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Waqas Dar

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Blog Entries posted by Waqas Dar

  1. Waqas Dar
    China has installed rocket launchers on a disputed reef in the South China Sea to ward off Vietnamese military combat divers, according to a state-run newspaper, offering new details on China's ongoing military build-up.
    China has said military construction on the islands it controls in the South China Sea will be limited to necessary defensive requirements, and that it can do what it likes on its own territory.
    The United States has criticised what it has called China's militarisation of its maritime outposts and stressed the need for freedom of navigation by conducting periodic air and naval patrols near them that have angered Beijing.
    The state-run Defense Times newspaper, in a Tuesday report on its WeChat account, said Norinco CS/AR-1 55mm anti-frogman rocket launcher defense systems with the capability to discover, identify and attack enemy combat divers had been installed on Fiery Cross Reef in the Spratly Islands.
    Fiery Cross Reef is administered by China but also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.
    The report did not say when the defense system was installed, but said it was part of a response that began in May 2014, when Vietnamese divers installed large numbers of fishing nets in the Paracel Islands.
    China has conducted extensive land reclamation work at Fiery Cross Reef, including building an airport, one of several Chinese-controlled features in the South China Sea where China has carried out such work.
    More than $5 trillion of world trade is shipped through the South China Sea every year. Besides China's territorial claims in the area, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan have rival claims.


  2. Waqas Dar
    MARDAN: Mashal Khan’s father Muhammad Iqbal Khan demanded security for his daughters while speaking to the media after the case hearing on Wednesday.   
    The family’s lawyer and Iqbal Khan demanded that the case should be transferred to Islamabad for the protection of Iqbal’s daughters.
    Mashal’s sisters cannot continue with their education due to danger to their lives, according to family’s lawyer. Iqbal Khan also expressed the desire to have his daughters continue their education in Islamabad.
    Moreover, Iqbal Khan also remarked that the Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan should be opened and that students should be given the right to continue their education. There should be no roadblocks in way of students’ education and the students should also be provided with security.
    Case proceedings
    The Joint-Investigation Team (JIT) provided a new report to the three-members Supreme Court bench, which is headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar, during case hearing on Wednesday.
    According to the report, the video of Mashal Khan’s murder has been sent to the laboratory. Once the laboratory’s report comes, then the final charge-sheet will be presented before the court, stated the report
    Read more: Mashal Khan’s shooter remanded into police custody
    Advocate-General KP also informed the court that 53 of the total 57 suspects in the case have been arrested so far, adding that the prime suspect, identified as Imran, in Mashal’s murder has also confessed to his crime.   
    Final charge-sheet will be presented in two weeks, he said, adding that a temporary charge-sheet has been presented in trial court. Upon which, CJP asked if trial court can give a verdict on temporary charge-sheet?
    CJP instructed the JIT to complete all requirements of the case.
    Speaking to Mashal Khan’s father, CJP said “We are equally affected by your loss,” adding it is compulsory for us to ensure that you get justice.
    The case hearing was adjourned for three weeks


  3. Waqas Dar
    KARACHI: All public and private educational institutes in Sindh will now be closed for the summer holidays from the first day of Ramazan.
    A notification issued by the Sindh government stated that all public and private educational institutes across the province will be observing their summer vacations from the 1st of Ramazan, said to begin at the end of this month, till July 31. Educational institutes will thus reopen on August 1.
    The reasons given for the change in the dates of the summer break are the high temperatures prevalent in the province as well the start of Ramazan.
    Earlier, the government had announced the summer vacations from June 1 till July 31.
     


  4. Waqas Dar
    NEW DELHI: India will embark on a limited-overs tour of West Indies next month, soon after the Champions Trophy, their cricket boards have announced.
    Beginning on June 23 at the Queen´s Park Oval in Port of Spain, India will play five one-day games which will be followed by a Twenty20 International at Jamaica´s Sabina Park on July 9.West Indies failed to make the cut for Champions Trophy in England and Wales which features only top eight one-day teams.
    They will subsequently host Afghanistan for three Twenty20 and as many one-day internationals between June 2-14. India will be defending their title at the Champions Trophy, the final of which is scheduled on June 18.
    "We are all looking forward to hosting the Indian Cricket Team so soon after Afghanistan’s inaugural tour of the Caribbean," West Indies Cricket Board chief executive Johnny Grave said in a statement.
    "The five-match ODI series gives our young side the opportunity of playing one of the world´s best 50-over sides, and we hope for a competitive series as we strive for automatic qualification for the 2019 Cricket World Cup."
    Itinerary
    June 23: 1st ODI at Queen´s Park Oval, Port of Spain
    June 25: 2nd ODI at Queen´s Park Oval, Port of Spain
    June 30: 3rd ODI at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
    July 2 : 4th ODI at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
    July 6 : 5th ODI at Sabina Park, Kingston
    July 9 : Twenty20 International at Sabina Park, Kingston


  5. Waqas Dar
    Uber keeps on getting new updates but this time it has got some important one and yeah useful too.
    Uber has just made it a lot easier for customers to hop out of one of their cars and onto another form of transportation.
    Cool! Isn't it?
    The well-known ride-hailing service announced the update on Tuesday that its Android app will now allow users to easily access real-time public transportation data which actually means that those customers who are using Android can better plan trips that require multiple modes of transportation.and say, jump out of an Uber and continue traveling on a bus or train.
    Or say, they can jump out of an Uber and continue traveling on a bus or train.
    To add the new data, Uber has partnered with Canadian navigation and transit company aptly called Transit.
    The new integration is available in close to 50 cities as of Tuesday, according to a press release put up by Uber. 
    Android users in Albuquerque, Ann Arbor, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, Charlottesville, Chattanooga, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Connecticut, Dallas, Dayton, Denver, Detroit, Fort Myers, Grand Rapids, Hampton Roads, Honolulu, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, Madison, Miami, New Orleans, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland (ME), Portland (OR), Raleigh, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, SF Bay Area, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa Bay Area, DC and Worcester can already have the update.
    It's important to note that now when the riders use Uber on an Android device in a supported city, they will see train times pop up in the app when they're within one block of a train station. 
    According to UberIf riders are interested in taking any of those trains but want to plan their trip a bit more thoroughly, they can tap on the public transit information and enter the Transit app to learn more. Train times will also "refresh regularly" in the ride-sharing app.


  6. Waqas Dar
    KARACHI: 20 international wrestlers, including former WWE Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett, are ready to entertain Karachiites with top level pro-wrestling on Wednesday.
    The wrestlers will be seen in action at the World Heavy Weight Pro Wrestling Competition at Karachi Sports Complex tonight.
    The wrestlers have been brought to Pakistan by Pro Wrestling Entertainment group, which aims to take the sport to new heights in the country.
    Former WWE star Wade Barrett, France-based wrestler of Pakistani origin Badshah Pehlwan Khan and Tiny Iron were among the 20 wrestlers who arrived in Pakistan early Tuesday morning.
    Others to join the party are Tango, Flesh, Zefy, Bambikiller, Yacine Osmani, Fabio Ferrari, Mr Jacky, Ludovic Vaillant, Angel's Bombita, Audrey Bride, Mickey Trash, Betty Trash, Omen, Adam Flex Maxted, Aaron Rammy, Bernard Vandamme and Xtreme Fury.
    Wade Barrett, whose real name is Stu Bennett, said that he was glad to be in Pakistan and looking forward to some incredible wrestling action in the next few days.
    “We are excited to be here, it is my first time in Pakistan. I have heard that fans here are really incredibly passionate and excited for wrestling,” said Barrett, who has several wrestling titles under his belt.
    “It is going to be an incredible experience, we have got some of the best wrestlers in Pakistan, fans here will have a great time,” he added.
    The action-packed wrestling event will also showcase bouts between female wrestlers from around the world. Female wrestling stars Audrey Bride, Angel’s Bombita and Betty Trash have also arrived in Pakistan for the event.
    The wrestling event will come to Lahore on 19th May and to Islamabad on 21st May.


  7. Waqas Dar
    LAHORE: Following an initial postmortem report – that disclosed the domestic helper Munazza, who mysteriously passed away in Lahore's Model Town, H Block, died of suffocation on Sunday – the full report obtained by police revealed she was raped before her murder.
    The autopsy report discovered finger marks on the 20-year-old victim's face and neck, implying that a struggle had ensued when she was strangulated to death.
    Related: Domestic help was suffocated in Lahore, postmortem report reveals
    Munazza, who hailed from Vehari, passed away on Saturday after she was allegedly tortured by her employer. “The deceased passed away after she was suffocated by way of a pillow placed on her nose,” the first postmortem report had stated. “Torture marks on her face and throat were found,” it added.
    Police, on the other hand, had initially stated on Saturday that the woman's body did not have any torture marks. Munazza’s employer, who is in police custody, is being investigated.
    The deceased's family had alleged that Munazza was physically tortured by her employers.
     


  8. Waqas Dar
    Hot and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted on Wednesday.
    A westerly wave is affecting upper and central parts of the country and likely to persist during next 24-36 hours.
    Read more: 7 easy hacks to beat the heat
    Rain and thunderstorm with gusty winds are expected at isolated places in Malakand, Hazara, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala divisions, Islamabad, FATA, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan according to PMD.
    Past weather    
    Dust, thunderstorm, and rain with gusty winds occurred at scattered places in Kashmir, upper Punjab, upper KP while at isolated places in Gilgit-Baltistan, Bahawalpur, Quetta, Zhob, Makran, and Larkana divisions.
    Rainfall in the last 24 Hours (mm)                               
    Punjab: Kasur 17, Sargodha (AP 08, City 06), Lahore (AP 07, City 04), Gujranwala, Khanpur 06, Noorpurthal 04, Bahawalpur (City 03, AP 01), Mangla 03, Bahawalnagar 02, Joharabad, Kamra 01, Kashmir: Kotli 04, Rawalakot, Garidupatta 03, Muzaffarabad 02, KP: Dir 04, Malamjabba, Lower Dir, Mirkhani 03, Kohat 02, Chitral, Saidu Sharif, Kakul 01, Sindh: Larkana 07,  Balochistan: Panjgur, Zhob 04, GB: Gilgit, Bagrote 03.
    Yesterday's highest temperatures                            
    Dadu, Sh. Benazirabad, Turbat, Bhakkar, Mithi 44°C, Hyderabad, Moenjodaro, Chhor, Larkana 43°C, D.G. Khan, Sibbi, Lasbela, Jacobabad, Padidan, Mirpurkhas, Sukkar, R.Y. Khan 42°C.
     
     
    Data courtesy: Pakistan Meteorological Department 


  9. Waqas Dar
    KARACHI: Around one-third of the metropolis was devoid of electricity on the night of Tuesday-Wednesday as more than 11 grid stations stopped working after a transmission line tripped at Hub.
    According to reports, a number of localities, mostly in District Central, did not have power for several hours while some are still without electricity. The most affected areas were reported to be Malir Halt, Rifa-e-Aam, Alfalah Society, Gulshan-e-Rafi ,Saudagaran Society, Shah Faisal Town, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Liaquatabad and Model Colony.
    According to K-Electric spokespersons, electricity has been restored in most of the affected areas in the city.
    Some days ago, the city had again experienced load-shedding and power breakdowns after K-Electric — the city's sole power utility — said low gas pressure and other issues at the Bin Qasim power plant affected supply.
    On April 2, the metropolis faced the same issue as power cuts in different areas left many people without electricity bringing daily activities to a standstill.
    The blackout occurred in Defence Housing Authority's phases I, II and VII along with II Chundrigar Road and Burnes Road. The residents of Saddar and Sultanabad also said that they were experiencing power cuts.
    Moreover, FC Area, Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Karimabad, Moosa Colony, Malir, Korangi, New Karachi, FB Area also experienced blackouts. According to K-Electric, the issue occurred after a technical fault affected grid stations in different areas of the port city.
     
     


  10. Waqas Dar
    WASHINGTON: The Pakistan Ambassador to US Aizaz Chaudhry said on Wednesday that India had itself suspended talks with Pakistan.
    If India is ready then Pakistan will hold talks with it, he said while speaking at a programme of World Affairs Council.
    As both the neighbouring countries had suspended talks, it further exacerbated the relations between them, he remarked.
    On Kashmir issue, he said India is using force and carrying out serious violations of human rights in Kashmir, adding more than a 1,000 Kashmiris have been turned blind due to India’s excessive use of pellet guns. “Pakistan will continue to extend political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris,” he added.
    Chaudhry also met with Congressman Thomas Suozzi. US can play a part in resolving the Kashmir issue, remarked Suozzi while speaking to Chaudhry.
    Pakistan and US can work together to bring stability to Afghanistan, it was decided in the meeting. The participants also discussed security and economic achievements of Pakistan.
    Suozzi lauded Pakistan’s endeavour towards achieving security and stability.


  11. Waqas Dar
    HONG KONG: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has termed Pakistan an emerging market and laid out the country’s business-friendly policies in front of foreign investors on Wednesday.
    He was addressing participants at the One Belt, One Road Pakistan Investment Forum in Hong Kong attended by leading business figures from Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
    Terming the country a gateway to the energy rich Central Asian region, he siad “Pakistan is ready to do business with the rest of the world”.
    He said the government has launched a series of pro-poor initiatives in health and other sectors, adding that nations can only rise when they prescribe to shared visions
    Laying out Pakistan’s ‘attractive’ features, he said it is the fourth-largest milk producing country in the world with the third largest global livestock population.
    “The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is (CPEC) a core component of [Beijing’s] One Belt, One Road Initiative,” he said, explaining that the project will shorten transportation distances, bring Africa and Middle East closer to the region and connect [China’s] Kashgar region to Central Asia and Europe.
    The premier also said that we must raise our voice against those who are against this project.
    Ending his speech, Sharif said “Pakistan is the sixth largest population in the world with a middle class of 80 million people. It is rich in human and natural resources and features attractive business policies. We are on track for rapid and inclusive sustainable growth. No global player should miss this opportunity”.
    The conference was arranged by the Pakistan Consulate General in Hong Kong and the local government.
    Meeting with Hong Kong chief executive
    Pakistan and Hong Kong have agreed to further promote bilateral economic and trade ties.
    The agreement came at a meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung in Hong Kong early Wednesday morning.
    Speaking on the occasion, Sharif said Pakistan's liberal trade policy provides immense opportunities to foreign investors.
    Sharif said Pakistan and Hong Kong have strong trade relations that need to be further enhanced, as there are immense opportunities in this sphere. He added that Pakistan and Hong Kong have brotherly relations and both sides are already cooperating in different fields.
    Leung said Pakistan and Hong Kong have deep rooted relations and both sides need to promote economic cooperation.
    Chairmen of the Shandong Hi-Speed Group Corporation and Chairman of ZTE Corporation also called on the Pakistan’s premier. Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir and Board of Investment Chairman Miftah Ismail were also present on the occasion.
     


  12. Waqas Dar
    HONG KONG: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has termed Pakistan an emerging market and laid out the country’s business-friendly policies in front of foreign investors on Wednesday.
    He was addressing participants at the One Belt, One Road Pakistan Investment Forum in Hong Kong attended by leading business figures from Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
    Terming the country a gateway to the energy rich Central Asian region, he siad “Pakistan is ready to do business with the rest of the world”.
    He said the government has launched a series of pro-poor initiatives in health and other sectors, adding that nations can only rise when they prescribe to shared visions
    Laying out Pakistan’s ‘attractive’ features, he said it is the fourth-largest milk producing country in the world with the third largest global livestock population.
    “The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is (CPEC) a core component of [Beijing’s] One Belt, One Road Initiative,” he said, explaining that the project will shorten transportation distances, bring Africa and Middle East closer to the region and connect [China’s] Kashgar region to Central Asia and Europe.
    The premier also said that we must raise our voice against those who are against this project.
    Ending his speech, Sharif said “Pakistan is the sixth largest population in the world with a middle class of 80 million people. It is rich in human and natural resources and features attractive business policies. We are on track for rapid and inclusive sustainable growth. No global player should miss this opportunity”.
    The conference was arranged by the Pakistan Consulate General in Hong Kong and the local government.
    Meeting with Hong Kong chief executive
    Pakistan and Hong Kong have agreed to further promote bilateral economic and trade ties.
    The agreement came at a meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung in Hong Kong early Wednesday morning.
    Speaking on the occasion, Sharif said Pakistan's liberal trade policy provides immense opportunities to foreign investors.
    Sharif said Pakistan and Hong Kong have strong trade relations that need to be further enhanced, as there are immense opportunities in this sphere. He added that Pakistan and Hong Kong have brotherly relations and both sides are already cooperating in different fields.
    Leung said Pakistan and Hong Kong have deep rooted relations and both sides need to promote economic cooperation.
    Chairmen of the Shandong Hi-Speed Group Corporation and Chairman of ZTE Corporation also called on the Pakistan’s premier. Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir and Board of Investment Chairman Miftah Ismail were also present on the occasion.
     


  13. Waqas Dar
    The Australian Fashion Week's Day 3 concluded Tuesday night and it was an absolute blast! From eccentric accessories to elegant wedding gowns, the event showcased a variety of weird yet wonderful fashion trends.
    Check out the pictures here!
     

    A model is bathed in the spotlight during a show by the Australian designer Karla Spetic. REUTERS/Jason Reed
     

    Australia's naval ship HMAS Canberra forms a backdrop for the men's show for the Katama label by American designer Garrett Neff. REUTERS/Jason Reed
     

    A model wears a polka dot dress during the St George Nextgen show. REUTERS/Steven Saphore
     

    A model for Hansen and Gretel presents a creation. REUTERS/Steven Saphor
     

    A model presents headwear with a split brim for Australian designer Dion Lee. REUTERS/Jason Reed
     

    A model for designer Gary Bigeni looks on. REUTERS/Steven Saphorelooks
     

    Australian designer Dion Lee during the first runway show of Fashion Week Australia on the steps of the Sydney Opera House, in Sydney. REUTERS/Jason Reed
     

    Audience members during the show by local designer Dion Lee. REUTERS/Jason Reed
     

    Metal rings are featured in the hair design of a model, during a show by Sass & Bide. REUTERS/Jason Reed
     

    Australian designer Dion Lee. REUTERS/Jason Reed
     

    Assistants wait to help dress models, alongside their outfits and photographs, during a show by the Australian designer Steven Khalil. REUTERS/Jason Reed
     

    Models are reflected in mirrors backstage before a show by the Australian designer Steven Khalil. REUTERS/Jason Reed
     

    A clothes rack features an outfit to be worn by model Billie Adams before a show by the Australian fashion house Albus Lumen. REUTERS/Jason Reed
     

    Australian designer Karla Spetic. REUTERS/Jason Reed
     

    Audience members hold cameras as they watch a model pass by during a show by the Australian fashion house Albus Lumen. REUTERS/Jason Reed
     

    Models parade down the runway during a show by Australian designer Karla Spetic. REUTERS/Jason Reed
     

    A model walks through an open air courtyard during a rehearsal for a runway show by Australian fashion house Albus Lumen. REUTERS/Jason Reed
     

    A model waits backstage before participating in a runway show by Australian fashion house Albus Lumen. REUTERS/Jason Reed
     

    A model looks up from her mobile phone as stylists work on her hair before a show by Australian fashion house Albus Lumen. REUTERS/Jason Reed
     


  14. Waqas Dar
    Evidence of human sacrifice to try to ensure the success of ancient construction projects has been found for the first time at a Korean site, officials said Tuesday.
    Two skeletons dating from the 5th century were found under the walls of the Wolseong, or Moon Castle, in Gyeongju in South Korea, the capital of the former Silla kingdom, Seoul's Cultural Heritage Administration said in a statement.
    "This is the first archaeological evidence that folklore about humans being sacrificed for the foundations of buildings, dams or walls were true stories," spokeswoman Choi Moon-Jung of the Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage told AFP.
    The burial of living victims with dead kings to serve them in the afterlife is well known in ancient Korean cultures.
    How the Wolseong victims were put to death was not yet clear and further research was being carried out, but they did not appear to have been buried alive.
    "Judging from the fact that there are no signs of resistance when they were buried, they must have been buried when they were unconscious or dead," said senior researcher Park Yoon-Jung.
    "Folklore indicates humans were sacrificed to appease gods and plead with them to ensure the structures being built lasted a long time."
    The two skeletons were found side by side under a western corner of the castle's earth and stone walls, with one facing upward, the other turning its face and arms slightly towards the first.
    The Silla kingdom was one of three that emerged on the Korean peninsula in the first millennium, eventually conquering the other two to unify the territory in 668. It later split up and was finally overwhelmed in 935.
    Artefacts from the period include some of Korea's most precious cultural treasures and the historic sites of Gyeongju are a major tourist attraction.
    DNA and other tests were being carried out on the remains to determine their physical characteristics, health, diet and genetic attributes.
    Other finds included wooden inscription tablets and 6th-century animal and human figurines, including one whose turban and clothing appeared similar to those worn in the ancient Central Asian civilisation of Sogdiana.
     
     


  15. Waqas Dar
    Twitter shares gained Tuesday on word that co-founder Biz Stone was returning to the social network after six years away.
    Stone said in an online post that he will be back at work full time at the San Francisco-based operation in "a couple of weeks," prompting shares to end the New York Stock Exchange trading day up 1.35 percent to $19.49.
    "Excited to have Biz's energy and heart back at Twitter," co-founder and chief executive Jack Dorsey said in a tweet fired off from his @Jack account with a hashtag #Biz
    Stone left Twitter in mid-2011 during executive shake-ups and joined co-founder Ev Williams in forming a startup called Medium.
    Stone said in his post that he sold his most recent enterprise and was recently visiting Twitter's headquarters when, at an employee gathering, Dorsey asked him to return.
    "There's something about the personality of a company that comes from the folks who start it," Stone said.
    "Jack coming back was a big step forward. And now, it's my turn."
    Stone expected his focus to be on guiding company culture.
    "You might even say the job description includes being Biz Stone," he quipped.
    Twitter last month reported first quarter results that were better than most forecasts but continues to struggle for momentum in revenue and use.
    The closely watched metric of monthly active users grew nine percent from the same period a year ago to 328 million. Twitter said daily active usage rose 14 percent without offering a specific figure.
    Net loss narrowed to $62 million from $80 million a year earlier for Twitter, which has never reported a profit.
    Twitter has been seeking to broaden its appeal beyond its core user base of celebrities, politicians and journalists, ramping up efforts in video and live sports, notably.
    But the company has failed to live up to early expectations, while Facebook and other social networks have been growing at a faster pace.


  16. Waqas Dar
    KARACHI: Three people, including a woman, were killed in firing incidents late Tuesday night, while alleged target killer Asif and seven others were arrested during numerous raids and search operations conducted by police in various areas here, Geo News reported.
    Operations were carried out in Karachi’s North Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, Baldia's Ittehad Town, Orangi Town, with police recovering weapons, drugs, and stolen goods from some of these areas.
    During the police’s crackdown on criminal elements in Baldia’s Ittehad Town, three suspects – Amin, Muhammad Arif, and Noor Muhammad – were taken into custody. Weapons and contraband were recovered from the arrestees, who were reportedly involved in various crimes.
    —This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.


  17. Waqas Dar
    Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it would refund some advertisers after finding a bug that wrongly attributed video carousel ad clicks as clicks to the advertisers' websites.
    When users tried to expand and watch the video carousel on the mobile web browser, the bug inadvertently directed the click to the advertiser's website, leading to incorrect billing, the company said in a blogpost on Tuesday.
    A video carousel ad format shows images and links within a single ad unit and also has a button that directs users to websites.
    The company said it had fixed the bug, which was not found on the desktop version or the mobile app.
    The impact from a billing perspective was 0.04 percent of ad impressions, Facebook said.
    Facebook in September apologised for an error in the way it measured a key metric of video viewership that significantly amplified users' viewing times on its platform.


  18. Waqas Dar
    NEW YORK: Comedian Bill Cosby does not plan to testify in his defense at his sexual assault trial in June, he said on Tuesday in his first extended public comments in two years.
    The 79-year-old told Sirius-XM radio host Michael Smerconish that the dozens of women who have come forward to accuse him of sexual misconduct were "piling on" and suggested that racism has played a role in his treatment because he is black.
    Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in a Pennsylvania courtroom ahead of Cosby's June 5 trial on charges that he drugged and sexually assaulted Andrea Constand, a former basketball coach at his alma mater Temple University, in 2004.
    The case is the only criminal prosecution to result from accusations by approximately 60 women that Cosby sexually assaulted them. Many of the incidents allegedly occurred decades ago. Cosby has denied any wrongdoing.
    'Racism has played a big role'
    In the interview, Cosby declined to comment extensively on the upcoming trial, citing legal advice from his attorneys. But when Smerconish asked whether he will testify Cosby replied, "No," saying that lawyers can twist a witness' words.
    "When you have to deal with examination, cross-examination, et cetera, et cetera, more than two sides to every story – sometimes it's four or five," he said.
    Cosby described preparing a Mother's Day meal for his wife of more than five decades, Camille, and spoke about growing up in a poor Philadelphia neighbourhood.
    Two of Cosby's daughters recently released taped statements defending their father. Ensa Cosby said she believed her father is innocent and "racism has played a big role in all aspects of the scandal".
    Asked whether he agreed with that view, Cosby said, "Could be, could be," before adding, "I just truly believe that some of it may very well be that."
    Cosby also said that his wife has never wavered in her support.
    The former star of the 1980s family sitcom The Cosby Show said he intends to return to performing following the trial.
    "I still feel that I have an awful lot to offer in terms of my writing, in terms of my performance," he said.


  19. Waqas Dar
    Johnson & Johnson is required to add new warnings to its diabetes drug, Invokana, about the risk of foot and leg amputations, the US Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday.
    Final results from two clinical trials showed leg and foot amputations occurred about twice as often in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with Invokana, known also as canagliflozin, as those given a placebo, the FDA said in an announcement posted on its website.
    The warnings include a boxed warning, reserved for the most serious possible adverse events, the FDA said.
    Invokana belongs to a relatively new class of type 2 diabetes drugs called SGLT-2 inhibitors, which help remove excess blood sugar through urine. Others in the same class include Eli Lilly and Co's Jardiance and AstraZeneca Plc's Farxiga.
    The FDA noted that results of one clinical trial showed that over the course of a year the risk of amputation in patients treated with Invokana was equivalent to 5.9 out of 1,000, compared with 2.8 out of 1,000 for patients given a placebo.
    A second trial showed the risk of amputation was equivalent to 7.5 out of every 1,000 patients treated with Invokana, compared with 4.2 out of every 1,000 patients given a placebo.
    The agency said amputations of the toe and middle of the foot were the most common but that amputations involving the leg, below and above the knee, also occurred.
    Untreated type 2 diabetes can cause blindness, nerve and kidney damage, and heart disease.


  20. Waqas Dar
    NEW YORK: Oil prices settled little changed on Tuesday after several OPEC members voiced support for prolonging supply cuts through March 2018 to reduce a global crude glut.
    Crude prices dipped later in post-settlement trade after data from the American Petroleum Institute showed an unexpected build in crude and distillate products inventories. Forecasters had expected another draw in US crude stocks.
    The market will watch to see whether the build reported by the API is confirmed by official US Energy Information Administration data due at 10:30 AM EDT on Wednesday.
    API said US crude oil inventories rose 882,000 barrels for the week ended May 12, contrary to analyst forecasts in a Reuters poll for a fall of 2.4 million barrels. Distillate stocks grew 1.8 million barrels; analysts had expected a decline of 1.1 million barrels.
    Brent futures were down 60 cents or 1.1 percent to $51.22 a barrel, as of 4:43 p.m. EDT. Earlier, Brent had settled down 17 cents at $51.65 a barrel. In late trade, US crude dropped 58 cents to $48.26 a barrel; it had settled at $48.66, off 19 cents.
    Prices have rebounded about 10 percent since hitting five-month lows 11 days ago. Members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have stated their intentions to keep supply cuts going through next year. The market has grown skeptical, as inventories have been drawing down slowly even after OPEC and several big non-OPEC producers agreed at the end of November to cut production 1.8 million barrels a day in the first half of 2017.
    Officials in Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, and Venezuela voiced support for extending the crude output cut. The meeting to decide on the output cut extension has been set for May 25.
    "Be careful what you ask for. If you do get prices in the mid-to-upper $50s all that's going to do is encourage a lot of production in the US," said Nauman Barakat, head of the energy desk at ADM Investor Services in New York.
    Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said the proposed extension of output cuts aimed to bring global commercial oil inventories down to the five-year average and stabilize the market.
    The International Energy Agency said the global oil market is rebalancing and the pace is picking up, even if inventories do not yet reflect the impact of OPEC supply cuts.
    Goldman Sachs said output would increase from OPEC members that were exempt from the cuts. Also, US oil production is up more than 10 percent since mid-2016..


  21. Waqas Dar
    BlackBerry Ltd is working with at least two automakers to develop a security service that would remotely scan vehicles for computer viruses and tell drivers to pull over if they were in critical danger, according to a financial analyst.
    The service, which would also be able to install security patches to an idle car, is being tested by luxury automakers Aston Martin and Range Rover, Macquarie analyst Gus Papageorgiou said in a note to clients sent late on Monday.
    Auto security is among several areas that BlackBerry is betting will boost its revenue after the Canadian company lost its dominance of the smartphone market to Apple Inc and others over the past decade.
    John Wall, the head of BlackBerry's QNX division, and company spokeswoman Sarah McKinney both declined to comment.
    Matthew Clarke, a spokesman for Aston Martin, said in an email he was not aware of the company testing such a product. Representatives with Range Rover's parent company, Jaguar Land Rover, could not be reached for comment.
    The service could be launched as early as next year, generating about $10 a month per vehicle for BlackBerry, according to Papageorgiou, who has followed BlackBerry for more than 15 years.
    Vehicles increasingly rely on dozens of computers that connect to each other as well as the internet, mobile networks and Bluetooth communications systems that make them vulnerable to remote hacks.
    "Although a connected, more software-centric automobile offers tremendous advantages to consumers, it also opens the doors to hackers," Papageorgiou wrote in his note.
    Automaker interest in cyber security has risen dramatically since 2015, when two hacking experts uncovered vulnerabilities in Fiat Chrysler vehicles that led to a U.S. recall of 1.4 million autos.
    BlackBerry shares rose 5.3 percent to close at C$13.84 after touching C$14.15, the highest since March 2015.


  22. Waqas Dar
    Manchester City edged ever closer to a guaranteed place in next season's Champions League after an entertaining 3-1 win over West Bromwich at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
    Gabriel Jesus, Kevin De Bruyne and Yaya Toure scored the goals for Pep Guardiola's side and barring a freak combination of results on the final day of the league season, City will finish in the top four.
    City will go into Sunday's trip to Watford in third place, two points above Liverpool and three clear of Arsenal, knowing victory will rubber-stamp direct qualification for the Champions League group phase.
    But the evening was as much about popular City defender Pablo Zabaleta, who played out the final minutes of his nine-year stay with the club after coming on as a second-half substitute.
    When City captain Vincent Kompany was replaced after 77 minutes and handed Zabaleta his captain's armband, the Argentinian appeared to be fighting back tears.
    Two goals in as many minutes midway through the first half guaranteed City victory, but given the lack of ambition and enthusiasm shown by the visitors, that outcome had looked all but certain direct from kick-off.
    Jesus gave City the lead in the 27th minute with his sixth goal in just seven starts since returning to the side from injury at the start of February.
    It was carved out by the impressive De Bruyne, whose cross from the left-hand byline allowed the young Brazilian to turn the ball into an open net.
    The build-up play had been excellent, featuring a Toure pass and Sergio Aguero back-heel.
    Just two minutes later, Albion caved in again to another well worked goal as De Bruyne strode onto a loose ball and curled a superb, half-volleyed finish past the diving Ben Foster from the edge of the box.
    Incisive one-two

    It seemed a question of how many more City could score -- and when Guardiola would throw on Zabaleta for his swansong.
    Even before the goals had started to fly, Foster had done well to dive sharply to his left to keep out Aleksandar Kolarov's free-kick.
    As City looked to increase their advantage over Liverpool and Arsenal in the goal difference column, Foster saved solidly from De Bruyne's long-range shot and a 20-yard Aguero attempt, while Leroy Sane cleared the crossbar.
    The opening stages of the second half were, if anything, even more comfortable for City as they camped in the visitors' half.
    A De Bruyne cross forced Foster into action and David Silva also made space for a shot that missed the goal by some margin.
    The third goal came on 57 minutes as Toure collected the ball just inside the Albion half, played an incisive one-two with Aguero and carried the ball unopposed into the area before beating Foster from a dozen yards.
    Satisfied that the result was beyond doubt, Guardiola brought on Zabaleta on the hour, although West Brom substitute James McClean soon beat him down the left and crossed for Salomon Rondon to head just wide.
    Foster kept out what would have been a spectacular fourth, tipping a Jesus shot over the bar after the youngster had skilfully weaved his way through three defenders.
    The one-time England goalkeeper also pulled off a late double save to deny Jesus as he bore down on goal.
    City were briefly inconvenienced in the 87th minute when substitute Hal Robson-Kanu turned in West Brom's consolation goal from Allan Nyom's cross, but that failed to sour the celebratory mood at the Etihad.


  23. Waqas Dar
    WASHINGTON: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan touted "outstanding" relations with the United States on Tuesday but emphasised Turkey will not accept Syrian Kurdish fighters in the region while stopping short of directly criticising a US decision to arm them.
    Erdogan met at the White House with President Donald Trump, and both called relations between the two NATO allies strong.
    "We've had a great relationship and we will make it even better," Trump said in a joint appearance with Erdogan.
     

    Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, accompanied by his wife Emine Erdogan, disembarks from a plane upon his arrival in Washington, US, May 15, 2017. Kayhan Ozer/Presidential Palace/Handout via REUTERS
     
    Erdogan said his visit would "mark a historical turn of tide" and hailed "outstanding relations" between the nations. It was an especially positive tone considering the tensions over Washington's decision to arm the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia that Ankara regards as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
    "There is no place for the terrorist organisations in the future of our region," said Erdogan, speaking through a translator. He added that the activities of the YPG and its political arm in the region, the PYD, "will never be accepted".
    Trending: White House on lockdown, says Secret Service
    US officials on May 9 disclosed Trump's approval of plans to supply the YPG as it advances toward the Daesh stronghold of Raqqa in Syria.
    Turkey has been a crucial partner in the US-led coalition against Daesh forces. The US alliance with Turkey has proven pivotal in the battle against Daesh in Syria, providing the coalition with access to Turkey's Incirlik air base to wage strikes against the militants.
    Erdogan had pledged to use the White House meeting to try to get Trump to change course on the YPG. Ankara regards the YPG as an extension of the PKK, which has fought an insurgency in southeastern Turkey since 1984 and is considered a terrorist group by the United States, Turkey, and Europe.
    The YPG, or People's Protection Units, effectively serves as the military of the autonomous Kurdish-led regions that emerged in northern Syria with the retreat of state authority in 2011 that accompanied the outbreak of civil war.
    The United States sees the YPG as distinct from the PKK and as a valuable partner in the fight against Daesh.
    'Unbeatable'
    Trump and Erdogan both emphasised the positive. "The relationship that we have together will be unbeatable," Trump said.
    The meeting came amid an uproar in Washington over reports that Trump disclosed sensitive information regarding Daesh to senior Russian officials during a White House meeting last week.
     

    Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) shakes hands with US President Donald Trump as they give statements to reporters in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, US, May 16, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
     
    Trump, who took office in January, has sought to reach out to Erdogan and was criticised by some in the United States for congratulating the Turkish president on his contested win in a referendum on constitutional changes that gave him sweeping new powers.
    The visit was further complicated by Turkey's calls for the United States to take steps to extradite Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen. Erdogan blames Gulen supporters for a failed coup attempt last July and has conducted a crackdown on them, drawing criticism from Washington. Gulen has denied involvement in the coup and remains in the United States.
    The Turkish government has also raised concerns about a US criminal case against Reza Zarrab, a dual Turkish-Iranian national arrested last year and charged with helping Iran process millions of dollar in transactions that violated US sanctions against Tehran.


  24. Waqas Dar
    Alexis Sanchez kept alive Arsenal's fading hopes of qualifying for the Champions League as the Chilean broke Sunderland's stubborn resistance to seal a crucial 2-0 win on Tuesday.
    Arsene Wenger's side were struggling to see off relegated Sunderland until Sanchez came to the rescue with two goals deep into the second half at the Emirates Stadium.
    Despite refusing to sign a new contract, Sanchez remains the only Arsenal player consistently performing at a world-class standard and the former Barcelona forward, playing despite a recent thigh injury, is the sole reason they still have a faint chance of a top-four finish.
    In reality, the fifth-placed Gunners need a miracle to qualify for the Champions League for a 20th successive season.
    Arsenal's sixth win in their last seven games moved them within one point of fourth-placed Liverpool, but there was bad news from Eastlands where Manchester City beat West Bromwich Albion to retain their three-point lead over Wenger's team.
    Arsenal host Everton on Sunday, while Liverpool entertain relegated Middlesbrough and third-placed City travel to Watford.
    If Liverpool win and City avoid defeat, Arsenal will miss out on the Champions League for the first time in two decades, even if they end the season with a victory.
    Wenger's approval ratings are at an all-time low with Arsenal's disenchanted supporters and it will be fascinating to see if he decides to stay if the top four proves beyond reach.
    Wenger had urged fans not to boycott the Sunderland fixture in their latest protest against the Gunners boss, but when the Frenchman emerged from the tunnel before kick-off he was greeted with swathes of empty red seats around the Emirates.
    Sanchez thought he'd given Arsenal an early lead when his 20-yard strike flashed past Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, only for a linesman's flag to curtail his celebrations.
    Olivier Giroud was the culprit after flicking the ball goalwards with his arm, and the Arsenal striker wasted a chance to redeem himself moments later when his close-range effort was pushed away by Pickford.
    Wenger moaned this week that Arsenal's top-four rivals were benefiting from playing teams with their minds already on their holidays, ignoring the fact the Gunners enjoyed victories over a Manchester United side more concerned with the Europa League final and a Stoke team with nothing to play for.
    Sunderland, losers in nine of their last 12 games and relegated last month, were hardly a step up in class.
    Lead balloon

    Yet Arsenal didn't find it easy to kill them off.
    A sharp stop from Pickford prevented Aaron Ramsey converting Mesut Ozil's pass, while Hector Bellerin curled just over before Granit Xhaka's strike skidded wide.
    Never totally convincing at the back, Arsenal were almost breached against the run of play when Didier N'Dong tested Petr Cech, who then had to save from Jermain Defoe.
    That sparked another flurry of Arsenal pressure, but both Bellerin and Ramsey shot into the side-netting, while Rob Holding headed straight at Pickford.
    News of City's goals against West Brom went down like a lead balloon at half-time and Nacho Monreal almost deepened Arsenal's gloom with a comically miscued backpass that had Cech scrambling to keep it out.
    That foreshadowed a nervous period for Arsenal, who looked short of ideas in the final third, and after Giroud glanced a header wide, Wenger sent on Danny Welbeck and Alex Iwobi.
    When the breakthrough finally arrived in the 72nd minute, inevitably it was Sanchez who saved the day, tapping in from virtually on the line after Ozil's pass had unhinged the Sunderland defender.
    Sanchez wasn't finished yet and he doubled Arsenal's lead with a close-range header from Giroud's flick eight minutes later.
    Whether it will be enough to save Arsenal's dispiriting season remains to be seen.


  25. Waqas Dar
    WASHINGTON: The White House was placed on lockdown late on Tuesday after a person attempted to jump over a bike rack used as a barrier along the north fence of the mansion where President Donald Trump lives and works, according to the US Secret Service's official Twitter account.
     
     
    The suspect has been taken into custody, the account added.
     

    A Secret Service officer asks the media to leave the North Lawn in reaction to an apparent fence jumper at the White House in Washington, US, May 16, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts
     

    A Secret Service officer looks out from the roof of the North Portico in reaction to an apparent fence jumper at the White House in Washington, US, May 16, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts
     
    Jeff Mason, Reuters' White House correspondent and president of the White House Correspondents’ Association for the 2016-2017 term, said, "There's been another fence-jumper at the White House, according to an officer near the gates," Express UK reported.
     
     
    Security had been tight for Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's visit earlier in the day, as protesters gathered in front of the White House. Erdogan, however, left before the lockdown.
    "We've had a great relationship and we will make it even better," Trump had said in the joint appearance with Erdogan. His Turkish counterpart, on the other hand, commented that his visit would "mark a historical turn of tide," and hailed "outstanding relations" between the nations.
    The bike rack runs alongside the North Fence Line of Washington, D.C.'s Pennsylvania Avenue – a street linking White House to the Capitol.
    —This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more.


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