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Why Salman Khan Doesn?t Want To Get Nominated For Awards? FIND OUT
Movie Talkies
February 21, 2016
Salman Khan
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This season all the awards function received major flak, from all quarters of the society, for handing out trophies to ‘not so deserving talents'. Aamir Khan and Kangana Ranaut have already distanced themselves from Indian awards shows and now, Salman Khan has also asked the organisers of awards shows to not nominate him.
At a recent awards ceremony, when asked if awards are important for him, he said, ''I get very happy when others receive awards but they don't matter much to me but I like awards functions because the entire industry comes together here. Everybody is busy with their own lives so I also get to meet many of my friends here.''
''I say you should delete me from the competition.You should not keep me in the nominees, we have been here for such a long time, younger generation should be given a chance. I can come and perform, I can attend but the younger generation should get a chance to win the awards,'' he further added.
That's our badhe dilwala bhai….
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Two Iran ex-presidents urge voters to back pro-Rouhani candidates
Iran's former president Mohammad Khatami and his predecessor have urged voters to back reformists and moderates in Friday elections, saying a big turnout is needed to stop hardline conservatives. Khatami, who is subject to a domestic media ban because of his support for defeated reformist leaders in a disputed 2009 presidential election, took to YouTube late Sunday to send a message to voters. In this week's election, Rouhani is looking to overturn the majority in parliament of conservatives who resisted the nuclear deal and have also opposed his broader outreach to the West.
AFP
Beijing builds radar in South China Sea: think tank
Beijing is installing radar facilities on its artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea, an American think tank has said, in a move that could "significantly change" the operational landscape. Satellite imagery of Cuarteron reef in the Spratly islands released by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) shows what appears to be a high-frequency radar installation, as well as a lighthouse, underground bunker, helipad and other communications equipment. The photographs come only a week after US officials said China had deployed surface to air missiles in the Paracel islands further north, and with tensions mounting in the strategically vital region.
AFP
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UAE major target for cyber criminals
The UAE has become a major target for cyber criminals, said Christopher J. Davis, president of Raytheon in the UAE, during the one-day UAE Security Forum held in the national capital on Sunday. Davis said: "Our objective is to come together with local and international partners to contribute to the creation of a cyber security infrastructure here in the UAE. A 2015 report from Kaspersky Labs - the Kaspersky Security Bulletin Overall Statistics Report for 2015 - placed the UAE in the 19th spot globally, among countries facing the greatest risk of online infection.
Khaleej Times
Get insurance cover for dependents by June 30, says DHA
Under Dubai’s mandatory health insurance law which makes it mandatory for residents to have health insurance cover by June 30, the sponsors of residents found without an insurance during visa renewal will have to pay fines past the deadline. This means sponsors of spouses, elderly parents and special needs children must obtain insurance cover for dependants even if the visa is not due for renewal before June 30, a senior official said on Wednesday. Talking to Gulf News on the sidelines of Arab Health 2016, Dr Haidar Al Yousuf, Director of Public Health Funding at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said: “Under this law, first there is a legal requirement for every Dubai resident to get covered.
Gulf News
Israel ready for another war with Hamas: Defence minister
Jerusalem, Feb 23 (IANS) Israel's defence minister said on Monday that Israel was preparing for the possibility of another round of fighting against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Defence Minister Moshe Ya'alon made the comments on board USS Carney, an American battleship currently located in Haifa amid a joint US-Israeli military drill, Xinhua news agency reported. "We've been enjoying unprecedented quiet, Hamas hasn't fired one bullet," Ya'alon told reporters on Monday, referring to the relative quiet since the end of the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas.
IANS
Vendor in Dubai accused of groping 12-year-old girl
A vendor at a grocery has been charged in the Court of First Instance with molestation for allegedly groping a 12-year-old schoolgirl. According to prosecution records, the incident took place on November 30, last year, when the girl and her sister went to the grocery after school to buy juice.
Khaleej Times
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King receives condolences
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has received cables of condolences from Arab leaders who also denounced the attack on a mosque in Al-Ahsa during the prayers on Friday. Condemning the attack, Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah expressed full sympathy for the victims of the assault and said his country supports Saudi Arabia for all the measures it has taken to preserve its security. In his cable to King Salman, Jordan’s King Abdallah condemned the attack and offered his sincere condolences to the families of the victims, the Saudi government and people and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Arab News
'Liberating' news for Filipino workers
The UAE and Philippines will soon sign an agreement on the mutual recognition of certification of skilled workers, according to former Philippine Labour Attaché Delmer Cruz. Cruz, who left Dubai for Manila on Tuesday, told Khaleej Times that this is one of the legacies he left after his three and half year stint as Philippine Labour Attache to Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Khaleej Times
Lebanon paying price for Hezbollah terror
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) strongly backed here Saturday the Kingdom’s decision to halt its $3 billion military aid to Lebanon, and to conduct a comprehensive review of its relations with that country. The whopping Saudi security grants were meant for equipping dormant Lebanon’s army and police in order to make them more capable and competent. “The GCC states support the Saudi decision as Lebanon policies now sharply contravene pan-Arab consensus, Arab interests and objectives of Arab solidarity,” said GCC Secretary-General Abdullatif Al-Zayani.
Arab News
Saudi woman terrorist killed in coalition raid
A Saudi woman member of the Daesh terrorist group has been killed in Syria, according to a posting Friday by a Syrian activist on Twitter. According to the post, Rima Al-Jareesh, known as a spokesperson and writer for the organization, was killed in a raid on Al-Shadadi city in Al-Hassakah in Syria. Al-Jareesh, who was wanted by the Saudi authorities, and whose husband is in prison in the Kingdom, fled the country in November 2014 with her four children to join Daesh in Syria.
Arab News
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Filipinos dance to the beat of Sinulog in Dubai
Sinulog is one of the grandest festivals in the Philippines held in January ever year. Dressed in bright-coloured costumes, Filipino expats danced to the rhythm of drums, trumpets and native gongs as they celebrated 'Sinulog sa UAE 2016' at Al Safa Stadium on Friday. Sinulog is one of the grandest festivals in the Philippines held in January ever year, attracting more than a million local and international visitors to watch a Mardi Gras-style parade on the streets of Cebu City in central Philippines.
Khaleej Times
Awards don't matter much in my life: Salman Khan
Mumbai, Feb 22 (IANS) Superstar Salman Khan, who won accolades for his performance in films like "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" and "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo", and even got nominated at various award functions this year, feels that the "young generation should be given a chance to win awards" as "awards don't matter much in my life". The actor was present at the red carpet of Zee Cine Awards 2016, held here on Saturday night.
IANS
US dominates arms trade as Asia, Mid-East boost imports
The global transfer of major arms has risen in recent years, with the United States increasing its dominance of the trade while the flow of weaponry to Africa, Asia and the Middle East has increased, a new study published Monday showed. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, the volume of international transfers of major weapons -- including sales and donations -- was 14 percent higher in 2011–2015 than over the five previous years, with the US and Russia doing most of the exporting. The biggest importers were India, Saudi Arabia, China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
AFP
Al-Ahsa bombing roundly condemned
Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki said that two suicide bombers were prevented from entering Al-Ridha Mosque in the Mahasin area of Al-Ahsa during the Friday prayer. “When the bombers were heading toward the mosque, security personnel tracked them.
Arab News
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Shale fightback seen lifting U.S. oil output to record high by 2021
* U.S. output to hit record 14.2 mln bpd by 2021 * Shale production to recover after dip in 2016 and 2017 * Iran to lead supply growth within OPEC * Graphic - Top producers: tmsnrt.rs/1Wpx5Rc * Graphic - output freeze: tmsnrt.rs/1Wpx5Rc (Updates throughout, adds detail, IEA comment) By Amanda Cooper LONDON, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Oil production in the United States will reach a record high by 2021 as efficiency gains help domestic producers to combat the low prices that are likely to force hefty output cuts this year and next, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Monday. After an initial dip this year and next, U.S. output is expected to climb to 14.2 million barrels per day (bpd), the IEA said in its medium-term outlook, citing the "free-for-all" that has come to characterise today's oil market.
Reuters Middle East
Australia to train Saudi health professionals
The Kingdom and Australia are to sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in education and health needs of Saudi Arabia. This was agreed during a two-day visit of Australian Tourism and International Education Minister Richard Colbeck to the Kingdom. A 20-member Australian delegation headed by Colbeck met with senior government officials on Wednesday and Thursday in Riyadh.
Arab News
Raveena Tandon becomes 'highest paid' Bollywood actress on TV
Mumbai, Feb 22 (IANS) Actress Raveena Tandon, who will next be seen as a judge on upcoming dance reality show "Shine of India", will reportedly get Rs.1.25 crore per episode thus making her the "highest paid Bollywood actress on TV". Raveena, who has previously appeared on shows like "Sahib Biwi Gulam", "Chhote Miyan", "Comedy Ka Maha Muqabala" and "Simply Baatien With Raveena", will co-judge the show along with actor Govinda and ace choreographer Saroj Khan. "Bollywood actors starring in TV series has now become an old saga.
IANS
Caroline Wozniacki: I’ve always wanted to prove people wrong
Former World No.1 Caroline Wozniacki didn’t feature in last week’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships due to a knee injury. There was a few from the past but they were male, there really wasn’t any female players.
Gulf News
MERS monitoring ordered after camels test positive for virus
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has directed its command and control center to monitor the developments regarding the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The command and control center is headed by Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Said, also an undersecretary at the Health Ministry.
Arab News
Egypt to try policeman over driver's killing
Egypt will prosecute a policeman over the killing of a taxi driver and has arrested seven who planned to appear on television to discuss police problems, prosecution officials said Sunday. Amid mounting concern over police abuses, Mustafa Mahmud has been charged with "premeditated murder" and illegal use of his service weapon", an official at the prosecutor's office said. Mahmud is alleged to have shot dead taxi driver Mohamed Ali Sayed Ismail, 26, with his police issue firearm late Thursday in central Cairo after a row over the fare for a delivery.
AFP
Samsung's Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge smartphones create global buzz
Barcelona, Feb 22 (IANS) Building the heat at the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, the leading Korean smartphone maker Samsung released its flagship smartphone Galaxy S7, its curved-screen companion Galaxy S7 Edge and Gear 360 camera that will take the high-end smartphone war to a new high.
IANS
Masters of cricket renew battle in the middle
A galaxy of past masters of cricket have converged here to resume battle in the inaugural Masters Champions League (MCL) commencing on Thursday. The star players were busy on Wednesday limbering up for their respective teams through practice matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, ICC Academy and 7evens ground. The first match between Libra Legends and Gemini Arabians, to be played at the Dubai International stadium from 7.30pm on Thursday, will be keenly watched to gauge the quality of the contest in the coming matches.
Gulf News
Battle shapes up over Israeli site where Napoleon and Saladin fought
An Israeli government plan to build a new town near the site of a historic battle between crusaders and Muslim icon Saladin -- and where Napoleon also fought many years later -- has itself come under fire. Scholars, farmers and even members of the Druze minority meant to benefit from the project have criticised the plan by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Israel's National Planning and Building Council approved it in January, with the government describing it as the first new town for members of the secretive offshoot of Shiite Islam since the Jewish state was established in 1948.
AFP
Errani to meet Strycova in final
Italian Sara Errani will have the opportunity of rectifying her failed attempt of 2013 and going one step better as she takes on Barbora Strycova from the Czech Republic in the singles final of the Dubai Duty Free Women’s Open today. A runner-up to Petra Kvitova in 2013, Errani is the higher ranked player on No.22 and with chances of improving this to No.17 if she goes on to realize her dream of winning in Dubai after her failed earlier attempt three years ago. On the other hand, this will be a debut final in Dubai for the 47th ranked Czech girl, whose best performance on the WTA tour so far has been a lone title – the Bell Challenge in Quebec City, Canada way back in September 2011.
Gulf News
Top commanders of anti-IS coalition meet in Kuwait
Top military commanders from 30 nations fighting the Islamic State group gathered Monday in Kuwait to discuss ways to defeat the jihadists who occupy large areas in Syria and Iraq. Chief of staff of host country Kuwait, General Mohammad al-Khader, urged increased efforts to defeat extremists worldwide. Countries attending the Kuwait meeting include the United States, Britain, France, as well as Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
AFP
Qatar plans 1,000 MW of solar power via joint venture, utility says
By Tom Finn DOHA, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Qatar plans to build around 1,000 megawatts of solar power generating capacity to diversify its energy mix away from hydrocarbons, the general manager of the state utility said on Sunday. Qatar Electricity and Water Company said in late December it would hold 60 percent of a new solar power joint venture with Qatar Petroleum . The two shareholders will provide $500 million of start-up capital, Fahd al-Mohannadi told reporters on the sidelines of QEWC's annual shareholder meeting.
Reuters Middle East
SC to hear Saibaba's bail plea
New Delhi, Feb 22 (IANS) The Supreme Court said on Monday it will hear a plea by DU professor G.N. Saibaba seeking bail following his arrest for his alleged links with the Revolutionary Democrats Front -- an alleged front organisation of the banned CPI-Maoist. A bench of Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar and Justice C. Nagappan asked the counsel for Maharashtra government to take instructions that in case, Saibaba is taken to Nagpur to face the trial, then there are sufficient medical facilities for his treatment and lodging. "If they (the Maharashtra government) take you there, they will be responsible," it said.
IANS
Iraq's Abadi keeps Iran at arm's length in war on Islamic State
(Repeats with no change to text) * Iraqi PM stands up to Iran's Soleimani on war operations * Abadi puts internal reconciliation, detente with Saudi on agenda * Grand Ayatollah said to back Abadi's move to streamline cabinet * Oil price collapse, Iran's allies main challenge to Abadi's rule By Maher Chmaytelli BAGHDAD, Feb 21 (Reuters)- - As fighting in Iraq raged last summer, Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani came across unexpected opposition to his plans to defeat Islamic State. Soleimani is the commander of Iran's al-Quds brigade and has been a key figure in the fight against the Sunni Islamist group in Iraq.
Reuters Middle East
Indian cinema changing fast: Shah Rukh Khan
Mumbai, Feb 22 (IANS) Superstar Shah Rukh Khan believes Indian cinema is "changing fast" thanks to young actor and actresses and asserts that it will be a while before international cinema can give competition to it. In an interview with CNN, SRK, who has given hits like "Baazigar", "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge", "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...", "Dil To Pagal Hai" and "Chak De!", also said that the reason for this is "stardom". "As long as the star system is retained in this country, it will be sometime before international cinema takes in.
IANS
PSL the winner as Quetta reach final in thriller
Quetta Gladiators lived up to their tag of being fighters to record a one-run win over Peshawar Zalmi and become the first finalist of the inaugural Pakistan Super League (PSL). This low-scoring thriller which saw Quetta being bowled out for 133 in 19.3 overs only to fight back to restrict Peshawar to 132 for 9 in 20 overs, witnessed many dramatic moments with the match swinging like a pendulum from one team to the other with every over. Mohammad Akram, coach of the Peshawar team hailed the contest as cricket’s glory.
Gulf News
Turkey - Factors to Watch on Feb 22
ISTANBUL, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Here are news, reports and events that may affect Turkish financial markets on Monday. The lira stood at 2.9533 against the dollar at 0618 GMT, little changed from 2.9580 late on Friday. The main share index fell 0.59 percent to 73,015 points on Friday. The benchmark 10-year government bond yield stood at 10.91 percent at the spot close on Friday and was at 10.92 percent in Monday-dated trade. ...
Reuters Middle East
Doctors in UAE use iPads to treat wounds
This new wound management software from E-Kare uses a HIPAA-compliant platform - which is approved by the World Health Organisation. The words 'wound care' and 'patient safety issues' no longer have to be linked, as technology is changing the way healthcare professionals manage and treat wounds. Typically, we're privy to seeing hospital-based doctors and nurses clad in gowns, masks and gloves try to assess and treat wounds, but with that come issues relating to patient safety.
Khaleej Times
UN envoy in Tobruk to 'help' with Libya unity govt vote
UN envoy Martin Kobler travelled to the seat of Libya's internationally recognised parliament Sunday to "help" with a vote of confidence on a national unity government for the crisis-torn country. "The eyes of the people of Libya are on Tobruk. Kobler held a meeting with parliament speaker Aguila Salah, parliament's website reported.
AFP
Put Israel on notice to end crimes: KSA
The Kingdom has called on the Security Council to set Israel a time frame to abide by international agreements to withdraw from occupied Palestinian territory, stop building settlements and erecting apartheid-style walls. Abdallah Al-Mouallimi, ambassador of the Kingdom at the United Nations, made this appeal at a meeting of the Security Council on Tuesday night. Al-Mouallimi also thanked the Security Council for its condemnation ofIran for the “barbaric assault” on the Saudi Embassy in Tehran and the country’s Consulate General in Mashhad city.
Arab News
US, Russia agree to Syrian ceasefire
Washington, Feb 23 (IANS) The US and Russia announced on Monday the plan for a cessation of hostilities in Syria that will begin on February 27, the US State Department said. In a joint statement, the two countries said the ceasefire agreement will not apply to "Daesh", also known as the Islamic State (IS), "Jabhat al-Nusra", or other terrorist organisations designated by the UN Security Council. Any party engaged in conflicts in Syria will indicate to Russia or the US their commitment to and acceptance of the terms for the cessation of hostilities by no later than 12.00 (Damascus time) on February 27, said the joint statement issued by the State Department.
IANS
China's foreign minister to visit US from Tuesday
China's foreign minister Wang Yi will visit the US from Tuesday, his ministry said, as the two powers grapple over weapons systems on the Korean peninsula and in the South China Sea. The three-day trip comes with Beijing and Washington at loggerheads over militarisation in the South China Sea, while at the same time trying to find common ground on how to deal with North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes in the wake of Pyongyang's latest tests. Last week China confirmed that it has "weapons" on Woody Island in the disputed Paracels chain.
AFP
Gulf banks under pressure from low oil prices: Moody's
Banks in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are being increasingly challenged by a liquidity squeeze resulting from low oil prices, Moody's Investor Services said on Monday. A sustained loss in oil revenue is likely to reduce government and government-related deposits in banks and could eventually reduce state support for the banking system, the ratings agency said. Government willingness and capacity to support GCC banks has played a key role in sustaining their credit growth, asset quality and loss-absorbing buffers, it said.
AFP
Ranveer spotted the actor in me, says Parineeti Chopra
Mumbai, Feb 22 (IANS) Actress Parineeti Chopra has revealed that actor Ranveer Singh spotted her acting talent even before producer Aditya Chopra and director Maneesh Sharma.
IANS
'Celeb con men' dupe residents in UAE into sending cash
Con men open bogus social media accounts to lure residents into sending cash, warn Sharjah cops. The Sharjah Police have warned the public against responding to any messages purportedly sent by high-profile UAE personalities in the UAE asking for money. Police official told Khaleej Times that it has been found that con men initiate fake social media accounts in the name of celebrities and send messages to people asking for help.
Khaleej Times
Errani storms into Dubai Tennis Championships final
Despite playing two tough matches on Thursday, the 28-year-old player showed no signs of fatigue under the Dubai sun. With five Grand Slam doubles titles, three Fed Cup triumphs, a final appearance in singles at the Roland Garros and a career high ranking of five, Sara Errani has carved out a niche of her own in tennis. After having fought the windy conditions as well as the gutsy American Madison Brengle in the singles quarterfinal, she teamed up with Carla Suarez Navarro to book a place in the doubles semis on Thursday.
Khaleej Times
KSA is among the healthiest of oil producing countries
Saudi Arabia is among the healthiest of the oil producing countries of the world, a top Riyadh-based economist asserted Saturday as reports said the Kingdom, Russia, Qatar and Venezuela will monitor the oil market following the recent agreement in Doha to freeze production and potentially take additional measures to rescue prices. “The Doha agreement was an important step forward,” John Sfakianakis told Arab News. Saudi Arabia's balance sheet is very healthy with very low debt and reserves equal to 100 percent of its economy, he pointed out.
Arab News
US Libya strike probably prevented IS attack: Pentagon
A US air strike on an Islamic State training compound in Libya probably averted a mass shooting or a similar attack in Tunisia, a Pentagon spokesman said Monday. Friday's bombardment of the jihadist camp in Libya killed dozens of people, likely including senior IS operative Noureddine Chouchane. Officials say he helped plot two devastating IS-claimed attacks in neighboring Tunisia last year.
AFP
Economic sanctions don't work: Iran shows it, says study
New York, Feb 22 (IANS) Economic sanctions are not effective tools for achieving specific policy goals in foreign nations, suggests a new research that looked into the effects of imposition of economic sanctions against Iran. "Some people think that the nuclear agreement the United States reached with Iran in 2015 means that economic sanctions worked," said lead study author Bruce McDonald, assistant professor at North Carolina State University in the US. "But Iran's nuclear programme was not why the US imposed sanctions -- they were put in place decades ago to protest the toppling of the Shah's regime and the Ayatollah's rise to power," McDonald said.
IANS
Syria opposition meets as ceasefire efforts intensify
Syria's main opposition umbrella group was meeting in the Saudi capital on Monday as Washington and Moscow worked to secure a ceasefire. "There is a meeting," Monzer Makhous, a spokesman for the High Negotiations Committee (HNC), told AFP in Riyadh. World powers, which have been pushing for a halt to Syria's nearly five-year war, had hoped to see a truce take effect last Friday but have struggled to agree on the terms.
AFP
US, Israel start joint drill on ballistic missile defence
Jerusalem, Feb 22 (IANS) Israel and the US started a joint exercise on Sunday focusing on defence against the threat of ballistic missiles, the Israeli army said. The US European Command and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) commenced the exercise known as Juniper Cobra 16 in an eighth of a series of biennial exercises between the two countries since 2001, an IDF spokesperson said. Overall 1,700 military men and civil contractors are expected to take part in the exercise, which is set to end on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported.
IANS
Nigeria's Buhari to talk oil in Saudi, Qatar
President Muhammadu Buhari is to visit the Gulf for a week-long tour, with a focus on ending the global slump in oil prices that has hammered Nigeria's crude-reliant economy, his office said on Sunday. Buhari, accompanied by Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, the junior oil minister and head of the state-run oil firm, begins his trip in Riyadh on Monday, meeting King Salman bin Abdulaziz and senior Saudi officials. "Ongoing efforts by Nigeria and other members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to achieve greater stability in the price of oil exports are expected to be high on the agenda of discussions between President Buhari and the Saudi monarch," a statement read.
AFP
Kerry urges Palestinians, Israelis to ease tensions
US Secretary of State John Kerry met Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas Sunday and discussed tensions between Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem, the US State Department said. At the same time, 176 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, most while carrying out attacks but others during clashes and demonstrations. "The secretary continued to urge for calm and a decrease in violence, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric," State Department spokesman John Kirby said.
AFP
KSA stops military aid to Lebanon; PM Salam appeals
Saudi Arabia has stopped funding a $3 billion program to rearm Lebanon’s military because of “hostile Lebanese positions resulting from the stranglehold of Hezbollah on the State,” the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Friday. Under the Saudi-funded “Donas” program, France was to provide military equipment to Lebanon to ensure stability in the country weakened by internal divisions and threatened by Islamic extremists. The program was to ship vehicles, helicopters, drones, cannons and other equipment to Lebanon.
Arab News
Jihadists cut regime supply route to Syria's Aleppo: monitor
The Islamic State group and other jihadists on Monday cut a vital supply route linking the west of Syria's second city Aleppo with other government-held territory, a monitoring group said. The road between Aleppo and the town of Khanasser to the southeast was the only way regime forces and civilians living in government-controlled neighbourhoods of the city could travel to surrounding provinces. If government forces are unable to recapture the road, it could slow an offensive they launched in the countryside around Aleppo earlier this year.
AFP
Iran holds talks with Russia over missile defence upgrade
Iran negotiated with Russia at the weekend over buying an upgraded version of the S-300 surface-to-air missile defence system, which it requires to meet its military needs, a foreign ministry spokesman in Tehran was quoted as saying. Iran was blocked from obtaining the S-300 before it reached a deal with world powers last July on curbing its nuclear programme, with Russia having cancelled a contract to deliver an older version of the system in 2010 under pressure from the West. Russia now hopes to reap economic and trade benefits from the nuclear deal and the lifting of sanctions on Iran last month.
Reuters Middle East
'Palestinians want to join world to end conflict with Israel'
Ramallah, Feb 22 (IANS) The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met US Secretary of State John Kerry in Amman and told him the Palestinian leadership was working with the international community to hold an international peace conference to find a 5+1 formula and end the conflict with Israel. The meeting on Sunday discussed the latest developments "in depth and detail", Xinhua quoted Abbas' spokesperson, Nabil Abu Rudeinah as saying. Abu Rudeinah said that Abbas stressed the Palestinian leadership's efforts to "go to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to condemn settlement expansion and end it." He added that the president addressed the efforts to form national consensus government to unify the Palestinian land and people, with regards to the latest round of talks between Abbas's Fatah party and Islamic Hamas movement in Doha.
IANS
Oil price to top Nigerian president's agenda in Saudi, Qatar
Lagos, Feb 22 (IANS) Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will begin a week-long visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Monday to discuss crude oil prices and market stability, a top official said on Sunday. Buhari would first fly to Riyadh for talks on Tuesday with King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and senior officials of Saudi Arabia, Nigerian presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina said in Abuja, the country's capital city. The ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government and other members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to achieve greater stability in the price of crude oil exports were expected to be high on the agenda of discussions between Buhari and the Saudi monarch, he said.
IANS
Russia's defence minister on surprise visit to Iran
Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Sunday started a previously unannounced visit to Tehran with the conflict in Syria high on his agenda, Iranian state media reported. Shoigu met President Hassan Rouhani to deliver a "special message" from his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, the official IRNA news agency cited the presidency as saying. The minister presented an overview "of the situation regarding stability in the region and the process of negotiations for a ceasefire in Syria", where both Moscow and Tehran back the regime, IRNA said.
AFP
Al-Ahsa mosque attack draws wide condemnation
Friday’s terror attack on a mosque in Al-Ahsa that killed four people drew widespread condemnation across the world. The attack on Imam Rida Mosque in Mahasen neighborhood in Al-Ahsa region of the Eastern Province also injured 18 worshipers. The general secretariat of the Board of Senior Ulema roundly condemned the attack, claiming it as a failed bid to undermine the security of the Kingdom and trigger sedition in the land of the Two Holy Mosques, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saudi Gazette
Putin calls US-Russia agreement on Syria a real step to stop bloodshed
(Adds details and quotes, changes sourcing) MOSCOW, Feb 22 (Reuters) - The agreements between Russia and the U.S. on a ceasefire in Syria are a real step towards halting the bloodshed and can be an example of action against terrorism, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday. "I'm convinced that the joint actions agreed with the American side are able to radically transform the crisis situation in Syria," Putin said in a special address broadcast on television and posted on the Kremlin's website. Putin's comments came after the United States and Russia announced plans for a cessation of hostilities in Syria, excluding Islamic State and Nusra Front militants, that would take effect starting on Saturday.
Reuters Middle East
GCC countries back Saudi decision to halt aid to Lebanon
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries expressed full support for the Saudi decision to review its relations with Lebanon and stop its scheduled aid to Lebanese army and security forces. Saudi Arabia said on Friday it suspended a $3 billion aid package for the Lebanese army as a result of Lebanon’s recurrent official position against Arab interests and its failure to condemn attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. GCC Secretary General Abdullatif Al-Zayani said that Lebanon has deviated from the Arab consesus, and its stand is not in harmony with the GCC position.
Saudi Gazette
Violence rages in Syria as Kerry and Lavrov reach provisional deal on ceasefire
* Kerry says ceasefire could begin in coming days * Two sides are "filling out the details" * Does not see immediate change on the ground * Bombings in Damascus and Homs kill at least 146 * Russian defence minister arrives in Tehran - RIA (Updates Damascus, Homs death tolls) By Patricia Zengerle and John Davison AMMAN/BEIRUT, Feb 21 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Sunday he and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, had reached a provisional agreement on terms of a cessation of hostilities in Syria and the sides were closer to a ceasefire than ever before. Meanwhile, violence continued to rage in Syria.
Reuters Middle East
Syria truce should not benefit terrorists says Iran's Zarif
Tehran, Feb 22 (IANS) Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Monday said that any ceasefire in Syria should not give an advantage to terrorist groups wreaking havoc in the Arab country. "A ceasefire (in Syria) does not mean allowing IS, al-Nusra Front, and other Al Qaeda-affiliated groups to carry on their activities," Zarif was quoted by Press TV during a joint press conference here. Zarif said that Iran has always supported any kind of truce in Syria, adding, however, that the details of such a plan should be discussed.
IANS
UN chief hails US-Russian accord on Syria
United Nations, Feb 23 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday welcomed an agreement announced earlier in the day by US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the terms of a nationwide cessation of hostilities in Syria scheduled to come into effect on February 27. Earlier on Monday, Kerry and Lavrov reached a provisional agreement on terms of a cessation of hostilities in Syria, where more than 250,000 people have been killed since March 2011, reports Xinhua.
IANS
MIDEAST STOCKS-Saudi, Egypt advance as oil, global markets recover
Stock markets in Saudi Arabia and Egypt advanced in early trade on Monday after oil prices rebounded moderately, helping lift international bourses. Riyadh's index edged up 0.6 percent as the petrochemical sector rose 0.9 percent with its largest constituent, Saudi Basic Industries, gaining 0.7 percent. "A confirmation of a bullish trend in stock markets will only come when we see hard evidence that oil prices have healed," said a Dubai-based analyst.
Reuters Middle East
Syria shrine attack was deadliest in war with 120 dead: monitor
A string of bomb attacks on Sunday near a Shiite shrine south of Damascus killed 120 people, in the deadliest attack since Syria's war erupted in 2011, a monitor said. At least 90 civilians were among those killed when suicide attacks claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group ripped through the area of the Sayyida Zeinab shrine, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
AFP
Jeddah 4×4 Motor Show revs up
Saudi drivers are increasingly keen on SUVs, and leading local dealers are giving them plenty to choose from at this year’s Jeddah international 4×4 Motor Show.
Saudi Gazette
Makeover master — Saudi medical student in US training to be plastic surgeon
The Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota is widely viewed as one of the best hospitals in the world. Established in the United States over 150 year ago, today the Mayo Clinic also operates out of locations in Arizona, and Florida. With an annual research budget of over $625 million, the Mayo Clinic is a leading academic research and medical institution.
Saudi Gazette
Siemens CEO holds high-level meetings in Iran
German industrial group Siemens is stepping up its efforts to win projects in Iran, after its chief executive met Iran's oil minister and other government representatives in Tehran on Monday. "We want to pick up where we left off," Siemens said in a statement, citing its engagement in Iran since 1868, especially in the energy sector and rail transportation. "We see great pent-up demand." Siemens stopped doing new business in Iran in 2010 but last month signed deals to work on Iran's railway infrastructure worth up to 1.5 billion euros ($1.7 billion) in anticipation of Western sanctions against Iran being lifted.
Reuters Middle East
Syrian government condemns attacks that killed 120
Cairo, Feb 22 (IANS) The Syrian government has condemned the terrorist attacks that hit the Shia district of Sayyidah Zaynab, on the outskirts of Damascus and the Al Zahraa district in Homs, north of Damascus, with at least 120 dead. According to a statement released on Sunday, Syrian Prime Minister Wael al Halqi said these attacks seek to "boost the morale of the collapsed terrorist groups especially after the great victories that the Syrian Army is achieving." The explosions were "attempts to obstruct the efforts of some countries to establish security and stability in Syria," Efe news agency quoted him as saying.
IANS
Saudi MERS mission progressing well: WHO
A joint mission led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess Saudi Arabia’s efforts against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) said that the Kingdom has made progress and is ready to take the next proactive steps, such as better surveillance in camels. The WHO also released new details about four of Saudi Arabia’s recent cases, and two in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The WHO joint mission to Saudi Arabia took place from Jan. 11 through Jan. 14 and included visits to health and agriculture ministries, hospitals in Riyadh and Hofuf, labs, a camel research facility, and a camel slaughterhouse and market in Hofuf, according to a report posted by the WHO Eastern Mediterranean regional office.
Saudi Gazette
MIDEAST STOCKS-Markets may edge up after oil, global equities bounce
Stock markets in the Middle East may edge higher on Monday after oil prices recovered some of the losses incurred late last week, helping lift Asian bourses. "A confirmation of a bullish trend in stock markets will only come when we see hard evidence that oil prices have healed," said a Dubai-based analyst.
Reuters Middle East
Iran hopes for $10 bln-15 bln of oil deals by March 2017 - Shana
Iran hopes to sign international oil deals worth $10 billion-$15 billion by March next year under a new model contract that is still under development, the head of the national oil company was quoted as saying on Tuesday. "We forecast $10-$15 billion dollars of contracts under the IPC (Iran Petroleum Contract) to be signed in the second half of the next (Iranian) year," Deputy Oil Minister Rokeddin Javadi was quoted as saying by the Shana news agency. Iran hopes to attract international oil companies to invest in its oil sector and boost production.
Reuters Middle East
Dravid sir told us WC loss was a lesson to learn from: India's U-19 wicketkeeper
Kolkata, Feb 22 (IANS) After losing the U-19 World Cup to West Indies Indian wicket-keeper batsman Rishab Pant says their coach, cricketing legend Rahul Dravid told them to take the game as a lesson and learn from it. India were skittled out for 145. West Indies then overhauled the target with five wickets and three deliveries to spare.
IANS
Saudi Arabia says war games will boost military ties with Muslim allies
The Middle East's largest ever war games are now underway and will boost military cooperation between the 20 Muslim nations taking part, host country Saudi Arabia said on Monday, as it seeks to check the growing influence of arch rival Iran. "The council of ministers ... expressed the hope that these exercises achieve what was defined as their goals in exchanging expertise and raising the level of military coordination," Saudi Arabia's cabinet said in a statement. Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia is concerned by the growing regional clout of Shi'ite Iran, which has just emerged from years of international economic sanctions following an international deal over its nuclear programme.
Reuters Middle East
Asian shares extend rally cheered by oil rise
Asian shares gained on Monday, extending last week's global rally cheered by rising oil prices and news that China has replaced the head of its securities regulator. Regional equities added to one of their best weeks this year with gains almost across the board, after news Russia and Saudi Arabia may freeze production sent crude higher. Chinese shares advanced after state media reported the head of the securities regulator who oversaw a market rout last year has been dismissed, while Japan's exporters gained on a weaker yen.
AFP
Three presidents due in Iran in week
Tehran, Feb 22 (IANS) Presidents of three countries -- Azerbaijan, Switzerland, and South Africa -- will visit Tehran in the next few days, the country's foreign ministry announced on Monday.
IANS
Oil price to start slow recovery in 2017: IEA
World oil prices are unlikely to rise from current levels before 2017, and even then their recovery will be slow as massive oil stocks feed into the market, the IEA said Monday. "We must say that today's oil market conditions do not suggest that prices can recover sharply in the immediate future - unless, of course, there is a major geopolitical event," the International Energy Agency said in its medium-term report, which looks five years ahead. "Only in 2017 will we finally see oil supply and demand aligned but the enormous stocks being accumulated will act as a dampener on the pace of recovery in oil prices when the market, having balanced, then starts to draw down those stocks," it said.
AFP
IMF chief urges Gulf states to bring in taxes
The International Monetary Fund chief urged on Monday oil-exporting Gulf countries to introduce taxes, warning that low crude prices are likely to stay for an "extended period". Gulf economies "need to strengthen their fiscal frameworks and reengineer their tax systems by reducing their heavy reliance on oil revenues and by boosting non-hydrocarbon sources of revenues," Christine Lagarde told a forum in Abu Dhabi. Lagarde also called for a "greater emphasis" on corporate income taxes, as well as property and excise taxes.
AFP
Iranian army warns BBC against meddling in polls
Tehran, Feb 22 (IANS) A senior Iranian military official on Monday warned the BBC against interfering in the country's upcoming elections, urging the foreign ministry to react immediately. Masoud Jazayeri, deputy chief of staff of Iran's Armed Forces, was responding to alleged recent attempts by the BBC to persuade Iranians not to vote for certain candidates running for the Assembly of Experts elections slated for February 26, Xinhua news agency reported. "The foreign ministry's silence on the British interference in our country's internal affairs raises doubts," Jazayeri said, urging the ministry to show "decisive and proportional" reaction to the British government and its embassy in Iran because of what he described as BBC's "brazen interference" in the country's domestic issues.
IANS
Revisiting the legacy of free India's founding fathers
India's founding fathers are no exception. In the Indian context, these could entail the prospects that could have ensued if Vallabhbhai Patel had been free India's first prime minister instead of Jawaharlal Nehru, or if Subhas Chandra Bose had stayed in India during World War and led the freedom struggle and/or independent India.
IANS
Kerry phones Serbian PM over diplomats killed in Libya strike
US Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday offered his condolences to Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic over the two kidnapped Serbian diplomats believed to have been killed in a US air strike in Libya, Belgrade said. Last week the US targeted a jihadist training camp near the Libyan coastal city of Sabratha, killing dozens of people including an Islamic State group operative the US said was behind the mass murder of tourists on a Tunisian beach.
AFP
Pakistan, India need treaty on innocent people in jails: Daily
Islamabad, Feb 22 (IANS) Pakistan and India must have a treaty to ensure that innocent people do not languish in each other's jails, said a Pakistani daily which noted that civilians are always going to be the victims in the tussle between the two countries. An editorial "The smaller issues" in The Nation on Monday said that the clash between India and Pakistan keeps growing more tentacles and civilians are always going to be the victims. The Maritime Security Agency (MSA) on Saturday arrested 88 Indian fishermen allegedly for fishing in Pakistani waters.
IANS
IMF says confident Gulf oil exporters can adjust
(Adds comment on oil prices, details of tax proposals) ABU DHABI, Feb 22 (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund is confident that Gulf Cooperation Council economies can make the large fiscal adjustments they need to cope with a period of low oil prices, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said on Monday. "Oil prices have fallen by two-thirds from their most recent peak but supply and demand-side factors suggest they are likely to stay low for an extended period," Lagarde told a conference of Arab economic officials. "The size and likely persistence of this external shock means that all oil exporters will have to adjust by reducing spending and increasing revenue," Lagarde said.
Reuters Middle East
IEA sees U.S. oil output at all-time high by 2021
The global oil market will begin rebalancing in 2017 when U.S. output declines further under pressure from low oil prices before resuming growth again later in the decade to reach an all-time high by 2021, the International Energy Agency said on Monday. "Only in 2017 will we finally see oil supply and demand aligned but the enormous stocks being accumulated will act as a dampener on the pace of recovery in oil prices when the market, having balanced, then starts to draw down those stocks," the IEA said in its medium-term outlook. "Today's oil market conditions do not suggest that prices can recover sharply in the immediate future," it added.
Reuters Middle East
Moderates could gain influence over choice of next leader in Iran vote
(Repeats story, text unchanged) * Hardliners likely to win majority in Assembly of Experts * Moderates could still influence choice of next Supreme Leader By Babak Dehghanpisheh BEIRUT, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Iran's Assembly of Experts, made up mostly of elderly clerics, has not mattered much for years. The body's main task is choosing Iran's supreme leader, but that job has not come vacant since 1989. Given the ailing health of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 76, the Assembly to be elected on Feb 26 for an eight-year term is likely to pick his successor, charting the course of the country for many years to come.
Reuters Middle East
Nepal statute inclusive; misunderstanding with India cleared: Oli
New Delhi, Feb 22 (IANS) Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, here on a fence-mending mission, asserted on Monday that the new Constitution of the Himalayan nation was a dynamic document providing inclusivity to all sections of the Nepali society. Assuring once again the disgruntled sections in Nepal -- particularly the Madhesi parties of Nepal's southern Terai region -- about the government having an open mind towards their grievances, if any, Oli said: "We are ready to listen and ready to address if there are any genuine problems." Oli, who arrived here on Friday on a six-day visit -- the first state visit by a prime minister from the Himalayan nation since 2011, declared that he has succeeded in clearing up "all misunderstandings" with New Delhi about the alleged discriminatory character of the new statute.
IANS
NBA champion Shaw to promote basketball in India
Mumbai, Feb 22 (IANS) National Basketball Association (NBA) champion Brian Shaw is set to visit India from February 24-28 to promote the sport.
IANS
Oil prices rebound, US crude back above $30
Oil prices recovered Monday after sharp falls the previous session, with US crude back above $30 a barrel as traders mulled the impact of a potential output freeze by key producers. At around 1315 GMT, US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for delivery in March was up $1.07 at $30.71 a barrel. After recent volatile trading, world oil prices are unlikely to rise significantly from current levels before 2017, and even then their recovery will be slow as massive oil stocks feed into the market, the IEA said Monday.
AFP
COLUMN-Oil's slump is scattering the workforce and supply chain: Kemp
The views expressed are his own) * Chart 1: tmsnrt.rs/212GuVD * Chart 2: tmsnrt.rs/212GvZz By John Kemp LONDON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - The U.S. oil and gas industry has lost around 100,000 jobs over the last 16 months, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (tmsnrt.rs/212GuVD). Tens of thousands more jobs have been eliminated throughout the supply chain. Where have all those employees gone, and how quickly will they come back if and when oil and gas prices rise again?
Reuters Middle East
Clashes in Libya's second city Benghazi kill 13: report
Five members of security forces loyal to the internationally recognised Libyan authorities and eight fighters from rival groups were killed Sunday in clashes in Benghazi, the LANA news agency said. "Five soldiers were killed in an operation aimed at repelling terrorist groups in western Benghazi, as well as eight fighters belonging to these movements," said the agency which is close to the recognised authorities. Citing a military source, LANA said that despite losing 19 men in two days, loyalist forces managed to seize Al-Marayseh port in western Benghazi and Al-Hawari hospital in the south.
AFP
KSA spent SR850m for welfare of Syrian refugees
Saudi Arabia has been supporting internally displaced and Syrian refugees abroad for the last five years through Saudi National Campaign to Support Syrians Brothers, which was launched in 2012. The Saudi campaign has set up offices in Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon to take care of Syrian refugees. Jordan hosts the largest refugee camp in Zaatari and accommodates 90,000 Syrian men, women and children in addition to 1.2 million refugees who live outside.
Saudi Gazette
Seoul urges Tokyo to stop provocations over disputed islets
Seoul, Feb 22 (IANS) South Korea on Monday urged Japan to stop provocations over disputed islets lying halfway between the two countries as Tokyo sent a government official to attend the controversial "Takeshima Day" event. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet has dispatched a vice ministerial-level official to the event for four straight years. This year, Sakai Yasuyuki, parliamentary vice minister of the cabinet office, attended the ceremony, Xinhua reported.
IANS
Modi urges youth to take pride in India's culture
Varanasi, Feb 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged the youth to take pride in India's rich heritage and culture as they begin their journey in various careers. Speaking at the convocation ceremony of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) here, Modi said yoga had existed through the ages but it was only when Indians owned it with great pride that the UN announced an International Yoga Day on June 21. Apart from spreading the good word about BHU through noble deeds, the graduating scholars should also try and give their best to the country and inspire others, Modi told the gathering.
IANS
Egypt to float United Bank of Egypt - c.bank governor
Egypt's central bank plans to float the United Bank of Egypt, in which it holds a 99 percent stake, in an initial public offering, Governor Tarek Amer said on a talk show on Sunday. The United Bank was formed out of the merger of three failing banks which the central bank acquired in 2006. The last time state-owned companies were listed on the Cairo exchange was in 2005 when shares of Telecom Egypt, the state's landline monopoly, and oil companies Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals and AMOC were floated.
Reuters Middle East
Atletico battle Villarreal to goalless draw
Madrid, Feb 22 (IANS) Atletico Madrid, in second place in Spain's La Liga football standings but dropping ever farther behind leaders Barcelona, managed only a scoreless draw against Villarreal before some 53,000 fans at the Vicente Calderon Stadium. All the pressure was on Diego Simeone's squad on Sunday, since they desperately needed a win to keep pace with Barca. "We've got to keep working, game after game," Atletico midfielder Koke Resurreccion said.
IANS
Kashmir institute attacked by terrorists had declined security
Srinagar, Feb 22 (IANS) Authorities had in the past proposed that the sprawling Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) campus located on a strategic arterial road be guarded by police or paramilitary troopers, months before one of the longest gunfights in the history of Kashmir militancy began on Saturday, officials said on Monday. "We were not expecting this...it was unforeseeable," the official told IANS, referring to the gunfight between suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba militants and government forces, which has claimed six lives -- a civilian, three soldiers and two paramilitary troopers.
IANS
Turkish army says 14 PKK militants killed in southeast Turkey
Turkey's military said on Monday it had killed 14 Kurdish militants during its offensive against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the southeast of the country. Four PKK militants were killed on Sunday in the Sur district of the mainly Kurdish region's largest city Diyarbakir, much of which has been under a round-the-clock police curfew since early December, the army said in a statement. A round-the-clock curfew was imposed in some parts of Idil last week as it become a new focus for the security operations.
Reuters Middle East
Australia's Di Venuto appointed Surrey coach
Melbourne, Feb 22 (IANS) Australia batting coach Michael Di Venuto has been appointed as the head coach of the Surrey County Cricket Club in England. Di Venuto, who represented Australia in nine One-Day Internationals (ODI) in 1997, has experience of English domestic cricket, having played with counties such as Durham, Derbyshire and Sussex. The 42-year-old Tasmanian will end his three-year stint with the Australia coaching staff after next month's tour of South Africa before heading to England for the start of the county season.
IANS
'The Revenant' to release in India without cuts
Mumbai, Feb 22 (IANS) Leonardo DiCaprio-starrer "The Revenant", which releases in India on Friday, has been passed with an A certificate and without cuts by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). "We are relieved that CBFC has cleared the film without any cuts considering the film has a lot of violence and cuss words and usually their stance on such films have been very rigid," the film's spokesperson told IANS. "CBFC was particularly impressed with 'The Revenant' as the film has won quite a few prestigious awards and is front runner at the Oscars.
IANS
Varoufakis urges next Spanish leader to defy Brussels
Greece's far-left former finance minister Yanis Varoufakis called Sunday on the next leader of Spain to defy the European Union, speaking to hundreds of cheering onlookers during an anti-austerity gathering in Madrid. The so-called "Plan B" weekend event near the grounds of Madrid's former abattoirs -- now converted into a sprawling cultural centre -- saw activists, actors and left-wing politicians from Spain, France, Britain and other countries get together as a pan-European movement against EU-imposed austerity gathers pace. It comes at a time of uncertainty for Spain where December elections produced a hung parliament, as voters fed up with years of crisis-sparked austerity snubbed the traditional conservative and socialist parties and flocked to two new groupings -- centre-right Ciudadanos and far-left Podemos.
AFP
Particulate matter exposure in India higher than in China
New Delhi, Feb 22 (IANS) For the first time this century, the average particulate matter exposure is higher in India than China, a Greenpeace analysis of NASA satellite data on particulate matter has said. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India is home to 13 out of 20 most polluted cities in the world with deteriorating air pollution levels during past decade, particularly in north India, the statement said.
IANS
Integrated health record system launched
A unique medical and health record system will integrate all 2,700 public and private health-care facilities in Dubai, providing a single electronic file for each resident, officials announced on Sunday. The system, a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) initiative, was launched on Sunday by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, as part of the Dubai Smarter, Dubai Healthier programme that is seeking to fulfil the goals of the National Health Strategy announced by DHA for 2016-2021.
Gulf News
Egypt hopes to issue international bond by end-June -fin min
By Hadeel Al Sayegh ABU DHABI, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Egypt's government hopes to return to the international bond market with a debt issue by the end of June, Egyptian Finance Minister Hany Kadry Dimian said on Monday. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an economic conference in Abu Dhabi, Dimian said the size of the issue, the timing and the tenor would depend on market conditions.
Reuters Middle East
Army claims advances in Libyan cities of Benghazi and Ajdabiya
By Ayman al-Warfalli BENGHAZI, Libya, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Military forces loyal to Libya's eastern government said on Sunday they had pushed back Islamist fighters in several areas of Benghazi, seizing the strategic port of Marisa. The Libyan National Army said it had also taken control of the town of Ajdabiya, about 150 km (90 miles) south of Benghazi, another city where it has been battling Islamist groups. Libya has been riven by conflict since the 2011 uprising against Muammar Gaddafi, as armed factions supporting rival governments in Tripoli and the east have fought for power and a share of the country's oil wealth.
Reuters Middle East
Pampore gunfight en
