Indian censors have refused to certify a documentary film featuring Nobel prize-winning economist Amartya Sen unless words like “cow” and “Hindu India” are beeped out, the director said Wednesday, in the latest dispute involving the sensitive film board. Suman Ghosh, a national award-winning director, said he screened his film “The Argumentative Indian” — adapted from … Read more
Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are to discuss the Qatar crisis, a month after they severed ties with the Gulf state. The meeting of foreign ministers in Cairo comes on the day a deadline expires for Qatar to accept a list of demands or face further sanctions. The demands to Qatar … Read more
Saudi Arabia and three other Arab states have extended the deadline for Qatar to accept a list of demands or face further sanctions by 48 hours. The initial deadline for Qatar to agree to the group’s 13 demands, including the shutting down of the Al Jazeera news network, expired on Sunday. The Gulf state, which … Read more
US President Donald Trump has defended his use of social media in a series of tweets, following a row over comments he made about two MSNBC TV presenters. “My use of social media is not presidential – it’s modern day presidential,” he tweeted on Saturday. Earlier in the week, the president launched a crude personal … Read more
Authorities in a deeply conservative Indian state were accused Wednesday of reinforcing entrenched gender discrimination after describing veiled women as the “pride” of the region. The advertisement sponsored by the government of northern Haryana state featured the image of a woman, her face shrouded by a traditional scarf, with a tagline saying “the veil is … Read more
Saudi Arabia has called time out on new subscriptions to Qatar-linked satellite television network beIn Sports, a major broadcaster of international football across the region. The measure is the latest move against Qatar, after the Gulf kingdom and its allies last week cut diplomatic ties with Doha. Saudi Arabia has suspended subscription sales and renewals, … Read more
An Indian court Wednesday granted bail to four men accused of raping and drugging an American tourist at a New Delhi hotel, the Press Trust of India reported. A judge said the four accused could no longer contribute to the police investigation and served no purpose in custody, PTI reported. They have been ordered not … Read more
Two Chinese fighter jets intercepted an American military plane over the East China Sea, media in the United States have reported, citing US officials. NBC News said the US aircraft, a WC-135 Constant Phoenix, was conducting a routine mission in international airspace Wednesday when it was intercepted over the East China Sea by two Chinese … Read more
An Indian student said Monday she was made to remove her bra in public by school authorities over exam cheating fears, minutes before sitting a crucial test. Authorities issue strict dress codes to tackle widespread cheating on the entrance test for India’s prestigious medical colleges. But there is no mention of bras on this year’s … Read more
Former Fox anchor Bill O’Reilly will receive an exit payout of as much as $25 million after being ousted over sexual harassment allegations, according to American media reports. Fox did not confirm the sum, equal to about a year’s salary for the populist firebrand. O’Reilly, a major draw at the news network favored by conservatives, … Read more
At least 18 people were injured when a bonfire exploded at a carnival held in northern France. The blast occurred at the end of the Yellow Carnaval in Villepinte, north-east of Paris, on Saturday afternoon. Video posted on social media showed the bonfire blowing up seconds after being ignited, sending debris flying. A mother and … Read more
Would you like some fries with that lizard? A pregnant woman in Kolkata in eastern India has complained of finding a lizard in the french fries she bought at her local McDonald’s restaurant. McDonald’s said Friday it was investigating the incident. A picture circulating widely on social media and local news channels showed a tiny … Read more
European-based media and telecom group Altice is launching its i24news channel next week in the United States, underscoring its ambitions as a global television news operation. The i24news channel is set to debut Monday on Altice-operated cable systems, which are available in 20 US states. The move expands the footprint of the company led by … Read more
Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris, who owns 53 percent, would remain the controlling shareholder. Comcast’s NBCUniversal is in exclusive talks to acquire a minority stake in European news network Euronews, Europe’s answer to CNN. Reuters first reported the news, saying NBC News confirmed “discussions” about a “potential investment and collaborative partnership.” Euronews’ supervisory board has asked … Read more