CALIFORNIA: Tech giant Google found a creative way to adapt its systems to the extra second that was added to past year on December 31. The 'leap second' as it is called, was introduced to allow the earth's rotation to catch up with atomic time. Previously, systems have been unable to handle a minute with 61 seconds, resulting in internet crashes. Google, however, came with a cure by building a publicly available "network time protocol" server to prevent similar crashes. In the 10 hours before and after the end of 2016, its clocks ran 0.0014 per cent slower to spread out the extra second.
Scarlett Johansson is the top-grossing actor of 2016
WASHINGTON: The Black Widow has had a great year at the box office, making her 2016's top-grossing actor, bringing in $1.2 billion at global ticketing booths. Scarlett Johansson beat co-stars Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr, both who stood second with $1.15 billion worldwide. All the three actors have Marvel's 'Captain America: Civil War' to thank, as it became the top grossing movie of the year. Also on the list were Ryan Reynolds at number 8, and British actor Jones at 9. The list, released by Forbes, was based on annual ranking using global ticket sales. Given that 'Captain America' did the best business globally, it is understandable how Johansson claimed the top spot. She is one of Hollywood's fiercest female action heroes, after all.
'Serial' Subject Adnan Syed Is Denied Bail Motion
MARYLAND: Adnan Syed, the 'Serial' podcast subject, will not be released on bail. The Circuit Court for Baltimore City denied Syed's motion for release pending appeal. He will remain in jail as he awaits a new trial. The motion was denied "because of the open status of the case in the appeals court" said the judge, who also denied his request for a hearing. In his motion to release, Syed's attorney argued that his client has been a model prisoner and poses no threat. "Syed has now served more than 17 years in prison based on an unconstitutional conviction for a crime he did not commit. He has no history of violence other than the State's allegations in this case, and if released he would pose no danger to the community." Syed's case rose to prominence in 2014, when the first season of podcast 'Serial' looked into his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee's murder, and his subsequent trial. Syed remains in prison for his murder conviction in the 1999 death of Lee.
Sikh community head gunned down in Afghanistan
KABUL: Head of a Sikh community in Afghanistan's restive Kunduz city was shot dead by unknown gunmen, in a second such incident in three months. Lala Del Souz, a naturopath, was gunned down in the Haji Gulistan Kochi Haman area of the city, and he later died from his injuries while being taken to the hospital. Relatives said he had been shot at five years ago, but had survived the attack. Kunduz security chief Masoum Stanikzai said the police have arrested three suspects. The shooting sparked a social media outcry, with hundreds of people condemning the incident and sending condolences to his family. His uncle Prem has called on the government to investigate the incident thoroughly and deliver justice.
Pak boy sues presidency for `stealing' speech
ISLAMABAD: An eleven year old boy has sued the office of Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain, for stealing his speech. Six grader Muhammad Sabeel Haider, through his father Naseem Abbas Nasir, approached the Islamabad High Court, filing a petition against the presidency for "stealing" the text of his speech and giving it to someone else without his consent. Justice Aamer Farooq has reserved the verdict on the maintainability of the young orator's petition. The counsel said Haider's speech was forwarded for approval from the presidency to be read out as part of an official event to celebrate the birth anniversary of Pak founder MA Jinnah, and that it was approved. Later however, Haider was told a girl would be reading out the speech.
Outgoing Ban Ki-moon bids farewell to UN
UNITED NATIONS: Outgoing UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon bid adieu to the United Nations where he has worked for 10 years. Ban expressed his gratitude to the UN staff at the headquarters before his departure, encouraging them to keep working hard on UN causes and never give up. A group of UN officials, staff members, and diplomats had gathered to see him off. The former chief even joked saying, "Millions of people will be watching as I lose my job." He pushed the button beginning the official 60-second countdown to the New Year. He quipped, "I feel a bit like Cinderella. At midnight, everything changes." His tenure as the eighth UN Secretary-General began on January 1, 2007, and ended on December 31, 2016. He is succeeded by Portugal's Antonio Guterres.
364 Pakistanis imprisoned in Saudi Arabia, says Sartaj Aziz
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz said there are 364 Pakistani citizens imprisoned in Saudi Arabia. Answering a question in the Senate, he said the jails hosting them include Riyadh, Jubail, Buridah, Dammam, Khober, and Oniza. Aziz said that the embassy of Pakistan is extending all possible assistance to Pakistani prisoners in jails and deportation centres in Saudi. "Embassy has sought consular access for the detainees, to inquire about their welfare, extended to them all possible assistance, and clemency requests from their relatives to the Royal Court," he said. The Advisor also said that the Saudi government provided translators to the accused during the investigation process in the courts. "In serious offences, lawyers are provided on the government's expenses."
Singer Tahir Shah leaves Pak after threat
KARACHI: Pakistan's 'Angel' Tahir Shah has reportedly left the country after receiving life threats. Shah, who rose to fame with his viral debut single 'Eye to Eye' in 2013, left Karachi. As informed by his agent who cited he has been receiving death threats for quite a while now. "Recently, Shah made his acting debut with Pakistan's first online film and it seems like the haters are not admiring his approach of using arts to the benefit of mankind. Perhaps that is the reason why he was getting threats," his agent said. "Shah was left heartbroken when the government failed to provide him security, and as a result, decided to leave Pakistan."
