Announcement

Total 100 articles, created at 2016-05-26 12:09 1 Left submits 4 women Cabinet nominees to Duterte DAVAO CITY, —The Left has submitted an “impressive” (2.07/3) list of nominees to presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to become members of his official family, where at least four 2016-05-26 12:09 3KB newsinfo.inquirer.net 2 Homes damaged but small town spared after Kansas tornado

(1.16/3) A large tornado damaged or destroyed as many as 25 homes in a rural area of northern Kansas and came within a mile of hitting a small town, officials said. 2016-05-26 11:07 2KB www.washingtontimes.com 3 Microsoft’s Windows 10 push comes to shove for some users SAN FRANCISCO — Microsoft really, REALLY wants you to (1.11/3) upgrade to Windows 10. Since last summer, the tech giant has pushed and prodded PC owners to upgrade their machines to its latest Windows 2016-05-26 10:07 4KB technology.inquirer.net 4 Philippines' Duterte Apologizes to Trudeau Over Beheading

(1.04/3) The Philippines' presumptive president-elect says he has apologized to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the beheading by Muslim militants of a Canadian hostage in the southern province of Sulu. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of southern Davao City told reporters Thursday that he... 2016-05-26 12:09 1KB abcnews.go.com 5 ‘Lost my way': Murray pushed to 5 sets again at

(1.02/3) PARIS — As if ordering room service, Andy Murray's latest unheralded French Open tormenter requested that a can of Coke and a Mars bar be brought to him right there on Court Philippe 2016-05-26 12:09 4KB sports.inquirer.net 6 Police: 1 dead, 3 wounded in shooting at NYC concert venue NEW YORK — One person was killed and three others wounded in (1.02/3) a shooting inside a concert venue in New York City, where hip-hop artist T. I. was scheduled to perform, police said. It happened 2016-05-26 12:09 2KB newsinfo.inquirer.net

7 Taliban appoints new leader after deadly drone strike

(1.02/3) KABUL, Afghanistan — The Afghan Taliban on Wednesday announced Haibatullah Akhundzada as their new leader, elevating a low-profile religious figure in a swift power transition after officially 2016-05-26 10:53 5KB newsinfo.inquirer.net 8 French Open: Stan Wawrinka labours into Round Three

(0.03/3) Defending French Open champion Stan Wawrinka reached the third round yesterday after labouring to a 7-6 (9/7), 6-3, 6-4 win over Japan's Taro Daniel 2016-05-26 12:09 1KB www.mid-day.com 9 Oops! Fitness trainer mistaken for 'India's hottest MLA'

(0.01/3) In a case of mistaken identity, an Ahmedabad-based fitness professional, Sapna Vyas Patel, has found herself sharing social media space with 'India's hottest MLA' 2016-05-26 11:14 2KB www.mid-day.com 10 Nuclear-free aspirations of Obama, Abe conflict with reality TOBA, Japan — There is the soaring rhetoric. And then there's the messy reality. When US President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe make a historic visit to 2016-05-26 12:09 7KB newsinfo.inquirer.net 11 Gokongwei sells $250M JG Summit shares TYCOON John Gokongwei Jr. has raised $250 million from the sale of shares in conglomerate JG Summit Holdings, the first equity deal carved out of the Philippines after the recent presidential 2016-05-26 12:09 1KB business.inquirer.net 12 Aquino inspects 3 water, energy projects in Central Luzon TARLAC CITY — President Benigno Aquino III went province- hopping on Thursday and attended the launch and inauguration of three major water and energy projects in Central Luzon. Water 2016-05-26 12:09 3KB newsinfo.inquirer.net 13 Police kill alleged thief in Bulacan town CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan—A suspected robber was killed on Thursday dawn by the police following a break-in at the Pabahay 2000 resettlement area in Barangay (village) Muzon. The 2016-05-26 12:09 1KB newsinfo.inquirer.net

14 Debris in Mozambique, Mauritius to be analyzed by MH370 team SYDNEY — Australian officials say three pieces of debris found washed ashore in Mozambique and the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius will be examined by investigators to see if they came from 2016-05-26 12:09 1KB newsinfo.inquirer.net 15 , relive Cannes experience Filipina veteran actress Jaclyn Jose is still reeling from shock and bliss after copping the Best Actress award at the 69th in last weekend. Jose played 2016-05-26 12:09 4KB entertainment.inquirer.net 16 Nueva Ecija town village chief killed TALAVERA, Nueva Ecija—Motorcycle-riding gunmen killed the Bagong Sicat village chief of Talavera and wounded another man in Penaranda town Thursday morning. Maximo Binuya, 58, was about to board 2016-05-26 12:09 1KB newsinfo.inquirer.net 17 Sushil Kumar birthday: Lesser known fun facts about the Indian wrestler On the Olympic medal winning Indian wrestler's birthday, we give you some interesting facts and fun trivia that you may not know about him 2016-05-26 12:09 1KB www.mid-day.com 18 Mumbai: Major fire breaks out at a chemical factory at Dombivli A massive fire broke out at a chemical factory in MIDC Phase 2 in Dombivli area in Thane on Thursday killing 3 people. Over 100 have been reportedly injured 2016-05-26 12:09 1KB www.mid-day.com 19 Bees swarm Welsh car to free ‘queen bee’ A Welsh woman failed to use her Mitsubishi Outlander for two straight days after a battalion of bees swarmed the vehicle on Sunday. Carol Howarth, 68, had parked her car in Pembrokeshire, West 2016-05-26 12:09 1KB newsinfo.inquirer.net 20 Honasan asks: Were the Filipino people happy with their vote? Were the Filipino people happy with those they voted for in the May 9 elections? Senator Gringo Honasan, who ran but lost in the vice presidential race, raised this question during the 2016-05-26 12:09 4KB newsinfo.inquirer.net 21 WATCH: Obama throws a few beats for Vietnamese ‘hip hop queen’ It seems like outgoing U. S. President Barrack Obama has truly made the most of his Vietnam trip. After sharing a simple feast with culinary bad boy Anthony Bourdain, Obama wrapped up his 2016-05-26 12:09 2KB newsinfo.inquirer.net

22 Miracle in Mumbai! Train passes over 60- year-old, but she lives to tell the tale At least two bogies passed over her at Ghatkopar railway station before the driver applied the brakes. She came out almost unscathed, with just an injury on a toe on the left foot 2016-05-26 09:42 2KB www.mid-day.com 23 China Accuses US of Hampering Trade With Steel Duties China accused the United States on Thursday of hampering trade after Washington imposed duties of up to 450 percent on Chinese steel in its latest response to a flood of low-priced imports. The Ministry of Commerce complained U. S. regulators discriminated against Chinese suppliers by using... 2016-05-26 12:09 3KB abcnews.go.com 24 Make people more aware of govt initiatives: PM Modi tells ministers Chairing a meeting of Union Council of Ministers ahead of the completion of two years of the government tomorrow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked his ministerial colleagues to focus on carrying the initiatives taken by the dispensation to the grass roots 2016-05-26 12:09 2KB www.mid-day.com 25 VOICES: Hiroshima Serves as Memorial for All Victims of WWII The suffering he endured during World War II still haunts 95-year- old Lester Tenney, who has black lung disease from working as a prisoner of war in a Japanese coal mine. The former Army staff sergeant believes President Barack Obama should keep ex-POWs like him and... 2016-05-26 12:09 3KB abcnews.go.com 26 NDA govt second aniversary: BJP highlights its 'achievements' Top BJP leaders led by the party chief Amit Shah today highlighted the 2016-05-26 12:09 2KB www.mid-day.com 27 Solar-powered plane completes latest leg of world tour The world's largest solar-powered aircraft, Solar Impulse 2 on Thursday completed the latest stage of its round-the-world journey 2016-05-26 12:09 1KB www.mid-day.com

28 Child sex abusers in Indonesia to face chemical castration Child sex abuse is now punishable by death and chemical castration in Indonesia after President Joko Widodo issued a new law following the brutal gang rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl 2016-05-26 12:09 1KB www.mid-day.com 29 Mumbai Diary: Thursday Dossier The city — sliced, diced and served with a dash of sauce 2016-05-26 12:09 6KB www.mid-day.com 30 FB helps cops nab 2 Mumbai men for sparking tension in Bhopal Duo from Antop Hill had uploaded morphed images of deities and PM Modi that caused tension in Bhopal after local Hindu outfits threatened mass protests 2016-05-26 12:09 3KB www.mid-day.com 31 Mamata Banerjee brings back officers transferred by EC The West Bengal government on Wednesday reinstated a host of police and administrative officers earlier transferred out by the Election Commission during the assembly polls. Four police officers were put on compulsory waiting 2016-05-26 12:09 2KB www.mid-day.com 32 Smokers and polluters in New Zealand hit with higher taxes WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Smokers and polluters in New Zealand will get hit with higher taxes as part of the government's economic plan. The government on Thursday released its annual 2016-05-26 12:09 1KB newsinfo.inquirer.net 33 'Mr President, you're so handsome' Barack Obama fielded questions yesterday on everything from rap and weed smoking to his good looks at a lively meeting with young Vietnamese, who see the US leader as a far cry from their staid Communist rulers 2016-05-26 12:09 2KB www.mid-day.com 34 Rohit Sharma shares picture of 'incredible' Ashish Nehra, goes viral! After Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer successfully underwent a surgery for his right knee yesterday, Indian teammate and opener Rohit Sharma went on to praise Nehra with a moving post on Twitter 2016-05-26 12:09 1KB www.mid-day.com

35 Colaba League: Konnark beat Flash 1-0 Konnark FC staved off a spirited challenge from Flash FC to snatch a narrow 1-0 victory in a league match of the Colaba Sports League at the Cooperage ground 2016-05-26 12:09 1KB www.mid- day.com 36 Tour operator booked for duping customer in Thane A tour operator has been booked for allegedly duping a customer of thousands of rupees by promising to book a tour and then fleeing after locking the company office in the distict, police said on Thursday 2016-05-26 12:09 1KB www.mid-day.com 37 French Open: No trouble for Garbine Muguruza Spanish fourth seed Garbine Muguruza (right) defeated French wildcard Myrtille Georges 6-2, 6-0 to make the Roland Garros third round yesterday 2016-05-26 12:09 901Bytes www.mid-day.com 38 Abhishek, Avinash, Anshuman emerge GSC squash champs Men's top seed Abhishek Pradhan, boys' U-15 fifth seed Avinash Sahani and U-9 top seed Anshuman Jaising emerged individual champions, in the Goregaon Sports Club-ISP Squash Championships 2016-05-26 12:09 1KB www.mid-day.com 39 90,000 security officials for Euro 2016 France said it will deploy over 90,000 security guards for Euro 2016 in a bid ensure 2016-05-26 12:09 833Bytes www.mid-day.com 40 In 'single' blow, Taiwan prez called 'extreme' In less than a week, Tsai Ing-wen went from being sworn-in as Taiwan’s first female president to being labeled “extreme” by a news agency for China’s Communist Party in large part because she’s not married 2016-05-26 12:09 1KB www.mid-day.com 41 'Fascist' Donald Trump faces protest Donald Trump’s rally in New Mexico turned violent as protesters toppled barricades and threw rocks, burning T-shirts and plastic bottles at police officers, injuring several 2016-05-26 12:09 2KB www.mid-day.com 42 Pune builder has narrow escape in Mumbai-Pune E-way accident, driver dies A renowned Pune-based builder, DS Kulkarni, met with an accident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway on Wednesday. The builder’s driver died in the accident while two others were injured 2016-05-26 12:02 2KB www.mid-day.com 43 Dustin Diamond Back in Jail in Wisconsin Former "Saved by the Bell" Dustin Diamond is back in jail in Wisconsin after an official says he violated the terms of his parole. Ozaukee County jail records show Diamond, who was recently released after serving time for disorderly conduct and concealed- weapon convictions, was... 2016-05-26 12:02 1KB abcnews.go.com 44 House Reverses Course on LGBT Rights for Federal Contractors The House reversed itself late Wednesday and approved a measure aimed at upholding an executive order that bars discrimination against LGBT employees by federal contractors. More than 40 Republicans helped Democrats power the gay rights measure over the opposition of GOP conservatives who... 2016-05-26 12:00 4KB abcnews.go.com 45 Highlands Park get off to solid start in PSL promotion play-offs Highlands Park got off to a great start in the promotion-relegation play-offs following their emphatic 3-0 win over Mbombela United at Kanyamazane Stadium yesterday. 2016-05-26 11:47 997Bytes www.timeslive.co.za 46 Indy 500 champions choose the most important non-driver It was 1945 and the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway was in disrepair. Already in desperate need of improvements, a third of Gasoline Alley had burned four years earlier. Then came World War II and a four-year hiatus for the Indianapolis 500. 2016-05-26 11:46 3KB www.washingtontimes.com 47 UW to cut dozens of vacant positions to save millions The University of Wyoming has announced plans intended to save the school millions of dollars as it looks to find $50 million in its budget for the next two years amid the state’s economic downturn. 2016-05-26 11:46 1KB www.washingtontimes.com 48 Pirates have cup mojo on their side Sifiso Myeni is the lucky charm Orlando Pirates need to lift the Nedbank Cup on Saturday. 2016-05-26 11:41 2KB www.timeslive.co.za 49 In Gawker fight, Hogan may have billionaire in his corner Is Hulk Hogan’s courtroom cage match with Gawker being bankrolled by a high-tech billionaire with a grudge against the news-and-gossip site? 2016-05-26 11:41 3KB www.washingtontimes.com

50 Cops: We can't cope Protests are becoming more frequent and more violent - but the police have admitted that they do not have enough manpower to cope. 2016-05-26 11:35 2KB www.timeslive.co.za 51 Allister faces pair of thunderbolts With the Test series against Ireland a mere two weeks away, Springbok coach Allister Coetzee's plans should be at an advanced stage. 2016-05-26 11:33 3KB www.timeslive.co.za 52 Where have all our entrepreneurs gone? A decline in new entrepreneurs could herald an economic meltdown in South Africa. 2016-05-26 11:17 2KB www.timeslive.co.za 53 Funeral services set for officer shot during traffic stop A Massachusetts community is paying its final respects to a police officer who was fatally shot during a traffic stop. 2016-05-26 11:16 1KB www.washingtontimes.com 54 Cafe has to change name after Caribou Coffee files lawsuit A cafe in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula has to change its name after a couple was accused by coffee store chain Caribou Coffee of trademark infringement. 2016-05-26 11:15 1KB www.washingtontimes.com 55 Pro-Trump Hispanics face ridicule from friends and family Hispanic voters in Florida, New Mexico and California have waved Mexican flags and bashed Donald Trump piñatas - clashing with police, at times - to protest the Republican presidential contender’s hard line approach to immigration. 2016-05-26 11:15 3KB www.washingtontimes.com 56 Wednesday’s Sports in Brief The New England Patriots joined the latest “Deflategate” appeal to support Tom Brady, taking sides with their star quarterback in court for the first time in his fight against the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell. 2016-05-26 11:15 3KB www.washingtontimes.com

57 Steven Spielberg to address grads at Harvard commencement Filmmaker Steven Spielberg is scheduled to deliver the commencement speech at Harvard University. 2016-05-26 11:15 1KB www.washingtontimes.com 58 Police: Man ejected from vehicle in Arkansas crash, dies Arkansas State Police say a Louisiana man has died after being ejected from his pickup during a crash in Sevier County. 2016-05-26 11:15 1KB www.washingtontimes.com 59 New Jersey lawmakers to vote on Atlantic City rescue bills New Jersey lawmakers are set to vote on an Atlantic City rescue package to keep the struggling resort town from running out of money. 2016-05-26 11:15 1KB www.washingtontimes.com 60 Lawsuit alleges Yakima employee was fired for old age A 64-year-old man has filed a $1 million lawsuit alleging he was fired by the city of Yakima because of his age and related salary incentives. 2016-05-26 11:15 1KB www.washingtontimes.com 61 Sharks head to 1st Cup final after 5-2 win over Blues Two years after their most devastating playoff loss, the San Jose Sharks held their most meaningful celebration. 2016-05-26 11:15 3KB www.washingtontimes.com 62 Police: Man shot while standing on Omaha apartment balcony Police say a man was injured when he was shot while standing on a second-floor balcony at an Omaha apartment building. 2016-05-26 11:15 1KB www.washingtontimes.com 63 In image-conscious Dubai, even police patrol in luxury cars Image is everything in Dubai - even when fighting crime. 2016-05-26 11:15 2KB www.washingtontimes.com 64 Repo man’s attempt to take car leads to deadly Utah chase The repossession agent showed up around midnight to a cul-de- sac in a small Utah city, his girlfriend a passenger in his company tow truck. As he backed up to a driveway to take back an SUV belonging to a woman who had fallen behind on a... 2016-05-26 11:15 3KB www.washingtontimes.com 65 Microsoft giving up smartphone manufacturing — union HELSINKI, Finland — Microsoft announced Wednesday it would let go up to 1,850 employees and a Finnish union called it the end of the company's smartphone manufacturing business, bought from 2016-05-26 11:13 3KB technology.inquirer.net 66 The Comrades' ups and downs When one looks at the winning times in the Comrades Marathon, they draw a picture that is as interesting as it is misleading. 2016-05-26 11:09 2KB www.timeslive.co.za 67 ANC v ANC as members accuse party boss of plot to frame Fransman Days after ANC bigwig Marius Fransman was let off the hook on allegations of sexual harassment, affidavits are claiming he is the victim of a plot. 2016-05-26 11:08 2KB www.timeslive.co.za 68 Michelle Obama set to speak at Native American commencement Michelle Obama plans to address 105 Native American high school graduates Thursday during a commencement speech that comes as she tries to spotlight the plight of tribal youth in the final months of her husband’s presidency. 2016-05-26 11:07 3KB www.washingtontimes.com 69 Report: 46 states made prison-related reforms in 2014-15 A new analysis has found that nearly every state made prison- related reforms in 2014 and 2015. 2016-05-26 11:07 1KB www.washingtontimes.com 70 The Big Read: Crooks in teachers' clothing The so-called 2016-05-26 11:07 4KB www.timeslive.co.za

71 Whale-finding phone app grows in use, steering mariners away With summer whale watching season fast approaching, conservation advocates and government agencies who want to protect whales say a mobile app designed to help mariners steer clear of the animals is helping keep them alive. 2016-05-26 11:06 2KB www.washingtontimes.com

72 Dummies in the rear as car safety efforts move to back seats Crash test dummies, who have endured thousands of simulated accidents from the front seat, are about to get a ride in the back. 2016-05-26 11:04 3KB www.timeslive.co.za 73 U-12 National : State lads Waghani, Samanth stun favourites Maharashtra duo Krish Waghani and Achal Samanth fashioned significant upsets to storm into the boys' quarter-finals, in the 10th Ramesh Desai Memorial Under-12 National Tennis Championship at the Cricket Club of India yesterday 2016-05-26 10:57 1KB www.mid- day.com 74 Israel forming civil defense units in preparation for possible conflict with Hezbollah Israel is also carefully watching the Golan Heights, which Israel acquired in 1967 and later annexed, along the border with Syria. 2016-05-26 10:48 4KB www.jpost.com 75 Israel foils West Bank attempt to smuggle materials bound for Hamas in Gaza Intercepted consignment consists of hundreds of pipes that can be used for producing mortars and dozens of electric motors that can be used for building terrorist infrastructure. 2016-05-26 10:41 1KB www.jpost.com 76 They 'run' the show: Top 5 partnerships by batsmen in ODI history On this day in 1999, Indian batsmen Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid had set a record for the highest partnership in ODIs, which was broken later. Let's take a look at the top 5 partnerships by batsmen in ODI history 2016-05-26 10:37 1KB www.mid-day.com 77 Terrorists strike again, kill another Jammu & Kashmir cop The attack is the third in three days; officer was shot at after he refused to give up rifle 2016-05-26 10:36 1KB www.mid-day.com 78 90% no longer an impossible dream as HSC students ace exams Student scores soar to 95% and beyond this year in the HSC results, but educationists warn this puts too much focus on marks alone 2016-05-26 10:32 6KB www.mid-day.com 79 Minor girl brutally raped, dumped near railway track in Delhi A 13-year-old girl was brutally raped and dumped near a railway track in South-east Delhi's Pul Prahladpur area allegedly by a teenager who lives in her neighbourhood, police said today 2016-05-26 10:24 2KB www.mid-day.com 80 Andhra temples getting richer because people are committing sins: N Chandrababu Naidu Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu says temples in his state have experienced a 27% growth in income since people with ‘increased troubles’ are offering money 2016-05-26 10:15 1KB www.mid-day.com 81 Johnny Depp’s wife files for divorce in Los Angeles LOS ANGELES — Johnny Depp's wife has filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences after 15 months of marriage. Amber Depp, an actress known as Amber Heard, filed for divorce in 2016-05-26 10:14 2KB entertainment.inquirer.net 82 Undertrial 'SRK' hurls slipper at judge Shahrukh Shan Mohamed Khan has had it with the judiciary 2016-05-26 10:13 1KB www.mid-day.com 83 Pune: 18-year-old hangs self after checking results An 18-year-old HSC student hanged himself from a ceiling fan at his home after checking his results online yesterday. The deceased is Sanjay Dattatray Vibhuti (18), a resident of Bhoradenagar in Thergaon 2016-05-26 10:12 1KB www.mid-day.com 84 Bombay HC extends Pankaj Bhujbal's interim protection from arrest The Bombay High Court yesterday extended the interim protection from arrest granted to Pankaj Bhujbal, son of former Deputy CM Chhagan Bhujbal, and nine others, who are facing charges of money laundering in Maharashtra Sadan scam, till June 7 2016-05-26 10:11 1KB www.mid-day.com 85 At least 2 hurt as tower crane collapses in Makati A construction crane collapsed in Makati City on Thursday morning, hurting at least two people, Radyo Inquirer 990 AM reported. The crane was being used in the construction of a 2016-05-26 10:05 1KB newsinfo.inquirer.net 86 Financial crisis may have caused 500,000 cancer deaths worldwide—study PARIS—The global financial crisis may have caused an additional 500,000 cancer deaths from 2008-2010, a new study said Thursday, with patients locked out of treatment because of unemployment and 2016-05-26 09:55 3KB technology.inquirer.net 87 Matka King murder: Jaya Chheda wants furlough extended on medical grounds The Bombay High Court has asked the state government to file a reply on the medical condition of Jaya Chheda, who is convicted for killing her former husband and matka king, Suresh Bhagat in 2013 2016-05-26 09:54 2KB www.mid-day.com 88 Manchester look to be 'United' with Jose Mourinho: reports Manchester United were locked in a second day of talks with Jose Mourinho's (left) agents yesterday, hammering out a deal to sweep the controversial Portuguese boss into Old Trafford 2016-05-26 09:53 1KB www.mid-day.com 89 Very wall done When you are 140 years old, and you need a facelift, better Sassooner than later 2016-05-26 09:53 3KB www.mid-day.com 90 Virat Kohli declares AB de Villiers the best batsman in world Virat Kohli has declared AB de Villiers the best batsman in the world after the South African single-handedly steered his Indian Premier League side into this season's cricket final. 2016-05-26 09:53 2KB www.timeslive.co.za 91 Lionel Messi in Argentina for pre-Copa tie Barcelona star Lionel Messi joined the Argentina squad yesterday as it prepared for a friendly with Honduras ahead of next month's Copa America, the Argentina Football Association said 2016-05-26 09:52 1KB www.mid-day.com 92 AFC Cup: Sunil Chhetri brace takes BFC into quarters Bengaluru FC carved history for themselves as they marched into the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup football, beating Kitchee SC 3-2 in a pulsating game at the here yesterday 2016-05-26 09:51 1KB www.mid-day.com 93 Mumbai: HC raps BMC for hiring tainted contractors to build bridges Even though it had filed an FIR against both contractors, BMC gave them contracts worth Rs 223 crore to build four bridges 2016-05-26 09:49 2KB www.mid-day.com

94 French Open: Leander Paes, Sania Mirza, Rohan Bopanna cruise into Rd 2 India's tennis stars Leander Paes, Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna got their French Open campaign off to a winning start, winning their respective women's and men's doubles matches to enter the second round here yesterday 2016-05-26 09:49 1KB www.mid-day.com 95 Two good! Barcelona striker Neymar meets his wax twin If there is something more exciting than watching Neymar, it's watching Neymar meet Neymar. And thanks to Madame Tussaud's, we can do just that 2016-05-26 09:32 1KB www.mid-day.com 96 Candidly Speaking: I stand by my critique of ADL’s Jonathan Greenblatt With the current surge of violent global anti-Semitism there is an urgent need for a powerful Jewish body dedicated to fighting anti- Semitism. 2016-05-26 09:32 5KB www.jpost.com 97 81 South African residents linked to Panama Papers The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has identified the names of 1‚700 individual South African residents in the data released in the Panama Papers. 2016-05-26 09:27 3KB www.timeslive.co.za 98 Despite Virat Kohli magic, IPL 9 viewership takes a hit Viewership for the ninth edition of the T20 tourney has been facing a week-on-week fall 2016-05-26 09:26 5KB www.mid-day.com 99 Report: Abbas to arrive in Cairo days after Israeli delegation departs The move comes just days after a secret delegation made up of high-ranking Israeli officials departed from the Egyptian capital. 2016-05-26 09:26 3KB www.jpost.com 100 Nitin Gadkari launches safety feature-rich Nirbhaya buses Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday launches 20 Nirbhaya buses of Rajasthan State Transport Corporation with multiple safety measures to better protect women passengers 2016-05-26 09:22 1KB www.mid-day.com Articles

Total 100 articles, created at 2016-05-26 12:09

1 Left submits 4 women Cabinet nominees to Duterte (2.07/3) DAVAO CITY, Philippines— The Left has submitted an “impressive” list of nominees to presumptive President- elect Rodrigo Duterte to become members of his official family, where at least four of the contenders are women. In a press briefing which lasted until the wee hours of Thursday, Duterte revealed that National Democatic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) spokesperson Fidel Agcaoili handed him the list when they met last Tuesday. “The Left has given an impressive list of nominees. I am inclined to give in. If we can talk smoothly when Jose Maria Sison [comes] home in July, I am willing to give lahat ng liderato para mapuwesto sa gobyerno (give all the leaders government posts),” Duterte said. Duterte refused to divulge the names of the Left’s nominees but said that most of them came from the University of the Philippines. The incoming President has earlier given the Left a free hand in choosing nominees for four departments: Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Labor and Employment. READ: Duterte: 4 Cabinet posts open to Reds However, Duterte said that he is still thinking if he will yield the DENR to the Left on, adding that the country is facing a “very serious” problem with mining. “The only way to continue with mining is to use the military,” he said. The Left supposedly nominated Bayan Muna party-list representative and human rights lawyer Carlos Isagani Zarate for environment secretary. Despite the earlier promise of his transition team to pattern Duterte’s Cabinet after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s, the official family of the incoming president remains predominantly male. Duterte has named only one woman so far in his Cabinet: former Immigration chief Andrea Domingo for the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor). The transition team even tapped the help of outgoing Senator Pia Cayetano to advise them on vetting women nominees for the Cabinet. READ: Pia lends women’s voice to Duterte team Duterte said that he will not offer “sensitive” posts in the Cabinet to the Left nor give positions to “hardcore” leftists. “Pagpasok ng gobyerno, hindi naman ito harcdcore. Kasi hindi naman talaga ako tatanggap ng hardcore. (When my government assumes office, it will not be hardcore [left] because I will not really accept hardcore [leftists]),” he said. RAM

Duterte to Trudeau: I’ll bring Ridsdel killers to justice globalnation.inquirer.net Duterte warns De Lima: ‘Don’t fight me; you’ll lose’ newsinfo.inquirer.net

Duterte eyes ‘massive’ gov’t reshuffle newsinfo.inquirer.net 2016-05-26 12:09 Aries Joseph newsinfo.inquirer.net

2 Homes damaged but small town spared after Kansas tornado (1.16/3) CHAPMAN, Kan. (AP) - A large tornado damaged or destroyed as many as 25 homes in a rural area of northern Kansas and came within a mile of hitting a small town, officials said. There were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities from the tornado that the National Weather Service said was on the ground for about an hour and a half Wednesday night. Trooper Ben Gardner, a spokesman for the Kansas Highway Patrol, said early Thursday that emergency crews were assessing homes in the hardest-hit part of Dickinson County to ensure no one was trapped or in need of help. A statement from authorities at a unified response center estimated that 15 to 25 homes were substantially damaged or totally destroyed. The Red Cross set up an emergency shelter for displaced families. The tornado formed just after 7 p.m. near the Ottawa County community of Niles and stayed on the ground continuously until around 8:35 p.m. when it dissipated, National Weather Service meteorologist Chad Omitt said. Estimates are that it was a quarter- to a half-mile wide at times, he said. The weather service urged people to take cover as the tornado it called “catastrophic” approached Chapman, about 75 miles west of Topeka. Omitt said “the heart” of the tornado at one point was just about a mile south of Chapman, a town of about 1,400 that was devastated by a deadly tornado in 2008 but spared on Wednesday. The twister that hit June 11, 2008, tore a path of destruction six blocks wide through the town. Officials said one woman died, 100 homes were destroyed or heavily damaged, and 80 percent of the town had at least minor damage. Most of Wednesday’s damage was in a rural area between Chapman and the town of Abilene, Gardner said. The storms were the latest in a busy severe weather week for the Great Plains. On Tuesday, tornadoes in western Kansas injured at least two people, and one person drowned in central Oklahoma amid heavy rain. In Arkansas, a 13-year-old boy was found safe three hours after falling into a flooded drainage pipe.

Authorities: 20 homes damaged, no injuries in Kansas storms cbs46.com 2016-05-26 11:07 This image www.washingtontimes.com

3 Microsoft’s Windows 10 push comes to shove for some users (1.11/3) SAN FRANCISCO — Microsoft really, REALLY wants you to upgrade to Windows 10. Since last summer, the tech giant has pushed and prodded PC owners to upgrade their machines to its latest Windows version. While the upgrade is currently free for most consumers with Windows PCs, critics say the company’s heavy-handed nudging amounts to an “offer you can’t refuse.” Microsoft initially offered Windows 10 as an optional upgrade — that is, one that users had to choose themselves. Then, earlier this year, the company reclassified it as a “recommended” update. Some Windows 10 holdouts cried foul, since many PCs are set up to automatically install recommended updates, which are usually important security fixes. Suddenly those machines would automatically install Windows 10 as well. At one point, some PC owners complained, Microsoft began sending on- screen messages prompting them to download and install Windows 10. The catch: Where most such pop-up windows have buttons marked “OK” and “Cancel,” this message displayed two buttons that both led to an upgrade (“Upgrade Now” and “Upgrade Tonight”). To avoid the upgrade, diehard resisters had to click a red “X” in the upper-right corner that closed the window. Microsoft then revised the notifications, citing customer feedback. A new version tells PC owners they are scheduled for a “recommended” upgrade to Windows 10 at a specific time in the near future, and bears a prominent “OK” button. To reject or reschedule the change, users have to find and click a less conspicuous link in small type. But clicking the “X” no longer blocks the upgrade. Some PC users reacted as though Microsoft had left a horse’s head in their bed. “Deceptive” and “a nasty trick” is how Brad Chacos, an editor at PCWorld, put it in a column after his wife unwittingly clicked the “X” and later found her machine was no longer running Windows 7, which she had wanted to keep. “Deploying these dirty tricks only frustrates long-time Windows users who have very valid reasons to stick with operating systems they already know and love,” wrote Chacos, who added that he uses and likes Windows 10 personally. His wife, though, is now shopping for a Mac. Microsoft says it isn’t trying to be sneaky. In blog posts and official statements, the company says it shows users at least two notifications before it activates Windows 10. It also allows any PC owner to reverse the installation and go back to their old software if they do so within 31 days. “We understand you care deeply about what happens with your device. This is why – regardless of your upgrade path – you can choose to upgrade or decline the offer,” Microsoft executive vice president Terry Myerson wrote in a blog post. Even so, Microsoft clearly wants to get as many PCs and other devices running Windows 10 as it possibly can. The company says it wants users to have the latest security features and other improvements. Microsoft also makes more money from Windows 10 features that increase usage of Bing, the company’s ad-supported search engine. And it wants to convince programmers there’s a big audience for software apps that are compatible with Windows 10 on PCs, tablets, smartphones and other gadgets. Microsoft announced earlier this month that 300 million devices are running Windows 10 — a faster adoption rate than either of the two previous Windows versions. Most buyers of new PCs will find Windows 10 already installed. But Microsoft says its offer of a free upgrade for old machines is ending July 29 — and that means more notices and prompts are likely. RELATED STORIES Microsoft cuts more jobs in troubled mobile unit Microsoft pitches smart chats with computers

Microsoft's Windows 10 push comes to shove for some users cbs46.com 2016-05-26 10:07 Associated Press technology.inquirer.net

4 4 Philippines' Duterte Apologizes to Trudeau Over Beheading (1.04/3) The Philippines' presumptive president-elect says he has apologized to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the beheading by Muslim militants of a Canadian hostage in the southern province of Sulu. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of southern Davao City told reporters Thursday that he apologized for the April 25 beheading of hostage John Ridsdel when Trudeau called Tuesday. He says he assured Trudeau the government will try it's best to ensure the incident is not repeated and that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice. Duterte, who won the May 9 presidential election based on an unofficial tally, is due to be inaugurated president on June 30. Muslim militants demanding ransom have threatened to kill three more hostages in their jungle base in the southern Philippines after Ridsdel's beheading.

Duterte to Trudeau: I’ll bring Ridsdel killers to justice globalnation.inquirer.net 2016-05-26 12:09 By abcnews.go.com

5 ‘Lost my way': Murray pushed to 5 sets again at French Open (1.02/3) PARIS — As if ordering room service, Andy Murray’s latest unheralded French Open tormenter requested that a can of Coke and a Mars bar be brought to him right there on Court Philippe Chatrier for sustenance during their five-setter. Truth is, it was Murray who appeared in need of a jolt of some sort, especially while he was losing 16 points in a row during one stretch. “I lost my way on the court today,” Murray said, “for quite a while.” For now, Murray is still in the mix at Roland Garros, reaching the third round by coming from behind yet again to win 6-2, 2-6, 4-6, 6- 2, 6-3 on Wednesday against French wild-card entry Mathias Bourgue, who was playing in the second tour-level match of his life. The second-seeded Murray acknowledged he can’t keep getting pushed to the limit if he has designs on adding a third title to his collection. “I need to go and rest,” said Murray, already on court for 10 sets and more than 7 hours. “It’s been a tough, tough few days.” Sure has. Murray, three times a semifinalist in Paris, never had won consecutive five- set matches in any tournament. But he twice overcame a set deficit before edging 37-year-old qualifier Radek Stepanek 3-6, 3-6, 6-0, 6-3, 7-5 in a first-round match suspended by darkness Monday and completed Tuesday. Then, against Bourgue — a 22-year-old buoyed by a partisan crowd that repeatedly regaled their man with standing ovations and jeered line calls that didn’t go his way — Murray dropped eight straight games, including that 16-point drought, and fell behind by two sets to one. “I couldn’t believe it myself,” Bourgue said. “I was very happy. I was very proud. I knew I was on top of things at that point.” Not surprisingly, it didn’t last. This is, after all, someone who is ranked 164th. Someone who usually plays on the lower-tier Challenger tour and never before faced anyone ranked better than 55th. Someone who never before contested a fourth set and so leaned on advice from another French pro, Gilles Simon: If exhaustion sets in, ask for a soda and a candy bar (a ball boy eventually did bring Bourgue a drink and a Twix on Wednesday). To scout him, Murray asked some French players what they knew about Bourgue — he’s good on clay, they warned — and watched video of his match from Monday. Not much else to go on. Murray is more familiar with his next opponent: No. 27 Ivo Karlovic, who hit 41 aces to beat Australian wild-card entry Jordan Thompson 6-7 (2), 6-3, 7- 6 (3), 6-7 (4), 12-10 and become, at 37, the oldest man to reach a major’s third round since Jimmy Connors at the 1991 U. S. Open. “It’s the only time when being old is OK,” Karlovic joked. Murray is 6-0 against the 6-foot-11 (2.11-meter) Karlovic. “Physically, the average rally length will only be a few shots — maybe three, four shots max. So that’s a positive there,” Murray said. “At least I get a day’s rest now. But you can’t continue playing matches like that and then expect to win the tournament.” Not since Gaston Gaudio in 2004 has a man been taken to five sets in each of the French Open’s first two rounds and gone on to lift the trophy. Most of the other top seeds in action Wednesday won in straight sets, including defending champion Stan Wawrinka, No. 5 Kei Nishikori, No. 8 Milos Raonic and the last two American men, No. 15 John Isner and No. 23 Jack Sock. Among the women, No. 2 Agnieszka Radwanska, No. 4 Garbine Muguruza, No. 10 Petra Kvitova, No. 11 Lucie Safarova and No. 19 Sloane Stephens advanced in two sets. For a segment of his 3½-hour match against Murray, Bourgue could do no wrong, whether with big swings from the baseline or perfect drop shots. He ended up with more winners, fewer unforced errors and more total points, 138-137. “It’s a pity I lost,” Bourgue said. Bourgue’s level eventually dropped, but Murray deserves credit for limiting his own mistakes down the stretch. Murray made a combined 10 unforced errors over the last two sets, after having at least that many in each of the first three. When it was over, Murray looked at his guest box and pointed at his heart. “Maybe not feeling or playing my best,” Murray said, “but found a way to win.” French Open: Andy Murray survives scare again to enter Round 3 mid-day.com 2016-05-26 12:09 Associated Press sports.inquirer.net

6 Police: 1 dead, 3 wounded in shooting at NYC concert venue (1.02/3) NEW YORK — One person was killed and three others wounded in a shooting inside a concert venue in New York City, where hip- hop artist T. I. was scheduled to perform, police said. It happened around 10:15 p.m. Wednesday at Irving Plaza, near Manhattan’s Union Square. Police said a 34-year-old man was shot in the chest and a 33-year-old man was shot in the stomach. One of the men later died at a hospital, police did not say which one. A 26-year-old woman was shot in the leg. Police said a fourth person walked into a hospital on their own. Elijah Rodriguez was attending the concert with his sister and they were in the VIP area by the stage. He said TI was supposed to go on stage at 9 or 9:30 p.m. but “he never showed up.” At or around 10 p.m. he said the venue started playing music again, and at about 10:15 p.m., he saw a line of people coming out from where the performers were coming onstage. “All the sudden I heard someone saying that there was a shot, that someone got shot,” Rodriguez said. Rodriguez didn’t actually hear the shots himself, but heard people saying that someone had gotten shot. “It was scary to deal with. When I got outside, like literally across the street, there were a few girls having, like, panic attacks. One girl thought she saw someone get shot in front of her,” Rodriguez said, adding that T. I was not onstage when the shots were fired. Video shot inside the venue showed a chaotic scene as concertgoers rushed to the sides trying to leave the area as a group of people tended to a person on the floor. Representatives for T. I., whose real name is Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., said they were referring all questions about the shooting to police. No arrests were made. No other information was immediately available. Irving Plaza is a 1,025-person ballroom-style music venue. RELATED STORIES US: 8 relatives shot dead, some while sleeping; 3 kids survive Police: Suspect in US bus station shooting dead; 3 others hurt

Shots ring out at T.I. concert in NYC, 1 dead, 3 wounded washingtontimes.com 2016-05-26 12:09 Associated Press newsinfo.inquirer.net

7 Taliban appoints new leader after deadly drone strike (1.02/3) KABUL, Afghanistan — The Afghan Taliban on Wednesday announced Haibatullah Akhundzada as their new leader, elevating a low-profile religious figure in a swift power transition after officially confirming the death of Mullah Mansour in a US drone strike. The surprise announcement coincided with a Taliban suicide bombing that targeted court employees near Kabul, killing 11 people in an assault that illustrated the potency of the insurgency despite the change of leadership. READ: Taliban confirms death of leader in US attack | Afghan Taliban appoint new leader after Mansour’s death Akhundzada, formerly one of Mansour’s deputies, faces the enormous challenge of unifying an increasingly fragmented militant movement while it remains unclear whether he will emulate Mansour in shunning peace talks with the Afghan government. “Haibatullah Akhundzada has been appointed as the new leader of the Islamic Emirate (Taliban) after a unanimous agreement in the Shura (supreme council), and all the members of Shura pledged allegiance to him,” the insurgents said in a statement. It added that Sirajuddin Haqqani, an implacable foe of US forces, and Mullah Yakoub, the son of Taliban founder Mullah Omar, were appointed his deputies. Analysts had previously seen them as the most likely candidates for the leadership. “The leader of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and commander of faithful, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, was martyred in a US drone strike in… Pakistan’s Balochistan province,” the statement said, in the insurgents’ first confirmation of his death. Before his killing, Mansour had written a will handpicking Akhundzada to be his successor, Taliban sources told AFP, in an apparent bid to lend legitimacy to his appointment. US President Barack Obama, who authorized the drone strikes, had confirmed the death Monday. He said Mansour had rejected efforts “to seriously engage in peace talks”, asserting that direct negotiations with the Afghan government were the only way to end the attritional conflict. “The new leader’s appointment is a good opportunity for the Taliban to return to peace talks and rebuild their country,” Afghan presidential spokesman Dawa Khan Menapal told AFP. “If they reject peace talks they will face the same fate as Mansour.” But “the status quo remains unchanged” after Akhundzada’s appointment, Taliban expert Rahimullah Yousafzai told AFP. “I don’t foresee any shift from Mansour’s policies. He is unlikely to negotiate peace with the Afghan government.” ‘Moral supremacy’ Other observers say Akhundzada, who is from Kandahar, is seen as more of a spiritual figurehead than a military commander. “Even if he favors peace talks, he is unlikely to proceed without consensus within the supreme council” where many vehemently oppose negotiations, said analyst Amir Rana. “Akhundzada enjoys some moral supremacy within Taliban ranks but he will be more of a symbolic leader than a functional leader,” he added. Rana stressed that his deputies will likely play a more active role, with Haqqani overseeing the military side and Yakoub the political side. The US killing of Mansour showed that Washington has at least for now abandoned hopes of reviving the direct peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban, which broke down last summer. It marked a significant shift for Washington, highlighting a new willingness to target the group’s leaders in Pakistan and risk retaliatory attacks against struggling Afghan security forces. Saturday’s drone attack, the first known American assault on a top Afghan Taliban leader on Pakistani soil, sent shockwaves through the insurgent movement which had seen a resurgence under Mansour. He was killed just nine months after being formally appointed leader following a bitter power struggle upon confirmation of founder Mullah Omar’s death. Omar died in 2013, but his death was kept secret for two years, with Mansour issuing statements in his name — a revelation that helped fuel internal opposition and splintered the group into rival factions. Akhundzada faces a similar challenge in unifying Taliban ranks. A breakaway faction led by Mullah Rassoul rejected Akhundzada’s appointment, saying he was selected inside Pakistan without any broad consultation with field commanders in Afghanistan. The Taliban’s supreme council held emergency meetings that began Sunday in southwest Pakistan to try to find a unifying figure for the leadership post. Taliban sources told AFP council members were lying low and constantly changing the venue of their meetings to avoid any fresh air strikes. The Taliban said Wednesday’s suicide attack in Paghman district near Kabul, which the UN condemned as “cowardly”, was in revenge for the execution of six Taliban-linked inmates. The executions earlier this month were approved as part of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s new hardline policy against the insurgents after a brazen Taliban attack in April killed at least 64 people.

The new Taliban chief mid-day.com 2016-05-26 10:53 Agence France newsinfo.inquirer.net

8 French Open: Stan Wawrinka labours into Round Three (0.03/3) Paris: Defending French Open champion Stan Wawrinka reached the third round yesterday after labouring to a 7-6 (9/7), 6-3, 6-4 win over Japan's Taro Daniel. Stan Wawrinka returns to Japan's Taro Daniel in the second round of the French Open. Pic/AFP The third-seeded Swiss fended off two set points against world number 93 Daniel in an opening tie-break, and Wawrinka was also forced to rally from a break down in the third set before wrapping up a straight-sets victory. Having narrowly avoiding becoming the first reigning Roland Garros champion to lose in the first round when he was taken to five sets by Lukas Rosol, Wawrinka was relieved to eventually come through unscathed against a player with just one Grand Slam win to his name. "I'm happy to get through in three sets. For sure it was some up and down, could have been better, but winning three sets, it's always good, and in general I think it's been a good day," said Wawrinka. "I think he was playing well. I had a lot of opportunities to break, to take the lead. I didn't and he started to play better. "

French Open: Andy Murray survives scare again to enter Round 3 mid-day.com 2016-05-26 12:09 By AFP www.mid-day.com

9 Oops! Fitness trainer mistaken for 'India's hottest MLA' (0.01/3) In a case of mistaken identity, an Ahmedabad- based fitness professional, Sapna Vyas Patel, has found herself sharing social media space with ‘India’s hottest MLA’. Sapna Vyas Patel (left) and Angoorlata Deka Social media networks are buzzing after giving the epithet of ‘the hottest MLA’ to Assamese actor Angoorlata Deka — a political greenhorn who trounced veteran Gautam Bora in the assembly election — with plenty of comments following pictures of Deka, either slamming people for calling her “hawwwwt”, screaming sexist or telling people to loosen up and have some fun. Social media posts, though, show that in a couple of pictures, Deka, who has made it to the assembly on a BJP ticket from the Batadroba constituency, has been mistakenly replaced by Sapna Vyas Patel, a fitness professional. Sapna told mid-day on the phone from Ahmedabad, “I realised that my pictures, ones with me in a T-shirt and track pants are being used on social media, stating that they are of Angoorlata Deka. I think they have been picked up because I am very well known on social media. In fact, I am told by some of my followers on these networks that my pictures appeared yesterday in a Punjab paper as Angoorlata Deka!” Sapna is flustered rather than flattered by the ‘hot’ label. “I run an online fitness consultancy. I also have an app on it,” said Sapna, who believes she has reached so many followers because her story had the ooooh-how-did- she-do-that? factor. “I became popular because I posted pictures of my story, telling people how I lost 33 kg in one year.” Sapna said she has 4 lakh followers on Instagram. “It is time that people in this country do proper verification and use posts from credible sources. Before pressing the share button, check your sources and credibility,” she advised. The fitness professional claimed she is contemplating legal action, but was not certain about how she would go about it.

When a fitness trainer is mistaken for 'hottest MLA' mid-day.com 2016-05-26 11:14 By Hemal www.mid-day.com

10 10 Nuclear-free aspirations of Obama, Abe conflict with reality TOBA, Japan — There is the soaring rhetoric. And then there’s the messy reality. When US President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe make a historic visit to Hiroshima on Friday — the first time a sitting US president has visited the site of the first atomic bomb attack — their words advocating nuclear disarmament will clash with real-world security necessities. Far from backing up the vision of a world without nuclear bombs that Obama laid out in a 2009 speech that helped secure a Nobel Peace Prize, his near-finished presidency has seen a multibillion-dollar modernization of the US nuclear force. Japan’s long postwar commitment to disarmament, meanwhile, is only possible because of its reliance on the so-called American “nuclear umbrella” that protects it from antagonistic North Korea and China. Tokyo, should it choose, could probably easily convert its advanced civilian nuclear program into a weapons program, and some conservatives in Abe’s ruling party have argued that the country’s pacifist constitution technically allows nuclear weapons. READ: With Hiroshima, Obama goes where predecessors stayed away Despite his own mixed record on nukes, Obama likely sees his Hiroshima visit as a worthwhile expenditure of political capital in order to shore up a global nonproliferation effort that seems at times to be crumbling. Before the most recent of a series of nuclear security summits meant to reduce and protect nuclear material, Obama wrote in March that eliminating all nuclear weapons may not happen in his lifetime. “But we have begun. As the only nation ever to use nuclear weapons, the United States has a moral obligation to continue to lead the way in eliminating them. Still, no one nation can realize this vision alone. It must be the work of the world.” Obama’s vision of a world without nuclear weapons was challenged almost immediately. His April 2009 speech in Prague happened within hours of North Korea’s launch of a long-range rocket that outsiders, including the United Nations, called a cover for a test of banned missile technology. Pyongyang is still barreling ahead in its push for nuclear-armed missiles that could reach the US mainland. Obama secured a deal meant to limit Iran’s nuclear program, if it can be implemented amid mistrust on both sides. But Pakistan and India are still locked in a nuclear standoff. The United States and Russia, which have most of the world’s nuclear weapons, often see their geopolitical jockeying for position interfere with disarmament efforts. And there are growing worries about the security of nuclear fuel sites around the world. Obama’s trip to Hiroshima also comes amid anxiety that North Korea’s growing nuclear and missile capabilities could lead to the top US allies in Asia, Japan and South Korea, starting their own nuclear weapons programs. It is highly unlikely either country will go nuclear. It could cause huge political and economic damage — crippling sanctions, global condemnation — and jeopardize their alliances with the United States. But a small group in South Korea, including some conservative members of the ruling party, and some in Japan see the North Korean danger as too grave to rely only on the protection of another country. They also question whether, despite rhetoric from US officials about an “ironclad” alliance, Washington would really use nuclear weapons and risk the lives of thousands of American troops should a belligerent North Korea attack. The Chosun Ilbo, South Korea’s top newspaper by circulation, said in an editorial weeks after North Korea’s nuclear test in January that discussions in Seoul on acquiring nuclear weapons were inevitable. Judging by the level of American involvement in crises in Ukraine and Syria, for example, the newspaper said any US help would come only after Seoul is turned into a “pile of ashes” by a North Korean nuclear attack. This fear has been highlighted by Donald Trump, the presumptive presidential nominee for the Republican party in the United States. He has questioned the amount of money the US military is forced to spend to protect its allies, and has suggested that Japan and South Korea should be allowed to develop their own nuclear weapons. Japan prides itself on its pacifism and disarmament, but it is only through US nuclear deterrence that the country can live alongside nuclear-armed North Korea, China and Russia, without going nuclear itself. “Some say this is hypocritical,” said Ralph Cossa, president of the Pacific Forum CSIS think tank, “but I think it is just common sense and good national security policy. The Japanese would certainly be happier if no one had nuclear weapons, but as long as several of its neighbors have them, they welcome being under America’s nuclear umbrella.” Yukio Okamoto, a former Japanese diplomat, said Tokyo “is in the most difficult position” because it is a nuclear bomb victim, surrounded by potentially hostile nuclear-armed states and dependent for its survival on US nuclear deterrence. “We have to walk through a very narrow passage of trying our sincere efforts toward total elimination in the long term, but at the same time trying to preserve the alliance with the United States and not to tarnish the security relationship, especially the nuclear deterrence,” Okamoto said. Obama finds himself divided between his anti-nuclear vision and the realities of leading a global power. Worries about Japan and South Korea producing nuclear weapons mean the United States must offer them nuclear protection, thereby “going against Obama’s own call for global denuclearization,” Charles Armstrong, an Asia expert at Columbia University, said. “At the same time, the US is modernizing its own nuclear arsenal. Thus, US actions and goals are not entirely consistent.” Obama’s trip to Hiroshima will be filled with images of the horrors of nuclear war, and lofty statements about the need to eliminate those weapons. But some argue that for the visit to be successful, it must highlight Asia’s real nuclear dangers. Michael Auslin, an analyst with the American Enterprise Institute think tank in Washington, told The Japan Times: “Asia is concerned about how Washington will deal with a more assertive China and a nuclear North Korea, not with an unrealistic aspiration to rid the world of nuclear weapons.” Obama may not be able to escape criticism from all sides. Many conservatives in the United States believe a Hiroshima visit will be a failure because it will be seen as an apology. Nonproliferation activists believe he has not gone far enough in efforts to “earn” his Nobel Prize. “I did think Obama was serious about his nuclear-free world, but that was six or seven years ago. We are no closer today than we were when he took office to achieving that end,” said Bruce Cumings, an Asia expert at the University of Chicago. “I’m sure he will bring up getting rid of nukes in his speech, but he’s in a much weaker position today, because of the ongoing upgrading of American nuclear weapons.” RELATED STORIES Hiroshima with or without remorse After Brussels, leaders tackling threat of nuclear terrorism

2016-05-26 12:09 Associated Press newsinfo.inquirer.net

11 Gokongwei sells $250M JG Summit shares TYCOON John Gokongwei Jr. has raised $250 million from the sale of shares in conglomerate JG Summit Holdings, the first equity equity deal carved out of the Philippines after the recent presidential elections. JG Summit told the Philippine Stock Exchange on Thursday that Gokongwei – company founder and currently the chair emeritus and director – had sold 142.5 million of his JG Summit shares at P82.10 for a total sum of P11.7 billion. Apart from raising funds for Gokongwei, the equity deal – which represents close to 2 percent of JG Summit’s outstanding stock – widens JG Summit’s public float. This deal leaves Gokongwei with about a little over 58 million shares or about 0.8 percent stake in JG Summit, which is into snackfood and beverage manufacturing, airline, petrochemicals, property and banking businesses.

2016-05-26 12:09 Doris Dumlao business.inquirer.net

12 Aquino inspects 3 water, energy projects in Central Luzon TARLAC CITY — President Benigno Aquino III went province-hopping on Thursday and attended the launch and inauguration of three major water and energy projects in Central Luzon. Water transmission He went to Ipo Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan in the morning for the unveiling ceremony of the Angat Water Transmission Improvement Project (AWTIP), which involves the construction of a new tunnel that will help improve the Angat reservoir’s 75-year- old raw water transmission system. The current system’s condition poses a serious threat to the security of water for Metro , Rizal, Bulacan and portions of Cavite, according to a Malacañang briefer. The problem may affect 14 million people. READ: Aquino vows improved water supply for Bulacan Aquino was given a briefing by Gerardo Esquivel, administrator of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS). Irrigation for Tarlac In the afternoon, Aquino attended the launch of the Balog-Balog Multi- purpose Project (BBMP) in San Jose, Tarlac. The BBMP is a project of the National Irrigation Administration and involves the construction of the Balog-Balog earth-fill dam at the upper part of Bulsa River. Irrigation canals and structures will also be built to benefit Tarlac City and the towns of Paniqui, Pura, Ramos, Victoria, Gerona, San Jose, Lapaz, Capas, Concepcion and Tarlac City. In addition to irrigation, the dam will help in flood control and mitigation, as well as inland fish production. Potential power generation is at 43.5 megawatts. The BBMP was first approved by former President Corazon Aquino. However, several irrigation canals and facilities were damaged by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. It became a flagship project of then President and was continued under the present Aquino administration. Phase II of the project aims to help boost Tarlac’s countryside development. Solar energy Later, Aquino will attend the inauguration of a 10-megawatt solar project in Brgy. Lourdes, Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija. The solar farm will be connected to a substation of the Cabanatuan Electric Corporation (Celcor) and then to a National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) substation. The project is being implemented by the First Cabanatuan Renewable Venture Inc., majority of which is owned by Filipino companies Trademaster Resources Corp. and First Cabanatuan Ventures Corp. Eight percent of the corporation is owned by the Chinese company Feng Yang. The project costs P710 million and is expected to help reduce carbon emissions by 16,500 metric tons yearly or by 330,000 metric tons throughout the life of the project. It also has a community development component, which involves the construction of a renewable energy learning center for students and the electrification of off-grid communities. The AWTIP contract was awarded to Italy’s Cooperativa Muratori & Cementisti for P3.3 Billion. It will be funded through an Asian Development Bank loan. BBMP, on the other hand, costs P13.37 billion and will cover 34,410 hectares. It is expected to benefit 23,000 farmers. CDG/rga RELATED STORIES Drought to linger even after El Niño, water expert warns Aquino inspects Angat dam rehabilitation

2016-05-26 12:09 Kristine Angeli newsinfo.inquirer.net

13 Police kill alleged thief in Bulacan town CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan—A suspected robber was killed on Thursday dawn by the police following a break-in at the Pabahay 2000 resettlement area in Barangay (village) Muzon. The unidentified suspect and two other accomplices were being chased by a police mobile team following an alert at 11:45 p.m. made by housekeeper Clara Tamayaw about the robbery in her employer’s house on Wednesday night, said Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., acting Bulacan police director. The suspects fired at the police vehicle, triggering a gunfight around 2:30 a.m. which led to the death of one of the suspects. The two other suspects escaped, abandoning the gadgets they allegedly stole. Police recovered an improvised .38 caliber pistol, a grenade and suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride). RAM/rga RELATED STORIES Cops kill suspected thief in Nueva Ecija town Cops kill car theft suspect who escaped in 2013

2016-05-26 12:09 Carmela Reyes newsinfo.inquirer.net

14 Debris in Mozambique, Mauritius to be analyzed by MH370 team SYDNEY — Australian officials say three pieces of debris found washed ashore in Mozambique and the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius will be examined by investigators to see if they came from missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. Australian Transport Minister Darren Chester said on Thursday that two of the pieces were found in Mauritius, and one was discovered in Mozambique. Other debris from the Boeing 777 that vanished two years ago has previously been found in both countries. READ: Plane debris found in South Africa, Mauritius from missing MH370 Chester said the pieces are expected to be flown to Australia for examination. Chester did not release details on what the items looked like or who found them, saying only that they are “of interest.” Five pieces of the plane have been recovered in various spots around the Indian Ocean since it vanished. READ: Search for MH370 likely to end by August

2016-05-26 12:09 Associated Press newsinfo.inquirer.net

15 Jaclyn Jose, Brillante Mendoza relive Cannes experience Filipina veteran actress Jaclyn Jose is still reeling from shock and bliss after copping the Best Actress award at the 69th Cannes Film Festival in France last weekend. Jose played the matriarch of a family involved in small- time drug dealing in the film “Ma’ Rosa,” director Brillante Mendoza’s third entry at the prestigious festival’s main competition section. When her name was called out during the awarding ceremony, she took her daughter and co-star and Mendoza up the stage. She shared her victory to her director and her daughter, hugging them tightly as she received her award. “Just like I said in my speech, I was really surprised. I lost sense of what was happening. I just approached Direk and Andi…I can’t recall anymore,” the actress told the members of the press on Wednesday during a homecoming dinner for the film’s cast and crew at the Makati Shangri-la. She said all she could remember was the throng of people clapping for them when she received her trophy. She also saw American actress , one of the jury members, wiping away her tears as she delivered her speech. “I don’t prepare a speech, even in local awards. I just convey what I feel at the moment,” she said, thinking it may be the reason why jury members got emotional. READ: Jaclyn Jose shares Cannes win Lucky year Jose said someone told her that she would be very lucky in 2016. “I thought it was money, but it turned out it was this (the Cannes win).” Her Cannes experience, she said, is a wonderful phase she can always look back on and smile upon when she is older. “I was so glad that I was with my daughter when it happened because she can share everything to my granddaughter because she was there,” she said. “It’s a different feeling when people appreciate your work. It’s more than what I have here (in the Philippines). It’s the same but it’s different people, different points of view of other nations, of different cultures,” she added. Mendoza felt the same way. “Just being in the competition made us all feel we are already winners.” The director, who won the Cannes Best Director in 2009 for “Kinatay,” shed tears when the Filipino delegation was showered with a seven-minute standing ovation after the “Ma’ Rosa” premiere at Palais des Festivals on May 18. IN PHOTOS: Brillante Mendoza receives standing ovation in Cannes “It was very overwhelming because you feel like carrying the whole Philippines. You are not just there presenting the film, you’re showing our country, you’re showing our people, our culture,” he said. “I think they were not clapping for me. They were clapping for the story because our story is the Filipino people. We are the ones being applauded,” he added. “I’m just an instrument. I’m just the director or storyteller.” She’s the film Mendoza also came to Jose’s defense amid some juries’ dismissal that Jose’s role was just supporting. “I beg to disagree. This is Jaclyn’s film. I won’t put that title, if the film is not for her. From the start until the very end, she was there. Maybe they (the jury) didn’t see over-the-top-acting because she was being natural the whole time,” he explained. “Sometimes, I also do not agree with the jury. Actually we are among those who were at the bottom [of the ranking]. The one with the highest score, I think 3.6 out of 5 (points), didn’t get any award. Sometimes, what the other jury [member] says is not reliable,” he said. Jose and Mendoza share a long history of professional relationship that spans decades. Both worked together in ‘80s films such as “Takaw Tukso,” “Private Show” and the “The Great American Dream.” Jose was also cast in Mendoza’s other films including “Masahista” (2005), “Tirador” (2007) and “Serbis” (2008). Mendoza plans to submit “Ma’ Rosa” to the Film Festival this December, subject to the selection process. IDL READ: Brillante Mendoza: ‘Ma’ Rosa’ to join MMFF this year

2016-05-26 12:09 Arvin Mendoza entertainment.inquirer.net

16 Nueva Ecija town village chief killed TALAVERA, Nueva Ecija— Motorcycle-riding gunmen killed the Bagong Sicat village chief of Talavera and wounded another man in Penaranda town Thursday morning. Maximo Binuya, 58, was about to board a vehicle after attending a relative’s wake when he was gunned down by two men on a motorcycle at 8:30 a.m. in Barangay (village) Poblacion II. They also wounded the vehicle’s driver, Danilo Ibay, 41. Binuya was the second Talavera village official killed during and after the election period. In April, before the local polls, gunmen killed San Pascual village chief Gerald Fermin, who was running for a seat in the Talavera council. RAM/rga RELATED STORIES Village chief shot dead in Batangas Bike riding gunmen kill Nueva Ecija village chief

2016-05-26 12:09 Armand Galang newsinfo.inquirer.net

17 Sushil Kumar birthday: Lesser known fun facts about the Indian wrestler On Olympic medal winning Indian wrestler Sushil Kumar's birthday, we give you some interesting facts and fun trivia that you may not know about him. Sushil Kumar. Pic/ AFP >> Sushil Kumar is a vegetarian. He has also appeared for a PETA pro- veg campaign >> Sushil began to train in wrestling at age 14. His cousin, Sandeep, who was a local wrestling champ, was his biggest inspiration. >> His parents are his biggest strength as well as inspiration. Sushil Kumar was the first wrestler to win the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. >> Sushil Kumar's favourite cricketer is Virender Sehwag >> Besides wrestling, Sushil loves football. His favourite footballer is Lionel Messi. >> In 2012, Sushil Kumar refused an offer of appearing in a surrogate ad for a top liquor brand. >> During the 2012 London Olympics, Sushil was the flagbearer for India. >> After being an Officer on Special Duty for a year, in 2013, Sushil Kumar was appointed as Northern Railway Sports Association's Administrative officer.

2016-05-26 12:09 By mid www.mid-day.com

18 Mumbai: Major fire breaks out at a chemical factory at Dombivli A massive fire broke out at a chemical factory in MIDC Phase 2 in Dombivli area in Thane on Thursday killing 3 people. Over 100 have been reportedly injured. Smoke at the factory where the fire occurred. Pic/Satej Shinde As per initial reports, the blast occurred in a boiler of the Acharya chemical factory. Pic/Satej Shinde While there the amount of damage and casualties are yet to be ascertained, reports suggest that the blast was so huge that window panes in buildings located nearby were shattered.

2016-05-26 12:09 By mid www.mid-day.com

19 Bees swarm Welsh car to free ‘queen bee’ A Welsh woman failed to use her Mitsubishi Outlander for two straight days after a battalion of bees swarmed the vehicle on Sunday. Carol Howarth, 68, had parked her car in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, United Kingdom. While she was away, Tom Moses, 41, a park ranger, saw bees swarming the car’s back window. The ranger then decided to phone the Pembrokeshire Beekeepers’ Association. “Driving through town noticed this going on outside the Lower Three Crowns and couldn’t resist getting involved,” Moses wrote in his ‘bee-rilliant’ post on his Facebook account. According to reports from Huffington Post and CNN, although the beekeepers were able to collect a massive number of bees during that day, hundreds of them stalked and continued to swarm Howarth’s car on Monday morning. Howarth’s car was declared ‘bee-free’ by Tuesday morning. It is believed that a ‘queen bee’ unintentionally buzzed inside Howarth’s car, thinking that the car’s warm temperature was a suitable home for her and her colony. Finding out that the winged passenger is stuck, her colony “ambushed” the car in pursuit of saving the queen. “One theory was that the queen was trapped in my car and the swarm were following,” Howarth speculated in an interview with British news site Telegraph. Gianna Francesca Catolico

2016-05-26 12:09 INQUIRER.net newsinfo.inquirer.net

20 Honasan asks: Were the Filipino people happy with their vote? Were the Filipino people happy with those they voted for in the May 9 elections? Senator Gringo Honasan, who ran but lost in the vice presidential race, raised this question during the confirmation hearing on Wednesday of Commission on Elections Commissioner Sheriff Abas at the Commission on Appointments’ committee on constitutional commissions and offices. “I will not ask if you voted for me although I will be engaged in an effort to look for the almost 800,000 who voted for me so that I can thank them. I will not ask whom you voted for. Did those whom you voted for at national and local levels win?” Honasan asked. Abas said he was not able to vote for local candidates but that in the national level, he said: “Some won, but some lost.” His remark drew laughter from the hearing room. “Tinatanong ko ito (I’m asking this) because you’ll be presiding over the elections in 2022 so you can’t give what you don’t have, so I want to dig deep into what your temperament will be in 2019,” Honasan said. “Hindi pa tapos ang bilangan pero (The canvassing is not over yet but) from what we’ve seen and heard so far…Do you think the Filipino people are happy with the choices they made in voting for certain candidates at the national and local level?” the senator further asked, again eliciting laughter from the room. “Mahirap sir pero (That’s difficult to answer but) as far as the voters are concerned, I think (the) 81 percent (voters’) turnout out. sir, will show us that the people are really interested in this election so napakataas po ng turnout natin so tingin ko sir, masaya yung tao natin despite the fact na mainit yung panahon natin, may mga glitches pero pumila po sila at nagboto so tingin ko. sir, masaya ang naging election natin (the turnout is high, so I think our people are happy. Despite the hot weather and the glitches, they lined up and voted, so I think our elections had been satisfactory),” Abas said. READ: Comelec: Voter turnout at 81 percent Honasan said he asked those questions because for better for worse, he said, the would have to live with the choices they made. “Kelangang taggapin natin. Kaya lang nga ang iniisip ko naman is with the choices that they have made, we must also assume responsibility for these choices, kaya yung mga binoto natin huwag nating pabayaan, tulungan natin para we can help build a strong nation,” the senator added. (We have to accept it. But what I’m thinking of is that, with the choices that they have made, we must also assume responsibility for these choices, so let’s not neglect those whom we voted for, let’s help them so we can build a strong nation.) Despite the challenges, Abas noted a significant improvement in the last elections. “It certainly was not an easy journey. The preparation for the elections was [part of] a myriad of challenges enough to topple the strong but not this Commission,” he said in his opening statement. “Armed with the firm resolve to safeguard the electoral process, the men and women of Comelec, hand in hand with partners, deputized agencies, and other stakeholders, stood firm to deliver to the people clean, honest, credible and peaceful elections.” Abas said the transmission rate to the transparency server “skyrocketed” from 76 percent in 2013 to 96.14 percent in 2016. Voters’ registration, he said, also increased from 50 million in 2013 to 54 million this year. “A remarkable 81.5 percent of the 54 million went to our polls and voted this year,” he said. “Filipinos abroad likewise were more enthusiastic to participate in this year’s elections with over 1.3 million Filipinos registering from 737 posts in 2013 — 31.3 percent actually voted in 2016, with only 16 percent in 2013. That’s twice the figures in the past elections.” The Commissioner said the 2016 polls were more peaceful than the past elections. The committee recommended Abas’ confirmation, which was later affirmed in the CA plenary. CDG/rga READ: CA confirms appointments of Comelec, COA commissioners

2016-05-26 12:09 Maila Ager newsinfo.inquirer.net

21 WATCH: Obama throws a few beats for Vietnamese ‘hip hop queen’ It seems like outgoing U. S. President Barrack Obama has truly made the most of his Vietnam trip. After sharing a simple feast with culinary bad boy Anthony Bourdain, Obama wrapped up his historic visit by briefly beat-boxing for a female Vietnamese rapper, during a town hall-style meeting in Ho Chi Minh City . READ: Anthony Bourdain Treats President Obama to a $6 Dinner Citing a Telegraph report, the President was taking questions during the event, when a young woman introduced herself as a hip hop artist, prior to asking her inquiry. Before addressing her question, Obama urged her to show off her talent, asking “do you need a few beats?” The young lass introduced herself as Suboi, a local artist dubbed as Vietnam’s ‘Queen of Hip hop’. She gave in to Obama’s request, and serenaded the President in her local tongue, about a song on whether people are really happy if they have lots of money, the report said. Appearing thrilled with the performance, Obama praised the journey of hip- hop “which started out as an expression of poor African Americans” and became a “global phenomenon”. The U. S. leader went on to field questions on various urban subjects, starting from rap and weed smoking, up to his good looks, according to the report. “Imagine if at the time when rap was starting off our government had said ‘No’ because some of the things you say are offensive, or some of the lyrics are rude, or you’re cursing too much?” said Obama, who appeared to take a swipe at the country’s authoritarian government. “If you try to suppress the arts then you are suppressing the deepest dreams and aspirations of a people,” he added. The lively discussion came during the final leg of Obama’s three-day trip to Vietnam, which started on May 22. He is currently in Hiroshima, Japan, to highlight the United States and Japan’s commitment in pursuing world peace. Khristian Ibarrola

2016-05-26 12:09 Philippine Daily newsinfo.inquirer.net

22 Miracle in Mumbai! Train passes over 60-year- old, but she lives to tell the tale Talk about catching a lucky break. A 60-year-old woman at Ghatkopar station yesterday sauntered onto the platform, got down on the tracks and lay down on them just as a local train arrived. (Clockwise from left) CCTV camera grabs from the Ghatkopar railway station show Pramila Pokharkar getting down from the platform and jumping on the tracks At least two bogies passed over her before the driver applied the brakes. She came out almost unscathed, with just an injury on a toe on the left foot. Although the woman, Pramila Baban Pokharkar, a resident of Panagar Society in Amrit Nagar in Ghatkopar West, can be seen on the CCTV footage (mid-day has a copy) lying down on the tracks, she claimed that she lost her balance and fell in front of the train. Police said Pokharkar lay down in front of a CST-Kalyan slow train that arrived on platform 1 at 9.24 am yesterday. Alert motorman “The alert motorman of the train, BS Surve, on spotting the woman in front of his train, immediately applied the brakes. Shouts went up from the crowd, which caught our attention. We immediately pulled the woman out. Miraculously, she was unhurt despite at least two train bogies having passed over her,” said Brijesh Kumar, sub-inspector in charge of the Ghatkopar RPF. RPF personnel rushed her to Rajawadi Hospital, where she was referred to Sion Hospital, where she is currently admitted. Lost balance “She claimed that she did not try to commit suicide, and that she lost her balance while trying to board the train and fell down. She did not tell us where exactly she was planning on going by train,” said Pramod Babar, inspector of Kurla GRP, who recorded her statement. Babar added that the police have also recorded the statement of her daughter, Deepali. Daughter says The 60-year-old lives with her daughter, who described her as mentally ill, but refused to comment on yesterday’s incident.

2016-05-26 09:42 By Vijay www.mid-day.com

23 China Accuses US of Hampering Trade With Steel Duties China accused the United States on Thursday of hampering trade after Washington imposed duties of up to 450 percent on Chinese steel in its latest response to a flood of low-priced imports. The Ministry of Commerce complained U. S. regulators discriminated against Chinese suppliers by using incorrect standards for deciding what production cost and market prices should have been. Beijing faces mounting criticism from the United States and Europe that it is exporting steel at unfairly low prices to clear a backlog in its glutted home market. Western governments say that hurts their producers and threatens thousands of jobs. The U. S. Commerce Department announced the penalties on Wednesday to offset what it said was improper subsidies to Chinese steel mills and unfairly low export prices. It imposed similar penalties on steel imports from India, Italy, South Korea and Taiwan. "The United States has deliberately suppressed the bulk of Chinese steel exports," said a Commerce Ministry statement. "This not only harms Chinese steel enterprises but hinders trade and cooperation between enterprises. " It said Beijing will "take all necessary measures to fight for fair treatment" but gave no details. The latest penalties apply to corrosion-resistant steel products. They include anti-dumping duties of up to 210 percent and anti-subsidy duties of up to 241 percent. On May 17, Washington imposed similar duties of up to 522 percent in a separate action targeting Chinese-made cold-rolled steel used in automobiles and other manufactured goods. The Chinese government is trying to shrink bloated industries including steel, coal, cement, aluminum and solar panel manufacturing in which supplies exceed demand. That has led to price-cutting wars that are driving producers into bankruptcy. Chinese government plans call for stepping up exports and shifting some operations abroad. The Cabinet approved measures in April to support steel exports with tax rebates and bank loans. The European Union launched its own investigation of Chinese steel exports in early May following protests by steelworkers. In Britain, Tata Steel cited low-cost Chinese competition when it announced plans last month to sell money-losing operations that employ 20,000 people. China pushed back against its trading partners in April, announcing anti- dumping duties on steel from the European Union, Japan and South Korea. ——— Chinese Ministry of Commerce: www.mofcom.gov.cn

2016-05-26 12:09 By abcnews.go.com

24 Make people more aware of govt initiatives: PM Modi tells ministers New Delhi: Chairing a meeting of Union Council of Ministers ahead of the completion of two years of the government tomorrow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked his ministerial colleagues to focus on carrying the initiatives taken by the dispensation to the grass roots. Narendra Modi Modi, who spoke for over 10 minutes in the meeting, was of the view that there still scope to make people more aware of the initiatives taken by the government. He said additional efforts, over and above what was being done, were needed to tell the masses of the benefits government has extended to them. At the meeting, a short film on the two years of the government was also shown to the ministers. Modi also took stock of the Aadhar scheme and the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme and its penetration among the masses and reviewed the functioning of some ministries who had been left out in earlier meetings. He briefly spoke about the various programmes being lined up to mark the government's second anniversary. At the meeting, a power-point presentation on the visibility of various Union ministries on social media was also made. Modi has been laying emphasis for quite some time on increasing the government's presence on the social media. Ministers have already been asked to be more active on platforms such as Twitter. The Prime Minister has often emphasised that all Union ministers should be aware of initiatives taken by various ministers so that they can answer authoritatively in debates and press conferences.

2016-05-26 12:09 By PTI www.mid-day.com

25 VOICES: Hiroshima Serves as Memorial for All Victims of WWII The suffering he endured during World War II still haunts 95-year-old Lester Tenney, who has black lung disease from working as a prisoner of war in a Japanese coal mine. The former Army staff sergeant believes President Barack Obama should keep ex-POWs like him and others in mind when he makes his historic visit to Hiroshima on Friday. "I'd like to have Obama say that the war took the lives of many people and not just one group, or one segment of the society, but thousands of people suffered because of the war, and, I think he should make sure that he says that," he said. "This is not a memorial just for those who died at the atomic bomb. I think he should make sure that he says this is a memorial for all those who were victims of the war. " ——— Editors: Part of a series of perspectives on the atomic bombs dropped on Japan in 1945, released this week as President Barack Obama prepares to visit Hiroshima. ——— The 95-year-old retired accounting professor, who lives north of San Diego in Carlsbad, California, has been instrumental in moving the Japanese government to acknowledge its wartime military's abusive treatment of POWs. His friendship with then-Japanese ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki led to Japan hosting the first group of American POWs in 2010. Three years before the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Tenney witnessed Japanese soldiers torturing and killing captured American troops on the infamous Bataan Death March in 1942 on the Philippines' Bataan Peninsula. He spent more than three years in Japanese prison camps, and still has the blood-stained, bamboo stick Japanese troops used to beat him across the face. "If you didn't walk fast enough, you were killed. If you didn't say the right words, you were killed, and if you were killed, you were either shot to death, bayonetted, or decapitated," he said. "I'll never forget it. And so for that reason... there's no reason for us to apologize to them, not any reason whatsoever. " Tenney has never received an apology from the wartime mine operator that forced him to shovel coal, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) southeast of Nagasaki. Americans dropped a second atomic bomb on that southern Japanese city three days after Hiroshima, and Tenney remembers seeing a large cloud, with a stem-like cloud at the bottom. For Tenney, that was the day his life was saved. ——— Excerpts of video interviews with Tenney, other U. S. veterans and Japanese atomic bomb survivors are available at http://apne.ws/243ZLSD

2016-05-26 12:09 By abcnews.go.com

26 26 NDA govt second aniversary: BJP highlights its 'achievements' New Delhi: Top BJP leaders led by the party chief Amit Shah today highlighted the "achievements" of Narendra Modi government during its two years in office, claiming they included empowerment of the poor, infrastructure growth and youth-led devlopment. Top echelon of the government including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, besides Shah, were present as Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made a presentation to highlight its performance at an interaction with senior editors from various media houses here. The presentation also claimed that the common man has "benefited" due to "low inflation" and "stable price" regime and India has emerged as a "bright spot" in the world with high growth rate of 7.6 per cent. In the power-point presentation on a whole range of economic and social issues, BJP claimed that the nation is "transforming" and moving ahead in all spheres. "IMF calls India a bright spot," according to the presentation. The country has become the highest recipient of foreign direct investment and insurance sector alone has attracted Rs 9,000 crore froam abroad, it said. Besides, Sitharaman said, the government has taken various initiatives including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and Deen Dyal Upadhyay Antyodaya Yojana for empowering poor. Many other social security schemes have also been announced by the government which provide insurance at affordable premium for the poor. As per the presentation, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) has been subscribed by 2.96 crore, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) by 9.43 crore and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) 26 lakh since its launch.

2016-05-26 12:09 By PTI www.mid-day.com

27 Solar-powered plane completes latest leg of world tour Washington: The world's largest solar-powered aircraft, Solar Impulse 2 on Thursday completed the latest stage of its round-the-world journey. The plane took off from Dayton airport in Ohio and landed at Lehigh Valley airport in Pennsylvania, EFE news reported. The Solar Impulse 2 prototype is the first solar-powered plane ever to make a trip around the world. The plane, piloted by one of its inventors, Bertrand Piccard, made a flight of 16 hours and 49 minutes from Dayton to Lehigh Valley, a distance of 1,044 km. The plane flies without any type of fuel and is driven only by clean technologies. The project aims to raise awareness and generate support for cleaner technologies to preserve the environment from governments around the world. Solar Impulse 2 is expected to continue its journey to New York, before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to Europe, North Africa and back to Abu Dhabi, where the world tour began on March 9, 2015.

2016-05-26 12:09 By IANS www.mid-day.com

28 Child sex abusers in Indonesia to face chemical castration Jakarta: Child sex abuse is now punishable by death and chemical castration in Indonesia after President Joko Widodo issued a new law following the brutal gang rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl. The battered body of the victim was discovered, naked and tied up, in a forest on the island of Sumatra after she was attacked by a group of teenagers in April. Seven offenders have been jailed for 10 years. "Sexual violence against children, as I have said, is an extraordinary crime," President Joko Widodo said on Wednesday after issuing the new law. "We hope that this law will be a deterrent for offenders and can suppress sexual crimes against children," Widodo said. The law is effective immediately, although Indonesia's parliament has the power to overturn it or demand revisions. "These acts threaten and endanger children, and they destroy the lives and development of children for the future," the president said. Chemical castration is a legal form of punishment in South Korea, Poland and the Czech Republic, as well as in some US and Australian states.

2016-05-26 12:09 By IANS www.mid-day.com

29 29 Mumbai Diary: Thursday Dossier Cabana cool In scorching summer, rooftops may not be the place you want to chill at, but a stunning view of the city, cool cocktails and designer cabanas may be enticing enough. Asilo at The St Regis Mumbai is going to sport a designer avatar again. Last year, designers Amit Aggarwal, Payal Singhal, Anand Kabra, Krishna Mehta and Maheka Mirpuri gave the cabanas a fashionable makeover. Narendra Kumar and the moodboard for his cabana, Nachiket Barve, Falguni and Shane Peacock This edition will feature concepts by Narendra Kumar, Falguni & Shane Peacock, Nachiket Barve and Nitya Arora in synergy with a signature Grey Goose cocktail handpicked by each designer. From lush velvet to the freshness of love stories, retro and disco vibes to the white sands of Cape Town, we’re pretty sure this will be one heady, stylish way to slip into the Mumbai's summery nights. Lighting up the stage Sonam Kapoor with Sir Ian McKellen during the opening of the Kashish Film Festival at Liberty Cinema, Marine Lines. The seventh edition of the festival will be held at three venues in the heart of South Mumbai — the iconic art deco Liberty Cinema, Alliance Francaise de Bombay and Max Mueller Bhavan. For more pictures from the event log on to www.mid-day.com. Pic/Shadab Khan Web shocks for Dia Mirza The web is where the action is, clearly. After romance, comedy and thrillers, it is now time for an Indian horror series titled, Shockers. It will feature Dia Mirza in one episode. Mirza, who has had a versatile career working for the Indo-Iranian project, Salaam Mumbai and her solo travelling series, Ganga — The Soul of India, is excited about the episode, The Good Wife, a short film that deals with a supernatural presence in the protagonist’s house. “As an actor it is exciting to be part of different mediums of storytelling. Short films as a format are exciting, because in a limited period of time a lot can be conveyed. Samaira’s story, in The Good Wife could be anyone's experience. It is real and extraordinary,” she says. Looking forward to online goosebumps. The Sushant-Sush connect Besides offering a plethora of world cinema to Mumbai on a platter the seventh edition of Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, which opened yesterday, has a special performance up its sleeve. Sushmita Sen and Sushant Divgikar Sushant Divgikar, who represented India in Mr Gay World 2014 contest, will croon a medley of Sushmita Sen’s hits at the finalé on May 29. “I am star struck only by two women from the Hindi film Industry — Rekha and Sushmita. I chose to sing Sushmita’s songs because she also celebrated 22 years of winning Miss Universe on May 21, so this is a tribute to her achievement,” says the ex-Bigg Boss contestant. Tomorrow, the fest will also witness a documentary screening of My Child Is Gay And I Am Happy, featuring the actor-model’s parents, who talk about his coming out story and their unconditional support, along with four others. “My dad (Pradeep Divgikar) is often touted as the father of all LGBT children in India because very do you find fathers accepting of their gay children. Every parent should learn a lesson or two from them,” he reminded this diarist. Classroom shocker at SRFTI All is not well at Kolkata’s Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute as news of a sexual harassment complaint spills. But more than the complaint, in which two faculty members were found guilty by an internal complaints committee, the shocker is the condemnation of the complainants on social media by some students. A complainant told this diarist that this was prevalent on campus since the complaint was lodged last year, where they were accused of bringing disrepute to the institution and making a big deal out of nothing. However, “opinions” surfaced after a student shared a video on May 22 of one of the accused faculty in a drunken monologue in a hostel room with male students. This was done after the institute decided not to act on the sexual harassment committee’s verdict. The video has found support in filmmaker Nishtha Jain (in pic). She writes, “I feel that the institute is scared to take action against these criminals. I am releasing a video of one of the accused professors to give you an idea of what he was doing in this place. He said that he believed classes were not possible in classrooms and it could be taken only in such booze-weed sessions with him.” In the video, the wise professor decides to openly dissect the sex life of a female student, peppered with cliché wisdom on life. He is even brave enough to be filmed. The students in support of their ‘friendly’ faculty have said that it was unethical to upload the video because it was just “camaraderie;” and he was only acting for a documentary. Acting for a documentary? The call matters With the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) results announced yesterday, student and parents were in tizzy over results. The helpline works in association with TISS. Representation pic Stepping in to play counselor was the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) initiative iCall — a telephone and e-mail based service that offers counseling to students about their future. This free service scores above the rest since it offers help in six languages —English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Gujarati, Konkani, Punjabi and Malayalam. Paras Sharma, programme co-ordinator told this diarist that they don’t simply look into concerns of distressed students but also, often, their parents who need to speak to counselors. A further assurance came when he added, “The counselors are all applied psychology or clinical psychology masters programme students from TISS.” With 150-300 calls and e-mails per month that rise to 1,000 calls and emails during exam season, it’s a godsend for Mumbaikars.

2016-05-26 12:09 By Team www.mid-day.com

30 FB helps cops nab 2 Mumbai men for sparking tension in Bhopal Officers from Mumbai Crime Branch Unit-IX and a special investigating team (SIT) of Bhopal police arrested two persons in the city last week for posting and sharing offensive images of Hindu deities and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Facebook. The uploads — posted in the first week of May — created a furore in Gautam Nagar and Hanuman Ganj areas of Bhopal after local Hindu outfits threatened massive protests if the miscreants were not brought to book at the earliest. Ali Sheikh (in shorts) and Abdul Qureshi (to his left) after being taken into custody by the Bhopal police’s SIT team Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) KMM Prasanna said, “The Bhopal police sought our help to nab the miscreants. Officers from Crime Branch Unit-IX investigated the case and cracked it within no time. The accused are now in the custody of the Bhopal police SIT.” The accused were identified as Antop Hill residents Ali Hassan Sheikh (32) and Abdul Qayyum Qureshi (31). While Sheikh works as a bodyguard for a builder, Qureshi owns an electronic goods shop. Inspector Jitendra Pathak from Hanuman Ganj police station, Bhopal, told mid-day over the phone, “An FIR was registered against two persons on May 10 for uploading objectionable images of Hindu deities and PM Modi on a Facebook group called Naadan Parinde. This created tension in the area, following which an SIT was formed to solve the case. A few local Hindu outfits warned of massive protests and closure of all temples in the area if the miscreants weren’t nabbed soon. While Sheikh uploaded the images, Qureshi shared them with obscene comments. Both are currently in judicial custody.” A case was registered under sections 291 (continuance of nuisance after injunction to discontinue) and 295 (injuring or defiling a place of worship with the intent to insult the religion of any class) of the IPC against the duo. “We scrutinised their Facebook profiles and came across a few selfies — one with a high-end car. Investigation revealed that the vehicle belonged to Red Chillies Entertainment. This gave us a hint that they could be employees of this production house and our team left for Mumbai.” Breakthrough Commenting on the joint operation, Mahesh Desai, senior inspector from Unit-IX, said investigation from their end revealed that none of the accused worked for the said production house. “While scanning their friends’ lists, we discovered that Sheikh was friends with a police constable, Anand Rajput of Local Arms Unit-II. In his profile picture, the constable was standing in front of Mumbai police’s Force One building located in Kalina. We immediately despatched a team and brought Rajput to our Bandra office,” he added. During questioning, Rajput refused to acknowledge Sheikh as his friend, saying the only reason Sheikh was on his friend’s list was because they shared a common interest in bodybuilding. The police then devised a plan to trap Sheikh. A police officer said, “Rajput was asked to send a message to Sheikh on Facebook, asking him to share tips on building a physique like his, and whether he would be okay with sharing his diet and workout regime with him. Once Sheikh shared his number with Rajput, he was nabbed from Antop Hill, followed by Qureshi. The two were arrested on May 19.”

2016-05-26 12:09 By Saurabh www.mid-day.com

31 Mamata Banerjee brings back officers transferred by EC Kolkata: The West Bengal government on Wednesday reinstated a host of police and administrative officers earlier transferred out by the Election Commission during the assembly polls. Four police officers were put on compulsory waiting. Mamata Banerjee The state government shuffled 16 IPS officers, including six superintendents of police (SP) transferred by the Election Commission. Fourteen IAS officers, including P. B. Salim, who was shifted out from the post of South 24 Parganas district magistrate (DM) earlier, were part of the shuffle. The transfers come days after the Trinamool swept back to power with a massive mandate. Trinamool supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had, during the poll campaign, repeatedly hit out at the EC for transferring out the officers and declared she will bring them back once the polls were over. The SPs back to their earlier districts are Kunal Agarwal in Burdwan, Prasun Banerjee in Malda, Arnab Ghosh in South Dinajpur, Mukesh in Birbhum, Bharati Ghosh in West Midnapore and Tanmay Ray Chaudhuri in North 24 Parganas. Four IPS officers, including R. M. Khan who was posted as South Dinajpur SP by the EC, have been put on compulsory waiting. Among the shifted IAS officers are Antara Ancharya, transferred to North 24 Parganas from East Midnapore, and Additional Chief Electoral Officer Dibyendu Sarkar, who has now been made the commissioner of panchayats and rural development department. The transfers come days after Rajeev Kumar's reinstatement as the Kolkata police commissioner. Kumar was shifted out by the EC during the assembly polls.

2016-05-26 12:09 By IANS www.mid-day.com

32 Smokers and polluters in New Zealand hit with higher taxes WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Smokers and polluters in New Zealand will get hit with higher taxes as part of the government’s economic plan. The government on Thursday released its annual budget, forecasting that rising fiscal surpluses in coming years will allow it to begin paying down its public debt. The government plans to hike tobacco taxes by 46 percent over the next four years as it continues an ambitious campaign to eliminate smoking from the South Pacific nation by 2025. Once the taxes are in place, a pack of 20 cigarettes will cost about 30 New Zealand dollars ($20). The government also announced it would end a subsidy for polluting businesses that it had introduced after the 2008 global financial crisis. New Zealand is aiming to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent. RELATED STORIES Pedestrians take over Champs-Elysees as Paris goes green Smog-alert car ban jams metro, buses in Mexico City

2016-05-26 12:09 Associated Press newsinfo.inquirer.net

33 33 'Mr President, you're so handsome' Ho Chi Minh City : Barack Obama fielded questions yesterday on everything from rap and weed smoking to his good looks at a lively meeting with young Vietnamese, who see the US leader as a far cry from their staid Communist rulers. US President Barack Obama speaks at a town hall event in Ho Chi Minh City The US President in Vietnam held one of his trademark town hall gatherings with hundreds of youngsters in Ho Chi Minh City. Rap Suboi, one of the country’s best known female rap artists, serenaded Obama with Vietnamese lyrics about whether people are really happy if they have lots of money. Obama praised the journey of hip-hop “which started out as an expression of poor African Americans” and became a “global phenomenon”. Looks Earlier in the day another young man began his question with: “Mr President, you’re so handsome.” To which Obama quickly quipped “Oh. You can just stop there if you want.” Another asked whether Internet posts about Obama’s alleged marijuana smoking as a youth were true. “I don’t know if that’s true,” Obama quickly remarked, further dousing the issue with a warning: “Don’t believe everything you read on the Internet.” Pollution The environment was a subject that repeatedly came up. Obama said he recognised the freedom western industrialised countries have had to pollute the earth for far longer than developing ones, but urged all countries to work together to prevent disaster. “The problem is, if a country like China or Vietnam or India took the same development path the West did, we’re all going to be under water.”

2016-05-26 12:09 By Agencies www.mid-day.com

34 34 Rohit Sharma shares picture of 'incredible' Ashish Nehra, goes viral! Indian fast bowler Ashish Nehra was ruled of of the Indian Premier League 2016 season due to a knee injury. The Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer successfully underwent a surgery for his right knee yesterday. Also Read: Ashish Nehra undergoes successful knee surgery Indian teammate and opener Rohit Sharma went on to praise Nehra with a moving post on Twitter. Former Indian cricketers VVS Laxman and Manoj Tiwary also shared the same picture with their own captions, while Virender Sehwag shared his own views on the pacer's injury in a humorous way. VVS Laxman: Here's wishing Ashish bhai a speedy recovery after his knee surgery in London. Hope to see you on the field soon. Manoj Tiwary: Here's wishing Ashish bhai a speedy recovery after his knee surgery in London. Hope to see you on the field soon. Ashish Nehra has so far played 120 ODIs with 157 wickets and best figures of 6/23. He also played 17 Tests with 44 wickets to his name

2016-05-26 12:09 By mid www.mid-day.com

35 Colaba League: Konnark beat Flash 1-0 Konnark FC staved off a spirited challenge from Flash FC to snatch a narrow 1-0 victory in a league match of the Colaba Sports League at the Cooperage ground. In an evenly fought tie, the two sides managed to create chances and on a few occasions they came close to scoring, but the first half of 35 minutes ended barren. However, in the second half, Konnark got the decisive breakthrough when midfielder Navin Negi beat rival custodian Sagar Pagdhare for the lone goal of the match. Later, midfielder Floyd Dharmai who played a pivotal role for Konnark FC was declared as the 'Player of the match'.

2016-05-26 12:09 By A www.mid-day.com

36 Tour operator booked for duping customer in Thane Thane: A tour operator has been booked for allegedly duping a customer of thousands of rupees by promising to book a tour and then fleeing after locking the company office in the district, police said on Thursday. The accused, identified as Ibrahim Sashan, who operated a tour and travel company in the Vrindavan Society for about five years, was charged for the offence after a customer lodged a complaint with the police, Assistant Police Inspector (API) Niteen Mahadik of the Rabodi police station said. The complainant alleged that he had booked a holiday package for Goa for his family and paid a sum of Rs 1,13,386 for the same on May 5. However, in want of confirmation of the hotel and flight booking even after 20 days, the victim approached the police, the official said. The tour operator had cheated many other customers in a similar manner, he said. A case has been registered under relevant sections ofIPC, he said, adding further investigation is on.

2016-05-26 12:09 By PTI www.mid-day.com

37 French Open: No trouble for Garbine Muguruza Paris: Spanish fourth seed Garbine Muguruza (right) defeated French wildcard Myrtille Georges 6-2, 6-0 to make the Roland Garros third round yesterday. Garbine Muguruza. Pic/AFP Muguruza, a quarter-finalist in the last two years, goes on to face Belgium's Yanina Wickmayer, who stunned Russian 27th seed Ekaterina Makarova 2-6, 6-2, 6-2. 2016-05-26 12:09 By AFP www.mid-day.com

38 Abhishek, Avinash, Anshuman emerge GSC squash champs Men's top seed Abhishek Pradhan, boys' U-15 fifth seed Avinash Sahani and U- 9 top seed Anshuman Jaising emerged individual champions, in the Goregaon Sports Club-ISP Squash Championships. Winners of Goregaon Sports Club-ISP squash tourney with their trophies Pradhan prevailed over third seed Abhishek Agarwal of JSW Academy 11- 4, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5, while Sahani overcame the competition's giant-killer Ashish Tripathi of JSW Academy 11-3, 11-8, 11-6. Pradhan, the former Asian team gold and India under-19 world championship bronze winner, scored his second straight championship round win over Agarwal after bagging the Khar Gymkhana title recently. After dropping a close second game, Agarwal fought back to win the crucial third to keep his hopes alive, but Pradhan raced to a substantial lead in the fourth to seal victory. Jaising endured a strong challenge before getting the better off second seed Raayan Hemrajani 11-8, 11-7, 11-6 in a hard-fought win. Agarwal later made amends by winning the doubles top-8 title with Shashi Pandey, while Nadim Shaikh and Yogesh Sonawane won the doubles handicap title and top seed Anil Bhagat bagged the over-35 crown.

2016-05-26 12:09 By A www.mid-day.com

39 90,000 security officials for Euro 2016 Paris: France said it will deploy over 90,000 security guards for Euro 2016 in a bid ensure "everything possible to avoid a terrorist attack" during the football tourney that starts next month. The announcement followed chaos on Saturday at the Stade de France when smoke bombs were set off during the national cup final, sparking panic.

2016-05-26 12:09 By AFP www.mid-day.com

40 In 'single' blow, Taiwan prez called 'extreme' Beijing: In less than a week, Tsai Ing-wen went from being sworn-in as Taiwan’s first female president to being labeled “extreme” by a news agency for China’s Communist Party in large part because she’s not married. Tsai Ing-wen. File Pic/GettyImages The Xinhua-run International Herald Leader ran an opinion piece accusing Tsai of having an “erratic style,” as per the BBC, and a radical platform that could threaten China’s hold on Taiwan. “As a single female politician, she does not have the emotional burden of love, of ‘family’ or of children,” read the piece, penned by Wang Weixing, a Chinese official who handles Taiwanese matters. “So her political style and strategy tend to be emotional, [personalized], and extreme.” He also called Tsai “two-faced” and noted she’s “a complicated person who grew up in the twisted Taiwanese society and political environment”. Chinese state media often publishes nationalistic commentaries touting Beijing’s sovereignty cover Taiwan, but a misogynistic approach is rare. Xinhua posted Wang’s article on its website, but later deleted it.

2016-05-26 12:09 By Agencies www.mid-day.com

41 'Fascist' Donald Trump faces protest Washington: Donald Trump’s rally in New Mexico turned violent as protesters toppled barricades and threw rocks, burning T-shirts and plastic bottles at police officers, injuring several, the latest scuffle to hit the presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s campaign. Protest outside Donald Trump’s rally in New Mexico. Pic/AP Violent crowd The “unlawful assembly” went on rampage, lit fires and threw rocks at the police and their horses outside the Albuquerque Convention Center in New Mexico. Police responded by firing pepper spray and smoke grenades into the violent crowd, which overturned barricades. The 69-year-old real estate tycoon’s speech was interrupted repeatedly by protesters who held up banners with the messages “Trump is Fascist” and “We’ve heard enough”. Cops got hurt A female protester was physically dragged from the stands by security. “Go ahead, get them out of here,” Trump told one of them. However, the police had a tough time in controlling the demonstrators who were protesting against the policies and rhetorics of Trump. “This is an unlawful assembly,” Albuquerque police spokesman Simon Drobik told protesters over a loudspeaker. Albuquerque police said several officers were treated for injuries after getting hit by rocks thrown by protesters. Almost won Trump yesterday won the Washington primary and is tantalisingly close to clinching the Republican presidential nomination to set up a likely clash with Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton in the November polls.

2016-05-26 12:09 By Agencies www.mid-day.com

42 Pune builder has narrow escape in Mumbai- Pune E-way accident, driver dies A renowned Pune-based builder, DS Kulkarni, met with an accident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway on Wednesday. The builder’s driver died in the accident while two others were injured. The accident side with the car and (inset) DS Kulkarni The incident took place at near the Khanadala exist of the E-way on Wednesday around 11 pm. The deceased car driver as been identified as Neeraj Ramkaran Singh (37), a resident of Ganesh Nagar, Bhopkhel. The other injured person has been identified as Kiran Kate. Kulkarni is a Pune-based builder and owns DSK Projects apart from an automobile four-wheeler showroom in Pune. He was rushed to Nigdi-based Lokmanya Hospital and is undergoing treatment at the ICU. Dr Jayant Shreekhande informed, “Kulkarni sustained an injury on his left side of his rib.” According to an Expressway control room official, “Kulkarni was travelling from Mumbai to Pune in his Land Cruiser car along with driver Singh and Kate, who was in the seat next to the driver while Kulkarni was seated behind. The accident took place near Khanadala tunnel where a trailer heading from Pune to Mumbai lost control and landed in the opposite lane. Kulkarni’s car was coming out from the Khanadala exit and dashed into the trailer.” He added, “The impact othe f accident was such that Kulkarni 's driver died on spot while Kate escape with minor injuries, but Kulkarni had to be rushed to hospital.” In a Facebook post, Kulkarni wrote, “The incident is unfortunate. I lost a dear person, who was serving as my driver for the last 22 years. I pray to God that his soul rests in peace, and will be back to work in a week’s time. I will also look for speedy trial in the accident case so that Singh get justice soon.”

2016-05-26 12:02 By Chaitraly www.mid-day.com

43 Dustin Diamond Back in Jail in Wisconsin Former "Saved by the Bell" star Dustin Diamond is back in jail in Wisconsin after an official says he violated the terms of his parole. Ozaukee County jail records show Diamond, who was recently released after serving time for disorderly conduct and concealed-weapon convictions, was arrested Wednesday. An official at the jail who answered the phone Wednesday night but declined to give his name says Diamond was in custody because of a probation violation. The official said he didn't have any further details. The 39-year-old Diamond was convicted in Wisconsin last year on the charges stemming from a 2014 bar room brawl. He was released in April. The attorney who represented Diamond in that case wasn't immediately available for comment. Diamond played Screech on the 1990s TV show.

2016-05-26 12:02 By abcnews.go.com

44 House Reverses Course on LGBT Rights for Federal Contractors The House reversed itself late Wednesday and approved a measure aimed at upholding an executive order that bars discrimination against LGBT employees by federal contractors. More than 40 Republicans helped Democrats power the gay rights measure over the opposition of GOP conservatives who dominate the chamber. Conservatives did prevail in a separate vote designed to make sure federal funding isn't taken away from the state of North Carolina over its controversial bathroom law for transgender people. Wednesday night's 223-195 tally reverses a vote last week on the gay rights measure. Then, GOP leaders twisted arms to defeat the legislation, causing several supporters to switch their vote, leading Democrats to erupt in protest. Openly gay New York Democrat Sean Patrick Maloney returned to attach the measure to a funding bill for the Energy Department. This time, GOP leaders let members vote as they wished; about a dozen Republicans, including several from California, rethought their opposition and Maloney's amendment made it through fairly easily. It would prohibit agencies funded by the bill to award taxpayer dollars to federal contractors that violate President Barack Obama's executive order barring discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. "It says you do not take taxpayer dollars and fire people just for being gay," Maloney said. Maloney said last week's vote "snatched discrimination from the jaws of equality. " Earlier, the House voted 227-192 to block several federal agencies from retaliating against North Carolina over its law requiring transgender people to use the bathroom of their original sex. That amendment, by Robert Pittenger, R-N. C., came in response to warnings from the Obama administration that it may take federal funding away from North Carolina in response to the state law that blocks certain protections for gay people. "The President and his emissaries have stated ... that funds should not be dispensed to North Carolina until North Carolina is coerced into complying with the legal beliefs of the President, and his political views," Pittenger said. "This is an egregious abuse of executive power. " The North Carolina law was passed after Charlotte passed an ordinance allowing transgender people to use restrooms of their chosen gender identity. The state law went further to take away federal protections for gays, putting the state at risk of losing a variety of federal funds. Top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi of California blasted Republicans as favoring discrimination against gays. "Republicans overwhelmingly voted to support ... the hateful and discriminatory state law in North Carolina, and to enable anti-LGBT bigotry across our country," Pelosi said in a statement. "History will not look kindly on the votes Republicans proudly took to target Americans because of whom they are or whom they love. " Maloney's proposal had appeared on track to pass last week, peaking at 217-206 as an amendment to a veterans' spending bill. But GOP leaders prevailed on seven Republicans to switch their votes, including California GOP Reps. Jeff Denham, Darrell Issa, Mimi Walters and David Valadao. Swing-district freshmen David Young, R-Iowa, and Bruce Poliquin, R-Maine, also switched positions on last week's vote. Each of them switched back Wednesday, joined by several other Republicans who opposed Maloney's plan last week. The energy and water projects bill is the second spending bill for the upcoming budget year to come to the House floor. 2016-05-26 12:00 By abcnews.go.com

45 Highlands Park get off to solid start in PSL promotion play-offs Basetsana Kumalo has opened up about suing Drum magazine for defamation and reputational damages with costs, claiming that she is doing it for everyone who's had their name tarnished by the publication.

2016-05-26 11:47 Staff writer www.timeslive.co.za

46 Indy 500 champions choose the most important non- driver INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - It was 1945 and the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway was in disrepair. Already in desperate need of improvements, a third of Gasoline Alley had burned four years earlier. Then came World War II and a four-year hiatus for the Indianapolis 500. The track had been virtually abandoned during the war and many believed it would be sold to make way for a housing development. Enter Anton “Tony” Hulman. A businessman from Terre Haute, Hulman was recruited by three-time Indy 500 winner Wilbur Shaw to purchase the track. For a purchase price reported to be $750,000, Hulman took over the speedway and began major renovations and repairs that allowed the Indy 500 to resume just six months after Hulman acquired the property. When it comes to the most important non-driver in the history of the Indy 500, Hulman edged team owner Roger Penske, according to a survey by The Associated Press of the 27 race winners still alive today. “Tony Hulman, without him it’s unlikely there would have been, or currently is, an Indy 500,” said Bobby Rahal, the 1986 winner. Lauded as “a phenomenal man” by Mario Andretti, Hulman is widely considered to be the sole reason the speedway and the race have made it to its 100th running this Sunday. Hulman initially stayed behind the scenes and allowed Shaw to be the face of the speedway. After Shaw’s death in a 1954 plane crash, Hulman then moved into a more prolific role. He took over the tradition of giving the command, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” and always practiced it extensively beforehand. He would pull a card from his suit pocket that contained the famous words as he stepped to the microphone on race days. All the while, Hulman continued to pour money into the facility. He increased the prize money, built a Hall of Fame museum and ensured his event became one of the most prestigious in the world. “Tony Hulman saved the speedway from probably terminal decline and was a dynamic leader for the track and the event,” said Dario Franchitti, a three- time 500 winner. Penske, a 16-time winning team owner, received plenty of recognition for the standard of excellence he brought to the speedway. Sam Hornish Jr., who won the 500 driving for Penske, made a case for both men before giving his vote to Hulman. “It was basically destitute, it was shortly after WWII, so the argument is obviously Roger is tremendous to the speedway, but would it have been there if it wasn’t for Anton?” asked Hornish. Others felt strongly that Penske is the class of the speedway. “Roger Penske has brought so much to the sport and I know how much the speedway means to him,” said Rick Mears, one of the four-time winners. “He loves that place and I think he’s helped raise the bar, not just at Indy but motorsports in general. There’s nobody more passionate than he is about racing.” The speedway is still owned by the Hulman/George family, and Hulman’s daughter, Mari, now gives the command. His grandson, Tony George, ran the speedway for many years and created the IndyCar Series, but he’s now just part of an overall family connection to the storied property. Story Continues →

2016-05-26 11:46 FILE www.washingtontimes.com

47 UW to cut dozens of vacant positions to save millions CASPER, Wyo. (AP) - The University of Wyoming has announced plans intended to save the school millions of dollars as it looks to find $50 million in its budget for the next two years amid the state’s economic downturn. The Casper Star-Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/1sApoyP ) the university’s new president, Laurie Nichols, said Wednesday plans include cutting at least 70 vacant positions and outsourcing some UW operations. The university said in a release the changes and other ongoing cuts will save the university about $19 million in the next fiscal year, which starts July 1. The university is also looking to add another $10 million in cuts, which will likely affect school programs. UW is expected to announce which programs will be cut by September. Nichols says the initial reductions will be made without any layoffs. ___ Information from: Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune, http://www.trib.com

2016-05-26 11:46 - www.washingtontimes.com

48 Pirates have cup mojo on their side Twice a winner of this competition, Myeni is banking on his experience to make it three victories when Pirates meet Supersport United at Peter Mokaba Stadium. He first won it as a 21-year- old at Bidvest Wits in 2010 and four years later inflicted pain on the Clever Boys when he scored for Pirates in a 3-1 victory at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Myeni is ready to help Bucs lift a third Nedbank Cup in five years. "I have good memories of playing in this competition. In 2010, when I was at Wits, we were privileged to be the first ones to play at FNB Stadium and we won it," said Myeni. "Hopefully I will get another goal in the final. " He added: "This cup has been good to me. I have scored goals at crucial times. The last time I played in a knockout competition (in 2014), I did not score until we got to the final. " United beat Pirates in the last 16 of the competition at Peter Mokaba Stadium last season and beat them again at the same venue when they met in the league early this season. United might have an advantage at a venue they use as an alternative to Lucas Moripe Stadium, but Myeni said he wasn't fussed. Supersport striker Jeremy Brockie received a "massive confidence booster" after a late call-up to the "All Whites" squad to play in the Oceania Nations Cup starting on Saturday. It added to an already great week for the 28-year-old, who has scored 27 goals in 51 starts for Matsatsantsa since joining in December 2014, after he was nominated for the Nedbank Cup's top individual award. Brockie said he desperately wants the trophy for the team. "It is nice to be nominated as one of the top three players in the Nedbank [Cup] so far. My main aim is winning the trophy first before any personal accolade. "

2016-05-26 11:41 TSHEPANG MAILWANE www.timeslive.co.za

49 In Gawker fight, Hogan may have billionaire in his corner ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Is Hulk Hogan’s courtroom cage match with Gawker being bankrolled by a high-tech billionaire with a grudge against the news-and- gossip site? Two months after Hogan won a $140 million invasion-of- privacy verdict against Gawker for posting a sex tape of him, news reports say the pro wrestler is secretly backed by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Peter Thiel. Thiel, who co-founded PayPal and was an early investor in Facebook, was outed as gay by a Gawker-owned website in 2007, and the Gawker empire has run a number of stories skewering Facebook. Legal experts say there is nothing illegal - or even unethical - about someone financing a lawsuit. There are entire companies that invest in contingency claims, usually in product liability, personal injury, patent infringement and copyright cases. It is called “litigation financing.” But a billionaire doing it out of what may be spite? That’s a little different, experts say. “As much as this is not at all illegal or unethical, it just smells and feels wrong,” said Scott Greenfield, a New York lawyer who is managing editor of Fault Lines, an online legal magazine. “When a rich guy can basically afford to bring down a media outlet, that has horrible social ramifications, even if the particular outfit is one that everybody hates, like Gawker.” On Wednesday, Hogan and Gawker were back in a Florida court, where Judge Pamela Campbell denied Gawker’s request for a new trial and refused to reduce the damages. Gawker vows to take the case to an appeals court. Swirling in the background of the court proceedings were reports in The New York Times and Forbes that Thiel is footing Hogan’s legal bills against their common enemy, Gawker. The news stories cited unidentified sources. Thiel, whose net worth is estimated by Forbes at $2.7 billion, didn’t immediately respond to interview requests made through email or on the voicemail of a mobile phone number he previously provided to an Associated Press reporter. Hogan’s lawyers wouldn’t comment on the Thiel story but praised the judge for denying a new trial and accused Gawker of refusing to accept responsibility for “their reprehensible behavior and method of doing what they call journalism.” Gawker reacted to the reports by saying: “There are very serious questions about whether Hulk Hogan financially benefited, and this case is far from over.” Thiel has never hidden his contempt for Valleywag, a gossip site that Gawker periodically ran during the past decade to expose the secrets of Silicon Valley moguls, sometimes in salacious fashion. In a 2009 interview, Thiel called Valleywag “the Silicon Valley equivalent of al-Qaida” and said it relies on people who “should be described as terrorists, not as writers or reporters.” The attack spurred speculation that Thiel was still angry about a Valleywag report two years earlier about his sexuality. Others believe Thiel may have been far more upset about Valleywag’s stories mocking Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and questioning the social network’s value before it went public in 2012. Those derogatory stories could have eroded the fortune Thiel was building in Facebook, where he remains a board member. Story Continues →

2016-05-26 11:41 Hulk Hogan www.washingtontimes.com

50 Cops: We can't cope With local-government elections approaching, a leading criminologist says the outlook is ominous. Public order policing has been under the microscope since the killing of 34 miners at Marikana in 2012. Municipal IQ told The Times that 86% of the protests listed on its Hotspots Monitor were characterised by violence. Police management yesterday conceded in parliament that the service did not have enough public order officers to deal with protests. In 2014 the police asked for an additional R3.3-billion to increase public order policing numbers and equipment but the Treasury turned them down. It has been announced that R598-million will be spent on public order policing over the next three years. Testifying before parliament's police portfolio committee, deputy national police commissioner Fannie Masemola said 11 unrest hotspots had recently been identified. Masemola said more than 600 public order police officers had been deployed to the hotspots. Some of the violence has been staged for political reasons, it has been alleged. Masemola said police will be deployed in the hot spots until after the elections. But, he said, resources were stretched. Institute for Security Studies policing researcher Johan Burger said the solution was not in the hands of the police. He said police statistics showed that violence in protests had risen by 274% in the past decade. Burger said compounding the police's public order policing problems were decisions taken by former national police commissioner Jackie Selebi in 2006. Selebi, he said, had reduced the number of public order police officers from 7,500 to 2,500. "The numbers have been increased to 4700 but are far from what is needed. "In 2014 the police said that by 2018 the number will be increased to 9,000 members but this process hasn't started properly. " Burger said another big problem was that the violence was often driven by conditions and factors beyond the control of the police. He said those protesting at poor service delivery often had genuine reasons for their grievances. "People become violent because they believe it's the only way to attract attention to their concerns. "The police are the visible presence of a failing government. "

2016-05-26 11:35 GRAEME HOSKEN www.timeslive.co.za

51 Allister faces pair of thunderbolts He will announce his squad for the trio of Tests in Cape Town on Saturday before a training camp for a fortnight in Stellenbosch. Having recently concluded a visit to all six South African Super rugby franchises, Coetzee would have felt as though he had all his ducks in a row. However, the untimely injury to Lions flyhalf Elton Jantjies and the big question mark that remains over Duane Vermeulen's availability for the June Tests, proves that even the best laid plans can go awry. Jantjies has been the form flyhalf in the Super rugby competition and his finger fracture, which could sideline him for up to a month, is what we commonly refer to in professional coaching circles as a thunderbolt. Coetzee would have potentially been hoping to pair Jantjies and Faf de Klerk, but the former's injury setback has thrown a spanner in the works. Jantjies has marshalled the Lions' backline with purpose and panache this season and he has arguably been in the form of his life. If he fails to recover in time to take on the Irish, it will prove a significant blow for South Africa. Patrick Lambie's return from injury, however, is very good news for the Springboks. It represents something of a silver lining for Coetzee as the Sharks captain is getting back to his best and is highly qualified to wear the No10 jersey. The second thunderbolt that could strike the Springboks is the potential unavailability of South Africa's premier No8, Vermeulen, who is rumoured to be earning just under à1-million (R17-million) a year in the south of France. Marquee players are being paid an absurd amount of money abroad, and some people may even go as far as to suggest that Vermeulen sold his soul when he signed for last year. It's easy to point a finger at the player, but the reality is that at the age of 29 Vermeulen had to secure the future of his young family. Though the top echelon of players in South Africa earn salaries of between R6-million and R10-million a year, the overseas market has skyrocketed in terms of earning potential. If Vermeulen opts to play for the Springboks if selected, he runs the risk of not getting paid by Toulon during that period. Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal is a tough businessman - he wants a return on his investment - and has threatened to withhold payment from any player who opts to represent his nation in June. As such, Vermeulen finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place. A tug-of-war between Toulon and SA Rugby is set to ensue and, unfortunately, the party that will suffer most is the player himself. If Vermeulen chooses club over country, it has been reported that he must tender his resignation from international rugby in writing, which will rule him out of Tests for a minimum of six months. Coetzee will be desperate for Vermeulen to avail himself for South Africa because, over and above his exploits as a player, the two formed an effective working relationship at domestic level. The coach-captain relationship is an essential part of any team's success.

2016-05-26 11:33 unknown www.timeslive.co.za

52 Where have all our entrepreneurs gone? The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor South Africa report, released yesterday in Cape Town, said that the number of South Africans interested in starting a business has halved since 2010. The decline has been particularly sharp among blacks and women. The report's co-author, Mike Herrington, said last week's news that Egypt had overtaken South Africa as the continent's second- biggest economy should have sounded the alarm. "It has never been more important or urgent for South Africa's policy-makers to make a strong commitment to growing the economy," he said. "In addition, the country has just revised its growth rate to 0.45%, which is four times less than its population growth - very worrying indeed. " The report said "government policy" was the main culprit in the decline of entrepreneurship. The other two major constraints are access to finance, and lack of education and training. Economist Mike Schussler said entrepreneurs were the main creators of jobs. "Without any entrepreneurs there will be no jobs. The government wouldn't be there if businesses didn't pay tax. " Many of those who are starting businesses are doing so out of desperation, the report says. Said co-author Penny Kew: "Two things that we are seeing which are worrying are an increase in the number of entrepreneurs who are starting businesses because they have no other choice and a low rate of established businesses in the economy (those that survive for more than three years). " But the report also finds that South African entrepreneurs are more innovative than their counterparts in the rest of Africa and have a better global orientation, with at least a quarter of revenue coming from global sales. Economists say government policies are not all bad and many factors weigh on entrepreneurs. Fiona Tregenna, professor of economics at the University of Johannesburg, said weak domestic demand, lack of access to finance, and lack of skills were other factors to consider.

2016-05-26 11:17 ARON HYMAN www.timeslive.co.za

53 Funeral services set for officer shot during traffic stop CHARLTON, Mass. (AP) - A Massachusetts community is paying its final respects to a police officer who was fatally shot during a traffic stop. A wake for Auburn Officer Ronald Tarentino Jr. is scheduled for Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Charlton. A funeral Mass is planned for Friday morning at St. Joseph, followed by burial at Greenville Baptist Church Cemetery in Tarentino’s hometown of Leicester. The 42-year-old was shot in the back during a traffic stop early Sunday morning by a man with a long criminal history. The suspect was later killed during an exchange of gunfire with police. Tarentino was the son of a longtime Medford officer and an avid outdoorsman. He’s survived by his wife and three sons.

2016-05-26 11:16 - www.washingtontimes.com

54 Cafe has to change name after Caribou Coffee files lawsuit BEULAH, Mich. (AP) - A cafe in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula has to change its name after a couple was accused by coffee store chain Caribou Coffee of trademark infringement. The Grand Rapids Press (http://bit.ly/248MhoG ) reports Eric and Kelly Chorley have to change the name of the Blue Caribou Cafe in Beulah. The coffee store chain claims the names and logos are too similar. The chain filed suit. An agreement was signed off on by Kelly Chorley that has stiff penalties if conditions are violated by the cafe. Caribou Coffee said in a statement that it “engaged in this litigation to protect our coffeehouse name and existing trademarks.” The company said it has contributed to a “GoFundMe fundraising page to help with their rebranding efforts.” ___ Information from: The Grand Rapids Press, http://www.mlive.com/grand- rapids

2016-05-26 11:15 - www.washingtontimes.com

55 Pro-Trump Hispanics face ridicule from friends and family ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - Hispanic voters in Florida, New Mexico and California have waved Mexican flags and bashed Donald Trump piñatas - clashing with police, at times - to protest the Republican presidential contender’s hard line approach to immigration. Yet far from the protests, an increasingly vocal Hispanic minority is speaking out in favor of the brash billionaire. They are backing Trump even in the face of resentment and suspicion from friends and family, who are among the overwhelming majority of non-white voters opposed to the New York businessman’s candidacy. “I’m not ashamed to vote for Trump. I’d just rather not have the conversation with my family,” said Natalie Lally, a 22-year-old college student from New York City whose large extended family has Colombian roots. She says silence fell over her grandmother’s living room when she admitted her support for Trump during a recent family gathering that included more than 30 relatives. “They just kind of seemed uneasy,” she recalled. “And my uncle just said, ‘Why?’ “ In the border towns of Texas, the working-class neighborhoods of New York, and even inside Trump’s overwhelmingly white rallies, the pro-Trump Hispanic minority is willing to risk public and private ridicule to defend the GOP’s presumptive presidential nominee. So far, however, they’re not getting much help from Trump’s campaign, which has yet to launch an outreach effort to improve his standing with the growing voting bloc. Approximately 23 percent of Hispanics said they’d vote for Trump in a May poll conducted by Fox News. Other recent polling places Trump far lower. The GOP’s last presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, has cited his poor standing with Hispanic voters as one of his biggest regrets from the last election, when he earned 27 percent of the Hispanic vote. Trump’s team acknowledges the importance of the voting bloc, but says there has been little organized outreach so far. “Any demographic that is growing at the rate of the Latino voters obviously will be of the utmost importance to a presidential campaign,” Trump aide Ed Brookover said when asked about Hispanic outreach. “I know it’s been talked about, but I think it’s a touch early. I don’t know of anything organized.” Trump’s team expects to work closely with the Republican National Committee, however, which has had paid Hispanic outreach staff on the ground in nine states. Trump supporters are eager to help. Carlos Guerra, a 24-year-old son of Mexican immigrants who lives along the border in Laredo, Texas, says he wants to do more than wear Trump’s “Make American Great Again” hat around town. “Our town is sick of the violence from Mexico,” he said, applauding Trump’s plan to build a massive wall on the border. “People are dying every day.” Some of his family members also support Trump, but “they’re not as loud about it,” he said. “I have talked to a lot of people and of course they criticize me,” Guerra added. “They ask, ‘Do you hate your race?’ I feel discriminated against, honestly.” Story Continues →

2016-05-26 11:15 In this www.washingtontimes.com

56 Wednesday’s Sports in Brief FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - The New England Patriots joined the latest “Deflategate” appeal to support Tom Brady, taking sides with their star quarterback in court for the first time in his fight against the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell. In an eight-page friend of the court brief filed with the 2nd U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals , the Patriots said they “stand to lose their All-Pro quarterback for 25 percent of the upcoming regular season based on a severely flawed process.” They also tried to raise the stakes in an effort to persuade the entire circuit to overrule the 2-1 decision that reinstated Brady’s four-game suspension last month. “The impact of the majority opinion is not limited to professional football,” the brief said. “It threatens to undermine vital principles governing arbitration of collective bargaining agreements throughout the national economy.” PRO BASKETBALL The Memphis Grizzlies are ready to make another assistant coach a first- time NBA head coach after offering their job to Miami Heat assistant David Fizdale, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person says Fizdale met with Grizzlies controlling owner Robert Pera in California and that the job had been offered. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Grizzlies are not commenting on specific candidates. Yahoo! Sports first reported the offer. Fizdale would replace Dave Joerger, fired May 7 after three seasons and three playoff berths. This would be Fizdale’s first head coaching job. He has been with the Heat since the 2008-09 season and has been assistant head coach the past two seasons. KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Prosecutors have filed charges against former NBA forward Kermit Washington, accusing him of embezzling about a half- million dollars in charitable donations meant to help the needy in Africa and spending it on jewelry, vacations and other things. Washington, who was best known for his bone-shattering punch to the face of Houston Rockets player Rudy Tomjanovich during a 1977 game, was charged in an indictment filed in Kansas City on Monday. He was arrested in Los Angeles on Tuesday and the indictment was unsealed Wednesday. Washington, who was released on $75,000 bond, is charged with interfering with internal revenue laws, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, obstruction of justice and aggravated identity theft. The charges largely stem from transactions that occurred from about 2004 through 2013, according to the indictment. COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) - Maryland guard Melo Trimble has withdrawn his name from consideration for the NBA Draft and will return for his junior season. The Terrapins reached the Sweet 16 last season behind Trimble, who led the team in scoring, assists and steals. He will be the lone returning starter from a squad that went 27-9. Because Trimble never hired an agent after announcing his intention to enter the draft, he had the option to return to Maryland. Story Continues →

2016-05-26 11:15 - www.washingtontimes.com

57 Steven Spielberg to address grads at Harvard commencement CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) - Filmmaker Steven Spielberg is scheduled to deliver the commencement speech at Harvard University. The three-time Academy Award winner will address graduates at a ceremony Thursday afternoon. Harvard President Drew Faust has praised Spielberg as an extraordinary storyteller, adding that “through his art, Mr. Spielberg has challenged us to dream and to see the world anew.” Spielberg has won Oscars for best picture and best director for “Schindler’s List,” and best director for “Saving Private Ryan.” One of his earliest hits, “Jaws,” was filmed primarily on the Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard. He earned a degree from California State University, Long Beach, in 2002, after dropping out from the school in the 1960s. Harvard officials say Spielberg is not being paid for his appearance.

2016-05-26 11:15 FILE www.washingtontimes.com

58 Police: Man ejected from vehicle in Arkansas crash, dies DE QUEEN, Ark. (AP) - Arkansas State Police say a Louisiana man has died after being ejected from his pickup during a crash in Sevier County. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (http://bit.ly/1NOJeQJ ) reports that a preliminary report says 58-year-old James Eakin of Vivian, Louisiana, failed to come to a stop around 3:10 p.m. Wednesday at an intersection while traveling west on Arkansas 27 at U. S. 71. Authorities say Eakin’s pickup struck a vehicle traveling south on U. S. 71, continued west and struck a tree, causing Eakin to be thrown from his vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was injured and transported to a hospital for treatment. ___ Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, http://www.arkansasonline.com

2016-05-26 11:15 - www.washingtontimes.com

59 New Jersey lawmakers to vote on Atlantic City rescue bills TRENTON, N. J. (AP) - New Jersey lawmakers are set to vote on an Atlantic City rescue package to keep the struggling resort town from running out of money. The Democrat-led Assembly and Senate have scheduled votes for Thursday on a package of bills to help the city. Republican Gov. Chris Christie says he’ll decide quickly whether to sign or veto the legislation. Christie says it contains the authority that he has been seeking, but he declined to say Wednesday if he supports the deal. The legislation gives the city five months to come up with a plan to balance budgets over five years. The deal eliminates, for now, the threat of a state takeover, and resolves a nasty political fight that has raged since January and pushed the resort ever closer to bankruptcy.

2016-05-26 11:15 - www.washingtontimes.com

60 Lawsuit alleges Yakima employee was fired for old age YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) - A 64-year-old man has filed a $1 million lawsuit alleging he was fired by the city of Yakima because of his age and related salary incentives. The Yakima Herald-Republic reports (http://bit.ly/1UeMvIc ) that Doug Mayo’s suit claims former City Manager Tony O’Rourke told him he was being fired as city engineer in June 2013 for economic reasons but then gave raises to other employees. Mayo also points to messages exchanged between former utilities/engineering manager Debbie Cook and assistant city attorney Jim Mitchell. The suit alleges one message said Mayo was being terminated because he was “old” and “feeble.” O’Rourke said in an email Wednesday that Mayo resigned from the position and wasn’t terminated. The city declined to comment on pending litigation. ___ Information from: Yakima Herald-Republic, http://www.yakimaherald.com

2016-05-26 11:15 - www.washingtontimes.com

61 Sharks head to 1st Cup final after 5-2 win over Blues SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - Two years after their most devastating playoff loss, the San Jose Sharks held their most meaningful celebration. The franchise notorious for falling short each postseason will finally get the chance to play for the Stanley Cup. Captain Joe Pavelski scored an early goal, Joel Ward added two more and the Sharks advanced to their first Stanley Cup final in franchise history by beating the St. Louis Blues 5-2 on Wednesday night in Game 6 of the Western Conference final. “You try to learn from experiences,” Pavelski said. “You like to not have to. But that’s the course we’ve taken. Now that we’re here, again, this was a great step for us. It was another step. … But we realize there’s more out there. That’s what we’re going to turn our attention to.” Few outside San Jose thought this day would come so soon after the team blew the 3-0 series lead in a soul-crushing playoff defeat to rival Los Angeles in 2014 and then missed the playoffs entirely last season. But on the same ice surface where they watched the Kings celebrate on the way to their second championship, the Sharks posted the biggest win in their 25-year history. “That was as low as you can get as a professional athlete, individually and team wise,” center Logan Couture said. “Then last year obviously tough time missing the playoffs and going through some stuff as a team. I really think everything we’ve gone through has made us a lot stronger as a group.” The players who endured those disappointments played a big role in getting past them. Joe Thornton set up Pavelski for the first goal, Patrick Marleau had two assists in the third and Couture had a goal and two assists to give him a league-best 24 points this postseason. But unlike past years, San Jose’s stars got plenty of help. Martin Jones made 24 saves, Ward posted his second straight two-goal game and rookie Joonas Donskoi also scored as the Sharks got lots of contributions from some of the newcomers general manager Doug Wilson brought in over the past year. “It’s huge just for the people who have been here so long,” Ward said. “I think this was an unbelievable accomplishment for sure.” Despite making the playoffs 16 times in 18 seasons and winning the second-most games in the NHL since the start of the 2003-04 season, the Sharks have lacked postseason success. They won just three games in three previous trips to the conference final, were knocked out twice in four seasons by a No. 8 seed and then had the collapse against Los Angeles in 2014. The impact of that loss lasted for a while as San Jose missed the playoffs entirely last season. But led by first-year coach Peter DeBoer, a familiar core and added depth, the Sharks recovered this year and are now only four wins from a championship. “It’s a pretty cool feeling,” Thornton said. “Obviously it’s our first time. It was pretty neat to get this done at home. The fans here have waited so long, 25 years. We’ve waited 18 years or so. So it’s a great feeling.” This was the first time in San Jose’s history that the team played with a trip to the Stanley Cup final on the line. The atmosphere in the Shark Tank reflected the high stakes with the fans at a frenzy during pregame introductions. The “Let’s Go Sharks!” chants started soon after the puck dropped, and those chants turned to “We Want The Cup! We Want The Cup!” in the third period after San Jose took a 4-0 lead. Story Continues → 2016-05-26 11:15 St. www.washingtontimes.com

62 Police: Man shot while standing on Omaha apartment balcony OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Police say a man was injured when he was shot while standing on a second-floor balcony at an Omaha apartment building. The Omaha World-Herald (http://bit.ly/25nbtOa ) reports that the shooting happened late Wednesday. Omaha Lt. Jerry Siedlik says the suspect stood in an alley across from the building around 8:40 p.m. and shot at the unidentified man before driving away from the scene. The man was taken to Nebraska Medical Center with injuries that are not considered life-threatening. ___ Information from: Omaha World-Herald, http://www.omaha.com

2016-05-26 11:15 - www.washingtontimes.com

63 In image-conscious Dubai, even police patrol in luxury cars DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Image is everything in Dubai - even when fighting crime. Police in this desert metropolis have built up a high- horsepower arsenal of luxury sports cars and SUVs over the years to complement their fleet of green-and-white patrol cruisers. The high-end squad cars fit into the greater gearhead ethos of Dubai, where fire-engine red Ferraris growl at stoplights and convertible Rolls Royces prowl the boulevard ringing the world’s tallest building. Lamborghinis also glisten through the glass of a massive new showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road, the country’s longest thoroughfare that is a dozen lanes at its widest when cutting through Dubai. But don’t expect their Lamborghini Aventador to show up if you rear-end someone. These police cars don’t see duty at traffic accidents or engage in high- speed pursuits, said Dubai police Lt. Saif Sultan Rashed al-Shamsi, who oversees the tourist police’s patrol section. Instead, al-Shamsi said the cars appear for special events across Dubai - or cruise areas frequented by tourists, offering visitors a glamorous image of the Dubai police. That also is a way for the city-state’s police force to be more accessible and welcomed by the public in a country home to a huge foreign workforce, al-Shamsi said. “One of the funny stories we have is that a lot of tourists and people here call the Dubai police … on (the emergency number) 999 to ask about these cars,” al-Shamsi said. “They want to know which location they will be in and how they can find them and take pictures with them.” Their photogenic qualities came out in force on a recent day as officers parked several outside the Armani Hotel in the 828-meter (2,717-foot) Burj Khalifa. The twin scissor doors of the police’s BMW i8 swung open like wings on the $140,000 car, which flies to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The car’s license plate read 2020, a nod to Dubai hosting 2020 World Expo, a world’s fair held every five years. Along for the ride were a two-door Bentley Continental and a Nissan GTR, its license plate the same as Dubai’s police emergency number and the plastic wrap still around its backseat. Tim Dean, a 24-year-old tourist from St. Petersburg, Florida, used to the Ford Crown Victoria police cars on the streets of the United States, stopped to snap a quick photograph of the assembled exotic vehicles. “You don’t see many cop cars like this,” Dean said. That’s true, especially as the force’s vehicles also include brands like Aston Martin, Lamborghini and Ferrari. Story Continues →

2016-05-26 11:15 In this www.washingtontimes.com

64 Repo man’s attempt to take car leads to deadly Utah chase SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The repossession agent showed up around midnight to a cul-de-sac in a small Utah city, his girlfriend a passenger in his company tow truck. As he backed up to a driveway to take back an SUV belonging to a woman who had fallen behind on a title loan, her husband came outside to intervene. An argument ensued. A gentleman’s agreement was made. But when the woman fled in her car, breaking the agreement, the angry repo man sped after to start what prosecutors describe as a high-speed, reckless chase through the streets of Pleasant Grove, Utah. It ended tragically, authorities say, when the repo agent’s tow truck forced the woman’s car off the road and her 2002 Lincoln Navigator smashed into a tree, killing her. The repossession agent, Kenneth Drew, 49, made his first court appearance Wednesday in Provo after being charged with manslaughter. His attorney Loni DeLand declined comment. The deceased, Ashleigh Best, 35, leaves behind two children. Police say the family had recently moved to Utah to improve their financial stability. A phone listing for the Best family couldn’t be found. Drew told investigators he was just following Best on May 17 to keep an eye on the SUV, charging documents show. Investigators, however, say evidence, including pictures and GPS data from the tow truck, show Drew’s story doesn’t match what happened. “He was chasing Mrs. Best recklessly and the inconsistencies in his account indicate that he was aware of wrongdoing and trying to mitigate his liability,” prosecutors wrote in the charging documents. In charging documents, prosecutors paint a picture of an intense encounter that escalated quickly. After the initial argument between Drew and Brennen Best, the woman’s husband, Drew agreed to leave the SUV alone and allow the couple time to go update their payments and come back to show him proof, charging documents show. But instead, Brennen Best instructed his wife to take her car to her mother’s house. As Ashleigh Best drove around the tow truck, a neighbor’s security camera shows Drew trying to box Best in against a curb as both cars accelerated. A neighbor reported hearing raised voices and cars peeling out. Ashleigh Best escaped, and the pursuit began. Later in the chase, prosecutors say Drew drove alongside Best’s SUV, grinding his rear right tire into her door. Going faster than 50 mph, Best jumped a curb and smashed into a tree. She died a short time later. Drew initially told investigators he didn’t force her off the road, but that she sped past him, fish-tailed and hit the tree. Confronted with evidence investigators had gathered, Drew later said he may have used his truck to try and end the chase and said he didn’t really remember how the crash occurred. His girlfriend said she wasn’t sure if he meant to run Ashleigh Best off the road, but said she was scared throughout the chase. Police say it’s illegal for repo men to use force to reclaim vehicles.

2016-05-26 11:15 This undated www.washingtontimes.com

65 Microsoft giving up smartphone manufacturing — union HELSINKI, Finland — Microsoft announced Wednesday it would let go up to 1,850 employees and a Finnish union called it the end of the company’s smartphone manufacturing business, bought from Finnish telecom equipment maker Nokia. “Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday announced plans to streamline the company’s smartphone hardware business, which will impact up to 1,850 jobs,” it said in a statement, adding 1,350 of those jobs would be eliminated in Finland where its smartphones have been designed. The other 500 jobs will be cut “globally”, it added. Microsoft’s chief shop steward in Finland, Kalle Kiili, told AFP the decision means Microsoft will no longer design or manufacture phones. Microsoft “will not be manufacturing (phone) devices, at least for the time being. It will do software, however,” Kiili said. Microsoft said the move would result in “an impairment and restructuring charge of approximately $950 million” (852.6 million euros) for the company. The decision means that Microsoft is scrapping what was left in Finland of Nokia’s former glory as the world’s former top mobile phone maker. Nokia was the world’s leading mobile phone maker from 1998 until 2011 when it bet on Microsoft’s Windows mobile platform which proved to be a flop. The Finnish company sold its unprofitable handset unit in 2014 for some $7.2 billion to Microsoft, which is closing the entire unit. When asked to confirm whether Microsoft was fully halting its smartphone production, a spokesperson for the tech giant in the US told AFP: “We will continue to develop new devices and adapt Windows 10 for small screens, support Lumia Phones such as the Lumia 650, Lumia 950 and Lumia 950XL, and phones from our OEM hardware partners like Acer, Alcatel, HP, Trinity and Vaio”. But the spokesperson added: “We have nothing to share about our future product roadmap.” Employees surprised Nearly 2.4 million Windows Phones were sold in the latest quarter, around 0.7 percent market share overall. That’s a decrease from the 2.5 percent market share of Windows Phone during the first quarter of 2015, according to the US-based analyst group, Gartner Inc. A week ago Microsoft announced the sale of its feature phone business for $350 million (310.5 million euros) to a new Finnish company HMD Global and its Taiwanese partner, FIH Mobile of FoxConn Technology Group, which will jointly begin manufacturing handsets and tablets under the Nokia brand again. Microsoft had called up all its employees in Finland to hear the news which Kiili said left the crowd “silent”. “We had rumors that something would happen but not that everything would go,” he described. Employees at Microsoft Oy, a separate Microsoft sales subsidiary based in Espoo, Finland, would not be affected by the job cuts.

2016-05-26 11:13 Agence France technology.inquirer.net

66 The Comrades' ups and downs The down run times are faster, but hide the brutal nature of the race, which tends to favour the lighter runners. The up run, torturous as it is, is seen by many runners as the easier of the two. It also explains why there has not been a back-to-back winner since Stephen Muzhingi, who won the marathon in 2009, 2010 and 2011. While the women's race has been dominated by twins Elena and Olesya Nurgalieva, the difference in the two races was clear when 2014 down run winner Eleanor Greenwood could only manage sixth place last year. Last year's up run women's champion, Caroline Wostmann, had an equally disappointing down run, finishing sixth and she was not even the best South African finisher. Wostmann explained the difficulty of adjusting between the up and the down runs, saying: "To train for the down run you have to make some mental adjustments. Last year every time I was running uphill I was pushing hard. Now when I am running downhill I think about my form, floating down instead of pounding down. "When somebody says down run, your automatic reaction is 'yeah, it is going to be a pleasurable run'. "Then you remember that the first 60km are in fact very undulating. When you get to the last 27km you are still basically at the same elevation you started at. By the time you get past Fields Hill, your quads are screaming and your body is aching. You actually wish you were running uphill. In other words, running up is exhausting and running down is painful. " Nine-time winner Bruce Fordyce said though he always found the up run easier, finding the right pace was the most important element in both races. He said: "On the up run, you can let the competition get away and reel them in later on but that's a dangerous tactic on the down run. While you can make up a lot of time in the second half of the down run, it's painful. The best thing to do is to start slowly and be ready for the final third. "

2016-05-26 11:09 KHANYISO TSHWAKU www.timeslive.co.za

67 ANC v ANC as members accuse party boss of plot to frame Fransman This week Louisa Wynand, 21, spoke about her disappointment at the National Prosecuting Authority’s decision not to prosecute the politician “due to insufficient evidence”. She claimed he sexually harassed her during a trip to the party’s birthday celebrations in North West in January. When news of the incident emerged, Fransman alleged that ANC Boland secretary Jonton Snyman had set up a “honeytrap”. It was a defence reminiscent of that used when President Jacob Zuma was accused of rape in 2006. He was later acquitted. Zuma, then deputy president, claimed the allegations were part of a smear campaign to derail his political career. ANC members Sandile Booysen and Thobile Mtyole both claim in affidavits that Snyman was out to wreck Fransman’s career. In an affidavit, signed on April 21, Booysen alleged that Snyman told him that he had orchestrated a plot against Fransman. He did not explain how the plan was executed. Snyman, who was suspended from the ANC last year while facing charges of insurance fraud, failed to respond to questions at the time of going to press. Booysen said he sent the affidavit and a letter detailing the alleged plot to Fikile Xasa, the acting chairman of the ANC’s national disciplinary committee. Booysen and Mtyole said they had lied to the ANC disciplinary committee to protect Snyman against the fraud allegations because they were friendly with him at the time. ANC spokesman Zizi Kodwa said the party had yet to receive the documents. Fransman responded: “If what is in those affidavits is true, it is criminal in nature. I will definitely [lay] criminal charges after I have discussed it with my legal people.” An ANC source pointed out that Wynand had been employed by Fransman, not the ANC —so Fransman would have had to have created his own “honeytrap”. 2016-05-26 11:08 PHILANI NOMBEMBE www.timeslive.co.za

68 Michelle Obama set to speak at Native American commencement SANTA FE, N. M. (AP) - Michelle Obama plans to address 105 Native American high school graduates Thursday during a commencement speech that comes as she tries to spotlight the plight of tribal youth in the final months of her husband’s presidency. The first lady’s commencement address at Santa Fe Indian School is being delivered as part of an Obama initiative that aims to remove “barriers to success” for Native American youth - a group the White House says make up the nation’s “most vulnerable population.” High poverty rates, aging school buildings, and health and housing disparities within tribal communities have been blamed for Native American graduation rates that fall just below 70 percent and are the lowest of any group in the country. Against this backdrop, the Santa Fe Indian School - owned and operated by the 19 pueblo tribes of New Mexico - has emerged as a bright spot, with a graduation rate on par with the national average of 82 percent and nearly every member of the 2016 class college-bound in the fall. The graduating seniors - who played a part in inviting Obama to their school - said they expected uplifting, empowering remarks from the first lady on their big day. “I hope that she gives us encouraging words because - I don’t know - sometimes Native Americans are skeptical in believing in ourselves as a people, and I think words of encouragement would be really helpful,” said Chyanne Quintana, who plans to attend the University of New Mexico in the fall. She said she eventually would like to become a doctor and work in rural communities. Coming a month after a speech to Jackson State University graduates in Mississippi, the first lady’s Santa Fe Indian School appearance will be the second of three commencement addresses she gives this spring. Next week, she is scheduled to speak to graduates at the City College of New York campus in Harlem. The commencement address comes nearly a year after she spoke to nearly 1,000 Native American youth for a first-of-its-kind summit held by the White House under its Generation Indigenous initiative - which emerged from a 2014 visit by the Obamas to North Dakota where they visited the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. In Santa Fe, Obama plans to share her personal story and speak about the values she learned from her family, said Lauren Vrazilek, a spokeswoman for the first lady. “She will talk about the power of those values; honor the students’ many accomplishments; and urge them to continue achieving, embracing their culture, and staying true to who they are,” Vrazilek said in a statement.

2016-05-26 11:07 FILE www.washingtontimes.com

69 Report: 46 states made prison-related reforms in 2014-15 NEW YORK (AP) - A new analysis has found that nearly every state made prison-related reforms in 2014 and 2015. The Vera Institute of Justice report released Thursday finds that in those two years, 46 states enacted 201 bills, executive orders and ballot initiatives. The fixes ranged from improving bail systems to supporting recently released former prisoners to curbing the use of solitary confinement. Other states created specialty courts for veterans, the homeless and drug addicts. Policymakers nationwide also sought to reduce the number of people who ended up behind bars by shortening jail stays and providing alternative sentences. The nonprofit says the reforms are the result of expensive correctional systems and a growing consensus that for too many the criminal justice system is unfair.

2016-05-26 11:07 - www.washingtontimes.com

70 The Big Read: Crooks in teachers' clothing The price for a post ranged from about R6000 to more than R30,000, give or take a goat or two. Understandably, the unions are up in arms challenging the report on everything from its authors going beyond their mandate to engaging in "union bashing". Having read the rather lengthy report, union responses to it, and the team's reply - all available online - one thing is clear: this is a solid piece of investigation by eminent persons clearly obsessed with the objectivity of process and outcomes. On the merits of the findings, there is little to challenge unless you have something to hide. What has happened should be of deep concern to the public because what such corrupt practices mean is not only that the best available educators are not placed in our schools but that children once again get less than they deserve. Spare a thought, also, for the hard-working qualified teacher or principal whose aspirations for growth, recognition and leadership are shattered by the corruption of those who are supposed to advance their interests. In this saga, everybody loses: the individual, the school and society. To the task team's credit, this is not a pro-government report for it takes a hard look at what makes corruption possible in the first place. For example, weaknesses in human resources policies and practices down the line of administration in a province offer ample opportunity for unscrupulous officials to take the gap, so to speak. Policy ambiguity and the lack of accountability invite corruption in a society where it seems that everybody from the top to the bottom steals at the slightest opportunity. Where administration is weak, corruption festers and the Department of Basic Education must at least take a good look at its own operations in the provinces. Where I disagree with the task team is in some of its recommendations. It is a common dilemma in education policy-making in South Africa - when you find a dysfunctional school or university, you enact policies that punish all of them in the system. So, for example, school governing bodies, it is proposed, should no longer recommend educators for appointment or promotion beyond a certain level, ostensibly because the processes for doing this are rigged. In other words, SGBs cannot be trusted to make recommendations to fill positions in their schools. First of all, I am sure that there are thousands of schools in which the system works perfectly. Posts are advertised, short lists are compiled, candidates are interviewed and the best person for the job is recommended on grounds of competence and, hopefully, diversity. Why take that authority away? Was the original and very democratic idea not, in fact, to have "the people" at ground level deliberate on choices affecting them directly - like "who teaches my children"? Surely a better way of remedying this problem is to fix the dysfunctional schools and to hold corrupt people accountable through the legal process? This large policy hammer that sees every SGB as a dangerous nail sticking out of the woodwork will, in the long term, do damage to the first principles of our young democracy. Rather than centralise all authority for teacher appointments at a distance from school, adding external expertise to the decisions of the local SGB is also a good idea but then there is the other dilemma - if even top officials in unions and government are implicated in the jobs-for-cash scheme, how do we identify incorruptible professionals? Yet what should disturb us even more is the warning carried throughout the report about the need to protect whistle-blowers. Sadly, we have reached the stage at which those who expose corruption are in very real danger from those who benefit from it. I can only imagine how many more cases would have become known had it not been for what the report calls a culture of secrecy, misplaced loyalties and intimidation. Still, the minister must be applauded for her courage in commissioning and seeing through this investigation given the strength of the majority union within the politics of South Africa. Whether even half of the most important recommendations will in fact be implemented is hard to predict in our explosive political climate heading into local elections. For now, many parents will quietly wonder whether the teacher in their child's class got there on merit. 2016-05-26 11:07 JONATHAN JANSEN www.timeslive.co.za

71 Whale-finding phone app grows in use, steering mariners away PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - With summer whale watching season fast approaching, conservation advocates and government agencies who want to protect whales say a mobile app designed to help mariners steer clear of the animals is helping keep them alive. The Whale Alert app provides a real-time display of the ocean and the position of the mariner’s ship, along with information about where whales have been seen or heard recently. It also provides information on speed restrictions and restricted areas, and recommends routes shippers can take to avoid endangered species such as the blue whale and the North Atlantic right whale. New England whale watching companies are gearing up for summer, and more than a quarter of the entire North Atlantic right whale population visited Cape Cod Bay this season. That means conditions are perfect to get more mariners and the public on board with protecting whales, said Patrick Ramage, whale program director for the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Andy Hammond, of Martha’s Vineyard, is one such mariner. He has used the tool aboard pilot boats to avoid whales in Boston Harbor. “It’s all about making sure people understand the regulations and how to operate in certain areas,” Hammond said. “It takes the guesswork out.” Collisions with high speed ships are one of the leading causes of death for some species of whales, and many mariners often try to navigate around them using outdated equipment. IFAW collaborated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on the app, which provides information on both U. S. coasts. Alaskan cruise ships began using it this month. Ramage said more than 33,000 users have downloaded the app, which first came out four years ago, and recent changes - such as giving civilians the ability to report whale sightings - have made it more popular. “It is literally a situation where the sort of fog of incomplete data or outmoded equipment can be lifted for the mariner,” Ramage said. The app shows a broad area where the whales are located as opposed to a pinpointed location because of concerns about the possibility of recreational boaters attempting to get close to the animal, Ramage said. The app was funded by donations to IFAW, which raised more than $500,000, he said. It’s free and can be downloaded by anyone with an iPhone or Android. ___ Online: http://www.whalealert.org/

2016-05-26 11:06 FILE www.washingtontimes.com

72 Dummies in the rear as car safety efforts move to back seats Regulators are making the move as part of a new emphasis on the safety of back-seat passengers, including children in car seats, which has lagged advances made for those riding up front. Lending urgency to the effort: the rise of Uber, Lyft and the new car-sharing economy that has more people riding in the rear. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration plans to test dummies in back seats in new models as part of its five-star safety ratings programme - which has since 1978 only measured safety for drivers and front-seat passengers. "People assume a five-star rating extends to all seating locations, but it doesn't," said Kristy Arbogast, engineering director at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "The back seat hasn't kept up. " Advocates say carmakers should make greater use of air bags in the back, improve seat belts so they work more like the ones in front, and conduct campaigns to encourage buckling up in the rear. They say the design changes to front seats have had an unintended consequence for those in the back: some have a tendency to collapse in even low-speed rear-end collisions, killing their occupants or the children seated behind them. That's what happened to Andrew Warner. In November 2010, Warner and his wife, Liz, were driving their new Honda Odyssey with Jake, 3, and 16- month old Taylor in the back seat. They were waiting to turn when another minivan rammed them from behind at 88km/h. Warner says he remembers a jolt and being pushed back into his seat by the G-force "like a rocket". After the crash, Liz said there was something wrong with Taylor. The seat had hit her on the head. She was breathing, but blood was coming out of her mouth. "She was more or less gone," Warner said. She later died. Toyota said yesterday it would invest in Uber - the latest in a wave of high- profile moves by car- makers to embrace their potential upstart rivals as partners. The strategic alliance will begin with flexible vehicle leasing terms for Uber drivers but the two also plan to exchange knowledge to accelerate research efforts. Both are researching self-driving cars, as well as "mobility solutions" that allow travellers to seamlessly connect to different modes of transport through apps. Financial terms were not disclosed. The deal is expected to help Toyota keep tabs on ride-hailing markets worldwide and has the potential to help it strengthen its position in China, where it lags Volkswagen and General Motors. The recent flurry of deals reflects the desire of carmakers to avoid becoming bystanders if a significant number of consumers around the world choose to forego car ownership and buy transport by the kilometre or minute. In other deals, GM invested $500-million (about R8-billion) in Lyft, Uber's main US rival, this year, while VW announced a $300-million investment in Gett, a smaller ride-sharing company. Apple has also got into the game, investing $1-billion in China's top ride- hailing service, Didi Chuxing. - Bloomberg, Reuters

2016-05-26 11:04 JEFF PLINGIS www.timeslive.co.za

73 73 U-12 National Tennis: State lads Waghani, Samanth stun favourites Maharashtra duo Krish Waghani and Achal Samanth fashioned significant upsets to storm into the boys' quarter-finals, in the 10th Ramesh Desai Memorial Under-12 National Tennis Championship at the Cricket Club of India yesterday. Krish Waghani and Achal Samanth The favourites felt the heat on another scorching summer day as Waghani forced the premature exit of second seed Harsith Gummuluru of Andhra Pradesh 6-3, 6-3, while Samanth shocked third seed Anmay Devaraj of Karnataka with an impressive 6-3, 6-0 win. Girls' top seed Naisha Srivastav of Karnataka overcame a second set challenge in which she was forced into the tie-breaker before halting qualifier Siddhi Khandelwal of Gujarat 6-2, 7-6. Second seed Sanjana Sirimalla of Telangana was forced into the decider before rallying to a hard- fought 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 win over unseeded Rutuja Chaphalkar of Maharashtra.

2016-05-26 10:57 By A www.mid-day.com

74 Israel forming civil defense units in preparation for possible conflict with Hezbollah Israel is forming civil defense units throughout northern Israel to assist in any future conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Col Eren Makov, the Northern Regional Commander of the Homefront Command told The Media Line in an interview. “There is a big change in the Arab population in Israel in that they are much more willing to cooperate with us,” Makov said. “We give them training in what to do and they see it as a contribution.” Makov said that more than half of the residents of northern Israel are Arab citizens of Israel, and are under the same missile threat from Hezbollah as Jewish citizens of Israel. While the vast majority of Arab citizens of Israel do not serve in the Israeli army, he said these civil defense units are not part of the army but of the Home Front Command and, for example, volunteers do not wear uniforms. The idea is to train them in both disaster relief and working with the population. After earthquakes, Makov said, 25 percent of those saved are rescued in the first hour, often by their neighbors. A similar situation would probably be in force if Hezbollah, which is believed to have more than 100,000 rockets aimed at Israel, scored direct hits on buildings in residential areas. Israel is not on the verge of a war with Hezbollah, Israeli analysts and military officials say. Hezbollah is bogged down in the civil war in Syria and has lost thousands of fighters defending Syrian President Bashar Assad against rebel groups and Islamic State. On one hand, it means that Hezbollah is not looking for another conflict in the near future. In fact, after senior Hezbollah official Mustafa Baddredine was assassinated recently, officials quickly moved to say they do not believe Israel is responsible. At the same time, Hezbollah is developing new fighting skills that could be used against Israel. “When you count the rockets they have, they are as strong as they were before the eruption of civil war in Syria. (But) when you speak about morale, it’s not very high… they’ve suffered many casualties,” Eyal Zisser, a professor at Tel Aviv University and an expert on Hezbollah told The Media Line. Added to this is the financial burden the organization is shouldering, the professor explained. Israel is also carefully watching the Golan Heights, which Israel acquired in 1967 and later annexed, along the border with Syria. So far, military officials say, the fighting has not spilled over in any significant way. But that could easily change. “The Golan Heights is very sensitive and unstable,” a senior military official told The Media Line. “There are a lot of actors involved in the conflict there (Syria). We believe they understand that they will pay a big price if they get involved with Israel.” Deterrence is one way to lessen the chances of a conflict along Israel’s northern border. Another is preparation, he said. In 2006, Israel and Hezbollah fought a 34-day war that left at least 1200 Lebanese and 165 Israelis dead. An estimated one million Lebanese and up to 500,000 Israelis fled the area of the conflict, and Israel inflicted heavy damage on south Lebanon. In any new conflict, the senior military official says, it is the Home Front Command that will decide whether Israelis should stay or be evacuated. For the past 25 years, any new homes build in Israel must have a reinforced room that can withstand a missile attack. Older buildings are supposed to have communal shelters, although some are in disrepair. Military officials do not rule out evacuating part of the population if needed. “We are not afraid to evacuate the population – especially close to the border,” the official said. “But we will decide who should leave. Our main message is that anyone who doesn’t get an order to evacuate should stay and understand that his home is the safest place for him.”

2016-05-26 10:48 Linda Gradstein www.jpost.com

75 Israel foils West Bank attempt to smuggle materials bound for Hamas in Gaza Security forces on Thursday morning intercepted a large shipment of materials leaving the West Bank that was intended for Hamas weapons-making purposes in the Gaza Strip, the Defense Ministry announced. Officials from the Defense Ministry's Crossing Authority together with the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) foiled the smuggling attempt at the Tarqumya Checkpoint in the southern West Bank near Hebron. Security authorities found the load concealed within a shipment of textiles and jewelry. According to the ministry, the intercepted consignment consisted of hundreds of pipes with four-inch fittings that can be used for the production of mortars and dozens of electric motors that can be used for terrorist infrastructure, including the excavation of Hamas's subterranean infiltration tunnels. Hamas has vowed that it will not desist in its efforts to upgrade its projectile capabilities and build a network of infiltration tunnels, the likes of which were destroyed in the 2014 Gaza war. An investigation has been launched to locate those involved in the smuggling attempt.

2016-05-26 10:41 Jpost Com www.jpost.com

76 They 'run' the show: Top 5 partnerships by batsmen in ODI history On this day in 1999, Indian batsmen Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid had set a record for the highest partnership in ODIs, which was broken later. Let's take a look at the top 5 partnerships by batsmen in ODI history. Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels - 372 runs Gayle (215) Samuels (133) vs Zimbabwe at Canberra on 24 February 2015. Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid - 331 runs Tendulkar (186) Dravid (153) vs New Zealand at Hyderabad on 8 November 1999. Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid - 318 runs Ganguly (183) Dravid (145) vs Sri Lanka at Taunton on 26 May 1999. Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga - 286 runs Jayasuriya (152) Tharanga (109) vs England at Leeds on 1 July 2006 Tillakaratne Dilshan and Upul Tharanga - 282 runs Dilshan (144) Tharanga (143) vs Zimbabwe at Pallekele on 10 March 2011. All Pics/ AFP

2016-05-26 10:37 By mid www.mid-day.com

77 77 Terrorists strike again, kill another Jammu & Kashmir cop Srinagar: A policeman was yesterday killed as militants struck at the security guards of a former MLA in Pulwama district, two days after three cops were gunned down in twin attacks in capital Srinagar. Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police Personnel inspecting the spot where terrorists attacked and killed the policeman, at Pulwama district. Pic/PTI The incident took place in Monghama village where the former National Conference MLA Ghulam Mohiuddin had gone to attend a marriage function, police said. His Personal Security Officer (PSO) Shabir Ahmad and another guards were waiting in a private car outside the venue when three pistol-borne terrorists struck, a police officer said. The terrorists tried to snatch the service rifle from the PSO, which led to a scuffle, the officer said, adding in the process, Ahmad received minor injuries on the face. Terrorists then fired a few shots, resulting in injuries to constable Riyaz Ahmad Ganie. He was hit in the throat and succumbed to his injuries later at a hospital, the officer said. The terrorists fled from the site along with the weapon of the PSO taking advantage of the panic, which followed the shooting, he said. A hunt has been launched to nab the terrorists and recover the weapon, the officer said. No terror outfit has so far claimed responsibility for the incident.

2016-05-26 10:36 By Agencies www.mid-day.com

78 90% no longer an impossible dream as HSC students ace exams The report card is out and it’s a bit of a mixed bag for HSC students. While many students have fared extremely well, their scores soaring to 95% and beyond, it looks like the general performance has slipped, as the average percentage has dipped by 4.66% this year. As the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary Education declared the Higher Secondary Certificate results online yesterday, many students were no doubt thrilled to see they had managed to get into the coveted ‘90+ club’. Dr Shobana Vasudevan, principal of RA Podar College was thrilled with the result and thinks that the trend of higher marks is an example of how competition is increasing. “It is great to see how our college’s result is going higher every year with the top rankers scoring higher and higher,” she said. But not all school principals were as happy, as they felt that this was putting undue focus on marks. Besides, this year, several HSC students could be at a disadvantage because the overall or average score slid down to 86.6% — which means that the majority of this batch has scored lower than last year’s batch (average 91.26%). Dr Madhavi Pethe, principal of Dahanukar College, said, “It is a rising concern that students’ percentages are soaring. Holistic development is more important, but in reality, only marks are given importance in college admissions.” “We see students scoring higher each year. It feels like the competition is not among students but between different boards,” said Dr Ashok Wadia, principal of Jai Hind College. Identical in every way Meet the identical twins who got identical scores — Nikki and Binti Sahni have always drawn curious looks for their uncanny similarity, but fellow students at RA Podar College are truly amazed by the fact that they even got matching scores! “We checked and verified more than once to be sure of the marks. At first, we thought there was some mistake when we saw the identical marks,” said their elder sister, Anushka. In fact, not only was their total score exactly the same, but even individual scores in certain subjects were identical. The girls, both Commerce students, have already started preparing for chartered accountancy exams together. Nikki and Binti have always studied together. “We are both equals and love to study together,” said the twins. Top tip: “We used to plan to finish the curriculum as early as possible,” said Binti, cautioning students that there is simply no point in taking stress. Instead, focus on completing the syllabus, she advised. Against all odds Hrishikesh Haligouda: 73.38% Hrishikesh Haligouda may suffer from 90% disability, but he more than made up for it with 100% hard work to ace the HSC exams. But his parents also get a large share of the credit — the Koparkhairane resident cannot walk because of a condition called rickets, and his father carried him on his shoulders so he could get to the exam centre each day. This student of Karmavir Bhaurao Patil College (Vashi) has already spent his summer vacation doing a computer course. “Along with a degree education, this computer course will help me secure a government job,” he said. His mother Jyoti added, “He might be suffering from 90% disability, but he is always optimistic and happy and strives to do better.” Top tip: “There is no option but hard work and there is no point in taking stress of any kind.” Sonal Shinde: 75% Sonal Shinde suffers from a medical condition that stopped her hands from growing after a certain age, leaving her unable to write exams on her own. The fact that she aced the exam despite this problem is a testament not just to her efforts but also to the fact that students with disabilities now have a more level playing field, with concessions such as being allowed writers. “I was allotted a writer for the papers. I feel it is important that there is more awareness around issues faced by people with disabilities, so that we have an equal platform to progress,” said the student from RA Podar College, who is yet to decide what career she will choose — her plans range from a banking job to the civil services. Top tip: “Dream big, but there is no shortcut to hard work. I have seen my mother and sister struggle to provide our family with necessities. I want to do my share now.” Nikhil Bhalerao: 73.85% When Nikhil was just a year old, his left eye had to be removed due to retinoblastoma, a rare malignant tumour in the retina. From his right eye, he can see partially when there is strong sunlight. But this hardly means that Nikhil lacks vision. Elated with his HSC marks, this Ruia College student now dreams of making a career in the media industry and has set his heart on joining a mass media course. “It is not very easy to study because the only audio books available to us are textbooks, whereas other students have so much more study material. In my college, there is an entire section dedicated to blind students and there are many volunteers who come forward to help. But they are students themselves, and have limitations,” said Nikhil. Top tip: “Don’t look at studies as a burden. If we take interest, nothing is impossible.” Two-time topper Vaibhav Hariharan: 96% Vaibhav Hariharan knows a thing or two about topping. Not only has he scored 96% in the HSC exams this year, but this Commerce student from RA Podar College in Matunga had also notched a near-perfect score (a staggering 99.6%) in the Std X CBSE results. “I was expecting a good score above 90% but this has certainly come as a surprise. Marks are not the ultimate thing in life, but it is important to immerse yourself with complete dedication in whatever you are doing,” said Vaibhav, who wishes to become a chartered accountant and is already preparing for the entrance examinations. Top tip: “My motto was to study consistently till the last day, instead of last minute preparations. I studied 2-3 hours daily, made my own notes for effective revision and solved several practice papers. Music also helped me relax during preparations,” said the Dombivli resident, who has also been a student of Hindustani classical music for the last 10 years.

2016-05-26 10:32 By Pallavi www.mid-day.com

79 Minor girl brutally raped, dumped near railway track in Delhi New Delhi: A 13-year-old girl was brutally raped and dumped near a railway track in South-east Delhi's Pul Prahladpur area allegedly by a teenager who lives in her neighbourhood, police said today. The minor girl -- who is an orphan and mentally challenged -- is admitted in AIIMS and her condition is stated to be stable now. "The accused, whose age is being verified, was apprehended today," Joint Commissioner of Police (Southeast) R P Upadhyay said. The victim lives with her maternal aunt at a village near Pul Prahladpur. She went missing on May 17, and a search operation was conducted but she could not be found. In the wee hours of May 18, locals spotted the girl lying unconscious near the railway track and raised an alarm, a senior police official said. She was then rushed to AIIMS where doctors confirmed the sexual assault and a case was registered under relevant IPC sections and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. It took the police around a week to identify the accused as the girl is not in a condition to give a statement. The locals were questioned and it emerged that the girl was last seen with the teenager, who is a vagabond, the official said. Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal today met the girl at AIIMS and the commission later issued notice to the Pul Prahladpur police station seeking to know why it was not informed about the incident. Despite repeated phone calls, DCP (southeast) M S Randhawa could not be reached for comments. "The girl has been brutally raped and we are suspecting it to be a case of gangrape. She is mentally challenged. She has severe injuries on her body. She has undergone a major surgery and according to doctors it will take her at least four months to recover. Her condition as of now is critical," Maliwal said. "It is shocking that despite the Delhi High Court ruling which mandates informing the Crisis Intervention Cell (CIC) counsellor duly approved by the Commission, as soon as the complaint of sexual assault is received at the police station, but in this case the counsellor was not informed by the police," she added.

2016-05-26 10:24 By PTI www.mid-day.com

80 Andhra temples getting richer because people are committing sins: N Chandrababu Naidu Vijaywada: Income of temples in Andhra Pradesh has grown by 27 per cent, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said yesterday, attributing it to “growing sins and increased troubles” of people. N Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh CM “People are committing sins. Some are facing troubles and to get rid of them they are going to temples and praying. If they are facing more troubles and committing more sins, they are coming to temples and offering money. It’s a reality,” the Chief Minister remarked, during his inaugural address at the two-day conference of district Collectors. “Not just temples, people were visiting churches and mosques for solace. Many people would have gone mad if there are no temples, churches or mosques,” he said. At the same time, he pointed out, sale of liquor was coming down, resulting in reduced income to the state. “More people are taking (Sabarimala) Ayyapa Swamy ‘deeksha’ and abstaining from liquor consumption for 40 days. To that extent our liquor sales are going down,” he observed, though jocularly.

2016-05-26 10:15 By Agencies www.mid-day.com

81 Johnny Depp’s wife files for divorce in Los Angeles LOS ANGELES — Johnny Depp’s wife has filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences after 15 months of marriage. Amber Depp, an actress known as Amber Heard, filed for divorce in Los Angeles Superior Court and is seeking spousal support from the Oscar-nominated actor. Heard listed their date of separation as Sunday. The pair has no children together. Depp and Heard met while co-starring in the 2011 film “The Rum Diary.” Depp’s latest film, “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” is due to be released on Friday. The actors have been embroiled in a dispute with Australia’s deputy prime minister, who last year threatened to euthanize their dogs, Boo and Pistol, after they were illegally smuggled into the country. Heard pleaded guilty last month to falsifying documents to conceal the pets when she arrived by private jet to join her husband on the set of the fifth movie in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series. READ: Trial set for Johnny Depp dog case in Australia The pair videotaped an apology as part of a deal that allowed Heard to avoid a conviction. But the actors have been derided because of their wooden deliveries in the film. Earlier this week, the deputy prime minister, Barnaby Joyce, boasted that he had gotten inside Depp’s head like fictional serial killer Hannibal Lecter after the actor quipped that the ruddy-faced lawmaker appeared to be “inbred with a tomato” during an interview on the U. S. talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Depp has one previous marriage and was in a long relationship with French actress and model Vanessa Paradis before he began dating Heard. The divorce was first reported Wednesday by celebrity website TMZ. READ: Amber juggles Depp, Redmayne

2016-05-26 10:14 Associated Press entertainment.inquirer.net

82 Undertrial 'SRK' hurls slipper at judge Shahrukh Shan Mohamed Khan has had it with the judiciary. The 28-year-old, who is being tried in a special court, hurled his slipper at the judge hearing his case yesterday, as he was unhappy with the progress of the case. Khan, who was presented before the Special NDPS court said that he threw a slipper, aiming it at Judge Abhinandan Patangankar but it went over the head of judge. Khan is currently facing trial is charged under section 328 (Causing hurt by means of poison). According to police, they have learned from the court that Khan was unhappy as he had been languishing in jail for the last eight months, and there was no development in his case. FIR registered PI Milind Korde of Colaba Police Station said, “An FIR has been registered against him under Sections 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 336 (Act endangering life or personal safety of others).”

2016-05-26 10:13 By A www.mid-day.com

83 Pune: 18-year-old hangs self after checking results Pune: An 18-year-old HSC student hanged himself from a ceiling fan at his home after checking his results online yesterday. The deceased is Sanjay Dattatray Vibhuti (18), a resident of Bhoradenagar in Thergaon. Inspector NJ Shaikh of Wakad police station said, “The family claims he died because he failed in his exam. They have still not checked his results. No suicide note has been recovered. Sanjay was a Commerce student. This was his second attempt to clear HSC. He had failed four subjects last year.” Around 1 pm on Wednesday, Sanjay went to his room to check his results. He asked his mother not to come in until had checked his results. His mother was busy cooking. His elder brother was repeatedly calling him to check his results, but he did not answer his call so he called their mother. She went to his bedroom and found him hanging from the ceiling fan.

2016-05-26 10:12 By Chaitraly www.mid-day.com

84 Bombay HC extends Pankaj Bhujbal's interim protection from arrest The Bombay High Court yesterday extended the interim protection from arrest granted to Pankaj Bhujbal, son of former Deputy CM Chhagan Bhujbal, and nine others, who are facing charges of money laundering in Maharashtra Sadan scam, till June 7. Pankaj Bhujbal Pankaj, businessmen Asif Balwa, Vinod Goenka and others have challenged the non-bailable warrants issued by the special court for Prevention of Money Laundering Act cases. They have also sought pre-arrest bail from the HC. Last week, the vacation bench had granted them interim protection from arrest. ED counsel Poornima Kantharia yesterday submitted reply affidavits, following which the petitioners’ lawyers sought time to file rejoinders. Justice Shalini Phansalkar-Joshi adjourned the hearing to June 7 and extended the protection till then. Aabad Ponda, lawyer of a petitioner, argued that ED had already recorded their statements and it did not arrest them then.

2016-05-26 10:11 By Agencies www.mid-day.com

85 At least 2 hurt as tower crane collapses in Makati A construction crane collapsed in Makati City on Thursday morning, hurting at least two people, Radyo Inquirer 990 AM reported. The crane was being used in the construction of a building on dela Costa street in Barangay (village) Bel-Air. It hit an electric pole, which subsequently fell on a taxi and another vehicle. IDL RELATED STORIES Crane collapse kills 107 at Mecca’s Grand Mosque ahead of hajj Crane collapse at China construction site kills 18

2016-05-26 10:05 Erwin Aguilon newsinfo.inquirer.net

86 Financial crisis may have caused 500,000 cancer deaths worldwide—study PARIS—The global financial crisis may have caused an additional 500,000 cancer deaths from 2008- 2010, a new study said Thursday, with patients locked out of treatment because of unemployment and healthcare cuts. The figures were extrapolated from an observed rise in cancer deaths for every percentage increase in unemployment, and every drop in public healthcare spending. “From our analysis we estimate that the economic crisis was associated with over 260,000 excess cancer deaths in the OECD (34-member Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) alone, between 2008-2010,” study author Mahiben Maruthappu of Imperial College London told Agence France-Presse. “This suggests that there could have been well over 500,000 excess cancer deaths worldwide during this time.” For the European Union alone, the estimate was 160,000 additional deaths — a term used to describe people who would not otherwise have died. For the United States, the estimate was 18,000 and for France 1,500. For Spain and Britain, which provided universal healthcare, no additional deaths were calculated. The study was published in The Lancet medical journal. “Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide so understanding how economic changes affect cancer survival is crucial,” Maruthappu said. In 2012, cancer caused some 8.2 million deaths. “We found that increased unemployment was associated with an increased cancer mortality, but that universal health coverage protected against these effects,” Maruthappu said. “This was especially the case for treatable cancers including breast, prostate and colorectal cancer.” The researchers used World Health Organization and World Bank statistics on more than 70 countries with over two billion inhabitants to analyze the link between unemployment, public healthcare spending and cancer mortality. They analyzed the trend over 20 years from 1990 to 2010. They found that every one-percent increase in unemployment was associated with 0.37 additional cancer deaths per 100,000 people. ‘Case for universal coverage’ Every one-percent drop in healthcare spending was associated with 0.0053 additional deaths per 100,000 people. They then used this data to extrapolate additional deaths from 2008-2010, noting that the economic crisis saw a “substantial rise” in unemployment and cuts in healthcare spending in many countries. “In countries without universal health coverage, access to healthcare can often be provided via an employment package,” said co-author Rifat Atun of Harvard University. “Without employment, patients may be diagnosed late, and face poor or delayed treatment.” In a comment on the study, US-based researchers Graham Colditz and Karen Emmons wrote that the data “make a strong case for universal health coverage and its protective effect on cancer mortality.” RELATED STORIES Lessen costs for treating cancer and mental disorder, UP docs urge In pursuit of universal healthcare

2016-05-26 09:55 Agence France technology.inquirer.net

87 Matka King murder: Jaya Chheda wants furlough extended on medical grounds The Bombay High Court has asked the state government to file a reply on the medical condition of Jaya Chheda, who is convicted for killing her former husband and matka king, Suresh Bhagat in 2013. Jaya Chheda is currently in hospital Chheda, through her counsel approached the Bombay High Court bench of Justices Bhushan Gavai and Dr Shalini Phansalkar Joshi, claiming that she had got furlough on April 28 and it was about to end on May 27. She had fallen in her home on May 18 and was admitted in St George’s Hospital for pain in the back and right shoulder. The furlough needs to be extended as she is admitted in the hospital, her legal counsel told the bench. Justice Gavai asked the government pleader to file a reply by checking her medical certificate by Friday. Earlier in 2015, Jaya had taken extension from Bombay High Court citing that she was admitted in St George’s Hospital for a stomach infection. Chheda, who has been convicted for killing her former husband, Suresh Bhagat, along with her ex- boyfriend and Arun Gawli aide Suhas Roge, is lodged in Yerwada jail. Bhagat, whose turnover ran into hundreds of crores through his matka business owned several properties and had divorced Jaya in 2005. Bhagat was killed in 2008 when a truck rammed into his Mahindra Scorpio on Alibaug-Pen road. Along with him Valmik Pawar, Dharmendra Kumar, advocate Kamlesh Salunke, Tushar Sahab, Milind Kadam and Kamlesh Karnik were killed. Later, the Mumbai Crime Branch found a letter in which Bhagat had claimed he had a threat to life from Chheda and her boyfriend Roge who wanted his property. The Crime Branch had arrested his son Hitesh Bhagat, Roge, Chheda, Pravin Shetty the driver of the truck, Harish Mandvikar and Kiran Amle in the case and booked them for murder and criminal conspiracy. Chheda had paid R45 lakh to Roge to carry out the murder and show it as an accident.

2016-05-26 09:54 By Vinay www.mid-day.com

88 Manchester look to be 'United' with Jose Mourinho: reports London: Manchester United were locked in a second day of talks with Jose Mourinho's (left) agents yesterday, hammering out a deal to sweep the controversial Portuguese boss into Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho The former Chelsea and Real manager has agreed personal terms on a three-year deal with a likely annual salary of £10 million but issues remain over image rights, Sky News reported. Utd sacked Louis van Gaal on Monday, two days they won the FA Cup beating Crystal Palace 2-1.

2016-05-26 09:53 By AFP www.mid-day.com

89 Very wall done The Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) and Colaba residents have been old enemies for a while now. Several Colaba residents and even those who have office space in the area, have been slapped with eviction notices by the MbPT of late, as the notices claim they have been sitting on MbPT land. This is because most people here are tenants, under the pagadi system and MbPT are land owners. These factions though have put differences aside, and have come together to restore a 140-year-old Sassoon Docks wall. The great wall of Colaba has old world charm. Pics/Sameer Markande My Dream Colaba (MDC) a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) and the port trust are collaborating on the project. Cynthia D’mello from MDC said, “We have been trying to get the Sassoon Docks wall painted, for the past five to six years. In November last year, the MbPT allocated the funds and the work was started. This is the first time that the wall work was done, which is a great accomplishment.” Sassoon Docks wall before painting The 93-metre long wall is 11-feet tall and painting is racing towards completion towards this month end before the monsoon hits the city. Pravin Jain, contractor and his team are working frantically on the whitewashing and restoration of the wall. Jain said, “There are several challenges. First, of course, we have repaired the stone arches of the windows in the wall, which were decrepit. We have also closed holes in the wall. These were deliberately made, so that water tankers could put their hose pipes through the cavities and supply water to the Sassoon Docks. They continue to do so, but, now, tankers can access the Docks from another side. With the wall work 98 per cent complete, we are at the absolute tail end of the mammoth project we began in November.” Bella Shah, from MDC who supervised the wall work said, “On the surface, it looks like simply a restoration job. It goes deeper than that, though. This is a sentimental moment for us. This was the dream of MDC member Christoper Thomas, who died a 1.5 years ago. He wanted the wall to look like it does, as a work of art. The grey stone arches against the white wall, with some brown panels is aesthetic. I feel proud that Christy's (Thomas was lovingly called that by the group) dream has come true.” Corporator Makarand Narvekar has intervened in getting MbPT permissions, as well as allocation of funds to paint the wall. He said, “The wall is a heritage structure and needs to be done properly. In a sense, it is a gateway to the area that MDC works in. It has retained its old world charm, with the way the painting work has come about.” The wall has godowns used by the fisher folk of Sassoon Docks. Mahendra Bhandary, technical engineer from MbPT who was the architect for this wall project was at the site and said, “The citizens group and port trust is a great liaison. The wall is part of the Sassoon Docks main structure and should be around 140 plus years, as the docks were built in 1870. The work done is plastering, whitewashing, filling of cracks and holes in the wall and light polishing of the stone.” Once the stilts are removed in the coming days, there are plans to make a footpath. “Walking on this road, without a footpath was dangerous as it is narrow. Walking along the Sassoon Docks area will be much safer after this,” signed off an excited Shah.

2016-05-26 09:53 By Maleeva www.mid-day.com

90 Virat Kohli declares AB de Villiers the best batsman in world Captain Kohli, whose rare batting failure on Tuesday put Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a tight spot in their 159-run chase, saw De Villiers turn things around with his unbeaten 79-run blitz in Qualifier 1. RCB were in a precarious position at 68 for six before De Villiers stitched an unbeaten 91-run seventh wicket stand with Iqbal Abdulla to stun table- toppers Gujarat Lions. "Unbelievable, can't believe I'm the winning captain," Kohli, who leads the run chart with a record 919 in 15 games this season, said after the match. "That should end a lot of debates as to who is the best going around. No question about it," added Kohli, who has been dubbed the new king of cricket by Indian media. RCB faced a hostile spell of bowling from Gujarat medium-pacer Dhawal Kulkarni (4-14) to lose their openers early in Kohli and Chris Gayle (9) in front of a raucous home crowd. De Villiers, who has been involved in an all-time record breaking 229-run stand with Kohli in this edition, then rose to the occasion to smash five fours and as many sixes in 47 balls to snatch victory. "Come the big game, the big man stands up. I just bow down to him, that was probably one of the best knocks under pressure I've seen," said Kohli. Bangalore will now face the winner of Qualifier 2 in the title clash on Sunday at the same venue.

2016-05-26 09:53 AFP www.timeslive.co.za

91 Lionel Messi in Argentina for pre-Copa tie Buenos Aires: Barcelona star Lionel Messi joined the Argentina squad yesterday as it prepared for a friendly with Honduras ahead of next month's Copa America, the Argentina Football Association said. Lionel Messi AFA said Messi (28) and his Barcelona teammate midfielder Javier Mascherano had joined the squad and that Mascherano had taken part in a training session at the squad's Ezeiza training ground but Messi had not. Argentina host Honduras on Friday in the western city of San Juan. That will be a farewell to the home fans before the squad heads to USA for the June 3 to 26 Copa America.

2016-05-26 09:52 By Agencies www.mid-day.com

92 AFC Cup: Sunil Chhetri brace takes BFC into quarters Hong Kong: Bengaluru FC carved history for themselves as they marched into the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup football, beating Kitchee SC 3-2 in a pulsating game at the Mong Kok Stadium here yesterday. Sunil Chhetri Two goals from Bengaluru FC’s mercurial skipper Sunil Chhetri (31st and 33rd minutes) and a winner from young Daniel Lalhlimpuia (51st) sent Ashley Westwood’s boys through to the last-eight, making them the only Indian club left in the competition. The Blues bowed out at the same stage in the same stadium last season when they went down 0-2 to South China AA.

2016-05-26 09:51 By PTI www.mid-day.com

93 Mumbai: HC raps BMC for hiring tainted contractors to build bridges The Bombay High Court came down heavily on the BMC after it gave contracts to build four bridges for Rs 223 crore to two contractors against whom the police had registered an FIR. Hancock bridge, seen here before it was brought down, was one of the bridges to be built. File pic The Standing Committee of the BMC had on May 4 given contracts to two contractors, J Kumar Infra and RPS Infrastructure Projects Ltd, to build the Hancock Bridge in Byculla, a bridge on the Lokhandwala creek in Andheri, a bridge on the Mithi river in BKC and a railway crossing bridge at Vikhroli. The BMC has registered an FIR against J Kumar Infra and RPS Infrastructure, said advocate Vijay Hiremath who appeared for the petitioner, Jayashree Khadilkar Pandey. The counsel for the companies told the bench of Justices Bhushan Gavai and Dr Shalini Phansalkar Joshi, that they had not been blacklisted by the civic body. “Weren’t there any other bidders? Why do you want to assign contracts to contractors with criminal background?” asked Justice Gavai. Senior counsel Anil Singh, who appeared for BMC, told the bench that preliminary work had already been started by the contractors. “What have they started working on?” asked Gavai. “Soil testing and survey work has begun,” Singh replied. “See if there are low bidders, so that work can be assigned to some other contractors,” said Gavai and kept the matter for Friday, asking Singh to take instructions from the BMC commissioner on the issue. “We have been opposing the assigning of contracts since day one. How come somebody who has already cheated the BMC be given contracts again?” asked Pravin Chheda, opposition leader, BMC. — Inputs by Ranjeet Jadhav and Tanvi Deshpande

2016-05-26 09:49 By Vinay www.mid-day.com

94 French Open: Leander Paes, Sania Mirza, Rohan Bopanna cruise into Rd 2 Paris: India's tennis stars Leander Paes, Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna got their French Open campaign off to a winning start, winning their respective women's and men's doubles matches to enter the second round here yesterday. Sania Mirza (right) and Martina Hingis yesterday. Pic/Getty Images World No 1 women's doubles pair of Sania and her Swiss partner Martina Hingis defeated Russian pair of Darya Kasatkina and Alexandra Panova 7- 6 (4), 6-2 in one hour and 31 minutes. Leander Paes, partnering Marcin Matkowski beat Alexander Bury and Denis Istomin 7-6 (3), 7-6 (6). Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna Bopanna and his Romanian partner outclassed Frenchmen Stephane Robert and Alexandre Sidorenko 6-2, 6-2 in a one-sided encounter in 56 minutes. The top seeds Indo-Swiss pair Sania-Martina began the match on a positive note, taking a vital 5-0 lead over the Russian pair in the first set. But a couple of unforced errors and losing two successive serves handed Darya-Alexandra the advantage as they staged a remarkable comeback to make it 5-5 in the first set.

2016-05-26 09:49 By IANS www.mid-day.com

95 Two good! Barcelona striker Neymar meets his wax twin Madrid: If there is something more exciting than watching Neymar, it's watching Neymar meet Neymar. And thanks to Madame Tussaud's, we can do just that. FC Barcelona posted this photograph of Neymar (right) with the wax figure on Twitter and captioned it: Wax figure of @neymarjr coming to Madame Tussauds in Orlando this summer The Brazil star witnessed firsthand as his waxwork figure was unveiled to him in Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper in Spain this week, having been instrumental with the design of the incredibly life-like replica. After initially prodding the facial features, comparing tattoos and ruffling the hair of the waxwork, Neymar then changed into a Brazil strip and imitated the figure's celebration before taking a selfie. The 24-year-old was particular with the details of the waxwork, having even selected its stance, and was visibly impressed with the outcome of what he described as 'his twin'.

2016-05-26 09:32 By Goal www.mid-day.com

96 Candidly Speaking: I stand by my critique of ADL’s Jonathan Greenblatt Jonathan Greenblatt’s response to my criticism of his embrace of J Street, alleging that I distorted his message, is disingenuous and reaffirms my assessment. Invoking clichés “that there are steps Israel can take to ensure the viability of a two- state solution” are ill- becoming the head of a major Jewish organization whose contact with Israel has been minimal. It only serves to encourage US President Barack Obama and the heads of other governments to intensify pressure against us. Greenblatt is surely aware that there is a consensus in Israel supporting immediate separation from the Palestinians, but also a recognition that further unilateral concessions in the absence of a genuine peace partner would endanger our security. Greenblatt explicitly condemned Jews who deny the rights of “marginalized Palestinians” and fail to recognize the legitimacy of “the Palestinian narrative.” When he condemned “those who place blame on one side instead of putting forward solutions that acknowledge the role and responsibility of both sides”, he provided grist for the propaganda mills of those applying moral equivalence to Israelis and the Palestinians who sanctify terrorism and are bent on our destruction. Greenblatt now reiterates (as I initially stated) that in his address to J Street, he also made remarks supporting Israel and condemning anti-Semitism. So what? Jewish communists, the antecedents of J Street, also described themselves as “pro-peace” and defended Soviet anti-Semitism while portraying themselves as “pro-Jewish.” Likewise, J Street claims to be “pro- Israel” despite raising funds to support anti-Israeli congressional candidates, lobbying the Obama administration to exert further pressure on Israel, accepting generous funding from George Soros to support the government’s appeasement of Iran, and constantly condemning the security policies of the Israeli government. Greenblatt cannot refute this. Does he really believe that Jews, whose principal objective is to undermine and demonize Israel and encourage foreign intervention, should still be considered members of the mainstream of the Jewish community and included in the big tent? Would the ADL seek to address and engage in dialogue with Jews promoting racism or homophobia? The ADL national director goes further. He endorses the Black Lives Matter movement despite its open hostility to Israel. He also laments that the viciously anti-Israeli fringe group If Not Now is denied “safe space” for discourse and has informed them that the ADL “shares your commitment to change.” Likewise, Greenblatt claims that the J Street group he addressed comprised “deeply thoughtful college students whose commitment to Israel is genuine and whose passion on the issue is impressive.” His objective is to maintain “a true sense of community and inclusion” with them. Setting aside the legitimacy provided to J Street when endorsed by the head of a major Jewish body, one would have expected Greenblatt to spell out realities to these youngsters rather than praising them and engaging in kumbaya. He should surely have admonished them and explained why it is utterly immoral for Diaspora Jews to publicly campaign against security- related policies with life-and-death implications endorsed by the vast majority of Israelis. Furthermore, as head of the organization whose principal mandate is to combat anti-Semitism, Greenblatt should have focused his address on emphasizing how despicable it was for students to demonize Israel while their Jewish student peers at many campuses were subjected to unprecedented waves of anti-Israeli incitement and anti-Semitism. Instead, Greenblatt nonsensically justifies his position, stating that “disagreement and dissent are not Jewish ideas – they are Jewish ideals.” In other words, Jews who defame Israel and canvas foreign governments to intensify pressure on the Jewish state should be welcomed. He goes one step further and says, “Whether Leibler likes it or not, these are the future leaders in our community and country.” Well, like any committed Jew, I certainly would not “like it.” And if Greenblatt endorses people sharing the views of J Street heading our community, the ADL Board would be well advised to have a serious chat with him. With the current surge of violent global anti-Semitism which has already impacted on Jewish students at many American campuses, there is an urgent need for a powerful Jewish body dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism. The ADL’s task is not to provide advice to Israel on security issues. Nor should it purport to speak on behalf of the Jewish community on broad social issues concerning which Jews share different opinions. It should concentrate more on Islamic terrorism rather than highlighting so-called Islamophobia, which poses far less of a problem than anti-Semitism. While it should broadly condemn all forms of discrimination, its principal role today must be to concentrate on its primary mandate, which is to combat anti- Semitism.

2016-05-26 09:32 ISI LEIBLER www.jpost.com

97 81 South African residents linked to Panama Papers They range from shareholders and directors to beneficiaries. In addition‚ 56 South African intermediaries had been identified‚ SARS group executive for product oversight‚ legal and policy‚ Vlok Symington said in a presentation to a joint meeting of three parliamentary committees on Wednesday to discuss the Panama Papers. SARS is now matching the identities of these individuals with the SARS database and testing the Panama data against the income tax declarations of the South African residents. So far 79 of a total 560 offshore entities have been matched to 81 South African residents. Symington said it was too early to predict the level of tax avoidance or evasion and cautioned that the processes of profiling and enforcement were lengthy by nature. “The data available to SARS with respect to the Panama Papers is a useful starting point for further enquiry but will require substantial follow-up work‚” Symington said. The international consortium of investigative journalists which released the Panama Papers has refused requests to release its database of information — including 11.5-million internal files — gleaned from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca. SARS participated in a special meeting of the Joint International Tax Shelter Information and Collaboration Network on the Panama Papers in April. An international action plan was agreed on aimed at obtaining more information and sharing it efficiently among tax administrators. “International co-operation will intensify once a better understanding of the Panama data becomes available‚” Symington said. He noted that transfer pricing audits in the 2015-16 fiscal year had yielded R721 million from the mining and quarrying industry‚ R95 million in the oil refinery sector and R43 million from manufacturing. Reserve Bank head of financial surveillance Elijah Mazibuko told MPs from the finance‚ trade and industry and mineral resources committees that from January 2015 to date‚ about 145 bank accounts with about R307 million were frozen for suspicious illicit financial flows. A total of 77 new investigations were opened during this period and a number of arrests were made. He noted that there had been a “dramatic” increase in the number of referrals of suspect transactions. Mazibuko said it was legal for South African residents to invest up to R10 million plus R1 million a year offshore‚ and corporates up to R1 billion without prior reference to the financial surveillance department of the Reserve Bank.

2016-05-26 09:27 Linda Ensor www.timeslive.co.za

98 Despite Virat Kohli magic, IPL 9 viewership takes a hit The ninth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has proven to be as unpredictable as its preceding seasons, even in terms of ratings. Despite head-turning performances by tournament debutants Gujarat Lions and the magic of RCB’s Virat Kohli, viewership has been consistently low throughout the five weeks of IPL 2016. Even the magic of Virat Kohli seems to have held no power over TV viewers of IPL-9 Data from the Broadcasting Audience Research Council of India (BARC) shows that viewership for IPL 2016 has been facing a week-on-week fall. A total of 147.23 million impressions (number of audience exposed to a media schedule) from Sony Max, Sony Six, Sony ESPN, Sony Six HD, Sony ESPN HD were recorded in the first week of the tournament, which reduced to 138.11 million by the end of the fifth week. There was a drastic dip in television ratings (TVR) between weeks 3 and 4 — from 146.83 million to 133.28 million impressions. Although viewership picked up in week 5 to reach 138.11 million impressions, the numbers show that this was negligible. Downward trend IPL 2016 registered an average TVR of 3.50 during its first game week, which is significantly lower than the 4.5 rating it received for the same period in 2015, when the first five matches were sampled by 105 million users. Therefore, if the first game week itself had a year-on-year drop when compared with the same period in 2015, then the three-week mark, during which ratings fell by almost 15 million impressions, shows a growing disinterest towards the mega T20 tournament. The first game week of IPL received an average rating of 3.8 TVR in 2013, as compared with its average of 4.64 in 2012 — a proof of its downward trend. Sports bars and pubs showcasing IPL regularly registered fewer viewers showing up for games. “If there was an average of 250 people coming in to watch each IPL game last year, this time, the number averages at 150 people per match,” said the marketing manager of TAP Resto Bar, whose outlets in Bandra and Andheri screen every match of the IPL. ‘Comparison unfair’ Rajeev Shukla, chairman of the IPL, however, believes that there has been “a good response” this year. “The eyeballs are increasing. This IPL’s reach is 350 million people in India alone, as compared with 198 million last year. We are also getting good responses from America, Canada, and Australia.” An aide of Shukla felt that a week-on-week comparison isn’t the way to go. “Last year, there was a blackout during the entire tournament. The final match was the only one that was rated on BARC. The entire tournament could not be rated on BARC. Secondly, in terms of this year, when you do a week-on-week comparison, there are a lot of variables; it’s not an apples- to-apples comparison. This is because the number of matches in a week varies, the number of teams playing every week varies, and you have other factors that influence the ratings in that week.” Cagey advertisers But on-ground realities tell a different story. Even clients of advertisers, who would earlier pump in large sums of money for advertising during the IPL season, seem to have now shifted their focus. Saji Abraham, executive director (planning) of marketing communications company Lowe Lintas, said, “There is a bit of an overdose in cricket at present, wherein one tournament is almost indistinguishable from the other. The higher cost of advertising on IPL, combined with alternative sources of communication that are opening up to clients, is probably why advertisers are not running for the IPL as they used to earlier. It (the IPL) used to be a not-to-be-missed kind of opportunity; I guess that’s dimmed. Of course, it is still vastly popular, but is it as much as before? I suspect not.” Growth on Twitter Twitter is the only platform to have bucked the trend. But even there, the growth figures are not as high as the previous years’. According to Aneesh Madani, head of sports partnerships, Twitter India, the IPL has grown by 300% on the microblogging site over the last three years, in terms of followers. “The IPL is the fastest growing major sports league on Twitter, faster than even the Premier League, NBA and NFL. Between 2014 and 2016, there has been a 270% increase in tweets with the official hashtag of the IPL (#IPL). But specifically, over the last year, there has been a 16% increase in tweets with #IPL. Also, interest in the league has grown as the season has picked up. Over the last couple of weeks, we have seen how RCB’s run to get to the playoffs made them the most mentioned team on Twitter this year. Virat Kohli became the most mentioned player on Twitter over the course of the season, and the top moment, which was tweeted this year, was again, an RCB moment when Kohli scored his last 100.” Real-time videos being tweeted by the IPL handle (@IPL) this year has led to a 52% increase in engagement for the handle. “If you look at the follower growth of the handle this season as compared with the last season, it’s already 12% this year, more than what it was last year,” said Madani.

2016-05-26 09:26 By Gaurav www.mid-day.com

99 Report: Abbas to arrive in Cairo days after Israeli delegation departs Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will arrive in Cairo Friday just days after an Israeli delegation departed from the Egyptian capital, Palestinian ambassador to Cairo, Jamal Shubaki, announced Wednesday. "Abbas will visit Cairo to participate in the exceptional meeting of Arab foreign ministers that will be held at the Arab League's headquarters on Saturday," Shubaki said through a press statement. According to the Palestinian envoy, during the visit, Abbas will update Arab foreign ministers on the recent developments of the Palestinian issue and will meet with the Arab League's Secretary General Nabil Arabi. Abbas is expected to arrive in Egypt following a visit to South Africa. The move comes just days after a delegation made up of high-ranking Israeli officials departed from the Egyptian capital. According to Palestinian news agency Ma'an, officials from both the defense establishment and the Foreign Ministry were in Cairo Tuesday hoping to organize a tripartite meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Abbas and President of Egypt Abdel Fatah al-Sisi ahead of a upcoming French-initiated peace conference scheduled to take place in Paris in early June. Israel and the Palestinians have not been invited to the Paris meeting. The Palestinians have welcomed the initiative, while Netanyahu has thus far opposed it, fearing it would give the Palestinians an excuse to avoid direct talks with Israel. Netanyahu has said the Palestinians do not need a conference in Paris to open a dialogue between Ramallah and Jerusalem, given that the two cities are located right next to each other. But the international community, including the United States, has come out in favor of the initiative, which will begin with a ministerial meeting of more than 20 countries. The delegation brought with it a number of proposals based upon a framework peace initiative suggested by Sisi and the Arab world. The delegation will also discuss the ongoing security situation challenges facing the Sinai. According to a Channel 10 report aired earlier this week, moderate Arab governments in the region have communicated to Netanyahu their willingness to engage in negotiations with Israel over possible changes to a 2002 Saudi peace initiative so that it may serve as the agreed-upon basis of renewed talks with the Palestinians. Arab regimes led by Egypt and the wealthy Gulf sheikhdoms have signaled their desire to publicly change their posture toward Israel, Channel 10 added. Tovah Lazaroff contributed to this report.

2016-05-26 09:26 MAAYAN GROISMAN www.jpost.com

100 Nitin Gadkari launches safety feature-rich Nirbhaya buses New Delhi: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday launches 20 Nirbhaya buses of Rajasthan State Transport Corporation with multiple safety measures to better protect women passengers. Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. "Certain unfortunate incidents in the recent past have forced the ministry to take this step, so that women travelling in buses are more safe," Gadkari said in a statement here. Nirbhaya bus security measures include Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), CCTV and panic buttons on every seat. "The VTS and the panic buttons will enable the police to know the exact location of the bus and provide prompt assistance," he said. Gadkari said directions in this regard will be given to other states in due course of time, adding that buses in the future should be manufactured with such safety features to contain anti-social elements. After June 2, the ministry will issue a notification mandating public vehicles with a seating capacity of more than 23 seats to fix closed-circuit television, VTS and panic buttons while vehicles below 23 seats will be asked to install VTS and emergency buttons, the statement added.

2016-05-26 09:22 By IANS www.mid-day.com

Total 100 articles. Created at 2016-05-26 12:09