CALIFORNIA: A woman who claimed years of exposure to Johnson & Johnson baby powder caused her cancer has received $70 million (£57.4 million). A woman who claimed years of exposure to Johnson & Johnson baby powder caused her cancer has received $70 million (£57.4 million). Deborah Giannecchini of California was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012. Her’s is the latest in a series of cases concerning the effects of extended talcum powder use. Early this year two lawsuits in St Louis, Missouri saw the jury award a combined total of $127 million. Some 2,000 women have filed similar lawsuits and lawyers are getting thousands of more cases. Johnson & Johnson says its talcum powder is safe to use.
71-yr-old PIO runs for mayor in the US
DETROIT: A 71 year old Indian-American who intends to become the first mayor from the community in Michigan, has made a coalition of different ethnic and religious groups to help Democrats gain speed over the Republican town. Syed Taj, brother of Indian politician Syed Shahabuddin, had unsuccessfully run for the House of Representatives four years, will be running for the post of Canton supervisor, a position similar to that of a mayor. "We are running on the platform of diversity, transparency, and accountability," Taj said. He encouraged younger Indian-Americans to join the political mainstream, saying it took him over six months with the Democratic party to prepare a diversity coalition panel of seven top seats in the Canton township. "If we (immigrants) stick together, we can make a difference. Donald Trump wants to make America Great Again which means make America White Again. This is no longer possible. The US is a country of immigrants, and he should realise that," Taj said.
Fire burns through 'Jungle' migrant camp
CALAIS (FRANCE): Migrants were set fleeing as fire cut through the Calais "Jungle" last week, ahead of the demolition of the camp. The incident occurred just hours after workers, protected by police, moved in to clear the camp that is home to at least 8000 migrants who hope to reach Britain. Located neat the port of Calais, the Jungle has for years been a launchpad for migrants. A part of its clearance, 3242 adults were shifted to centres around France, and 772 unaccompanied minors were moved to shipping containers converted into temporary shelters in the area itself, the interior ministry informed. Britain took in around 200 teenagers a week before the clearance began. French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said all unaccompanied minors "with proven family links in Britain" would eventually be transferred, and that London had committed to reviewing all other cases where it was "in the child's interest" to settle across the Channel.
Man who burnt Indian-origin bus driver alive declared mentally ill
MELBOURNE: A 48 year old man who has been accused of murdering Indian-origin bus driver Manmeet Alisher in Brisbane, has been confirmed as a former mental health patient. Authorities have ordered a time-bound probe into the treatment to be given to him. State Health Minister Cameron Dick said Anthony Mark Edward O'Donohue had undergone treatment at Queensland Health's mental health services, along with announcing an independent external enquiry into the treatment given to him. While Brisbane Mayor Graham Quirk believes the attack was not racially motivated, Alisher's brother Amit suspects it is. "We would like to see due process, we have faith in the Australian system," he said. The victim, who was driving a Brisbane City Council bus, was targeted by an "incendiary device" which sparked a fire. While he died on the spot, passengers on board managed to escape through the rear door.
Dubai-based Indian businessman spends $9 million on licence plate
NEW DELHI: A Dubai-based Indian property developer was trending on social media on Tuesday, after it was known that he shelled a whopping amount of $9 million for a coveted license plate for one of his six Rolls Royce cars. Balwinder Sahni hooked the 'D5' plate at an October 8 auction for 33 millin dirhams. This however, isn't his first. He is known to have spent $6.7 million to buy an 'O9' plate in another auction last year. Calling himself a "simple man", Sahni said, "I always like to give myself a gift every year. When you work very hard, you need to present yourself something." He added that the purchase has garnered a lot of attention and while some people are impressed, many are not. "It's hard, people giving comments without knowing the type of person I am," Sahni said.
Pak asks Taliban to include them or leave
ISLAMABAD: Two senior leaders from Taliban stated that Pakistan has issued a stark warning, surprised over their exclusion from the militant group's secret talks with the Afghanistan government. They said that Islamabad told them to either include Pak in the negotiations or have all the top Taliban leaders leave the country with their families. The ultimatum was in reference to a three-person Taliban delegation visiting Pak from Qatar, where their political office is located. Both the Taliban leaders who are familiar with the meetings in Islamabad, spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the talks. Meanwhile, the Pak government refused to comment, and denied Afghan accusations that Islamabad is providing a safe haven to the terrorist outfit.
Pakistan may expel two Indian diplomats for spying
ISLAMABAD: In its latest tit-for-tat measure, Pakistan may expel two Indian diplomats in Islamabad for allegedly spying, as per media reports. Officials revealed their names and believe while one of them worked for RAW, the other spied for India's Intelligence Bureau. Spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs, Vikas Swarup responded saying the ministry was "aware" of the reports. Adding, "We have yet to receive any official communication in the matter." Both the countries in question announced last week that they would each expel one of the other's diplomats over spying claims amid growing tensions. Relations between both the countries have been particularly strained since the Uri attack in September.
New MH370 report says plane rapidly descending when vanished
SYDNEY: Fresh reports into missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 said that the aircraft descended rapidly after it ran out of fuel with no human intervention. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau report, released last week said analysis of wing flap debris showed the aircraft was not configured for a landing. It added that satellite communications from the aircraft were consistent with it being in a "high and increasing rate of descent" when it vanished, colloquillay known as a death dive. ATSB search director Peter Foley said that the analysis of a wing flap had "enhanced certainty" at what had happened. "It was probably in a non-extended position which means the aircraft wasn't configured for a landing or a ditching. You can draw your own conclusions as to whether that means someone was in control or not."
Kolkata-born becomes Canada’s first Sikh senator
TORONTO: Kolkata-based Sarabjit Singh Marwah has become the first Sikh to be appointed to the Canadian Senate. Marwah, who resides in Toronto, was among the six people appointed to the senate by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The PM lauded his efforts in showcasing the "rich diversity of Sikhand South Asian art and culture." One of the founders of the Sikh Foundation of Canada, Marwah joined as a financial analyst with Scotiabank in 1978. He soon became the chief financial officer in the next 10 years. He has served on the boards of several famous Canadian institutions like the Toronto Star daily, the Toronto International Film Festival, the CD Howe Institute, the Royal Ontario Museum, the United Way Campaign and the Hospital for Sick Children. While he remains the only Indian-origin member of the Senate, there are over 20 members of the community in the House of Commons.
Saudi prince flogged in court-ordered punishment
DUBAI: A prince for Saudi Arabias' ruling Al Saud family was flogged in a prion in Jeddah, less than a month after the kingdom executed another prince for murder. While the offence for which he was punished is yet to be disclosed, a brief report said the unidentified prince was also ordered to serve a prison sentence. The lashes were given by a policeman after medical checks were conducted to ensure the prince was healthy. The country follows the strict Wahhabi Sunni Muslim school and gives the clergy control over its justice system. Last month another Saudi prince was executed in Riyadh after a court found him guilty of shooting dead a fellow royal. The incident was the first execution of a prince since the 1970s.
