With frequent suicide bombings and assaults on Somalia’s hotels and military targets, the Islamic extremist group al-Shabab has proved more resilient than expected, leading President Donald Trump’s administration to pursue wider military involvement here as current strategies, including drone attacks, are not enough, security experts say. Senior U.S. officials have said the Pentagon wants to expand the military’s efforts to battle the al-Qaida-linked group.
Category: World News
Indonesians shocked by Trump, but still admire US values
Indonesians are by turns shocked and bemused by Donald Trump’s volatile presidency, but many in the world’s most populous Muslim nation say his personality and actions – including his controversial travel ban – haven’t changed their positive view of the United States. There is a reservoir of goodwill in Indonesia toward the U.S., which Indonesians often see as a beacon for values they hope will flourish in their own country.
China says Dalai Lama border visit would damage India ties
China is warning of “severe damage” to relations with India and increased regional instability if exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama proceeds with a visit to a disputed area along their still-unsettled border. Beijing has expressed its concerns to New Delhi on numerous occasions and urged India to “avoid offering a state for the Dalai Lama to carry out anti-China separatist activities,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a daily briefing Friday.
Warrant Issued for North Korean Airline Employee in Kim Jong Nam Case
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia-Malaysian police issued an arrest warrant for a North Korean airline employee in the killing of Kim Jong Nam, hours after freeing the only North Korean who had been detained in the case. Police issued the warrant for Kim Uk Il, describing him as a 37-year-old employee of North Korean state carrier Air Koryo who arrived in Malaysia at the end of January.
Warrant Issued for North Korean Airline Employee in Kim Jong Nam Case
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia-Malaysian police issued an arrest warrant for a North Korean airline employee in the killing of Kim Jong Nam, hours after freeing the only North Korean who had been detained in the case. Police issued the warrant for Kim Uk Il, describing him as a 37-year-old employee of North Korean state carrier Air Koryo who arrived in Malaysia at the end of January.
Wharfedale views sought on further proposed cuts to stroke services
WHARFEDALE residents are being urged to have their say over possible further cuts to emergency stroke services in the district. Two years ago, a hyper acute stroke unit was controversially moved from Airedale Hospital in Steeton to Bradford Royal Infirmary .
Future of Leeds health service to be discussed in Yeadon meeting
MEMBERS of the public are being encouraged to give their views at a public meeting to discuss the future of health services in Leeds. The issue will come up at a meeting of the Outer North West Community Committee at 1.30pm on Monday, March 6 at Yeadon Town Hall.
Back to her Yorkshire roots
WHEN Mary Fawcett Watko treads the boards in an American production of Calendar Girls she will be returning to her Yorkshire roots. Mary, who grew up in Guiseley, moved to the US half a century ago – but she has maintained her links with frequent visits to family back home.
New president takes the driving seat at Ilkley and District Motor Club
ILKLEY & DISTRICT MOTOR CLUB: David Sowman from Burley in Wharfedale has become Ilkley Motor Club’s latest President taking over from Neil Raven at the club’s AGM. David originally from Harrogate joined the motor club in 1973, was club secretary in the 80’s and won the club autotest championship on many occasions.
4 reasons why it is difficult to call Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections 201726 min ago
Lucknow, March 3: As polling for Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections 2o17 enters tail-end, political pundits have started to predict the outcome for India’s biggest assembly with 403 seats. While reporting from Varanasi, veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai predicted BJP’s win whereas another veteran Bharat Bhushan highlighted the eroding youth support for the BJP in this report published in Catch News .
Malaysia deports North Korean man held over Kim Jong Nam death
A North Korean man who was released from custody after police found insufficient evidence to charge him over the murder of Kim Jong Nam has been deported from Malaysia, officials said. Ri Jong Chol was detained four days after the half-brother of North Korea’s leader was killed at a Malaysian airport.
Northern Ireland election turnout highest since year of Good Friday agreement
Turnout in the Northern Ireland Assembly election has hit its highest level since the year of the Good Friday peace agreement. Almost two thirds of the electorate voted in yesterday’s poll – with the future of powersharing hanging in the balance.
SC seeks Kerala reply on plea for dog pounds in the state12 min ago
New Delhi, Mar 3 The Supreme Court today sought Kerala government’s response on a plea seeking setting up of dog pounds in the state to prevent stray canines from attacking people and livestock. A bench of justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy gave the state government four weeks to respond to the application which contends that by catching and sheltering stray dogs in such pounds, it would reduce the incidents of attacks by the canines.
SBI, associate banks merger: Share swap record date Mar 174 min ago
New Delhi, Mar 3 State Bank of India today fixed March 17 as the record date of share swap for the merger of its 5 associate banks with itself. The merger process of the associates banks – State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur , State Bank of Mysore , State Bank of Travancore , State Bank of Patiala and State Bank of Hyderabad – will take effect from April 1. The executive committee of the central board of SBI fixed March 17 as the record date for determining the eligible minority shareholder of SBBJ, SBM and SBT entitled to receive equity shares of face value of Re 1 each, of SBI at the agreed swap ratio, the bank said in a regulatory filing on stock exchanges.
China’s ‘unofficial’ sanctions rattle South Korea
South Korean businesses were rattled Friday by signs that the deployment of a controversial U.S. missile system in the country could spark a travel boycott by China. The government in Seoul said it believed Chinese authorities had told travel agencies in Beijing to stop selling trips to South Korea, intensifying fears of a trade war between the neighbors.
Rail freight service to connect India with Iran, Turkey12 min ago
New Delhi, Mar 3 In an ambitious move, Indian Railways is exploring the possibility of a transcontinental rail freight service connecting India with Iran and Turkey. Considered to be a major boost for trade and economic development of the Asia Pacific region, a trans-container goods train from Dhaka to Istanbul covering Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey.
Why Trump won’t tear up Iran nuclear deal
He was referring, of course, to the Iran agreement that is meant to keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of the ayatollahs for at least a decade. Candidate Trump boasted he would rip up the agreement, then renegotiate a much better document.
Man held for smuggling gold worth Rs 61 lakh4 min ago
New Delhi, Mar 3 A man was arrested today by Customs officials at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here for allegedly trying to smuggle gold worth around Rs 61 lakh into the country. Detailed examination of his baggage and personal search resulted in recovery of 2.08 kg of gold from him, a press release issued by the Customs said.
Bernama Radio’s ‘Kabar Merah Putih’ Now Enters Fourth Season
KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 — Bernama Radio’s production of “Kabar Merah Putih” programme, now in its fourth season, is targetting an increase of 45 per cent Indonesian listeners from its total 550,000 listeners. The programme is broadcast every Saturday from 6 pm to 9 pm and is hosted by two Indonesians.
School Digital Magazine Workshop Generates Creativity Among Teachers, Students
KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 — In order to improve the Information and Communications Technology literacy among teachers and students, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has recently organised a School Digital Magazine Development Workshop in Kota Belud, Sabah. The workshop, which was held at Kota Belud 1Malaysia Internet Centre in collaboration with the National Book Council and District Education Office, also aimed at promoting creativity and innovation among the group through the development of digital creative content.
HC asks Centre, AAP govt to frame policy on e-rickshaws3 min ago
New Delhi, Mar 3 The Delhi High Court today directed the Centre, the AAP government and the Delhi police to frame a comprehensive policy on plying of e-rickshaws in the national capital. “You have to frame a comprehensive policy as e-rickshaws are plying on roads here without proper registration,” Justice Manmohan said.
3 Islamic extremist groups in Mali merge, pledge to al-Qaida
Three prominent Islamic extremist groups in Mali have announced they have merged into one and pledged allegiance to al-Qaida’s leader, according to an organization that monitors jihadist websites. Leaders from Ansar Dine, al-Mourabitoun and al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb made the declaration in a video distributed Thursday, according to SITE Intelligence Group.
Feds settle case of ‘grossly unfair’ leak about Montreal man, RCMP probe ongoing
The federal government has quietly settled the lawsuit of a Montreal man who complained he was smeared by inflammatory and false accusations about extremist activities. Abdelrazik, 55, reached a “satisfactory settlement” with the government over a 2011 disclosure intended to discredit him, said Paul Champ, his lawyer.
HGV driver charged with causing death by dangerous driving
A HGV was in collision with a stationary Toyota Corolla Verso on the northbound side of the A1089 Dock Approach Road on July 27, 2016.
Indian athlete who overcame the travel ban arrested for sexual abuse in New York
Fireworks explode during the annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, Feb. 4, 2017. The town also hosted the World Snowshoe Championship where an Indian participant was recently arrested on abuse charges.
Mayor set to enjoy a cuppa for Fairtrade Fortnight
Dudley’s Mayor – will be calling into the Fairtrade Break Coffee Morning at St Thomas’s Church Hall, Market Street, Stourbridge, on Saturday March 11 which is being organised as part of the annual campaign. The coffee morning, running from 10am to 12.30pm, is being organised by Stourbridge Fairtrade, who were instrumental in achieving Fairtrade status for Stourbridge in 2010.
Pahlaj Nihalani on denying certificate to Ka Bodyscapes: I cana t give …
Pahlaj Nihalani on denying certificate to Ka Bodyscapes: I can’t give a reason on camera for rejecting every film New Delhi, Mar 3: A day after Central Board of Film Certification denied certification to Malayalam LGBT film Ka Bodyscapes for glorifying gay relationships, chief Pahlaj Nihalani refused to give any reason to media saying that he cannot give reasons on camera for some films that the CBFC denies certification to. In a quote given to ANI , Nihalani said, “Bohat saari films jo pass hone layak nahi hai to definitely pass nahi hogi , kisi ke reason camera pe nahi de sakte , they will definitely not be passed, some reasons can’t be given on camera).”
Syrian troops after taking Palmyra from IS, clear explosives
This file image posted online on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, by the Aamaq News Agency, a media arm of the Islamic State group, purports to show a general view of the ancient ruins of the city of Palmyra, in Homs province, Syria, with the Citadel of Palmyra in the background. Syrian state media said on Thursday, March 2, 2017 that military forces have entered Palmyra in the quest to again take the town from the Islamic State group.
McDonalda s says a taking situation seriouslya after pregnant woman…
New Delhi, March 3: A day after a fried lizard was found in the french fries ordered at a Kolkata outlet of McDonald’s, the fast food restaurant chain has said that it is taking the situation seriously. In a statement on Friday, McDonald’s said, “We are taking situation seriously, launched thorough investigation immediately upon being aware of complaint.”
Kolkata: 5 arrested while trying to get Rs 51 lakhs in demonetised currency exchanged 15 mins ago
Kolkata, March 3: Four months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, the banned notes still continue to surface. In another such incident, five persons were arrested on Friday from Baguiati in Kolkata with Rs 51 lakhs in demonetised notes.
One N. Korean freed, another sought in nerve-agent killing
North Korean Ri Jong Chol, center, who was arrested in connection with the death of Kim Jong Un’s half-brother, is transferred from Sepang district police station in Sepang, Malaysia Friday, March 3, 2017. Earlier Thursday, Malaysian authorities said they will release Ri from custody Friday because of a lack of evidence.
Civilian killed, CRPF jawan injured in Kashmir grenade attack
Srinagar, Mar 3 : : A civilian was reportedly killed and a CRPF jawan injured when militants hurled a grenade at security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district . According to reports, the grenade was hurled at the security forces posted in the Murran Chowk area.
DU, AMU, BHU, JNU: What ails our universities?19 min ago
New Delhi, March 3: The violence in Delhi University is representative of the sentiments prevailing in universities across the nation. After the year 2015 was spent debating diminishing tolerance in Indian society as far as national narrative is concerned, the year 2016 saw the introduction of the nationalists vs the anti-nationals debate that started with allegedly anti-country sloganeering in the Jawahar Lal Nehru University campus.
7th Pay Commission: Delay in release of higher allowances irks…
New Delhi, Mar 3: About 47 lakh Central government employees and 53 lakh pensioners have been waiting for higher allowances under the 7th Pay Commission since July last year. The delay in release of higher allowances under the 7th Pay Commission has affected the daily life of central government employees and pensioners.
Malaysia Airlines `Aggressively Hedging’ as It Sees $70 Oil
Malaysia Airlines Bhd. projects oil prices will increase to about $70 a barrel toward the end of this year and has aggressive fuel hedging in place as the money-losing national carrier seeks to return to profitable operations.
Gazprom’s Medvedev Channels Mao in Quest to Sell China Gas
Gazprom PJSC deputy head Alexander Medvedev is taking solace in old sayings by the founding father of the People’s Republic of China as the natural gas giant pushes ahead with a plan to become its biggest supplier. “Do you know this Chinese saying ‘Hard work for three years, happiness for 10,000’?” Medvedev said in an interview, referring to a loosely translated version of a Mao Zedong slogan.
Nepal needs more conducive framework for higher Indian FDI: Arun Jaitley6 min ago
New Delhi, Mar 3 : India is ready to provide more soft loans for new infrastructure projects to Nepal, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said, while asking it to develop a conducive legal and regulatory framework to attract more FDI. Addressing the ‘Nepal Investment Summit 2017’ in Kathmandu yesterday, Jaitley said that with “early completion of power projects like Upper Karnali and Arun-III, Nepal would be able to export electricity to India”.
Defeating SP only answer to removing corruption from UP : PM Modi
Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, Mar 3 : : Flaying his political rivals for their apathy towards the welfare of Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday promised a corruption-free Uttar Pradesh if BJP is voted to power. Addressing an election rally, Modi took one all- the ruling Samajwadi Party- the Congress and the BSP-for the underdevelopment of Uttar Pradesh, which he said, is capable of taking the country ahead.
Facebook’s Grovelling Apology To Fatah
A few days it was widely reported that Fatah had their Facebook page closed down, due to the “campaign the social media platform is carrying out against accounts that promote violence.” Munir Jaghoub, a spokesman of Fatah’s Mobilization and Organization commissariat, told The Jerusalem Post that he believes Facebook closed the account because of a historic photo of former PA president Yasser Arafat grasping a rifle, while standing alongside Fatah Vice Chairman Mahmoud al-Aloul.
2 training runs on the 2018 Olympic course, 2 wins for Vonn
The 32-year-old Vonn’s return from injury is still on track as she prepares for Saturday’s World Cup downhill at the venue for the Pyeongchang Games, where she won training runs on back-to-back days. In bright sunshine and mild conditions in the Pyeongchang region of South Korea on Friday, Vonn finished the 2.7-kilometer course 0.10 ahead of Ilka Stuhec, the world downhill champion from Slovenia.