Alibaba’s Jack Ma, China’s richest man, to retire and focus on educational philanthropy

Alibaba executive chairman and co-founder Jack Ma will retire from the e-commerce giant he founded in 1999, and devote his time to philanthropy in education, according to the New York Times.

Alibaba did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Ma, whose career took him from teaching English to becoming China’s richest man, has often joked he was not a natural technology executive. But under his guidance, the Alibaba Group has become one of China’s largest technology conglomerates.

Often compared to Amazon.com, Alibaba’s parent company has e-commerce, online payment, banking, entertainment and cloud computing businesses. It also hold stakes in several Chinese media companies, including the microblogging site Weibo. (Amazon.com chief executive Jeffrey P. Bezos is the owner of The Washington Post.)

Alibaba reported roughly $40 billion in revenue last year. In its most recent quarter, it reported about $10 million in e-commerce revenue. The company reported it’s annual active customer base hit 524 million.

Ma was Alibaba’s chief executive until 2013, when he stepped down to become chairman. He founded the Jack Ma Foundation, a philanthropic organization devoted to education, in 2014. But he’s remained very involved in the company he founded. When Alibaba debuted on the New York Stock Exchange in September 2014, Ma was on the podium to ring the opening bell.

Chinese vice governor, mayor fired over vaccine scandal

A Chinese provincial deputy governor and the mayor of a major city were fired Thursday as the ruling Communist Party tried to defuse public outrage over revelations of misconduct by a major vaccine producer.

The officials were among four people ordered dismissed following a meeting of the party’s ruling Standing Committee led by President Xi Jinping. It ordered a criminal investigation of a fifth official, a former national drug regulator.

The revelation in July that Changchun Changsheng Life Sciences Ltd. falsified production records for an anti-rabies vaccine added to a string of politically damaging scandals over deaths and injuries due to fake or shoddy drugs, food and other products.

Public anger was fueled by disclosures regulators found possible misconduct by the company last year but failed to take prompt action.

Continue Reading: FoxNews.com

Will India really deport four million people?

Some four million people have effectively lost their citizenship in India’s north-eastern state of Assam.

They were left off a list of proven citizens, which was created as part of a government drive to identify illegal migrants from neighbouring Bangladesh.

Here’s what led to that controversial move, and what might happen next.
How did the list come about?

Fears over illegal migration from Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan, have long been alive in Assam.

The state’s very first list of citizens – formally known as the National Register of Citizens, or NRC – was published in 1951, just four years after the partition of India, when millions of people had crossed into India from East Bengal, which had become a part of Pakistan.

The list was drawn up in response to nationalist groups in Assam who were afraid of an influx of Muslim immigrants changing the state’s Hindu-majority demographics.

But the problem re-emerged in the 1970s. After Bangladesh declared independence and broke away from Pakistan on 26 March 1971, sparking a bitter war, millions again fled to neighbouring India. And many of the refugees settled in Assam.

By 1979, a movement against illegal immigrants led by the All Assam Students Union (AASU) took hold. The agitation turned violent in 1983 when mobs killed more than 2,000 suspected immigrants, most of whom were Muslims.

AASU and some other regional groups eventually signed an agreement in 1985 with the federal government led by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

It said that anyone who could not prove that they were living in Assam by 24 March 1971 would be expelled from electoral rolls and considered illegal immigrants.

But the accord was never implemented.
So why is it being updated after all these years?

In 2009, a man named Aabhijeet Sharma petitioned the Supreme Court, asking that the NRC be updated. In 2014, the court instructed the federal government to do so by 31 January 2016.

However given the magnitude of the exercise – which involved the verification of documents belonging to more than 32 million people – the first draft of the NRC was only published in December 2017.

The second draft was published on 30 July.
Who is on the list?

The NRC contains the names of people who have been able to prove that they arrived in Assam on or before 24 March 1971.Everyone in the state had to submit documents to prove their claim to citizenship, including land and tenancy records, voter IDs or passports.

Those who were born after 1971 were asked to submit documents that proved that their parents or grandparents had settled in India before the cut-off date.

Around four million people did not make the list. Their names could be deleted from electoral rolls as they are not considered legitimate citizens.
What has the reaction been?

It has been mixed.

Many Hindus across the country have hailed it as a bold move and praised the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for implementing it when other state governments did not have the “guts” to do so.

Some feel that it is a political masterstroke ahead of upcoming national elections in 2019.

But opposition parties have roundly denounced the move and criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for separating families and effectively making millions of people stateless overnight.

Rahul Gandhi, leader of the main opposition Congress party, said the list had created “massive insecurity” among people.

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Protests Pop Up Across Iran, Fueled by Daily Dissatisfaction

TEHRAN — Across Iran’s heartland, from the sweltering heat of its southern cities to the bustling capital, protesters have taken to the streets with increasing intensity in recent months, much to the satisfaction of the Trump administration, which is hoping the civil unrest will put pressure on Iranian leaders.

Some demonstrations — about the weak economy, strict Islamic rules, water shortages, religious disputes, local grievances — have turned deadly. The protesters have shouted harsh slogans against clerical leaders and their policies. The events are broadly shared on social media and on the dozens of Persian language satellite channels beaming into the Islamic republic.

On Thursday, protests were held in the cities of Arak, Isfahan, Karaj and Shiraz, as people — in numbers ranging in the hundreds, perhaps more — took to the streets, chanting slogans like “death to high prices,” but also criticizing top officials. A smaller protest was held in Tehran, where some people were arrested, according to videos taken at the scene.

In the city of Eshtehard, west of the capital, protesters attacked a religious school on Thursday, forcing 500 clerics in training to flee, the semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported.

Truck drivers who went on strike in May for higher wages restarted their strike last week. The strike has affected fuel deliveries, leaving some gasoline stations empty in parts of the country, including Caspian Sea areas north of Tehran.

Iran’s currency, the rial, has lost nearly 80 percent of its value compared with a year ago, weakened at least in part because the Trump administration withdrew the United States from the nuclear agreement in May and restored American economic sanctions. The first batch of those restored sanctions is set to take effect on Monday.

President Hassan Rouhani of Iran is under fire not only from hard-liners but also from the middle-class Iranians who voted for him.CreditAtta Kenare/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

President Hassan Rouhani of Iran, who supported the nuclear agreement, is under fire not only from hard-liners but also from the Iranians who voted for him — the vast middle class. Both groups say his economic policies have failed.

The demonstrations began after a week of unprecedented nationwide protests in January. In more than 80 cities, including Tehran, people took to the streets with economic demands and calls for more freedoms. In total, 25 people were killed and more than 4,000 were arrested.

The protests over the past six months have been relatively isolated, sporadic, scattered and much smaller than the antigovernment demonstrations in 2009, when millions took to the streets. But they reflect a common theme of rising dissatisfaction, many say.

Activists critical of the government concede the demonstrations do not threaten Iran’s leadership. Security forces, mindful of the 2009 upheavals, are now much better equipped to crush any organized antigovernment demonstrations. The protesters share neither unifying leadership nor clear agenda.

While many members of the large middle class are unhappy, they mostly watch from the sidelines, adverse to uncertainty.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Tired of the “Hysteria” Surrounding Them

Since their wedding day in May, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been subject to relentless attention. The world has been obsessed with their seemingly perfect love story right from the start, and whether it’s the Duchess’s style choices or their sweet PDA moments, every second of their public appearances together is captured on camera to be shared by millions. So it’s no huge surprise to hear that, after months of intense scrutiny and constant hounding, Harry and Meghan are soon expected to take a step back from being in the spotlight, in order to enjoy more privacy together.

A new report from Vanity Fair claims that the endless media frenzy, bombarding their friends and family as well as the couple themselves, has come a little too much for the newlyweds to handle. It’s thought that the royals are now preparing to make a conscious effort to spend time away from the world’s eye.

An insider explained that Meghan and Harry are both keen to take a break from being in the public eye, and focus more on enjoying each other’s company. “They spend a lot of time in the Cotswolds, more than people realize,” a friend revealed. “They are in the country way more than they are in London and they are enjoying a low-key and very domesticated start to married life. Harry’s not around that much anymore. Meghan likes him to keep his diary clear at the weekends so they can be together in the countryside.”

It’s thought that the couple are currently taking a break from their home in Kensington Palace, and renting a more secluded farmhouse cottage on the coveted Great Tew Estate, which gives them considerably more privacy. “It’s very clear they want to be private and left alone,” said one local. “The property is in the middle of woodland and you wouldn’t know it was there. It is very remote which is why they like it. It’s like a fortress. There’s a huge security presence, you can’t get close.”

According to the report, Harry is becoming increasingly “uncomfortable” with the focus on his new wife. “He worries there is too much hysteria around Meghan and he wants to row back a bit,” the source added.

Hopefully, the upcoming scheduled vacation time for Harry and Meghan will help to ease the pressure a little, too.

Source: https://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity/a22634665/prince-harry-meghan-markle-tired-hysteria/

France bans catcalling, outlines steep fines

Want to make a sexual or sexist comment on the streets of France? You could face a $868 fine.

A bill approved Wednesday by French lawmakers outlines steep fines for gender-based harassment on the country’s streets and public transportation.

The law will allow for fines of 90-750 euros, roughly $104 to $868, for sexual or sexist comments. That definition also includes behavior that is degrading, humiliating, intimidating hostile or offensive.

The law also includes even higher fines for taking “upskirt” photos — pictures or video taken under a person’s clothing without their consent. Those fines could reach 15,000 euros or roughly $17,380.

The news follows a high-profile incident of street harassment in France. Surveillance footage in July showed a man striking a 22-year-old woman after she reprimanded him for making obscene sounds at her — that footage has gone viral.

Womens take part to a “slutwalk” with placards reading “I have breasts and a ass, I am a women” (R) and “Flirt but not violence” (L) on October 1, 2011 in Paris. Hundreds of women swapped business suits for short skirts and revealing tops Saturday to protest against sexual violence and victim blaming. AFP PHOTO JOHANNA LEGUERRE / AFP PHOTO / JOHANNA LEGUERRE

The woman in the footage says the new law isn’t enough. It is “almost a joke,” Marie Laguerre told The Associated Press. “I don’t think it’s realistic because it means having police officers on every street.”

She said that officers would need training to recognize harassing behavior.

“The law sends a message, but for me it’s not enough,” Laguerre said.

Laguerre told AP she thinks education is needed to change people’s attitudes on sexual harassment. She believes that would be more effective than punishing harassers.

The new rules are set to take effect in September and include a number of other sexual violence-related measures. The law will also expand the criminal definition of child rape.

Contributing: Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA TODAY; The Associated Press

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Canada says it is using DNA websites to identify some migrants

Canada is using DNA and commercial genealogical sites to help determine the nationality of migrants whose origin is in question.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has confirmed the use of DNA testing “when other avenues of investigation have been exhausted”.

The agency could not confirm how frequently such techniques are used.

One Canadian immigration lawyer says he is personally aware of a handful of such cases.

CBSA spokesman Jayden Robertson said the agency uses DNA testing to assist “in determining identity by providing indicators of nationality thereby enabling us to focus further lines of investigation on particular countries”.

“The CBSA obtains consent from the clients before submitting their information to DNA websites,” he said in a statement to the BBC.

Toronto-based immigration lawyer Subodh Bharati says he is concerned about how well the privacy of those whose DNA has been collected is being protected.

One such case involved Mr Bharati’s client Franklin Godwin, who arrived in Canada in 1994 on a fraudulent Bahamian passport and requested asylum after disclosing to immigration officials that he was Liberian. He was granted refugee status and permanent residency.

He later lost his permanent residency status after being convicted on various drug charges.

Canada sought to deport Mr Godwin in 2003 and in 2005.

Liberia twice denied him entry despite issuing him travel document. In the latter instance, officials claimed he was not Liberian but Nigerian.

Mr Godwin maintains his Liberian nationality but Canada is seeking to confirm his identity.

In 2017, while being held in detention by the CBSA, officials conducted a linguistic test, an interview about his knowledge of Liberia and a DNA test.

Using genealogy websites, they found two distant relatives who claimed Nigerian ancestry and contacted them.

Mr Bharati says he doesn’t believe that DNA testing offers Canada much value in determining someone’s country of origin.

“It’s clear DNA doesn’t give someone’s nationality,” he said.

In another instance reported by AFP, DNA was used to attempt to establish the nationality of Ebrahim Toure, a failed refugee claimant who has been detained by Canadian immigration officials since 2013, pending his removal.

According to AFP, he had arrived in Canada on a fake French passport. He later claimed to be from Guinea, but was refused entry by Guinean officials.

Following a linguistic test, a search of his social media that revealed he had many Gambian acquaintances, and interviews with friends in Canada, officials sought to match his DNA with relatives in The Gambia.

The Toronto Star reports that Mr Toure says his transient upbringing complicates his nationality. He remains in detention.

In a statement to BBC, an Ancestry spokesperson said that protecting customers’ privacy is the company’s “highest priority”.

“That starts with the basic belief that customers should always maintain ownership and control over their own data,” the company said.

It said it does not work with border agencies.

FamilyTreeDNA told Vice News that the company does not work with Canadian law enforcement and has no knowledge of its platform being used to determine a migrant’s nationality.

Source: https://www.daily-sun.com/post/326412/2018/08/01/Canada-says-it-is-using-DNA-websites-to-identify-some-migrants

Zimbabwe election: International calls for restraint

A government crackdown in Zimbabwe after Monday’s elections has prompted international calls for restraint.

The UN and former colonial power the UK both expressed concern about the violence, in which three people were killed after troops opened fire.

Parliamentary results gave victory to the ruling Zanu-PF party in the first vote since the ouster of former ruler Robert Mugabe.

But the opposition says Zanu-PF igged the election.

The result of the presidential election has yet to be declared. The MDC opposition alliance insist their candidate, Nelson Chamisa, beat the incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged Zimbabwe’s politicians to exercise restraint, while UK foreign office minister Harriett Baldwin said she was “deeply concerned” by the violence.

The US embassy in Harare urged the army to “use restraint” on Twitter, saying the country had an “historic opportunity” for a brighter future.

Human rights group Amnesty International meanwhile called on the government to open a probe into the army’s actions.

Amnesty’s acting secretary general Colm O Cuanachain said in a press release that the “militarisation” of the election aftermath “is muzzling freedom of expression, association and assembly”.

“People must be guaranteed their right to protest,” he said.

Source: https://www.daily-sun.com/post/326641/Zimbabwe-election:-International-calls-for-restraint

McDonald’s serves pregnant Canadian cleaning fluid latte

McDonald’s has issued an apology after an expectant mother in Canada was served cleaning solution instead of the latte she ordered.

Sarah Douglas, who is eight months pregnant, asked for the coffee at a drive-thru in the province of Alberta last Sunday morning.

She took a sip a short while later only to discover the brownish liquid in her cup was not coffee and milk.

Sarah Douglas received cleaning solution instead of a latte

Ms Douglas pulled her car over and immediately spat out the substance.

She drove back to McDonald’s and told one of the employees she wanted to speak to the supervisor, she told Lethbridge News Now.

“I showed him the coffee and he had asked if I wanted a new one, and I said, ‘absolutely not, this is unacceptable,'” she told the news site.

The restaurant franchisee said in a statement he was sorry for the incident.

He explained that the machine had been cleaned as usual that morning but the milk supply line to the latte machine had not been disconnected from the cleaning solution while Ms Douglas’ drink was prepared.

“We have taken immediate action to review the proper cleaning procedures with the team and have put additional signage up as an added reminder,” said franchisee Dan Brown.

The pregnant mother of two told Global News that she feels fine but nonetheless visited her doctor as a precaution.

SOURCE: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-45037850

France bans smartphones, tablets in schools: report

Politicians in France reportedly voted Monday in favor of a new law that would largely prohibit students from using smart devices on campus.

Students as old as 15 years old will not be allowed to use their smartphones, tablets and other similar items at school, unless they’re needed for lessons or after school activities AFP reported. Students with disabilities are not included in the ban.

MAN TRIED USING CELL PHONE AS SCOOTER HEADLIGHT, MAINE POLICE SAY

Secondary schools are reportedly given the choice to opt-in on the full ban or enforce a less strict version.

Critics of the legislation, who refrained from casting votes, decried it as being a “publicity stunt,” the outlet reported. Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer, on the other hand, reportedly argued that it modernized the country and brought them “into the 21st century.”

He argued that a 2010 law, which disallowed such devices from being used in class, was not strong enough, the report said.

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/07/31/france-bans-smartphones-tablets-in-schools-report.html

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