BRITISH HERALD
VOL 1 P/23 P/56 ISSUE 2 How 'laid back' Sri Lanka became Fly me to the moon: Germany eyes MAY-JUN 19 a soft target for Islamist strike slice of lucrative space market
JACINDA ARDERN A Leader of our Times
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Agenda for the New Indian Government
oday, as India stones of common minimum to be through police prepares for the program or agenda of such reforms, administrative Tresults of another an alliance of current rulers reforms, judicial reforms, general election, the or the opposition? and electoral reforms, chances of a government and through an all-out led by BJP or a government First, pledge to protect the implementation of the of the combined opposition Indian Constitution and its institution of the Lokpal, are equally strong. Whoever basic tenets. So, commit apart from protecting wins, it is an alliance that to true secularism where the independence of the will come to rule for the the state does not negate constitutional positions next five years. An alliance any faith but also does not like those of CBI Director, is always by definition a become party to any faith. RBI Director, Election conglomeration of interests, Neither Hindutva nor Muslim Commission and Chief issues, pressure groups, and appeasement. Pledge to Information Commissioner. agenda. uphold socialistic welfare economy as envisaged in Second, uphold multi- Alliances, either led by BJP the Constitution, because cultural plurality of India. or of the opposition, must the marginalized people, All communities need to have a Common Minimum with their per capita income be assured that India is Program in advance to far below the subsistence theirs, but they need not be adhere to governance, for level, cannot survive unless appeased too. The Sachhar clarity to all stake-holders supported with minimum Committee report shows the and to avoid later conflicts access to food, clothing, lack of socio-economic and of interests, which are bound housing, public health educational development to come in some measures and minimum assured among the Muslim minorities in every alliance of political education. So NYAY or a and their representation parties. variation of it is must. Basic in positions of power and Minimum Income in a world responsibility. Situation is The alternative force in India with extreme disparity exacerbated today with cannot just be of parties, is an essential element a visible alienation of but of an alternative world- of governance, not just them from the political view, and of an alternative a desirable one. Pledge mainstream. Also, if forest approach to governance, to protect democracy rights are not given to the and must take the major and hence leave media, tribal users of minor forest opposition party, Congress, entertainment, culture produce as per the forest the regional and the Left and education to be run dwellers' act on minor forest forces together to present a not by bureaucrats but by produce, and land rights rainbow coalition. professional experts. And, are not given to the tillers, above all, pledge to protect there cannot be visible Same is true for the ruling legislatures by not short change in the country-side alliance. In all probability, circuiting their sessions or and no end to Naxalism. BJP led National Democratic taking the ordinance route Then, social assimilation Alliance would need more to governance, and to will need distinct ways and allies and therefore, a protect the independence means to empower women pre-determined agenda of of judiciary by not interfering as well, particularly ensure governance which all accept, in their recruitment, their security in public whoever be the Prime postings, promotions and places, raise conviction in Minister. processes. Safeguarding cases of assault on women, What should be the corner- democracy also needs and enhance their socio-
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economic participation. The in states are must to tackle British era sedition laws must the jobs-crisis. go, AFSPA implementation has to be need-based, and Fourth, on the global not geography-based, and front, multi-lateralism is very rare. Attempts to dilute the desired way ahead. Article 370 without taking The relations with Iran Kashmiris into confidence needs to be protected for need to be thwarted. oil and strategic reasons, with that of Russia to be Third, economics, and preserved for military and not politics, need to be other cooperation, with US the focus ahead. United as well for reasons of exim Opposition must promise and NRIs there, and with a slew of economic Europe, there is the need measures, including of enhanced engagement. viable Minimum Support With China, India needs a Price and implementation cautious friendship taking of MS Swaminathan Pakistan into confidence recommendations for taking advantage of earlier agriculture, gradual recovery peace gestures from PM of all NPAs (specially in Imran Khan. This is not cases of willing defaulters), to mean that we need to banking autonomy with lower our guard at all. It SOPs on banking operations is possible to have a non- insulating them from aligned multi-lateral national political interference with interest driven foreign policy, RBI independence ensured, with focus on peace and recovering black money in economic diplomacy, but land, jewellery and foreign without letting any lethargy assets, and encourage on military preparedness. In investments in education fact, Indian military needs and health with tax holidays better amenities for the and other benefits. This tasks they perform. Even plan also shall underline a internal security needs a fair share of funds between fresh approach, which looks Centre and States, respect first at the development for economic federalism of economic and human specially in the provisions conditions of the people in Best, of the Finance Commission, troubled areas of Jammu & and execution of truly one Kashmir, Northeast and the nation one tax system Red Corridor of the nation. through a uniform GST. Interestingly, it is important There is a real possibility of to increase investment in the United Opposition win education and health upto in the next Lok Sabha polls, 20% of the total national only if it puts a Common budget, which is around half Minimum Program at the today. Investment in health core of its governance, and insurance and not on public not repeat the mistakes health infrastructure does that Janata Party did in 1977 not good to the man on the battling another authoritarian PROF. UJJWAL K CHOWDHURY ground. Filling up vacant ruler, Indira Gandhi. Consultant Editor, British Herald government positions, and But is the Opposition or the heralding a start-up and [email protected] Ruling Alliance listening? SME driven local economies
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8 23
8 | Jacinda Ardern A Leader of our Times 23 | Sri Lanka became a soft target.
30 59 74
30 | Corbyn-proof? British water, 59 | Quakes show that moon, 74 | Ruthless Manchester City power firms take nationalisation gradually shrinking, is tectonically survive scare to retain title in style precautions. active.
26 | Two Reuters reporters freed 39 | Walmart Brasil to ditch 56 | Fly me to the moon: in Myanmar after more than 500 e-commerce, focus on brick and Germany eyes slice of lucrative space days in jail. mortar. market
Managing Director & Group Editor-in-chief Ansif Ashraf www.ansif.com, Consultant Editor Prof Ujjwal K Chowdhury, Senior Editor Ashly Christopher, Associate Editor Azam Rafiq Sait,Creative Designer Sooraj SV., Contributors | Via Reuters Steve Gorman, Nichola Groom and Alex Dobuzinskis, Paul Sandle, Isla Binnie, Julie Zhu and Kane Wu, Sinead Cruise and Huw Jones, Edward Taylor, Matthew Stock, Josh Horwitz, Stephen Nellis, Kate Kelland and Julie Steenhuysen, Tom Miles, David Shepardson, Paul Lienert and Ben Klayman, Paresh Dave, Jayson Mansaray, Pascale Denis and Richard Lough, Sheila Dang, Jamie Freed, Paul Carsten and Alexis Akwagyiram, Emily G Roe IT & Support Jibin Thomas & Vinod Kumar Advertising & Sales R. Louis ([email protected]) Digital Marketing Prasanth AS
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Suppress Terrorism & Riots Alike
n the wake of the This is the best message attack in New Zealand gruesome Easter from a statesman like and her passionate and Ibombings that targeted personality like him in spite humane response thereafter, churches and hotels killing of the fact that the terrorist Jacinda transformed from over 250 people and re- group Islamic State claimed being an admired Prime opening political wounds it had a hand in the earlier Minister to a world leader, as it shattered the relative attacks, which were blamed who represents humankind peace Sri Lanka has known in all its glorious diversity. since the end of its civil war, A bone-chilling terrorist the Sri Lankan government massacre shook the New had ordered a nationwide Zealand city of Christchurch, curfew for several nights in which a self-proclaimed after anti-Muslim riots grip white supremacist took the the country. A few instances lives of 50 Muslims including of violence have emerged two children and injured in the country after a dozens more, during their Muslim man was killed by Friday prayers. The man who a mob. Amid the political claimed responsibility for the tensions, Sri Lankan former shooting was an Australian cricket captain Kumar national, who had promoted Sangakkara has appealed white nationalism and anti- the countrymen to unite Muslim sentiments. and not get into the mess of religion, violence, hatred and As the grief-stricken nation thuggery. mourned the deaths of the 50 people killed during their In a tweet he has asked prayers on March 15, Jacinda the countrymen to observe chose a meaningful path of peace and has asked them kindness and inclusivity. She to not give into the political showed that not only is she agendas. “STOP. BREATHE. on two local groups. In the deeply empathetic, she also THINK. OPEN YOUR EYES. world of grave uncertainties has nerves of steel and can If we lose ourselves to and violence today, voices effectively lead in times of violence, racism, thuggery of sanity need to be brought chaos and tragedy. Shifting and hatred we lose our forth vociferously as this. the global focus from the country. Unite as Sri Lankans, gunman to the victims is be peaceful, keep each Earlier we saw a similar one example of Jacinda’s other safe. Do not give into statesmanship by none compassionate handling shameful, divisive political other than the New Zealand of the worst terrorist attack agendas. WE HEAL AND Prime Minister Jacinda in New Zealand’s modern RISE TOGETHER AS ONE Ardane herself. Post the history. Speaking of the NATION.” Christchurch Mosque terror gunman, with anger in her
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voice, she refused to give assault rifles and military- punished, and law has him the profile he sought. style semi-automatics. to take its course, justice “You may have chosen us, She also made immediate cannot be dispensed by but we utterly reject and moves to offer emotional lumpen elements. The condemn you,” was the and financial support to the attack by Muslim terrorists nuanced response from “families of the fallen” in in Sri Lanka is told to be in Jacinda. their native languages. On retaliation of the one in New Friday, March 22, a week Zealand, and there is no Days later, she again refused after the attack, a lunchtime justification of either of these. to take the name of the call to prayer was broadcast attacker saying, “He is a nationally followed by a Sadly reports are there that terrorist, he is a criminal, he 2-minute silence. while Sri Lankan government is an extremist, but he will, has initiated right steps of when I speak, be nameless, However, her linguistic skills asking defence minister and to others I implore you have really helped to unite a and police chief to impose to speak the names of those country that appears to have curfew to quell the spread of who were lost rather than lost its moorings. Particularly, any anti-Muslim riot, several the name of the man who her phrase, “they are us” police personnel on ground took them. He may have resonated an inclusive have acted deaf and dumb sought notoriety but we message that fits with her when ordinary Muslims have in New Zealand will give drive for the celebration been facing violent groups him nothing – not even his of all of New Zealand’s of other local people. This name.” Her decision to wear cultures rather than trying must end. a hijab while visiting those to homogenise them. She affected by the tragedy was has pledged, after all, that South Asia in particular another small but powerful the Maori language will be is sitting on a communal indication of her powers of taught in all schools by 2025. cauldron and resolute empathy. A highly visible Against a backdrop of terror, governments suppressing symbol of respect, she was Jacinda has managed to terrorism and rioters alike photographed embracing unite and inspire. with same determination can and giving heartfelt only ameliorate the situation. condolences to the families Across their country, people in mourning in the aftermath unified in hundreds and of the atrocity, while wearing thousands to express a black headscarf. Later, their solidarity. Emotional following in the same vigils were held with Best, vein, she addressed the letters, flowers, candles parliament with the Arabic and performances of the greeting, “As-Salaam- traditional Māori haka dance, Alaikum! Peace be upon you. extended as gestures of Peace be upon all of us.” cross-cultural kinship.
Her political response has The government of Sri been equally progressive. Lanka has to show such a Within 36 hours of the magnanimous approach. shooting, she had mobilised Hate cannot be fought politicians to tighten up back by hate only. Violence ANSIF ASHRAF gun laws – and less than a begets further violence Managing Editor, British Herald week later, on March 21, she and the spiral has to announced sweeping and end. For crimes of some, [email protected] immediate changes banning communities cannot be
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JACINDA ARDERN A Leader of our Times
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oung, dynamic, enterprising and intelligent – Jacinda Ardern, the YPrime Minister of New Zealand and an emerging global leader, indeed has everything going for her. The 38-year-old gorgeous Jacinda has already made a remarkable impact on the global political canvas. In the wake of the notorious Christchurch shootings, the former researcher has proven that she is a true contemporary leader, a Jacinda, who has the distinction leader that citizens can bank of being the youngest female on. Prime Minister of the Tasman Jacinda, who has the distinction of being the country, has been hugely youngest female Prime admired ever since her election Minister of the Tasman to the top post in 2017. Right country, has been hugely admired ever since her from the beginning, she has been election to the top post a whip of fresh air. Here stood a in 2017. Right from the beginning, she has been woman, who seemed to embody a whip of fresh air. Here New Zealand’s best attributes stood a woman, who seemed to embody New of optimism, common sense, Zealand’s best attributes of approachability and, most of optimism, common sense, Times our of Leader A approachability and, most of all, empathy. all, empathy.
Months later after her election, Jacinda chose to Collated and Put Together from Various Secondary Sources, wear an Emilia Wickstead
by Prof. Ujjwal K Chowdhury dress for her debut speech ARDERN JACINDA
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to the United Nations an admired Prime Minister has nerves of steel and can Assembly in New York. to a world leader, who effectively lead in times of People were struck by her represents humankind in chaos and tragedy. artful turn of phrase and her all its glorious diversity. ability to put into words what A bone-chilling terrorist Shifting the global focus people felt but could not massacre shook the New from the gunman to the articulate. Take for instance Zealand city of Christchurch, victims is one example of her reflection that, “#MeToo in which a self-proclaimed Jacinda’s compassionate must become #WeToo”. This white supremacist took the handling of the worst stands for true progression lives of 50 Muslims including terrorist attack in New for all. Her wise and worldly two children and injured Zealand’s modern history. views, asking for global dozens more,during their Speaking of the gunman, cooperation and kindness Friday prayers. The man who with anger in her voice, she from all leaders present,met claimed responsibility for the refused to give him the with a thunderous applause. shooting was an Australian profile he sought. “You may national, who had promoted have chosen us, but we white nationalism and anti- utterly reject and condemn Muslim sentiments. you,” was the nuanced Christchurch response from Jacinda. Mosque Terror As the grief-stricken nation Attack and Jacinda mourned the deaths of the Days later, she again refused 50 people killed during their to take the name of the Post the Christchurch prayers on March 15, Jacinda attacker saying, “He is a Mosque terror attack and chose a meaningful path of terrorist, he is a criminal, he her passionate and humane kindness and inclusivity. She is an extremist, but he will, response thereafter, Jacinda showed that not only is she when I speak, be nameless, transformed from being deeply empathetic, she also and to others I implore you to speak the names of those who were lost rather than the name of the man who took them. He may have sought notoriety but we in New Zealand will give him nothing – not even his name.”
Her decision to wear a hijab while visiting those affected by the tragedy was another small but powerful indication of her powers of empathy. A highly visible symbol of respect, she was photographed embracing and giving heartfelt condolences to the families in mourning in the aftermath of the atrocity, while wearing a black headscarf. Later, following in the same vein, she addressed the parliament with the Arabic A Leader of our Times our of Leader A greeting, “As-Salaam- Alaikum! Peace be upon you. Peace be upon all of us.”
Her political response has been equally progressive. Within 36 hours of the
JACINDA ARDERN JACINDA shooting, she had mobilised
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Mail Online described how “a blond little boy turned into a far-right mass killer”. The Telegraph published a profile on the killer with the As the grief-stricken nation mourned the deaths of lede, “Clutched tightly by his adoring father, the fair-haired the 50 people killed during their prayers on March blue-eyed toddler was the 15, Jacinda chose a meaningful path of kindness and picture of innocence.”The inclusivity. description of a white supremacist mass-murderer using the saccharine language of “blond little boy”, “angelic”, “fair-haired blue-eyed toddler”, “the picture of innocence” politicians to tighten up and performances of the reprimands the perpetrator gun laws – and less than a traditional Māori haka dance, of the violence while fuelling week later, on March 21, she extended as gestures of his ideology. announced sweeping and cross-cultural kinship. immediate changes banning It is half-hearted criticism. assault rifles and military- Rather than incontrovertibly style semi-automatics. Media Failed Again denouncing white She also made immediate supremacy as we ought to moves to offer emotional However, Britain’s expect, the equation of the and financial support to the newspapers revealed killer’s blond hair and blue “families of the fallen” in cognitive dissonance with eyes with innate goodness their native languages. On story after story about reaffirms it, instead. Friday, March 22, a week the terrorist that read as The Daily Mail blamed after the attack, a lunchtime hagiography. The Mirror childhood bullying. Its call to prayer was broadcast ran a front page story with Australian counterpart nationally followed by a a headline on an “angelic additionally censured video 2-minute silence. boy who grew into an evil far-right mass killer”. The games, while The Times However, her linguistic skills have really helped to unite a country that appears to have lost its moorings. Particularly, her phrase, “they are us” resonated an inclusive message that fits with her drive for the celebrating all of New Zealand’s cultures rather than trying to homogenise them. She has pledged, after all, that the Maori language will be taught in all schools by 2025. Against a backdrop of terror, Jacinda has managed to unite and inspire. Times our of Leader A
Across the country, people unified in hundreds and thousands to express their solidarity. Emotional vigils were held with letters, flowers, candles JACINDA ARDERN JACINDA
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found the killer’s height to Jacinda’s Rise to be the root cause for the attack. All considered greater Power threats than the ideology on Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern, which the attacker himself born on 26 July 1980, is wrote 73 pages. However, serving as the 40th and to admit white supremacy current Prime Minister to be the problem would of New Zealand since necessitate examination October 26, 2017. She has of foundational beliefs also served as the Leader reflected on their own pages. of the Labour Party since August 1, 2017. Jacinda The people’s campaigns, has been the Member of inspired by their Prime Parliament (MP) for the Minister, focused on Mount Albert electorate preventing copycat mass since March 8, 2017. She was shootings. “Don’t name them’ first elected to the House and “No notoriety”, ask that of Representatives as a list perpetrators not be named MP during the 2008 general or pictured so as not to give elections. them the spotlight they seek. Those newspapers, After graduating from the however, not only lionized University of Waikato in 2001, the Christchurch attacker Jacinda began her career but also sought backstory working as a researcher justification to make him in the office of the Prime both sympathetic and to Minister Helen Clark. She paint him as an exception later worked in the United divorced from historical Kingdom as a policy advisor lineage and active groups. to the British Prime Minister Tony Blair.In 2008, she was When the real threat of white elected the President of supremacy is evident by the International Union of the story itself, ignorance of Socialist Youth. the impact of repeating its white supremacist and values is near impossible Islamophobic rhetoric has Jacinda became a list MP to claim. Ben Wallace, the rapidly been normalised in 2008, a position she held UK Security Minister, said throughout the decade. for almost ten years until her that a similar attack could election to the Mount Albert happen in Great Britain When the attacker names electorate in the 2017 by- due to a growing threat the U.S. President as election, held on February from the farright. Going principal inspiration, there 25. She was unanimously forward, he said that UK is no longer a believable elected as the Deputy needs to follow Prime place for leaders to claim Leader of the Labour Party Minister Jacinda’s example ignorance of the impact of on March 1, 2017, following by immediately acting on their rhetoric. People with the resignation of Annette the cultural blind spots platforms or in positions King. Jacinda became the that tacitly accommodate of power can no longer Leader of the Labour Party hate crimes, starting condemn the actors of on August 1 2017, after with the accountability of violence while working as Andrew Little resigned from
A Leader of our Times our of Leader A messengers. the ghostwriters of their the position following a thoughts. Leaders must be historically low poll result for People look to politicians held to higher standards, the party. and the press to be the immediately, with the nation’s thought leaders complicity of their words She is credited with and moral compasses, considered so. Jacinda acted increasing her party’s and it is no secret to prove that safer countries rating in opinion polls. In that anti-immigrant, could be built in a day. the general election of JACINDA ARDERN JACINDA
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September 23, 2017, the Labour Party won 46 seats (a net gain of 14), putting it behind the National Party, which won 56 seats. After negotiations with National and Labour, the New Zealand First Party chose to enter into a minority coalition government with Labour, supported by the Greens, with Jacinda as Prime Minister.
Ideologically, Jacinda describes herself as a social democrat and a progressive. She is the world’s youngest female head of a government, having taken office at the age of 37 years. Jacinda became the world’s second elected head of government to give birth while in office, when her her with campaigning for of the International Union daughter was born on June New Plymouth MP Harry of Socialist Youth, a role 21, 2018. Duynhoven during his re- that saw her spend time in election campaign at the several countries including 1999 general election. Jordan, Israel, Algeria and Early Life and China. Jacinda joined the Labour Education Party at age 17, and became Born in Hamilton in New a senior figure in the Young Zealand,Jacinda grew Labour sector of the party. Early Political up in Morrinsville and After graduating from Career university, she spent time Murupara, where her father, Ahead of the 2008 election, working in the offices of Phil Ross Ardern, worked as Jacinda was ranked 20th on Goff and of Helen Clark as a a police officer, and her the Labour’s Party list. This researcher. After spending mother, Laurell (Bottomley) was a very high placement some time volunteering Ardern, worked as a school for someone, who was not at a soup kitchen in New catering assistant. She already a sitting MP and York City,Jacinda moved studied at Morrinsville virtually assured her of to London to work as a College, where she was a seat in the Parliament. senior policy adviser in an the student representative Accordingly, Jacinda 80-person policy unit of then on the school’s Board of returned from London to British Prime Minister Tony Trustees.She then attended campaign full-time. She also Blair.She never met Blair in the University of Waikato, became Labour’s candidate London, but did question graduating in 2001 with a for the safe National him about the invasion of Bachelor of Communication Electorate of Waikato. Studies (BCS) in politics and Iraq at an event in New
Jacinda was unsuccessful Times our of Leader A Zealand in 2011. Jacinda was public relations. in the electorate vote, but also seconded to the Home her high placement on Jacinda was brought into Office to help with a review Labour Party’s list allowed politics by her aunt, Marie of policing in England and her to enter the Parliament Ardern, a longstanding Wales. member of the Labour as a list MP. Upon election, Party, who recruited the In early 2008, Jacinda was she became the youngest teenaged Jacinda to help elected as the President sitting MP in the Parliament, JACINDA ARDERN JACINDA
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returned to Parliament where she became the Shadow spokesperson for Justice, Children, Small Business and Arts and Culture under the new leader Andrew Little.
After this, Jacinda put forward her name for the Labour nomination for the Mount Albert by-election held in February 2017 following the resignation of former Labour leader David Shearer on December 8, 2016. When nominations for the Labour Party closed on January 12, 2017, Jacinda was the only nominee and was selected unopposed. On January 21, Jacinda participated in the 2017 Women’s March, a worldwide protest in opposition to Donald Trump, the newly inaugurated President of the United States. She was confirmed as the Labour candidate at a meeting on January 22.Jacinda won a landslide victory, gaining 77 percent of succeeding fellow Labour After opposition leader votes cast in the preliminary MP Darren Hughes, and Philips Goff resigned results. remained the youngest MP from the Party leadership Following her win in the until the election of Gareth following his defeat during by-election, Jacinda was Hughes on February 11, 2010. the 2011 election, Jacinda unanimously elected as supported David Shearer Jacinda contested the deputy leader of the Labour over David Cunliffe. She Party on March 7, 2017, Auckland Central seat for was elevated to the Labour Party during the following the resignation fourth-ranking position of Annette King, who was 2011 general elections, in the Shadow Cabinet standing against the intending to retire during the on December 19, 2011, next election. incumbent National MP becoming a spokesperson Nikki Kaye for National and for social development On August 1 2017, just Greenscandidate Denise under new leader David seven weeks before the Roche. Despite targeting Shearer. 2017 general elections, she Green voters to vote assumed the position of strategically for her, she Jacinda stood again in leader of the Labour Party A Leader of our Times our of Leader A lost to Kaye by 717 votes. Auckland Central during and consequently became However, she returned to the 2014 general election. Leader of the Opposition Parliament via the party list, She again finished second following the resignation of on which she was ranked although her own votes Andrew Little. Little stood 13th. She maintained an increased. She reduced down due to the party’s office within the electorate Kaye’s majority from 717 historically low polling. while being a listed MP to 600. Ranked fifth on the Jacinda was unanimously based in Auckland Central. Labour’s list, Jacinda still JACINDA ARDERN JACINDA
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Morrinsville. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters attended the protest to campaign, but was jeered at by the farmers because they suspected that he was also On November 5, 2017, Jacinda made her in favour of the taxes. first official overseas trip to Australia, where During the protest, one she met Australian Prime Minister Malcolm farmer displayed a sign calling Jacinda a “pretty Turnbull for the first time. Communist”. This was criticised as misogynistic by former Prime Minister Helen Clark. During the campaign trail, Jacinda expressed her support for decriminalising abortion by removing it from the 1961 Crimes Act. In confirmed in an election to been 24 percent under September, Jacinda said that choose a new leader at a Little’s leadership) as well she wanted New Zealand caucus meeting the same as managing to overtake to have a debate related to day. At 37, Jacinda became National in opinion polls removing the monarch of the youngest leader of the for the first time in over a New Zealand as the head of Labour Party in its history. decade. state. She is also the second female leader of the party In mid-August 2017, Jacinda after Helen Clark. stated that a Labour government would establish 2017 Election a tax-working group to Results explore the possibility of ‘Jacindamania’ introducing a capital gains Preliminary results from the At her first press conference tax but ruled out taxing general elections indicated following her election as family homes. In response that the party got a more the leader, she said that to negative publicity, modest 35.79 percent of the the forthcoming election Jacinda abandoned plans vote to the National’s 46.03 campaign would be one to introduce a capital gains percent. Labour gained of “relentless positivity”. tax during the first term of 14 seats, increasing its Immediately following her the Labour government. parliamentary representation appointment, the public Finance spokesperson Grant to 45 seats. This was the best inundated the party with Robertsonlater clarified that result for Labour since losing donations, which reached Labour would not introduce power in 2008.Following NZ$700 per minute at its new taxes until after the the elections, Jacinda and peak. Jacinda’s election 2020 election. The policy deputy leader Kelvin Davis was followed by a spate shift accompanied strident entered into negotiations of positive coverage from allegations by the Minister of with the Greens and New many sections of the media, Finance Steven Joyce that Zealand First parties to including international Labour had an $11.7 billion explore forming a coalition outlets such as CNN,with “hole” in its tax policy. since the rival National Party commentators referring lacked sufficient seats to to a ‘Jacinda Effect’ and The Labour and Green govern alone. A Leader of our Times our of Leader A ‘Jacindamania’. Parties’ proposed water and pollution taxes also Under the country’s mixed- After Jacinda’s ascension generated criticism from member proportional (MMP) to the leadership, Labour farmers. On September 18, voting system, New Zealand rose dramatically in opinion the farming lobby group First held the balance of polls. By late August, they Federated Farmers staged power, and was, therefore, had risen to 43 percent in the a protest against the taxes able to choose the party that would lead a coalition Colmar Brunton poll (having in Jacinda’s hometown of ARDERN JACINDA
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(1999–2008). She is a member of the Council of Women World Leaders.
On November 5, 2017, Jacinda made her first official overseas trip to Australia, where she met Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for the first time. Relations between the two countries had been strained in the preceding months because of Australia’s treatment of New Zealanders living in the country, and shortly before taking office, Jacinda had spoken of the need to rectify this situation and to develop a better working relationship with the Australian government. Intelligence, Turnbull described the Arts, Culture and meeting in cordial terms. Heritage and Vulnerable government. Following the “We trust each other...The Children, reflecting the release of special (including fact we are from different shadow positions she held overseas voting) results on political traditions is as Leader of the Opposition. October 7, Labour gained an irrelevant," he said. However, as of October 25, extra seat on the initial result, 2017, her position as Minister raising its presence in the Jacinda flew to Vietnam on for Vulnerable Children had parliament to 46 seats. November 9 for her first visit been replaced with the to an APEC summit. On October 19, 2017, New role of Minister for Child Zealand First leader Winston Poverty Reduction, while In December 2017, Jacinda Peters agreed to form New Zealand First MP Tracey voiced support for the UN a coalition with Labour, Martin took on the role of resolution criticising US making Jacinda the next Minister for Children. President Donald Trump’s Prime Minister. This coalition decision to recognise Jacinda intends to halve will receive confidence and Jerusalem as the capital child poverty in New supply from the Green Party. of Israel, saying that some Zealand within a decade. Jacinda named Peters as the decisions "that we saw by She was officially sworn in by Deputy Prime Minister and international actors like the the Governor-General Dame Minister of Foreign Affairs. United States recently ... took Patsy Reddy on October 26, She also gave New Zealand us backwards, not forward." alongside her ministry.Upon First five ministerial posts in taking office, Jacinda said On February 2, Jacinda
A Leader of our Times our of Leader A her government, with Peters that her government would travelled to Waitangi for and three other ministers be “focused, empathetic and the annual Waitangi Day serving in the Cabinet. strong”. commemoration. She stayed On October 20, Jacinda in Waitangi for five days, Jacinda is New Zealand’s confirmed that she would an unprecedented length. third female prime minister hold the ministerial portfolios Jacinda became the first after Jenny Shipley (1997– of National Security and female Prime Minister to 1999) and Helen Clark JACINDA ARDERN JACINDA speak from the top Marae.
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Her visit was largely well received by Māori leaders, with commentators noting a sharp contrast with the acrimonious responses received by several of her predecessors.
On April 20, Jacinda attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018 in London, where she was selected to deliver a toast to the Commonwealth at a state banquet of world leaders. She also had her first private audience with the Queen.
On September 24, Jacinda became the first female head of government to attend the United Nations General Assembly meeting Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Zealand with her infant. Her address Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. to the General Assembly on September 27 praised the United Nations for its multilateralism, expressed and offered any help New Māori electorates should be support for the world’s youth Zealand could give to decided by Māori, stating, and called for immediate resolve the Rohingya crisis. “Māori have not raised the attention to the effects and need for those seats to go, causes of climate change, so why would we ask the for the equality of women, Socio-Political question?” She supports and for kindness as the basis compulsory teaching of the for action. Stance of Jacinda Māori language in schools. Jacinda has described In October 2018, Jacinda On social issues, Jacinda herself as a social democrat, raised the issue of Xinjiang voted in favour of same- a progressive, a republican re-education camps and sex marriages and believes and a feminist, citing Helen human rights abuses abortion should be removed Clark as a political hero, against the Uyghur Muslim from the Crimes Act.She is and has called capitalism a minority in China. China opposed to criminalising “blatant failure” due to the has imprisoned more than people who use cannabis extent of homelessness in one million Uyghurs and and has pledged to hold New Zealand. She advocates other predominantly Muslim a referendum on whether a lower rate of immigration, ethnic minorities in China’s or not to legalise cannabis suggesting a drop of around northwestern province of in her first term as prime 20,000–30,000. Calling it Xinjiang in concentration minister. In 2018, she an “infrastructure issue”, camps, where they are held became the first prime she argues, “There has not without charge or any terms minister of New Zealand to been enough planning Times our of Leader A of release. march in a gay pride parade. about population growth Jacinda raised concerns and we have not necessarily Referring to New Zealand’s over the persecution of targeted our skill shortages nuclear-free policy, she the Rohingya Muslims in properly”. described taking action Myanmar. In November on climate change as “my Jacinda believes that the 2018, she met Myanmar’s generation’s nuclear-free retention or abolition of
leader Aung San Suu Kyi moment”. ARDERN JACINDA
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Jacinda has voiced her presenter Clarke Gayford. aspiration to be a clown. support for a two-state The couple first met in 2012, Then she makes an solution to resolve the when they were introduced improbable, but perhaps Israeli-Palestinian conflict. by mutual friend Colin logical, comparison between She has condemned the Mathura-Jeffree, a New clowning and politics. deaths of Palestinians during Zealand television host “Everything I’ve ever thought protests at the Gaza border. and model, but they did about doing has been in not spend time together some sense about helping until Gayford contacted people,” she explains. Personal Life Jacinda regarding a Jacinda reminds the controversial Government audience that she is a “small- Raised as a Mormon, a Communications Security town girl,” only the second in member of The Church of Bureau bill.On January 19, her family to go to university. Jesus Christ of Latter-day 2018, Jacinda announced “I did not think I would be the Saints, Jacinda left the that she was expecting her Prime Minister, because I did church in 2005 because, she first child in June, making her not consider it. However,that said, it conflicted with her New Zealand’s first Prime is the power of saying yes, personal views, in particular Minister to be pregnant in because there will be a her support for gay rights. office. moment when someone In January 2017, Jacinda asks you to do something identified as “agnostic”. Once talking to a crowd beyond your comfort zone. I at an event in Auckland, am not unique.” Jacinda’s partner is television she revealed a childhood New Zealand has had two women prime ministers before, but neither made possibility and opportunity feel as contagious as Jacinda, whose election slogan was cheerfully assertive. It was, “Let’s do this.” Yet she became prime minister only after a tense period of negotiations and compromise with the nationalist NZ First party. Through it all, she has spoken about issues of poverty and homelessness in her country with a blend of Bernie Sanders’s bluntness and Elizabeth Warren’s fearlessness. “Yes, we believe in globalization and trade, but we also believe in you being able to benefit from that more,” says Jacinda. “For too long, we progressives have seemed like part of the system. We
A Leader of our Times our of Leader A need to start thinking about whether or not it is delivering for us now.”
“Jacinda communicates a radicalism that is part of the Zeitgeist,” says Edwards, The Herald’s political JACINDA ARDERN JACINDA
18 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD commentator. It helps that this populist rallying cry is being delivered from a modest three- bedroom house. It helps, too, that Jacinda, the daughter of a police officer and a school-cafeteria worker, grew up just south of Auckland in the Waikato region, which is working class and conservative. As a side business, her parents cultivated apples and pears for export. Jacinda would help on the tractor after school.
won the Post-Christchurch hearts of Leadership Hailed Pakistanis”, while the “Martin Luther King said King Center – a memorial to genuine leaders did not Martin Luther King in the US unusual search for consensus but – tweeted “there’s a leader combination.” moulded it,” Suzanne Moore with love on full display in wrote in the British paper New Zealand”. When she first started campaigning in 2017, she The Guardian, “Ardern Closer home, in New has moulded a different was regularly compared Zealand, BBC News to Canadian Prime Minister consensus, demonstrating correspondent Hywel Griffith action, care and unity. Justin Trudeau and the says he has “heard her French President Emmanuel Terrorism sees difference words – ‘we are one, they and wants to annihilate it. Macron. It made some are us’– spoken back to me sense; all three seemed Ardern sees difference and by the families of victims wants to respect it, embrace progressive, ambitious, and here in Christchurch”. Even young. it and connect with it.”The Judith Collins, from the Washington Post’s Ishaan opposition National Party, Sushil Aaron wrote in the Tharoor wrote, “Ardern has told parliament that the New York Times that she “is become the face of her prime minister had been emerging as the definitive nation’s sorrow and grief, “outstanding”. progressive antithesis to the and its resolve”. Annabel crowded field of right-wing Crabb wrote on the ABC Colin James, a political strongmen... whose careers Australia website, “having analyst in New Zealand, tells thrive on illiberal, anti- been confronted with the BBC News that having spent Muslim rhetoric”. worst news a leader can “quite a bit of time” with receive... Ms Ardern has yet Jacinda, he is not surprised One clear example of this to put a foot wrong”. Grace by the praise she is now is her request of President Back put it simply in Marie getting. Donald Trump, who asked Times our of Leader A Claire Australia, “This is what her what support the US a leader looks like.” “She was firm, sombre, could provide. “Sympathy positive and in charge,” he and love for all Muslim The praise did not just said. “And this is something communities,” she replied. come from commentators. I’ve said often – there’s not Mohammad Faisal, from a nasty cell in her body, but Another is her simple Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign she’s not a pushover. It’s an description of Australian
Affairs, said that Jacinda “has ARDERN JACINDA
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Senator Fraser Anning’s for some weeks more. to make sure globally that comments blaming the When her daughter was we are a safe and tolerant attack on immigration “A three-month-old, Jacinda and inclusive world, we disgrace.” brought her to the United cannot think about this in Nations General Assembly terms of boundaries.” The images of a sincere in hopes of creating “a path Jacinda comforting victims for other women.I want to the day after the attack normalize it,” she told CNN’s Moral Leadership have been contrasted with Christiane Amanpour, “If we politically similar leaders, want to make workplaces Evolving Globally too. Al Jazeera journalist more open, we need to Jacinda is clear-eyed about Sana Saeed said that she acknowledge logistical what a prime minister of “can’t recall Trudeau showing challenges ... by being more New Zealand, a country with this depth of humanity for open it might create a path a population of under five the victims of the Quebec for other women.” million, can achieve on the mosque massacre” in 2017, world stage. “We’re small,” adding that former US Less than a year ago, she says, “but we do our President Barack Obama Jacinda attended two major bit by standing up for what did not visit the victims of international summits in we believe in.” She points the Oak Creek Gurdwara quick succession –the to New Zealand’s long- shooting in Wisconsin in 2012 Asia-Pacific Economic standing nuclear-free policy (then-First Lady Michelle Cooperation (APEC) forum, as an example and wants Obama went instead). at which Trump may have to apply that same moral mistaken the New Zealander leadership to action on for Sophie Trudeau, wife of climate change. Media Niceties: the Canadian prime minister, and the Association of “We’re surrounded by island Exploring Jacinda, Southeast Asian Nations nations who will feel the the Person (ASEAN). brunt of climate change. So I see us as having a Jacinda has been a Jacinda shared the story responsibility.” Of course, welcoming presence, about Trump with a New Zealand is a tiny who occasionally spoke comedian friend, who then contributor, overall, to the to reporters directly in the told a radio host on-air. She warming planet – and yet beginning stages of her is now more circumspect carbon-heavy industries like leadership, instead of going about describing her farming, horticulture, and through a spokesperson. dealings with the president. forestry are the country’s “But we’ll work with anyone!” biggest businesses. Jacinda An Australian journalist she says with mock is ready to take those sectors from ABC Radio said shortly seriousness. At an APEC on. “The most difficult thing after Jacinda was named dinner, Trump pointed to for us to do is to mitigate the country’s next Prime Jacinda and, referring to the and offset our agricultural Minister, he called her results of New Zealand’s emissions,” she says. “If office to determine how to vote, said, “This lady just we find a way to do that, pronounce her last name. caused a lot of upset in her then we’re showing other country.” Her reply? “No He said on Twitter and countries how to do it too.” one marched when I was Jacinda later confirmed, elected.” according to the Associated That Jacinda has such a specific vision for what Press that it was Jacinda who After the Christchurch needs to be done is all the unexpectedly answered the mosque shooting, Jacinda A Leader of our Times our of Leader A more remarkable when you phone. told BBC of the shooting, consider that high office was “What New Zealand She became a mother very much thrust upon her. experienced here was while in office, and after a violence brought against us six-week-long break, was Closer to home, within her by someone who grew up back to work, with partner nation, Jacinda has always and learned their ideology taking care of the child maintained that she wants somewhere else. If we want being at home all hours her brand of politics to be JACINDA ARDERN JACINDA
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Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern visit Pillars, a charity operating across New Zealand that supports children who have a parent in prison by providing special mentoring schemes in Auckland
kinder and you can feel that punish those responsible interpreting acts of terrorism energy in the air, a kind of for these cowardly acts.” He as a declaration of war on gracious optimism. “It’s going elaborated in a televised an entire country; calling to take some time,” she says, address later that day. the attackers cowardly and “but in the meantime I hope “Today, our fellow-citizens, asserting the country’s own people feel differently about our way of life, our very courage; and promising to their government.” freedom came under attack,” hunt down the terrorists. he said. He named the Today, when nations one emotions evoked by the “Today, France was attacked after another are facing chaos in lower Manhattan, at its very heart, in Paris, at terrorism in various hues and “disbelief, terrible sadness, the offices of a newspaper,” degrees, she has literally re- and a quiet, unyielding the French President defined how a nation should anger.” He pledged war. Francois Hollande said, on face reality and grieve in “A great people has been January 7, 2015, the day such a situation and has moved to defend a great twelve people were killed resisted war rhetoric. Since nation,” he said. “Our military at the headquarters of the the modern era of terrorism is powerful, and it’s prepared. satirical magazine Charlie began, on September 11, . . . America and our friends Hebdo. 2001, world leaders have and allies . . . stand together “We will not be intimidated,” responded to terror by to win the war against the Norwegian Prime promising vengeance and terrorism. . . . America has Times our of Leader A Minister, Jens Stoltenberg, waged war, rhetorically and stood down enemies before, said, in a statement following militarily. George W. Bush set and we will do so this time.” the tone, with a statement a massacre carried out on the morning of the World In the years since then, many by the white supremacist Trade Center attacks, “Make other leaders have given Anders Breivik, in July 2011. no mistake. The United speeches that shared key Stoltenberg called Breivik’s States will hunt down and elements of Bush’s rhetoric – attack an “act of cowardice.” JACINDA ARDERN JACINDA
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society, and its leaders, can do only two things – grieve and work to reduce the opportunity to kill. These are precisely the tasks Jacinda has taken on.
“One of the roles I never anticipated having, and hoped never to have, is to voice the grief of a nation,” she told Parliament. “At this time, it has been second only to securing the care of those affected and the safety of everyone.” She has become New Zealand’s mourner-in-chief. Indeed, the most effective way to fight violence is to make Britain's Prince William arrives with New Zealand the violence less efficient. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Christchurch Less than a week after the attacks, Jacinda’s government announced a ban on military-style weapons. Even before While Barack Obama violence.” the terms of the ban avoided war rhetoric in his were worked out, Jacinda responses to terror, in his These phrases are encouraged people to begin first statement on the Boston remarkable for what they do surrendering weapons to the Marathon bombing, in 2013, not contain a promise to find police, and at least several he promised to “get to the the perpetrator and bring dozen people did. The gun bottom of this.” In 2015, him to justice, any attempt to ban thus became, at least to responding to a shooting at degrade him, any recognition a degree, a matter of political Emanuel A.M.E. Church, in of his desire to be seen, agreement, rather than an Charleston, South Carolina, recognized, and fought. emergency measure or a he twice called the attacker The opposite of terror is not restriction imposed by the a coward. courage, victory, or even government. justice, and it is certainly not Jacinda, on the other hand, “war on terror.” The opposite This is what political leaders immediately showed that of terror is disregard for the should do in the face of a she had no time for the terrorist, and compassion senseless tragedy: they perpetrator of the mosque and oneness with the grieve with their people, they shootings.“Many of those victims. think with their people, and who will have been directly they act together with their affected by this shooting Jacinda’s insistence on people. None of those tasks may be migrants to New disregarding the killer, requires a declaration of war. Zealand; they may even be while recognizing the refugees here,” she said. enormity of the loss he Sushil Aaron of New York “They have chosen to make has caused, reflects a Times is right. New Zealand’s New Zealand their home, deeper understanding: prime minister is emerging A Leader of our Times our of Leader A and it is their home. They some people kill people. as the progressive antithesis are us. The person who has Ideology of any sort is to right-wing strongmen like perpetuated this violence secondary to the violent Donald Trump (USA), Victor against us is not us. He has impulse. It is no coincidence Orban (Israel) and Narendra no place in New Zealand. that most terrorists have a Modi (India), whose careers There is no place in New history of violent behaviour, thrive on illiberal, anti- Zealand for such acts of particularly at their homes. Muslim and anti-immigrant
JACINDA ARDERN JACINDA extreme and unprecedented In the face of this fact, a rhetoric.
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Sirisena has announced How 'laid back' Sri Lanka a total overhaul of the security establishment, became a soft target for blaming them for failing to communicate several Islamist strike warnings they had about potential attacks, including one from India hours before the first bomb.
However, interviews with more than a dozen people with direct knowledge of the Sri Lankan government and security apparatus, including military sources, senior diplomats and intelligence agents, suggest deeper failings that created an ideal environment for extremists looking for a soft target.
Since Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka won a 26-year conflict against mostly Hindu ethnic Tamil separatists, a well- resourced military has failed to adapt to shifting security threats, the sources said.
"The government was asleep. The military was asleep. They've been asleep for a long time," said Costa, perching on his rickshaw as a suspicious policeman peered inside.
Costa's analysis is a simplification, but some Sri Lankan shockwaves through an experts agree that a lack tourist guide Indian Ocean island state of preparedness was a Ricky Costa that had enjoyed relative significant factor that led to was preparing peace since a civil war a little-known Islamist group for a typically ended a decade ago. being able to orchestrate the Aeasy Sunday ferrying deadliest attack of its kind in backpackers between How such a sophisticated South Asia's history. Colombo's tea shops and operation could have been beach bars in his canary- carried out in a country Sirisena and Prime Minister yellow rickshaw. Then the where violence by Islamist Ranil Wickremesinghe blasts began. militants drawn from the have both apologised for Muslim minority was not any lapses that might have The coordinated suicide high on the list of concerns contributed to the attacks. bombings by Islamist has left Sri Lankans and Wickremesinghe said the militants at hotels and foreign intelligence agencies government and security churches killed more stumped. forces take "collective than 250 people and sent responsibility". President Maithripala
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on a Muslim community that makes up only 10 percent of the population, defence sources and experts said.
"This inattention could have created the opportunity for a local group perhaps with external encouragement or support to emerge from obscurity and perpetrate such terrifically lethal attacks," said Bruce Hoffman, a terrorism expert at the Council on Foreign Relations.
Security experts believe National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NJT), a local Long-Term Decline extremism? A person being Islamist group that has radicalized is not an offence emerged over the last There are no official figures in our country," he said. year, was responsible for on the size of Sri Lanka's the attacks, likely with armed forces but experts "We are searching for the assistance of outside estimate there are around reconciliation after a long groups. Islamic State has 150,000 active military period of war and we cannot claimed responsibility for the personnel and 80,000 police use a sledgehammer to kill bombings, without providing officers, both substantial a fly." evidence. forces for a country of just 22 million. Another foreign diplomat Though Sri Lanka has no said he spoke to a senior significant history of violence Despite its size, the military military intelligence official between its Muslim and had become "flabby" and the day before the attacks Christian minorities, some "unfocused", according to warn him of an imminent say the warning signs of a to one Western diplomat. threat. When he asked the changing social dynamic Military personnel with little official if he would raise the were there. to do have been conscripted warning to the top echelons into commercial ventures, of government, he was told Concerns raised about a including whale-watching "not during the holidays". more radical strain of Islam tours for tourists, running hair emerging over the last five salons and tending to farms. "Ten years of peace breeds years went unheeded, civil over-confidence," the society groups and Western Military spokesman Sumith diplomat said. "It's easy to diplomats say. Atapattu said it was wrong focus on the last weeks to suggest that the armed and months, but this attack Hashim Mohamed Zahran, forces had not given was made possible by a the alleged ringleader of the sufficient priority to evidence much longer-term decline Easter Sunday blasts, had of emerging Islamist in the functionality of Sri been flagged to security extremism, but added Lanka's security services and officials as a threat. they could only take action government." when there was evidence of "We had concerns and we criminal activity. The military has also raised them. They were been more focussed on not properly considered," "We have passed the monitoring the country's said Hilmy Ahamed, vice necessary information to Tamil population and president of the Muslim the relevant authorities. But preventing another Council of Sri Lanka, a civil what is the legal background separatist insurgency than society group. the military has to control
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the rift had on security. "Whatever the setbacks, both have shed their differences and are working towards eradicating this menace and bring all the underground activities to a standstill."
An ally of the prime minister, government spokesman and health minister Rathija Senaratne, blamed the president for the rift. "He by-passed ministers as well," he said.
If there was an element of "Tragic Wickremesinghe has lethargy in the Sri Lankan also undermined national state, it has been jolted back Complacency" security. to life. One diplomat said the Zahran, a man in his early defence forces had "reverted 30s who had been preaching Sirisena fired to war mode". an increasingly militant Wickremesinghe last year, brand of Islam, was one of after months of tension, only The streets of Colombo are two attackers who died after to be forced to reinstate him marshalled by hundreds detonating their explosives under pressure from the of soldiers and police, as in the luxury Shangri-La Supreme Court. everyone fears the possibility hotel, intelligence officials of more attacks or a spike in say. Since then their relationship retaliatory sectarian violence. has deteriorated further to Nearly 10,000 soldiers have Ahamed said that in the point where their factions been deployed countrywide. February he warned a actively try to undermine contact in the intelligence each other, including not A gun battle on Friday services of the threat posed sharing security information, between troops and by Zahran. He received a text defence sources say. suspected militants on the message response. "Thank east coast killed 15, including you. Noted," it said. "Inefficiency, mediocrity, Zahran's father and two and infighting within the brothers, in a sign that Sri "There was an overall government contributed to Lanka's security crisis is far environment of last week's attack," said Iqbal from over. complacency. That is the Athas, a defence analyst, tragedy," Ahamed said. adding that vital intelligence- Named Lonely Planet's No. 1 gathering resources had travel destination for 2019, Sri The top civil servant in Sri been diverted in recent Lanka had built a reputation Lanka's defence ministry, years to spy on political over the past decade as a Defence Secretary Hemasiri rivals rather than to monitor stable, relaxed island in a Fernando, resigned extremists. chaotic region. on Thursday, taking responsibility for the attacks Presidential aide Shiral That image has been after Sirisena pinned the Lakthilaka said Sirisena and shattered by Sunday's blame on the security Wickremesinghe's feuding bombs. services. had come to an end. "For 10 years this was a laid- Many Sri Lankans believe "The past is past," Lakthilaka back place," said Costa, as a a deep rift between said in response to a truck of armed soldiers sped Sirisena and Prime Minister question about the impact past. "Not anymore."
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Lone gave a thumbs up and Two Reuters reporters freed said he was grateful for the international efforts to secure in Myanmar after more than their freedom. 500 days in jail "I'm really happy and excited to see my family and my colleagues. I can't wait to go to my newsroom," he said.
Kyaw Soe Oo smiled and waved to reporters.
The two were then driven away by Reuters colleagues and reunited with their wives and children.
Before their arrest in December 2017, they had been working on an investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys by security forces and Buddhist civilians in western Myanmar's Rakhine State during an army crackdown that began in wo Reuters prisoners across the country August 2017. journalists jailed around the time of the
in Myanmar traditional New Year, which The operation sent more after they were began on April 17. than 730,000 Rohingya convicted of fleeing to Bangladesh, breaking the Official Secrets Reuters has said the two T according to U.N. estimates. Act walked free from prison men did not commit any after more than 500 days crime and had called for The report the two men behind bars. their release. authored, featuring
testimony from perpetrators, Wa Lone, 33, and Kyaw Soe Swamped by media and witnesses and families of the Oo, 29, had been convicted well-wishers as they walked victims, was awarded the in September and sentenced through the gates of Insein Pulitzer Prize for international to seven years in jail in a case Prison, on the outskirts reporting in May, adding that raised questions about of Yangon, a grinning Wa to a number of accolades Myanmar's progress towards received by the pair for their democracy and sparked an journalism. outcry from diplomats and human rights advocates. The Government spokesman reporters' wives Zaw Htay said the decision They were released under wrote a letter to the to release the two was made a presidential amnesty for government in April pleading for a pardon, after the families wrote to 6,520 prisoners. President not, they said, because their government leader Aung Win Myint has pardoned husbands had done anything San Suu Kyi. thousands of other prisoners wrong, but because it would allow them to be released in mass amnesties since last "We took the letters into month. from prison and reunited with their consideration and released families. them in the interest of the It is customary in Myanmar country," Zaw Htay told for authorities to free reporters.
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appeal in January.
The reporters' wives wrote a letter to the government in April pleading for a pardon, not, they said, because their husbands had done anything wrong, but because it would allow them to be released from prison and reunited with their families.
The Reuters journalists were released at the prison to representatives of Reuters and to Lord Ara Darzi, a British surgeon and health care expert who has served as a member of an advisory group to Myanmar government on reforms in Rakhine State.
"This outcome shows that dialogue works, even in the most difficult of circumstances, Darzi said in a statement.
Darzi said discussions about the pardon for Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo had involved the Myanmar government, Reuters, the United Nations and representatives of other governments.
Reuters Editor-in-Chief release as a sign of the He said the government, Stephen J. Adler welcomed government's commitment led by Nobel laureate Suu the news. to the transition to Kyi, could only consider democracy. releasing the pair after the "We are enormously pleased Supreme Court had rejected that Myanmar has released The U.S. Embassy also their final appeal. our courageous reporters, welcomed the release and Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo. said it was glad the two "I'm very grateful to the Since their arrests 511 days could return to their families. president, the state ago, they have become counsellor (Suu Kyi) and also symbols of the importance the cabinet, for making that of press freedom around the 'Dialogue Works' happen." world. We welcome their return, Adler said. Myanmar's Supreme Court Darzi has been a member of had rejected the journalists' an advisory commission that U.N. Secretary-General final appeal in April. They was formed in 2016 to see Antonio Guterres was had petitioned the top court, through the advice from a relieved to learn of the citing evidence of a police panel headed by former U.N. release, a spokesman set-up and lack of proof of a chief Kofi Annan on solving said. The United Nations crime, after the Yangon High the long-running conflict in in Myanmar said it saw the Court dismissed an earlier Rakhine.
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nationalisation seriously.
Thames Water, for instance, added a clause to its bonds to ensure holders are repaid immediately should it be nationalised.
Bankers say this reflects demand for extra protection as investors grow more wary about British utilities.
While references to nationalisation as a default event for utility companies are not new, several lawyers said they are seeing a surge in company inquiries about inserting such clauses, as well as an increase in investment firms seeking advice. Corbyn-proof? British water, Reuters reported last year power firms take nationalisation that many foreign pension and investment funds were opting to shift their stakes precautions in UK utilities to jurisdictions such as Hong Kong, where bilateral treaties protect against asset expropriation. Lawyers said this process ritish water supporters say consumers was continuing. and power get a better deal, critics firms are argue that there is no place "Your biggest fear as a bond trying to for profit in public services. investor is if your bond gets soothe nerves nationalised for less than Bover nationalisation in Now, with Labour gaining market value," Dan Neidle, the event of a Labour in the polls and a general partner at Clifford Chance, government, although some election seen as more likely said. fund managers and lawyers following a delay to Britain's doubt so-called Corbyn- European Union departure, "Labour have said they proofing will work. companies and investors will honour the debts of are taking the possibility of nationalised businesses, Jeremy Corbyn, the but a large number of opposition leader, has said investors and infrastructure the state would take control businesses remain of Britain's water, electricity, concerned. The discussions gas and railway operators, as we are having are increasing well as Royal Mail and Royal over time," Neidle added, Bank of Scotland if Labour without giving any names. wins power. The privatisation of utilities, Some companies began which began in the 1980s seeing higher borrowing under Margaret Thatcher's costs last year and a Conservatives, has been London-based capital a divisive issue. While markets banker highlighted
30 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD DOMESTIC the case of Western Power percent in the nine months Distribution, which was after Labour outlined its unable to tighten the pricing plans in May 2017. on a 350 million pound bond "Historically the UK in October. has been viewed as a bit "The nationalisation debate of a golden child in terms has taken something like "We have seen some foreign of enforceability of UK 10-15 percent off the share investors hold their hands up law and how the UK law prices," Freshney said. "At the and say we are not looking at is valued ... it would very moment there is probably a UK infrastructure," the banker much undermine that." 5-7.5 percent discount in the said. "There were a lot of shares." questions about Corbyn on the roadshow." Any Corbyn discount is most visible in bonds issued in a holding company structure Impossible Task? often used by utilities to they are no longer a safe bet. raise debt. But can investors really insure against Another factor which may These "holdcos" are nationalisation? make Labour think twice unsecured, lack operating about a wide nationalisation licenses and assets and their Some say a Labour plan is the expense. bonds, such as those issued government could simply by Western, rank lower than change the law to annul SP Global puts the cost of the operating companies, a Thames Water-type taking the water and power known as "opcos". provision and swap any cash sectors back into state hands due for government-issued at some 160 billion pounds Jonathan Constable, an gilts. ($210 billion), based on the analyst at Legal & regulated asset value of the General Investment "It is probably impossible to companies. Management, estimates that 'Corbyn-proof' a corporate's UK-regulated opco debt debt in this way," one capital A Labour party is in the region of 70-100 markets lawyer said. spokesperson said: "The billion pounds, and holdco benefits of taking water debt -- the most vulnerable Harry Richards, who co- into public ownership are category -- equates to just 5 manages Jupiter Asset clear: ending rip-off prices percent of that. Management's Corporate and excessive dividends Bond Fund, said that for private companies and "We have a preference for whatever it may say before investing in the long-term opco debt, which is safer an election, a Labour future of our economy." in a nationalisation event, government may ultimately it could be viewed as a not want to risk undermining government proxy in event business confidence with a Corbyn Discount? of a nationalisation, in which change to the law. case the price could go up," While it is difficult to Jupiter's Richards said. "Historically the UK has disentangle the Corbyn been viewed as a bit of a effect on share and debt This dichotomy is visible in golden child in terms of prices from the impact bonds from Anglian Water enforceability of UK law and of Brexit or regulatory and its holdco Osprey how the UK law is valued ... it squeezes, analysts say it Finance. Similarly, Kelda would very much undermine is definitely there among Finance has seen its bonds that." utilities, which comprise underperform that of its around a fifth of the UK opco Yorkshire Water. Nevertheless Richards corporate bond market. went underweight in British "It's largely down to people utilities midway through Credit Suisse strategist Mark refusing to invest as long as last year, arguing that Freshney noted shares in the nationalisation overhang nationalisation risk means utilities fell by around 35 is there," said Constable.
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Trump tax returns from 1985 to 1994 show $1 billion in losses
.S. President apartment buildings, lost and negotiating skills on the Donald Trump's $1.17 billion, according to the campaign trail. businesses lost newspaper. a total of more Trump broke with a than $1 billion The White House did not decades-old precedent by Ufrom 1985 to 1994 which immediately respond to a refusing to release his tax said it obtained printouts request for comment. returns as a presidential from Trump's official Internal candidate in 2016 or since Revenue Service tax The Times quoted a lawyer being elected, saying he transcripts. for the president, Charles could not do so while his Harder, as saying the tax taxes were being audited. The newspaper said Trump information was "highly posted losses in excess of inaccurate." U.S. Treasury Secretary $250 million in both 1990 Steven Mnuchin refused a and 1991, which appeared request by the Democratic to be more than double any chairman of the House other individual U.S. taxpayer of Representatives Ways in an annual IRS sampling of and Means Committee for high-income earners. Trump's tax returns.
Trump lost so much money Democrats want Trump's that he was able to avoid tax data as part of their paying income taxes for investigations of possible eight of the 10 years, the conflicts of interest posed Times said. Trump, a real estate magnate by his continued ownership who turned over the running of extensive business Over the 10 years, Trump's of his businesses to his sons interests, even as he serves core businesses, including after his election in 2016, as president. casinos, hotels and touted his business acumen
32 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD BUSINESS
esports streams, do not Big brands dive into esports to watch television on a weekly basis, according to Nielsen, court youth market: Nielsen making traditional forms of marketing a challenge.
Reaching out through esports does seem to work, since 90 percent of Twitch's esports viewers can name at least one non-endemic sponsor, Nielsen found.
Brands seen as authentically interested in the space fare better than those that just slap their logo on a jersey, advertising and esports experts say.
PepsiCo's Doritos, for instance, sponsored a "Doritos Bowl" hosted by Twitch for a Call of Duty battle royale tournament between top streamers. rom snack and other gear, for instance. companies to Fans watched nearly 550,000 carmakers, a The list of non-endemic combined hours of that wide range of brands in the sector and tournament, Nielsen said. brands is trying already includes State Farm, Fto reach one of the hottest Disney, Spotify, Toyota, When 20th Century Fox demographic groups around: Mastercard, Cheez-It, wanted to promote the esports fans. Hershey, Chipotle, Sephora digital release of its movie , Wendy's and Head & "Deadpool 2 Super Duper Those brands are finding Shoulders, and is getting Cut," it turned to the gaming their footing with 39 percent longer. advertising and talent of brand exposure in agency Ader. esports' competitive video Viewership of esports - when game broadcasts coming fans watch in person or Ader partnered with top from non-gaming related online as professional video Fortnite influencer DrLupo companies in 2018, Nielsen game players compete - is and also created new said in a report. expanding. custom designed Deadpool "emotes" - essentially emoji "Over all forms of The bulk of fans are typically characters - that viewers use entertainment, their biggest between 18 and 35 years old, in Twitch chat windows. passion is video games," referred to in the Nielsen Nicole Pike, Managing report by esports sponsor An influx of non-endemic Director of Nielsen Esports, Doritos as "emerging adults." brands also adds credibility said of enthusiasts of to the evolving esports professional video gaming. They have more disposable ecoystem, said Chad De income than other sports Luca, head of gaming and Such companies are called fans and many have cut the esports at Publicis Sport "non-endemic" since they cord to traditional media. Entertainment. are not as naturally aligned with esports as those In fact, 61 percent of esports "It is a mark of approval from that manufacture gaming viewers on Twitch, a main a blue-chip company," he computers, consoles, chairs platform for watching said.
facebook.com/britishherald May-June 2019 33 BRITISH HERALD BUSINESS Exclusive: Behind Airbnb's bet on show business to hook travelers
for Apple Inc's upcoming streaming service: "Home," a docuseries featuring unique abodes around the world and the people behind them. One executive producer of the show is Joe Poulin, a company vice president who ran Luxury Retreats when Airbnb acquired the booking site in 2017.
Airbnb announced it had developed and produced the documentary "Gay Chorus Deep South," which follows the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus on a tour across the Southeastern United States, and will premiere at the Tribeca Film ollywood has the people said, arguing that Festival next week. Airbnb a new suitor creative content is important told Reuters it provided in Silicon for Airbnb's brand even if the funding for the project. Valley. business case is not always
clear. In an interview, Airbnb's top Airbnb Inc, the high-flying H policy and communications startup for booking home "Brian wants to create a executive, Chris Lehane, said rentals around the world, studio," one of the people the company is considering has ambitions to develop said. The mentality: "Let's streaming films and shows a slate of original shows to do shows. Let's do films, through its app as well whet customers' appetite for because we want to be as through other video travel. travel-everything." platforms.
The strategy, previously Chesky, who co-founded the "We're very much in the unreported, is crucial for company, "likes big splashy phase here," said Lehane. "It's the company, which is things," another person said. not just limited to video. It privately valued at $31 could be audible. It could be billion and is gearing up for For at least three years, physical." an initial public offering of Airbnb has batted around stock expected next year. ideas for creating or "The more we put content Airbnb must distinguish licensing mini-series and out there, the more you're itself from Booking.com, documentaries about travel, going to bring people to the Expedia and others in the and shows featuring Airbnb platform," he said. fiercely competitive and homes, guests and hosts, consolidating travel industry, one of the people said. It Original shows could also where apartment-renting has discussed working with entice customers even services are increasingly studios as well as starting its before they have decided common. own. where to go on vacation
and demystify Airbnb for Chief Executive Brian Chesky The company has worked travelers, including Wall is driving the idea, three of on a television show slated
34 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD BUSINESS
Films and streaming content would mark the next iteration of a business that has steadily expanded to get customers to use its app for more parts of their travel experience. Airbnb added restaurant reservations and said it would branch into transportation services, so customers remain in its orbit long after they have picked a place to stay.
The company even explored building its own flight-booking feature and acquiring travel fare aggregator Skyscanner before retreating from that idea, said another person with knowledge of the matter.
A key player in the video Street investors, who have Amazon.com Inc and even effort is Kim Kingsley, co- stuck to familiar hotel chains. Walmart Inc. The big-box founder of news site Politico. retailer had said it will Kingsley joined Airbnb last partner with U.S. movie summer and is in charge of TECH INDUSTRY studio Metro-Goldwyn- the firm's content strategy, Mayer to make content for its according to her LinkedIn PLAYBOOK video-on-demand service, profile. Meanwhile, Airbnb's Airbnb has yet to cement Vudu. magazine lead, Ben Kasman, all the details related to its has helped grow the timeline, program financing Such bets are expensive, but publication to more than a or even lineup. Its work so far often justified by executives million readers. has ranged from the Tribeca for their marketing value. Even by technology startups' documentary to a YouTube Airbnb said its network of standards, Airbnb is not show about travel trends half a billion travelers is afraid to spend large sums and other video marketing drawing partners who wish on marketing. It hired Ready efforts. to produce and finance State, a high-end agency content for the company. in San Francisco, whose Offering original content employees flew to Europe and other media is an Airbnb's original magazine to create videos for Airbnb. increasingly popular strategy remains central to this The firm was also hired in Silicon Valley, where effort. Published by media to promote tours sold on technology companies conglomerate Hearst Airbnb's website, known as are desperate for deeper since May 2017, the Airbnb "Experiences," even though relationships with internet Magazine will be a jumping many of those are cheap. users and their lucrative off point for other content data. that the company develops. "It's all part of the efforts It is the darling of CEO to broaden the base," said Apple last month unveiled Chesky, something the one person close to the a TV streaming service billionaire founder hopes company, "to make what and joined a long list of will become a collector's they do more mainstream." companies attracted to item like old print editions of Hollywood's glitter, including "Rolling Stone," Lehane said.
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work. At the same time, employees that stay with the Amazon rolls out company can be trained to take up more technical roles. machines that pack The new machines, known as the CartonWrap from orders and replace jobs Italian firm CMC Srl, pack much faster than humans. They crank out 600 to 700 mazon.com Inc Amazon is famous for its boxes per hour, or four to five is rolling out drive to automate as many times the rate of a human machines to parts of its business as packer, the sources said. automate a job possible, whether pricing The machines require one held by thousands goods or transporting items person to load customer Aof its workers: boxing up in its warehouses. But the orders, another to stock customer orders. company is in a precarious cardboard and glue and position as it considers a technician to fix jams on The company started adding replacing jobs that have occasion. technology to a handful of won it subsidies and public warehouses in recent years goodwill. that scans goods coming CMC declined to down a conveyor belt and "We are piloting this new comment. envelops them seconds later technology with the goal of in boxes custom-built for increasing safety, speeding Though Amazon has each item, two people who up delivery times and announced it intends to worked on the project told adding efficiency across speed up shipping across its Reuters. our network," an Amazon Prime loyalty program, this spokeswoman said in a latest round of automation Amazon has considered statement. "We expect the is not focused on speed. "It's installing two machines at efficiency savings will be re- truly about efficiency and dozens more warehouses, invested in new services for savings," one of the people removing at least 24 roles customers, where new jobs said. at each one, these people will continue to be created." said. These facilities typically Including other machines employ more than 2,000 Amazon last month known as the "SmartPac," people. downplayed its automation which the company rolled efforts to press visiting its out recently to mail items That would amount to more Baltimore fulfillment center, in patented envelopes, than 1,300 cuts across 55 saying a fully robotic future Amazon's technology suite U.S. fulfillment centers for was far off. Its employee will be able to automate standard-sized inventory. base has grown to become a majority of its human Amazon would expect to one of the largest in the packers. Five rows of recover the costs in under United States, as the workers at a facility can turn two years, at $1 million per company opened new into two, supplemented by machine plus operational warehouses and raised two CMC machines and one expenses, they said. wages to attract staff in a SmartPac, the person said. tight labor market. The plan, previously The company describes this unreported, shows how A key to its goal of a leaner as an effort to "re-purpose" Amazon is pushing to workforce is attrition, one of workers, the person said. reduce labor and boost the sources said. Rather than profits as automation of the lay off workers, the person It could not be learned most common warehouse said, the world's largest where roles might disappear task picking up an item is online retailer will one day first and what incentives, if still beyond its reach. The refrain from refilling packing any, are tied to those specific changes are not finalized roles. Those have high jobs. because vetting technology turnover because boxing before a major deployment multiple orders per minute But the hiring deals can take a long time. over 10 hours is taxing that Amazon has with governments are often
36 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD BUSINESS generous. For the 1,500 jobs intelligence are improving labor but by reducing Amazon announced last year machines' accuracy, there wasted packing materials as in Alabama, for instance, the is still no guarantee that well. state promised the company robotic hands can prevent a $48.7 million over 10 years, marmalade jar from slipping These machines are not its department of commerce and breaking, or switch without flaws. CMC can only said. seamlessly from picking produce so many per year. up an eraser to grabbing a They need a technician on vacuum cleaner. site who can fix problems Picking Challenge as they arise, a requirement Amazon has tested different Amazon would rather do Amazon is not alone in vendors' technology that it without, the two sources testing CMC's packing may one day use for picking, said. The super-hot glue technology. JD.com Inc and including from Soft Robotics, closing the boxes can pile up Shutterfly Inc have used a Boston-area startup and halt a machine. the machines as well, the that drew inspiration from companies said, as has octopus tentacles to make Still other types of Walmart Inc, according to a grippers more versatile, automation, like the robotic person familiar with its pilot. one person familiar with grocery assembly system of Amazon's experimentation Ocado Group PLC, are the Walmart started focus of much 3.5 years ago industry interest. and has since installed the But the boxing machines in machines are several U.S. already proving locations, the helpful to person said. Amazon. The The company company has declined to installed them in comment. busy warehouses that are driving Interest in boxing distance technology from Seattle, sheds light Frankfurt, Milan, on how the Amsterdam, e-commerce Manchester and behemoths are elsewhere, the approaching people said. one of the major problems in the The machines logistics industry said. Soft Robotics declined have the potential to today: finding a robotic hand to comment on its work automate far more than that can grasp diverse items with Amazon but said it has 24 jobs per facility, one without breaking them. handled a wide and ever- of the sources said. The changing variety of products company is also setting up Amazon employs countless for multiple large retailers. nearly two dozen more U.S. workers at each fulfillment fulfillment centers for small center who do variations of Believing that grasping and non-specialty inventory, this same task. Some stow technology is not ready according to logistics inventory, while others pick for prime time, Amazon is consultancy MWPVL customer orders and still automating around that International, which could be others grab those orders, problem when packing ripe for the machines. placing them in the right size customer orders. Humans box and taping them up. still place items on a This is just a harbinger of conveyor, but machines then automation to come. Many venture-backed build boxes around them companies and university and take care of the sealing "A 'lights out' warehouse is researchers are racing and labeling. This saves ultimately the goal," one of to automate this work. money not just by reducing the people said. While advances in artificial
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and academic organizations. Toyota abandons plan to install U.S DSRC transmissions enable vehicle-to-vehicle and connected vehicle tech by 2021 vehicle-to-infrastructure communications and broadcast precise vehicle oyota Motor information up to 10 times Corp said per second, including on Friday it location, speed and was halting acceleration. plans to install Dedicated Short-Range NHTSA has estimated T that connected vehicles Communications technology on U.S. vehicles aimed technologies could eliminate at letting cars and trucks The cellular option has or reduce the severity of up communicate with one issues, including problems to 80 percent of crashes not another to avoid collisions. with interoperability, and is involving impaired drivers. not mature enough to be Automakers have been deployed in the 5.9 GHz General Motors Co backs divided over whether to band, they say. DSRC and has installed proceed with the DSRC the technology on a small system or use a 4G- or Toyota said Friday's decision number of Cadillac CTS 5G-based system in the was based on "a range of sedans it has sold since 2017. United States. Toyota's factors, including the need announcement is a major for greater automotive In December 2016, blow to advocates of DSRC. industry commitment as the Department of well as federal government Transportation proposed The Japanese automaker support to preserve the to mandate DSRC in all announced plans in April 5.9 GHz spectrum band for new vehicles. The Trump 2018 to begin the installation DSRC." administration has not acted of DSRC technology in 2021 on the proposal. "with the goal of adoption The chance that the band across most of its lineup by could be subjected to Last year, the acting head the mid-2020s." "harmful interference from of the U.S. National Highway unlicensed operations... Traffic Safety Administration, On Friday, it said in a letter to creates a substantial and Heidi King, said the agency's the Federal Communications arguably insurmountable "past research has centered Commission (FCC) that risk," the company said. around DSRC because that "unfortunately we have not was the only technology seen significant production It said that it would available." commitments from other "continue to re-evaluate the automakers." deployment environment" The NHTSA was "exploring and said it is still a strong other technologies" including Automakers were allocated backer of DSRC "because we cellular-based services a section of spectrum for believe it is the only proven being pursued by Ford Motor DSRC in the 5.9 GHz band and available technology Co, she said. in 1999 but it has essentially for collision avoidance gone unused. Some FCC communication." Ford said in January it and cable company officials planned to deploy cellular want to reallocate the Toyota's announcement vehicle-to-everything spectrum for WiFi and other means it is "imperative technology, or C-V2X , in all uses. Testing has gone on for that the FCC provide clear new U.S. vehicle models years to see if the band can guidance and certainty to beginning in 2022. be shared. the private sector companies and road operators that The Transportation DSRC supporters note are trying to create a safer Department plans a meeting the U.S. Transportation environment," said the on Monday with automakers Department has invested Intelligent Transportation and state transportation over $700 million in the Society of American, a group officials about connected system's development. representing public, private vehicle efforts, officials said.
38 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD BUSINESS
to consumers. But by 2017, Walmart Brasil to ditch the retailer discontinued direct sales, focusing only on running as a marketplace for e-commerce, focus on brick third-party sellers, which it had launched in 2015. and mortar Walmart never disclosed how much online sales contributed to its top line in Brazil.
In mid-2018, buyout firm Advent International acquired an 80% stake in the Brazilian operation, unfolding a broad revamp.
By then, the e-commerce division was already in decline. As part of the decision to exit e-commerce, the company laid off 70 of its 90 employees working for the marketplace platform, with the remaining 20 fully dedicated to manage ongoing orders.
Walmart's decision could be a boom for its competitors. almart The move is likely to Brasil open room to local and "Walmart's (e-commerce) will close international retailers operation has been down its currently focused on shrinking for a while now, exploring still incipient but we are prepared to e-commerce operation in e-commerce in Brazil. direct their consumer W traffic to Carrefour", Chief Latin America's biggest retail market to focus on Walmart's decision caps Executive Officer of Carrefour brick and mortar locations, years of efforts that never eBusiness Brasil, Paula converting underperforming really took off. It precedes Cardoso, told journalists in hypermarkets into wholesale the long-awaited launch of a call to discuss quarterly stores. Amazon's fulfillment center, results. which will enable it to sell Wholesale has become directly to consumers in In a separate statement, increasingly popular in Brazil Brazil. Walmart Brasil said as the country slowly exits it plans to convert from a harsh recession. Part of Walmart's struggles, 10 underperforming had to do with tough hypermarkets into wholesale "The company is working competition from local stores Maxxi Atacado by the in a new omnichannel players in the e-commerce end of 2020. The first one strategy which will be segment, including B2W, Via was opened on May 9 in the later announced", Walmart Varejo and Magazine Luiza city of Diadema, near Sao Brasil said in a statement, SA. Paulo. without giving details. News of the decision was first Walmart launched an Another 10 hypermarkets reported by newspaper Valor e-commerce division in will be converted into Sam's Economico. Brazil in 2011, selling directly Club stores, the company said.
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U.S. adds another China e-commerce site to 'notorious' IP blacklist
that additional actions using Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 were possible. The United States has levied tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods under the act.
Of Pinduoduo.com, USTR said in the report: "Many of (the site's) price-conscious shoppers are reportedly aware of the proliferation of counterfeit products on pinduoduo.com but are nevertheless attracted to the low-priced goods on the platform."
In response to the report, a Pinduoduo spokeswoman he United States "notorious markets" comes called counterfeit goods "an added China's as the United States and industry-wide problem" and third-largest China are embroiled in said it would work with trade e-commerce negotiations to end a tit-for- associations, brand rights platform to its tat tariff battle that has roiled holders and regulators to Tlist of "notorious markets" supply chains and cost both help clean up its site. for violations of intellectual countries billions of dollars. property rights and kept "To ensure a world-class China on its priority watch list China's inclusion on the list shopping experience for piracy and counterfeiting "reflects the urgent need for our consumers, we concerns. to remediate a range of have introduced one of intellectual property-related the strictest penalties for The U.S. Trade concerns," a USTR official counterfeit merchants Representative's Office told reporters on a call to in our industry in China, placed Pinduoduo.com, discuss the report. collaborated closely with law which USTR described as enforcement and employed third largest by number He noted longstanding technologies to proactively of users, on its blacklist of concerns that have been take down suspicious commercial marketplaces voiced by the Trump products," the spokeswoman that fail to curb the sale administration in the trade said in a statement. of counterfeit products. It talks, including "coercive" also kept Alibaba Group's technology transfer While Alibaba has taken taobao.com, China's largest requirements, widespread steps to address counterfeit e-commerce platform, on copyright infringement products offered and sold the list. and "rampant" piracy and on the Taobao marketplace, counterfeiting. companies continue to see USTR's annual review of widespread infringement, The official declined to trading partners' protection USTR said. discuss how the talks with of intellectual properties China were going, but said rights and so-called A spokesperson for Alibaba
40 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD BUSINESS said the company disagreed Russia and India. watch list, however. Tajikistan with USTR's decision to was removed from the list keep it on the list, adding In addition, USTR raised due to "concrete steps" the company's practices are Saudi Arabia to include it to improve its intellectual considered "best-in-class" by among 11 countries on the property regime, the agency industry members. priority list. The bump-up said. in Saudi Arabia's status as a "In fact, zero industry concern was in part due to USTR also called out free associations called for our an illicit service for pirated trade zones as places inclusion in the report this content called BeoutQ, the where counterfeiting can year. We will continue to report said. be rampant. In thousands wage this fight against of such zones across 130 counterfeiters," Brion Tingler, Despite "extensive economies, including in head of external affairs, said engagement" in Saudi Arabia Hong Kong, Dubai and in an emailed statement. by both U.S. government Singapore, manufacturers and private stakeholders, and logistics companies are treatment of intellectual subject to different customs ADDITIONAL property rights "continued to regulations and duties than deteriorate," USTR said. they are elsewhere, it said. ENGAGEMENT A total of 36 countries Canada was removed The more "barrier-free" were on this year's overall as a priority because of environment can draw illegal watch list of trade partners commitments made in activity like the trade and warranting additional the U.S.-Canada-Mexico manufacture of counterfeit bilateral engagement over trade pact agreed in 2018. and pirated goods without these issues, including It remained on the overall proper oversight, USTR said.
Didi-SoftBank taxi- hailing JV expands to 13 cities across Japan idi Mobility Japan, a and Kyoto, with a further 10 joint venture (JV) by locations to follow in the DChina's Didi Chuxing current financial year. and SoftBank Corp, said it would expand its taxi-hailing Despite SoftBank's service to 13 cities across oversized presence in Japan. the global ride-hailing Other startups doing so industry, such services are are shared co-working firm The app was first rolled effectively banned in Japan, WeWork Cos and Indian out in September in Osaka, leaving SoftBank portfolio hotel startup OYO. a popular destination for companies like Didi and Chinese tourists, where it Uber limited to offering As part of SoftBank's efforts has tied up with 40 taxi firms services that match taxis to drive synergies between in an increasingly crowded with customers. its portfolio companies users market for such apps that will be able to access the includes rivals backed by Didi is among a growing taxi-hailing service through Sony Corp and Toyota Motor number of SoftBank Group Yahoo Japan's route-finding Corp. Corp-backed companies app and pay via PayPay, launching JVs with an app that uses tech from It is expanding into Tokyo SoftBank's domestic telco. India's Paytm.
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Tesco says new accounting standard would have increased 2018-19 operating profit
leases, for its new 2019-20 and only part-replaced by financial year. It is adopting depreciation, while group the standard retrospectively. operating margin increases by 63 basis points to 4.08 The new standard seeks percent. to align the presentation of leased assets more closely Pretax profit and diluted to owned assets. It has no earnings per share both impact on how the business decrease, by 152 million is run and no bearing on the pounds and 1.39 pence esco, Britain's biggest plans or financial ambitions respectively, reflecting a retailer, said a new Tesco detailed in October combination of depreciation Taccounting standard 2016. and interest being higher related to the treatment of than the rent they replace. leases would have increased Tesco published its 2018-19 its operating profit and results on April 10. Tesco said the first accounts margin in the last financial prepared under IFRS 16 year, while decreasing pretax If these results had been will be the 2019-20 interim profit and earnings per share. adopted under IFRS 16 the results, published in October group's operating profit 2019, followed by the Tesco is introducing IFRS 16, increases by 401 million 2019-20 preliminary results, the new financial reporting pounds to 2.607 billion published in April 2020. standard on accounting for pounds as rent is removed
Euro zone bank lending slowed in March: ECB
Corporate lending growth the ECB said it would slowed to 3.5 percent in give lenders a new line of March from 3.8 percent ultra cheap loans with the in February, well below ultimate aim of getting cash its post-crisis peak of 4.3 to firms so they continue to percent hit in September. invest.
With economic growth Credit growth to households slowing sharply on meanwhile slowed to 3.2 weak export demand for percent in March from 3.3 manufactured goods, the percent a month earlier, the ECB has already put plans ECB data showed. to normalise policy on hold, announcing instead Still, the annual growth further stimulus measures rate of the M3 measure of orporate and household lending to aid bank lending and money supply, which often growth in the euro zone slowed prop up a still limping foreshadows future activity, Clast month, European Central economy. unexpectedly rose to 4.5 Bank data showed on Monday, a percent from 4.3 percent potential sign that banks are restricting Fearing that banks will a month earlier, beating credit amid the bloc's economic shut the flow of credit to gloomier forecasts for 4.2 slowdown. firms amid a slowdown, percent.
42 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD BUSINESS
Bosch signs pact with Sweden's Powercell to mass produce fuel cells
erman auto supplier contains as much energy Bosch said it had as about three liters of Greached a licensing diesel, Bosch said, adding agreement with Powercell that hydrogen fuel cells will Sweden AB to jointly mass power around 20 percent of produce hydrogen fuel cells electric vehicles by 2030. for electrifying heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Under the agreement, Bosch and Powercell will work European Union rules call Hydrogen fuel cells take less jointly to develop a polymer- for trucks to cut carbon time to refuel than electric electrolyte membrane (PEM) dioxide (CO2) emissions car batteries, making them fuel cell for mass production, by 15 percent by 2025, and more suitable for use in Bosch said. 30 percent by 2030 which vehicles that need to stay will force the industry to on the road for prolonged Bosch said it had made an adopt hybrid and electric periods of time. investment of mid-double- powertrains. digit million euros in the One liter of hydrogen agreement with Powercell.
Google plans new browser tools on privacy, ad transparency
lphabet Inc unit The tool would enable to websites, Google said. Google in the coming users of Google's Chrome It added that it also would Amonths plans to browser to delete cookies, restrict some possible introduce new internet which are virtual tracking methods websites may use browser tools to limit how chips that some companies to circumvent the new tool. users' web activity is tracked by advertising A separate add-on, companies and give which will work in them greater insight multiple browsers, into why certain ads will list the companies are shown to them, the involved in delivering company announced in an ad to a user, blog posts. including intermediaries between the advertiser "Our experience shows and publisher, Google that people prefer ads said. that are personalized to their needs and Google announced interests - but only several other new if those ads offer privacy controls and transparency, choice policies at its annual and control," Prabhakar developers' conference, Raghavan, Google's use to document browsing at a time when increased senior vice president for ads behavior, without having public scrutiny is forcing and commerce, said in one to also remove cookies greater transparency in of the blog posts. that enable easy log-ins Silicon Valley.
facebook.com/britishherald May-June 2019 43 BRITISH HERALD BUSINESS
Winter may be coming, but Dornish wine won't be for much longer
wine that was really from Dorne," Bardet told Reuters at his vineyard in Vignonet, a village south of Saint- Emilion, in the heart of the famed wine-growing region.
"I knew it was important that it should have lots of spice flavours," said Bardet, who hails from a family of winemakers. "It's an intense colour, like dark blood ... It's fruity, strong and full-bodied, yet very drinkable."
Bardet said he'll be happy to comply with HBO's letter. HBO had rather generously said it didn't mind if he sold his existing stock, so long as he didn't keep making the wine. inemaker Imp's Delight" and "Dornish Thibault Wine" -- both deep-red, Representatives of HBO Bardet is full-bodied wines, the former were not immediately such a fan honouring Tyrion Lannister, a reachable for comment. of "Game dedicated drinker. Wof Thrones" that he decided "Game of Thrones" conclude to make a wine as close as No one may have been its blockbuster run on May possible to Dornish, the wine around to dispute whether it 19, 2019, after eight seasons. favoured by the dwindling tasted like real Dornish, but It's attracted a passionate number of Lannisters, Starks, somebody was around to following around the Baratheons and Targaryens dispute his right to make it. world, leading to lucrative the HBO series hasn't killed After he had produced some merchandising and product off yet. 30,000 bottles, Bardet got tie-ins for the creators. a gently worded letter from Dornish wine, of course, is an HBO asking him to stop. Among them is HBO's imaginary product of fictional own licensed "Game of Dorne in the mythical "It's true that I kind of use Thrones" wines, produced continent of Westeros. In the code of their universe," by American winemaker Bob other words, Berdet didn't Bardet said. He'd spent Cabral. have much to go on. But at hours trawling the novels least nobody was around to by George R. R. Martin that Bardet, whose "Imp's Delight" dispute what Dornish tasted inspired "Game of Thrones", has earned 3.7 out of 5 stars like. studying made-up maps of on some wine websites, said the fantasy land where the his dream was to have his He began making his epic takes place, trying to creation tasted by George version in 2016, using Merlot imagine what sort of wine it Martin and ask him, "So grapes from his vineyards in would produce. what do you think? Did you Bordeaux. Through trial and imagine the same?" error, he came up with "The "My goal was to make a
44 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD STOCK EXCHANGE
Travel groups support British stocks; TUI, easyJet top gainers
ritish stocks rose as IAG and London-listed Benckiser RB.L lost strong economic shares of German tour ground with the pound Bdata from the United operator TUI both rose. strengthening as markets States and China boosted awaited the outcome of talks investor confidence, while The world's oldest travel between the government travel companies TUI and group, Thomas Cook, added and the opposition Labour easyJet benefited from rising 2.3 percent on the small-cap party to try to break the demand for holidays beyond index. Brexit deadlock. the European Union. "US GDP has bolstered risk Online supermarket Ocado's The FTSE was fractionally appetite, and the banking shares were down 1.4 higher by 0855 GMT. numbers out of the UK percent, after falling as much The midcaps were 0.3 have been solid thus far, on as 5.4 percent, as it disclosed percent higher, gaining on hopes that growth is looking that an electrical fault the strength in the local better around the globe," caused a blaze at a major currency. IG Markets analyst Chris distribution centre earlier this Beauchamp said. year. Travel groups climbed to the top of the FTSE 100 as Gains on the FTSE 100 were Among midcaps, Ferrexpo British holidaymakers drove spread across financials, jumped 5.7 percent with a demand for destinations industrials and healthcare trader saying that markets further afield given the stocks. focused on the positive contortions over Brexit. comments on the miner's However, export-heavy performance over the EasyJet jumped 2.3 percent, stocks including Diageo, ongoing scrutiny of use of while British Airways owner Unilever and Reckitt funds at a charity partner.
facebook.com/britishherald May-June 2019 45 BRITISH HERALD
46 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD
facebook.com/britishherald May-June 2019 47 BRITISH HERALD MOBILE Chinese brands rule Indian smartphone market with 2/3rds of share: report
hinese brands "Vivo's expanding portfolio Facebook Inc's WhatsApp controlled in the mid-tier range ($100 have further spurred a record 66 to $180) drove its growth demand. percent of Indian along with aggressive Indian "Data consumption is on the smartphone Premier League cricket rise and users are upgrading market in the first quarter, campaign," Counterpoint C their phones faster as led by Xiaomi Corp, a report analysts said. compared to other regions," showed, with volumes rising Counterpoint's Tarun Pathak 20 percent on the back of India is the world's said. popularity for brands like fastest growing market
Vivo, RealMe and Oppo. for smartphones, where "As a result of this, the affordable pricing coupled premium specs are now Xiaomi's India shipments with features like "selfie" diffusing faster into the fell by 2 percent over last cameras and big screens mid-tier price brands. year, but the Beijing-based have popularized Chinese We estimate this trend company was still the brands. to continue leading to biggest smartphone brand a competitive mid-tier in the country, followed by Video streaming services segment in coming quarters." Samsung Electronics Co like Netflix Inc and Hotstar, Ltd, according to Hong- as well as heavy usage Kong based Counterpoint of messaging apps like Research.
Shipment volumes for Vivo jumped 119 percent, while those of Oppo rose 28 percent.
48 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD MOBILE
the mid-price range Google launches $399 Pixel phone, smartphone, which had been rumored for weeks, makes more U.S. carriers will sell it Google a more serious contender in the industry.
lphabet Inc's devices currently work on Earlier Pixel devices have Google launched T-Mobile, Sprint and U.S. drawn strong user reviews more affordable Cellular networks, those U.S. for camera features and versions of its wireless carriers will also artificial intelligence Pixel smartphone begin to sell the phones, capabilities that beat those Aat about half the price of along with Verizon. in phones from Samsung its current models, and and other manufacturers dropped an exclusive "It was the right time" for the using Google's Android U.S. distribution deal with expansion, Mario Queiroz, mobile operating system. Verizon Communications the Google vice president Inc, signaling a major shift overseeing Pixel, told But Android partners have in the tech giant's hardware Reuters. "Getting into the seen little threat as demand strategy. market initially, it was better slowed for phones priced to do it in a focused way, but above $500. Google last Since hitting the market we've got to the point where three years ago, the Pixel has month reported fewer first- we're ready to do it more quarter Pixel sales than a been a slow seller compared broadly." to phones from Apple Inc year ago due to increased competition and decreased and Samsung Electronics Google had discussions Co. Those companies spend demand in the high-end with AT&T, another major market. far more than Google on U.S. carrier, but could not advertising, offer options at overcome some differences, "Up until now, Pixel was more multiple prices and ensure according to people familiar wide distribution. like a hobby than an actual with the matter. But Google business," said Ben Wood, and AT&T continue to Google is now moving to chief of research at market discuss the possibility of research firm CCS Insight. close the gap. The new Pixel stocking smartphones in the 3a is priced as low $399, future, one of the people The Pixel 3a and its 0.4-inch compared with $799 for last said. year's Pixel 3. The cheaper larger cousin, Pixel 3a XL, which starts at $479, could version will have one front Google's Queiroz declined camera instead of two and upset Android partners, to comment on talks with analysts said. no wireless charging option, partners. Google said. The phone "It's like walking a tightrope," will sell in the same 13 He said advertising for countries as the Pixel said Wayne Lam, an analyst the Pixel 3a would be a with IHS Markit. "You don't 3. continuation of campaigns want to upset your licensees for the Pixel 3. but you have to go where And while Pixel the money is." The Pixel 3a was unveiled on the Queiroz, the Google VP, main stage at declined to comment on Google I/O, profit margins for the new Google's annual models, which will keep conference for features like a headphone its thousands jack that are obsolete in of industry higher-priced smartphones. partners and its showcase "It’s not the absolutely for new bleeding edge technology," products. he said. "Our bet is that our software capabilities are Technology better than our competitors." analysts said
facebook.com/britishherald May-June 2019 49 BRITISH HERALD SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook users care less about privacy than regulators
acebook Inc is on both sides of the Atlantic. of fending off outright preparing for a That included a U.S. Federal regulation would spiral. record-setting Trade Commission (FTC) fine from U.S. investigation into whether But Facebook is now worth regulators over Facebook violated a 2011 $40 billion more than it was Fprivacy issues, but Wall agreement over user privacy. right before the scandal Street shrugged at the erupted. Shares surged looming penalty after the Some companies pulled 6 percent, the day after company added users and their ads off the social it disclosed a $3 billion trounced profit expectations network and users tweeted litigation accrual in quarterly for the first quarter. #DeleteFacebook as they earnings that otherwise beat shut down their accounts. estimates. It has been just over a year And investors knocked since Facebook's improper nearly $70 billion off "With each fresh scandal, data sharing with political Facebook's market value commentators and consultancy Cambridge in less than a month as politicians demand vague Analytica launched probes executives admitted costs action and declare the end is
50 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD SOCIAL MEDIA nigh," said Ben Marder, senior Facebook is still a major it to change its business lecturer in marketing at the partner in that regard," practices, privacy experts University of Edinburgh eMarketer analyst Debra Aho said. The FTC might require Business School. Williamson said. Facebook to collect less of the user data that it needs "All this just solidifies Facebook is also a global to target advertisements, for Facebook as a shining and diversified company. example. example of 'whatever Its U.S. users have held doesn't kill you makes you relatively steady in recent David Vladeck, director stronger'. Figures show its quarters, but overseas of the FTC's Bureau of users are generally happier markets fuel growth. Consumer Protection at the now, following alterations to time of the 2011 consent the algorithm to give them The company has said its agreement, said Facebook more meaningful content. Instagram app now has more should be required to make than a billion users, versus sure its users agree to any Facebook's namesake app Facebook's 2.38 billion. There data collection by third logged an 8 percent rise in are also an estimated billion parties. users from the first quarter people on Whatsapp and last year. The company Facebook Messenger. Having less data could raised its 2019 expense knock two percent off overall forecast, but the financial One analyst characterized revenue since Facebook penalty itself prompted few Facebook as a Swiss army would know less about its concerns. knife with ad products that users and advertisers would can now meet almost any pay less, Gene Munster of There were some worries advertising need. Industry Loup Ventures estimated. from analysts about changes estimates show only 25 Facebook had $55.8 billion in the FTC could potentially percent to 30 percent of revenue last year force as part of a settlement, global advertising has however, and how new migrated online The company has set requirements might hurt ad aside $3 billion to cover targeting and revenue. "Along with Google, we a settlement with U.S. expect Facebook to be regulators and warned Facebook founder and Chief a primary beneficiary of that could rise to $5 billion. Executive Mark Zuckerberg about $600 billion global That would be largest civil in March said he was open advertising industry's secular penalty ever paid to the FTC. to government oversight of shift from offline to online," social media, and in a blog Baird Equity analysts said. Facebook generated more post said Facebook's future than $5 billion in free cash is in private messaging. The in the quarter and ended company is also working FTC REMEDIES? with $45 billion in cash. on a WhatsApp-based Revenue in the first quarter payments system. Of course, regulatory rose around to $15.1 billion, risks remain and more growing by roughly the size Analysts appear to buy into bad headlines could turn of the accrual. Facebook's vision, though off users, analysts said. it has not articulated how Facebook has also grappled it will adapt its ad model. with scrutiny over how the In the meantime, they said platform was being used advertisers will still be drawn to promote extremism and by its massive user base. spread misinformation.
"While marketers may say There are also worries that privately that they do worry revenue from targeted ads about Facebook's problems could slow. with fake news, election meddling, privacy and more, A settlement with the FTC they worry more about their could include remedies own financial health, and for the company that force
facebook.com/britishherald May-June 2019 51 BRITISH HERALD TECH BUZZ
the game's co-founder Sergey Beskrestnov. "They message us saying: 'You have cool texture, you have good graphics, your designer is good, well done. You have a cool operating system.'
"People then reply: 'It is not an operating system, it is real,' and the player can't believe it is real," said Beskrestnov, speaking mid-game from Prypyat city square as he towers over surrounding five-storey buildings.
Kiev-born Beskrestnov was just 12 years old when on April 26, 1986 a botched test at the nuclear plant in the then Soviet Union sent clouds of smouldering nuclear material across large swathes of Europe, Chernobyl comes back forced over 50,000 people, including Beskrestnov's to life in Ukrainian family, to evacuate and poisoned unknown numbers computer game of workers involved in its clean-up.
Beskrestnov and his partner Ukrainian While the game takes its Alexey Fateyev used Google computer theme from the nuclear maps and hundreds of game that disaster at Chernobyl in pictures from the Chernobyl brings to northern Ukraine, which area to recreate Prypyat life a town marked its 33rd anniversary, landmarks, including Aabandoned after the it was also inspired by the residential buildings, a hotel, Chernobyl nuclear disaster 2009 science fiction film concert hall, amusement may not sound like "Avatar". park and a stadium. everyone's idea of fun but has attracted 60,000 people Newcomers to the game The game's real-scale model globally since its launch in think they have entered a occupies a 180 square metre October. virtual world when in fact (1,938 sq. ft) basement of a they are controlling a real residential building in the Players of "Isotopium: robot, equipped with a Ukraine city of Brovary, just Chernobyl" drive tanks camera and computer, which 150 km (93 miles) from the around the ghost town of makes its way around a Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Prypyat near Chernobyl, model of the town rendered and 30 km east of Kiev. knocking out competitors down to the tiniest detail. as they search for an energy Miniature radioactivity source called isotopium and "When playing our game, for warning signs, graffiti on collecting points every time the first 5-10 minutes many the walls of abandoned they find some. players don't understand buildings and tables and that it is not fictional," said
52 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD chairs left scattered inside a small cafe all add to the creepy atmosphere of a once lively town.
"It's a really neat concept ...," Shaun Prescott wrote in a review of the game published by PC Gamer magazine in January. "Controlling the tanks is kinda cumbersome, but they are tanks, after all."
An attentive player will notice at least one inaccuracy the real Chernobyl nuclear power plant is not located in town as it is in the game.
It costs $9 to immerse in the atmosphere of a post- apocalyptic town for an hour but only 20 people at a time can play simultaneously. Beskrestnov's company, Remote Games, said 62,615 people around the world have registered to play the game, including around 15,000 in France and 10,000 in the United States.
A camera fixed on top of a moving tank broadcasts high quality signal in real time, allowing players from as far apart as Australia and Canada enjoy the game without facing any time delay in delivering video signals.
Its creators next ambition is to devise a game featuring the colonization of Mars in which 1,000 people will be able to simultaneously control robots on different missions involved in the operation.
"Many people advise us to contact Elon Musk directly because it resonates his dreams and ideas," Beskrestnov jokes.
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may spend 100 billion yen Sony flags disappointing profit, scraps more to build a new facility. targets as gaming slows Activist Pressure However, Sony shares, which have lost more than 30 ony Corp warned percent from their 11-year of a sharper-than- highs set in September last expected drop in year, underling growing its annual profit worries about the company's and scrapped strategy. Ssome longer-term targets, percent from 894.2 billion in a sign a slowdown in yen a year earlier and below Daniel Loeb's hedge fund its gaming business as an average forecast of Third Point LLC is building a its PlayStation 4 console 834.49 billion yen from 22 stake in Sony again to push nears the end of its life was analysts polled by Refinitiv. for changes that include beginning to hurt. shedding some businesses, Sony withdrew its earnings Reuters has reported. The bleak outlook comes goals for individual after two years of record businesses for the year to Third Point wants Sony to profits and underlines March 2021, including an explore options for some of concerns a turnaround is estimated profit range of its business units, including losing steam at Sony - which 130 billion-170 billion yen for its movie studio, which the bet on entertainment and gaming, citing "significant fund believes has attracted gaming for steady revenues changes to the operating takeover interest, according after battling years of losses environment." to sources familiar with the with consumer electronics, matter. such as TV sets, that are more susceptible to price Current Segment CFO Totoki declined to competition. comment on the report. Outlook Analysts widely expect For the financial year to A Jefferies analyst, Atul Sony to launch a next- March 2020, Sony expects Goyal, however, said in a generation console in 2020 costs for developing the new note last week that the to replace the five-year old console to push its gaming "recent reports of activist PlayStation 4 (PS4), but the profits down to 280 billion investors' interest and stake business could face tough yen from 311 billion yen a acquisition is likely to put competition with new video year earlier. PS4 sales are significant, desirable and game streaming services forecast to drop 10 percent sustained pressure on Sony from Alphabet Inc's Google to 16 million units. to act". and Apple. The semiconductor Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida Sony's finance chief, business, which includes "made some very tough however, shrugged off image sensors, is expected but desirable decisions" to concerns about the threat of to report a profit of 145 billion revive the company when cloud-based gaming. "With yen, up a billion yen from a he was finance chief, but his over 90 million customers year earlier. Sony's image decisions since he became enjoying the (PS4) platform, sensors, central to its revival, CEO "appear slightly benign", we have a sense of market are used by Apple and other the analyst added. trends," Hiroki Totoki said at a major smartphone makers. briefing on Friday. The company should exit the Sony remains bullish about money-losing smartphone The Japanese firm forecast demand for large-size business, while keeping the profit for the year through image sensors and multiple- pictures business, which has March 2020 at 810 billion lens camera systems for potential for a turnaround, yen ($7.25 billion), down 9.4 smartphones, and said it Goyal added.
54 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD OCEAN Trash found littering ocean floor in deepest-ever sub dive
n the deepest "sea pigs" similar to a sea governments to better dive ever cucumber. enforce existing regulations, made by a or put new ones in place. human inside a He also saw angular metal submarine, a or plastic objects, one with "It's not a big garbage OTexas investor and explorer writing on it. collection pool, even though found something he could it's treated as such," Vescovo have found in the gutter "It was very disappointing said of the worlds' oceans. of nearly any street in the to see obvious human world: trash. contamination of the In the last three weeks, the deepest point in the ocean," expedition has made four Victor Vescovo, a retired Vescovo said in an interview. dives in the Mariana Trench naval officer, said he made in his submarine, "DSV the unsettling discovery as Plastic waste has reached Limiting Factor," collecting he descended nearly 6.8 epidemic proportions in biological and rock samples. miles (35,853 feet/10,928 the world's oceans with meters) to a point in the an estimated 100 million It was the third time humans Pacific Ocean's Mariana tonnes dumped there to have dived to the deepest Trench that is the deepest date, according to the point in the ocean, known as place on Earth. His dive went United Nations. Scientists Challenger Deep. Canadian 52 feet (16 meters) lower have found large amounts movie maker James than the previous deepest of micro plastic in the guts Cameron was the last to descent in the trench in of deep-dwelling ocean visit in 2012 in his submarine, 1960. mammals like whales. reaching a depth of 35,787 feet (10,908 meters). Vescovo found undiscovered species as he visited places RAISE AWARENESS Prior to Cameron's dive, no human had gone before. the first-ever expedition to On one occasion he spent Vescovo hoped his Challenger Deep was made four hours on the floor of discovery of trash in the by the U.S. Navy in 1960, the trench, viewing sea life Mariana Trench would raise reaching a depth of 10,912 ranging from shrimp-like awareness about dumping meters. anthropods with long legs in the oceans and pressure and antennae to translucent
facebook.com/britishherald May-June 2019 55 BRITISH HERALD SPACE
Fly me to the moon: Germany eyes slice of lucrative space market
acing tough competition from China, the United States and even tiny FLuxembourg, Germany is racing to draft new laws and attract private investment to secure a slice of an emerging space market that could be worth $1 trillion a year by the 2040s.
The drive to give Germany a bigger role in space comes as European, Asian and U.S. companies stake out ground in an evolving segment that promises contracts for everything from exploration to mining of outer-space resources.
Firms likely to benefit from any future spending rise in Germany include Airbus, which co-owns the maker of Europe's Ariane space rockets, and Bremen-based OHB.
The new legislation would limit financial and legal liabilities of private companies should accidents happen in orbit, set standards for space operations and offer incentives for new projects, the German economy ministry told.
The ministry's aerospace and space commissioner, Thomas Jarzombek, could submit the laws to parliament later this year. The move comes as companies and trade groups press for German authorities to establish a regulatory
56 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD SPACE framework for the lucrative designing and developing which has taken a lead in new market to encourage a small spaceship that will Europe by enacting laws private investment. orbit the Moon and serve to limit liabilities and ease as a temporary home for restrictions on mining "We are sounding the alarm astronauts and as a base for operations. It has also set that Germany and Europe work on the moon's surface up a 100-million-euro ($112 are falling behind in space and, later, missions to Mars. million) investment fund for vis-a-vis China and the NASA had aimed to finish projects. United States," Dirk Hoke, the Gateway by 2026, but defense and space chief Washington is now aiming "It's a global market. We at Franco-German-led to put humans back on the have our customers and we aerospace group Airbus, told Moon by 2024, which could will keep them, even if we Reuters. "We're at a critical lead to an accelerated have to run the company juncture to ensure we stay in schedule. from somewhere else," said the top league." Walter Ballheimer, CEO of Even before then, Germany German Orbital Systems, a Germany is Europe's is facing a brain-drain as Berlin-based start-up that economic powerhouse and companies worldwide builds small satellites. the world's fourth-largest ponder how to extract economy. However it had minerals from asteroids and "Germany was overtaken a just the world's seventh- water from the moon within long time ago," he said. "But largest national space a decade. it's not too late. If they are budget in 2018, an estimated courageous enough and $1.1 billion, just over half the Some companies are adopt a clear space policy amount generated by fifth- already considering ... then we can still have a placed France, according moving to Luxembourg, piece of the cake that we to preliminary data from Paris-based research firm Euroconsult.
The figure, which excludes contributions to pan- European programs, is dwarfed by the United States - by far the largest spender on space at almost $40 billion.
Ironically, American space ambitions could offer a lifeline.
Hoke said a new lunar Gateway program backed by U.S. space agency NASA offered a chance for Germany and others in Europe to stake a claim to a key role in the market.
"In my view, it is hugely important that we participate as equal partners so that we are primed to develop and build technologies for such a gateway," he said.
The program involves
facebook.com/britishherald May-June 2019 57 BRITISH HERALD SPACE should have as a leading and national programs, is advantage of increased export nation." not expected to rise in that access to space through period. It edged slightly satellites in low-earth orbit. Two other heads of small lower to 1.57 billion euros in German space companies 2019. told Reuters they were Spacex Battle considering leaving the The 18-member ESA country. oversees cooperation on Marco Fuchs, CEO of space exploration and satellite builder OHB, said launches, but individual Germany needed bigger 'Lean' Space Law countries have their own increases in national research and interests, space funding to pay for But Germany is not standing funded outside the ESA pioneering developments, still. budget. citing growing competition worldwide. Space commissioner Matthias Wachter, aerospace Jarzombek is working with expert at the BDI German The company carried out a trade groups, companies Federation of Industry, privately funded commercial and other experts to draft said advances in space mission with China to orbit the space laws, and plans were crucial for future the moon in 2014, and to submit it in parliament technologies such as teamed up this year with sometime after September. autonomous driving. Israel Aerospace Industries to offer the commercial "We are aiming for a lean "Germany is limping behind," delivery of payloads to the basic law that is open to the he said. lunar surface for ESA. future," said a spokeswoman for Jarzombek and the Any spending plans would OHB is a key player in the economy ministry. "A national have to contend with rising battle between Europe's space law should focus budget pressures and new Ariane 6 rocket and the above all on incentives and an economic slowdown. Falcon 9 built by Elon Musk's make it possible for the Germany is in its 10th year of SpaceX to launch the first of German space industry to expansion, but only narrowly two new OHB spy satellites, play a bigger role in global avoided recession last year. called Georg, for Germany's developments." foreign intelligence agency Senior executives from in 2022. Berlin is also pressing Deutsche Bank and Munich the United Nations to set Re and others met in Berlin The contract, worth tens of standards for mining of the this month to brainstorm millions of dollars, is drawing Moon, asteroids and other ways to fund and insure new political attention after objects in space. space projects. SpaceX and Ariane traded barbs about access to each The United States passed a One problem is Germany's other's markets, which could law in 2015 that encouraged conservative approach to presage a transatlantic trade private companies to investment and financing as dispute in coming years. undertake mining work entrepreneurs seek capital, beyond Earth, and gives said Sebastian Straube, CEO OHB and the German its firms the right to claim of investment firm Interstellar government are expected resources they may one Ventures. to select the winner by late day be able to extract from 2020, and Fuchs said the celestial bodies. Straube is building decision would be based a 100-million-euro on many factors, including Jarzombek helped secure investment fund that will launch dates and available a 269-million-euro increase fund projects. He is also budgets. in planned funding for the working with companies European Space Agency like rail operator Deutsche "In the end, it's always a (ESA) in 2020-2023. But Bahn to encourage them to question of the price - or a Germany's total space support new ventures that political decision," he said. funding, which includes ESA build applications taking
58 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD SPACE
interior has cooled over the eons, akin to a plump grape Quakes show that moon, gradually transforming into a smaller raisin. As a result, it has shrinking, is tectonically active acquired thousands of small surface wrinkles in the form of surface features called thrust fault scarps.
These faults push one part of the lunar crust up and over the adjoining part, said University of Maryland geologist and study co- author Nicholas Schmerr. They can reach up to about 330 feet (100 meters) tall and extend for many miles. "This is exciting as it wasn't clear if the moon had already gone through this period billions of years ago and was tectonically dead, or if it was still active in the present," Schmerr said.
he moon may research published in the U.S. astronauts placed be dynamic journal Nature Geoscience. seismometers on the lunar and tectonically surface during the Apollo active like Earth Earth's tectonic activity is 11, 12, 14, 15 and 16 missions, - not the inert driven by its hot interior. recording 28 shallow quakes Tworld some scientists had The moon, which orbits our up to almost 5 magnitude, believed it to be - based on planet at a distance of about which is moderate strength. a new analysis disclosed 239,000 miles (385,000 km), Eight quakes occurred close of quakes measured by has a diameter of about to faults. Other events such seismometers in operation 2,160 miles (3,475 km), a as meteorite impacts can on the moon from 1969 and bit more than a quarter of produce quakes, but those 1977. Earth's diameter. would produce different seismic signatures. Researchers examining the Images from NASA's Lunar seismic data gathered during Reconnaissance Orbiter Boulder movements and NASA's Apollo missions showed that the moon has disturbed soil near the traced the location of some delicately shrivelled as its scarps also indicated of the quakes to step- tectonic activity. shaped cliffs called scarps on the lunar surface that Watters said experts must formed relatively recently, in be mindful that quakes may geological terms, due to the strike near these scarps ongoing subtle shrinking of when planning sites for the moon as its hot interior future lunar exploration cools. and a long-term human presence on the moon. "It means that the moon has somehow managed to The moon is not the solar remain tectonically active system's only object after 4.51 billion years," said shrinking with age. The Smithsonian Institution innermost planet Mercury planetary scientist Thomas boasts numerous thrust Watters, who led the faults.
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facebook.com/britishherald May-June 2019 61 BRITISH HERALD INNOVATION
China's rocket start-ups go small in age of 'shoebox' satellites
uring initial his engineers - one of whom focus will be on scientific tests of their cartwheeled his way to the research and some 8.1-metre launch pad in delight. commercial uses. After (27-foot) tall entering orbit, the near-term reusable LinkSpace, one of China's focus (of clients) will certainly Drocket, Chinese engineers 15-plus private rocket be on satellites," Hu said. from LinkSpace, a start-up manufacturers, sees these led by China's youngest short hops as the first steps In the near term, China space entrepreneur, used towards a new business envisions massive a Kevlar tether to ensure its model: sending tiny, constellations of commercial safe return. Just in case. inexpensive satellites into satellites that can offer orbit at affordable prices. services ranging from high- But when the Beijing-based speed internet for aircraft company's prototype, called Demand for these so-called to tracking coal shipments. NewLine Baby, successfully nanosatellites - which weigh Universities conducting took off and landed for the less than 10 kilograms experiments and companies second time in two months, (22 pounds) and are in looking to offer remote- no tether was needed. some cases as small as a sensing and communication shoebox - is expected to services are among The 1.5-tonne rocket hovered explode in the next few the potential domestic 40 meters above the ground years. And China's rocket customers for nanosatellites. before descending back entrepreneurs reckon there to its concrete launch pad is no better place to develop A handful of U.S. small- after 30 seconds, to the inexpensive launch vehicles rocket companies are also relief of 26-year-old chief than their home country. developing launchers ahead executive Hu Zhenyu and of the expected boom. One "For suborbital clients, their of the biggest, Rocket Lab,
62 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD INNOVATION has already put 25 satellites be narrower," said Macro Need For Cash in orbit. Caceres, analyst at U.S. aerospace consultancy Teal LinkSpace plans to conduct No private company in China Group. suborbital launch tests has done that yet. Since using a bigger recoverable October, two - LandSpace "But if you can take that rocket in the first half of and OneSpace - have tried small rocket and make 2020, reaching altitudes of but failed, illustrating the it reusable, and you can at least 100 kilometers, then difficulties facing space launch it once a week, four an orbital launch in 2021, Hu start-ups everywhere. times a month, 50 times a told Reuters. year, then with more volume, The Chinese companies are your profit increases," The company is in its third approaching inexpensive Caceres added. round of fundraising and launches in different ways. wants to raise up to 100 Some, like OneSpace, are Eventually LinkSpace hopes million yuan, Hu said. It had designing cheap, disposable to charge no more than 30 secured tens of millions of boosters. LinkSpace's Hu million yuan ($4.48 million) yuan in previous rounds. aspires to build reusable per launch, Hu told. rockets that return to Earth After a surge in fresh funding after delivering their payload, That is a fraction of the in 2018, firms like LinkSpace much like the Falcon 9 $25 million to $30 million are pushing out prototypes, rockets of Elon Musk's needed for a launch on planning more tests and SpaceX. a Northrop Grumman even proposing operational Innovation Systems Pegasus, launches this year. "If you're a small company a commonly used small and you can only build rocket. The Pegasus is Last year, equity investment a very, very small rocket launched from a high-flying in China's space start-ups because that's all you aircraft and is not reusable. reached 3.57 billion yuan have money for, then your ($533 million), a report by profit margins are going to Beijing-based investor
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FutureAerospace shows, Industry Corp (CASIC) with a burst of financing in successfully launched a late 2018. low-orbit communication The company satellite, the first of 156 that That accounted for about started operating CASIC aims to deploy by 18 percent of global space China's first private 2022 to provide more stable start-up investments in 2018, rocket production facility broadband connectivity to a historic high, according in Zhejiang province, in rural China and eventually to Reuters calculations anticipation of large- developing countries. based on a global estimate scale manufacturing of by Space Angels. The New its Zhuque-2 The satellite, Hongyun-1, York-based venture capital was launched on a rocket firm said global space start- supplied by the China up investments totaled $2.97 Aerospace Science and billion last year. Technology Corp (CASC), is failure" of an attempted the nation's main space "Costs for rocket companies flight, Liang Jianjun, chief contractor. are relatively high, but as executive of rocket company to how much funding they Space Trek, told Reuters. In early April, the China need, be it in the hundreds That can affect financing, Academy of Launch Vehicle of millions, or tens of research, manufacturing and Technology (CALVT), millions, or even just a few the team's morale, he added. a subsidiary of CASC, million yuan, depends on completed engine tests the company's stage of Space Trek is planning its for its Dragon, China's first development," said Niu Min, first suborbital launch by the rocket meant solely for founder of FutureAerospace. end of June and an orbital commercial use, clearing launch next year, said Liang, the path for a maiden flight FutureAerospace has who founded the company before July. invested tens of millions of in late 2017 with three other yuan in LandSpace, based in former military technical The Dragon, much bigger Beijing. officers. than the rockets being developed by private firms, Like space-launch startups Despite LandSpace's failed is designed to carry multiple elsewhere in the world, Zhuque-1 orbital launch in commercial satellites. the immediate challenge October, the Beijing-based for Chinese entrepreneurs firm secured 300 million At least 35 private Chinese is developing a safe and yuan in additional funding companies are working to reliable rocket. for the development of its produce more satellites. Zhuque-2 rocket a month Proven talent to develop later. Spacety, a satellite maker such hardware can be found based in southern Hunan in China's state research In December, the company province, plans to put 20 institutes or the military; started operating China's first satellites in orbit this year, the government directly private rocket production including its first for a foreign supports private firms by facility in Zhejiang province, client, chief executive Yang allowing them to launch in anticipation of large- Feng told. from military-controlled scale manufacturing of its facilities. Zhuque-2, which it expects The company has only to unveil next year. launched 12 on state- But it's still a high- produced rockets since the risk business, and one company started operating unsuccessful launch might State Competition in early 2016. kill a company. China's state defense contractors are also trying to "When it comes to rocket "The biggest problem get into the low-cost market. launches, what we care facing all commercial space about would be cost, companies, especially In December, the China reliability and time," Yang early-stage entrepreneurs, Aerospace Science and said.
64 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD HOLLYWOOD
have grossed around $5.8 'Tolkien' looks at early years billion at global box offices. of 'Lord of the Rings' writer Tolkien died in 1973, aged 81, two years after Bratt.
His family and estate have distanced themselves from the movie, saying in a statement last week "they did not approve of, authorise or participate in the making of this film. They do not endorse it or its content in any way."
Studio Fox Searchlight Pictures said it was "proud" of the biopic and "the filmmaking team has the utmost respect and admiration for Mr. Tolkien and his phenomenal contribution to literature".
Director Dome Karukoski Tolkien's would be intrigued by," Hoult said he hoped Tolkien's J.R.R. told Reuters. family would see the movie. fantastical world of hobbits, elves and orcs have won "Mirror Mirror" actress Lily "I've actually offered...to over fans around the world Collins plays Edith Bratt, watch it with them so they in the decades since "The whom Tolkien met when would see it and it's done Hobbit" and "The Lord of he moved into a boarding with the respect, admiration the Rings" stories were house and who would later as from a fan," he said. published. become his wife and inspire elf Luthien in his fictional Now the British novelist Middle-earth world. himself is the subject of a film that looks at his early "We show her dancing in the years and inspirations for his forest and...her cheekiness works. and her love of storytelling and the way that she "X-Men" and "The Favourite" just would inspire him to actor Nicholas Hoult plays continue telling stories," the title role in "Tolkien", Collins said. which follows the author as an orphan, his friendships Tolkien, who was a professor at school in Birmingham, of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford, studies at Oxford University published "The Hobbit" in and on the frontline at the 1937. "The Lord of the Rings" Battle of the Somme during came in three parts between World War One. 1954 and 1955.
"We wanted to honour him More than 150 million copies and tell our story that we of "The Lord of the Rings" J. R. R. Tolkien, Tolkien as thought was fascinating have been sold worldwide. a second lieutenant in the about his formative years The film adaptations and Lancashire Fusiliers (in 1916, that everyone, I feel as a fan... those for "The Hobbit" trilogy aged 24)
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Disney delays 'Avatar 2,' sets dates for new 'Star Wars' films
alt Disney 4" to December 2025 and Marvel Studios. Co pushed "Avatar 5" to December 2027. back the In between "Avatar" movies, release A year ago, director Cameron Disney said it would release of James told reporters he had begun new "Star Wars" films in WCameron's sequel to box- filming on the second and December 2022, 2024 and office champion "Avatar" by a third "Avatar" movies and had 2026. year, to December 2021, and written the fourth and fifth announced debut dates for films in the series. The company did not new "Star Wars" films starting release details, but it has in December 2022. previously announced plans for two "Star Wars" film series Disney acquired the "Avatar" - one overseen by "The Last franchise and several Jedi" director Rian Johnson other movies through its and another to be written recent purchase of film by David Benioff and D.B. and TV assets from Rupert Weiss, the creators of HBO Murdoch's 21st Century Fox, hit television show "Game of strengthening its dominant Thrones." position at movie theatres. The "Avatar 2" delay moves "Avatar 2," the follow-up to one of Disney's biggest the 2009 blockbuster that is movies off its 2020 slate. the highest-grossing film of Films on next year's all time, had originally been The story of a blue, schedule include a retelling slated to reach theatres in humanoid race on a lush of "Mulan," two untitled 2014 but was delayed to moon known as Pandora, Marvel films, and Steven 2017 and then to December "Avatar" is the highest- Spielberg's remake of 2020. grossing movie in history Broadway musical "West with $2.8 billion in global Side Story." With the sequel now ticket sales, though box scheduled for December office experts say its long- Eight Marvel movies are 2021, Disney moved "Avatar standing record could soon scheduled to be released 3" to December 2023, "Avatar fall to current Disney hit between 2020 and 2022, the "Avengers: Endgame" from company said.
66 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD HOLLYWOOD
'Lord of the Rings' actor up in arms over Spanish far-right ad
"I would laugh at their ineptitude but Vox has won 24 seats in Congress; it's no joke," the 60-year-old Danish-American actor, a fluent Spanish speaker with a home in Madrid, wrote from Los Angeles.
In the April 28 general election, Vox became the first far-right party to secure a significant presence in parliament since dictator Francisco Franco died in 1975.
Warner Bros Spain, which has distribution rights, also responded, saying it did not authorise the use of its copyrighted property in any campaigns.
Mortensen said Vox's message was absurd because in the books Aragorn is "a multilingual statesman who advocates the knowledge and inclusion of the various races, customs and languages of Middle Earth" and should not be associated with the far right.
"The Lord of the Rings" ctor Viggo left-wing, feminist, LGBT, book by British author J.R.R. Mortensen liberal media and Spanish Tolkien is an epic tale of a has rebuked separatist groups. clash between good and evil Spain's far-right in a world inhabited by elves, party Vox for "Let the battle begin!" #For dwarves, orcs and humans. Afeaturing in a political tweet Spain", it said. the sword-wielding hero The film adaptations, Aragorn whom he plays in "You'd have to be pretty including "The Hobbit" "The Lord of the Rings". ignorant to think that prequels, have grossed using the character ... to around $5.8 billion at box On the day of Spain's recent promote the campaign of a offices worldwide. election, Vox posted an xenophobic, ultra-right party image of Aragorn, with like Vox would be a good There was no immediate the Spanish flag and party idea," Mortensen wrote in a response by Vox to emblem on his back, letter to Spanish newspaper Mortensen. charging against an enemy El Pais published. army under banners of
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would return to the role one Rami Malek to play Bond villain last time. th in franchise's 25 film next year "A break was what I needed," Craig told. In Jamaica, where some of the cast members are filming. "I'm incredibly excited just to get going."
Actors who will reprise their roles alongside Craig include Ralph Fiennes as M, Naomie Harris as Moneypenny and Ben Whishaw as Q. Joining the cast are Jeffrey Wright, Billy Magnussen and Dali Benssalah.
Producers had already announced that the movie, set for release next April, will be directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the man behind the first season of the U.S. television drama "True Detective."
Among trademarks of Bond movies are their exotic locations, beginning with scar winner promised a different type of Jamaica when the franchise Rami Malek villain than Bond fans have was launched with "Dr. No" will play the come to expect. in 1962. international villain who The film will take "the "We consider Jamaica ODaniel Craig's James Bond perspective of what it means Bond's spiritual home," said must battle in the British to be a villain, and perhaps producer Barbara Broccoli. spy franchise's 25th film set flipping that on its head in for release next year, the some way, shape or form," The new film will be shot in producers announced. he said. Italy, Norway and London in addition to Jamaica, the Malek, 37, drew critical The still untitled movie producers said. acclaim for his portrayal of known by the working title Queen front man Freddie "Bond 25" will be Craig's The Bond franchise, based Mercury in last year's fifth go-around as Britain's on the Ian Fleming novels "Bohemian Rhapsody." most famous fictional secret about the British secret agent, and will feature on- agent who outsmarts "I promise you all I will be location scenes in Jamaica, international villains, making sure that Mr. Bond the producers said in the overcomes certain death does not have an easy webcast from the Caribbean and charms glamorous ride of it," Malek said in a island. women, first hit screens recorded announcement during the Cold War with from New York aired as part After 2015 film "Spectre," Sean Connery as Bond. of a webcast about the new Craig had said he would movie. rather slash his wrists than Bond has also been played play Bond again. But in by George Lazenby, Roger In an interview, Malek 2017, the actor confirmed he Moore, Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan.
68 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD MUSIC
The Cranberries pay tribute to late singer with final album
"We are absolutely gutted we can't play (the songs) live because that's something that's been a massive part of this band from day one," Noel Hogan said. "A few people have said to us about maybe even doing a one off where you have different vocalists... as kind of guests of ours. A year ago that's definitely something we weren't going to entertain but I don't know, I think it's rish rockers The wanted this album done something we need to go Cranberries are saying because when you hear the away and take time off for goodbye with their final album, you hear the songs I the summer and have a think album released, a poignant and how strong they are, and about." tribute to lead singer Dolores she was very, very excited to O'Riordan who died last year. get in and record this." Critics have generally given positive reviews of "In the End" is the eighth The Cranberries formed in the album; NME described studio album from the band Limerick in 1989 with another it as "(seeing) the band's that rose to fame in the singer. O'Riordan replaced career go full-circle" while early 1990s with hits likes him a year later and the the Irish Times called it "an "Zombie" and "Linger", and group went on to become unexpected late career high includes the final recordings Ireland's best-selling rock and a remarkable swan song by O'Riordan, who drowned band after U2, selling more for O'Riordan". in a London hotel bath in than 40 million records. Their early songs still play January 2018 due to alcohol on the radio. This week, intoxication. O'Riordan, known for her "Dreams" was performed strong distinctive voice at the funeral of journalist Work on the album began singing about relationships Lyra McKee, who was shot during a 2017 tour and by or political violence, was 46 dead in Londonderry last that winter, O'Riordan and when she died. week as she watched Irish guitarist Neil Hogan had nationalist youths attack penned and demoed 11 "She was actually in quite a police following a raid. tracks. good place mentally. She was feeling quite content "We wrote them as kids, as With O'Riordan's vocals and strong and looking a hobby and 30 years later recorded, Hogan, bassist forward to a new phase of they are on radio and on TV, Mike Hogan and drummer her life," Lawler said. like all the time... That's far Fergal Lawler completed the more than any of us ever album in tribute to her. "A lot of the lyrics in this thought we would have," album are about things Noel Hogan said. "When we realised how ending... people might read strong the songs were, that into it differently but it was "That would make Dolores was the deciding factor a phase of her personal life really happy because she really... There was no point... that she was talking about." was very precious about trying to ruin the legacy of those songs. Her babies, she the band," Noel Hogan said The group previously called them and to have that in an interview. announced their intention to hopefully long after we're split after the release of "In gone... that's all any band can "It was obvious that Dolores The End". wish for."
facebook.com/britishherald May-June 2019 69 BRITISH HERALD CRITICS Story of U.S. college athletic achievements, and paying millions of dollars in admissions scandal bribes to get their children into U.S. universities. coming to television Annapurna Television said the series would be based on "Accepted," which is being written by Wall Street Journal reporters Melissa Korn and Jen Levitz.
The television series will be written by D.V. DeVincentis, one of the writers of "American Crime Story: The People Vs O.J. Simpson," the Emmy award-winning 2016 dramatization of Simpson's 1995 double murder trial and acquittal.
No casting or potential release dates for the series were announced.
he story of the largest college admissions scam in the United States is Tmaking its way to Hollywood.
Annapurna Television said it had optioned the rights to an upcoming book and planned to turn it into a one-hour limited series.
Some 50 people, including former "Desperate Housewives" star Felicity Huffman and "Full House" actress Lori Loughlin, have been accused by prosecutors in Boston of engaging in schemes that involved cheating on college entrance exams, faking
70 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD FASHION
things lingerie, has been losing customers as more Victoria's Secret says TV no women shift to cheaper bralettes and sports bras longer 'right fit' for lingerie show from companies such as American Eagle Outfitter's (AEO.N) Aerie. Pop singer Rihanna's lingerie line, Savage X Fenty, has also taken market share away from the struggling retailer.
Edward Razek, L Brands chief marketing officer, prompted a furor last year when he said there was no room for plus-size or transgender models "because the show is a fantasy."
Television audiences for the show have slumped in the last few years. The December 2018 show, aired on Walt Disney Co's ABC network, was watched by 3.3 million Americans, compared with 12 million in 2001 when it was first broadcast on television. ABC Television declined comment.
he annual Victoria's memo was first reported by Wexner said in the memo Secret fashion CNBC. that the Columbus, Ohio- show, known based company will focus on for its jewel- "We have decided to re- creating content and "a new encrusted bras think the traditional Victoria's kind of event" that reaches Tand supermodels sporting Secret Fashion Show. Going customers "on platforms that huge angel wings, is forward we don't believe she's glued to." He did not bidding farewell to network network television is the give details. television. right fit," Wexner said. Investors have urged L Parent company L Brands The company did not Brands to separate its Inc said it was re-thinking immediately respond to Victoria's Secret and the TV special, saying the requests from Reuters for Bath & Body Works Victoria's Secret brand "must comment. businesses. evolve and change to grow" as it aims to turn its business The decision follows growing Activist investor Barington around. criticism of the television Capital in March advised the broadcast - which features company to retain advisers "For the past few months, models such as Gigi Hadid, and explore either a spinoff we've said that we are Kendall Jenner, Alessandra of the underperforming taking a fresh look at every Ambrosio and Lily Aldridge Victoria Secret brand or take aspect of our business," the walking the runway in the much financially stronger company said in a memo skimpy underwear - as sexist Bath Body Works public. sent to employees by Chief and out of touch. Executive Les Wexner. Shares of L Brands were Screenshots of the memo Victoria's Secret, once trading flat at $23.90 in after- were posted online. The the go-to retailer for all hours trading.
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Ms. Rachel Leigh Stacy from USA Crowned Miss Glam World 2019
ith the Estefania Chavez Garcia Watches are the powered by crown on crowned the overwhelmed partners of the event. her head, Miss Glam World 2019 Rachel winner. Mr. V P Nandakumar, The grooming session for Leigh Stacy, MD & CEO of Manappuram this competition, which had Wfrom USA stood before the Finance Ltd and Mr. Suresh the prime rounds such as audience today as Glam Kumar, Regional Sales National costume round, World 2019 presented by Manager Mahindra and Red cocktail round and Manappuram Finance Ltd Mahindra crowned the first White gown round, was and Mahindra, an event and second runners up. commenced from April organised by Pegasus, at 20th in SAJ Earth Resort & Gokulam Convention Centre, Manappuram Finance convention centre, Kochi. Kochi. Limited and Mahindra are The session, which was the prime partners of the handled by prominent Ms. Reshma RK Nambiar event in which 37 beautiful personalities in the from India and Ms. Daria ladies from different modelling sector, and which Shapovalova from Tatarstan countries of the world aimed to impart knowledge were the first and second competed for the title. Saj in yoga, meditation, runners up respectively. Earth Resorts & Convention personality development, Previous year winner Ms. center, Medimix and DQUE beauty care, catwalk, photo
72 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD FASHION shoot and talent search to The contestants were: O (Mexico), Gluščević the contestants, helped Natalija (Montenegro), Ma the ladies to gain more Pauline Justine Chapman Han Thu San (Myanmar), confidence. (Australia), Mukhariamova Minsozi Kompeli (Namibia), Zukhra (Bashkortostan), Ekaterina Aleksandrovna Eminent personalities Shyian Iryna (Belarus), (Netherlands), Jenewari from the film and fashion Wydooghe Aimie (Belgium), Damiete Cynthia (Nigeria), sectors were present in the Lilli Vanhoolst (Benelux), Clara Jazmin Berni Prette judging panel of the event Enanga Ndolo Mbesa (Paraguay), Xandra Loi De for judging and guiding the (Cameroon), Erin Chapman Ramos (Philippines), Karina contestants. The Judges (Canada), Zhao Chen (China), Serazetdinova (Russia), Anna were, Hari Anand, Christine Depaepe Charlotte (France), Stepanova (Siberia), Chu Huang, Anjali Raut Gill, S. Kaddy Samateh (Gambia), Se Yeung (South Korea), Sreesanth and Estefania Agneta Dzane (Ghana), Maria Welikatiyage Sarangi Chavez Garcia. Bolosi (Greece), Jia ming Ju Sangeetha (Sri Lanka), (Hong Kong), Reshma RK Kai-Lin Ning (Taiwan), Daria Miss Glam World along with Nambiar (India), Ratih Ayu Shapovalova (Tatarstan), Miss South India, Mrs South Syafriza (Indonesia), Shizue Wichida Nuamsorn India, Miss Queen of India, Ohnuma (Japan), Julija (Thailand), Fassinou Laetitia Miss Asia and Miss Asia Locmele (Latvia), LiuNana (Togo), Rachel Leigh Global are also conducted (Macau), Dolessawree Stacy (USA), Juliett Iriarte by Pegasus and are the Charun (Mauritius), Melissa (Venezuela) only beauty pageants which del Carmen Payró de la does not judge a women’s beauty with a bikini round, said Dr. Ajit Ravi, Chairman of Apart from the winners, the judging panel also selected the sub-title Pegasus. winners. The Sub-title winners are: The winners were crowned with the golden crown Miss Beautiful Hair : Ratih Ayu Syafriza (Indonesia) designed by Parakkat Miss Beautiful Smile : Rachel Leigh Stacy (USA) Jewellers. Miss Beautiful Skin : Erin Chapman (Canada) Only invited guests were Miss Beautiful Face : Depaepe Charlotte (France) permitted access to the Miss Beautiful Eyes : Welikatiyage Sarangi Sangeetha (Sri Lanka) venue where the program Miss Congeniality : Erin Chapman (Canada) took place. Those received Miss Personality : Kaddy Samateh (Gambia) the invitation have been advised to wear black or red Miss Catwalk : Rachel Leigh Stacy (USA) coloured dress. Miss Perfect Ten : Enanga Ndolo Mbesa (Cameroon) Miss Talent : Daria Shapovalova (Tatarstan) Kalpana Family Salon & Spa, Kanyaka, Neo Tour Miss Photogenic : Gluščević Natalija (Montenegro) Ex, UT Tv, Unique Times, Miss Viewers’ Choice : Karina Serazetdinova (Russia) Sanjeevanam, Gokulam Miss Social Media : Ratih Ayu Syafriza (Indonesia) Park, B&B Memorial Hospital, Miss Fitness : Daria Shapovalova (Tatarstan) Fitness 4 Ever, Vee Kay Vees, Parakkat Resorts and Gourmet Queen : Erin Chapman (Canada) Aiswarya advertising are the Miss National Costume : Ma Han Thu San (Myanmar) event partners.
facebook.com/britishherald May-June 2019 73 BRITISH HERALD SPORTS Ruthless Manchester City survive scare to retain title in style
anchester City far the largest tally for a Goals from Sergio Aguero, clinched the Premier League runners-up Aymeric Laporte, Riyad Premier League spot. Mahrez and Ilkay Guendogan title with the gave City an ultimately win required Such was Liverpool's comfortable victory. Mto finally end Liverpool's tenacity in the title race that relentless attempt it took an incredible 14th "We have to say to dethrone them as straight league victory for congratulations to Liverpool champions by crushing Abu Dhabi-owned City to and thank you because they Brighton Hove Albion 4-1 on become the first club for a pushed us to increase our the south-coast. decade to retain the title. standard," said Guardiola who now has two league Pep Guardiola's City ended Neither side dropped a titles with City to go with the the season with 98 points, league point since Liverpool three he won in charge of two shy of last season's were held to a 0-0 draw at both Barcelona and Bayern record-breaking 100, while Merseyside rivals Everton Munich. Liverpool's 2-0 victory over on March 3 with Juergen Wolverhampton Wanderers Klopp's side winning their There was only a brief saw them finish on 97 -- by last nine matches. moment of panic for City
74 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD SPORTS
his players after the trophy was delivered while City's fans belted out their anthem "Blue Moon".
City began the day looking edgy and, with Brighton's fans chanting that Liverpool had scored against Wolves, an incredible week of football drama looked like it had one last twist, especially when Murray headed home an inswinging corner.
Two hundred and seventy miles north, Liverpool's fans hardly had time to start dreaming, however, before David Silva, City's master craftsman, slipped in Aguero who fired under Ryan. when Glenn Murray's header Four Titles The swagger returned to gave Brighton a surprise 27th City and after Mahrez's shot minute lead. City have now won four was well saved by Ryan, league titles in eight the resulting corner saw But cometh the moment, seasons but captain Vincent defender Laporte power cometh Aguero. Kompany, whose sublime home only his third league shot earned a crucial 1-0 goal of the season. The Argentine striker, whose win over Leicester City on last-gasp goal secured City's Monday to keep his side's Brighton centre back Lewis first Premier League title fate in their own hands, said Dunk reminded City of in heart-stopping fashion this was the most satisfying the precariousness of the seven years ago, levelled of them all. situation with a dipping free 83 seconds later to take him kick that keeper Ederson to 20 league goals in five "Back to back, it was the did well to turn over on the successive seasons with City. hardest and most satisfying stroke of halftime. ever. Liverpool were
Aymeric Laporte's thumping exceptional this year. I don't But after the break it was all header put City ahead before mean to rub it in -- they City. the break but with Liverpool, didn't deserve to lose," who began the day one Kompany said. Mahrez, the magician behind point behind, leading against Leicester City's incredible Wolves, hope remained "But we played against such title triumph in 2016, cut in at Anfield that something a good team all season and and let fly with his right foot extraordinary could happen until now we were able to to spark delirium from the in the south-coast sunshine. stay in front." City fans packed in behind
the goal. But when City winger Mahrez Spaniard Guardiola can now drove an unstoppable shot became the first manager to City have now taken an past Brighton goalkeeper claim the English domestic almost unbelievable 198 Mathew Ryan's despairing treble if City beat Watford points in the last two dive just past the hour and in next week's FA Cup final, seasons and Gundogan's Gundogan's majestic free having already scooped up free kick took their goal kick found the net in the the League Cup. tally in the last two Premier 72nd minute the City fans League campaigns to 201. could get the party started. He was given the bumps by
facebook.com/britishherald May-June 2019 75 BRITISH HERALD SPORTS
City and Liverpool set new standards with 'fusion football'
anchester City top two were. narrow margins, the pair retained their combined for 184 goals, Premier League Their combined 195 points an average of 2.4 goals per crown, pipping were a top-flight record for game. Liverpool to the champions and runners- Mthe title by a single point, up; indeed, they broke the Klopp and Guardiola have but while the remarkable old mark with two games avoided barbs or mind- numbers of this campaign to spare. The 62 wins they games throughout the tell their own story this amassed together was also a season and have barely season was about much record for a top two. needed prompting to praise more than just consistent each other's teams. point accumulation. And not even the intense pressure and nerves of a Pep Guardiola's City neck-and-neck title race Huge Plaudits and Juergen Klopp's could push them towards Liverpool achieved their error. The sense that both teams results playing brands of deserve huge plaudits for entertaining, attacking City won their last 14 their football this season has and positive football that matches, a streak stretching also been clear from the have set a new standard in back to January, while views of expert observers, the English -- and indeed Liverpool ended with nine such as former Liverpool European -- game. straight wins - with their midfielder Graeme Souness. solitary defeat of the season Manchester City's 98 coming at City over four "City are a fantastic team. points and Liverpool's 97, months ago. They play the game the right with third-placed Chelsea way, with strength and depth But while there were some a further 25 points adrift, in their squad. Special teams key wins, in the closing certainly illustrate just how retain the title," said the Scot, stages particularly, won by relentlessly successful the now an analyst with Sky
76 May-June 2019 www.britishherald.com BRITISH HERALD SPORTS
other similarities, especially the crucial ability of their attacking players to swiftly seek to recover the ball after losing possession.
There are, though, significantly different elements to the two ways of playing. City rely on lengthy spells of possession to stretch opponents and open up gaps in their defence, whereas Liverpool's high- intensity attacks can simply sweep opponents away in powerful, forward waves.
But both approaches are Sports. in the Premier League era. hugely entertaining to watch Robertson wasn't far behind, and allow the technical "This is a fabulous Liverpool having created 11 goals this quality of their players to team, and I can't tell you in season. shine -- they are above all my lifetime where you have two teams who enforce their such an outstanding runner- City's frontline could be will on their opponents, with up. I liken it to the World described as a trio - with styles which depend on self- Cup in 1982, and Brazil. They Sergio Aguero flanked knowledge and a confidence were the best team never by two wingers, usually in their own superiority. to win the World Cup. This Raheem Sterling with one Liverpool team is the best of Leroy Sane, Bernardo Foreign coaches are nothing team not to win the Premier Silva or Riyad Mahrez on the new in English football League." opposite flank. but the Spaniard and the German have done much What is fascinating is that But Bernardo Silva at times more than prove they can those year-long debates also played as a midfield deal with the challenges of over numerical formations general, alongside or instead the Premier League -- they - whether it be 4-4-2, five of David Silva, and at full- have transformed the style at the back, diamonds, strength City's midfield of football English fans now Christmas trees and 'false is very much part of their expect. nines' - have been noticeably attack, with only Brazilian absent this season. Fernandinho having a clear The combination of tactical defensive role. approaches they have The reason for that is that established in La Liga, neither City nor Liverpool Likewise, Liverpool's the Bundesliga and the play with strictly formatted Brazilian midfielder Fabinho Champions League have systems. has also been crucial in that been allied with the high- anchor, or holding, midfield tempo, intensity for which Liverpool nominally play role, sweeping up trouble the English game has long four at the back but their in front of the defence and been known. full-backs Trent Alexander- providing a base which Arnold and Andy Robertson gives freedom to the more The result is a fusion of are essential parts of their attacking midfielders. football styles which draws attacking threat. on a plurality of European traditions, approaches and The 20-year-old Alexander- Evolving Tactics tactics but which appeals to Arnold's 12th and 13th assists the English supporter -- and of the season gave him a The evolving tactics of which, above all, delivers new record for a defender Klopp and Guardiola have results.
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Tendulkar calls Bumrah best bowler around after IPL exploits
asprit Bumrah's death-overs mastery in Indian Premier League (IPL) Jfinal has convinced batting great Sachin Tendulkar that the 25-year-old with an unorthodox action is currently the best bowler in world cricket.
Mumbai Indians mentor Tendulkar watched contentedly from the sidelines as Bumrah stifled Chennai Super Kings with his final two overs to help set up his team's nail-biting one- run victory with remarkable figures of 4-0-14-2. in a losing cause, clobbered action kept his cool even three successive sixes in when Rahul Chahar dropped "Let me go on record and the next over from spinner Watson and put his arm say he is the best bowler Krunal Pandya to leave around de Kock's soulders in the world at this stage Chennai needing 18 from the to comfort the dejected and his best is yet to come last two overs. wicketkeeper who had hopefully," Tendulkar said of conceded the late bye which the bowler who will have to Bumrah returned to dismiss could have cost them the play a key role in England Bravo and gave away only trophy. if India are to win a third five runs in his firs five 50-overs World Cup in July. deliveries before stumper Asked about the secret of Quinton de Kock conceded his consistency, Bumrah Lasith Malinga had bled 20 four byes. attributed it to a combination runs in the previous over of simple approach and self- when Bumrah returned "I think his action is a bit confidence. for his final two overs after awkward and it's tough to conceding just six in his understand what pace is "I don't think about all those first two overs which also coming," his Mumbai team things. I just think one day produced the wicket of mate Yuvraj Singh said. at a time, one ball at a time," Ambati Rayudu. said the top-ranked ODI "I think he's bowling the best bowler. Chennai needed 42 off I've seen in his career." 24 balls but the 17th over "If you don't think about all yielded only four as Bumrah Equally impressive was those extra pressure, you are straitjacketed Watson and how Bumrah dealt with much clearer, you don't feel Dwayne Bravo denying them heartbreaks in the nail-biting the pressure. So I tried to any boundary. final. focus on that, and I tried to back myself in any situation." Watson, who hit a chancy 80 The bowler with sling-arm
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