Who is Dominic Raab, the man running the country in Boris Johnson’s absence?

Dominic Raab is deputising for Boris Johnson while he battles coronavirus (PA)

The rapid deterioration of Boris Johnson’s condition as he battles Covid-19 has thrust his de facto deputy Dominic Raab into the spotlight, but who is the man now effectively running the country?

The Foreign Secretary has enjoyed a swift rise to the top. Three years ago he wasn’t even in Cabinet, but the hard-Brexiteer, karate-loving 46-year-old former lawyer has long-been eyeing the top job.

Clearly he would not have wanted it this way, but he will be well-prepared to take on his boss’s responsibilities.

The son of a Czech-born Jewish refugee who fled the Nazis in 1938, Raab become involved in martial arts to help cope with the death of his father from cancer when he was just 12.

“Sport helped restore my confidence, and that hugely benefited my attitude to school and life”, he said last year.

Brought up in Buckinghamshire, he went to Dr Challoner’s Grammar School before studying law at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, where he captained the university karate team and was a boxing blue, and then a Masters at Cambridge, winning the Clive Parry Prize for International Law.

He started his career as an international lawyer at Linklaters in the City, but was also seconded to the human rights NGO Liberty, and worked for one of the principal Palestinian negotiators of the Oslo peace accords.

In 2000 he joined the diplomatic service and was part of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s legal team, and it was there he met his now-wife Erika Ray, a Brazilian marketing executive.

The couple and their two sons, Peter and Joshua, live in Thames Ditton, Surrey.

In 2003 Raab was posted to The Hague and worked to bring war criminals like Radovan Karadzic and Charles Taylor to justice, and ended up defending Tony Blair from a subpoena by the former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milošević.

He caught the eye of Shadow Home Secretary David Davis, who poached him to be his chief of staff in 2006, and three years later he went to work for the then-Shadow Justice Secretary Dominic Grieve, but it soon became clear he was more on the DD wing of the Tory party when it came to the EU.

In 2010 he was elected to the safe Surrey commuter seat of Esher and Walton, but spent the first five years in Parliament on the backbenches, often finding himself at odds with Theresa May - who was then Home Secretary - on the issues of civil liberties.

After David Cameron’s general election victory in 2015, Raab was made a junior minister, and then played a prominent role in the Brexit campaign, but was sacked by Mrs May when she took over in the wake of the EU referendum.

She brought him back as a justice minister a year later, before promoting him to housing minister in January 2018.

He entered Cabinet in July that year after his old mentor Mr Davis quit as Brexit Secretary, but he followed suit after just four months later, saying "in good conscience" he could not support the Northern Irish backstop arrangement in Mrs May's deal.

Some accused him of only taking the role to help sabotage May and boost his career, something his supporters denied, but six months later he was in the running to replace her as PM after she agreed to stand down.

But he finished a disappointing sixth in the leadership contest, getting knocked out in the second ballot after only receiving the support of 30 Tory MPs.

In the following round the man who finished above him, Rory Stewart, lost 10 votes, prompting speculation Johnson’s team may have lent him votes to help eliminate his Brexiteer rival.

Nevertheless, he endorsed Boris as soon as he was eliminated, and seemed destined for a top job in his Cabinet after he defeated Jeremy Hunt in the final round of voting by Tory members.

But it was still a relative surprise to see him made Foreign Secretary, and also designated as First Secretary of State, placing him at the very top of the Cabinet rankings below the PM.

In the short time since he has struggled to make his mark in the FCO, and has faced criticism amid the transatlantic fall-out over the death of British teenager Harry Dunn, but is seen as extremely capable and unflappable, if somewhat of a hard taskmaster.

He has been dogged by accusations of bullying stemming from an incident in 2007, when an employee made a claim against him which went to an employment tribunal, and was settled confidentially.

After details were printed in 2011 by the Mail on Sunday he took the newspaper to court and it was forced to apologise, and last year he said of the incident: “I vigorously denied the claims, which were independently investigated and found to be unsubstantiated.

"The claim that I secured an injunction or any kind of ‘gagging’ order is false.”

He was also loosely entangled in a scandal when his diary secretary was found to have been selling sex on a ‘sugar daddy’ website in 2018, but the most damaging revelation about him from the story was that he eats the same lunch every single day from Pret a Manger.

Ever since then a chicken caesar and bacon baguette, superfruit pot and ‘vitamin volcano’ smoothie combination has been known as the ‘Dom Raab Special’ in Westminster circles, despite his denial he lacks variety in his mealtime habits.

And he has been involved in a few other embarrassing moments, after he said that he "hadn't quite understood the full extent" of how much UK trade relies on the Dover-Calais crossing, and later confusing the Irish Sea with the Red Sea at a select committee hearing.

His comments about feminists - calling them “obnoxious bigots” - have also drawn criticism, including from his old adversary Mrs May, who suggested it was “not the way forward”.

But the focus is a long way from that now as takes on his duties standing in for the PM in the coming days.

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove was quick to point out that Cabinet makes collective decisions, and that Mr Raab will not enjoy the untrammelled power a full-time PM might expect.

The comments were not all that surprising given the pair have a tricky relationship, after Mr Gove’s team blamed the Raab campaign for cocaine use scandal which derailed his own bid to be Tory leader.

The pair must now work closely together to help steer the country’s response to the coronavirus crisis and fill the void left by the PM, but the black-belt third dan is used to fighting his corner.

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But he has continued to anger opponents with some of his comments, in 2020 telling talkRadio's Julia Hartley-Brewer he would only "take the knee" - go down on bended knee - for "the Queen and the Mrs when I asked her to marry me".


Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., vowed to challenge former Vice President Joe Biden on key issues at the upcoming Democratic primary debate as he rejected calls to drop out of the race following a disappointing finish on mini-Super Tuesday.

Sanders told supporters in his home state that he planned to stay in the race and was eager to spar with the front-runner at Sunday's debate in Phoenix.

"Last night was obviously not a good night for our campaign from a delegate point of view," Sanders said. "What became even more apparent yesterday is that while we are currently losing the delegate count . . . we are strongly winning in two enormously important areas, which will determine the future of our country. Poll after poll shows that a strong majority of the American people support our progressive agenda."

Numerous exit polls from Tuesday's races found that a majority of primary voters backed policies like Medicare for All, even in states which backed Biden.

"The American people are deeply concerned about the grotesque level of income inequality in this country and want corporations to start paying their fair share of taxes. Overwhelming support for that," Sanders added. "Even in conservative states like Mississippi, there is an overwhelming understanding that we spend twice as much on health care as any other country. This crisis is becoming more and more obvious to the American people as we face the challenge of the coronavirus pandemic. Imagine facing a pandemic and having 87 million who are having a difficult time going to a doctor when they need it."

"But it is not just the ideological debate that our progressive movement is winning," he continued. "We are winning the generational debate. While Joe Biden continues to do very well with older Americans, especially those above 65, our campaign continues to win the majority of the votes of younger people . . . Not just people in their 20s. People in their 30s and their 40s."

Sanders said that while he is winning the ideological debate, he is losing the "electability debate" as voters who say they agree with him on the issues argue that Biden has a better chance to beat President Donald Trump.

"Needless to say, I strongly disagree with that assertion. But that is what millions of Democrats and independents believe," he said. "On Sunday, I very much look forward to the debate in Arizona with my friend, Joe Biden," he added, vowing to challenge Biden on issues such as climate change, college tuition, criminal justice, health care, immigration and income inequality.

"Today, I say to the Democratic establishment: In order to win in the future, you need to win the voters who represent the future of our country and speak to the issues of concern to them," he said.

"Let me conclude the way I began: Donald Trump must be defeated, and I will do everything in my power to make that happen," he added. "Sunday night, the American people will have the opportunity to see which candidate is best positioned to accomplish that goal."

Sanders' comments came after Biden pitched a message of unity Tuesday to his supporters.

"I want to thank Bernie Sanders and his supporters for their tireless energy and their passion. We share a common goal," he said. "And together, we'll defeat Donald Trump. We'll defeat him together.

Biden extended his delegate lead Tuesday following a dominant performance that saw him win 10 of 14 states last week. Sanders lost Michigan and Missouri by wide margins despite effectively tying Hillary Clinton in those states in 2016. Biden has been buoyed by overwhelming support from older and black voters, while Sanders' young supporters have not turned out at the rate necessary to mitigate Biden's advantage among more reliable voting blocs.

Some of Biden's supporters called on Sanders to quit the race Tuesday.

Democratic strategist James Carville argued that Democrats "can't diss" the majority of voters who backed Biden and "want to shut this thing down."

"Let's shut this puppy down, and let's move on and worry about November," he said on MSNBC. "This thing is decided. There's no reason to keep it going not even a day longer."

Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., went a step further and argued that the Democratic National Committee should "step in" to cancel future debates.

"I think when the night is over, Joe Biden will be the prohibitive favorite to win the Democratic nomination . . . If the night ends the way it has begun," it is time to "shut this primary down," Clyburn told NPR.

Sunday's debate will be held without a live audience due to precautions amid the spread of the coronavirus. Both candidates have also canceled rallies in upcoming primary states as the threat posed by the virus threatens to upend the race entirely, possibly making it more difficult for Sanders to gain ground.

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Wash., the co-chair of Sanders' campaign, told CNN that Sanders "earned his right to make his case at the debate."

"There's no doubt that the polling and momentum right now is with Vice President Biden, and Sen. Sanders acknowledges that. But he does believe that debates in the past have changed, dramatically, the race," he said. "There are a lot of things he is passionate about in his vision for America, and he feels he owes it to the millions of working-class people who have supported him to continue to raise those issues and share his vision."

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) vowed Wednesday to stay in the 2020 Democratic presidential race despite a dismal showing in key states Tuesday night, adding that he “looks forward” to debating former Vice President Joe Biden on Sunday.

“Last night, obviously, was not a good night for our campaign from a delegate point of view,” Sanders told reporters in a brief address from Burlington, Vermont. “We lost in the largest state up for grabs yesterday, the state of Michigan. We lost in Mississippi, Missouri, and Idaho.”

Biden decisive primary victories in Michigan, Missouri, Idaho and Mississippi Tuesday night helped expand his delegate lead to 160. As of Wednesday morning before the news conference, Biden was leading Sanders in the delegate count 857 to 709.


news, local-news,

Rio Tinto has broadened its COVID-19 screening measures in WA by introducing rapid screening for its fly-in-fly-out workforce at Busselton, Geraldton and Albany airports. The rapid screening, which started at Busselton on Friday May 1, 2020, will be rolled out at Geraldton and Albany in coming weeks, will mirror the five-layer rapid COVID-19 process successfully introduced at Perth Airport last month. Approximately 900 Rio Tinto FIFO employees and contractors are expected to commute from Busselton, Geraldton and Albany to operations in the Pilbara every fortnight. Those traveling have been asked to arrive at least 30 minutes earlier than they normally would arrive to allow for the screening process. Trained medical staff manage the COVID-19 screening process which is overseen by Rio Tinto's occupational physician, who is also overseeing a comprehensive research program into COVID-19 screening outcomes. The rapid screening process includes an online and face-to-face health questionnaire, a temperature check and the rapid finger pinprick blood screen to detect viral-related antibodies that is performed by a qualified nurse. The blood sample is not a diagnostic test for COVID-19. If the blood screen is clear, a coloured wristband is given to confirm the person has been screened and can board their flight. Anyone identified as requiring further testing will not be allowed to depart and will be directed to undertake a diagnostic test for COVID-19 at an approved clinic. About 100 jobs have been created to help facilitate Rio Tinto's screening process at Perth, Busselton, Albany and Geraldton airports. This includes the hiring of out-of-work nurses impacted by restrictions on elective surgery at WA hospitals. More than 8000 Rio Tinto FIFO workers and contractors have now been through the rapid COVID-19 screening process since its introduction at Perth Airport last month. Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive officer Chris Salisbury said their number one priority was to protect the health of their employees and communities where they operated and that's why they have expanded their screening efforts to include important regional hubs like Busselton. "The broader roll-out of our layered screening process to other regional airports such as Geraldton and Albany will allow us to continue operating safely and, importantly, making a strong contribution to Western Australian communities," he said. "Since the introduction at Perth Airport last month, rapid screening has proven to be an effective tool enabling the quick identification of people who may be at increased risk of having a viral illness prior to getting on a plane and arriving at a site in the Pilbara." Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said it was clearly in the state and region's interest that the mining industry continued to operate during this period and a significant factor in ensuring this is to provide all possible protections to their critical workforce. "Rapid screening has a key role to play in ensuring the travelling workforce is maintained," she said. "Last month I wrote to the Minister for Health advocating in support of this private screening and it is fantastic to see it being expanded in the region, and across other regions as well."

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Rio Tinto enhances COVID-19 screening at Busselton Margaret River Airport

Rio Tinto is set to introduce coronavirus screening measures to three additional Western Australian airports: Busselton, Geraldton and Albany.

The rapid screening process applies to fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers and started at Busselton Airport last Friday.

Rio Tinto plans to roll out the same process at Geraldton and Albany airports in coming weeks after a successful five-layer screening process which has been in place at Perth Airport since last month.

The Busselton, Geraldton and Albany airports are some of the company’s busiest transport hubs, with 900 FIFO workers expected to pass through the airports every fortnight.

Rio Tinto now requires its FIFO workers to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure times to allow for the screening, which is overseen by the company’s occupational physician.

It includes online and face to face health questionnaires, temperature checks and a rapid finger prick blood screen that’s performed by a nurse to detect viral antibodies.

While this is not a diagnostic test for coronavirus, the employee will be given a coloured wrist band to confirm that their blood screen is clear and they can board the flight.

Anyone requiring further testing will not be allowed to depart and will be forwarded on to an approved coronavirus clinic to take a diagnostic test.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Chris Salisbury said the company’s top priority was protecting its employees’ health as well as the communities where it operated, which was why the company had expanded the screening to include its important regional hubs.

“Since the introduction at Perth Airport last month, rapid screening has proven to be an effective tool enabling quick identification of people who may be at increased risk of having a viral illness prior to getting on a plane and arriving at a site in the Pilbara,” Salisbury said.

“The broader roll-out of our layered screening process to other regional airports such as Geraldton and Albany will allow us to continue operating safely and importantly, making a strong contribution to Western Australian communities.”

More than 8000 Rio Tinto’s FIFO employees and contractors have been through the screening process in the past month.

The introduction of screening processes at Busselton, Geraldton and Albany are also expected to create around 100 jobs, including nurses who may be out of work due to elective surgery restrictions during the pandemic.


Reminder that the only acceptable replacements are lesbians. Even the Canadian version followed this rule.

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claire balding is the last middle aged lesbian presenter that hasn't done it and she is more concerned with sports so it's not looking great

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I can't stand Clare Balding and her obsession with horse racing

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Get Susan Calman on it!

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Ugh the Canadian hosts were so grating. Bring me Dan levy

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Rosie Jones. get that lesbian and disability representation in and shed wipe the floor with them comically

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Gina Yashere

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this is so sad! i wonder who they'll get to replace her!

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Noel better not leave!! I was CRUSHED when Mel and Sue left but I've warmed up to Sandi and Noel :(

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omg is JVN going to host in her place

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No offense to them, but please no.

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nnnnooooo

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I WANT IT TO BE TRUE

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Please no.

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I feel like this must be a joke. He isn't even British!

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This is hilarious

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no thank you.

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I never bothered to watch this once it switched to Channel 4, but I love GBBO.

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Richard Ayoede, now is your chance to shine!

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i WISH

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Oh that would be perfect!

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That is the only acceptable substitution unless Mel and Sue are both brought back.

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lmao honestly if it can't be a lesbian, i would be ok with this

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I think he'd be brilliant (I can just imagine the awkward chats with various contestants) but I just can't see him going for it.

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He is no longer doing that. some new comedian has taken over.

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Oh my godddddd

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came in here just for this!

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I didn't finish the last season because I got upset when Helena was eliminated but I was hoping to see both again on the next one. I'm more of a Noel fan but I also liked Sandy a lot more than the previous two.

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Oh so bummed, I love Noel & Sandi together. I actually prefer this lineup to the OGs.

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I totally agree. The first few episodes I wasn’t sold, but I adore the two of them now.

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Same. It took me a while to warm up to them tho.

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I prefer them too, I’m so sad

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I’d swap Paul out and take Mary to partner Prue.

Edited at 2020-01-17 09:17 pm (UTC)

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Oh man I love her and Noel together :(

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Just hurry up with getting the latest season over here, the national edition is mediocre.

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Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ

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I'll take Richard Ayoade or another lesbian. No other.

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Get rid of the two comedians. I don't see the point of them in the first place. I watch to see the amateurs cook, not a couple of non-funny people get in the way and make jokes.

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That would be boring.

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The hosts actually do a lot of stuff during filming that viewers don't get to see, like provide moral support to the contestants. We started to see more of this with Sandi and Noel but almost never with Mel and Sue because one of them would start cursing to the camera while the other talked the contestant off a cliff (the BBC couldn't air any of this footage because of the cursing).

I'll admit that sometimes the hosts' jokes are bad but GBBO would be missing something without its hosts.

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I loved that about Mel and Sue, they were really protective of the contestants.

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The other trick they used was singing copyrighted songs because they knew the producers wouldn't pay to use the songs on air.

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Aw no, I like them. The jokes are corny af, but I like their little convos with the contestants.

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no this is a bad idea

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Every time I try to watch the post Mel/Sue seasons I make it maybe 30 minutes in and give up

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Great British Bake Off bosses have released a statement which appears to confirm the reason Sandi Toksvig quit her presenting role

Great British Bake Off bosses hint at real reason why Sandi Toksvig quit as presenter

Great British Bake Off bosses have released a statement which hints at Sandi Toksvig's real reason for quitting the show.

The 61-year-old broadcaster has hosted the Channel 4 series alongside Noel Fielding for three years, but stunned fans today by declaring she is stepping down.

The producers paid tribute to Sandi, thanking her for her hard work on the show and telling her she would be missed.

Ian Katz, Director of Programmes at Channel 4, revealed she actually has upcoming voiceover projects in the pipeline with the network.

”Sandi is a huge part of why Bake Off’s move to Channel 4 has been such a success and we are immensely grateful for her contribution to the show," he said in his statement.

Image: Channel 4) Channel 4)

"We will miss her warmth and wit, not to mention her endless willingness to be the butt of jokes about being the least tall person in the Bake Off tent.

"Fortunately, her unique voice will continue to have an important presence on the Channel with new shows in development - none of which involve cake.”

Meanwhile, Chief Creative Officer and Executive Producer for Love Productions, Richard McKerrow, said: “We’ll always be incredibly grateful to Sandi for becoming one of the hosts of Bake Off when we moved to Channel 4, along with Noel, Paul and Prue.

Image: Love Productions) Love Productions)

"She has contributed hugely to Bake Off over the last three years, with her sharp witty sense of humour and her passionate commitment to the dozens of bakers during her time in the tent.

"We wish her all the very best on the exciting projects she is currently working on and beyond.”

In a statement revealing her departure, Sandi, 61, said she was leaving on good terms to focus on her other work.

Image: PA) PA)

Breaking the news on Twitter , Sandi told fans: "When stepping down from a job it is quite common for people to say they are doing so in order to spend more time with their family.

"Unusually I am departing from the Great British Bake Off so I can spend more time with my other work.

"As my waistline will testify, Bake Off is an all-consuming show."

Image: Love Productions) Love Productions)

She then praised her co-stars judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood and her fellow host Noel.

Sandi said: "Spending time with Prue, Paul and Noel has been one of the great pleasures of my life.

"These are friendships which I know will continue beyond the confines of television.

Image: BBC) BBC)

"Bake Off is a wonderful programme which has already proved it can happily withstand a change of hosting personnel.

"The reason for that, of course, is that the true stars of the show are the bakers themselves. I wish everyone well.”

Current bookies favourite to replace Sandi is past winner Nadiya Hussain.


Crosses last fiscal’s figure with 67 days to spare this year

Crosses last fiscal’s figure with 67 days to spare this year

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has increased its share of the first-year premium income in the first nine months of this fiscal. LIC’s share rose to 70.52% from 66.24% recorded in 2018-19.

“During the current fiscal, our market share improved in terms of first-year premium income. We have crossed last year’s collection of ₹1,42,000 crore in total first-year premium, 67 days ahead of the schedule,” Mukesh Kumar Gupta, managing director, LIC, said.

LIC also crossed ₹1 lakh crore in first year premium in the Pension and Group Insurance vertical for the first time. Mr. Gupta added that the insurance major had ₹32 lakh crore in assets and ₹29 lakh crore in investment. Recently, it had paid dividend of ₹2,611 crore to the Centre.

As of December, LIC had posted a growth of 17.81% in number of policies sold and 45.56% in first year premium income.

According to Mr. Gupta, LIC had set itself a target of ₹56,000 crore in individual business premium and ₹1.25 lakh crore for the pension and group insurance scheme for FY20. Together with renewal income of about ₹2 lakh crore, LIC would be gunning for the ₹4 lakh crore-mark this fiscal, he said. For FY21, LIC plans to increase the number of insurance agents from 12 lakh to 15 lakh. In this regard, it had already recruited officers and development officers. About 8,000 assistant officers would be placed soon.

On NPAs, he added that LIC’s net non-performing asset (NPA) ratio stood at 1% for the current fiscal, despite major defaults by some corporate borrowers. “We are doing well on all counts. Most loans are given through consortium and the consortium partners are working on it,” he said. Asked about the recovery mechanism, he said: “Provisions have been fully made and efforts are on to recover bad debts. ”

On banking subsidiary IDBI Bank, he expressed optimism that it would come out of the Prompt Corrective Action framework by March 2020. It had ‘already started showing some green shoots’, he said.

Move will bring in better financial discipline among entities, according to Finance Minister

BL 26-11-2010 MUMBAI: LIC employees coming out LIC Building as there was bomb hoax, while Police sniffer dogs and bomb squad in action at the building in Mumbai on Friday. Pioc by SHASHI ASHIWAL

Move will bring in better financial discipline among entities, according to Finance Minister

In a major announcement during her Budget 2020 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamam said State-owned Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) was set to go public. Ms. Sitharaman on Saturday said the Narendra Modi government plans to sell a part of its stake in the entity through an initial public offering (IPO) and raise funds.

Sitharaman, however, did not give details such as what percentage of holding would be sold or when it would take place. Listing of companies on stock exchanges “discipline a company and provides access to financial markets and unlocks its value. It also gives (an) opportunity for retail investors to participate in the wealth so created,” she said.

The government owns 100% stake in LIC, which was set up in 1956 and remains the country’s largest state-run insurer. LIC increased its share of the first-year premium income in the first nine months of this fiscal, rising to 70.52% from 66.24% recorded in 2018-19. According to Bloomberg estimates, its assets roughly equal $433 billion (over ₹30 lakh crore).

The Economic Survey 2020 has aggressively pitched for divestment in public sector undertakings (PSUs). The latest development comes close on the heels of the Union government’s announcement Monday to invite bids for 100% stake sale of national carrier Air India.


Saudi Arabia will enforce a round-the-clock nationwide curfew during the five-day Eid al-Fitr holiday later this month to fight the coronavirus, the interior ministry said Tuesday, as infections spike.

The kingdom, which has reported the highest number of virus cases in the Gulf region, is scrambling to limit the spread of the deadly disease.

A full lockdown will be reimposed around the country from May 23-27, the ministry said in a statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency. The period coincides with the Muslim festival that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

Most parts of the kingdom were put under full lockdown following the outbreak, but last month the government relaxed the curfew between the hours of 9am and 5pm.

Malls and retailers have been allowed to reopen, except in major hotspots including the holy city of Mecca -- where confirmed cases have soared, despite a stringent lockdown.

The health ministry said Tuesday the number of COVID-19 deaths had risen to 264 and confirmed infections to 42,925, while 15,257 people have recovered.

In March, Saudi Arabia suspended the year-round "umrah" pilgrimage over fears of the disease spreading in Islam's holiest cities.

Authorities are yet to announce whether they will proceed with this year's hajj -- scheduled for late July -- but they have urged Muslims to temporarily defer preparations for the annual pilgrimage.

Last year, some 2.5 million faithful travelled to Saudi Arabia from across the world to participate in the hajj, which Muslims are obliged to perform at least once during their lifetime.

The Arab world's biggest economy has also closed cinemas and restaurants and halted flights as it attempts to contain the virus.

King Salman has warned of a "more difficult" fight ahead against COVID-19, as the kingdom faces the double blow of virus-led shutdowns and crashing oil prices.

RIYADH (Dispatches) – Saudi Arabia will enforce a countrywide 24-hour curfew during the five-day Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday later this month due to the coronavirus.A full lockdown will be imposed from May 23 to 27 following the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, the interior ministry said in a statement published by the official Saudi Press Agency.Until then, commercial and business enterprises will remain open as they now are and people can move freely between 9am local time (06:00 GMT) and 5pm, except in the holy city of Mecca which remains under a full curfew, the statement said.The kingdom, which has reported the highest number of coronavirus cases in the Persian Gulf region, is scrambling to limit the spread of the deadly disease.On Tuesday, the health ministry said the number of COVID-19 deaths had risen to 264 and confirmed 42,925 infections.Saudi Arabia had earlier imposed 24-hour curfews on most towns and cities but eased them last month for the start of Ramadan.Shopping centers and retailers were allowed to reopen, except in major hotspots including Mecca - where confirmed case numbers have soared, despite a stringent lockdown.In March, Saudi Arabia suspended the year-round Umrah pilgrimage over fears of the disease spreading in Islam’s holiest cities.Authorities are yet to announce whether they will proceed with this year’s Hajj - scheduled for late July - but they have urged Muslims to temporarily defer preparations for the annual pilgrimage.Last year, some 2.5 million faithful travelled to Saudi Arabia from across the world to participate in the Hajj, which Muslims are obliged to perform at least once during their lifetime if possible.The Arab world’s biggest economy has also closed cinemas and restaurants and halted flights as it attempts to contain the virus.King Salman has warned of a ‘more difficult’ fight ahead against COVID-19, as the kingdom faces the double blow of virus-led shutdowns and crashing oil prices.


Brunette bombshell Ana Cheri gave her 12.4 million followers something to get excited about with her latest Instagram update. The photo showed her scantily clad in a cheetah-print bikini that left little to the imagination.

The top of Ana's swimsuit tied around her neck. The narrow cups barely covered the middle of her breasts, leaving plenty of her voluptuous chest exposed. The bottoms were just as skimpy and featured thin straps tied into bows that sat low on her hips and highlighted her curves.

Ana did not indicate where she was in the snapshot, but she seemed to be somewhere on a secluded area of a beach that had a wooden swing set situated in shallow water. Behind her, the turquoise water met the blue sky on the horizon.

While the scenery might have been stunning, Ana was definitely the focal point of the snap. She stood in knee-high water next to the swing set and struck a sexy pose. With one arm on a pole and the other in her hair, she raised one knee and flaunted all of her curves. Along with her ample chest, her hourglass shape, flat abs, and toned thighs were prominent in the photo.

Ana looked like she had just come out of the water after a swim. Her wet skin glistened in the sunlight and her soaked hair fell in waves over one shoulder. She smiled and lifted her face toward the sun. Her eyes were closed, revealing a shimmery bronze eye shadow. She wore blush on the apples of her cheeks and a rose shade on her lips. She added a bit of bling to her sexy look with hoop earrings and a dainty necklace.

In the caption, Ana wrote she was headed to Mexico.

Many of her followers raved over how sexy she looked in the snapshot.

"Ana you're the must [sic] beautiful Latin diva on social media!" gushed one Instagram user.

"You look amazing and gorgeous," wrote a second follower.

Some of her admirers expressed that they were dumbfounded.

"Wow! I'm trying to come up with a comment and all I've got is Wow!" a third fan gushed.

"My God such a angel on earth. Speechless," complimented a fourth follower.

Brunette bombshell Ana Cheri knows how to get the attention of her 12.4 million followers. Most of the time that involves baring lots of skin. In her latest Instagram update, the beauty teased fans by giving them a flash of cleavage when she unzipped her workout bra in a flirty video.

Ana's clip showed her modeling several workout bras and a pair of yoga pants from her clothing line, Cheri Fit. The video captured her body from her hips up as she stood near a wall covered with floral wallpaper.

The first portion of the video proved to be the most sexy as she lowered the zipper on her black bra while flashing a smile at the camera. Before the zipper came undone, she quickly closed it up. She then lifted her hair, spun around, and gave followers a look at the back of the bra. Ana swayed her hips back and forth before the clip jumped to her wearing a different bra. It showed her backside for a few seconds before she turned around and faced the front.

The video continued in the same fashion, showing the beauty in a variety of bras in colors that included red and pink. All of them showed off her cleavage and hourglass shape as she struck several coy poses. At one point in the clip, she playfully held a rose and waved it at the camera. The clip ended showing Ana wearing a pink, long-sleeved crop top.

As for makeup, Ana's eyes were framed with dark brows, smoky eye shadow and thick lashes. She also wore a rose gloss on her lips.

In the caption, she announced that Cheri Fit was having a sale on tops for Valentine's Day.

Many of her fans wished her a happy holiday, while others showered her with compliments.

"Wow your [sic] just so beautiful," one admirer told her.

"Absolutely gorgeous in every way," said a second follower.

"Omg love this and you girl," a third Instagram user wrote.

"Wow you are the perfect woman," commented a fourth fan.


The Allahabad High Court has ruled that under special circumstances, a person apprehending arrest can move a high court directly seeking anticipatory bail without approaching a sessions court first.

A five-judge bench of the Allahabad High Court on Monday ruled that it is not mandatory that while filling an anticipatory bail under Section 438 of CrPC, an applicant must approach the sessions court first and on rejection of the plea move to the high court.

The bench comprising Chief Justice Govind Mathur and justices Ramesh Sinha, Sunita Agarwal, Yashwant Verma and Rahul Chaturvedi observed,"Section 438 CrPC on its plain terms does not mandate or require a party to first approach the sessions court before applying to the high court for grant of anticipatory bail."

The matter came before the bench after reference by a single judge of the court in a case related to a plea of a man named Vinod Kumar.

The single judge had referred the matter to the larger bench asking, "Whether the Court would have no jurisdiction to reject the anticipatory bail after considering the grounds of compelling reasons mentioned in the affidavit being found not appealing, which would amount nothing but to approach this Court directly."

The larger bench was of the view, "We would consequently answer the reference by holding that the decision in Vinod Kumar does not merit any reconsideration or explanation. As rightly held in that decision, there can be no exhaustive or general exposition of circumstances in which an applicant may be held entitled to approach the high court directly."The bench further said that the special circumstances must be left for the consideration of the judge before whom the petition is placed and a decision thereon taken bearing in mind the facts and circumstances of that particular cause.

"However, special circumstances must necessarily exist and be established as such before the jurisdiction of the high court is invoked," it said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

‘Case doesn’t merit any explanation’

ALLAHABAD: A five-judge bench of Allahabad HC on Monday ruled it's not mandatory to approach the sessions court first, before moving the HC for anticipatory bail.The bench comprising Chief Justice Govind Mathur , Justice Ramesh Sinha , Justice Sunita Agarwal, Justice Yashwant Verma and Justice Rahul Chaturvedi observed, "Section 438 of CrPC does not mandate or require an individual to be relegated to the sessions court before being granted the right of audience before high court." Now, a person can directly move HC and file an anticipatory bail plea. Those who move sessions court and their plea is rejected can appeal before HC.The matter came up before a larger bench after reference by a single judge, disagreeing with the judgment passed in the case of one Vinod Kumar.The five-judge bench was of view that “we would consequently answer the reference by holding that the decision in the Vinod Kumar case does not merit reconsideration or explanation. There can be no exhaustive exposition of circumstances in which an applicant may be held entitled to approach the high court directly. The court would err in attempting to draw a uniform code ordictum that may guide the exercise of discretion vested in the court. The discretion left unfettered by the legislature must be recognised. The contingencies spelled out in Vinod Kumar case as illustrative of special circumstances may, where duly established, constitute the ground to petition high court directly.”


CHARLESTON, S.C. — Presidential candidate Tom Steyer says he is hoping that when Democrats meet on a debate stage Tuesday, they focus less on arguing over nondisclosure agreements and personal wealth, and more on taking on President Donald Trump. The investor and activist qualified for the 10th Democratic debate after increasing his poll numbers in South Carolina, which holds its primary Saturday.

Steyer’s comment highlights the backlash faced by the other billionaire Democratic candidate in the race, Michael Bloomberg, over his history of having at least three former female employees sign nondisclosure agreements related to alleged offensive comments he made. During the last debate, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., pointedly criticized Bloomberg for the agreements and accused him of buying his way onto the stage through a blitz of political advertising.

Steyer, who didn’t qualify for the last debate, told the PBS NewsHour that spending time discussing nondisclosure agreements are a distraction.

“The attitude you have towards women matters,” Steyer said. “If you could show that there was something really wrong, that really matters. But something that says, ‘There could have been something wrong,’ and they have a nondisclosure agreement– I don’t think that rises to the level of a presidential debate.”

READ MORE: 6 takeaways from the Las Vegas Democratic debate

Steyer said he felt that Trump “won” the last debate because “people spent their time talking about minor, irrelevant points to try and tear each other down, when in fact the real question is, what you are going to do for the American people that’s different and better?”

After Steyer poured millions of dollars of his own personal wealth into running ads and hiring campaign staff in South Carolina, he said he, too, expects to be attacked by some candidates over his affluence.

“I’m not going to apologize for being a success,” Steyer said. “If I were a person who is totally self-absorbed and selfish, then I’d have something to be embarrassed about. I’m not embarrassed about starting a business, succeeding in a business and using everything I can to try and work for the American people. That’s exactly what I’m doing.”

Early on in its history, his hedge fund invested in fossil fuels and private prisons– two sectors criticized by many Democrats. When asked if those investments were a mistake, Steyer affirmed that it was, and that he had corrected it on his own by disinvesting in those industries. “I really care about these issues,” he said, adding that attacks based on that history “are low political blows.”

A poll released Monday by NBC news and Marist shows former Vice President Joe Biden leading in South Carolina with 27 percent of support. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, currently seen as the Democratic front-runner, is just four points behind. Steyer is in third place with 15 percent.

WATCH: Buttigieg vows to focus on diversity ahead of South Carolina

To Steyer, criticism of his spending in South Carolina is offensive to the black voters who make up the majority of Democratic primary voters in the state — and with whom he has made inroads.

“We’re out here renting rooms and hiring people to work,” Steyer said of his campaign operation. “Every time somebody hires a black person and they go into a community, somehow that’s buying influence. No one ever says that when you go and hire white people.”

Steyer said that “the implication is that black people are there to be bought and that we’re trying to do it, that’s not true,” he said. “That’s what you do when you organize politically. You get people from the community, you hire staff in the community so you can work in the community.”

CHARLESTON, S.C. ― Bernie Sanders finally got the front-runner treatment at Tuesday’s Democratic presidential debate, a combative and messy affair that put his rivals’ urgency on display as polls show the Vermont senator solidifying his support in South Carolina and in other states across the country.

After skating by largely unchallenged in last week’s debate in Las Vegas, Sanders drew repeated attacks over his past votes against gun control, the feasibility and cost of his proposals, what his nomination might mean for down-ballot Democrats running for office in November, reports that Russia might favor his campaign, his comments about Fidel Castro’s Cuba, and his opposition to eliminating the filibuster.

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But with Super Tuesday and its many key primaries only a week away, Sanders’ rivals may have waited too long to challenge him onstage and in television ads across the country. And as much as they tried to focus on Sanders, they couldn’t resist getting distracted by squabbling among themselves.

Candidates participate in the Democratic presidential primary debate at the Gaillard Center on Feb. 25, 2020, in Charleston, South Carolina. AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), for example, decided to run over former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg one more time, calling him out for supporting Republicans for Senate, including in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and her own state of Massachusetts. And she again excoriated the billionaire self-funder over his alleged treatment of his former female employees.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, meanwhile, went after billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer, who is threatening Biden’s support from Black voters in South Carolina. Biden whacked Steyer over his hedge fund’s millions of dollars of investments in the nation’s leading private prison corporation.

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But it was Sanders who drew most of the attacks on Tuesday, as he noted onstage.

“I’m hearing my name mentioned a little bit tonight. I wonder why,” the senator quipped at one point.

In a shift, Warren launched her most direct attacks on Sanders yet. The two progressive champions have largely avoided going after each other in the 2020 race, but her path forward after South Carolina’s primary on Saturday is far less secure than that of Sanders.

The Massachusetts senator called out Sanders early on in the debate, saying she would “make a better president than Bernie” because of how she handled questions about “Medicare for All” and its implementation.

“It’s going to take someone to dig into the details to make it happen,” Warren said of her ‘Medicare for All’ plan, voicing frustration at the reaction from Sanders’ campaign. “I dug in, did the work, and Bernie’s team trashed me for it.”

Bloomberg whacked Sanders over reports that Russia is trying to help his campaign. “That’s why Russia is helping you get elected, so you’ll lose to [Donald Trump],” he said. But the senator gave as good as he got, criticizing Bloomberg over his past praise of China’s President Xi Jinping.

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“I’m not a good friend of President Xi of China,” Sanders said. “I think President Xi is an authoritarian leader, and let me tell Mr. Putin, who tried to interfere in the 2016 election and tried to pit Americans against each other: Hey, Mr. Putin, if I’m president, trust me, you won’t interfere with any more elections.”

Biden slammed Sanders for past votes against gun control measures in the 1990s, including the Brady Act, which mandated federal background checks and a waiting period for some handgun purchases. Though Sanders now supports gun control measures, Biden said the 2015 church massacre in Charleston, which took place mere feet away from the debate stage, may have not have happened if stricter gun control measures were in place.

“I’m not saying he’s responsible for the nine deaths,” Biden said of Sanders, “but that man would not be able to get that weapon without a waiting period,” he added, referring to the shooter.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, the other moderates in the race, hit Sanders over the cost of his health care and economic proposals.

“The math does not add up,” Klobuchar said of Sanders’ plans.

Buttigieg, meanwhile, argued that nominating a self-described Democratic socialist would hurt Democrats’ chances at flipping the Senate and defending their House majority in November.

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“Let’s do some math ... It adds up to four more years of Donald Trump,” Buttigieg warned about a potential Sanders nomination.

He also pressed Sanders on the filibuster and his opposition to rewriting the Senate’s longstanding supermajority rule on legislation. “How are we going to deliver a revolution if you won’t even support a rule change?” Buttigieg asked.

Warren piled on, saying that “people like Bernie” have “given a veto” to the pharmaceutical and insurance industries by refusing to call for an end to the filibuster.

Sanders didn’t give an inch, staying on-message as he has in past debates. He said he would pay for his proposals through a tax on the wealthiest Americans, as well as some tax increases on the middle class he said would be offset by lower health care costs. The biggest misconception about his campaign, he added, is that “the ideas I’m talking about are radical. They’re not.”

The senator also defended his recent comments in which he praised aspects of Fidel Castro’s government in Cuba. “I have opposed authoritarian governments all over the world,” Sanders said Tuesday, arguing that they deserved praise when they do something right.

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It’s not clear if Tuesday’s unorganized assault on Sanders will be enough to deny his path to the Democratic nomination, however. With the moderate lane in the race split between several candidates, Sanders is currently projected to take a huge lead in the delegate-rich Super Tuesday states ― a lead that may be irreversible after next week.

Sanders’ campaign summed up the decidedly chaotic debate with an email subject line that will only help his cause with his most ardent supporters: “US against everyone.”


In light of the current pandemic, we are all stuck indoors, putting on hold our regular routines and, of course, our salon appointments. Summer can be a tricky time and if you are lamenting over skincare woes, step into your kitchen and take out that bottle of honey; we’ll tell you what you can do next.

Honey and cinnamon mask

The lemon and honey paste can work wonders for your skin. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock) The lemon and honey paste can work wonders for your skin. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)

Take two tablespoons of honey, squeeze a bit of lemon and add one teaspoon of cinnamon. Apply this mask on your face for 10 minutes and see the difference for yourself. It will help in reducing inflammation and lighten dark spots. The antioxidant quality of honey is very useful.

Honey and banana mask

Remove blemishes with this face mask. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock) Remove blemishes with this face mask. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Take one banana, add one tablespoon of honey and some lemon juice. Apply it on your face for a few minutes and once it’s washed off, you will notice how the dark spots have become considerably lighter.

Honey and yogurt mask

The origin of creamy and tangy yogurt is still unknown. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock) The origin of creamy and tangy yogurt is still unknown. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Take one tablespoon of honey and mix it with two tablespoons of yogurt. Make it into a paste and apply in on your face. Keep it for 15-20 minutes and then wash it with warm water.

Honey and strawberries mask

Take three strawberries and one tablespoon of sugar. Make it into a paste and apply on your skin and rub gently. The mask helps a great deal in exfoliating the skin and even prevents acne breakouts.

Which mask are you trying?

Do you have a coffee maker at home? Chances are you may have only used to it to make coffee, as you should, because you have purchased it for the exact purpose. But did you know that there are many other interesting ways in which you can use the appliance? Wondering what they are? Read on.

Boiling eggs

Yes, it is possible! There is no need to think about any other way to boil eggs when you have a coffee maker at home. All you have to do is put the eggs in the decanter and add some water to it. When you set the timer, make sure the eggs are completely submerged. Let it sit for 10-12 minutes, then take them out and put them in cold water. Easy, right?

You can utilise the basket at the top of the coffee maker to steam vegetables. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock) You can utilise the basket at the top of the coffee maker to steam vegetables. (Source: Getty/Thinkstock)

Ramen preparation

Craving noodles? Now make that in the coffee machine, too. For this, you will need to put the dried noodles in the coffee pot and brew. You can also add the flavour or anything else, and then wait for a few minutes for your meal to get ready. This can be especially handy when you are at a hotel.

Steaming vegetables

Have you noticed the basket at the top of the coffee maker? Well, you can utilise it to steam vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. Just chop the veggies you want to steam, and put them inside the basket, where ground coffee is kept. Brew to maximum amount possible, of cups of water, and then enjoy your steamed vegetable.

ALSO READ | Make kitchen time more interesting using these microwave hacks

Hot chocolate

Fill the decanter with heavy cream, almost half of it, and throw in some chocolate chips. Next, you must brew two cups of water and let it sit, while stirring it now and then. If you are trying to melt chocolate, you can do that, too, in no time using the coffee maker. Just place the chocolate on a metal cup over the heat plate.


The Abia state police command has vowed to disrupt the funeral of the parents of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), if members of the group showed up.

Ene Okon, Abia commissioner of police, said the burial of Eze Kanu and his wife, king and queen of Afaraukwu, will not take place with the presence of IPOB members.

Okon who said this while speaking with The Sun, said he had informed the traditional prime minister of Afaraukwu that the police would provide security for the burial if only IPOB members do not show up.

“I have already reached out to the traditional prime minister of Afaraukwu (Nnamdi Kanu’s community) and told him that if they want the burial to go smoothly and for police to give them security, they should tell IPOB not to near the area not to talk of participating in the burial,” he said.

Read Also: IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu To Attend Parents Burial

“If they fail to adhere to what we’ve told them, that means they do not want the burial to go on smoothly because we are going to scatter the place. IPOB is proscribed by the federal government. I, as the commissioner of police in Abia cannot sit here and allow any proscribed group to operate anywhere in this state.

“I am saying this again for emphasis that there is no way police will allow a proscribed group to participate in the burial of the king and queen of Afaraukwu simply because they are the parents of their acclaimed leader, we will not allow that and we cannot take anything for granted in the face of abundant intelligence on threat by IPOB.”

The CP said members can attend the event individually, but that the police would react if IPOB flag, insignia or any form of identification is seen.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has hinted at not returning to Nigeria for his parents’ funeral scheduled ...

Nnamdi Kanu, leader the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has hinted at not returning to Nigeria for his parents’ funeral scheduled for Friday.

In a broadcast via London-based Radio Biafra at the weekend, the IPOB leader said he is monitoring developments on the event in Abia state from abroad.

Kanu also said the ceremony would be broadcast live.

The IPOB leader has been on the run since 2017 when soldiers raided his father’s residence in Abia.

IPOB was later declared a terrorist group, and a federal high court in Abuja, where Kanu was being tried for alleged treason, ordered his arrest after he jumped bail.

Reacting to the police’ statement that they would disrupt the burial ceremony if IPOB members attend the event, Kanu said the “whole world will be watching” on that day.

“Instead of them to be remorseful for causing the death of my father and mother, all they are saying is we will come and shoot at people that attend the burial,” he said.

“They should come and shoot; our CCTV is there live… so that when it starts, they won’t deny it.

“It will be relayed live so that when our people’s madness starts, they won’t go back to propaganda and say, ‘it is secession, they are trying to secede.”

Ene Okon, Abia commissioner of police, had said the funeral of Eze Kanu and his wife, king and queen of Afaraukwu (Nnamdi Kanu’s community), would not take place with the presence of IPOB members.

“I have already reached out to the traditional prime minister of Afaraukwu (Nnamdi Kanu’s community) and told him that if they want the burial to go smoothly and for police to give them security, they should tell IPOB not to near the area not to talk of participating in the burial,” the commissioner said.


Snapchat on Wednesday became the latest social network moving to curb the reach of US President Donald Trump, claiming the president has been inciting "racial violence."

The youth-focused social network said it would no longer promote Trump on its Discover platform for recommended content.

"We will not amplify voices who incite racial violence and injustice by giving them free promotion on Discover," a statement from Snapchat said.

The move came days after Twitter took an unprecedented stand by hiding a Trump post it said promoted violence, heating up the White House war with Silicon Valley and social media.

parent Snap chief executive Evan Spiegel over the weekend sent a lengthy memo to employees condemning what he saw as a legacy of racial injustice and violence in the US.

Snapchat will not promote accounts in the US that are linked to people who incite racial violence on or off the messaging platform, according Spiegel.

"Every minute we are silent in the face of evil and wrongdoing we are acting in support of evildoers," Spiegel wrote as companies responded to the outrage over the police killing of a black man in Minnesota.

"I am heartbroken and enraged by the treatment of black people and people of color in America."

The Discover feature at Snapchat is a curated platform on which the California-based company gets to decide what it recommends to users.

Trump's account remains on the platform, it will just no longer be recommended viewing, according to Snapchat.

"We will make it clear with our actions that there is no gray area when it comes to racism, violence, and injustice -- and we will not promote it, nor those who support it, on our platform," Spiegel said in the memo.

Snapchat is particularly popular with young internet users, claiming that about half of the US "Generation Z" population tapping into news through its Discover feature.

"There are plenty of debates to be had about the future of our country and the world," Spiegel said.

"But there is simply no room for debate in our country about the value of human life and the importance of a constant struggle for freedom, equality, and justice."

Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale denounced the move, saying that "Snapchat is trying to rig the 2020 election, illegally using their corporate funding to promote Joe Biden and suppress President Trump."

Parscale said in a statement: "Snapchat hates that so many of their users watch the president's content and so they are actively engaging in voter suppression... If you're a conservative, they do not want to hear from you, they do not want you to vote. They view you as a deplorable and they do not want you to exist on their platform."

The move by Twitter last week prompted an angry response by Trump, who within days signed an executive order calling for heightened government oversight of social platforms.

Trump accuses the platforms of "censorship" and limiting "free speech," but his critics say the president has distorted the interpretation of those terms and is himself seeking to regulate online content.

In contrast to Twitter and Snapchat, Facebook has defended his decision not to interfere with posts by Trump.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg reiterated his position in a call with employees this week, according to reports, despite criticism of the Facebook policy by civil rights activists.

The coronavirus pandemic has put an abrupt stop to traditional US political means of courting young voters -- forcing presidential candidates to turn to Snapchat instead.

The photo-sending app that boasts 229 million users -- better known for filters that turn your face into a puppy or a vampire -- is a new battlefield for opponents Trump and Biden, both of whom are in their 70s.

Last month, Ken Farnaso, the Trump campaign deputy press secretary, told AFP that Snapchat was an important element of the re-election effort and that the Republican was ahead of Biden on the platform.

"It's clear that we're wiping the floor with Biden's campaign," Farnaso said of the Snapchat effort.

Copyright AFP. All rights reserved.

NEW YORK: New York City police officers surrounded, shoved and yelled expletives at two Associated Press journalists covering protests Tuesday in the latest aggression against members of the media during a week of unrest around the country.

Portions of the incident were captured on video by videojournalist Robert Bumsted, who was working with photographer Maye-E Wong to document the protests in lower Manhattan over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The video shows more than a half-dozen officers confronting the journalists as they filmed and took photographs of police ordering protesters to leave the area near Fulton and Broadway shortly after an 8 p.m. curfew took effect.

An officer, using an expletive, orders them to go home. Bumsted is heard on video explaining the press are considered “essential workers” and are allowed to be on the streets. An officer responds “I don’t give a s— -.” Another tells Bumsted “get the f— — out of here you piece of s— -.”

Bumsted and Wong said officers shoved them, separating them from each other and pushing them toward Bumsted’s car, which was parked nearby. At one point Bumsted said he was pinned against his car. He is heard on video telling the officer that Wong has his keys and he needs them to leave the area. Officers then allowed Wong to approach and the two got in the vehicle and left.

Opinion This section contains relevant reference points, placed in (Opinion field)

Both journalists were wearing AP identification and identified themselves as media.

“They didn’t care,” Wong said. “They were just shoving me.”

NYPD officials said they would “review this as soon as possible.”

Journalists have faced aggressive police and protesters during demonstrations across the US over the killing of Floyd, a handcuffed black man who died after a white officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck.

Police in Louisville, Kentucky, apologized after an officer fired what appeared to be pepper bullets at a TV news crew, and a journalist in Minneapolis was shot by a rubber bullet.

Journalists have faced other risks while covering the unrest, in addition to dealing with aggression from police. In South Carolina, a television news reporter was hit in the head by a thrown rock and outside the White House, a Fox News reporter was chased and pummeled by protesters. Someone grabbed the reporter’s microphone and threw it at his back, and a Fox News photographer’s camera was smashed.

In Atlanta, demonstrators who fought with police and set cars on fire also broke windows and scrawled obscene graffiti at CNN headquarters.

AP spokeswoman Lauren Easton criticized the officers’ actions Tuesday, which occurred as thousands of people in New York were defying a curfew put in place following several nights of violence and destruction. Journalists covering the story are exempt from the curfew.

“The role of journalists is to report the news on behalf of the public,” Easton said. “It is unacceptable and deeply troubling when journalists are harassed simply for doing their job.”


What the New Hampshire results mean for Democratic contenders Senator Bernie Sanders came out on top in the New Hampshire primary, but former mayor Pete Buttigieg and Senator Amy Klobuchar weren't far behind. CBS News political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joined CBSN AM with more on what these results mean as the race to the White House heats up.

Buttigieg, Sanders in virtual tie as final Iowa caucus results come in With 100% of results finally reported, Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Bernie Sanders are essentially tied at the top of the Iowa caucuses. This comes as the Democratic candidates prepare for the New Hampshire debate Friday night. CBS News political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joined CBSN AM with the latest from the campaign trail.


Senior Conservative MPs are reportedly urging Boris Johnson to change the two metre social distancing rule to one-and-a-half metres to prevent large-scale redundancies.

While the Prime Minister spoke this week in favour of the two-metre gap, The Daily Telegraph said concerns are building that thousands of hospitality industry workers who have so far been unable to return to work could be laid off unless the rule is relaxed immediately.

Greg Clark, chairman of the Commons Science Committee and the former business secretary, has reportedly written to Mr Johnson urging him to relax the rule in light of new evidence.

“The difference between two metres and 1.5 metres may seem small but it can be the difference between people being able to go to work and losing their jobs,” Mr Clark told the paper.

Former Brexit secretary David Davis said alterations to the Government-backed furlough scheme should be implemented “in-step” with a relaxation of the two-metre rule.

He said some firms would be unfairly disadvantaged if they had to remain shut due to the two-metre rule while being forced to start paying towards staff costs again under changes to the furlough plan.

“What will happen is that they will shut, meaning the furlough money is wasted, and there will be no tax revenue from that business,” Mr Davis was quoted as saying.

The Telegraph said Mr Clark cites in his letter a new paper from the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (Sage) which says it may be possible to “enable distancing at less than two metres” in certain areas, provided other Covid-19 control measures are implemented.

Highlighting parts of the document which suggest droplet exposure and infection risk “fall sharply at 1.5 metres”, Mr Clark said the paper did not appear to “establish the need for a recommended distance of two metres”.

The push to review the rule conflicts with the latest advice from the country’s coronavirus experts on Thursday.

Boris Johnson was standing by the two-metre rule on Thursday Credit: Kirsty O’Connor/PA

England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and the Government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance suggested two metres was still necessary as the risk of spreading the virus remained too great.

Sir Patrick said: “It’s not an absolute (that) beyond two metres is safe and slightly less is not safe, there’s a graduation across that, and so roughly at a metre it’s somewhere between 10 and 30 times more risky than at two metres.”

Professor Whitty said it was “really important” that people stayed two metres apart when meeting outside, adding they would not be counted as a contact, and therefore would not need to self-isolate if someone they met at a distance then developed coronavirus.

Global coronavirus cases and deaths Credit: PA Graphics

Prof Whitty, who said keeping the distance would ensure the risk remained low, added: “If you do maintain two metres distance and the contacts you’ve had turn out subsequently to have coronavirus, you will not be counted as a contact and you will not have to self-isolate.

“On the other hand, if you don’t, then if they get coronavirus then a) you might get it and b) because you might have got it, it’s likely that you’ll have to self-isolate.”

Mr Johnson on Thursday agreed with his scientific advisers, saying: “I must stress that to control the virus, everyone needs to stay alert, act responsibly, strictly observe social distancing rules, and stay two metres apart from those who you do not live with.”

Sage has reportedly produced a paper suggesting 1.5 metres could be enough to minimise risk (Picture: AP/GETTY)

Senior Tory MPs are urging Boris Johnson to relax the two-metre rule to prevent job losses, it has been reported.

Concerns have been raised that parts of the hospitality industry won’t be able to get all staff back to work if the social distancing rule has to be observed.

Greg Clark, chair of the Commons Science Committee, told the Daily Telegraph he had written to Mr Johnson in favour of a new 1.5-metre rule that could save thousands from redundancy.

He said: ‘The difference between two metres and 1.5 metres may seem small but it can be the difference between people being able to go to work and losing their jobs.’

Mr Clark highlighted a paper from the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (Sage) which he claimed indicated a ‘sharp’ fall in infection risk at 1.5 metres and does not appear to establish any need for a two-metre gap.

The paper said social distancing at less than two-metres can be workable in some areas provided workers stick to other virus control measures, he added.

Meanwhile, former Brexit secretary David Davis told the newspaper that the government should relax the two-metre rule as it dilutes the furlough scheme.

He warned many firms would have to remain shut due to the rule while the amount the government contributes to the furlough scheme starts to taper off.

Commons Science Committee chair Greg Clark said his recommendation was backed by research (Picture: AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

He said: ‘What will happen is that they will shut, meaning the furlough money is wasted, and there will be no tax revenue from that business’.

Not all countries recommend social distancing at two metres. In France, for example, the government urges citizens to stay ‘at least one metre’ away from others.

Experts heading up the government’s response to Covid stressed the importance of the current rules on Thursday, although they did highlight grey areas in the science of social distancing.

The Government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said: ‘It’s not an absolute (that) beyond two metres is safe and slightly less is not safe, there’s a graduation across that, and so roughly at a metre it’s somewhere between 10 and 30 times more risky than at two metres.’

England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said that staying two metres apart when meeting someone outside would rule them out of being counted as a contact under the track & trace scheme – meaning one would not need to self-isolate if the other developed coronavirus.

Boris Johnson added: ‘I must stress that to control the virus, everyone needs to stay alert, act responsibly, strictly observe social distancing rules, and stay two metres apart from those who you do not live with.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.


Acting on a commitment to coordinate regional policies in response to COVID-19, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, and Delaware Governor John Carney today announced a multi-state agreement to reopen public and private beaches with certain restrictions in place effective, Friday, May 22. This approach will better align the states' policies ahead of the summer months.

"With Memorial Day weekend fast approaching and warmer weather on the way, we want to make sure New Yorkers and residents of our neighboring states are able to safely enjoy outdoor recreational activities," Governor Cuomo said. "We have been coordinating with other states throughout this entire pandemic, and we have worked on an agreement allowing beaches to be open with proper social distancing and other public health protections in place so we can begin establishing a new normal without jeopardizing the progress we've already made."

Governor Murphy said, "A trip to the beach is a treasured past time for New Jerseyans on Memorial Day weekend just as it is for residents in our neighboring states. By aligning our social distancing policies for beaches, we can bring some semblance of a 'new normal' to our region ahead of the first weekend of the summer season."

Governor Lamont said, "Our beaches are some of our most beautiful and treasured assets. We want to make sure they are enjoyed up and down the East Coast in the safest possible way, especially as the Summer Season begins. Working together as states to make sure they can be enjoyed responsibly makes sense."

Governor Carney said, "Summer at the beach is a huge part of life for so many Delawareans. As we ease our way into a new normal, we're trying to find ways for Delawareans to safely to enjoy the outdoors and the company of their families."

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced a multi-state agreement to reopen public and private beaches with certain restrictions in place effective, Friday, May 22.

This approach will better align the states' policies ahead of the summer months, said a press release from the governor’s office.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, and Delaware Governor John Carney made similar announcements in their states.

"With Memorial Day weekend fast approaching and warmer weather on the way, we want to make sure New Yorkers and residents of our neighboring states are able to safely enjoy outdoor recreational activities," Governor Cuomo said.

"We have been coordinating with other states throughout this entire pandemic, and we have worked on an agreement allowing beaches to be open with proper social distancing and other public health protections in place so we can begin establishing a new normal without jeopardizing the progress we've already made."


Renville County Jail

A Hector woman has been charged with one count of second-degree murder and one count of second-degree manslaughter in connection to the killing of a 42-year-old Hector man, who was identified by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office as Anthony Tebben.

According to a criminal complaint, Tebben is believed to have been shot in the head by 35-year-old Elizabeth P. Lynch, of Hector. Lynch called 911 around 1 a.m. on March 26 and said she shot her boyfriend, claiming to have pointed the gun at him and unintentionally fired the weapon when she flinched.

Law enforcement arrived at the scene in Renville County and found Tebben on the floor, struggling to breath. He was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Several children were upstairs in the home at the time of the incident. They were taken into protective custody by social services.

Lynch informed police that a day before the shooting Tebben threw a plate and broke it, so she bought the gun – a black semi-automatic handgun – because she was mad at him. She said she pointed the gun at Tebben when he became aggressive, alleging that there relationship had a history of domestic abuse.

She said the gun discharged when she flinched.

The complaint notes that Lynch said she was unfamiliar with how to use the gun and was not sure if it was loaded.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and Renville County Sheriff’s Office are assisting the Hector Police Department with the investigation.

Authorities have identified the man who was fatally shot in a Renville County home allegedly by his girlfriend who claimed he had taunted her that she wouldn't pull the trigger.

Anthony Tebben, 42, of Hector, died on March 26 at HCMC in Minneapolis from a gunshot to the head earlier that day, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office said Friday.

Elizabeth P. Lynch, 35, also of Hector, was charged in District Court with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Lynch remains jailed in lieu of $200,000 bail ahead of her next court appearance on April 24.

According to the criminal complaint:

Lynch called 911 about 1 a.m. and said she shot her boyfriend. She told police that she aimed the handgun at Tebben, unsure whether it was loaded and it fired when she flinched.

Several children were in the home upstairs at the time.

Elizabeth Lynch Credit: Renville County jail

Lynch later told police that she bought the gun a day earlier after getting mad that Tebben threw a plate and broke it.

She said she aimed the gun at Tebben when he came at her aggressively. She said there had been domestic abuse in their relationship.

He responded that she wouldn't shoot him, Lynch said. The gun discharged, Lynch explained, because she flinched and was unfamiliar with how to use the weapon.


US President Donald Trump and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the annual NATO heads of government summit at the Grove Hotel in Watford, Britain December 4, 2019. (Reuters Photo: Peter Nicholls)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has promised to stand in solidarity with the United States in its struggle against the coronavirus pandemic and as it recovers from the outbreak.

In a letter sent to President Donald Trump Erdogan also said he was following with appreciation the American leaders efforts to control the outbreak.

The letter was sent Tuesday along with a planeload of personal protective equipment that Turkey donated to the US It was made public on Wednesday.

Erdogan wrote, “I am very pleased to observe that thanks to your measures America has taken the first steps towards normalization by achieving a downward trend in the number of new cases.

“You can be sure as a reliable and strong partner of the US we will continue to demonstrate solidarity in every way possible,” Erdogan wrote.

Turkey sent 500,000 surgical masks, 4,000 overalls, 2,000 liters 528 gallons of disinfectant, 1,500 goggles, 400 N95 masks and 500 face shields. Turkey has sent similar medical equipment aid to a total of 55 countries — including Britain Italy and Spain.

Erdogan and Trump have maintained a close personal relationship despite a series of differences between Ankara and Washington including policy on Syria and Turkeys decision to purchase the S400 Russian missile defense system that the US says poses a threat to its F35 stealth fighter jets and to NATO.

The US removed Turkey from the fighter jet program and has threatened sanctions if the Russian system is deployed.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has promised to stand in solidarity with the United States in its struggle against the coronavirus pandemic and as it recovers from the outbreak.

In a letter sent to Donald Trump, Erdogan also said he was following with appreciation the US president's efforts to control the outbreak.

The letter was sent Tuesday along with a planeload of personal protective equipment that Turkey donated to the United States. It was made public on Wednesday.

Erdogan wrote: I am very pleased to observe that, thanks to your measures, America has taken the first steps towards normalization by achieving a downward trend in the number of new cases.

You can be sure, as a reliable and strong partner of the US, we will continue to demonstrate solidarity in every way possible, Erdogan wrote.

Turkey sent 500,000 surgical masks, 4,000 overalls, 2,000 liters (528 gallons) of disinfectant, 1,500 goggles, 400 N-95 masks and 500 face shields. Turkey has sent similar medical equipment aid to a total of 55 countries including Britain, Italy and Spain.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


As an angry Donald Trump tweeted at a record-setting pace, US senators involved in his impeachment trial struggled to stay awake and stay quiet during a marathon session as the Democrats made their case to remove the US president from office and try establish the rules for the trail.

A number of relatively arcane laws mean Senators are meant to stay quiet and are not allowed to speak to each other during proceedings.

Technically, the only drink allowed to be consumed on the floor of the chamber is water, but allowances have been made for milk, sending social media into overdrive as to why one senator was reportedly seen drinking milk during the trial.

Can anyone explain to me why senators during the impeachment are only allowed to drink water or milk? This may be one of the strangest things I've ever seen... — Doug Black Jr (@dougblackjr) January 22, 2020

But behind closed doors - where the media is not allowed - senators have been flouting the quaint guidelines of the chamber that typically prizes decorum.

Gum-chewing, snacking, yawning and alleged napping could be seen throughout the cramped chamber, the Associated Press reported.

Senators were especially restless Wednesday, local time, as lawmakers convened less than 12 hours after the marathon session that stretched to nearly 2 am.

A number of senators were seen resting their eyes, dozing and appearing to take brief naps, according to CNN and the Associated Press.

A cartoonist for the New York Times observing the proceedings even managed to sketch Republican senator James Risch dozing off.

Others, meanwhile, were seen passing notes and doing crosswords while senators were speaking.

NYT has a sketch artist covering impeachment, catching moments like Sen. Risch sleeping https://t.co/kXf9Voi0Og pic.twitter.com/fH5fee7In4 — Michael Calderone (@mlcalderone) January 22, 2020

Chief Justice John Roberts, who is presiding over the affair, admonished senators as tensions rose on Wednesday, local time, reminding those gathered it is the “world’s greatest deliberative body,” functioning, for now, as a court of impeachment.

Story continues

It has a tradition of civility — and for rare impeachment trials, specific rules: No coffee or snacking on the floor. No pacing, note-passing, working on other matters or chit-chat. It’s all designed to focus the senator-jurors on the issues at hand. So napping is not, in theory, part of the plan.

A number of senators also left the chamber during the opening days, some to conduct lengthy TV interviews, leaving a number of seats empty, AP reported.

9- As the night wore on, senators were restless. Some walked to the back of the chamber and stretched. Sen. Gillibrand took off her heels, sighed then wrapped herself in a red blanket at her desk. Both her &McConnell started to doze off before jolting themselves back awake — Christal Hayes (@Journo_Christal) January 22, 2020

‘Its not fantasy football’

In the opening two days of proceedings, the two sides have been wrangling over rules for the trial and who will be allowed to testify.

Republicans shot down, one by one, Democratic efforts to get Trump aides to testify, including former national security adviser John Bolton, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney.

Bolton has referred to the White House's alleged political pressure on Ukraine as a "drug deal", according to previous witness testimony in the House of Representatives.

Trump returns to the White House Wednesday, local time, after attending Davos. Source: AAP

Trump is charged with abusing his power by trying to pressure Ukraine to investigate political rival and leading Democratic presidential candidate, Joe Biden.

The Republican-controlled US Senate has voted on party lines to approve the rules for President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, rejecting Democratic efforts to obtain evidence and ensure witnesses are heard.

Trump’s Republican allies in the Senate say the son of Joe Biden, Hunter, should testify after Trump accused the former vice president of pursuing his son's interests by pressuring Ukraine to oust a prosecutor that had scrutinised a Ukrainian gas company. No evidence of wrongdoing by Biden has emerged.

Top Democrat Chuck Schumer hosed down the idea of a witness trade, telling reporters during a break in the trial “that trade is not on the table”.

“This isn't like some fantasy football trade,” he said. “Trials aren't trades for witnesses.”

Senator Adam Schiff and feloow Democrats talk to reporters before the second day of the Senate impeachment trial. Source: Getty

Democrats will continue their arguments through Friday under rules approved by the Senate.

Trump's lawyers will then have up to three days to rebut the Democrats' case, likely starting from Saturday.

The lead Democratic prosecutor and California congressman Adam Schiff, urged Republicans to vote to remove Mr Trump from office to "protect our democracy".

"President Trump solicited foreign interference in our democratic elections, abusing the power of his office to seek help abroad to improve his re-election prospects at home," he said overnight.

— With AP

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President Trump told his national security advisor he wanted to maintain a freeze on military assistance to Ukraine until it launched political investigations into his Democratic rivals, according to John Bolton’s description of their exchange in drafts of his forthcoming book, the New York Times reported Sunday.

The revelation challenges the defense offered by Trump and his attorneys in his Senate impeachment trial and raises the stakes as the chamber decided this week whether to seek sworn testimony from Bolton and other witnesses. Bolton, who acrimoniously left the White House a day before Trump ultimately released the Ukraine aid on Sept. 11, has already told lawmakers that he is willing to testify, despite the president’s order barring aides from cooperating in the investigation.

Democrats need at least four Republicans to vote with them to seek witness testimony. Those prospects looked unlikely in recent days and it’s unclear if the new revelations about Bolton’s book will sway any GOP senators.

Democrats quickly sought to ramp up the pressure on their Republican counterparts.

“John Bolton has the evidence,” tweeted Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. “It’s up to four Senate Republicans to ensure that John Bolton, Mick Mulvaney, and the others with direct knowledge of President Trump’s actions testify in the Senate trial.”

The Associated Press has not confirmed the content of Bolton’s book. A person familiar with the matter told the AP the draft had been submitted to the White House for pre-publication review, which is standard for the work of former officials with security clearances. The person insisted on anonymity to discuss the sensitive subject.

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Democrats accuse Trump of abusing his power in withholding the military assistance to Ukraine to push that country to mount investigations into Democrats, including former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who served on the board of a Ukraine gas company, Burisma, while his father was in office.

On Saturday, the president’s attorneys said during their opening day of defense arguments that there was no evidence that Trump made the military aid contingent on the country announcing an investigation into Biden.

Trump on Wednesday told reporters in Davos, Switzerland, that he didn’t want Bolton to testify before the Senate.

“The problem with John is it’s a national security problem,” Trump said. “He knows some of my thoughts. He knows what I think about leaders. What happens if he reveals what I think about a certain leader and it’s not very positive and then I have to deal on behalf of the country?”

He added: “It’s going to be very hard. It’s going to make the job very hard.”


Google last week said that this summer Chrome will remove resource-hogging web advertisements from websites, including ads that mask unauthorized crypto-mining operations.

Arguing that a very small number of online ads - three-tenths of a percentage point of all on the web - disproportionately account for major portions of total network and CPU consumption, Google plans to scrub sites of such ads starting with a Stable build of Chrome near the end of August.

Chrome 85 is scheduled to release on Aug. 25, and would be the most likely version to debut the feature.

"These ads (such as those that mine cryptocurrency, are poorly programmed, or are unoptimized for network usage) can drain battery life, saturate already strained networks, and cost money," Marshall Vale, a Chrome product manager, wrote in a May 14 post to the Chromium blog.

When Chrome detects one of the über-aggressive ads, the browser will unload the content from the ad's frame - the portion of the page in which it's displayed - and refill the space with an error message stating "Ad removed," along with a link to more information.

After copious measurements, Google decided to strip out any ad that consumed 4MB of network data, used the CPU during half of any 30-second span or tallied a total of 60 seconds of CPU usage. Those bars were so high that they affected only 0.3% of all ads, but, Google contended, such ads accounted for 27% of all ad-generated network traffic and 28% of all ad-related CPU usage.

Other browsers have addressed bad actors, including crypto-miners, using different approaches. Mozilla's Firefox, for example, blocks crypto-miners by targeting domains known to harbor such scripts. (Mozilla relies on domain lists produced by Disconnect.) It's not surprising that Google took a metrics-based route here; it typically bases decisions, or says it does, on data collected by Chrome and/or its search engine.

Chrome users can try out this "Heavy Ad" detection and removal prior to version 85 via the chrome://flags option page. Set the Heavy Ad Intervention flag (which also goes by #enable-heavy-ad-intervention) to Enabled and relaunch the browser.

Site developers and ad content creators should use the time between now and late August to test and, if necessary, alter first-party advertisements, Google said. "Our intent with this extended rollout is to give appropriate time for ad creators and tool providers to prepare and incorporate these thresholds into their workflows," said Vale.

Detailed instructions on how to track removed ads using an API as well as how to test the resource usage of ad content were provided in this support document.

AppleInsider is supported by its audience and may earn commission as an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner on qualifying purchases. These affiliate partnerships do not influence our editorial content.

Google plans to implement new limitations in its Chrome web browser after discovering certain ads overuse CPU and data resources, costing users device battery life and money.

Announced in a post to the Chromium blog on Thursday, Google's restrictions target ads that "consume a disproportionate share of device resources" without user knowledge.

Chrome Product Manager Marshall Vale says a future update to Chrome will limit the resources poorly coded ads like cryptocurrency miners have access to before user interaction. Initially, Chrome is setting restriction thresholds to 4MB of network data or 14 seconds of CPU usage in a 30-second period. Alternatively, ads will be limited after 60 seconds of total CPU usage.

An ad frame will be redirected to an error page if it reaches one of the above thresholds, with the page informing users that said ad used too many resources and was therefore removed from active display.

According to in-house measurements, only 0.3% of current ads exceed the stipulated thresholds. Still, those ads account for 27% of network data used and 28% of all ad CPU usage on Chrome. The figures underscore the need for intervention.

Ad creators can view Chrome's access reports to see which ads were unloaded due to the new restrictions and make necessary adjustments.


Meghan Markle's son Archie picking up a few words, gets excited to see Prince Harry

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's 12-month-old baby, Archie, has picked up on a few words, out of which his favourite are: 'Mama, dada, book and dog.'

According to a source quoted by Us Weekly, "He’s saying a few words, like ‘Dada,’ ‘Mama,’ ‘book,’ and ‘dog. He loves playing hide-and-seek and using building blocks.”

The adorable muchkin is achieving his milestones around his parents in LA.

“He’s a strong baby and you can tell he’s super smart,” an insider told the outlet in November 2019. “He can sit up without support and roll over, and he’s almost crawling. He can’t talk yet, but he’s trying!”

Predicting that Archie's first word might be Dada, the source had added, “When Harry walks into the room, Archie gets so excited, he puts his arms out — his way of saying, ‘Pick me up!’ You can tell Archie’s going to be a social butterfly. He’s at his happiest when he’s around people.”

The “happy baby … rarely cries He takes a keen interest in his surroundings and is already engaging and interacting with people. He loves to be entertained. And he isn’t a needy baby — he’ll happily go to Harry and Meghan’s friends without kicking up a fuss," it said.

Meghan and Harry welcomed their baby in May 2019.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are both passionate activists, not least because of the world in which they want their baby son Archie to grow up. At 12 months old, Archie is getting bigger every day and growing into a toddler with likes and dislikes, favorite songs and books and colors, and a whole little internal world. While it seems like just yesterday that Meghan was refusing to pose on church steps with newborn Archie (iconic), the truth is that baby Archie isn’t such a baby anymore. In fact, this royal tot is even talking now — and his first words to Meghan and Harry prove Archie’s got everything he needs at home.

A source close to the couple told Us Weekly that Archie started talking while the Sussexes have been staying in LA. “He’s saying a few words, like ‘Dada,’ ‘Mama,’ ‘book,’ and ‘dog,'” says the source — all of which make perfect sense. After all, it’s well-known that Archie is “best friends” with Meghan and Harry’s two dogs, Guy the beagle and a black Labrador.

It seems Archie’s an avid reader too (well, listener). For his birthday, mom Meghan read him one of his favorites, Duck! Rabbit!, and the source reveals he’s picking up some new hobbies too: “He loves playing hide-and-seek and using building blocks.”

He’s growing up so fast — and we’re sure Meghan and Harry feel the same way. Given his incredible, history-making parents, Archie has a bright future. Those building blocks are just the beginning.

Click here for an inside look at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s relationship.