semiconductor and telecommunications import curbs may lower exports by 0.8 percentage points, Morgan Stanley said. Given multinational firms’ reliance on complex cross-border supply chains, Wall Street would undoubtedly suffer but other markets may be hurt more. The United States, relying on trade for 28 percent of its economic output, has less to lose than Mexico, with a trade-to-GDP ratio of 78 percent or Germany with 84 percent. China’s ratio is 34 percent, World Bank data shows. As a result, any US pullout from NAFTA would cut 2019 GDP by half a percent in the United States, while reducing Mexico’s by almost 1 percent, Oxford Economics predicts, adding that Mexico’s economy could be 2 percent smaller by 2022. However, it is Asia that accounts for three-quarters of the US goods trade deficit — led by China, South Korea and Japan — and over a third of global exports. The annual deficit with China at $370 billion is the biggest, implying that this is where Trump and Ross have set their sights. Some analysts argue that the United States would also lose if trade partners retaliated by cutting purchases of American goods or halting supplies of components to US firms, perhaps along the lines of China’s decision in 2010 to ban exports of rare earth metals to Japanese electronics makers. Another threat lies in the quest for a weaker dollar, should that spur inflation by pushing up the cost of imports in the United States. This could prompt faster and bigger rises in interest rates which feed through to equity markets. But Trump may be wary of disrupting the equity boom which he has cited as evidence of his administration’s successful policies. “At today’s (share price) valuations, a trade war would be material,” said Andrew Milligan, head of global strategy at Aberdeen Standard Investments. “I‘m sure he’s received a lot of advice that a trade war would damage the Dow.”

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Amazon, Berkshire, JPMorgan partner to cut US healthcare costs January 31, 2018 at 04:53AM (L-R) Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett in Omaha, Nebraska, US, May 3, 2015. REUTERS/Rick Wilking/Files; Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos in Washington, DC, US, December 14, 2017. AFP/Mandel Ngan/Files; and JP Morgan Chase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon in Paris, France, July 11, 2017. AFP/Eric Piermont/Files Amazon.com Inc, Berkshire Hathaway, and JPMorgan Chase & Co said Tuesday they will form a company to cut health costs for hundreds of thousands of their US employees, setting up a major challenge to an inefficient US healthcare system. The move by three of the best-known US business leaders — Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Berkshire’s Warren Buffett, and JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon — would take on the world’s most expensive healthcare system, whose mounting costs have hurt corporate profits. Shares in US healthcare companies fell across the board. The new, not-for-profit venture will initially focus on technology for “simplified, high-quality, and transparent healthcare” for their more than 500,000 US employees. They did not elaborate on their strategy but said they are searching for a chief executive officer. Healthcare industry experts say the new entity could eventually negotiate directly with drugmakers, doctors, and hospitals and use their vast databases to get a better handle on the costs of those services. That could undercut the industry’s “middlemen,” from health insurers to pharmacies and benefits managers. “The ballooning costs of healthcare act as a hungry tapeworm on the American economy,” said Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Warren Buffett. “Our group does not come to this problem with answers. But we also do not accept it as inevitable.” ISI Evercore analyst Michael Newshal said the selloff in healthcare stocks reflected the fear of disruption in a sector helped by rising prices year after year but is under growing scrutiny from US consumers, regulators, and politicians. “There are a lot of companies, or arguably almost all companies, in healthcare that benefit from cost inflation running as high as it has been for many years. "And, if there is pressure to lower that, that can flow throughout the entire system,” Newshal said. Major disruptor? US healthcare spending has been increasing annually faster than inflation, and, in 2017, accounted for 18 percent of the US economy. Corporations sponsor health benefits for more than 160 million Americans. Major healthcare players have tried to reduce costs without losing their profit margins. Most recently, pharmacy network CVS Health Corp reached a $69-billion deal to buy insurer Aetna Inc, arguing their combination could save money for the nation’s employers. Investors in the sector see Amazon becoming a major disruptor of healthcare, just as it has done in the retail industry, fueled by media reports in recent months that the company was considering entering the pharmacy business. Teaming up with the biggest US bank JPMorgan and Berkshire — the third largest public company in the world — offers new opportunities to shake up the industry, analysts said. For example, JPMorgan could help shape new payment models for consumers and providers and provide cost data. CEO Dimon has for years expressed concerns about rising healthcare costs. In 2015, he wrote in his annual letter that the company spent $1.1 billion on medical benefits for US employees, 2 percent of companywide expenses. Berkshire CEO Buffett has long complained that high health care costs were hurting American businesses and publicly began using the term “tapeworm” to describe their effects as early as 2010. The partnership will be spearheaded by Berkshire investment officer Todd Combs, JPMorgan managing director Marvelle Berchtold, and Amazon senior vice president Beth Galetti. Combs, 47, has been an investment deputy to Buffett since 2010 and joined JPMorgan’s board in 2016. Insurers fall Health insurers that provide benefit management or health plans to Amazon, JPMorgan, and Berkshire could be among the hardest hit. JPMorgan uses UnitedHealth Group Inc and Cigna Corp for health benefits for its global workforce, according to ISI Evercore analyst Ross Muken. Neither company was available for comment. Amazon uses Premera Blue Cross, part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield network, according to Muken. Express Scripts — the pharmacy benefits manager — has disclosed it manages pharmacy benefits for Amazon. Shares in UnitedHealth, Cigna Corp, and health insurer Anthem Inc fell 3 percent to 7 percent. Drugstore operators CVS and Walgreen Boots Alliance as well as Express Scripts all dropped between 4 percent to 5 percent. Drug distributors Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen, and McKesson were off 1 percent to 3 percent. Amazon added 0.7 percent.

Amazon, Berkshire, JPMorgan partner to cut US healthcare costs January 31, 2018 at 04:53AM (L-R) Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett in Omaha, Nebraska, US, May 3, 2015. REUTERS/Rick Wilking/Files; Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos in Washington, DC, US, December 14, 2017. AFP/Mandel Ngan/Files; and JP Morgan Chase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon in Paris, France, July 11, 2017. AFP/Eric Piermont/Files Amazon.com Inc, Berkshire Hathaway, and JPMorgan Chase & Co said Tuesday they will form a company to cut health costs for hundreds of thousands of their US employees, setting up a major challenge to an inefficient US healthcare system. The move by three of the best-known US business leaders — Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Berkshire’s Warren Buffett, and JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon — would take on the world’s most expensive healthcare system, whose mounting costs have hurt corporate profits. Shares in US healthcare companies fell across the board. The new, not-for-profit venture will initially focus on technology for “simplified, high-quality, and transparent healthcare” for their more than 500,000 US employees. They did not elaborate on their strategy but said they are searching for a chief executive officer. Healthcare industry experts say the new entity could eventually negotiate directly with drugmakers, doctors, and hospitals and use their vast databases to get a better handle on the costs of those services. That could undercut the industry’s “middlemen,” from health insurers to pharmacies and benefits managers. “The ballooning costs of healthcare act as a hungry tapeworm on the American economy,” said Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Warren Buffett. “Our group does not come to this problem with answers. But we also do not accept it as inevitable.” ISI Evercore analyst Michael Newshal said the selloff in healthcare stocks reflected the fear of disruption in a sector helped by rising prices year after year but is under growing scrutiny from US consumers, regulators, and politicians. “There are a lot of companies, or arguably almost all companies, in healthcare that benefit from cost inflation running as high as it has been for many years. "And, if there is pressure to lower that, that can flow throughout the entire system,” Newshal said. Major disruptor? US healthcare spending has been increasing annually faster than inflation, and, in 2017, accounted for 18 percent of the US economy. Corporations sponsor health benefits for more than 160 million Americans. Major healthcare players have tried to reduce costs without losing their profit margins. Most recently, pharmacy network CVS Health Corp reached a $69-billion deal to buy insurer Aetna Inc, arguing their combination could save money for the nation’s employers. Investors in the sector see Amazon becoming a major disruptor of healthcare, just as it has done in the retail industry, fueled by media reports in recent months that the company was considering entering the pharmacy business. Teaming up with the biggest US bank JPMorgan and Berkshire — the third largest public company in the world — offers new opportunities to shake up the industry, analysts said. For example, JPMorgan could help shape new payment models for consumers and providers and provide cost data. CEO Dimon has for years expressed concerns about rising healthcare costs. In 2015, he wrote in his annual letter that the company spent $1.1 billion on medical benefits for US employees, 2 percent of companywide expenses. Berkshire CEO Buffett has long complained that high health care costs were hurting American businesses and publicly began using the term “tapeworm” to describe their effects as early as 2010. The partnership will be spearheaded by Berkshire investment officer Todd Combs, JPMorgan managing director Marvelle Berchtold, and Amazon senior vice president Beth Galetti. Combs, 47, has been an investment deputy to Buffett since 2010 and joined JPMorgan’s board in 2016. Insurers fall Health insurers that provide benefit management or health plans to Amazon, JPMorgan, and Berkshire could be among the hardest hit. JPMorgan uses UnitedHealth Group Inc and Cigna Corp for health benefits for its global workforce, according to ISI Evercore analyst Ross Muken. Neither company was available for comment. Amazon uses Premera Blue Cross, part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield network, according to Muken. Express Scripts — the pharmacy benefits manager — has disclosed it manages pharmacy benefits for Amazon. Shares in UnitedHealth, Cigna Corp, and health insurer Anthem Inc fell 3 percent to 7 percent. Drugstore operators CVS and Walgreen Boots Alliance as well as Express Scripts all dropped between 4 percent to 5 percent. Drug distributors Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen, and McKesson were off 1 percent to 3 percent. Amazon added 0.7 percent.

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Wall Street stumbles as bond yields rise, health stocks fall January 31, 2018 at 04:00AM Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, US, November 30, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/Files US stocks fell for a second straight day on Tuesday, with the Dow registering its biggest two-day drop since September 2016, pressured by healthcare stocks and rising bond yields. The Dow also had its biggest daily percentage decline since May 2017 and the day’s 1.37-percent fall was the second-biggest single-day drop since the election of Donald Trump, who is slated to give his first State of the Union speech later today. US Treasury yields climbed to multi-year highs after the start of the US Federal Reserve’s two-day meeting, which could shed light on the central bank’s economic and rate hike outlook. “Investors are catching up to the fact that rates have risen,” Jonathan Mackay — an investment strategist at New York-based Schroders — said. “The market’s finally catching up.” The selloff set traders in the options market fretting about a near-term shock to equities and the Cboe Volatility Index — the most widely followed barometer of expected near-term stock market gyrations — closed up 0.95 points at 14.79, its highest close since Aug. 17. Healthcare stocks pulled the major indexes lower on news that Amazon.com Inc, Berkshire Hathaway Inc, and JPMorgan Chase & Co will jointly form a healthcare company to help control costs for their US employees. The S&P 500 Healthcare index .SPXHC was the day’s biggest loser among the 11 major sectors, dropping by 2.13 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 362.59 points (1.37 percent) to 26,076.89, the S&P 500 lost 31.1 points (1.09 percent) to 2,822.43, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 64.02 points (0.86 percent) to 7,402.48. “Investors are getting a bit worried about inflation which has led some people to believe that the Fed might be more aggressive when it comes to raising rates,” Robert Pavlik — the chief investment strategist at SlateStone Wealth — said. MetLife Inc fell 8.6 percent and was the day’s biggest daily percentage decliner in the S&P 500 after news the US Securities and Exchange Commission was investigating the insurer’s failure to pay some workers’ pensions. UnitedHealth Group Inc was the biggest drag on the Dow, falling 4.3 percent. Pfizer Inc was down 3.1 percent despite its better-than-expected earnings and upbeat 2018 guidance. Harley-Davidson Inc closed down 8.0 percent after announcing it would close a Kansas City plant in the face of declining shipments. Apple Inc declined for a second day, falling 0.6 percent on news that the US Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission are investigating the company’s disclosure that it slowed older iPhones with flagging batteries. Earnings so far have been stronger than expected. S&P 500 earnings growth is now forecast at 13.2 percent, up from 12 percent a month ago. Among companies that have reported so far, 80 percent are exceeding analysts’ expectations, according to Thomson Reuters data. Investors will likely scrutinize Trump’s first State of the Union address for clues on trade policy and infrastructure spending. Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by a 4.17-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 2.98-to-1 ratio favoured decliners. The S&P 500 posted 17 new 52-week highs and four new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 41 new highs and 43 new lows. Volume so far on US exchanges was 8.1 billion shares, compared with the 7.1 billion average for the full session over the last 20 trading days.

Wall Street stumbles as bond yields rise, health stocks fall January 31, 2018 at 04:00AM Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, US, November 30, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/Files US stocks fell for a second straight day on Tuesday, with the Dow registering its biggest two-day drop since September 2016, pressured by healthcare stocks and rising bond yields. The Dow also had its biggest daily percentage decline since May 2017 and the day’s 1.37-percent fall was the second-biggest single-day drop since the election of Donald Trump, who is slated to give his first State of the Union speech later today. US Treasury yields climbed to multi-year highs after the start of the US Federal Reserve’s two-day meeting, which could shed light on the central bank’s economic and rate hike outlook. “Investors are catching up to the fact that rates have risen,” Jonathan Mackay — an investment strategist at New York-based Schroders — said. “The market’s finally catching up.” The selloff set traders in the options market fretting about a near-term shock to equities and the Cboe Volatility Index — the most widely followed barometer of expected near-term stock market gyrations — closed up 0.95 points at 14.79, its highest close since Aug. 17. Healthcare stocks pulled the major indexes lower on news that Amazon.com Inc, Berkshire Hathaway Inc, and JPMorgan Chase & Co will jointly form a healthcare company to help control costs for their US employees. The S&P 500 Healthcare index .SPXHC was the day’s biggest loser among the 11 major sectors, dropping by 2.13 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 362.59 points (1.37 percent) to 26,076.89, the S&P 500 lost 31.1 points (1.09 percent) to 2,822.43, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 64.02 points (0.86 percent) to 7,402.48. “Investors are getting a bit worried about inflation which has led some people to believe that the Fed might be more aggressive when it comes to raising rates,” Robert Pavlik — the chief investment strategist at SlateStone Wealth — said. MetLife Inc fell 8.6 percent and was the day’s biggest daily percentage decliner in the S&P 500 after news the US Securities and Exchange Commission was investigating the insurer’s failure to pay some workers’ pensions. UnitedHealth Group Inc was the biggest drag on the Dow, falling 4.3 percent. Pfizer Inc was down 3.1 percent despite its better-than-expected earnings and upbeat 2018 guidance. Harley-Davidson Inc closed down 8.0 percent after announcing it would close a Kansas City plant in the face of declining shipments. Apple Inc declined for a second day, falling 0.6 percent on news that the US Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission are investigating the company’s disclosure that it slowed older iPhones with flagging batteries. Earnings so far have been stronger than expected. S&P 500 earnings growth is now forecast at 13.2 percent, up from 12 percent a month ago. Among companies that have reported so far, 80 percent are exceeding analysts’ expectations, according to Thomson Reuters data. Investors will likely scrutinize Trump’s first State of the Union address for clues on trade policy and infrastructure spending. Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by a 4.17-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 2.98-to-1 ratio favoured decliners. The S&P 500 posted 17 new 52-week highs and four new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 41 new highs and 43 new lows. Volume so far on US exchanges was 8.1 billion shares, compared with the 7.1 billion average for the full session over the last 20 trading days.

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OGRA recommends Rs2.98 hike in petrol price January 30, 2018 at 07:22PM [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2BEJyvO style=center] ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has recommended an increase in petrol price by Rs2.98 per litre, according to a summary sent to the Ministry of Energy. The OGRA in its summary recommended a hike in prices of petrol and diesel by Rs2.98 and Rs10.25 per litre respectively. Similarly, Rs12.74 and Rs11.72 increase was recommended in the prices of kerosene oil and light diesel respectively. The price hike for diesel and petroleum products was recommended on the basis of 31 and 17 per cent GST.

OGRA recommends Rs2.98 hike in petrol price January 30, 2018 at 07:22PM [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2BEJyvO style=center] ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has recommended an increase in petrol price by Rs2.98 per litre, according to a summary sent to the Ministry of Energy. The OGRA in its summary recommended a hike in prices of petrol and diesel by Rs2.98 and Rs10.25 per litre respectively. Similarly, Rs12.74 and Rs11.72 increase was recommended in the prices of kerosene oil and light diesel respectively. The price hike for diesel and petroleum products was recommended on the basis of 31 and 17 per cent GST.

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Deepika: I don't endorse jauhar in ‘Padmaavat’

Deepika: I don't endorse jauhar in ‘Padmaavat’

While the entire film industry stood in solidarity with the film, some had problems with the jauhar scene at the end of the movie. Deepika s...

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Inside pics: Amrita Arora’s grand B'day bash

Inside pics: Amrita Arora’s grand B'day bash

Actress Amrita Arora turned 40 today and to celebrate her special day, her BFFs Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karisma Kapoor, sister Malaika Arora pu...

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Sonam and Akshay had fun on 'PadMan' sets

Sonam and Akshay had fun on 'PadMan' sets

from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India http://ift.tt/2nsny2s

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Amrita rings in her B'day in Goa with friends

Amrita rings in her B'day in Goa with friends

from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India http://ift.tt/2DRb8MA

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B'wood celebrity news updates for January 2018

B'wood celebrity news updates for January 2018

In case you missed the important happenings of this month, here is a roundup to refresh your memory. from Latest Entertainment News, Movie...

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Amy Jackson's sizzling pics on social media

Amy Jackson's sizzling pics on social media 

from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India http://ift.tt/2FxSohA

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Behind the scenes of ‘Padmaavat’

Behind the scenes of ‘Padmaavat’

The costumes and set designs were also applauded but the makeup effects were also completely on point. from Latest Entertainment News, Mov...

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‘Padmaavat’ box-office collection Day 5

‘Padmaavat’ box-office collection Day 5

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film ‘Padmaavat’ that stars Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in leading roles, has earned an estima...

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Hereditary Trailer Unravels a Terrifying Family Secret

Hereditary Trailer Unravels a Terrifying Family Secret

A24 has released the first trailer for the Sundance horror hit Hereditary, which many are calling one of the scariest movies in years. fro...

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Netflix's Mute Trailer Visits the Brutal Underbelly of a Futuristic World

Netflix's Mute Trailer Visits the Brutal Underbelly of a Futuristic World

Netflix has released the first official trailer for director Duncan Jones' visually stunning epic Mute, streaming this February. from ...

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Ant-Man and the Wasp Trailer Has Arrived

Ant-Man and the Wasp Trailer Has Arrived

Marvel has dropped the first trailer for the sequel Ant-Man and the Wasp giving Scott Lang a Partner. from Movie Trailers http://ift.tt/2B...

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New Dundee Trailer Brings in Margot Robbie, Ruby Rose & Russell Crowe

New Dundee Trailer Brings in Margot Robbie, Ruby Rose & Russell Crowe

The new trailer for Dundee features some of Australia's finest including Hugh Jackman, Margot Robbie, Russel Crowe, and Ruby Rose. fro...

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Wim Wenders' Submergence Trailer Unites James McAvoy & Alicia Vikander

Wim Wenders' Submergence Trailer Unites James McAvoy & Alicia Vikander

James McAvoy and Alicia Vikander star as two lovers from vastly different walks of life, who try to find their way back to each other in Sub...

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Melania Trump back in public eye for State of the Union First Lady Melania Trump made a very visible return to the public stage Tuesday after weeks of privacy, as she attended her husband´s maiden State of the Union address before Congress. Photo: CNN WASHINGTON: First Lady Melania Trump made a very visible return to the public stage Tuesday after weeks of privacy, as she attended her husband´s maiden State of the Union address before Congress. The enigmatic wife of President Donald Trump emerged publicly for the first time since she fed the Washington rumor mill by cancelling her trip to Davos, Switzerland, leaving her husband to attend last week´s World Economic Forum on his own. A smiling and waving Melania arrived in the chamber to warm and extended applause -- dressed in a crisp cream white pantsuit that stood in contrast to the black donned by many Democratic lawmakers in solidarity with the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment. Minutes later, her husband took the floor and exchanged waves with his wife. Among Trumps´ guests in the first lady´s box were a US Marine corporal who stepped on an explosive device and last both legs while deployed in Iraq in 2007; first responders who helped save hurricane victims in Louisiana and Texas, and parents of children killed by the gang MS-13. In what would be a break with tradition, Melania Trump reportedly travelled separately to the US Capitol and not in the presidential limousine. As the 47-year-old wife of a 71-year-old man known for past lewd remarks about women, and who divorced his two previous wives in a blaze of tabloid publicity, Melania Trump is dogged by speculation that they lead largely separate lives. The State of the Union speech was the first lady´s first major appearance since bombshell reports that her husband allegedly had a fling with porn star Stormy Daniels in 2006. Trump stands accused of paying off Daniels one month before the November 2016 election to keep their adulterous liaison quiet. Daniels was set to appear Tuesday on late night ABC talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" "Relaxing before the big night," Daniels wrote Tuesday on Instagram. It was not clear if she was referring to Trump´s speech, or her appearance with Kimmel. Melania, her opinions and goals have remained a mystery to millions of Americans. She is a former model who once posed nude in her husband´s private jet, and the first foreign-born wife of a US president in nearly 200 years. She spent her first months as the first lady living in New York and refused to move to the White House until their young son Barron finished the school year. She makes few public speeches and is rarely seen in Washington.

Melania Trump back in public eye for State of the Union First Lady Melania Trump made a very visible return to the public stage Tuesday after weeks of privacy, as she attended her husband´s maiden State of the Union address before Congress. Photo: CNN WASHINGTON: First Lady Melania Trump made a very visible return to the public stage Tuesday after weeks of privacy, as she attended her husband´s maiden State of the Union address before Congress. The enigmatic wife of President Donald Trump emerged publicly for the first time since she fed the Washington rumor mill by cancelling her trip to Davos, Switzerland, leaving her husband to attend last week´s World Economic Forum on his own. A smiling and waving Melania arrived in the chamber to warm and extended applause -- dressed in a crisp cream white pantsuit that stood in contrast to the black donned by many Democratic lawmakers in solidarity with the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment. Minutes later, her husband took the floor and exchanged waves with his wife. Among Trumps´ guests in the first lady´s box were a US Marine corporal who stepped on an explosive device and last both legs while deployed in Iraq in 2007; first responders who helped save hurricane victims in Louisiana and Texas, and parents of children killed by the gang MS-13. In what would be a break with tradition, Melania Trump reportedly travelled separately to the US Capitol and not in the presidential limousine. As the 47-year-old wife of a 71-year-old man known for past lewd remarks about women, and who divorced his two previous wives in a blaze of tabloid publicity, Melania Trump is dogged by speculation that they lead largely separate lives. The State of the Union speech was the first lady´s first major appearance since bombshell reports that her husband allegedly had a fling with porn star Stormy Daniels in 2006. Trump stands accused of paying off Daniels one month before the November 2016 election to keep their adulterous liaison quiet. Daniels was set to appear Tuesday on late night ABC talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" "Relaxing before the big night," Daniels wrote Tuesday on Instagram. It was not clear if she was referring to Trump´s speech, or her appearance with Kimmel. Melania, her opinions and goals have remained a mystery to millions of Americans. She is a former model who once posed nude in her husband´s private jet, and the first foreign-born wife of a US president in nearly 200 years. She spent her first months as the first lady living in New York and refused to move to the White House until their young son Barron finished the school year. She makes few public speeches and is rarely seen in Washington.

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Are We Not Cats Trailer Wants to Make You Sick

Are We Not Cats Trailer Wants to Make You Sick

Michael Patrick Nicholson stars as a bizarre young man who meets a woman who shares his same peculiar habit in the trailer for Are We Not Ca...

January 31, 2018 No comments Read More

Wanderers pitch rated ‘poor’ If the stadium gets two more demerit points during the next five years, the ground will be suspended from staging any international cricket for 12 months JOHANNESBURG: The Wanderers Stadium pitch used for the third Test between South Africa and India last week has been rated "poor" by match referee Andy Pycroft. The International Cricket Council announced on Tuesday that as a result of Pycroft´s rating, the Wanderers had received three demerit points. If the stadium gets two more demerit points during the next five years, the ground will be suspended from staging any international cricket for 12 months. Pycroft said in his report that the pitch "had excessively steep and unpredictable bounce and excessive seam movement". Pycroft noted that the pitch deteriorated rapidly, "which made batting extremely difficult and hazardous, resulting in the medical staff from both the sides having to come onto the field multiple times to treat their batsmen". The umpires, who were responsible for the safety of the players, halted the match shortly before the end of the third day when South African batsman Dean Elgar was struck on the grille of his helmet by a ball which lifted sharply. "In the end the umpires made the decision to continue and the Test reached its natural conclusion on day four. However, there was still excessive variable bounce and seam movement," said Pycroft. The Wanderers is one of South Africa´s showpiece grounds, with the biggest spectator capacity in the country. It staged the 2003 World Cup final and is due to host two more high profile matches this season - a one-day international against India on February 10, for which all the tickets have already been sold, and a Test match against Australia from March 30 to April 4. All three Test venues against India failed to receive good ratings. The pitches for the first two Tests, in Cape Town and Centurion, were rated "average" by match referee Chris Broad. The ICC has a sliding scale - very good, good, average, below average, poor and unfit. Only one other Test pitch has been rated "poor" in the past year, the surface for Australia´s Test against England in Melbourne. But two of the other four venues were rated "very good" and two "good". Two of India´s pitches against Sri Lanka late last year were "good" and one "above average" while New Zealand´s pitches for two Tests against the West Indies were both rated "good".

Wanderers pitch rated ‘poor’ If the stadium gets two more demerit points during the next five years, the ground will be suspended from staging any international cricket for 12 months JOHANNESBURG: The Wanderers Stadium pitch used for the third Test between South Africa and India last week has been rated "poor" by match referee Andy Pycroft. The International Cricket Council announced on Tuesday that as a result of Pycroft´s rating, the Wanderers had received three demerit points. If the stadium gets two more demerit points during the next five years, the ground will be suspended from staging any international cricket for 12 months. Pycroft said in his report that the pitch "had excessively steep and unpredictable bounce and excessive seam movement". Pycroft noted that the pitch deteriorated rapidly, "which made batting extremely difficult and hazardous, resulting in the medical staff from both the sides having to come onto the field multiple times to treat their batsmen". The umpires, who were responsible for the safety of the players, halted the match shortly before the end of the third day when South African batsman Dean Elgar was struck on the grille of his helmet by a ball which lifted sharply. "In the end the umpires made the decision to continue and the Test reached its natural conclusion on day four. However, there was still excessive variable bounce and seam movement," said Pycroft. The Wanderers is one of South Africa´s showpiece grounds, with the biggest spectator capacity in the country. It staged the 2003 World Cup final and is due to host two more high profile matches this season - a one-day international against India on February 10, for which all the tickets have already been sold, and a Test match against Australia from March 30 to April 4. All three Test venues against India failed to receive good ratings. The pitches for the first two Tests, in Cape Town and Centurion, were rated "average" by match referee Chris Broad. The ICC has a sliding scale - very good, good, average, below average, poor and unfit. Only one other Test pitch has been rated "poor" in the past year, the surface for Australia´s Test against England in Melbourne. But two of the other four venues were rated "very good" and two "good". Two of India´s pitches against Sri Lanka late last year were "good" and one "above average" while New Zealand´s pitches for two Tests against the West Indies were both rated "good".

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World markets can absorb some trade turbulence as Trump digs in Container ships are seen at the Yangshan Deep Water Port — part of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone — in Shanghai, China, September 24, 2016. REUTERS/Aly Song/Files LONDON/GENEVA: Booming global trade and economic growth have cushioned world markets against the political turbulence of Donald Trump’s first year in the White House, but that resilience will be tested if the US president wants protectionism to define 2018. With stocks on one of their longest bull runs in history, they are particularly vulnerable to upsets, although the global economy’s strength means they could probably absorb greater trade conflict - provided governments keep it all within limits. Emboldened after finally pushing his signature tax cut reforms through Congress, Trump seems likely to train his sights on trade — another pillar of his election pledge to “Make America Great Again” — by fixing its deficit and punishing countries deemed to be profiting at US expense. His administration is beating the trade drum ever louder. This month, it has announced steep US tariffs on imported washing machines and solar cells, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has warned China over intellectual property practices and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin has endorsed a weaker dollar to help American exports. Discussing trade wars at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ross said: “US troops are now coming to the ramparts.” That warning provoked only a short-lived wobble in world stocks, with investors reluctant to bail out of a market still clocking record highs at an accelerating pace even after adding $9 trillion in value last year. Much of that bullishness is down to a sustained rebound in trade in recent years, with volumes growing at a faster pace than world gross domestic product. Despite Trump’s protectionist rhetoric of the past year and actions such as pulling the United States out of the TPP trade pact for Pacific Rim countries, indicators show no let-up. Global trade is expanding at annualized rates of more than 4 percent, the strongest performance since 2011, according to the Netherlands Bureau of Economic Policy Analysis. Freight volumes are surging at the fastest pace this decade. Merchandise trade is likely to have expanded 3.6 percent in 2017 in volume terms, rebounding from the post-crisis low of 1.3 percent growth in 2016, the World Trade Organization reckons. Overall, the IMF forecasts global GDP will expand 3.9 percent this year. But investors fear a shift from rhetoric to action may still hurt markets even if the robust growth acts as a shock absorber. “Protectionism means lower growth and higher inflation. That’s the worst possible combination you can have when markets are at record highs,” said Luca Paolini, chief strategist at Pictet Asset Management. However, the world economy’s strength and double-digit company earnings allow markets to “absorb a lot”, Paolini said. He cited short-lived reactions to Britain’s impending exit from the European Union, political upsets elsewhere on the continent such as Catalonia’s failed referendum on independence from Spain and North Korea’s nuclear weapons program as examples of how much flak the market was able to take. Protectionism is neither new nor a US monopoly. Since 2008, the 60 top world economies have adopted over 7,000 protectionist trade measures in net terms, international law firm Gowling WLG reported last November. And yet these have failed to scupper the bull market in equities. Among the upcoming flashpoints are talks with Mexico and Canada on Trump’s demand that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) be renegotiated. His State of the Union speech later on Tuesday could also detail steps against China’s tech sector. A US Treasury report on trade partners’ currency practices, plus decisions on steel and aluminum import restrictions, are due in April. “(A trade shock) is something you have to keep in mind, given how stretched markets are but there has to be a credible decision, not just a threat,” Paolini said. What's the damage? Most expect forthcoming curbs, and the fallout, to be limited. Trade wars have had little direct impact on equity markets in the past, JPMorgan analysts wrote, citing a dispute between Washington and Tokyo in 1993-95 over Japanese car exports to the United States as an example. Trump could double or triple the number of trade penalties “without harming risky markets more than intra-week”, they said, adding that they had made no portfolio changes to account for additional trade risks. Even 100 percent tariffs on steel and aluminium would dent Chinese exports by just 0.3 percentage points, while semiconductor and telecommunications import curbs may lower exports by 0.8 percentage points, Morgan Stanley said. Given multinational firms’ reliance on complex cross-border supply chains, Wall Street would undoubtedly suffer but other markets may be hurt more. The United States, relying on trade for 28 percent of its economic output, has less to lose than Mexico, with a trade-to-GDP ratio of 78 percent or Germany with 84 percent. China’s ratio is 34 percent, World Bank data shows. As a result, any US pullout from NAFTA would cut 2019 GDP by half a percent in the United States, while reducing Mexico’s by almost 1 percent, Oxford Economics predicts, adding that Mexico’s economy could be 2 percent smaller by 2022. However, it is Asia that accounts for three-quarters of the US goods trade deficit — led by China, South Korea and Japan — and over a third of global exports. The annual deficit with China at $370 billion is the biggest, implying that this is where Trump and Ross have set their sights. Some analysts argue that the United States would also lose if trade partners retaliated by cutting purchases of American goods or halting supplies of components to US firms, perhaps along the lines of China’s decision in 2010 to ban exports of rare earth metals to Japanese electronics makers. Another threat lies in the quest for a weaker dollar, should that spur inflation by pushing up the cost of imports in the United States. This could prompt faster and bigger rises in interest rates which feed through to equity markets. But Trump may be wary of disrupting the equity boom which he has cited as evidence of his administration’s successful policies. “At today’s (share price) valuations, a trade war would be material,” said Andrew Milligan, head of global strategy at Aberdeen Standard Investments. “I‘m sure he’s received a lot of advice that a trade war would damage the Dow.”

World markets can absorb some trade turbulence as Trump digs in Container ships are seen at the Yangshan Deep Water Port — part of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone — in Shanghai, China, September 24, 2016. REUTERS/Aly Song/Files LONDON/GENEVA: Booming global trade and economic growth have cushioned world markets against the political turbulence of Donald Trump’s first year in the White House, but that resilience will be tested if the US president wants protectionism to define 2018. With stocks on one of their longest bull runs in history, they are particularly vulnerable to upsets, although the global economy’s strength means they could probably absorb greater trade conflict - provided governments keep it all within limits. Emboldened after finally pushing his signature tax cut reforms through Congress, Trump seems likely to train his sights on trade — another pillar of his election pledge to “Make America Great Again” — by fixing its deficit and punishing countries deemed to be profiting at US expense. His administration is beating the trade drum ever louder. This month, it has announced steep US tariffs on imported washing machines and solar cells, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has warned China over intellectual property practices and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin has endorsed a weaker dollar to help American exports. Discussing trade wars at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ross said: “US troops are now coming to the ramparts.” That warning provoked only a short-lived wobble in world stocks, with investors reluctant to bail out of a market still clocking record highs at an accelerating pace even after adding $9 trillion in value last year. Much of that bullishness is down to a sustained rebound in trade in recent years, with volumes growing at a faster pace than world gross domestic product. Despite Trump’s protectionist rhetoric of the past year and actions such as pulling the United States out of the TPP trade pact for Pacific Rim countries, indicators show no let-up. Global trade is expanding at annualized rates of more than 4 percent, the strongest performance since 2011, according to the Netherlands Bureau of Economic Policy Analysis. Freight volumes are surging at the fastest pace this decade. Merchandise trade is likely to have expanded 3.6 percent in 2017 in volume terms, rebounding from the post-crisis low of 1.3 percent growth in 2016, the World Trade Organization reckons. Overall, the IMF forecasts global GDP will expand 3.9 percent this year. But investors fear a shift from rhetoric to action may still hurt markets even if the robust growth acts as a shock absorber. “Protectionism means lower growth and higher inflation. That’s the worst possible combination you can have when markets are at record highs,” said Luca Paolini, chief strategist at Pictet Asset Management. However, the world economy’s strength and double-digit company earnings allow markets to “absorb a lot”, Paolini said. He cited short-lived reactions to Britain’s impending exit from the European Union, political upsets elsewhere on the continent such as Catalonia’s failed referendum on independence from Spain and North Korea’s nuclear weapons program as examples of how much flak the market was able to take. Protectionism is neither new nor a US monopoly. Since 2008, the 60 top world economies have adopted over 7,000 protectionist trade measures in net terms, international law firm Gowling WLG reported last November. And yet these have failed to scupper the bull market in equities. Among the upcoming flashpoints are talks with Mexico and Canada on Trump’s demand that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) be renegotiated. His State of the Union speech later on Tuesday could also detail steps against China’s tech sector. A US Treasury report on trade partners’ currency practices, plus decisions on steel and aluminum import restrictions, are due in April. “(A trade shock) is something you have to keep in mind, given how stretched markets are but there has to be a credible decision, not just a threat,” Paolini said. What's the damage? Most expect forthcoming curbs, and the fallout, to be limited. Trade wars have had little direct impact on equity markets in the past, JPMorgan analysts wrote, citing a dispute between Washington and Tokyo in 1993-95 over Japanese car exports to the United States as an example. Trump could double or triple the number of trade penalties “without harming risky markets more than intra-week”, they said, adding that they had made no portfolio changes to account for additional trade risks. Even 100 percent tariffs on steel and aluminium would dent Chinese exports by just 0.3 percentage points, while semiconductor and telecommunications import curbs may lower exports by 0.8 percentage points, Morgan Stanley said. Given multinational firms’ reliance on complex cross-border supply chains, Wall Street would undoubtedly suffer but other markets may be hurt more. The United States, relying on trade for 28 percent of its economic output, has less to lose than Mexico, with a trade-to-GDP ratio of 78 percent or Germany with 84 percent. China’s ratio is 34 percent, World Bank data shows. As a result, any US pullout from NAFTA would cut 2019 GDP by half a percent in the United States, while reducing Mexico’s by almost 1 percent, Oxford Economics predicts, adding that Mexico’s economy could be 2 percent smaller by 2022. However, it is Asia that accounts for three-quarters of the US goods trade deficit — led by China, South Korea and Japan — and over a third of global exports. The annual deficit with China at $370 billion is the biggest, implying that this is where Trump and Ross have set their sights. Some analysts argue that the United States would also lose if trade partners retaliated by cutting purchases of American goods or halting supplies of components to US firms, perhaps along the lines of China’s decision in 2010 to ban exports of rare earth metals to Japanese electronics makers. Another threat lies in the quest for a weaker dollar, should that spur inflation by pushing up the cost of imports in the United States. This could prompt faster and bigger rises in interest rates which feed through to equity markets. But Trump may be wary of disrupting the equity boom which he has cited as evidence of his administration’s successful policies. “At today’s (share price) valuations, a trade war would be material,” said Andrew Milligan, head of global strategy at Aberdeen Standard Investments. “I‘m sure he’s received a lot of advice that a trade war would damage the Dow.”

January 31, 2018 No comments Read More

US agencies probe Apple over slowing iPhones: Bloomberg An iPhone 6S Plus is seen at the Apple retail store in Palo Alto, California, US, September 25, 2015. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith/Files The US Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission are investigating whether Apple Inc violated securities laws concerning its disclosures that it slowed older iPhones with flagging batteries, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. The government has requested information from the company, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The chairman of a US Senate committee overseeing business issues asked Apple to answer questions about its disclosures, Reuters reported this month. Apple did not respond to a request for comment. Representatives for the SEC and Justice Department declined to comment. Apple admitted in December that iPhone software could slow down some phones with battery problems. Aging lithium batteries deliver power unevenly, which can cause iPhones to shut down unexpectedly to protect the delicate circuits inside, it said. Apple posted a public apology over its handling of the issue and lowered the price of iPhone battery replacements from $79 to $29. Consumers so far have filed some 50 proposed class action lawsuits over Apple’s latest iPhone software update, which they allege caused unexpected shutdowns and hampered the performance of iPhone models of the SE, 6 and 7 lines. They claim the company tricked consumers into believing their phones were close to the end of their life cycle, forcing them to buy new phones or pay up to $80 for a replacement battery. Most of the lawsuits have been filed in federal court in San Jose, California, but litigation over the software updates is also pending in other federal courts across the country. Lawyers for the consumers, who began filing their complaints in early January, have asked a federal judicial panel to consolidate the litigation in California. Consumers are asking judges to issue orders that would prevent future modifications to the iPhone’s operating system which intentionally degrade performance and battery life. They also demand an undisclosed amount in compensation and damages.

US agencies probe Apple over slowing iPhones: Bloomberg An iPhone 6S Plus is seen at the Apple retail store in Palo Alto, California, US, September 25, 2015. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith/Files The US Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission are investigating whether Apple Inc violated securities laws concerning its disclosures that it slowed older iPhones with flagging batteries, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. The government has requested information from the company, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The chairman of a US Senate committee overseeing business issues asked Apple to answer questions about its disclosures, Reuters reported this month. Apple did not respond to a request for comment. Representatives for the SEC and Justice Department declined to comment. Apple admitted in December that iPhone software could slow down some phones with battery problems. Aging lithium batteries deliver power unevenly, which can cause iPhones to shut down unexpectedly to protect the delicate circuits inside, it said. Apple posted a public apology over its handling of the issue and lowered the price of iPhone battery replacements from $79 to $29. Consumers so far have filed some 50 proposed class action lawsuits over Apple’s latest iPhone software update, which they allege caused unexpected shutdowns and hampered the performance of iPhone models of the SE, 6 and 7 lines. They claim the company tricked consumers into believing their phones were close to the end of their life cycle, forcing them to buy new phones or pay up to $80 for a replacement battery. Most of the lawsuits have been filed in federal court in San Jose, California, but litigation over the software updates is also pending in other federal courts across the country. Lawyers for the consumers, who began filing their complaints in early January, have asked a federal judicial panel to consolidate the litigation in California. Consumers are asking judges to issue orders that would prevent future modifications to the iPhone’s operating system which intentionally degrade performance and battery life. They also demand an undisclosed amount in compensation and damages.

January 31, 2018 No comments Read More

Governor seeks probe of Texas training site in gymnastics scandal Gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi watches the women’s gymnastics qualifications at the North Greenwich Arena (now known as the O2 Arena) during the London 2012 Olympic Games in London, Britain, July 29, 2012. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez/Files AUSTIN: Texas Governor Greg Abbott asked the state’s top police agency on Tuesday to start an investigation into Karolyi Ranch, a training facility used by USA Gymnastics where young women athletes said they were sexually molested by the team’s doctor. “The public statements made by athletes who previously trained at the Karolyi Ranch are gut-wrenching,” Abbott said in a letter calling for an investigation by the Texas Rangers into the facility in Huntsville, about 113 kilometres (70 miles) north of Houston. The facility has been used for regular training camps but USA Gymnastics said earlier this month it had cancelled training sessions and was exploring alternative sites until a permanent location is found. The complex was opened by celebrated gymnastics coaches Bela and Martha Karolyi in the mid-1980s and played a vital role in making the US women’s team a dominant force in global competitions. Last week, disgraced longtime USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, 54, was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for abusing young female gymnasts who were entrusted to his care. At his sentencing hearing in Michigan, about 160 of his victims gave harrowing accounts of the abuse they suffered at the hands of the Nassar, who served as the program’s physician through four Olympic Games. Victims also said some of the sexual abuse took place at the ranch.

Governor seeks probe of Texas training site in gymnastics scandal Gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi watches the women’s gymnastics qualifications at the North Greenwich Arena (now known as the O2 Arena) during the London 2012 Olympic Games in London, Britain, July 29, 2012. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez/Files AUSTIN: Texas Governor Greg Abbott asked the state’s top police agency on Tuesday to start an investigation into Karolyi Ranch, a training facility used by USA Gymnastics where young women athletes said they were sexually molested by the team’s doctor. “The public statements made by athletes who previously trained at the Karolyi Ranch are gut-wrenching,” Abbott said in a letter calling for an investigation by the Texas Rangers into the facility in Huntsville, about 113 kilometres (70 miles) north of Houston. The facility has been used for regular training camps but USA Gymnastics said earlier this month it had cancelled training sessions and was exploring alternative sites until a permanent location is found. The complex was opened by celebrated gymnastics coaches Bela and Martha Karolyi in the mid-1980s and played a vital role in making the US women’s team a dominant force in global competitions. Last week, disgraced longtime USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, 54, was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for abusing young female gymnasts who were entrusted to his care. At his sentencing hearing in Michigan, about 160 of his victims gave harrowing accounts of the abuse they suffered at the hands of the Nassar, who served as the program’s physician through four Olympic Games. Victims also said some of the sexual abuse took place at the ranch.

January 31, 2018 No comments Read More

Trump to extend 'open hand', vow to make 'country united' in SOTU speech The US Capitol is seen before US President Donald Trump delivers his first State of the Union address in Washington, US, January 30, 2018. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump, battling a probe into his campaign’s alleged ties with Russia and struggling to sell Americans on his leadership abilities, will urge bipartisan cooperation on overhauling US immigration policies and rebuilding infrastructure in an address to Congress on Tuesday night. “So tonight I am extending an open hand to work with members of both parties, Democrats and Republicans, to protect our citizens, of every background, colour, and creed,” Trump will say, according to excerpts of his State of the Union speech released by the White House. Facing a deadline on an immigration controversy and strong Democratic opposition, Trump was calling for the type of cooperation between Republicans and Democrats that has eluded him during a rocky first year in office. Trump will visit Capitol Hill to deliver his first State of the Union speech at 9:10 PM (7:10 AM PST, Wednesday). In preparing for the event, Trump told US television network anchors that he would offer a message of unity, in what would be a rarity for the politically polarizing president. “I would consider it a great achievement if we could make our country united,” he told the anchors during a lunch, according to comments released by the White House. Trump’s speech comes as Americans voice doubts about his fitness for office. A Gallup poll said Trump had an average job approval in 2017 of 38 percent, the lowest first-year rating for any president in the firm’s history. Gallup said that was nearly 20 points lower than the 57 percent averaged by his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama. Trump’s current approval rating is also 38 percent. That is alarming to Republicans as they seek to maintain control of the US Congress in midterm elections in November. Taxes, immigration Trump planned to use the televised speech to tout the benefits of a tax overhaul approved by the Republican-controlled Congress in December that was his first major legislative victory. “Our massive tax cuts provide tremendous relief for the middle class and small businesses,” Trump will say. The atmosphere in the House of Representatives chamber where Trump will speak could be tense. Several Democratic lawmakers have said they will boycott the event. Some Democratic women who will attend plan to wear black in support of the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment. Ahead of Trump’s speech, Republicans and Democrats were deeply divided over immigration, which has been linked to congressional efforts to pass a spending bill. Lawmakers face a February 8 deadline to reach a compromise on the issue and pass a new budget measure to avoid a second government shutdown after a brief closure earlier this month. Trump will argue that struggling US communities, particularly immigrant communities, will be aided by immigration policies that “focus on the best interests of American workers and American families.” To attract Democratic votes for an immigration deal, Trump has said he is open to letting “Dreamers,” a group of immigrants brought into the country illegally as children, stay in the United States. In return, he has demanded funding for his long-proposed wall along the border with Mexico and measures to curb family sponsorship of immigrants, proposals that have failed to gain traction with Democrats in the past. Russia probe Trump will also promote a $1.7-trillion plan to rebuild America’s ageing roads and other infrastructure, but he is not expected to offer many details. Trump is expected to address the various global issues that have preoccupied his administration, such as the challenge posed by North Korea’s nuclear and weapons programs, and Iran’s clout in the Middle East. The president is being buffeted by a series of headlines about US Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into whether Trump or his aides colluded with Russia during the 2016 presidential election. US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the campaign using hacking and propaganda to attempt to tilt the race in Trump’s favour. Russia has denied meddling. Trump — who has called Mueller’s probe a “witch hunt” — has denied any collusion with Russia or that he has obstructed justice in his actions related to the federal investigation.

Trump to extend 'open hand', vow to make 'country united' in SOTU speech The US Capitol is seen before US President Donald Trump delivers his first State of the Union address in Washington, US, January 30, 2018. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump, battling a probe into his campaign’s alleged ties with Russia and struggling to sell Americans on his leadership abilities, will urge bipartisan cooperation on overhauling US immigration policies and rebuilding infrastructure in an address to Congress on Tuesday night. “So tonight I am extending an open hand to work with members of both parties, Democrats and Republicans, to protect our citizens, of every background, colour, and creed,” Trump will say, according to excerpts of his State of the Union speech released by the White House. Facing a deadline on an immigration controversy and strong Democratic opposition, Trump was calling for the type of cooperation between Republicans and Democrats that has eluded him during a rocky first year in office. Trump will visit Capitol Hill to deliver his first State of the Union speech at 9:10 PM (7:10 AM PST, Wednesday). In preparing for the event, Trump told US television network anchors that he would offer a message of unity, in what would be a rarity for the politically polarizing president. “I would consider it a great achievement if we could make our country united,” he told the anchors during a lunch, according to comments released by the White House. Trump’s speech comes as Americans voice doubts about his fitness for office. A Gallup poll said Trump had an average job approval in 2017 of 38 percent, the lowest first-year rating for any president in the firm’s history. Gallup said that was nearly 20 points lower than the 57 percent averaged by his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama. Trump’s current approval rating is also 38 percent. That is alarming to Republicans as they seek to maintain control of the US Congress in midterm elections in November. Taxes, immigration Trump planned to use the televised speech to tout the benefits of a tax overhaul approved by the Republican-controlled Congress in December that was his first major legislative victory. “Our massive tax cuts provide tremendous relief for the middle class and small businesses,” Trump will say. The atmosphere in the House of Representatives chamber where Trump will speak could be tense. Several Democratic lawmakers have said they will boycott the event. Some Democratic women who will attend plan to wear black in support of the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment. Ahead of Trump’s speech, Republicans and Democrats were deeply divided over immigration, which has been linked to congressional efforts to pass a spending bill. Lawmakers face a February 8 deadline to reach a compromise on the issue and pass a new budget measure to avoid a second government shutdown after a brief closure earlier this month. Trump will argue that struggling US communities, particularly immigrant communities, will be aided by immigration policies that “focus on the best interests of American workers and American families.” To attract Democratic votes for an immigration deal, Trump has said he is open to letting “Dreamers,” a group of immigrants brought into the country illegally as children, stay in the United States. In return, he has demanded funding for his long-proposed wall along the border with Mexico and measures to curb family sponsorship of immigrants, proposals that have failed to gain traction with Democrats in the past. Russia probe Trump will also promote a $1.7-trillion plan to rebuild America’s ageing roads and other infrastructure, but he is not expected to offer many details. Trump is expected to address the various global issues that have preoccupied his administration, such as the challenge posed by North Korea’s nuclear and weapons programs, and Iran’s clout in the Middle East. The president is being buffeted by a series of headlines about US Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into whether Trump or his aides colluded with Russia during the 2016 presidential election. US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the campaign using hacking and propaganda to attempt to tilt the race in Trump’s favour. Russia has denied meddling. Trump — who has called Mueller’s probe a “witch hunt” — has denied any collusion with Russia or that he has obstructed justice in his actions related to the federal investigation.

January 31, 2018 No comments Read More

Russian spy chief met officials in US last week: sources Sergei Naryshkin — the speaker of the Russian Duma — and Russia's President Vladimir Putin near Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, June 22, 2016. REUTERS/Grigory Dukor/Files WASHINGTON: Russia’s foreign spy chief — who is under US sanctions — met last week outside Washington with US intelligence officials, two US sources said, confirming a disclosure that intensified political infighting over probes into Moscow’s alleged meddling in the 2016 US election. Sergey Naryshkin — the head of the Russian service known by its acronym SVR — held talks with US Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and other US intelligence officials, the sources said. The sources did not reveal the topics discussed. A Russian Embassy tweet disclosed Naryshkin’s visit. It cited a state-run ITAR-Tass news report that quoted Anatoly Antonov — Russia’s ambassador to Washington — as telling Rossiya-1 television that Naryshkin and his US counterparts discussed the “joint struggle against terrorism”. Antonov did not identify the US intelligence officials with whom he met. The Central Intelligence Agency declined to comment. Coats’ office said that while it does not discuss US intelligence officials’ schedules, “any interaction with foreign intelligence agencies would have been conducted in accordance with US law and in consultation with appropriate departments and agencies.” News of Naryshkin’s secret visit poured fresh fuel on the battles pitting the Trump administration and its Republican defenders against Democrats over investigations into Moscow’s alleged 2016 election interference. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer demanded that the administration “immediately come clean and answer questions — which US officials did he meet with? Did any White House or National Security Council official meet with Naryshkin? What did they discuss?” Sergei Naryshkin — the speaker of the Russian Duma — on a visit to Finland, April 3, 2013. Image Courtesy: Finland Today/Tony Öhberg The key question, Schumer told reporters, is whether Naryshkin’s visit accounted for the administration’s decision on Monday not to slap new sanctions on Russia under a law passed last year to punish Moscow’s purported election meddling. “Russia hacked our elections,” Schumer said. “We sanctioned the head of their foreign intelligence and then the Trump administration invites him to waltz through our front door.” A January 2017 US intelligence report concluded that Russia conducted an influence campaign of hacking and other measures aimed at swinging the 2016 presidential vote to Trump over Hillary Clinton — his Democratic challenger. Last week, the Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant reported that the Netherlands intelligence concluded that some of the Russians running a hacking operation — known as “Cozy Bear” — against Democratic organizations were SVR agents. CIA Director Mike Pompeo told the BBC in an interview last weekend that he had not “seen a significant decrease” in Russian attempts at subversion in Europe and the US, and he expects Moscow to meddle in November’s US mid-term elections. Congressional panels and Special Counsel Robert Mueller are investigating Russia’s alleged interference and possible collusion between Moscow and Trump’s election campaign. Russia denies it meddled and Trump dismissed the allegations of collusion as a political witch hunt. Naryshkin’s visit coincided with other serious disputes in US-Russian relations. They include Russia’s 2014 seizure of Crimea and its interference in Ukraine and Russia’s military intervention on the government’s side in the Syrian civil war. Washington and Moscow cooperate in some areas, including the fight against Islamic militant groups, officials said. For example, a month ago the United States provided advance warning to Russia that allowed it to thwart a terrorist plot in St. Petersburg, the White House said. Naryshkin — who was appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin to head the SVR in September 2016 — was sanctioned by the Obama administration in March 2014 as part of the US response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea. At the time, he was speaker of the lower house of the Russian parliament. He was banned from entering the US but sanctions experts said there are processes for providing people under sanction permission to enter for official business. Meetings between foreign intelligence chiefs, even from rival nations, are mostly kept secret but are not unusual.

Russian spy chief met officials in US last week: sources Sergei Naryshkin — the speaker of the Russian Duma — and Russia's President Vladimir Putin near Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, June 22, 2016. REUTERS/Grigory Dukor/Files WASHINGTON: Russia’s foreign spy chief — who is under US sanctions — met last week outside Washington with US intelligence officials, two US sources said, confirming a disclosure that intensified political infighting over probes into Moscow’s alleged meddling in the 2016 US election. Sergey Naryshkin — the head of the Russian service known by its acronym SVR — held talks with US Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and other US intelligence officials, the sources said. The sources did not reveal the topics discussed. A Russian Embassy tweet disclosed Naryshkin’s visit. It cited a state-run ITAR-Tass news report that quoted Anatoly Antonov — Russia’s ambassador to Washington — as telling Rossiya-1 television that Naryshkin and his US counterparts discussed the “joint struggle against terrorism”. Antonov did not identify the US intelligence officials with whom he met. The Central Intelligence Agency declined to comment. Coats’ office said that while it does not discuss US intelligence officials’ schedules, “any interaction with foreign intelligence agencies would have been conducted in accordance with US law and in consultation with appropriate departments and agencies.” News of Naryshkin’s secret visit poured fresh fuel on the battles pitting the Trump administration and its Republican defenders against Democrats over investigations into Moscow’s alleged 2016 election interference. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer demanded that the administration “immediately come clean and answer questions — which US officials did he meet with? Did any White House or National Security Council official meet with Naryshkin? What did they discuss?” Sergei Naryshkin — the speaker of the Russian Duma — on a visit to Finland, April 3, 2013. Image Courtesy: Finland Today/Tony Öhberg The key question, Schumer told reporters, is whether Naryshkin’s visit accounted for the administration’s decision on Monday not to slap new sanctions on Russia under a law passed last year to punish Moscow’s purported election meddling. “Russia hacked our elections,” Schumer said. “We sanctioned the head of their foreign intelligence and then the Trump administration invites him to waltz through our front door.” A January 2017 US intelligence report concluded that Russia conducted an influence campaign of hacking and other measures aimed at swinging the 2016 presidential vote to Trump over Hillary Clinton — his Democratic challenger. Last week, the Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant reported that the Netherlands intelligence concluded that some of the Russians running a hacking operation — known as “Cozy Bear” — against Democratic organizations were SVR agents. CIA Director Mike Pompeo told the BBC in an interview last weekend that he had not “seen a significant decrease” in Russian attempts at subversion in Europe and the US, and he expects Moscow to meddle in November’s US mid-term elections. Congressional panels and Special Counsel Robert Mueller are investigating Russia’s alleged interference and possible collusion between Moscow and Trump’s election campaign. Russia denies it meddled and Trump dismissed the allegations of collusion as a political witch hunt. Naryshkin’s visit coincided with other serious disputes in US-Russian relations. They include Russia’s 2014 seizure of Crimea and its interference in Ukraine and Russia’s military intervention on the government’s side in the Syrian civil war. Washington and Moscow cooperate in some areas, including the fight against Islamic militant groups, officials said. For example, a month ago the United States provided advance warning to Russia that allowed it to thwart a terrorist plot in St. Petersburg, the White House said. Naryshkin — who was appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin to head the SVR in September 2016 — was sanctioned by the Obama administration in March 2014 as part of the US response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea. At the time, he was speaker of the lower house of the Russian parliament. He was banned from entering the US but sanctions experts said there are processes for providing people under sanction permission to enter for official business. Meetings between foreign intelligence chiefs, even from rival nations, are mostly kept secret but are not unusual.

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Tests link Syrian government stockpile to largest sarin attack: sources A UN chemical weapons expert, wearing a gas mask, holds a plastic bag containing samples from one of the sites of an alleged chemical weapons attack in the Ain Tarma neighbourhood of Damascus, Syria, August 29, 2013. REUTERS/Mohamed Abdullah/Files THE HAGUE: The Syrian government’s chemical weapons stockpile has been linked for the first time by laboratory tests to the largest sarin nerve agent attack of the civil war, diplomats and scientists told Reuters, supporting Western claims that government forces under President Bashar al-Assad were behind the atrocity. Laboratories working for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) compared samples taken by a U.N. mission in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta after the Aug. 21, 2013 attack, when hundreds of civilians died of sarin gas poisoning, to chemicals handed over by Damascus for destruction in 2014. The tests found “markers” in samples taken at Ghouta and at the sites of two other nerve agent attacks, in the towns of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib governorate on April 4, 2017, and Khan al-Assal, Aleppo, in March 2013, two people involved in the process said. “We compared Khan Sheikhoun, Khan al-Assal, Ghouta,” said one source who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the findings. “There were signatures in all three of them that matched.” The same test results were the basis for a report by the OPCW-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism in October that said the Syrian government was responsible for the Khan Sheikhoun attack, which killed dozens. The findings on Ghouta — whose details were confirmed to Reuters by two separate diplomatic sources — were not released in the October report to the UN Security Council (UNSC) because they were not part of the team’s mandate. They will nonetheless bolster claims by the United States, Britain, and other Western powers that Assad’s government still possesses and uses banned munitions in violation of several UNSC resolutions and the Chemical Weapons Convention. The OPCW declined to comment. Syria has repeatedly denied using chemical weapons in the conflict now in its seventh year and has blamed the chemical attacks in the rebel-held territory of Ghouta on the insurgents themselves. Russia has also denied that Syrian government forces have carried out chemical attacks and has questioned the reliability of the OCPW inquiries. Officials in Moscow have said the rebels staged the attacks to discredit the Assad government and whip up international condemnation. Under a US-Russian deal after the Ghouta attack in 2013, Damascus joined the OPCW and agreed to permanently eliminate its chemical weapons program, including destroying a 1,300-tonne stockpile of industrial precursors that has now been linked to the Ghouta attack. But inspectors have found proof of an ongoing chemical weapons program in Syria, including the systematic use of chlorine barrel bombs and sarin, which they say was ordered at the highest levels of government. The sarin attack on Khan Sheikhoun in April last year prompted US President Donald Trump to order a missile strike against the Shayrat air base, from which the Syrian operation is said to have been launched. Diplomatic and scientific sources said efforts by Syria and Russia to discredit the UN-OPCW tests establishing a connection to Ghouta have so far come up with nothing. Russia’s blocking of resolutions at the UNSC seeking accountability for war crimes in Syria gained new relevance when Russia stationed its aircraft at Shayrat in 2015. Washington fired missiles at Shayrat in April 2017, saying the Syrian air force used it to stage the Khan Sheikhoun sarin attack on April 4 a few days earlier, killing more than 80 people. No Russian military assets are believed to have been hit but Moscow warned at the time it could have serious consequences. In June, the Pentagon said it had seen what appeared to be preparations for another chemical attack at the same airfield, prompting Russia to say it would respond proportionately if Washington took pre-emptive measures against Syrian forces there. 'Serious lab work' The chemical tests were carried out at the request of the UN-OPCW inquiry, which was searching for potential links between the stockpile and samples from Khan Sheikhoun. The analysis results raised the possibility that they would provide a link to other sarin attacks, the source said. Two compounds in the Ghouta sample matched those also found in Khan Sheikhoun, one formed from sarin and the stabilizer hexamine, and another specific fluorophosphate that appears during sarin production, the tests showed. “Like in all science, it should be repeated a couple of times, but it was serious matching and serious laboratory work,” the source said. Independent experts, however, said the findings are the strongest scientific evidence to date that the Syrian government was behind Ghouta — the deadliest chemical weapon attack since the Halabja massacres of 1988 during the Iran-Iraq war. “A match of samples from the 2013 Ghouta attacks to tests of chemicals in the Syrian stockpile is the equivalent of DNA evidence: definitive proof,” Amy Smithson — a US nonproliferation expert — said. The hexamine finding “is a particularly significant match,” Smithson said because it is a chemical identified as a unique hallmark of the Syrian military’s process to make sarin. “This match adds to the mountain of physical evidence that points conclusively, without a shadow of doubt, to the Syrian government,” she said. No chance rebels behind Ghouta Smithson and other sources familiar with the matter said it would have been virtually impossible for the rebels to carry out a coordinated, large-scale strike with poisonous munitions, even if they had been able to steal the chemicals from the government’s stockpile. “I don’t think there is a cat in hell’s chance that rebels or Islamic State were responsible for the Aug. 21 Ghouta attack,” Hamish de Bretton-Gordon — an independent specialist in biological and chemical weapons — said. The UN-OPCW inquiry — which was disbanded in November after being blocked by Syria’s ally Russia at the UNSC — also found that Daesh had used the less toxic blistering agent sulfur mustard gas on a small scale in Syria. By comparison, the Ghouta attack was textbook chemical warfare, Smithson and de Bretton-Gordon said, perfectly executed by forces trained to handle sarin — a toxin more difficult to use because it must be mixed just before delivery. Surface-to-surface rockets delivered hundreds of litres of sarin in perfect weather conditions that made them as lethal as possible: low temperatures and wind in the early hours of the morning, when the gas would remain concentrated and kill sleeping victims, many of them children. Pre-attack air raids with conventional bombs shattered windows and doors and drove people into shelters where the heavy poison seeped down into underground hiding places. Aerial bombing afterwards sought to destroy the evidence. The large quantity of chemicals used — along with radar images of rocket traces showing they originated from Syrian Brigade positions — are further proof that the rebels could not have carried out the Ghouta attack, the experts said.

Tests link Syrian government stockpile to largest sarin attack: sources A UN chemical weapons expert, wearing a gas mask, holds a plastic bag containing samples from one of the sites of an alleged chemical weapons attack in the Ain Tarma neighbourhood of Damascus, Syria, August 29, 2013. REUTERS/Mohamed Abdullah/Files THE HAGUE: The Syrian government’s chemical weapons stockpile has been linked for the first time by laboratory tests to the largest sarin nerve agent attack of the civil war, diplomats and scientists told Reuters, supporting Western claims that government forces under President Bashar al-Assad were behind the atrocity. Laboratories working for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) compared samples taken by a U.N. mission in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta after the Aug. 21, 2013 attack, when hundreds of civilians died of sarin gas poisoning, to chemicals handed over by Damascus for destruction in 2014. The tests found “markers” in samples taken at Ghouta and at the sites of two other nerve agent attacks, in the towns of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib governorate on April 4, 2017, and Khan al-Assal, Aleppo, in March 2013, two people involved in the process said. “We compared Khan Sheikhoun, Khan al-Assal, Ghouta,” said one source who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the findings. “There were signatures in all three of them that matched.” The same test results were the basis for a report by the OPCW-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism in October that said the Syrian government was responsible for the Khan Sheikhoun attack, which killed dozens. The findings on Ghouta — whose details were confirmed to Reuters by two separate diplomatic sources — were not released in the October report to the UN Security Council (UNSC) because they were not part of the team’s mandate. They will nonetheless bolster claims by the United States, Britain, and other Western powers that Assad’s government still possesses and uses banned munitions in violation of several UNSC resolutions and the Chemical Weapons Convention. The OPCW declined to comment. Syria has repeatedly denied using chemical weapons in the conflict now in its seventh year and has blamed the chemical attacks in the rebel-held territory of Ghouta on the insurgents themselves. Russia has also denied that Syrian government forces have carried out chemical attacks and has questioned the reliability of the OCPW inquiries. Officials in Moscow have said the rebels staged the attacks to discredit the Assad government and whip up international condemnation. Under a US-Russian deal after the Ghouta attack in 2013, Damascus joined the OPCW and agreed to permanently eliminate its chemical weapons program, including destroying a 1,300-tonne stockpile of industrial precursors that has now been linked to the Ghouta attack. But inspectors have found proof of an ongoing chemical weapons program in Syria, including the systematic use of chlorine barrel bombs and sarin, which they say was ordered at the highest levels of government. The sarin attack on Khan Sheikhoun in April last year prompted US President Donald Trump to order a missile strike against the Shayrat air base, from which the Syrian operation is said to have been launched. Diplomatic and scientific sources said efforts by Syria and Russia to discredit the UN-OPCW tests establishing a connection to Ghouta have so far come up with nothing. Russia’s blocking of resolutions at the UNSC seeking accountability for war crimes in Syria gained new relevance when Russia stationed its aircraft at Shayrat in 2015. Washington fired missiles at Shayrat in April 2017, saying the Syrian air force used it to stage the Khan Sheikhoun sarin attack on April 4 a few days earlier, killing more than 80 people. No Russian military assets are believed to have been hit but Moscow warned at the time it could have serious consequences. In June, the Pentagon said it had seen what appeared to be preparations for another chemical attack at the same airfield, prompting Russia to say it would respond proportionately if Washington took pre-emptive measures against Syrian forces there. 'Serious lab work' The chemical tests were carried out at the request of the UN-OPCW inquiry, which was searching for potential links between the stockpile and samples from Khan Sheikhoun. The analysis results raised the possibility that they would provide a link to other sarin attacks, the source said. Two compounds in the Ghouta sample matched those also found in Khan Sheikhoun, one formed from sarin and the stabilizer hexamine, and another specific fluorophosphate that appears during sarin production, the tests showed. “Like in all science, it should be repeated a couple of times, but it was serious matching and serious laboratory work,” the source said. Independent experts, however, said the findings are the strongest scientific evidence to date that the Syrian government was behind Ghouta — the deadliest chemical weapon attack since the Halabja massacres of 1988 during the Iran-Iraq war. “A match of samples from the 2013 Ghouta attacks to tests of chemicals in the Syrian stockpile is the equivalent of DNA evidence: definitive proof,” Amy Smithson — a US nonproliferation expert — said. The hexamine finding “is a particularly significant match,” Smithson said because it is a chemical identified as a unique hallmark of the Syrian military’s process to make sarin. “This match adds to the mountain of physical evidence that points conclusively, without a shadow of doubt, to the Syrian government,” she said. No chance rebels behind Ghouta Smithson and other sources familiar with the matter said it would have been virtually impossible for the rebels to carry out a coordinated, large-scale strike with poisonous munitions, even if they had been able to steal the chemicals from the government’s stockpile. “I don’t think there is a cat in hell’s chance that rebels or Islamic State were responsible for the Aug. 21 Ghouta attack,” Hamish de Bretton-Gordon — an independent specialist in biological and chemical weapons — said. The UN-OPCW inquiry — which was disbanded in November after being blocked by Syria’s ally Russia at the UNSC — also found that Daesh had used the less toxic blistering agent sulfur mustard gas on a small scale in Syria. By comparison, the Ghouta attack was textbook chemical warfare, Smithson and de Bretton-Gordon said, perfectly executed by forces trained to handle sarin — a toxin more difficult to use because it must be mixed just before delivery. Surface-to-surface rockets delivered hundreds of litres of sarin in perfect weather conditions that made them as lethal as possible: low temperatures and wind in the early hours of the morning, when the gas would remain concentrated and kill sleeping victims, many of them children. Pre-attack air raids with conventional bombs shattered windows and doors and drove people into shelters where the heavy poison seeped down into underground hiding places. Aerial bombing afterwards sought to destroy the evidence. The large quantity of chemicals used — along with radar images of rocket traces showing they originated from Syrian Brigade positions — are further proof that the rebels could not have carried out the Ghouta attack, the experts said.

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Saudi Arabia says it has seized over $100 billion in corruption purge Cars drive past the Kingdom Centre Tower in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 30, 2018. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s government has arranged to seize more than $100 billion through financial settlements with businessmen and officials detained in its crackdown on corruption, the attorney general said on Tuesday. The announcement appeared to represent a political victory for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who launched the purge last November and predicted at the time that it would net about $100 billion in settlements. Dozens of top officials and businessmen were detained in the crackdown, many of them confined and interrogated at Riyadh’s opulent Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Well over 100 detainees are believed to have been released. Billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal — the owner of global investor Kingdom Holding — and Waleed al-Ibrahim, who controls influential regional broadcaster MBC, were freed last weekend. “The estimated value of settlements currently stands at more than 400 billion riyals ($106 billion) represented in various types of assets, including real estate, commercial entities, securities, cash, and other assets,” Sheikh Saud Al Mojeb said in a statement. The huge sum, if successfully recovered, would be a big financial boost for the government, which has seen its finances strained by low oil prices. The state budget deficit this year is projected at 195 billion riyals. In total, the investigation subpoenaed 381 people, some of whom testified or provided evidence, Mojeb said, adding that 56people had not reached settlements and were still in custody, down from 95 early last week. The government has generally declined to reveal details of the allegations against detainees or their settlements, making it impossible to be sure how much corruption has been punished or whether the $100 billion figure is realistic. The only settlement disclosed so far was a deal by senior prince Miteb bin Abdullah to pay more than $1 billion, according to Saudi officials. Miteb was once seen as a leading contender for the throne, so his detention fueled suspicion among foreign diplomats there might be political motives behind the purge. Although officials said both Prince Alwaleed and Ibrahim reached financial settlements after admitting unspecified “violations”, Prince Alwaleed continued to insist publicly he was innocent, while MBC said Ibrahim had been fully exonerated. Economy minister Mohammed al-Tuwaijri told CNN this month that most assets seized in the purge were illiquid, such as real estate and structured financial instruments. That suggested the government may not have gained large sums of cash to spend. In another sign that the investigation was winding down, a Saudi official told Reuters on Tuesday that all detainees had now left the Ritz-Carlton. The hotel — where the cheapest room costs $650 a night — is to reopen to the public in mid-February. Some detainees are believed to have been moved from the hotel to prison after refusing to admit wrongdoing and reach financial settlements; they may stand trial. Bankers in the Gulf said the secrecy of the crackdown had unsettled the business community and could weigh on the willingness of local and foreign businesses to invest. “It’s reassuring if this situation is finally at an end, as the process was not clear from the start and at least if it is now ended, that provides some clarity and closure,” said a banker who deals with Saudi Arabia. But Prince Mohammed appears to have won widespread approval for the purge among ordinary Saudis, partly because the government has said it will use some of the money it seizes to fund social benefits. “What has happened is great, it will be counted as a win for the government. Whoever the person is, he is being held accountable, whether a royal or a citizen,” said Abdullah al-Otaibi, drinking at a Riyadh coffee shop on Tuesday. An international financier visiting the region said authorities’ tough approach might ultimately prove effective. “There are many different ways to fight corruption and not all of them are effective. Ukraine tried to do it by creating institutions, but that hasn’t really worked as that approach doesn’t change behaviour,” he said. “Saudi’s approach stands a better chance of being effective as it’s more direct.”

Saudi Arabia says it has seized over $100 billion in corruption purge Cars drive past the Kingdom Centre Tower in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 30, 2018. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s government has arranged to seize more than $100 billion through financial settlements with businessmen and officials detained in its crackdown on corruption, the attorney general said on Tuesday. The announcement appeared to represent a political victory for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who launched the purge last November and predicted at the time that it would net about $100 billion in settlements. Dozens of top officials and businessmen were detained in the crackdown, many of them confined and interrogated at Riyadh’s opulent Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Well over 100 detainees are believed to have been released. Billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal — the owner of global investor Kingdom Holding — and Waleed al-Ibrahim, who controls influential regional broadcaster MBC, were freed last weekend. “The estimated value of settlements currently stands at more than 400 billion riyals ($106 billion) represented in various types of assets, including real estate, commercial entities, securities, cash, and other assets,” Sheikh Saud Al Mojeb said in a statement. The huge sum, if successfully recovered, would be a big financial boost for the government, which has seen its finances strained by low oil prices. The state budget deficit this year is projected at 195 billion riyals. In total, the investigation subpoenaed 381 people, some of whom testified or provided evidence, Mojeb said, adding that 56people had not reached settlements and were still in custody, down from 95 early last week. The government has generally declined to reveal details of the allegations against detainees or their settlements, making it impossible to be sure how much corruption has been punished or whether the $100 billion figure is realistic. The only settlement disclosed so far was a deal by senior prince Miteb bin Abdullah to pay more than $1 billion, according to Saudi officials. Miteb was once seen as a leading contender for the throne, so his detention fueled suspicion among foreign diplomats there might be political motives behind the purge. Although officials said both Prince Alwaleed and Ibrahim reached financial settlements after admitting unspecified “violations”, Prince Alwaleed continued to insist publicly he was innocent, while MBC said Ibrahim had been fully exonerated. Economy minister Mohammed al-Tuwaijri told CNN this month that most assets seized in the purge were illiquid, such as real estate and structured financial instruments. That suggested the government may not have gained large sums of cash to spend. In another sign that the investigation was winding down, a Saudi official told Reuters on Tuesday that all detainees had now left the Ritz-Carlton. The hotel — where the cheapest room costs $650 a night — is to reopen to the public in mid-February. Some detainees are believed to have been moved from the hotel to prison after refusing to admit wrongdoing and reach financial settlements; they may stand trial. Bankers in the Gulf said the secrecy of the crackdown had unsettled the business community and could weigh on the willingness of local and foreign businesses to invest. “It’s reassuring if this situation is finally at an end, as the process was not clear from the start and at least if it is now ended, that provides some clarity and closure,” said a banker who deals with Saudi Arabia. But Prince Mohammed appears to have won widespread approval for the purge among ordinary Saudis, partly because the government has said it will use some of the money it seizes to fund social benefits. “What has happened is great, it will be counted as a win for the government. Whoever the person is, he is being held accountable, whether a royal or a citizen,” said Abdullah al-Otaibi, drinking at a Riyadh coffee shop on Tuesday. An international financier visiting the region said authorities’ tough approach might ultimately prove effective. “There are many different ways to fight corruption and not all of them are effective. Ukraine tried to do it by creating institutions, but that hasn’t really worked as that approach doesn’t change behaviour,” he said. “Saudi’s approach stands a better chance of being effective as it’s more direct.”

January 31, 2018 No comments Read More

Amazon, Berkshire, JPMorgan partner to cut US healthcare costs

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First Look at Ant-Man 2 Villain: Who Is the Ghost?

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The new Ant-Man and the Wasp trailer offers our first look at the villainous Ghost, who is much different than the comic book counterpart. ...

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Jim Caviezel confirms he will return as Jesus Christ in The Resurrection, with Mel Gibson returning to direct. from Movie News http://ift....

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Detective Pikachu Brings in Bill Nighy and Chris Geere

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Danai Gurira's Okoye and Lupita Nyong'o's Nakia spring into action after their cover is blown at a casino in a new clip from Bla...

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Emily Blunt Joins The Rock in Disney's Jungle Cruise

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First Black Panther Reviews Call It One of Marvel's Best Yet

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The first Black Panther reactions are in and critics are showering the Marvel adventure with plenty of praise. from Movie News http://ift....

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Netflix's Mute Trailer Visits the Brutal Underbelly of a Futuristic World

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Netflix has released the first official trailer for director Duncan Jones' visually stunning epic Mute, streaming this February. from ...

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Ant-Man 2 Trailer Images & New Poster Deliver Bite-Sized Action

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Marvel delivered the first Ant-Man and the Wasp trailer, debuting several new photos and a very small first official poster. from Movie Ne...

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Detective Pikachu Brings in Bill Nighy and Chris Geere

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From Mouni Roy's denim look to Nimrat Kaur's black dress, see how the stars dressed up! from LifeStyle - Latest Lifestyle News, Ho...

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Amazon, Berkshire, JPMorgan partner to cut US healthcare costs (L-R) Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett in Omaha, Nebraska, US, May 3, 2015. REUTERS/Rick Wilking/Files; Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos in Washington, DC, US, December 14, 2017. AFP/Mandel Ngan/Files; and JP Morgan Chase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon in Paris, France, July 11, 2017. AFP/Eric Piermont/Files Amazon.com Inc, Berkshire Hathaway, and JPMorgan Chase & Co said Tuesday they will form a company to cut health costs for hundreds of thousands of their US employees, setting up a major challenge to an inefficient US healthcare system. The move by three of the best-known US business leaders — Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Berkshire’s Warren Buffett, and JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon — would take on the world’s most expensive healthcare system, whose mounting costs have hurt corporate profits. Shares in US healthcare companies fell across the board. The new, not-for-profit venture will initially focus on technology for “simplified, high-quality, and transparent healthcare” for their more than 500,000 US employees. They did not elaborate on their strategy but said they are searching for a chief executive officer. Healthcare industry experts say the new entity could eventually negotiate directly with drugmakers, doctors, and hospitals and use their vast databases to get a better handle on the costs of those services. That could undercut the industry’s “middlemen,” from health insurers to pharmacies and benefits managers. “The ballooning costs of healthcare act as a hungry tapeworm on the American economy,” said Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Warren Buffett. “Our group does not come to this problem with answers. But we also do not accept it as inevitable.” ISI Evercore analyst Michael Newshal said the selloff in healthcare stocks reflected the fear of disruption in a sector helped by rising prices year after year but is under growing scrutiny from US consumers, regulators, and politicians. “There are a lot of companies, or arguably almost all companies, in healthcare that benefit from cost inflation running as high as it has been for many years. "And, if there is pressure to lower that, that can flow throughout the entire system,” Newshal said. Major disruptor? US healthcare spending has been increasing annually faster than inflation, and, in 2017, accounted for 18 percent of the US economy. Corporations sponsor health benefits for more than 160 million Americans. Major healthcare players have tried to reduce costs without losing their profit margins. Most recently, pharmacy network CVS Health Corp reached a $69-billion deal to buy insurer Aetna Inc, arguing their combination could save money for the nation’s employers. Investors in the sector see Amazon becoming a major disruptor of healthcare, just as it has done in the retail industry, fueled by media reports in recent months that the company was considering entering the pharmacy business. Teaming up with the biggest US bank JPMorgan and Berkshire — the third largest public company in the world — offers new opportunities to shake up the industry, analysts said. For example, JPMorgan could help shape new payment models for consumers and providers and provide cost data. CEO Dimon has for years expressed concerns about rising healthcare costs. In 2015, he wrote in his annual letter that the company spent $1.1 billion on medical benefits for US employees, 2 percent of companywide expenses. Berkshire CEO Buffett has long complained that high health care costs were hurting American businesses and publicly began using the term “tapeworm” to describe their effects as early as 2010. The partnership will be spearheaded by Berkshire investment officer Todd Combs, JPMorgan managing director Marvelle Berchtold, and Amazon senior vice president Beth Galetti. Combs, 47, has been an investment deputy to Buffett since 2010 and joined JPMorgan’s board in 2016. Insurers fall Health insurers that provide benefit management or health plans to Amazon, JPMorgan, and Berkshire could be among the hardest hit. JPMorgan uses UnitedHealth Group Inc and Cigna Corp for health benefits for its global workforce, according to ISI Evercore analyst Ross Muken. Neither company was available for comment. Amazon uses Premera Blue Cross, part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield network, according to Muken. Express Scripts — the pharmacy benefits manager — has disclosed it manages pharmacy benefits for Amazon. Shares in UnitedHealth, Cigna Corp, and health insurer Anthem Inc fell 3 percent to 7 percent. Drugstore operators CVS and Walgreen Boots Alliance as well as Express Scripts all dropped between 4 percent to 5 percent. Drug distributors Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen, and McKesson were off 1 percent to 3 percent. Amazon added 0.7 percent.

Amazon, Berkshire, JPMorgan partner to cut US healthcare costs (L-R) Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett in Omaha, Nebraska, US, May 3, 2015. REUTERS/Rick Wilking/Files; Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos in Washington, DC, US, December 14, 2017. AFP/Mandel Ngan/Files; and JP Morgan Chase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon in Paris, France, July 11, 2017. AFP/Eric Piermont/Files Amazon.com Inc, Berkshire Hathaway, and JPMorgan Chase & Co said Tuesday they will form a company to cut health costs for hundreds of thousands of their US employees, setting up a major challenge to an inefficient US healthcare system. The move by three of the best-known US business leaders — Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Berkshire’s Warren Buffett, and JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon — would take on the world’s most expensive healthcare system, whose mounting costs have hurt corporate profits. Shares in US healthcare companies fell across the board. The new, not-for-profit venture will initially focus on technology for “simplified, high-quality, and transparent healthcare” for their more than 500,000 US employees. They did not elaborate on their strategy but said they are searching for a chief executive officer. Healthcare industry experts say the new entity could eventually negotiate directly with drugmakers, doctors, and hospitals and use their vast databases to get a better handle on the costs of those services. That could undercut the industry’s “middlemen,” from health insurers to pharmacies and benefits managers. “The ballooning costs of healthcare act as a hungry tapeworm on the American economy,” said Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Warren Buffett. “Our group does not come to this problem with answers. But we also do not accept it as inevitable.” ISI Evercore analyst Michael Newshal said the selloff in healthcare stocks reflected the fear of disruption in a sector helped by rising prices year after year but is under growing scrutiny from US consumers, regulators, and politicians. “There are a lot of companies, or arguably almost all companies, in healthcare that benefit from cost inflation running as high as it has been for many years. "And, if there is pressure to lower that, that can flow throughout the entire system,” Newshal said. Major disruptor? US healthcare spending has been increasing annually faster than inflation, and, in 2017, accounted for 18 percent of the US economy. Corporations sponsor health benefits for more than 160 million Americans. Major healthcare players have tried to reduce costs without losing their profit margins. Most recently, pharmacy network CVS Health Corp reached a $69-billion deal to buy insurer Aetna Inc, arguing their combination could save money for the nation’s employers. Investors in the sector see Amazon becoming a major disruptor of healthcare, just as it has done in the retail industry, fueled by media reports in recent months that the company was considering entering the pharmacy business. Teaming up with the biggest US bank JPMorgan and Berkshire — the third largest public company in the world — offers new opportunities to shake up the industry, analysts said. For example, JPMorgan could help shape new payment models for consumers and providers and provide cost data. CEO Dimon has for years expressed concerns about rising healthcare costs. In 2015, he wrote in his annual letter that the company spent $1.1 billion on medical benefits for US employees, 2 percent of companywide expenses. Berkshire CEO Buffett has long complained that high health care costs were hurting American businesses and publicly began using the term “tapeworm” to describe their effects as early as 2010. The partnership will be spearheaded by Berkshire investment officer Todd Combs, JPMorgan managing director Marvelle Berchtold, and Amazon senior vice president Beth Galetti. Combs, 47, has been an investment deputy to Buffett since 2010 and joined JPMorgan’s board in 2016. Insurers fall Health insurers that provide benefit management or health plans to Amazon, JPMorgan, and Berkshire could be among the hardest hit. JPMorgan uses UnitedHealth Group Inc and Cigna Corp for health benefits for its global workforce, according to ISI Evercore analyst Ross Muken. Neither company was available for comment. Amazon uses Premera Blue Cross, part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield network, according to Muken. Express Scripts — the pharmacy benefits manager — has disclosed it manages pharmacy benefits for Amazon. Shares in UnitedHealth, Cigna Corp, and health insurer Anthem Inc fell 3 percent to 7 percent. Drugstore operators CVS and Walgreen Boots Alliance as well as Express Scripts all dropped between 4 percent to 5 percent. Drug distributors Cardinal Health, AmerisourceBergen, and McKesson were off 1 percent to 3 percent. Amazon added 0.7 percent.

January 31, 2018 No comments Read More

Wall Street stumbles as bond yields rise, health stocks fall Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, US, November 30, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/Files US stocks fell for a second straight day on Tuesday, with the Dow registering its biggest two-day drop since September 2016, pressured by healthcare stocks and rising bond yields. The Dow also had its biggest daily percentage decline since May 2017 and the day’s 1.37-percent fall was the second-biggest single-day drop since the election of Donald Trump, who is slated to give his first State of the Union speech later today. US Treasury yields climbed to multi-year highs after the start of the US Federal Reserve’s two-day meeting, which could shed light on the central bank’s economic and rate hike outlook. “Investors are catching up to the fact that rates have risen,” Jonathan Mackay — an investment strategist at New York-based Schroders — said. “The market’s finally catching up.” The selloff set traders in the options market fretting about a near-term shock to equities and the Cboe Volatility Index — the most widely followed barometer of expected near-term stock market gyrations — closed up 0.95 points at 14.79, its highest close since Aug. 17. Healthcare stocks pulled the major indexes lower on news that Amazon.com Inc, Berkshire Hathaway Inc, and JPMorgan Chase & Co will jointly form a healthcare company to help control costs for their US employees. The S&P 500 Healthcare index .SPXHC was the day’s biggest loser among the 11 major sectors, dropping by 2.13 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 362.59 points (1.37 percent) to 26,076.89, the S&P 500 lost 31.1 points (1.09 percent) to 2,822.43, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 64.02 points (0.86 percent) to 7,402.48. “Investors are getting a bit worried about inflation which has led some people to believe that the Fed might be more aggressive when it comes to raising rates,” Robert Pavlik — the chief investment strategist at SlateStone Wealth — said. MetLife Inc fell 8.6 percent and was the day’s biggest daily percentage decliner in the S&P 500 after news the US Securities and Exchange Commission was investigating the insurer’s failure to pay some workers’ pensions. UnitedHealth Group Inc was the biggest drag on the Dow, falling 4.3 percent. Pfizer Inc was down 3.1 percent despite its better-than-expected earnings and upbeat 2018 guidance. Harley-Davidson Inc closed down 8.0 percent after announcing it would close a Kansas City plant in the face of declining shipments. Apple Inc declined for a second day, falling 0.6 percent on news that the US Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission are investigating the company’s disclosure that it slowed older iPhones with flagging batteries. Earnings so far have been stronger than expected. S&P 500 earnings growth is now forecast at 13.2 percent, up from 12 percent a month ago. Among companies that have reported so far, 80 percent are exceeding analysts’ expectations, according to Thomson Reuters data. Investors will likely scrutinize Trump’s first State of the Union address for clues on trade policy and infrastructure spending. Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by a 4.17-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 2.98-to-1 ratio favoured decliners. The S&P 500 posted 17 new 52-week highs and four new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 41 new highs and 43 new lows. Volume so far on US exchanges was 8.1 billion shares, compared with the 7.1 billion average for the full session over the last 20 trading days.

Wall Street stumbles as bond yields rise, health stocks fall Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, US, November 30, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/Files US stocks fell for a second straight day on Tuesday, with the Dow registering its biggest two-day drop since September 2016, pressured by healthcare stocks and rising bond yields. The Dow also had its biggest daily percentage decline since May 2017 and the day’s 1.37-percent fall was the second-biggest single-day drop since the election of Donald Trump, who is slated to give his first State of the Union speech later today. US Treasury yields climbed to multi-year highs after the start of the US Federal Reserve’s two-day meeting, which could shed light on the central bank’s economic and rate hike outlook. “Investors are catching up to the fact that rates have risen,” Jonathan Mackay — an investment strategist at New York-based Schroders — said. “The market’s finally catching up.” The selloff set traders in the options market fretting about a near-term shock to equities and the Cboe Volatility Index — the most widely followed barometer of expected near-term stock market gyrations — closed up 0.95 points at 14.79, its highest close since Aug. 17. Healthcare stocks pulled the major indexes lower on news that Amazon.com Inc, Berkshire Hathaway Inc, and JPMorgan Chase & Co will jointly form a healthcare company to help control costs for their US employees. The S&P 500 Healthcare index .SPXHC was the day’s biggest loser among the 11 major sectors, dropping by 2.13 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 362.59 points (1.37 percent) to 26,076.89, the S&P 500 lost 31.1 points (1.09 percent) to 2,822.43, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 64.02 points (0.86 percent) to 7,402.48. “Investors are getting a bit worried about inflation which has led some people to believe that the Fed might be more aggressive when it comes to raising rates,” Robert Pavlik — the chief investment strategist at SlateStone Wealth — said. MetLife Inc fell 8.6 percent and was the day’s biggest daily percentage decliner in the S&P 500 after news the US Securities and Exchange Commission was investigating the insurer’s failure to pay some workers’ pensions. UnitedHealth Group Inc was the biggest drag on the Dow, falling 4.3 percent. Pfizer Inc was down 3.1 percent despite its better-than-expected earnings and upbeat 2018 guidance. Harley-Davidson Inc closed down 8.0 percent after announcing it would close a Kansas City plant in the face of declining shipments. Apple Inc declined for a second day, falling 0.6 percent on news that the US Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission are investigating the company’s disclosure that it slowed older iPhones with flagging batteries. Earnings so far have been stronger than expected. S&P 500 earnings growth is now forecast at 13.2 percent, up from 12 percent a month ago. Among companies that have reported so far, 80 percent are exceeding analysts’ expectations, according to Thomson Reuters data. Investors will likely scrutinize Trump’s first State of the Union address for clues on trade policy and infrastructure spending. Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by a 4.17-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 2.98-to-1 ratio favoured decliners. The S&P 500 posted 17 new 52-week highs and four new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 41 new highs and 43 new lows. Volume so far on US exchanges was 8.1 billion shares, compared with the 7.1 billion average for the full session over the last 20 trading days.

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Tillerson, Mattis call for calming tensions in Gulf dispute Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani (L) is welcomed by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (2nd R) as they stand alongside Defense Minister Khalid bin Muhammad al-Attiyah and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis (R) during the opening session of the inaugural US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue at the State Department in Washington, US, January 30, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas WASHINGTON: The US secretaries of state and defence on Tuesday called on all sides in the dispute between Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to work to calm tensions, saying a united Gulf Cooperation Council bolstered regional stability. “It is critical that all parties minimize rhetoric, exercise restraint to avoid further escalation and work toward a resolution,” Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said at a joint appearance of the US and Qatari foreign and defence ministers. The UAE — along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Egypt — cut off travel and trade ties with Qatar last June, accusing it of supporting terrorism and their arch-rival Iran. Doha denies the charges and says the countries aim to curtail its sovereignty. Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said that the meeting — the first in what is planned as an annual US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue — was taking place “despite the difficult circumstances” in which “Qatar and its people have been illegally and unjustifiably blockaded”. He expressed gratitude to the US Congress and the Trump administration for taking what he said was a “just position” on the trade and travel boycott. President Donald Trump’s stance on the crisis has been complicated. He initially tweeted what appeared to be support for the boycott, but in September offered to mediate. In a call earlier this month, he thanked Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for his efforts to counter terrorism. US Defense Secretary James Mattis said on Tuesday it was critical for the GCC to regain the cohesion among its members, all of whom are US partners: Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. “A united Gulf Cooperation Council bolsters our effectiveness on many fronts, particularly on counterterrorism, defeating ISIS Daesh, and countering the spread of Iran’s malign influence,” Mattis said, referring to Daesh. Qatar is host to the US and international forces at Al Udeid Air Base, which is home to the Combined Air Operations Center. The centre coordinates an array of data and intelligence from satellites, drones, radar, and US planes flying over hot spots in the Middle East and bombing Daesh positions. The US and Qatari officials signed three memorandums of understanding on security cooperation and other issues. Tillerson and al-Thani also welcomed progress toward resolving a dispute over civil aviation. State-owned Qatar Airways has agreed to release detailed financial statements, the US government said on Tuesday, as part of a response to accusations by US airlines that the carrier had been illegally subsidized by its government.

Tillerson, Mattis call for calming tensions in Gulf dispute Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani (L) is welcomed by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (2nd R) as they stand alongside Defense Minister Khalid bin Muhammad al-Attiyah and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis (R) during the opening session of the inaugural US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue at the State Department in Washington, US, January 30, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas WASHINGTON: The US secretaries of state and defence on Tuesday called on all sides in the dispute between Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to work to calm tensions, saying a united Gulf Cooperation Council bolstered regional stability. “It is critical that all parties minimize rhetoric, exercise restraint to avoid further escalation and work toward a resolution,” Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said at a joint appearance of the US and Qatari foreign and defence ministers. The UAE — along with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Egypt — cut off travel and trade ties with Qatar last June, accusing it of supporting terrorism and their arch-rival Iran. Doha denies the charges and says the countries aim to curtail its sovereignty. Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said that the meeting — the first in what is planned as an annual US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue — was taking place “despite the difficult circumstances” in which “Qatar and its people have been illegally and unjustifiably blockaded”. He expressed gratitude to the US Congress and the Trump administration for taking what he said was a “just position” on the trade and travel boycott. President Donald Trump’s stance on the crisis has been complicated. He initially tweeted what appeared to be support for the boycott, but in September offered to mediate. In a call earlier this month, he thanked Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for his efforts to counter terrorism. US Defense Secretary James Mattis said on Tuesday it was critical for the GCC to regain the cohesion among its members, all of whom are US partners: Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. “A united Gulf Cooperation Council bolsters our effectiveness on many fronts, particularly on counterterrorism, defeating ISIS Daesh, and countering the spread of Iran’s malign influence,” Mattis said, referring to Daesh. Qatar is host to the US and international forces at Al Udeid Air Base, which is home to the Combined Air Operations Center. The centre coordinates an array of data and intelligence from satellites, drones, radar, and US planes flying over hot spots in the Middle East and bombing Daesh positions. The US and Qatari officials signed three memorandums of understanding on security cooperation and other issues. Tillerson and al-Thani also welcomed progress toward resolving a dispute over civil aviation. State-owned Qatar Airways has agreed to release detailed financial statements, the US government said on Tuesday, as part of a response to accusations by US airlines that the carrier had been illegally subsidized by its government.

January 31, 2018 No comments Read More

Rocky day for Syria talks in Russia: Lavrov heckled, opposition quits Participants attend a session of the Syrian Congress of National Dialogue in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, January 30, 2018. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin SOCHI: A Syrian peace conference in Russia was marred by discord on Tuesday after the Russian foreign minister was heckled, an opposition delegation refused to leave the airport on arrival, and delegates squabbled over who should preside over the event. Russia — a staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad — was hosting what it called a Syrian Congress of National Dialogue in the Black Sea resort of Sochi that it hoped would launch negotiations on drafting a new constitution for Syria. But in a blow to Moscow, which has cast itself as a Middle East peace broker, the event was boycotted by the leadership of the Syrian opposition, while powers — such as the United States, Britain, and France — stayed away because of what they said was the Syrian government’s refusal to properly engage. Western countries support a separate UN-mediated peace process, which has so far failed to yield progress toward ending a war that is entering its eighth year. The latest round of those talks took place in Vienna last week. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov helped open the conference on Tuesday by reading out a statement from President Vladimir Putin saying the conditions were ripe for Syria to turn “a tragic page” in its history. But some delegates stood up and began heckling him, accusing Moscow of killing civilians in Syria with its air strikes. The incident was broadcast on Russian state TV where two security guards were shown approaching one man in the audience indicating that he should sit down. Other delegates shouted out their support for Russia. Lavrov told the delegates to let him finish speaking, saying they would have their say later. Several delegates, who declined to be identified, told Reuters that organizers had later been forced to suspend a plenary session due to squabbling among delegates over who would be chosen to preside over the congress. Flag row In a further setback, one group of delegates — which included members of the armed opposition who had flown in from Turkey — refused to leave Sochi airport until Syrian government flags and emblems, which they said were offensive, were removed. Ahmed Tomah — the head of the delegation — said his group was boycotting the congress and would fly back to Turkey because of the flag row and what he called broken promises to end the bombardment of civilians. “We were surprised that none of the promises that were given had been kept, the ferocious bombing of civilians had not stopped nor the flags and banners of the regime (been) removed,” he said in a video recorded at the airport. Artyom Kozhin — a senior diplomat at the Russian Foreign Ministry — acknowledged there had been some complications. “Some problems have arisen with a group of the armed opposition that has come from Turkey which has made its participation dependent on additional demands,” Kozhin wrote on social media. Lavrov had spoken by phone twice to his Turkish counterpart and been told that the problem would be resolved, said Kozhin. Turkish and Iranian government delegations attended the congress, as did UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura. Vitaly Naumkin — a Russian expert on the Middle East employed by de Mistura as an adviser — told reporters that the problems encountered by organizers had not tarnished the event. “Nothing awful happened,” said Naumkin. “Nobody is fighting anyone else. Nobody is killing anyone. These were standard working moments.” Russian officials have complained of attempts to sabotage the conference, which was originally billed as a two-day event but was reduced to a one-day event at the last minute.

Rocky day for Syria talks in Russia: Lavrov heckled, opposition quits Participants attend a session of the Syrian Congress of National Dialogue in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, January 30, 2018. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin SOCHI: A Syrian peace conference in Russia was marred by discord on Tuesday after the Russian foreign minister was heckled, an opposition delegation refused to leave the airport on arrival, and delegates squabbled over who should preside over the event. Russia — a staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad — was hosting what it called a Syrian Congress of National Dialogue in the Black Sea resort of Sochi that it hoped would launch negotiations on drafting a new constitution for Syria. But in a blow to Moscow, which has cast itself as a Middle East peace broker, the event was boycotted by the leadership of the Syrian opposition, while powers — such as the United States, Britain, and France — stayed away because of what they said was the Syrian government’s refusal to properly engage. Western countries support a separate UN-mediated peace process, which has so far failed to yield progress toward ending a war that is entering its eighth year. The latest round of those talks took place in Vienna last week. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov helped open the conference on Tuesday by reading out a statement from President Vladimir Putin saying the conditions were ripe for Syria to turn “a tragic page” in its history. But some delegates stood up and began heckling him, accusing Moscow of killing civilians in Syria with its air strikes. The incident was broadcast on Russian state TV where two security guards were shown approaching one man in the audience indicating that he should sit down. Other delegates shouted out their support for Russia. Lavrov told the delegates to let him finish speaking, saying they would have their say later. Several delegates, who declined to be identified, told Reuters that organizers had later been forced to suspend a plenary session due to squabbling among delegates over who would be chosen to preside over the congress. Flag row In a further setback, one group of delegates — which included members of the armed opposition who had flown in from Turkey — refused to leave Sochi airport until Syrian government flags and emblems, which they said were offensive, were removed. Ahmed Tomah — the head of the delegation — said his group was boycotting the congress and would fly back to Turkey because of the flag row and what he called broken promises to end the bombardment of civilians. “We were surprised that none of the promises that were given had been kept, the ferocious bombing of civilians had not stopped nor the flags and banners of the regime (been) removed,” he said in a video recorded at the airport. Artyom Kozhin — a senior diplomat at the Russian Foreign Ministry — acknowledged there had been some complications. “Some problems have arisen with a group of the armed opposition that has come from Turkey which has made its participation dependent on additional demands,” Kozhin wrote on social media. Lavrov had spoken by phone twice to his Turkish counterpart and been told that the problem would be resolved, said Kozhin. Turkish and Iranian government delegations attended the congress, as did UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura. Vitaly Naumkin — a Russian expert on the Middle East employed by de Mistura as an adviser — told reporters that the problems encountered by organizers had not tarnished the event. “Nothing awful happened,” said Naumkin. “Nobody is fighting anyone else. Nobody is killing anyone. These were standard working moments.” Russian officials have complained of attempts to sabotage the conference, which was originally billed as a two-day event but was reduced to a one-day event at the last minute.

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‘Glee’ actor Mark Salling, who pleaded guilty to child porn, dead at 35 US actor Mark Salling arrives at the Entertainment Tonight Emmy Party in Los Angeles, California, US, September 19, 2011. REUTERS/Jason Redmond/Files LOS ANGELES: US actor Mark Salling — known for his role in the hit musical TV series Glee — died Tuesday, weeks before being sentenced for possession of child pornography, his lawyer said. He was 35. News outlet TMZ, citing law enforcement, said Salling had committed suicide by hanging. "I can confirm that Mark Salling passed away early this morning," his lawyer Michael Proctor said in a statement. "Mark was a gentle and loving person, a person of great creativity, who was doing his best to atone for some serious mistakes and errors of judgment." Salling was facing sentencing on March 7 after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography under an agreement with prosecutors. He had been arrested in late 2015 and charged in 2016. Authorities reportedly found more than 50,000 pornographic images and videos of children, mainly girls, on his laptop and an external drive. On Glee, Salling played Noah Puckerman, an angry football player outside his comfort zone when he joins the high school glee club. According to TMZ, he had previously attempted suicide in August. Another actor on the hit series, Canadian Cory Monteith, died in July 2013 of an overdose of drugs and alcohol. "The Salling family appreciates the support they have been receiving and asks for their privacy to be respected," Proctor said.

‘Glee’ actor Mark Salling, who pleaded guilty to child porn, dead at 35 US actor Mark Salling arrives at the Entertainment Tonight Emmy Party in Los Angeles, California, US, September 19, 2011. REUTERS/Jason Redmond/Files LOS ANGELES: US actor Mark Salling — known for his role in the hit musical TV series Glee — died Tuesday, weeks before being sentenced for possession of child pornography, his lawyer said. He was 35. News outlet TMZ, citing law enforcement, said Salling had committed suicide by hanging. "I can confirm that Mark Salling passed away early this morning," his lawyer Michael Proctor said in a statement. "Mark was a gentle and loving person, a person of great creativity, who was doing his best to atone for some serious mistakes and errors of judgment." Salling was facing sentencing on March 7 after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography under an agreement with prosecutors. He had been arrested in late 2015 and charged in 2016. Authorities reportedly found more than 50,000 pornographic images and videos of children, mainly girls, on his laptop and an external drive. On Glee, Salling played Noah Puckerman, an angry football player outside his comfort zone when he joins the high school glee club. According to TMZ, he had previously attempted suicide in August. Another actor on the hit series, Canadian Cory Monteith, died in July 2013 of an overdose of drugs and alcohol. "The Salling family appreciates the support they have been receiving and asks for their privacy to be respected," Proctor said.

January 31, 2018 No comments Read More

As US immigration debate rages, 'Dreamers' await their fate DACA recipient Javier Hernandez Kistte, 27, poses for a portrait outside his home in Los Angeles, California, US, January 24, 2018. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/Files LOS ANGELES: As US President Donald Trump and congressional leaders discuss the fate of some 700,000 immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children, the young people whose lives hang in the balance fret about their future. Reuters spoke to five people covered by the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA )program. Many older members of the group, nicknamed “Dreamers,” balance college classes and jobs amid a looming March 5 deadline set by Trump to repeal the program unless Congress preserves it. “I knew DACA was going to be rescinded, or at least I thought it was, the day he won the election,” said Javier Hernandez Kistte, 27, referring to Trump’s anti-immigration stance during the 2016 presidential campaign. Kistte arrived in the country with his family from Mexico City when he was 8 years old. Trump wants tighter restrictions on immigration that he deems necessary to improve national security and protect the jobs of working-class Americans. Supporters of the DACA program say eliminating it would punish people who were too young to know the consequences of their family’s decision to move to the US and remove productive people from the economy. Last week, senior White House officials outlined a plan that would offer a path to citizenship to about 2 million young illegal immigrants. The proposal also called for a border wall and curbs on some legal immigration programs, measures some Democrats have called unacceptable. Some DACA beneficiaries said they did not realize where their families were headed when they set off for the United States. “My parents told me we were coming to Disneyland,” said Karla Estrada, 26. “We did not go to Disneyland.” Living under the radar and working illegally, several of the young people recalled rough, impoverished neighbourhoods, and seeing family members suffer depression or abuse drugs. Barbara Hernandez, 26, of Santa Ana, California, said she had a brother who was fatally shot in a flurry of gang violence. “That threw our family into a really big depression and my mom and my dad separated,” she said. DACA, which took effect in 2012, allowed Hernandez to work in education, but she quit her job when Trump said he was rescinding the program. Brian Caballero, 25, lives in a converted ambulance on the campus of California State Polytechnic University in Pomona near Los Angeles, where he is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. Martha Valenzuela, 23, was brought to the US when she was 2 years old. She has no memories of Mexico. DACA allowed her to get a driver’s license and to leave an informal job at a taqueria where she earned less than minimum wage. Now she works for a public relations firms as an account coordinator. Looking at the possibility of the program being eliminated, Valenzuela is balancing preparations for a possible return to Mexico with activist work aimed at preserving DACA. “It takes guts to have a dream and it takes guts to fight for it,” she said.

As US immigration debate rages, 'Dreamers' await their fate DACA recipient Javier Hernandez Kistte, 27, poses for a portrait outside his home in Los Angeles, California, US, January 24, 2018. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/Files LOS ANGELES: As US President Donald Trump and congressional leaders discuss the fate of some 700,000 immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children, the young people whose lives hang in the balance fret about their future. Reuters spoke to five people covered by the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA )program. Many older members of the group, nicknamed “Dreamers,” balance college classes and jobs amid a looming March 5 deadline set by Trump to repeal the program unless Congress preserves it. “I knew DACA was going to be rescinded, or at least I thought it was, the day he won the election,” said Javier Hernandez Kistte, 27, referring to Trump’s anti-immigration stance during the 2016 presidential campaign. Kistte arrived in the country with his family from Mexico City when he was 8 years old. Trump wants tighter restrictions on immigration that he deems necessary to improve national security and protect the jobs of working-class Americans. Supporters of the DACA program say eliminating it would punish people who were too young to know the consequences of their family’s decision to move to the US and remove productive people from the economy. Last week, senior White House officials outlined a plan that would offer a path to citizenship to about 2 million young illegal immigrants. The proposal also called for a border wall and curbs on some legal immigration programs, measures some Democrats have called unacceptable. Some DACA beneficiaries said they did not realize where their families were headed when they set off for the United States. “My parents told me we were coming to Disneyland,” said Karla Estrada, 26. “We did not go to Disneyland.” Living under the radar and working illegally, several of the young people recalled rough, impoverished neighbourhoods, and seeing family members suffer depression or abuse drugs. Barbara Hernandez, 26, of Santa Ana, California, said she had a brother who was fatally shot in a flurry of gang violence. “That threw our family into a really big depression and my mom and my dad separated,” she said. DACA, which took effect in 2012, allowed Hernandez to work in education, but she quit her job when Trump said he was rescinding the program. Brian Caballero, 25, lives in a converted ambulance on the campus of California State Polytechnic University in Pomona near Los Angeles, where he is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. Martha Valenzuela, 23, was brought to the US when she was 2 years old. She has no memories of Mexico. DACA allowed her to get a driver’s license and to leave an informal job at a taqueria where she earned less than minimum wage. Now she works for a public relations firms as an account coordinator. Looking at the possibility of the program being eliminated, Valenzuela is balancing preparations for a possible return to Mexico with activist work aimed at preserving DACA. “It takes guts to have a dream and it takes guts to fight for it,” she said.

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French climber saved on Nanga Parbat flies home ISLAMABAD: The French mountaineer who was saved in a daring night-time rescue on Nanga Parbat flew home Tuesday, vowing to come back to scale other mountains. Elisabeth Revol was rescued by an elite group of Polish climbers who scaled part of the 8,125 metres mountain in darkness overnight Saturday and Sunday to reach her. They were unable to reach a second climber, Polish national Tomek (Tomasz) Mackiewicz, however, making the "terrible and painful" decision to leave him behind. "Good bye Pakistan. I will come again to climb mountains of Pakistan but not Nanga Parbat," Revol said in a departure message shared by the Alpine Club of Pakistan. French climber rescued from Nanga Parbat; Polish partner left behind Elisabeth Revol has been rescued and will be shifted to Skardu when weather permits; Polish Tomasz Mackiewicz is yet to be recovered "Thanks to all official(s) including Pakistan Army, Alpine Club of Pakistan and local authorities," she was quoted as saying in the message. "Revol left Pakistan at 3:00 am local time on Monday night with an aim to come back soon," Karrar Haidri, a spokesman for Alpine Club of Pakistan, confirmed to AFP, adding that she had flown to her home country. The French-Polish pair ran into trouble after making a late descent to a camp Thursday. They were trapped on the side of the mountain for the night without a tent, battered by frigid temperatures and high winds during the winter season. The rescue mission was launched after the missing alpinists were located Friday by fellow mountaineers using binoculars. They spotted Revol attempting to climb down while Mackiewicz appeared to be crawling due to frostbite. The team of Polish climbers with support from the Pakistani military launched the rescue attempt Saturday afternoon, flying in from the base camp of K2 -- the world´s second-highest peak -- to reach the stranded duo. Pakistani climber Karim Shah, who was in contact with the expedition, said the rescue effort was unmatched in the climbing world, with the team ascending 1,200 metres in complete darkness along a treacherous route without a fixed rope. The rescue team were part of a Polish expedition seeking to become the first mountaineers to summit K2 in winter when good climbing days are rare and storms can send temperatures plummeting. The team was evacuated by helicopter after a five and a half hour descent down the mountain to Nanga Parbat's Camp One early Sunday. Revol was later flown to Islamabad and hospitalised with reports of "severe frostbite on her hands and feet." Nanga Parbat, in northern Pakistan, is the world's ninth-highest mountain at 8,125 metres. It earned the nickname "killer mountain" after more than 30 climbers died trying to climb it before the first successful summit in 1953. In July last year, a Spaniard and an Argentinian were presumed dead after they went missing while trying to summit Nanga Parbat. The first winter ascent of the mountain was only managed in 2016. K2 remains the only "8000er" yet to be conquered in winter.

French climber saved on Nanga Parbat flies home ISLAMABAD: The French mountaineer who was saved in a daring night-time rescue on Nanga Parbat flew home Tuesday, vowing to come back to scale other mountains. Elisabeth Revol was rescued by an elite group of Polish climbers who scaled part of the 8,125 metres mountain in darkness overnight Saturday and Sunday to reach her. They were unable to reach a second climber, Polish national Tomek (Tomasz) Mackiewicz, however, making the "terrible and painful" decision to leave him behind. "Good bye Pakistan. I will come again to climb mountains of Pakistan but not Nanga Parbat," Revol said in a departure message shared by the Alpine Club of Pakistan. French climber rescued from Nanga Parbat; Polish partner left behind Elisabeth Revol has been rescued and will be shifted to Skardu when weather permits; Polish Tomasz Mackiewicz is yet to be recovered "Thanks to all official(s) including Pakistan Army, Alpine Club of Pakistan and local authorities," she was quoted as saying in the message. "Revol left Pakistan at 3:00 am local time on Monday night with an aim to come back soon," Karrar Haidri, a spokesman for Alpine Club of Pakistan, confirmed to AFP, adding that she had flown to her home country. The French-Polish pair ran into trouble after making a late descent to a camp Thursday. They were trapped on the side of the mountain for the night without a tent, battered by frigid temperatures and high winds during the winter season. The rescue mission was launched after the missing alpinists were located Friday by fellow mountaineers using binoculars. They spotted Revol attempting to climb down while Mackiewicz appeared to be crawling due to frostbite. The team of Polish climbers with support from the Pakistani military launched the rescue attempt Saturday afternoon, flying in from the base camp of K2 -- the world´s second-highest peak -- to reach the stranded duo. Pakistani climber Karim Shah, who was in contact with the expedition, said the rescue effort was unmatched in the climbing world, with the team ascending 1,200 metres in complete darkness along a treacherous route without a fixed rope. The rescue team were part of a Polish expedition seeking to become the first mountaineers to summit K2 in winter when good climbing days are rare and storms can send temperatures plummeting. The team was evacuated by helicopter after a five and a half hour descent down the mountain to Nanga Parbat's Camp One early Sunday. Revol was later flown to Islamabad and hospitalised with reports of "severe frostbite on her hands and feet." Nanga Parbat, in northern Pakistan, is the world's ninth-highest mountain at 8,125 metres. It earned the nickname "killer mountain" after more than 30 climbers died trying to climb it before the first successful summit in 1953. In July last year, a Spaniard and an Argentinian were presumed dead after they went missing while trying to summit Nanga Parbat. The first winter ascent of the mountain was only managed in 2016. K2 remains the only "8000er" yet to be conquered in winter.

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Govt-to-govt fees for support and services to end

Govt-to-govt fees for support and services to end

from India News | Latest News Headlines & Live Updates from India - Times of India http://ift.tt/2GwFyBb

January 31, 2018 No comments Read More

Farmer’s suicide may hit Maharashtra government

Farmer’s suicide may hit Maharashtra government

Dharma Patil, a farmer from Dhule, had come to the Mantralaya (state secretariat) for a meeting with Energy Minister Chandrakant Bawankule o...

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Apolitical drives may benefit Karnataka Congress

Apolitical drives may benefit Karnataka Congress

BS Yeddyurappa, dismissed the upcoming campaigns by theatre person and activist Prasanna and multilingual film actor and director Prakash Ra...

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Congress plays 'Sonia Card' at Sharad Pawar's unity meet to remain prime mover against BJP

Congress plays 'Sonia Card' at Sharad Pawar's unity meet to remain prime mover against BJP

Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma on Monday attended the unity meet at Pawar’s residence in New Delhi, where they skilfully ensured a sugges...

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Tamil Nadu fishermen chased away by Sri Lankan Navy, fishing nets snapped

Tamil Nadu fishermen chased away by Sri Lankan Navy, fishing nets snapped

Nearly 1,000 Tamil Nadu fishermen were on Tuesday chased away by the Sri Lankan Navy which also snapped fishing nets of a few vessels for al...

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To inculcate discipline, UP speaker mulls 'Best Legislator Award' for MLAs

To inculcate discipline, UP speaker mulls 'Best Legislator Award' for MLAs

Stung by frequent derailment of proceedings by agitated members, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Hriday Narayan Dixit said that his main aim ...

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Pakistani troops shell border areas in J&K's Rajouri

Pakistani troops shell border areas in J&K's Rajouri

Pakistani troops on Tuesday opened fire and lobbed mortars on forward and civilian areas along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri di...

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Global stocks pressured ahead of big earnings, Fed meeting January 30, 2018 at 07:58AM Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York, US, December 6, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/Files NEW YORK: Global stocks kicked off the week in a lacklustre fashion on Monday, with US equities retreating from records ahead of a Federal Reserve meeting and a deluge of major earnings reports. All three major US indices fell in one of the few down days in 2018. Stock bourses elsewhere were also under pressure, with Paris and Frankfurt edging lower, Tokyo flat, and London eking out a modest gain. Earnings reports thus far have largely bested expectations and analysts have also been heartened by the high proportion of companies that have reported higher revenues than expected, suggesting profits will continue to rise in the coming quarters, said Nicholas Colas of DataTrek Research. But after a wave of Wall Street records in the first month of 2018, investors are nervous that stocks "may be priced for perfection" heading into the busiest stretch of earnings season, Art Hogan — the chief market strategist at Wunderlich Securities — said. This week's earnings calendar includes tech giants Amazon, Apple, and Facebook as well as traditional blue chip companies such as Boeing, ExxonMobil, and McDonald's. Worries about aggressive moves by the Fed to tighten monetary policy are also weighing on stocks, Hogan said, citing rising US bond yields. Higher bond yields could attract funds from equities and elevated interest rates can crimp corporate investment. Higher yields also boosted the US dollar after volatility last week following remarks by US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin supporting a weak dollar, a stance later amended by Mnuchin and explicitly opposed by President Donald Trump. Foreign exchange traders said Wednesday's Fed policy statement could alter the outlook for the US currency. "While the Fed is not expected to adjust monetary policy at this time, its accompanying statement could reflect an improving US economic backdrop that is currently not being reflected in the value of the dollar," said Omer Esiner of Commonwealth FX. "A more upbeat tone to the Fed's comments this week could move the needle on the market's outlook for lending rates in 2018 from just under three quarter-point moves by the Fed to four. Such a scenario could help limit additional dollar losses going forward." Key figures around 2200 GMT (3 AM PST, Tuesday) Indexes New York DOW: DOWN 0.7 percent at 26,439.48 (close) S&P 500: DOWN 0.7 percent at 2,853.53 (close) Nasdaq: DOWN 0.5 percent at 7,466.51 (close) London FTSE 100: UP 0.1 percent at 7,671.53 points (close) Frankfurt DAX 30: DOWN 0.1 percent at 13,324.48 (close) Paris CAC 40: DOWN 0.1 percent at 5,521.59 (close) EURO STOXX 50: DOWN 0.1 percent at 3,642.91 Tokyo Nikkei 225: FLAT at 23,629.34 (close) Hong Kong Hang Seng: DOWN 0.6 percent at 33,966.89 (close) Shanghai Composite: DOWN 1.0 percent at 3,523.00 (close) Currencies Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.2383 from $1.2428 at 2200 GMT on Friday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.4073 from $1.4155 Dollar/yen: UP at 108.98 yen from 108.63 yen Energy Brent: DOWN $1.06 at $69.46 per barrel West Texas Intermediate (WTI): DOWN 58 cents at $65.56 per barrel

Global stocks pressured ahead of big earnings, Fed meeting January 30, 2018 at 07:58AM Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York, US, December 6, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/Files NEW YORK: Global stocks kicked off the week in a lacklustre fashion on Monday, with US equities retreating from records ahead of a Federal Reserve meeting and a deluge of major earnings reports. All three major US indices fell in one of the few down days in 2018. Stock bourses elsewhere were also under pressure, with Paris and Frankfurt edging lower, Tokyo flat, and London eking out a modest gain. Earnings reports thus far have largely bested expectations and analysts have also been heartened by the high proportion of companies that have reported higher revenues than expected, suggesting profits will continue to rise in the coming quarters, said Nicholas Colas of DataTrek Research. But after a wave of Wall Street records in the first month of 2018, investors are nervous that stocks "may be priced for perfection" heading into the busiest stretch of earnings season, Art Hogan — the chief market strategist at Wunderlich Securities — said. This week's earnings calendar includes tech giants Amazon, Apple, and Facebook as well as traditional blue chip companies such as Boeing, ExxonMobil, and McDonald's. Worries about aggressive moves by the Fed to tighten monetary policy are also weighing on stocks, Hogan said, citing rising US bond yields. Higher bond yields could attract funds from equities and elevated interest rates can crimp corporate investment. Higher yields also boosted the US dollar after volatility last week following remarks by US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin supporting a weak dollar, a stance later amended by Mnuchin and explicitly opposed by President Donald Trump. Foreign exchange traders said Wednesday's Fed policy statement could alter the outlook for the US currency. "While the Fed is not expected to adjust monetary policy at this time, its accompanying statement could reflect an improving US economic backdrop that is currently not being reflected in the value of the dollar," said Omer Esiner of Commonwealth FX. "A more upbeat tone to the Fed's comments this week could move the needle on the market's outlook for lending rates in 2018 from just under three quarter-point moves by the Fed to four. Such a scenario could help limit additional dollar losses going forward." Key figures around 2200 GMT (3 AM PST, Tuesday) Indexes New York DOW: DOWN 0.7 percent at 26,439.48 (close) S&P 500: DOWN 0.7 percent at 2,853.53 (close) Nasdaq: DOWN 0.5 percent at 7,466.51 (close) London FTSE 100: UP 0.1 percent at 7,671.53 points (close) Frankfurt DAX 30: DOWN 0.1 percent at 13,324.48 (close) Paris CAC 40: DOWN 0.1 percent at 5,521.59 (close) EURO STOXX 50: DOWN 0.1 percent at 3,642.91 Tokyo Nikkei 225: FLAT at 23,629.34 (close) Hong Kong Hang Seng: DOWN 0.6 percent at 33,966.89 (close) Shanghai Composite: DOWN 1.0 percent at 3,523.00 (close) Currencies Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.2383 from $1.2428 at 2200 GMT on Friday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.4073 from $1.4155 Dollar/yen: UP at 108.98 yen from 108.63 yen Energy Brent: DOWN $1.06 at $69.46 per barrel West Texas Intermediate (WTI): DOWN 58 cents at $65.56 per barrel 

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Ford's Chariot bus shuttle service to launch in London January 29, 2018 at 10:07PM FILE PHOTO: Ford president and CEO Mark Fields speaks near the logo of shuttle van startup Chariot, during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., Jan. 9, 2017. REUTERS LONDON: London approved on Monday Ford’s (F.N) plans to operate its Chariot minibus services as the automaker expands its mobility service designed to tap into growing demand in cities among those wishing to make trips rather than buy cars. Chariot will be able to operate its pre-bookable only services in Britain’s capital city for a year on three routes and nine months on a fourth route on a trial basis. “This service has the potential to provide useful transport links in the areas they will serve, largely outside central London, and we will carefully monitor this trial,” said a spokesman at regulator Transport for London (TfL). The US carmaker already operates its bus service in US cities such as San Francisco and Seattle, allowing passengers to book seats for journeys generally between transport hubs and to and from park and ride facilities for the last mile of a trip. The firm’s proposed routes in London include areas south of the River Thames which are not close to underground stations including near the Battersea Power Station redevelopment, according to TfL’s website. Ford is trying to diversify into other modes of transportation from vehicles sold to consumers as new competitors from Alphabet’s Google (GOOGL.O) to Uber shake up the traditional automotive industry. Major carmakers are experimenting with mobility services, partnering with existing tech apps or developing their own offerings such as car clubs as they seek to appeal to young urbanites who have increasingly shunned vehicle ownership.

Ford's Chariot bus shuttle service to launch in London January 29, 2018 at 10:07PM FILE PHOTO: Ford president and CEO Mark Fields speaks near the logo of shuttle van startup Chariot, during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., Jan. 9, 2017. REUTERS LONDON: London approved on Monday Ford’s (F.N) plans to operate its Chariot minibus services as the automaker expands its mobility service designed to tap into growing demand in cities among those wishing to make trips rather than buy cars. Chariot will be able to operate its pre-bookable only services in Britain’s capital city for a year on three routes and nine months on a fourth route on a trial basis. “This service has the potential to provide useful transport links in the areas they will serve, largely outside central London, and we will carefully monitor this trial,” said a spokesman at regulator Transport for London (TfL). The US carmaker already operates its bus service in US cities such as San Francisco and Seattle, allowing passengers to book seats for journeys generally between transport hubs and to and from park and ride facilities for the last mile of a trip. The firm’s proposed routes in London include areas south of the River Thames which are not close to underground stations including near the Battersea Power Station redevelopment, according to TfL’s website. Ford is trying to diversify into other modes of transportation from vehicles sold to consumers as new competitors from Alphabet’s Google (GOOGL.O) to Uber shake up the traditional automotive industry. Major carmakers are experimenting with mobility services, partnering with existing tech apps or developing their own offerings such as car clubs as they seek to appeal to young urbanites who have increasingly shunned vehicle ownership.

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India sees growth of 7-7.5 percent in 2018/19 fiscal year January 29, 2018 at 01:24PM The forecast estimates that gross domestic product will have grown 6.75 percent in the current fiscal year ending in March-Reuters NEW DELHI: India’s economy should grow between 7 percent and 7.5 percent in the 2018/19 (April-March) with exports and private investment set to rebound, the country’s top finance ministry economist said in a report presented on Monday. The forecast estimates that gross domestic product will have grown 6.75 percent in the current fiscal year ending in March. Growth this year was hit by the chaotic rollout of a nationwide goods and service tax (GST) last year and a shock move to take high-value currency notes out of circulation in late 2016. The annual survey was released ahead of the government’s annual budget statement, due to be presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday. The survey warned that the coming year could be challenging, and cautioned that persistently high oil prices remain a key risk for a country that relies on imports for much of its fuel needs.

India sees growth of 7-7.5 percent in 2018/19 fiscal year January 29, 2018 at 01:24PM The forecast estimates that gross domestic product will have grown 6.75 percent in the current fiscal year ending in March-Reuters NEW DELHI: India’s economy should grow between 7 percent and 7.5 percent in the 2018/19 (April-March) with exports and private investment set to rebound, the country’s top finance ministry economist said in a report presented on Monday. The forecast estimates that gross domestic product will have grown 6.75 percent in the current fiscal year ending in March. Growth this year was hit by the chaotic rollout of a nationwide goods and service tax (GST) last year and a shock move to take high-value currency notes out of circulation in late 2016. The annual survey was released ahead of the government’s annual budget statement, due to be presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday. The survey warned that the coming year could be challenging, and cautioned that persistently high oil prices remain a key risk for a country that relies on imports for much of its fuel needs.

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7 people reveal weirdest thing they did in love

7 people reveal weirdest thing they did in love

There's never a boring moment when you are in love and the things you do for love can be quite interesting. from LifeStyle - Latest Li...

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Forensic report in Aasma rape-murder case expected today, DIG KP informs SC [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2nlDDrf style=center] ISLAMABAD: The Deputy Inspector-General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday informed the Supreme Court that he expects to be provided with the forensic report in the rape and murder case of minor Aasma by today. The Supreme Court was hearing its suo motu case in the rape and murder of four-year-old girl, who was found in sugarcane fields two weeks back. The case is being heard by a three-member bench, comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nasir and comprising Justices Umar Ata Bandial and Ijazul Ahsan. The DIG informed the court that evidence collected from the incident site was submitted to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency, which is expected to provide the report today. The court adjourned the meeting until February 6. Post-mortem points to rape before murder of minor in Mardan: IG KP Aasma went missing on Jan 13 from the Gujjar Garhi area of Mardan and was found the next day after efforts by police and family, the IG said The court had summoned Advocate-General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as well as the province's Inspector General of Police (IGP), to appear at today's hearing. Aasma was reported missing from the Gujjar Garhi area in Mardan on January 13, and recovered dead the next day from the nearby sugarcane fields. The murderer remains at large. The Friday after the incident, the CJP took a suo motu notice of Aasma’s murder after DNA test confirmed the child was raped before she was killed. Dr Ashraf Tahir — the Director-General of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency — said the DNA tests conducted on the samples obtained from the deceased’s body and the crime scene prove that the victim was sexually assaulted before her death. One person’s DNA was found on Aasma’s body confirming the rape, the official added, noting that the next stage in the investigation would be to match the DNA samples taken from around 200 people in the case to track down the suspect. The police had also submitted its investigation report pertaining to the case to the Supreme Court.

Forensic report in Aasma rape-murder case expected today, DIG KP informs SC [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2nlDDrf style=center] ISLAMABAD: The Deputy Inspector-General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday informed the Supreme Court that he expects to be provided with the forensic report in the rape and murder case of minor Aasma by today. The Supreme Court was hearing its suo motu case in the rape and murder of four-year-old girl, who was found in sugarcane fields two weeks back. The case is being heard by a three-member bench, comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nasir and comprising Justices Umar Ata Bandial and Ijazul Ahsan. The DIG informed the court that evidence collected from the incident site was submitted to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency, which is expected to provide the report today. The court adjourned the meeting until February 6. Post-mortem points to rape before murder of minor in Mardan: IG KP Aasma went missing on Jan 13 from the Gujjar Garhi area of Mardan and was found the next day after efforts by police and family, the IG said The court had summoned Advocate-General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as well as the province's Inspector General of Police (IGP), to appear at today's hearing. Aasma was reported missing from the Gujjar Garhi area in Mardan on January 13, and recovered dead the next day from the nearby sugarcane fields. The murderer remains at large. The Friday after the incident, the CJP took a suo motu notice of Aasma’s murder after DNA test confirmed the child was raped before she was killed. Dr Ashraf Tahir — the Director-General of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency — said the DNA tests conducted on the samples obtained from the deceased’s body and the crime scene prove that the victim was sexually assaulted before her death. One person’s DNA was found on Aasma’s body confirming the rape, the official added, noting that the next stage in the investigation would be to match the DNA samples taken from around 200 people in the case to track down the suspect. The police had also submitted its investigation report pertaining to the case to the Supreme Court.

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Katas Raj case: SC imposes Rs100,000 fine on Punjab govt, summons chairman ETPB ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday imposed a fine of Rs100,000 on Punjab government and issued a notice to Chairman Evacuee Trust Board Property (ETPB) Siddique ul Farooq in the Katas Raj case. The three-member bench expressed its reservation on the absence of Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Saeed and chairman Planning and Development Commission in today’s suo motu hearing. The chief justice remarked that if the water of the pond adjacent to Katas Raj temple is depleting because of the cement factories located close to it, then the factories should make other arrangements to get water. The historic pond, a revered site for Hindus, is said to have depleted due to the operations of cement factories nearby which have sucked out the underground water. Chief Justice Nisar stated that Katas Raj’s temple and pond should be restored to its original state. He observed that China Pakistan Economic Corridor is an important developmental project for Pakistan, adding that the court wants the resolution of all disputes related to it. Chief justice berates ETPB chairman during Katas Raj hearing Chief Justice Nisar observed that protecting minorities is part of our religion In its previous hearing, the Supreme Court came down hard on the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which looks after affairs of minorities' properties in the country, and its chairman, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's Siddiqul Farooq. During the hearing, the chief justice summoned from the ETPB details of the properties operated by it and the funds generated from them. The chief justice warned that if the details are not presented at the next hearing, ETPB Chairman Siddiqul Farooq should leave his post. “Where institutions will not do anything, we will,” he remarked, adding that in such cases there should be no complaints of the court exceeding its jurisdiction. "Farooq’s credentials for the appointment are his 30 years of political service," observed the chief justice, adding that someone who collected newspapers in the party office was appointed to such an important post.

Katas Raj case: SC imposes Rs100,000 fine on Punjab govt, summons chairman ETPB ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday imposed a fine of Rs100,000 on Punjab government and issued a notice to Chairman Evacuee Trust Board Property (ETPB) Siddique ul Farooq in the Katas Raj case. The three-member bench expressed its reservation on the absence of Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Saeed and chairman Planning and Development Commission in today’s suo motu hearing. The chief justice remarked that if the water of the pond adjacent to Katas Raj temple is depleting because of the cement factories located close to it, then the factories should make other arrangements to get water. The historic pond, a revered site for Hindus, is said to have depleted due to the operations of cement factories nearby which have sucked out the underground water. Chief Justice Nisar stated that Katas Raj’s temple and pond should be restored to its original state. He observed that China Pakistan Economic Corridor is an important developmental project for Pakistan, adding that the court wants the resolution of all disputes related to it. Chief justice berates ETPB chairman during Katas Raj hearing Chief Justice Nisar observed that protecting minorities is part of our religion In its previous hearing, the Supreme Court came down hard on the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which looks after affairs of minorities' properties in the country, and its chairman, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's Siddiqul Farooq. During the hearing, the chief justice summoned from the ETPB details of the properties operated by it and the funds generated from them. The chief justice warned that if the details are not presented at the next hearing, ETPB Chairman Siddiqul Farooq should leave his post. “Where institutions will not do anything, we will,” he remarked, adding that in such cases there should be no complaints of the court exceeding its jurisdiction. "Farooq’s credentials for the appointment are his 30 years of political service," observed the chief justice, adding that someone who collected newspapers in the party office was appointed to such an important post.

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

CJP takes sou motu notice of murder of Kohat medical student ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Tuesday took suo motu notice of the murder of a medical student in Kohat. Aasma Rani, a third-year medical student was killed in her hometown of Kohat after she refused a marriage proposal. The victim’s family claims she was shot dead by the prime suspect Mujahid Afridi who fled the country to Saudi Arabia on Monday. The chief justice has summoned a report from the Inspector General Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Salahuddin Mehsud within 24 hours. Chief Justice Nisar remarked while hearing a separate case on Tuesday that the suspect is said to be a relative of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader. The chief justice questioned how the suspect was able to flee the country. Kohat police arrest accomplice in Aasma Rani murder case Interpol's help to be sought for arresting the primary accused, who has fled to Saudi Arabia Earlier on Tuesday, DPO Kohat announced that Sadiqullah, the brother of primary accused Mujahidullah, who was present at the time of the shooting had been arrested. Rani’s family has alleged that Mujahid Afridi had issued threats to her in the past. In a disturbing video made just before her passing, Aasma named Mujahid as her killer. On January 27, Mujahid, who the victim's family claims is the nephew of PTI district president Aftab Alam, along with his brother, Sadiqullah Afridi, was waiting outside Aasma’s residence. The suspect shot her thrice after she stepped out of a rickshaw with her sister-in-law. Aasma succumbed to her wounds a day later. PTI's Aftab Alam, in a video statement, condemned the murder and said he was as sorrowful as the victim's family. The PTI district president added that Aasma’s murderers will be brought to justice.

CJP takes sou motu notice of murder of Kohat medical student ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Tuesday took suo motu notice of the murder of a medical student in Kohat. Aasma Rani, a third-year medical student was killed in her hometown of Kohat after she refused a marriage proposal. The victim’s family claims she was shot dead by the prime suspect Mujahid Afridi who fled the country to Saudi Arabia on Monday. The chief justice has summoned a report from the Inspector General Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Salahuddin Mehsud within 24 hours.  Chief Justice Nisar remarked while hearing a separate case on Tuesday that the suspect is said to be a relative of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader.  The chief justice questioned how the suspect was able to flee the country. Kohat police arrest accomplice in Aasma Rani murder case Interpol's help to be sought for arresting the primary accused, who has fled to Saudi Arabia Earlier on Tuesday, DPO Kohat announced that Sadiqullah, the brother of primary accused Mujahidullah, who was present at the time of the shooting had been arrested. Rani’s family has alleged that Mujahid Afridi had issued threats to her in the past. In a disturbing video made just before her passing, Aasma named Mujahid as her killer. On January 27, Mujahid, who the victim's family claims is the nephew of PTI district president Aftab Alam, along with his brother, Sadiqullah Afridi, was waiting outside Aasma’s residence. The suspect shot her thrice after she stepped out of a rickshaw with her sister-in-law. Aasma succumbed to her wounds a day later. PTI's Aftab Alam, in a video statement, condemned the murder and said he was as sorrowful as the victim's family. The PTI district president added that Aasma’s murderers will be brought to justice.

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Dharna violence case: Police submit interim charge-sheet against Imran In August 2014, violence broke out in the federal capital when PTI and PAT supporters attempted to break a police cordon and storm the PM House, using cranes to remove barricades. Photo: File ISLAMABAD: The Secretariat police submitted on Tuesday an interim charge-sheet before an anti-terrorism court (ATC) hearing the 2014 dharna violence case. Four cases pertaining to violence in the capital, including the attack on then-SSP Operations Asmatullah Junejo, were filed against leaders and workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT). The charge-sheet names PTI chief Imran Khan as a suspect and includes a list of 14 witnesses against the party chief. A CCTV footage of the attack on the SSP is also included in the charge-sheet. At present, Imran is out on bail in the case. Imran and his ally, PAT chief Tahirul Qadri, face charges of destroying property in the Red Zone, attacking the state TV channel's building and injuring SSP Junejo during the 2014 protest. In August 2014, violence broke out in the federal capital when PTI and PAT supporters attempted to break a police cordon and storm the PM House, using cranes to remove barricades. My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist, SC pronounced me Sadiq and Ameen: Imran An anti terrorism court granted Imran bail in all four cases pertaining to violence during the 2014 sit-in The clashes between police and protesters resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to over 560. Of the injured, 77 were security officials deployed in the Red Zone, including SSP Junejo. The decision to march to the PM House was taken after talks between the government, PTI and PAT had failed to end the deadlock over the resignation of the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif. The two parties were protesting 'rigging' in the 2013 General Elections. Junejo was recently posted back in the capital as the Additional IG (operations). Previous hearings The ATC approved bails of PTI leaders Shireen Mazari, Arif Alvi and Asad Umar on January 17 after they appeared for the first time in the court in the case after absconding for two years. Imran Khan’s bail was extended in the four cases on January 2.

Dharna violence case: Police submit interim charge-sheet against Imran In August 2014, violence broke out in the federal capital when PTI and PAT supporters attempted to break a police cordon and storm the PM House, using cranes to remove barricades. Photo: File  ISLAMABAD: The Secretariat police submitted on Tuesday an interim charge-sheet before an anti-terrorism court (ATC) hearing the 2014 dharna violence case.  Four cases pertaining to violence in the capital, including the attack on then-SSP Operations Asmatullah Junejo, were filed against leaders and workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT). The charge-sheet names PTI chief Imran Khan as a suspect and includes a list of 14 witnesses against the party chief. A CCTV footage of the attack on the SSP is also included in the charge-sheet. At present, Imran is out on bail in the case.  Imran and his ally, PAT chief Tahirul Qadri, face charges of destroying property in the Red Zone, attacking the state TV channel's building and injuring SSP Junejo during the 2014 protest. In August 2014, violence broke out in the federal capital when PTI and PAT supporters attempted to break a police cordon and storm the PM House, using cranes to remove barricades. My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist, SC pronounced me Sadiq and Ameen: Imran An anti terrorism court granted Imran bail in all four cases pertaining to violence during the 2014 sit-in The clashes between police and protesters resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to over 560. Of the injured, 77 were security officials deployed in the Red Zone, including SSP Junejo. The decision to march to the PM House was taken after talks between the government, PTI and PAT had failed to end the deadlock over the resignation of the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif. The two parties were protesting 'rigging' in the 2013 General Elections. Junejo was recently posted back in the capital as the Additional IG (operations). Previous hearings The ATC approved bails of PTI leaders Shireen Mazari, Arif Alvi and Asad Umar on January 17 after they appeared for the first time in the court in the case after absconding for two years. Imran Khan’s bail was extended in the four cases on January 2.

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Rumman Raees happy to see Pakistan at number one T20 spot [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2GvmzY2 style=center] KARACHI: Fast bowler Rumman Raees said on Tuesday that he is happy to see Team Pakistan at the number one spot in the T20 format of the game. While speaking to the press at the Karachi Airport, Raees said that the New Zealand team was playing with high moral against visiting Pakistan as they lately had defeated a strong West Indian side. The fast bowler said that though the team tried its level best to win the ODI series but unfortunately batting and bowling did not work in tandem. Pakistan laid claim to being the best Twenty20 side in the world Sunday after beating New Zealand in the series-deciding third Twenty20 match in Mount Maunganui. The 18-run victory gave Pakistan a come-from-behind 2-1 series win that will see them overtake New Zealand at the top of the world rankings. Captain Sarfraz Ahmed leapt with delight after the final ball as Pakistan pulled off back-to-back wins over the hosts.

Rumman Raees happy to see Pakistan at number one T20 spot [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2GvmzY2 style=center] KARACHI: Fast bowler Rumman Raees said on Tuesday that he is happy to see Team Pakistan at the number one spot in the T20 format of the game. While speaking to the press at the Karachi Airport, Raees said that the New Zealand team was playing with high moral against visiting Pakistan as they lately had defeated a strong West Indian side. The fast bowler said that though the team tried its level best to win the ODI series but unfortunately batting and bowling did not work in tandem. Pakistan laid claim to being the best Twenty20 side in the world Sunday after beating New Zealand in the series-deciding third Twenty20 match in Mount Maunganui. The 18-run victory gave Pakistan a come-from-behind 2-1 series win that will see them overtake New Zealand at the top of the world rankings. Captain Sarfraz Ahmed leapt with delight after the final ball as Pakistan pulled off back-to-back wins over the hosts.

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We seek justice for Mashal Khan, stresses Malala Mashal’s father Muhammad Iqbal Lala spoke at a session in Oxford University, where he was welcomed by Malala. Photo: Malala Yousafzai/Twitter LONDON: Social activist and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai shared that she is standing with Mashal Khan’s father to seek justice for his son's killing. Mashal, a journalism student at Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan, was killed on April 13, 2017 by a violent mob on the pretext of committing blasphemy. However, investigators found no proof of blasphemy and ruled that the murder was politically motivated. Mashal’s father Muhammad Iqbal Lala spoke at a session in Oxford University recently, where he was welcomed by Malala. After the event, Malala shared on her Twitter account: “I was honored to welcome Muhammad Iqbal Lala to speak at Oxford Uni. His son, Mashal Khan, was brutally killed by a mob in Mardan Pakistan, based on malicious allegations of blasphemy. Mashal advocated against injustice & corruption. We stand with Lala to seek justice for Mashal.” The anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Abbottabad is expected to announce the verdict in the Mashal Khan murder case on February 7. ATC Judge Fazal-i-Subhan Khan heard the case in the heavily guarded Haripur Central Jail. The Peshawar High Court had transferred the case from Mardan to ATC Abbottabad, which heard the case in the Haripur jail, on a request of Mashal's father, who sought the move fearing his "influential adversaries". 'KP govt failed to honour promises' On January 22, Mashal Khan’s father said that he himself is bearing the expenses of the police security for his family and that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has not fulfilled a single promise made to him after the lynching of his son. KP govt failed to honour promises made after Mashal Khan’s murder, laments father Muhammad Iqbal shared that he is paying for the security for his family Muhammad Iqbal - known fondly as Iqbal Lala - was delivering annual Bacha Khan Lecture at the Brunei Gallery of the London University’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). He was joined on stage by Ziauddin Yousufzai, Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousufzai’s father. Iqbal Lala is visiting the United Kingdom on the invitation of Bloomsbury Pakistan. After my son was lynched to death on 13 April, last year, I was given police security by the government but I am paying for the expense of the security and not the KP government, said Iqbal Lala while speaking to media. He said Imran Khan and speaker KP Assembly Asad Qaiser had visited him after his son’s murder and made promises which remain unfulfilled. “We are commoners, they [PTI govt] are our rulers, we respect them of course but I can't lie that they have helped us. They have done nothing for us so far. We are paying for our own security. My son didn’t have a security threat yet he was murdered in broad daylight,” remarked Iqbal Lala.

We seek justice for Mashal Khan, stresses Malala Mashal’s father Muhammad Iqbal Lala spoke at a session in Oxford University, where he was welcomed by Malala. Photo: Malala Yousafzai/Twitter LONDON: Social activist and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai shared that she is standing with Mashal Khan’s father to seek justice for his son's killing. Mashal, a journalism student at Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan, was killed on April 13, 2017 by a violent mob on the pretext of committing blasphemy. However, investigators found no proof of blasphemy and ruled that the murder was politically motivated. Mashal’s father Muhammad Iqbal Lala spoke at a session in Oxford University recently, where he was welcomed by Malala. After the event, Malala shared on her Twitter account: “I was honored to welcome Muhammad Iqbal Lala to speak at Oxford Uni. His son, Mashal Khan, was brutally killed by a mob in Mardan Pakistan, based on malicious allegations of blasphemy. Mashal advocated against injustice & corruption. We stand with Lala to seek justice for Mashal.”  The anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Abbottabad is expected to announce the verdict in the Mashal Khan murder case on February 7. ATC Judge Fazal-i-Subhan Khan heard the case in the heavily guarded Haripur Central Jail. The Peshawar High Court had transferred the case from Mardan to ATC Abbottabad, which heard the case in the Haripur jail, on a request of Mashal's father, who sought the move fearing his "influential adversaries". 'KP govt failed to honour promises' On January 22, Mashal Khan’s father said that he himself is bearing the expenses of the police security for his family and that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has not fulfilled a single promise made to him after the lynching of his son. KP govt failed to honour promises made after Mashal Khan’s murder, laments father Muhammad Iqbal shared that he is paying for the security for his family Muhammad Iqbal - known fondly as Iqbal Lala - was delivering annual Bacha Khan Lecture at the Brunei Gallery of the London University’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).  He was joined on stage by Ziauddin Yousufzai, Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousufzai’s father. Iqbal Lala is visiting the United Kingdom on the invitation of Bloomsbury Pakistan. After my son was lynched to death on 13 April, last year, I was given police security by the government but I am paying for the expense of the security and not the KP government, said Iqbal Lala while speaking to media. He said Imran Khan and speaker KP Assembly Asad Qaiser had visited him after his son’s murder and made promises which remain unfulfilled. “We are commoners, they [PTI govt] are our rulers, we respect them of course but I can't lie that they have helped us. They have done nothing for us so far. We are paying for our own security. My son didn’t have a security threat yet he was murdered in broad daylight,” remarked Iqbal Lala.

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

PTI writes to NAB seeking money laundering probe against Defence Minister Khawaja Asif PTI on Monday declared Asif a 'security risk' and claimed to have 'solid corruption proofs' against him ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Usman Dar in a letter on Tuesday requested the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to initiate a probe into financial misappropriation by Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif. The request comes a day after the party's core group's meeting declared Asif a "security risk" and tasked Dar with filing a corruption complaint against the senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader. In its letter addressed to the NAB chairman, the PTI leader alleged that Asif is part of the “gang” involved in the coverup of money laundering and financial misappropriation by former premier Nawaz Sharif. The letter states that Dar possesses irrefutable evidence against Asif, which includes foreign bank account details showing transactions worth millions. Asif used assets abroad for money laundering, the letter states. Dar in his letter requested NAB to take notice on the matter and initiate a probe into financial crimes and money laundering by Asif. PTI declares Khawaja Asif a 'security risk' Party claims to have solid proof of corruption against foreign minister He said that he is ready to submit details including records of Asif’s hotels abroad, bank accounts, and documents related to benami transactions (transactions conducted under false names). Dar has also taken a similar case against Asif to the Islamabad High Court which is hearing the case.

PTI writes to NAB seeking money laundering probe against Defence Minister Khawaja Asif PTI on Monday declared Asif a 'security risk' and claimed to have 'solid corruption proofs' against him ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Usman Dar in a letter on Tuesday requested the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to initiate a probe into financial misappropriation by Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif. The request comes a day after the party's core group's meeting declared Asif a "security risk" and tasked Dar with filing a corruption complaint against the senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader. In its letter addressed to the NAB chairman, the PTI leader alleged that Asif is part of the “gang” involved in the coverup of money laundering and financial misappropriation by former premier Nawaz Sharif. The letter states that Dar possesses irrefutable evidence against Asif, which includes foreign bank account details showing transactions worth millions. Asif used assets abroad for money laundering, the letter states. Dar in his letter requested NAB to take notice on the matter and initiate a probe into financial crimes and money laundering by Asif. PTI declares Khawaja Asif a 'security risk' Party claims to have solid proof of corruption against foreign minister He said that he is ready to submit details including records of Asif’s hotels abroad, bank accounts, and documents related to benami transactions (transactions conducted under false names). Dar has also taken a similar case against Asif to the Islamabad High Court which is hearing the case. 

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PML-Q leader Moonis Elahi appears before NAB in offshore companies' probe [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2BF26wa style=center] LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Chaudhry Moonis Elahi appeared before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) today. The anti-graft watchdog had directed the PML-Q leader to appear before it, along with all his financial records, as his name had appeared in the Panama Papers. Recently, NAB initiated inquiries against politicians whose names had appeared in the Panama Papers after the Supreme Court, in November last year, sent notices to it and the federal government seeking progress reports on action taken against Pakistanis named in the Panama Papers. Speaking to the press after his appearance before the NAB, Elahi said that he has answered all the questions on offshore companies. “I am a politician, I have declared all my assets,” he said. “I will continue to appear before institutions whenever summoned. I have nothing to hide.” Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Aleem Khan appeared before the NAB on Jan 29 in a similar probe. Talking to the media afterward, Khan said his company is not named in the list of offshore companies in the Panama Papers. Aleem Khan appears before NAB Lahore in Panama Papers probe PTI leader says his company not named in Panama Papers; vows to cooperate with NAB The PTI leader added that he answered all of NAB’s queries and will present whatever documents and records that are required by the anti-corruption body. Khan is also facing a probe regarding the Park View Housing Society, which he owns. PML-Q leaders, including former interim prime minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, are already being investigated for allegedly owning assets beyond their declared sources of income.

PML-Q leader Moonis Elahi appears before NAB in offshore companies' probe [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2BF26wa style=center] LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Chaudhry Moonis Elahi appeared before the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) today. The anti-graft watchdog had directed the PML-Q leader to appear before it, along with all his financial records, as his name had appeared in the Panama Papers. Recently, NAB initiated inquiries against politicians whose names had appeared in the Panama Papers after the Supreme Court, in November last year, sent notices to it and the federal government seeking progress reports on action taken against Pakistanis named in the Panama Papers. Speaking to the press after his appearance before the NAB, Elahi said that he has answered all the questions on offshore companies. “I am a politician, I have declared all my assets,” he said. “I will continue to appear before institutions whenever summoned. I have nothing to hide.” Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Aleem Khan appeared before the NAB on Jan 29 in a similar probe. Talking to the media afterward, Khan said his company is not named in the list of offshore companies in the Panama Papers. Aleem Khan appears before NAB Lahore in Panama Papers probe PTI leader says his company not named in Panama Papers; vows to cooperate with NAB The PTI leader added that he answered all of NAB’s queries and will present whatever documents and records that are required by the anti-corruption body. Khan is also facing a probe regarding the Park View Housing Society, which he owns. PML-Q leaders, including former interim prime minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, are already being investigated for allegedly owning assets beyond their declared sources of income.

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Sindh Police yet to arrest Rao Anwar as SC deadline expires today [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2nldVDo style=center] KARACHI: Sindh Police have yet to arrest suspended Malir SSP Rao Anwar in connection to the Naqeebullah Mehsud killing case as the three-day deadline given by the Supreme Court expires today. Naqeebullah, a 27-year-old native of Waziristan, was among four suspected terrorists killed in an ‘exchange of fire’ with a police team led by Anwar on January 13 in Shah Latif Town, Karachi. Following claims of innocence from Naqeebullah's family, an inquiry committee was formed, after which Anwar and the raiding police party officials went into hiding. An FIR was registered against Anwar and his associates, owing to their no-show and alleged involvement in the case. The committee, headed by Counter-Terrorism Department Additional IG Sanaullah Abbasi, submitted its report on the case to the Supreme Court on Friday, which stated that Naqeebullah was killed in a 'fake encounter' with the police. Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh AD Khawaja Sunday wrote a letter to intelligence agencies, seeking their help in arresting Anwar. Sindh IGP seeks help of intelligence agencies for Rao Anwar's arrest More than 30 hours have passed but Anwar is yet to be arrested The Sindh IGP has requested the intelligence agencies to provide technical and intelligence assistance. The letter read that Anwar reached Islamabad through a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight on the morning of January 20 and attempted to flee to Dubai on January 23, but was barred from doing so by immigration officials. Speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court on Saturday, IG Khawaja said: “I think that he [Rao Anwar] should face the court. The court will listen to his legal arguments.” Responding to a question about the court's deadline, Khawaja remarked: “We will try our best to arrest him.” Naqeebullah case: SHC sends six policemen on seven-day remand The police had sought a 14-day remand of the suspects Anwar was present on site of 'encounter' An analysis of cellular data has confirmed Anwar was present at the scene of the ‘police encounter’ where Mehsud was killed along with three others. A technical analysis of Call Detail Records (CDRs) of the cell numbers in use of Anwar and his eight associates shows that the police officials were present at the scene of the encounter, an investigative report on the incident revealed on Saturday. Among Anwar’s associates present at the scene were ASI Khair Muhammad, SI Muhammad Anar, ASI Gada Hussain, SI Amanullah Marwat, SI Shoaib, HC Faisal Mehmood, HC Mohsin Abbass and PC Raja Shamim, the report stated.

Sindh Police yet to arrest Rao Anwar as SC deadline expires today [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2nldVDo style=center] KARACHI: Sindh Police have yet to arrest suspended Malir SSP Rao Anwar in connection to the Naqeebullah Mehsud killing case as the three-day deadline given by the Supreme Court expires today. Naqeebullah, a 27-year-old native of Waziristan, was among four suspected terrorists killed in an ‘exchange of fire’ with a police team led by Anwar on January 13 in Shah Latif Town, Karachi.  Following claims of innocence from Naqeebullah's family, an inquiry committee was formed, after which Anwar and the raiding police party officials went into hiding. An FIR was registered against Anwar and his associates, owing to their no-show and alleged involvement in the case. The committee, headed by Counter-Terrorism Department Additional IG Sanaullah Abbasi, submitted its report on the case to the Supreme Court on Friday, which stated that Naqeebullah was killed in a 'fake encounter' with the police. Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh AD Khawaja Sunday wrote a letter to intelligence agencies, seeking their help in arresting Anwar. Sindh IGP seeks help of intelligence agencies for Rao Anwar's arrest More than 30 hours have passed but Anwar is yet to be arrested The Sindh IGP has requested the intelligence agencies to provide technical and intelligence assistance. The letter read that Anwar reached Islamabad through a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight on the morning of January 20 and attempted to flee to Dubai on January 23, but was barred from doing so by immigration officials. Speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court on Saturday, IG Khawaja said: “I think that he [Rao Anwar] should face the court. The court will listen to his legal arguments.” Responding to a question about the court's deadline, Khawaja remarked: “We will try our best to arrest him.” Naqeebullah case: SHC sends six policemen on seven-day remand The police had sought a 14-day remand of the suspects Anwar was present on site of 'encounter' An analysis of cellular data has confirmed Anwar was present at the scene of the ‘police encounter’ where Mehsud was killed along with three others. A technical analysis of Call Detail Records (CDRs) of the cell numbers in use of Anwar and his eight associates shows that the police officials were present at the scene of the encounter, an investigative report on the incident revealed on Saturday. Among Anwar’s associates present at the scene were ASI Khair Muhammad, SI Muhammad Anar, ASI Gada Hussain, SI Amanullah Marwat, SI Shoaib, HC Faisal Mehmood, HC Mohsin Abbass and PC Raja Shamim, the report stated.

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Court rejects Sharifs' objections to NAB's supplementary Avenfield reference [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2BEqKNj style=center] ISLAMABAD: The accountability court resumed hearing the corruption references against former premier Nawaz Sharif and his family today. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed three corruption references against the Sharif family in September last year in light of the Supreme Court's July 28 verdict in the Panama Papers case. The references against the Sharif family pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills, offshore companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, and Avenfield properties of London. Nawaz, his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Captain (retd) Safdar reached the Federal Judicial Complex from the Punjab House to appear before Accountability Court-I Judge Mohammad Bashir. This was Nawaz's 15th appearance before the court. As the hearing went under way, Nawaz's counsel Khawaja Harris objected to NAB's filing of a supplementary reference in the Avenfield case, arguing that there is nothing new in the supplementary reference. He pleaded the court not to accept the supplementary reference as it is not per the Supreme Court's directives. The court then reserved its verdict on the suspects' pleas. Announcing its verdict later, the judge rejected the plea and accepted the supplementary reference. All the witnesses were issued notices to appear before the court to record their statements. NAB pleaded the court to allow the UK-based witnesses to record their statements via video link. The hearing was then adjourned until February 2. During the hearing of the Al Azizia reference, Foreign Office's Afaq Ahmad recorded his statement and was also cross-examined by the suspects' counsels. 'Nothing new in supplementary reference' (From left) Maryam Nawaz, Amjad Pervez and Nawaz Sharif after the hearing today. Photo: Geo News Speaking to the media outside the courtroom before the judge had announced his decision on their plea, Nawaz said the reason for so many cases against him is in front of everyone. "These days cases against me are in the accountability court, high court and Supreme Court," he added. Maryam's counsel Amjad Pervez also addressed the media and said there is no new evidence or witness in the supplementary reference, adding that old documents have been attached in the new sub-reference. Nawaz is accused in all three cases whereas Maryam and Safdar are accused in the Avenfield reference only. All three have been indicted in the cases, with Nawaz's sons Hussain and Hasan declared proclaimed offenders due to their continuous no-show. The two are accused in all three references. NAB files supplementary reference in Avenfield case The supplementary reference has fresh pieces of evidence against Nawaz and includes seven new prosecution witnesses Supplementary reference On January 22, NAB filed in the accountability court a supplementary reference against Nawaz and four others in the Avenfield case. NAB informed the judge that the new supplementary reference which has fresh pieces of evidence against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader includes seven new prosecution witnesses, including two from the United Kingdom. Forensic expert Robert Radley and a close relative of Panama case Joint Investigative Team head, Federal Investigation Agency Additional Director Wajid Zia, will be the witnesses in the case, while two other witnesses are affiliated with the Ministry of Information. NAB informed that it has taken the initial statement from the witnesses based in the UK. The apex anti-corruption watchdog said that one of the witnesses belongs to a private media channel, while two others work under NAB. Moreover, it also informed the court that excerpts of TV interviews of Nawaz, Maryam, Hasan and Hussain are part of the fresh evidence.

Court rejects Sharifs' objections to NAB's supplementary Avenfield reference [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2BEqKNj style=center] ISLAMABAD: The accountability court resumed hearing the corruption references against former premier Nawaz Sharif and his family today. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) filed three corruption references against the Sharif family in September last year in light of the Supreme Court's July 28 verdict in the Panama Papers case. The references against the Sharif family pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills, offshore companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, and Avenfield properties of London. Nawaz, his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Captain (retd) Safdar reached the Federal Judicial Complex from the Punjab House to appear before Accountability Court-I Judge Mohammad Bashir. This was Nawaz's 15th appearance before the court.  As the hearing went under way, Nawaz's counsel Khawaja Harris objected to NAB's filing of a supplementary reference in the Avenfield case, arguing that there is nothing new in the supplementary reference. He pleaded the court not to accept the supplementary reference as it is not per the Supreme Court's directives.  The court then reserved its verdict on the suspects' pleas. Announcing its verdict later, the judge rejected the plea and accepted the supplementary reference.  All the witnesses were issued notices to appear before the court to record their statements. NAB pleaded the court to allow the UK-based witnesses to record their statements via video link. The hearing was then adjourned until February 2.  During the hearing of the Al Azizia reference, Foreign Office's Afaq Ahmad recorded his statement and was also cross-examined by the suspects' counsels.  'Nothing new in supplementary reference' (From left) Maryam Nawaz, Amjad Pervez and Nawaz Sharif after the hearing today. Photo: Geo News Speaking to the media outside the courtroom before the judge had announced his decision on their plea, Nawaz said the reason for so many cases against him is in front of everyone.  "These days cases against me are in the accountability court, high court and Supreme Court," he added.  Maryam's counsel Amjad Pervez also addressed the media and said there is no new evidence or witness in the supplementary reference, adding that old documents have been attached in the new sub-reference. Nawaz is accused in all three cases whereas Maryam and Safdar are accused in the Avenfield reference only. All three have been indicted in the cases, with Nawaz's sons Hussain and Hasan declared proclaimed offenders due to their continuous no-show.  The two are accused in all three references.  NAB files supplementary reference in Avenfield case The supplementary reference has fresh pieces of evidence against Nawaz and includes seven new prosecution witnesses Supplementary reference  On January 22, NAB filed in the accountability court a supplementary reference against Nawaz and four others in the Avenfield case. NAB informed the judge that the new supplementary reference which has fresh pieces of evidence against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader includes seven new prosecution witnesses, including two from the United Kingdom. Forensic expert Robert Radley and a close relative of Panama case Joint Investigative Team head, Federal Investigation Agency Additional Director Wajid Zia, will be the witnesses in the case, while two other witnesses are affiliated with the Ministry of Information. NAB informed that it has taken the initial statement from the witnesses based in the UK. The apex anti-corruption watchdog said that one of the witnesses belongs to a private media channel, while two others work under NAB. Moreover, it also informed the court that excerpts of TV interviews of Nawaz, Maryam, Hasan and Hussain are part of the fresh evidence.

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Malaysia bans Padmaavat for touching on ‘sensitivities of Islam’ Bollywood epic Padmaavat has found itself in troubled waters again as Malaysian Censor Board has placed a ban on the movie. Photo: Padmaavat Bollywood epic Padmaavat has found itself in troubled waters again as Malaysian Censor Board has placed a ban on the movie. Malaysia's National Film Censorship Board (LPF) has barred filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmaavat' from getting released in the country, reported Free Malaysia Today. “The storyline of the film touches on the sensitivities of Islam. That in itself is a matter of grave concern in Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country,” said LPF chairman Mohd Zamberi Abdul Aziz. However, Aziz also shared that the distributors of the film had filed an appeal against the ban and it would be reviewed by the Film Appeals Committee today (January 30). “Currently, LPF is unable to provide further comments as the film distributor has submitted an appeal to the appeals committee.Therefore, further comments will only be issued after the appeals committee has made its decision,” Aziz said. However, the movie, which was released after much controversy, has already crossed the INR 100 crore mark since its opening on January 25. According to estimates, the movie earned Indian Rs114 crore at the India box office. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed film stars Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in lead roles.

Malaysia bans Padmaavat for touching on ‘sensitivities of Islam’ Bollywood epic Padmaavat has found itself in troubled waters again as Malaysian Censor Board has placed a ban on the movie. Photo: Padmaavat Bollywood epic Padmaavat has found itself in troubled waters again as Malaysian Censor Board has placed a ban on the movie. Malaysia's National Film Censorship Board (LPF) has barred filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmaavat' from getting released in the country, reported Free Malaysia Today. “The storyline of the film touches on the sensitivities of Islam. That in itself is a matter of grave concern in Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country,” said LPF chairman Mohd Zamberi Abdul Aziz. However, Aziz also shared that the distributors of the film had filed an appeal against the ban and it would be reviewed by the Film Appeals Committee today (January 30). “Currently, LPF is unable to provide further comments as the film distributor has submitted an appeal to the appeals committee.Therefore, further comments will only be issued after the appeals committee has made its decision,” Aziz said.  However, the movie, which was released after much controversy, has already crossed the INR 100 crore mark since its opening on January 25. According to estimates, the movie earned Indian Rs114 crore at the India box office. The Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed film stars Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in lead roles. 

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Aizaz Chaudhry slams ‘miscreants’ for running ‘Free Karachi’ campaign in US [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2GuWcRK style=center] WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States Aizaz Chaudhry on Tuesday said that certain miscreants who destroyed peace in Karachi are now running campaigns demanding the city's separation using foreign funding. Speaking to Geo News, the ambassador said that these people do not represent the views of the masses in the US and cannot pressure [Pakistan into making any decision]. “They have faced insulting defeat. They have been exposed. How do they know what is happening in Karachi. Business is booming, there is peace in Karachi today,” said Chaudhry. Anti-Pak campaign on London cabs stopped Transport for London has ordered immediate removal of the adverts and disciplinary action against non-complying cab drivers According to media reports, ads with “Free Karachi” and anti-Pakistan messages had appeared on cabs and billboards in the US. Pakistan strongly protested the posters, after which the US assured it that it does not support any such group. Commenting on US reservations about Haqqani network, the ambassador said Pakistan “has told” Taliban and Haqqanis that they should return to Afghanistan. “And there we want all Taliban factions[and other stakeholders] to take part in a political reconciliation process,” he said, adding that Pakistan does not believe there is a military solution to the Afghan conflict. The ambassador further said that Pakistan also has reservations India is using the role being given to it in Afghanistan against Pakistan. Answering a question regarding bills introduced in Senate to stop US aid to Pakistan, Chaudhry dismissed the matter as nothing serious, and said such bills are often presented by individuals but are never see the light of the day. “Learned people in the US know that maintaining a relationship with Pakistan is very important,” he added. He also said that US has no reasons to have concerns about Pakistan’s nuclear programme.

Aizaz Chaudhry slams ‘miscreants’ for running ‘Free Karachi’ campaign in US [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2GuWcRK style=center] WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States Aizaz Chaudhry on Tuesday said that certain miscreants who destroyed peace in Karachi are now running campaigns demanding the city's separation using foreign funding. Speaking to Geo News, the ambassador said that these people do not represent the views of the masses in the US and cannot pressure [Pakistan into making any decision]. “They have faced insulting defeat. They have been exposed. How do they know what is happening in Karachi. Business is booming, there is peace in Karachi today,” said Chaudhry. Anti-Pak campaign on London cabs stopped Transport for London has ordered immediate removal of the adverts and disciplinary action against non-complying cab drivers According to media reports, ads with “Free Karachi” and anti-Pakistan messages had appeared on cabs and billboards in the US. Pakistan strongly protested the posters, after which the US assured it that it does not support any such group. Commenting on US reservations about Haqqani network, the ambassador said Pakistan “has told” Taliban and Haqqanis that they should return to Afghanistan. “And there we want all Taliban factions[and other stakeholders] to take part in a political reconciliation process,” he said, adding that Pakistan does not believe there is a military solution to the Afghan conflict. The ambassador further said that Pakistan also has reservations India is using the role being given to it in Afghanistan against Pakistan. Answering a question regarding bills introduced in Senate to stop US aid to Pakistan, Chaudhry dismissed the matter as nothing serious, and said such bills are often presented by individuals but are never see the light of the day. “Learned people in the US know that maintaining a relationship with Pakistan is very important,” he added. He also said that US has no reasons to have concerns about Pakistan’s nuclear programme.

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Pentagon hushes up data on Taliban in Afghan war: watchdog Taliban militants. Photo: File WASHINGTON: A US government watchdog said Tuesday the Pentagon has barred it from disclosing how much of Afghanistan is under Taliban control - a significant break from past accountability that comes amid mounting security woes in the war-torn nation. At issue are the number of Afghan districts, and the populations living in them, considered to be held or influenced by the Kabul government by insurgents or contested by both. The US government has sometimes referred to such numbers in the 16-year-old war to show how the Afghan security forces are faring against a resurgent Taliban. Trump says ‘no’ to Taliban talks after wave of attacks On Monday Kabul suffered its third major assault in recent days, as the Taliban and Daesh escalate their offensives But in a report published Tuesday, the US government´s office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said the Pentagon had instructed it to no longer disclose the numbers. "This development is troubling for a number of reasons, not least of which is that this is the first time SIGAR has been specifically instructed not to release information marked ´unclassified´ to the American taxpayer," wrote the special inspector, John Sopko, in SIGAR´s latest quarterly report. The move comes months after Washington last year agreed to an Afghan request to classify data on the number of Afghan security forces killed or wounded in the conflict. SIGAR said the Pentagon had also asked its office, for the first time since 2009, to classify the figures detailing the size and attrition rates of Afghan security forces. The Pentagon did not dispute that the data had been restricted, but denied it was the agency that had told SIGAR not to publish them, instead pointing to the US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan. "In this case, NATO´s Resolute Support, as the original classification authority, made a classification determination that restricted the public, unclassified release of the information," said Lieutenant Colonel Mike Andrews, a Pentagon spokesman. Cause for concern General John Nicholson, who commands US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, has said 80 percent of the Afghan population can be under government control within about two years, up from less than two thirds today. But tracking progress toward such a goal would be difficult without any numbers being released. "Historically, the number of districts controlled or influenced by the government has been falling since SIGAR began reporting on it, while the number controlled or influenced by the insurgents has been rising," Sopko said. He added that this "fact that should cause even more concern about its disappearance from public disclosure and discussion." Militants including the Taliban and the Islamic State group have stepped up their attacks on beleaguered Afghan troops and police in recent months, sapping morale already hit by desertions and corruption. On Saturday, a Taliban suicide attacker driving an explosives-packed ambulance blew it up in a crowded area of the capital, killing at least 103 people -- mainly civilians -- and wounding 235 in one of the worst bombings in the city in recent years. On January 20, Taliban fighters stormed Kabul´s landmark Intercontinental hotel and killed at least 25 people, the majority of them foreigners, in an assault lasting more than 12 hours. And on Monday, gunmen and suicide bombers launched a pre-dawn attack claimed by IS on a military compound in Kabul, killing at least 11 soldiers and wounding 16.

Pentagon hushes up data on Taliban in Afghan war: watchdog Taliban militants. Photo: File WASHINGTON: A US government watchdog said Tuesday the Pentagon has barred it from disclosing how much of Afghanistan is under Taliban control - a significant break from past accountability that comes amid mounting security woes in the war-torn nation. At issue are the number of Afghan districts, and the populations living in them, considered to be held or influenced by the Kabul government by insurgents or contested by both. The US government has sometimes referred to such numbers in the 16-year-old war to show how the Afghan security forces are faring against a resurgent Taliban. Trump says ‘no’ to Taliban talks after wave of attacks On Monday Kabul suffered its third major assault in recent days, as the Taliban and Daesh escalate their offensives But in a report published Tuesday, the US government´s office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said the Pentagon had instructed it to no longer disclose the numbers. "This development is troubling for a number of reasons, not least of which is that this is the first time SIGAR has been specifically instructed not to release information marked ´unclassified´ to the American taxpayer," wrote the special inspector, John Sopko, in SIGAR´s latest quarterly report. The move comes months after Washington last year agreed to an Afghan request to classify data on the number of Afghan security forces killed or wounded in the conflict. SIGAR said the Pentagon had also asked its office, for the first time since 2009, to classify the figures detailing the size and attrition rates of Afghan security forces. The Pentagon did not dispute that the data had been restricted, but denied it was the agency that had told SIGAR not to publish them, instead pointing to the US-led NATO mission in Afghanistan. "In this case, NATO´s Resolute Support, as the original classification authority, made a classification determination that restricted the public, unclassified release of the information," said Lieutenant Colonel Mike Andrews, a Pentagon spokesman. Cause for concern General John Nicholson, who commands US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, has said 80 percent of the Afghan population can be under government control within about two years, up from less than two thirds today. But tracking progress toward such a goal would be difficult without any numbers being released. "Historically, the number of districts controlled or influenced by the government has been falling since SIGAR began reporting on it, while the number controlled or influenced by the insurgents has been rising," Sopko said. He added that this "fact that should cause even more concern about its disappearance from public disclosure and discussion." Militants including the Taliban and the Islamic State group have stepped up their attacks on beleaguered Afghan troops and police in recent months, sapping morale already hit by desertions and corruption. On Saturday, a Taliban suicide attacker driving an explosives-packed ambulance blew it up in a crowded area of the capital, killing at least 103 people -- mainly civilians -- and wounding 235 in one of the worst bombings in the city in recent years. On January 20, Taliban fighters stormed Kabul´s landmark Intercontinental hotel and killed at least 25 people, the majority of them foreigners, in an assault lasting more than 12 hours. And on Monday, gunmen and suicide bombers launched a pre-dawn attack claimed by IS on a military compound in Kabul, killing at least 11 soldiers and wounding 16.

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

IED blast kills six near Pak-Afghan border in Kurram Agency A number of soldiers and civilians have lost their lives in IED blasts in the agency. Photo: File KURRAM AGENCY: Six people, including three women, lost their lives when a roadside bomb blew off near their car in the Maqbal area of Kurram Agency, political administration said. Another person was injured in the explosion near the Pak-Afghan border, the political administration said. A number of soldiers and civilians have lost their lives in IED blasts in the agency. Three reported dead in drone strike in Kurram Agency The strike targetted a local Taliban commander: sources Four security officials, including a captain, were martyred and three injured in an IED blast in Kharlachi, Kurram Agency, in October last year. Three officials were killed instantly while three were injured, according to the political administration of the agency.

IED blast kills six near Pak-Afghan border in Kurram Agency A number of soldiers and civilians have lost their lives in IED blasts in the agency. Photo: File KURRAM AGENCY: Six people, including three women, lost their lives when a roadside bomb blew off near their car in the Maqbal area of Kurram Agency, political administration said. Another person was injured in the explosion near the Pak-Afghan border, the political administration said. A number of soldiers and civilians have lost their lives in IED blasts in the agency.  Three reported dead in drone strike in Kurram Agency The strike targetted a local Taliban commander: sources Four security officials, including a captain, were martyred and three injured in an IED blast in Kharlachi, Kurram Agency, in October last year. Three officials were killed instantly while three were injured, according to the political administration of the agency. 

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Unsane Trailer: Steven Soderbergh's First Horror Movie Is Here

Unsane Trailer: Steven Soderbergh's First Horror Movie Is Here

Claire Foy stars as a young woman who is being held at an insane asylum against her will while dealing with a stalker in a new trailer for U...

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Erupting volcano sparks Philippine tourism boom With chilli-flavoured "lava ice cream" in demand and awestruck tourists packing onto viewing decks, the erupting Mayon volcano is sparking a local business boom in an impoverished region of the Philippines. Photo: AFP/file LEGAZPI: With chilli-flavoured "lava ice cream" in demand and awestruck tourists packing onto viewing decks, the erupting Mayon volcano is sparking a local business boom in an impoverished region of the Philippines where tens of thousands of others have fled for their lives. Albay province has built its image around the picture-perfect, cone-shaped Mayon volcano whose periodic activity offers both boundless opportunity as well as enduring misery. Since Mayon began shooting out lava two weeks ago, restaurants and hotels just outside a nine-kilometre (5.6-mile) "danger zone" -- some complete with volcano branding -- have enjoyed an off-season tourism bonanza. "We are thankful because we have many guests but it also makes me guilty because so many people are affected," Purita Araojo, front desk officer at Vista Al Mayon Pensionne, told AFP. Nearly 90,000 people living around the volcano have fled to overcrowded relief camps where authorities have warned of a worsening sanitation crisis. The largely farming region is still bracing for a potentially explosive eruption, though experts are convinced everyone is now out of reach of the 2,460-metre (8,070-foot) Mayon´s threat. With its 52nd eruption in about 400 years, Mayon is the most active of 22 volcanoes in the Philippines, a country which is itself part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire" of islands formed by volcanic activity. 'Beautiful lady' But its rumblings are also a spark of inspiration for tourism-oriented businesses, which have fashioned spicy menus while prominently displaying volcano photos and logos. A bestseller at a local restaurant is the "Mayon Hot Lava" -- Mayon-shaped ice cream scoops topped with bits of chilli and spicy syrup. High-end hotels provide live TV streaming of Mayon´s eruption, while out-of-town journalists and tourists are also corralled into "volcano-view" rooms with windows looking out onto the slowly unfolding disaster. Albay saw a 10-percent growth in tourist arrivals this month from a year earlier, the local tourism office said, as travel agencies and tour guide services cashed in on what is normally a slow period after Christmas. The forlorn top of the old church belfry of Cagsawa town -- jutting out of the grass more than two centuries after Mayon buried 1,200 of its residents alive in a catastrophic 1814 eruption -- is the most popular draw. Family and friends pose for wacky shots beside it, many making it appear as if they are leaning on the smouldering volcano in the background, or cupping its red-hot crater. At times, however, low-lying rain clouds spoil the photography, forcing tourist guides to turn to story-telling. "We tell them the epic where the cloud is believed to be the suitor of Mount Mayon, which we call the beautiful lady," park aide Hohanna Loterina told AFP. "When the cloud covers her, he does not want to show her to others and it's an expression of love." But beyond the hospitality industry, the volcano has brought misery to the poor, many of them farmers on its lower slopes. Volcanic ash has destroyed many crops, pushing up vegetable prices and causing roadside eatery proprietor Janet Octavo to miss out on the boom. "I wish that the eruption stops," she told AFP. Elderly chilli farmer Marcal Morato stood barefoot on the blackened soil where wilted stems were all that remained. "It´s such a shame because I can no longer use this. I would have to buy new seeds," the 72-year-old told AFP. Venice Mar lost 30,000 pesos ($580) worth of bitter gourd but was philosophical, saying disasters yield both winners and losers. "We get frustrated but we just take it as it is. We are used to it because business is like a gamble," he added.

Erupting volcano sparks Philippine tourism boom With chilli-flavoured "lava ice cream" in demand and awestruck tourists packing onto viewing decks, the erupting Mayon volcano is sparking a local business boom in an impoverished region of the Philippines. Photo: AFP/file  LEGAZPI: With chilli-flavoured "lava ice cream" in demand and awestruck tourists packing onto viewing decks, the erupting Mayon volcano is sparking a local business boom in an impoverished region of the Philippines where tens of thousands of others have fled for their lives. Albay province has built its image around the picture-perfect, cone-shaped Mayon volcano whose periodic activity offers both boundless opportunity as well as enduring misery. Since Mayon began shooting out lava two weeks ago, restaurants and hotels just outside a nine-kilometre (5.6-mile) "danger zone" -- some complete with volcano branding -- have enjoyed an off-season tourism bonanza. "We are thankful because we have many guests but it also makes me guilty because so many people are affected," Purita Araojo, front desk officer at Vista Al Mayon Pensionne, told AFP. Nearly 90,000 people living around the volcano have fled to overcrowded relief camps where authorities have warned of a worsening sanitation crisis. The largely farming region is still bracing for a potentially explosive eruption, though experts are convinced everyone is now out of reach of the 2,460-metre (8,070-foot) Mayon´s threat. With its 52nd eruption in about 400 years, Mayon is the most active of 22 volcanoes in the Philippines, a country which is itself part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire" of islands formed by volcanic activity. 'Beautiful lady' But its rumblings are also a spark of inspiration for tourism-oriented businesses, which have fashioned spicy menus while prominently displaying volcano photos and logos. A bestseller at a local restaurant is the "Mayon Hot Lava" -- Mayon-shaped ice cream scoops topped with bits of chilli and spicy syrup. High-end hotels provide live TV streaming of Mayon´s eruption, while out-of-town journalists and tourists are also corralled into "volcano-view" rooms with windows looking out onto the slowly unfolding disaster. Albay saw a 10-percent growth in tourist arrivals this month from a year earlier, the local tourism office said, as travel agencies and tour guide services cashed in on what is normally a slow period after Christmas. The forlorn top of the old church belfry of Cagsawa town -- jutting out of the grass more than two centuries after Mayon buried 1,200 of its residents alive in a catastrophic 1814 eruption -- is the most popular draw. Family and friends pose for wacky shots beside it, many making it appear as if they are leaning on the smouldering volcano in the background, or cupping its red-hot crater. At times, however, low-lying rain clouds spoil the photography, forcing tourist guides to turn to story-telling. "We tell them the epic where the cloud is believed to be the suitor of Mount Mayon, which we call the beautiful lady," park aide Hohanna Loterina told AFP. "When the cloud covers her, he does not want to show her to others and it's an expression of love." But beyond the hospitality industry, the volcano has brought misery to the poor, many of them farmers on its lower slopes. Volcanic ash has destroyed many crops, pushing up vegetable prices and causing roadside eatery proprietor Janet Octavo to miss out on the boom. "I wish that the eruption stops," she told AFP. Elderly chilli farmer Marcal Morato stood barefoot on the blackened soil where wilted stems were all that remained. "It´s such a shame because I can no longer use this. I would have to buy new seeds," the 72-year-old told AFP. Venice Mar lost 30,000 pesos ($580) worth of bitter gourd but was philosophical, saying disasters yield both winners and losers. "We get frustrated but we just take it as it is. We are used to it because business is like a gamble," he added.

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Seasonal influenza claims three more lives in Multan MULTAN: As many as three patients under treatment for seasonal influenza at Nishtar Hospital, including two women, passed away here on Tuesday, taking the total death toll from the disease in the past month-and-a-half to at least 38. The deceased hail from Multan, Khanewal and Layyah. Influenza fatalities continue as three more die in Multan Around 35 people have died of seasonal influenza in Multan in the past six weeks Earlier, health department spokesperson Dr Attaur Rehman informed Geo News that 242 cases of seasonal influenza have been reported and presence of H1N1 virus has been confirmed in 120 individuals. Seasonal influenza can spread through contact with bacteria discharged by an infected person's coughing and sneezing. Pregnant women, senior citizens, and children are susceptible to the disease.

Seasonal influenza claims three more lives in Multan MULTAN: As many as three patients under treatment for seasonal influenza at Nishtar Hospital, including two women, passed away here on Tuesday, taking the total death toll from the disease in the past month-and-a-half to at least 38. The deceased hail from Multan, Khanewal and Layyah. Influenza fatalities continue as three more die in Multan Around 35 people have died of seasonal influenza in Multan in the past six weeks Earlier, health department spokesperson Dr Attaur Rehman informed Geo News that 242 cases of seasonal influenza have been reported and presence of H1N1 virus has been confirmed in 120 individuals. Seasonal influenza can spread through contact with bacteria discharged by an infected person's coughing and sneezing.  Pregnant women, senior citizens, and children are susceptible to the disease.

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Seasonal influenza claims three more lives in Multan MULTAN: As many as three patients under treatment for seasonal influenza at Nishtar Hospital, including two women, passed away here on Tuesday, taking the total death toll from the disease in the past month-and-a-half to at least 38. The deceased hail from Multan, Khanewal and Layyah. Influenza fatalities continue as three more die in Multan Around 35 people have died of seasonal influenza in Multan in the past six weeks Earlier, health department spokesperson Dr Attaur Rehman informed Geo News that 242 cases of seasonal influenza have been reported and presence of H1N1 virus has been confirmed in 120 individuals. Seasonal influenza can spread through contact with bacteria discharged by an infected person's coughing and sneezing. Pregnant women, senior citizens, and children are susceptible to the disease.

Seasonal influenza claims three more lives in Multan MULTAN: As many as three patients under treatment for seasonal influenza at Nishtar Hospital, including two women, passed away here on Tuesday, taking the total death toll from the disease in the past month-and-a-half to at least 38. The deceased hail from Multan, Khanewal and Layyah. Influenza fatalities continue as three more die in Multan Around 35 people have died of seasonal influenza in Multan in the past six weeks Earlier, health department spokesperson Dr Attaur Rehman informed Geo News that 242 cases of seasonal influenza have been reported and presence of H1N1 virus has been confirmed in 120 individuals. Seasonal influenza can spread through contact with bacteria discharged by an infected person's coughing and sneezing.  Pregnant women, senior citizens, and children are susceptible to the disease.

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Kohat police arrest accomplice in Aasma Rani murder case [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2GvW1pc style=center] KOHAT: The police claimed on Tuesday to have arrested the accomplice of the accused in the murder of a medical college student in Kohat. Aasma Rani, a third-year MBBS student at Ayub Medical College, was killed in her hometown of Kohat. The primary suspect, Mujahid Afridi, shot her dead over a marriage refusal, according to the victim's family. Mujahid fled to Saudi Arabia on a foreign airline's flight from Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad on Monday, the police said, adding that Mujahid and his brother Sadiqullah were both at the scene of the crime. During a press conference on Tuesday, DPO Kohat announced to have arrested Sadiqullah, according to media reports. Talking in Geo News’ morning show Geo Pakistan Tuesday, Regional Police Officer DIG Awal Khan said the suspects in both the Rani and Mardan’s four-year-old Aasma’s murder case will be brought to book. He vowed to ensure substantial progress in the case today. Mujahid Afridi. -Social media The RPO said that Interpol has been contacted through the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to assist in Mujahid's arrest. Aasma’s family has alleged that the accused, Mujahid, had issued threats in the past as well. In a disturbing video made prior to her passing, Aasma revealed the name of her attacker. "Mujahid Afridi, Mujahid Afridi," Aasma is heard saying. Kohat medical student shot dead after rejecting marriage proposal Family says PTI district president’s nephew wanted to marry Aasma Her father has appealed for justice, saying that Aasma's attackers are political people. "They have not caught the criminals. I am a poor man but will come out onto the streets and protest. He [accused] has also committed other crimes." Mujahid, who the victim's family claims is the nephew of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) district president Aftab Alam, along with his brother, Sadiqullah Afridi, was waiting outside the girl’s residence at the day of the incident. The suspect shot her thrice after she stepped out of a rickshaw with her sister-in-law, police said. Aasma succumbed to her wounds on Sunday evening after she was rushed to the hospital soon after the incident. Meanwhile, Aftab Alam, in a video statement, condemned the murder and said he was as sorrowful as the victim's family. The PTI district president added that the police are conducting raids to arrest the accused and Aasma’s murderers will be brought to justice. PM takes notice of Aasma video being aired Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has taken notice of channels airing the video of Aasma Rani on her deathbed. The premier issued directives to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take the matter up with Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority and to ensure the latter’s terms and conditions are adhered to. According to the premier, they believe in the freedom of the press but the government must keep a check for the sake of the people’s rights. Media urged to demonstrate responsibility State Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said the murder case of Aasma Rani is extremely sorrowful and condemnable. She urged the media to demonstrate responsibility in its reportage of the tragic incident. The minister directed PEMRA to take action over the airing of the girl's photo or footage, as per the law.

Kohat police arrest accomplice in Aasma Rani murder case [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2GvW1pc style=center] KOHAT: The police claimed on Tuesday to have arrested the accomplice of the accused in the murder of a medical college student in Kohat. Aasma Rani, a third-year MBBS student at Ayub Medical College, was killed in her hometown of Kohat. The primary suspect, Mujahid Afridi, shot her dead over a marriage refusal, according to the victim's family.    Mujahid fled to Saudi Arabia on a foreign airline's flight from Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad on Monday, the police said, adding that Mujahid and his brother Sadiqullah were both at the scene of the crime.  During a press conference on Tuesday, DPO Kohat announced to have arrested Sadiqullah, according to media reports.  Talking in Geo News’ morning show Geo Pakistan Tuesday, Regional Police Officer DIG Awal Khan said the suspects in both the Rani and Mardan’s four-year-old Aasma’s murder case will be brought to book. He vowed to ensure substantial progress in the case today.  Mujahid Afridi. -Social media The RPO said that Interpol has been contacted through the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to assist in Mujahid's arrest.  Aasma’s family has alleged that the accused, Mujahid, had issued threats in the past as well. In a disturbing video made prior to her passing, Aasma revealed the name of her attacker. "Mujahid Afridi, Mujahid Afridi," Aasma is heard saying.  Kohat medical student shot dead after rejecting marriage proposal Family says PTI district president’s nephew wanted to marry Aasma Her father has appealed for justice, saying that Aasma's attackers are political people. "They have not caught the criminals. I am a poor man but will come out onto the streets and protest. He [accused] has also committed other crimes."  Mujahid, who the victim's family claims is the nephew of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) district president Aftab Alam, along with his brother, Sadiqullah Afridi, was waiting outside the girl’s residence at the day of the incident.  The suspect shot her thrice after she stepped out of a rickshaw with her sister-in-law, police said. Aasma succumbed to her wounds on Sunday evening after she was rushed to the hospital soon after the incident. Meanwhile, Aftab Alam, in a video statement, condemned the murder and said he was as sorrowful as the victim's family. The PTI district president added that the police are conducting raids to arrest the accused and Aasma’s murderers will be brought to justice. PM takes notice of Aasma video being aired Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has taken notice of channels airing the video of Aasma Rani on her deathbed. The premier issued directives to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take the matter up with Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority and to ensure the latter’s terms and conditions are adhered to. According to the premier, they believe in the freedom of the press but the government must keep a check for the sake of the people’s rights. Media urged to demonstrate responsibility State Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said the murder case of Aasma Rani is extremely sorrowful and condemnable. She urged the media to demonstrate responsibility in its reportage of the tragic incident. The minister directed PEMRA to take action over the airing of the girl's photo or footage, as per the law.

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India beat Pakistan by 203 runs to reach U19 World Cup Final [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2DZ84wQ style=center] CHRISTCHURCH: India defeated Pakistan by 203 runs to reach the final of the ICC Under 19 World Cup on Tuesday. Playing the second semi-final in Christchurch, India chose to bat after winning the toss and determinedly scored run after run despite Pakistani bowlers' persistent attempt at taking wickets, giving Pakistan a target of 272 runs against a nine-wicket loss. Pakistan batsmen failed to put up a decent fight and were bowled out for 69 runs after just 21 overs. Rohail Nazeer remained the highest scorer with 18 runs, while as many as eight players of the team were unable to get into double figures. Ishan Porel took four wickets in the match, in only six overs. India will now play Australia in the final. While batting first, India's Shubman Gill remained 'not out' at 102 runs, while Manjot Kalra and Prithvi Shaw scored 47 runs and 41 runs, respectively. Arshad Iqbal took three wickets against 51 runs while Musa took four against 67. Shaheen Afridi, on the other hand, only took one wicket.

India beat Pakistan by 203 runs to reach U19 World Cup Final [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2DZ84wQ style=center] CHRISTCHURCH: India defeated Pakistan by 203 runs to reach the final of the ICC Under 19 World Cup on Tuesday.  Playing the second semi-final in Christchurch, India chose to bat after winning the toss and determinedly scored run after run despite Pakistani bowlers' persistent attempt at taking wickets, giving Pakistan a target of 272 runs against a nine-wicket loss.  Pakistan batsmen failed to put up a decent fight and were bowled out for 69 runs after just 21 overs.  Rohail Nazeer remained the highest scorer with 18 runs, while as many as eight players of the team were unable to get into double figures.  Ishan Porel took four wickets in the match, in only six overs.   India will now play Australia in the final.  While batting first, India's Shubman Gill remained 'not out' at 102 runs, while Manjot Kalra and Prithvi Shaw scored 47 runs and 41 runs, respectively. Arshad Iqbal took three wickets against 51 runs while Musa took four against 67. Shaheen Afridi, on the other hand, only took one wicket.

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BBC women denounce unequal pay as heat rises for broadcaster A woman is reflected as she passes the BBC's Broadcasting House in London, Britain, July 19, 2017. REUTERS/Neil Hall/Files LONDON: Women working for the BBC have complained they were paid less than men in equivalent jobs and have accused managers of misleading them about their pay to hide widespread gender discrimination at the public broadcaster. The complaints by BBC Women, a group of 170 staff, were sent to parliament’s media committee, which is investigating BBC pay after the corporation was forced to disclose last July that two- thirds of on-air high earners were men and that some were paid far more than female peers. The revelations caused a spate of bad headlines for the BBC and angered many female staff, who demanded equal pay for equal work. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has lodged a collective grievance to the BBC on behalf of 121 women. “While individual BBC managers have been supportive, there is still a bunker mentality in some quarters and women have experienced veiled threats made against them when they raised the subject of equal pay,” BBC Women said in written evidence to parliament’s media committee. The lawmakers are due to hear oral evidence on Wednesday from Carrie Gracie, the BBC’s former China editor, who quit this month in protest over being paid less than her male peers. Senior BBC managers, including Director-General Tony Hall, are due to appear before the committee just after Gracie. Funded by a license fee levied on TV viewers and reaching 95 percent of British adults every week, the BBC is a pillar of the nation’s life, but as such it is closely scrutinized and held to exacting standards by the public and by rival media. The BBC said in response to the evidence submitted by BBC Women and the NUJ that it was committed to equal pay and did not accept the assertion that it had not been complying with equality laws. In the wake of Gracie’s resignation and the public debate it sparked, six of the BBC’s best-known male presenters and journalists agreed to take pay cuts. That was widely welcomed, but campaigners for equal pay said it did not solve the underlying issues. BBC Women said gender pay discrimination affected every part of the organization, not just high earners. The group provided 14 individual examples of women in a range of roles as TV and radio presenters and reporters, all of whom described frustrating battles with managers after discovering they were paid less than their male counterparts. “I have co-presented with a male colleague for many years... I estimate he’s paid around double what I earn for doing the same job,” said one of the unnamed women in a typical submission. “I raised the equal pay issue many times over the years, but nothing was done.”

BBC women denounce unequal pay as heat rises for broadcaster A woman is reflected as she passes the BBC's Broadcasting House in London, Britain, July 19, 2017. REUTERS/Neil Hall/Files LONDON: Women working for the BBC have complained they were paid less than men in equivalent jobs and have accused managers of misleading them about their pay to hide widespread gender discrimination at the public broadcaster. The complaints by BBC Women, a group of 170 staff, were sent to parliament’s media committee, which is investigating BBC pay after the corporation was forced to disclose last July that two- thirds of on-air high earners were men and that some were paid far more than female peers. The revelations caused a spate of bad headlines for the BBC and angered many female staff, who demanded equal pay for equal work. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has lodged a collective grievance to the BBC on behalf of 121 women. “While individual BBC managers have been supportive, there is still a bunker mentality in some quarters and women have experienced veiled threats made against them when they raised the subject of equal pay,” BBC Women said in written evidence to parliament’s media committee. The lawmakers are due to hear oral evidence on Wednesday from Carrie Gracie, the BBC’s former China editor, who quit this month in protest over being paid less than her male peers. Senior BBC managers, including Director-General Tony Hall, are due to appear before the committee just after Gracie. Funded by a license fee levied on TV viewers and reaching 95 percent of British adults every week, the BBC is a pillar of the nation’s life, but as such it is closely scrutinized and held to exacting standards by the public and by rival media. The BBC said in response to the evidence submitted by BBC Women and the NUJ that it was committed to equal pay and did not accept the assertion that it had not been complying with equality laws. In the wake of Gracie’s resignation and the public debate it sparked, six of the BBC’s best-known male presenters and journalists agreed to take pay cuts. That was widely welcomed, but campaigners for equal pay said it did not solve the underlying issues. BBC Women said gender pay discrimination affected every part of the organization, not just high earners. The group provided 14 individual examples of women in a range of roles as TV and radio presenters and reporters, all of whom described frustrating battles with managers after discovering they were paid less than their male counterparts. “I have co-presented with a male colleague for many years... I estimate he’s paid around double what I earn for doing the same job,” said one of the unnamed women in a typical submission. “I raised the equal pay issue many times over the years, but nothing was done.”

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Global stocks pressured ahead of big earnings, Fed meeting Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York, US, December 6, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/Files NEW YORK: Global stocks kicked off the week in a lacklustre fashion on Monday, with US equities retreating from records ahead of a Federal Reserve meeting and a deluge of major earnings reports. All three major US indices fell in one of the few down days in 2018. Stock bourses elsewhere were also under pressure, with Paris and Frankfurt edging lower, Tokyo flat, and London eking out a modest gain. Earnings reports thus far have largely bested expectations and analysts have also been heartened by the high proportion of companies that have reported higher revenues than expected, suggesting profits will continue to rise in the coming quarters, said Nicholas Colas of DataTrek Research. But after a wave of Wall Street records in the first month of 2018, investors are nervous that stocks "may be priced for perfection" heading into the busiest stretch of earnings season, Art Hogan — the chief market strategist at Wunderlich Securities — said. This week's earnings calendar includes tech giants Amazon, Apple, and Facebook as well as traditional blue chip companies such as Boeing, ExxonMobil, and McDonald's. Worries about aggressive moves by the Fed to tighten monetary policy are also weighing on stocks, Hogan said, citing rising US bond yields. Higher bond yields could attract funds from equities and elevated interest rates can crimp corporate investment. Higher yields also boosted the US dollar after volatility last week following remarks by US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin supporting a weak dollar, a stance later amended by Mnuchin and explicitly opposed by President Donald Trump. Foreign exchange traders said Wednesday's Fed policy statement could alter the outlook for the US currency. "While the Fed is not expected to adjust monetary policy at this time, its accompanying statement could reflect an improving US economic backdrop that is currently not being reflected in the value of the dollar," said Omer Esiner of Commonwealth FX. "A more upbeat tone to the Fed's comments this week could move the needle on the market's outlook for lending rates in 2018 from just under three quarter-point moves by the Fed to four. Such a scenario could help limit additional dollar losses going forward." Key figures around 2200 GMT (3 AM PST, Tuesday) Indexes New York DOW: DOWN 0.7 percent at 26,439.48 (close) S&P 500: DOWN 0.7 percent at 2,853.53 (close) Nasdaq: DOWN 0.5 percent at 7,466.51 (close) London FTSE 100: UP 0.1 percent at 7,671.53 points (close) Frankfurt DAX 30: DOWN 0.1 percent at 13,324.48 (close) Paris CAC 40: DOWN 0.1 percent at 5,521.59 (close) EURO STOXX 50: DOWN 0.1 percent at 3,642.91 Tokyo Nikkei 225: FLAT at 23,629.34 (close) Hong Kong Hang Seng: DOWN 0.6 percent at 33,966.89 (close) Shanghai Composite: DOWN 1.0 percent at 3,523.00 (close) Currencies Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.2383 from $1.2428 at 2200 GMT on Friday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.4073 from $1.4155 Dollar/yen: UP at 108.98 yen from 108.63 yen Energy Brent: DOWN $1.06 at $69.46 per barrel West Texas Intermediate (WTI): DOWN 58 cents at $65.56 per barrel

Global stocks pressured ahead of big earnings, Fed meeting Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York, US, December 6, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/Files NEW YORK: Global stocks kicked off the week in a lacklustre fashion on Monday, with US equities retreating from records ahead of a Federal Reserve meeting and a deluge of major earnings reports. All three major US indices fell in one of the few down days in 2018. Stock bourses elsewhere were also under pressure, with Paris and Frankfurt edging lower, Tokyo flat, and London eking out a modest gain. Earnings reports thus far have largely bested expectations and analysts have also been heartened by the high proportion of companies that have reported higher revenues than expected, suggesting profits will continue to rise in the coming quarters, said Nicholas Colas of DataTrek Research. But after a wave of Wall Street records in the first month of 2018, investors are nervous that stocks "may be priced for perfection" heading into the busiest stretch of earnings season, Art Hogan — the chief market strategist at Wunderlich Securities — said. This week's earnings calendar includes tech giants Amazon, Apple, and Facebook as well as traditional blue chip companies such as Boeing, ExxonMobil, and McDonald's. Worries about aggressive moves by the Fed to tighten monetary policy are also weighing on stocks, Hogan said, citing rising US bond yields. Higher bond yields could attract funds from equities and elevated interest rates can crimp corporate investment. Higher yields also boosted the US dollar after volatility last week following remarks by US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin supporting a weak dollar, a stance later amended by Mnuchin and explicitly opposed by President Donald Trump. Foreign exchange traders said Wednesday's Fed policy statement could alter the outlook for the US currency. "While the Fed is not expected to adjust monetary policy at this time, its accompanying statement could reflect an improving US economic backdrop that is currently not being reflected in the value of the dollar," said Omer Esiner of Commonwealth FX. "A more upbeat tone to the Fed's comments this week could move the needle on the market's outlook for lending rates in 2018 from just under three quarter-point moves by the Fed to four. Such a scenario could help limit additional dollar losses going forward." Key figures around 2200 GMT (3 AM PST, Tuesday) Indexes New York DOW: DOWN 0.7 percent at 26,439.48 (close) S&P 500: DOWN 0.7 percent at 2,853.53 (close) Nasdaq: DOWN 0.5 percent at 7,466.51 (close) London FTSE 100: UP 0.1 percent at 7,671.53 points (close) Frankfurt DAX 30: DOWN 0.1 percent at 13,324.48 (close) Paris CAC 40: DOWN 0.1 percent at 5,521.59 (close) EURO STOXX 50: DOWN 0.1 percent at 3,642.91 Tokyo Nikkei 225: FLAT at 23,629.34 (close) Hong Kong Hang Seng: DOWN 0.6 percent at 33,966.89 (close) Shanghai Composite: DOWN 1.0 percent at 3,523.00 (close) Currencies Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.2383 from $1.2428 at 2200 GMT on Friday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.4073 from $1.4155 Dollar/yen: UP at 108.98 yen from 108.63 yen Energy Brent: DOWN $1.06 at $69.46 per barrel West Texas Intermediate (WTI): DOWN 58 cents at $65.56 per barrel 

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Welcome to State of the 'Uniom', Trump administration's latest typo A copy of the ticket for US President Donald Trump’s 'State of the Union' speech, which contained a spelling error. Image Courtesy: New Straits Times WASHINGTON: Donald Trump's misspellings have become legendary — "covfefe," anyone? — but a glaring typo on tickets for the president's State of the Union speech Tuesday has some lawmakers crying for spell check. Tickets to the prime-time speech before a joint session of Congress were printed inviting lawmakers and guests to the State of the "Uniom," lawmakers and officials said Monday. "Just received my ticket for the State of the Union. Looks like @BetsyDeVosED was in charge of spell checking... #SOTUniom," tweeted House Democrat Raul Grijalva, referring to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who has advocated policies that critics say undermine the public education system. Grijalva's tweet also included a photograph of the offending ticket. The White House is not responsible for the error. The printing is overseen by the Sergeant at Arms of the US House of Representatives, whose office on Monday acknowledged the snafu. "There was a misprint on the ticket," a Sergeant at Arms spokesman told AFP. "It was corrected immediately, and our office is redistributing the tickets." But not before a few lawmakers got some ribbing in. "Looking forward to tomorrow's State of the Uniom," tweeted Republican Senator Marco Rubio. On the spelling front, Trump has been a presidential trailblazer. He has routinely posted tweets containing errors, including one on the day after his January 20, 2017 inauguration, in which he wrote he was "honered to serve" as the nation's 45th president.

Welcome to State of the 'Uniom', Trump administration's latest typo A copy of the ticket for US President Donald Trump’s 'State of the Union' speech, which contained a spelling error. Image Courtesy: New Straits Times WASHINGTON: Donald Trump's misspellings have become legendary — "covfefe," anyone? — but a glaring typo on tickets for the president's State of the Union speech Tuesday has some lawmakers crying for spell check. Tickets to the prime-time speech before a joint session of Congress were printed inviting lawmakers and guests to the State of the "Uniom," lawmakers and officials said Monday. "Just received my ticket for the State of the Union. Looks like @BetsyDeVosED was in charge of spell checking... #SOTUniom," tweeted House Democrat Raul Grijalva, referring to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who has advocated policies that critics say undermine the public education system. Grijalva's tweet also included a photograph of the offending ticket. The White House is not responsible for the error. The printing is overseen by the Sergeant at Arms of the US House of Representatives, whose office on Monday acknowledged the snafu. "There was a misprint on the ticket," a Sergeant at Arms spokesman told AFP. "It was corrected immediately, and our office is redistributing the tickets." But not before a few lawmakers got some ribbing in. "Looking forward to tomorrow's State of the Uniom," tweeted Republican Senator Marco Rubio. On the spelling front, Trump has been a presidential trailblazer. He has routinely posted tweets containing errors, including one on the day after his January 20, 2017 inauguration, in which he wrote he was "honered to serve" as the nation's 45th president.

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US lifts ban on refugees from 11 countries Activists protest against the Supreme Court's decision to revive parts of a travel ban on people from six Muslim-majority countries in New York, US. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky/Files WASHINGTON: The United States announced Monday it was lifting its ban on refugees from 11 "high-risk" countries, but said those seeking to enter the US would come under much tougher scrutiny than in the past. Applicants from 11 countries, unnamed but understood to include 10 Muslim-majority nations plus North Korea, will face tougher "risk-based" assessments to be accepted. "It's critically important that we know who is entering the United States," said Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. "These additional security measures will make it harder for bad actors to exploit our refugee program, and they will ensure we take a more risk-based approach to protecting the homeland." The 11 countries, hit with a ban in October in the Trump administration's revised refugee policy, have not been identified officially. But refugee groups say they comprise Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Not a 'Muslim ban' Speaking anonymously, a senior administration official told journalists that the policy of enhanced security assessments for the 11 countries was not designed to target Muslims. "Our admissions have nothing to do with religion," the official said, adding that there is "nothing especially novel" about tougher screening for countries deemed to have a higher level of risk. Donald Trump has pursued a much tougher stance on immigrants and refugees from all countries since becoming president one year ago. His predecessor Barack Obama set refugee admission in fiscal 2017, which began in October 2016, at 110,000. When Trump took office a year ago, he slashed that to 53,000, a number that was cut again to a maximum of 45,000 in fiscal 2018. But refugee arrivals this year could come in significantly lower than that, due to the backlog from the 120-day halt and a slowdown in processing because of generally tougher applicant reviews. DHS would not explain what the tougher vetting measures for the 11 countries would include. But all applicants are being asked to supply more detailed histories and evidence of their past activities, and many are having to allow access to personal electronics and social media accounts. The move comes as Trump presses for a sharp turn in overall US immigration policy that critics say will result in a 50 percent cut in arrivals each year and bias admissions away from African, Asian and Muslim countries. Last week, Trump proposed to end the 27-year-old "green card lottery" program that aims to diversify the source of immigrants, leading to an upturn in those from Middle Eastern and African countries. He also proposed to tightly limit the family members who can join immigrants to only spouses and younger children. Until now, such "chain migration" could extend to immigrants' parents, grandparents, siblings and extended family. The White House said the policy was necessary to protect national security from terror and crime threats. In return, Trump proposed a plan that offers 1.8 million young unauthorized immigrants known as "Dreamers" a path to citizenship over 10-12 years. Democrats and Republicans are starting negotiations on those proposals, along with Trump's request for a $25 billion "trust fund" to build a wall on the southern US border to deter illegal border-crossers from Mexico.

US lifts ban on refugees from 11 countries Activists protest against the Supreme Court's decision to revive parts of a travel ban on people from six Muslim-majority countries in New York, US. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky/Files WASHINGTON: The United States announced Monday it was lifting its ban on refugees from 11 "high-risk" countries, but said those seeking to enter the US would come under much tougher scrutiny than in the past. Applicants from 11 countries, unnamed but understood to include 10 Muslim-majority nations plus North Korea, will face tougher "risk-based" assessments to be accepted. "It's critically important that we know who is entering the United States," said Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. "These additional security measures will make it harder for bad actors to exploit our refugee program, and they will ensure we take a more risk-based approach to protecting the homeland." The 11 countries, hit with a ban in October in the Trump administration's revised refugee policy, have not been identified officially. But refugee groups say they comprise Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Not a 'Muslim ban' Speaking anonymously, a senior administration official told journalists that the policy of enhanced security assessments for the 11 countries was not designed to target Muslims. "Our admissions have nothing to do with religion," the official said, adding that there is "nothing especially novel" about tougher screening for countries deemed to have a higher level of risk. Donald Trump has pursued a much tougher stance on immigrants and refugees from all countries since becoming president one year ago. His predecessor Barack Obama set refugee admission in fiscal 2017, which began in October 2016, at 110,000. When Trump took office a year ago, he slashed that to 53,000, a number that was cut again to a maximum of 45,000 in fiscal 2018. But refugee arrivals this year could come in significantly lower than that, due to the backlog from the 120-day halt and a slowdown in processing because of generally tougher applicant reviews. DHS would not explain what the tougher vetting measures for the 11 countries would include. But all applicants are being asked to supply more detailed histories and evidence of their past activities, and many are having to allow access to personal electronics and social media accounts. The move comes as Trump presses for a sharp turn in overall US immigration policy that critics say will result in a 50 percent cut in arrivals each year and bias admissions away from African, Asian and Muslim countries. Last week, Trump proposed to end the 27-year-old "green card lottery" program that aims to diversify the source of immigrants, leading to an upturn in those from Middle Eastern and African countries. He also proposed to tightly limit the family members who can join immigrants to only spouses and younger children. Until now, such "chain migration" could extend to immigrants' parents, grandparents, siblings and extended family. The White House said the policy was necessary to protect national security from terror and crime threats. In return, Trump proposed a plan that offers 1.8 million young unauthorized immigrants known as "Dreamers" a path to citizenship over 10-12 years. Democrats and Republicans are starting negotiations on those proposals, along with Trump's request for a $25 billion "trust fund" to build a wall on the southern US border to deter illegal border-crossers from Mexico.

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FIA detains man selling shoddy spices in fake packaging in Lahore LAHORE: A man selling shoddy spices under the guise of a food manufacturing company through fake packaging was detained Monday night during a raid conducted by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) here in the city's Burewala area, law enforcement agencies said. The detained suspect was identified as Sarfaraz, the Agency stated, adding that a case was filed against the arrestee over violation of the Copyright Act of Pakistan. Search operation Police carried out a search operation Monday night here near the Assembly Hall area and its surroundings, it said. During the operation, citizens' documents were verified, police added. Man wounded as car crushed At least one person was injured last night when his car was crushed by a tractor trolley here at Wahdat Road.

FIA detains man selling shoddy spices in fake packaging in Lahore LAHORE: A man selling shoddy spices under the guise of a food manufacturing company through fake packaging was detained Monday night during a raid conducted by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) here in the city's Burewala area, law enforcement agencies said. The detained suspect was identified as Sarfaraz, the Agency stated, adding that a case was filed against the arrestee over violation of the Copyright Act of Pakistan. Search operation Police carried out a search operation Monday night here near the Assembly Hall area and its surroundings, it said. During the operation, citizens' documents were verified, police added. Man wounded as car crushed At least one person was injured last night when his car was crushed by a tractor trolley here at Wahdat Road.

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

FBI's No. 2 official McCabe, blasted by Trump, steps down FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe pauses while testifying before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) in Washington, US, June 7, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/Files WASHINGTON: FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, criticized by President Donald Trump and other Republicans for alleged bias against him and in favour of his 2016 Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton, has stepped down, US officials confirmed on Monday. McCabe, who served as acting Federal Bureau of Investigation chief for more than two months last year after Trump fired agency director James Comey, had been expected to leave his post as the No. 2 FBI official in March. The FBI said on Monday that David Bowdich — the No. 3 FBI official — would take over as Acting Deputy Director for McCabe. It did not comment on the circumstances surrounding McCabe’s departure. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, asked about McCabe’s departure, told reporters, “I can tell you the president wasn’t part of this decision-making process.” Sanders said Trump continues to have “full confidence” in FBI Director Christopher Wray, who was appointed by Trump to replace Comey. McCabe had intended to stay on the job for about another six weeks when he becomes eligible for retirement, but he decided to leave earlier rather than be transferred into a lower-ranking post, according to a former senior FBI official familiar with the matter. The earlier departure came amid concerns about an upcoming Justice Department inspector general report scrutinizing the actions of McCabe and other top FBI officials during the 2016 presidential campaign, the official said. During that period, the FBI investigated Trump campaign connections to Russia and Clinton’s use of a private email server while she was US secretary of state. No charges were brought against Clinton. McCabe began his career at the agency in 1996 as a special agent investigating organized crime. Trump’s firing of Comey in May 2017 as the FBI was investigating potential collusion between Trump’s campaign and Russia led to the Justice Department’s naming of Special Counsel Robert Mueller to take over the probe. Trump later said he dismissed Comey over “this Russia thing,” and the firing has become central to questions about whether Trump has sought to obstruct justice by impeding the Russian probe. Last week, Trump denied a Washington Post report that he had asked McCabe, shortly after he became acting FBI director, who he voted for in the 2016 election, leaving McCabe concerned about civil servants being interrogated about their political leanings. The Post reported that McCabe told Trump he did not vote in the election. Trump and some other Republicans have stepped up their criticism of the FBI, prompting Democrats to accuse the president and his allies of trying to undermine Mueller’s investigation. Republicans have criticized McCabe in connection with the Clinton email server probe. They have noted that McCabe’s wife previously ran as a Democrat for a seat in Virginia’s state Senate and received donations from then-Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, a close ally of Hillary Clinton and former president Bill Clinton. The FBI has previously said McCabe was not involved in the Clinton investigation until he was promoted to deputy director in January 2016. By that time, his wife’s campaign was over and his involvement was not seen as a conflict. The former FBI official told Reuters that McCabe did not wish to have those allegations, coupled with the inspector general’s report, harm the FBI at a time when it is under fire from President Trump. Twitter barrages Trump has repeatedly taken to Twitter to blast McCabe, asking in December how he could be in charge of the Clinton probe when his wife got donations from “Clinton Puppets.” Trump on Twitter asked in July, while McCabe was acting FBI chief, why Attorney General Jeff Sessions had not replaced him and said, in December, McCabe was “racing the clock to retire with full benefits” and that the FBI’s reputation was in “tatters”. A handful of Republican-led congressional committees have launched inquiries into whether the FBI botched the Clinton investigation and showed bias in her favour. In December, McCabe was grilled behind closed doors by lawmakers on some of those panels for hours. Democrats have said the inquiries into the Clinton investigation were intended to undermine and distract from Mueller’s investigation. McCabe is one of several FBI figures to face a barrage of criticism by Republican in recent weeks. Criticism also has been aimed at FBI agent Peter Strzok and FBI attorney Lisa Page, who both worked on the Clinton investigation and briefly on the Russia probe. Republicans have seized on text messages exchanged between the two as evidence of bias. In those texts, they called Trump an “idiot” and a “loathsome human.” Mueller removed Strzok from his team after learning of the texts last summer, and he was reassigned to another post. Page left the investigatory team after her 45-day detail ended in July.

FBI's No. 2 official McCabe, blasted by Trump, steps down FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe pauses while testifying before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) in Washington, US, June 7, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/Files WASHINGTON: FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, criticized by President Donald Trump and other Republicans for alleged bias against him and in favour of his 2016 Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton, has stepped down, US officials confirmed on Monday. McCabe, who served as acting Federal Bureau of Investigation chief for more than two months last year after Trump fired agency director James Comey, had been expected to leave his post as the No. 2 FBI official in March. The FBI said on Monday that David Bowdich — the No. 3 FBI official — would take over as Acting Deputy Director for McCabe. It did not comment on the circumstances surrounding McCabe’s departure. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, asked about McCabe’s departure, told reporters, “I can tell you the president wasn’t part of this decision-making process.” Sanders said Trump continues to have “full confidence” in FBI Director Christopher Wray, who was appointed by Trump to replace Comey. McCabe had intended to stay on the job for about another six weeks when he becomes eligible for retirement, but he decided to leave earlier rather than be transferred into a lower-ranking post, according to a former senior FBI official familiar with the matter. The earlier departure came amid concerns about an upcoming Justice Department inspector general report scrutinizing the actions of McCabe and other top FBI officials during the 2016 presidential campaign, the official said. During that period, the FBI investigated Trump campaign connections to Russia and Clinton’s use of a private email server while she was US secretary of state. No charges were brought against Clinton. McCabe began his career at the agency in 1996 as a special agent investigating organized crime. Trump’s firing of Comey in May 2017 as the FBI was investigating potential collusion between Trump’s campaign and Russia led to the Justice Department’s naming of Special Counsel Robert Mueller to take over the probe. Trump later said he dismissed Comey over “this Russia thing,” and the firing has become central to questions about whether Trump has sought to obstruct justice by impeding the Russian probe. Last week, Trump denied a Washington Post report that he had asked McCabe, shortly after he became acting FBI director, who he voted for in the 2016 election, leaving McCabe concerned about civil servants being interrogated about their political leanings. The Post reported that McCabe told Trump he did not vote in the election. Trump and some other Republicans have stepped up their criticism of the FBI, prompting Democrats to accuse the president and his allies of trying to undermine Mueller’s investigation. Republicans have criticized McCabe in connection with the Clinton email server probe. They have noted that McCabe’s wife previously ran as a Democrat for a seat in Virginia’s state Senate and received donations from then-Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, a close ally of Hillary Clinton and former president Bill Clinton. The FBI has previously said McCabe was not involved in the Clinton investigation until he was promoted to deputy director in January 2016. By that time, his wife’s campaign was over and his involvement was not seen as a conflict. The former FBI official told Reuters that McCabe did not wish to have those allegations, coupled with the inspector general’s report, harm the FBI at a time when it is under fire from President Trump. Twitter barrages Trump has repeatedly taken to Twitter to blast McCabe, asking in December how he could be in charge of the Clinton probe when his wife got donations from “Clinton Puppets.” Trump on Twitter asked in July, while McCabe was acting FBI chief, why Attorney General Jeff Sessions had not replaced him and said, in December, McCabe was “racing the clock to retire with full benefits” and that the FBI’s reputation was in “tatters”. A handful of Republican-led congressional committees have launched inquiries into whether the FBI botched the Clinton investigation and showed bias in her favour. In December, McCabe was grilled behind closed doors by lawmakers on some of those panels for hours. Democrats have said the inquiries into the Clinton investigation were intended to undermine and distract from Mueller’s investigation. McCabe is one of several FBI figures to face a barrage of criticism by Republican in recent weeks. Criticism also has been aimed at FBI agent Peter Strzok and FBI attorney Lisa Page, who both worked on the Clinton investigation and briefly on the Russia probe. Republicans have seized on text messages exchanged between the two as evidence of bias. In those texts, they called Trump an “idiot” and a “loathsome human.” Mueller removed Strzok from his team after learning of the texts last summer, and he was reassigned to another post. Page left the investigatory team after her 45-day detail ended in July.

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US claims Haqqani network behind Kabul ambulance bombing Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers stand guard at the entrance gate of Marshal Fahim military academy in Kabul, Afghanistan, January 29, 2018. REUTERS/Omar Sobhani/Files WASHINGTON: The United States claimed Monday that the Afghan Taliban-allied Haqqani network was behind Saturday's ambulance bomb in Afghanistan's capital Kabul that killed more than 100 people, a spokesman for the US-led coalition told Reuters on Monday. "We are very confident the Taliban Haqqani network was behind the killing of more than 103 people this past Saturday," Captain Tom Gresback — a US military spokesman for the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan — said. Another US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said the US believed the attack was the work of the Haqqani network, which Washington has long alleged has safe havens in neighbouring Pakistan. Not 'prepared to talk right now' to Taliban: Trump Earlier today, US President Donald Trump ruled out quick talks with the Taliban, following a wave of bloody large-scale attacks in the Afghan capital city. Trump says ‘no’ to Taliban talks after wave of attacks On Monday Kabul suffered its third major assault in recent days, as the Taliban and Daesh escalate their offensives “I don’t think we are prepared to talk right now,” Trump said, throwing into question Washington’s strategy of pushing the group towards the negotiating table. “We don’t want to talk with the Taliban,” Trump said. “They are killing people left and right, innocent people,” he added, saying, “There may be a time but it’s going to be a long time.” Pakistan condemns Kabul attack Islamabad on Monday strongly condemned the terrorist attack at the military academy in Kabul. "We convey our sincere condolences at the loss of precious human lives in this attack," a statement issued by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. 11 soldiers killed as militants attack army post near Kabul military academy Afghan Defence Ministry Spokesman Dawlat Waziri said 16 Afghan army soldiers were injured in the attack "The government and the people of Pakistan convey solidarity and support to the government and people of Afghanistan on this attack. We convey our deepest sympathies to the families of those who have lost their loved ones and pray for the early recovery of the injured." "Pakistanis feel the intense pain and agony of our Afghan brothers and sisters," the statement added. The country also reiterated its strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, especially the series of heinous attacks within the last week in Afghanistan. Prior to that, Dr Mohammad Faisal — the foreign office spokesperson — in a reaction to the explosion stressed that "terrorism is not the way forward". He said, "The people and government of Pakistan condemn the terrorist blast in Kabul and extend heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this reprehensible act." Taliban, Daesh escalate offensives On Monday, Kabul suffered its third major assault in recent days, as the Taliban and Daesh escalated their offensives. The extremists have stepped up their attacks on beleaguered Afghan troops and police in recent months, sapping morale that is already hit by desertions and corruption. A suicide attack on an Afghan army battalion Monday killed at least 11 soldiers and wounded 16, a defence ministry spokesperson said. Last Saturday, a Taliban suicide attacker driving an explosives-packed ambulance blew up in a crowded area of Kabul, killing at least 103 people — mainly civilians — and wounding 235, in one of the worst bombings in the city in recent years. And, on January 20, Taliban fighters stormed Kabul’s landmark Intercontinental Hotel and killed at least 25 people — the majority of them foreigners — in an assault lasting more than 12 hours. In August, Trump concluded a months-long review of America’s strategy to win the brutal war in Afghanistan — now entering its 17th year — and called for an increase in the tempo and intensity of strikes against the Taliban. The aim was to persuade some Taliban factions to enter talks with the government in Kabul. This month’s spate of bombings and Trump’s comments indicate that the end game may be further away than the White House would like.

US claims Haqqani network behind Kabul ambulance bombing Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers stand guard at the entrance gate of Marshal Fahim military academy in Kabul, Afghanistan, January 29, 2018. REUTERS/Omar Sobhani/Files WASHINGTON: The United States claimed Monday that the Afghan Taliban-allied Haqqani network was behind Saturday's ambulance bomb in Afghanistan's capital Kabul that killed more than 100 people, a spokesman for the US-led coalition told Reuters on Monday. "We are very confident the Taliban Haqqani network was behind the killing of more than 103 people this past Saturday," Captain Tom Gresback — a US military spokesman for the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan — said. Another US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said the US believed the attack was the work of the Haqqani network, which Washington has long alleged has safe havens in neighbouring Pakistan. Not 'prepared to talk right now' to Taliban: Trump Earlier today, US President Donald Trump ruled out quick talks with the Taliban, following a wave of bloody large-scale attacks in the Afghan capital city. Trump says ‘no’ to Taliban talks after wave of attacks On Monday Kabul suffered its third major assault in recent days, as the Taliban and Daesh escalate their offensives “I don’t think we are prepared to talk right now,” Trump said, throwing into question Washington’s strategy of pushing the group towards the negotiating table. “We don’t want to talk with the Taliban,” Trump said. “They are killing people left and right, innocent people,” he added, saying, “There may be a time but it’s going to be a long time.” Pakistan condemns Kabul attack Islamabad on Monday strongly condemned the terrorist attack at the military academy in Kabul. "We convey our sincere condolences at the loss of precious human lives in this attack," a statement issued by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. 11 soldiers killed as militants attack army post near Kabul military academy Afghan Defence Ministry Spokesman Dawlat Waziri said 16 Afghan army soldiers were injured in the attack "The government and the people of Pakistan convey solidarity and support to the government and people of Afghanistan on this attack. We convey our deepest sympathies to the families of those who have lost their loved ones and pray for the early recovery of the injured." "Pakistanis feel the intense pain and agony of our Afghan brothers and sisters," the statement added. The country also reiterated its strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, especially the series of heinous attacks within the last week in Afghanistan. Prior to that, Dr Mohammad Faisal — the foreign office spokesperson — in a reaction to the explosion stressed that "terrorism is not the way forward". He said, "The people and government of Pakistan condemn the terrorist blast in Kabul and extend heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this reprehensible act." Taliban, Daesh escalate offensives On Monday, Kabul suffered its third major assault in recent days, as the Taliban and Daesh escalated their offensives. The extremists have stepped up their attacks on beleaguered Afghan troops and police in recent months, sapping morale that is already hit by desertions and corruption. A suicide attack on an Afghan army battalion Monday killed at least 11 soldiers and wounded 16, a defence ministry spokesperson said. Last Saturday, a Taliban suicide attacker driving an explosives-packed ambulance blew up in a crowded area of Kabul, killing at least 103 people — mainly civilians — and wounding 235, in one of the worst bombings in the city in recent years. And, on January 20, Taliban fighters stormed Kabul’s landmark Intercontinental Hotel and killed at least 25 people — the majority of them foreigners — in an assault lasting more than 12 hours. In August, Trump concluded a months-long review of America’s strategy to win the brutal war in Afghanistan — now entering its 17th year — and called for an increase in the tempo and intensity of strikes against the Taliban. The aim was to persuade some Taliban factions to enter talks with the government in Kabul. This month’s spate of bombings and Trump’s comments indicate that the end game may be further away than the White House would like.

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Rangers personnel martyred, police officer wounded during robbery in Karachi [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2BDbKPP style=center] KARACHI: A Rangers personnel was martyred and a police officer wounded over resistance during a robbery attempt Monday night in the city's Landhi 89 locale, Geo News reported, citing a spokesperson for Rangers. The incident — which took place at 9:45 PM — resulted in two gunmen being arrested and their weapons seized, the spokesperson added. Abdul Rauf — the Rangers personnel who was martyred — and police officer Umar Wahid, his friend who was wounded, were travelling together on a motorcycle when the incident happened. The Rangers personnel was being moved to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries on the way. The spokesperson explained that Rauf was a resident of Landhi and was on a leave before his martyrdom. His body will be sent to his family home following an investigation, he added. Among the arrestees are suspects Imran and Shabbir, the spokesperson added.

Rangers personnel martyred, police officer wounded during robbery in Karachi [embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2BDbKPP style=center] KARACHI: A Rangers personnel was martyred and a police officer wounded over resistance during a robbery attempt Monday night in the city's Landhi 89 locale, Geo News reported, citing a spokesperson for Rangers. The incident — which took place at 9:45 PM — resulted in two gunmen being arrested and their weapons seized, the spokesperson added. Abdul Rauf — the Rangers personnel who was martyred — and police officer Umar Wahid, his friend who was wounded, were travelling together on a motorcycle when the incident happened. The Rangers personnel was being moved to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries on the way. The spokesperson explained that Rauf was a resident of Landhi and was on a leave before his martyrdom. His body will be sent to his family home following an investigation, he added. Among the arrestees are suspects Imran and Shabbir, the spokesperson added.

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Oman to host Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in October MUSCAT: The Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2018 will be held in Muscat from October 18 to 28, 2018, the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) announced Monday. The 5th edition of the biennial event will take place at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman, read a press statement. The Oman Hockey Association will be the host of the tournament. The event is being held for the first time in Oman, since its inception in 2011. The inaugural Men’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy was won by India, who are also the reigning champions of the tournament, winning the final against Pakistan in Kuantan, Malaysia in 2016. The tournament will witness intense competition among some of the top-performing teams from across Asia and will be the biggest Asian hockey event prior to the World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Bhubaneswar, India, from November 28 to December 16, 2018. This year, the continental tournament will feature host nation Oman, reigning champions India, Pakistan, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan.

Oman to host Asian Hockey Champions Trophy in October MUSCAT: The Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2018 will be held in Muscat from October 18 to 28, 2018, the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) announced Monday. The 5th edition of the biennial event will take place at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman, read a press statement. The Oman Hockey Association will be the host of the tournament. The event is being held for the first time in Oman, since its inception in 2011. The inaugural Men’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy was won by India, who are also the reigning champions of the tournament, winning the final against Pakistan in Kuantan, Malaysia in 2016. The tournament will witness intense competition among some of the top-performing teams from across Asia and will be the biggest Asian hockey event prior to the World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Bhubaneswar, India, from November 28 to December 16, 2018. This year, the continental tournament will feature host nation Oman, reigning champions India, Pakistan, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan.

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‘Padmaavat’ overseas box-office collection

‘Padmaavat’ overseas box-office collection

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus ‘Padmaavat’, starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor has recorded the highest opening...

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Pic: Sushant's dacoit look for ‘Sonchiriya’

Pic: Sushant's dacoit look for ‘Sonchiriya’

It came to light recently that Sushant Singh Rajput will begin shooting for an Abhishek Chaubey directorial where he will be playing a dacoi...

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Ayushmann begins shooting of 'Badhaai Ho'

Ayushmann begins shooting of 'Badhaai Ho'

Junglee Pictures and Chrome Pictures' 'Badhaai Ho', directed by Amit Sharma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sanya Malhotra goes...

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Shahid- Shraddha begin prep for their next

Shahid- Shraddha begin prep for their next

They wowed you over with their performance in ‘Haider’, and now Shahid Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor are all set to hit the screens together ag...

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Malaysia - the first country to ban 'Padmaavat'

Malaysia - the first country to ban 'Padmaavat'

Malaysia, a Muslim-majority country, has banned the film over concerns regarding ‘sensitivities of Islam’. Malaysia's Film Censorship Bo...

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Esha Gupta gets her selfie game on point

Esha Gupta gets her selfie game on point 

Esha Gupta is one of the finest beauties in the Bollywood film industry, with her perfect figure and dusky looks. from Latest Entertainmen...

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Imran's pic with daughter Imara is total bliss

Imran's pic with daughter Imara is total bliss

Imran's wife Avantika took to Instagram to share an adorable throwback picture of the actor with their daughter Imara where he is seen p...

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Ranveer receives his "first award" from Big B

Ranveer receives his "first award" from Big B

from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India http://ift.tt/2EnWA3V

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Bollywood actors who are fit in their 50s

Bollywood actors who are fit in their 50s

from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India http://ift.tt/2DZgcOc

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Farah to choreograph 'Zingaat' song for Dhadak

Farah to choreograph 'Zingaat' song for Dhadak

According to reports, a Hindi version of 'Zingaat' is currently being shot. from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity...

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Suchitra trolls Swara, the latter retorts

Suchitra trolls Swara, the latter retorts

Swara Bhasker wrote an open letter to the director for reducing the women in the movie to just a ‘vagina’. Former actress Suchitra Krishnamo...

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Shooting of Sonam-Anil Kapoor's next begins

Shooting of Sonam-Anil Kapoor's next begins

Sonam Kapoor and Anil Kapoor are all set to work together on screen for the first time in the film ‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga’ and the...

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SRK-‘Baahubali’ writer to unite for a film?

SRK-‘Baahubali’ writer to unite for a film?

from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India http://ift.tt/2nkIOYu

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Death Race: Beyond Anarchy

Death Race: Beyond Anarchy

Death Race: Beyond Anarchy from New Movies In Theaters This Week http://ift.tt/2FoCK7U

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Driving While Black

Driving While Black

Driving While Black from New Movies In Theaters This Week http://ift.tt/2CptC2M

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

The Postcard Killings

The Postcard Killings

The Postcard Killings from New Movies In Theaters This Week http://ift.tt/2FpkYSd

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Shyamalan Screens First Glass Footage, So What's the Verdict?

Shyamalan Screens First Glass Footage, So What's the Verdict?

M. Night Shyamalan confirms that he's shown footage from his Split and Unbreakable sequel Glass to Universal and Disney executives. fr...

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Cher Arrives in Mamma Mia 2 Extended Sneak Peek

Cher Arrives in Mamma Mia 2 Extended Sneak Peek

Universal Pictures debuted a new 60-second TV spot for Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again during last night's Grammy Awards. from Movie News ...

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Thor 3 Director Used Illegally Downloaded Video for His Pitch Reel

Thor 3 Director Used Illegally Downloaded Video for His Pitch Reel

Taika Waititi told an interviewer that he made his sizzle reel for Thor: Ragnarok from illegally downloaded clips through torrents. from M...

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

The Room 3D Is Coming Promises Director Tommy Wiseau

The Room 3D Is Coming Promises Director Tommy Wiseau

Writer, director and star of The Room Tommy Wiseau says that a 3D release of the movie is on the way. from Movie News http://ift.tt/2DLmJwp

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Michael Myers Returns in First Halloween Reboot Set Photos

Michael Myers Returns in First Halloween Reboot Set Photos

A leaked image from the new Halloween movie features our first look at Michael Myers. from Movie News http://ift.tt/2BBfXnb

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Henry Cavill Shows Off His Mustache in New Mission: Impossible 6 Image

Henry Cavill Shows Off His Mustache in New Mission: Impossible 6 Image

Get a closer look at Henry Cavill and his now-infamous mustache, alongside Angela Bassett in Mission: Impossible - Fallout. from Movie New...

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Incredibles 2 May Get Super Bowl Trailer, But Han Solo Probably Won't

Incredibles 2 May Get Super Bowl Trailer, But Han Solo Probably Won't

Disney is expected to debut Super Bowl trailers for Incredibles 2 and A Wrinkle In Time, but a Solo: A Star Wars Story trailer seems unlikel...

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Jennifer Hudson Is Aretha Franklin in New Biopic

Jennifer Hudson Is Aretha Franklin in New Biopic

Jennifer Hudson was reportedly hand-picked by Aretha Franklin herself to play the singer in an upcoming biopic financed by MGM. from Movie...

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Seasonal influenza claims three more lives in Multan

Seasonal influenza claims three more lives in Multan

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Pakistani cardiac stents to hit market by June, SC informed

Pakistani cardiac stents to hit market by June, SC informed

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Indian man killed after being sucked into MRI machine

Indian man killed after being sucked into MRI machine

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple

PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple

The UAE government had announced it was allocating land in Abu Dhabi to build a temple during Modi’s first visit to the emirates in 2015 and...

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PM Narendra Modi pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi

PM Narendra Modi pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi

from India News | Latest News Headlines & Live Updates from India - Times of India http://ift.tt/2DMeIat

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Indian economy to pick up in '18-19 but high oil prices a worry: Economic Survey

Indian economy to pick up in '18-19 but high oil prices a worry: Economic Survey

The Economic Survey, India's pre-budget economic report, released on January 29, 2018 predicted Indian economy to grow at 7.5% in 2019 b...

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PM Modi asks NDA leaders to create environment for simultaneous Lok Sabha, Assembly polls

PM Modi asks NDA leaders to create environment for simultaneous Lok Sabha, Assembly polls

Swaraj's two-day visit, which comes ahead of the formation of a new government by a Communist alliance which is expected to be headed by...

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Not a dirty word: Girl from Maharashtra shatters menstruation myths

Not a dirty word: Girl from Maharashtra shatters menstruation myths

from India News | Latest News Headlines & Live Updates from India - Times of India http://ift.tt/2FuWIhA

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Netflix's When We First Met Trailer Goes Time Traveling with Adam DeVine

Netflix's When We First Met Trailer Goes Time Traveling with Adam DeVine

Adam DeVine stars as a young man who repeatedly travels back in time to try and win over the girl of his dreams in Netflix's When We Fir...

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Sam Raimi Will Direct The Kingkiller Chronicle Movie

Sam Raimi Will Direct The Kingkiller Chronicle Movie

Sam Raimi has entered negotiations to direct Lionsgate's The Kingkiller Chronicle, based on the first book in Patrick Rothfuss' fant...

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Tom Hanks Is Mr. Rogers in New Biopic You Are My Friend

Tom Hanks Is Mr. Rogers in New Biopic You Are My Friend

Tom Hanks will play iconic childrens' show host Fred Rogers in a movie about Mister Roger's Nieghborhood. from Casting News http:/...

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

Why agarbatti smoke is harmful

Why agarbatti smoke is harmful

Agarbattis are an important part of Hindu rituals. from LifeStyle - Latest Lifestyle News, Hot Trends, Celebrity Styles & Events http:...

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More

How Ayurveda can treat your hair loss

How Ayurveda can treat your hair loss

Ayurveda can help you in dealing with the depressing hair loss. from LifeStyle - Latest Lifestyle News, Hot Trends, Celebrity Styles &...

January 30, 2018 No comments Read More