JAKARTA, (DNA) – Seven people in Indonesia were hospitalised after rinsing their hands in acid, police said Tuesday as they hunted for the self-styled sorcerer who promised the men it would make them invincible. The bizarre ritual last week left the men, residents of the Rawa Kopi village just outside the capital Jakarta, with serious burns on their hands, authorities said. A mystery man named Didi, who moved into the village several months ago, claimed he was a master of traditional magic — known as Debus — which is supposed to protect a person from physical injury. The self-proclaimed magician offered free lessons and promised to make the unlucky men invincible.
Diabetes, obesity behind 800,000 cancers worldwide: study
PARIS, (DNA) – Nearly six percent of new cancers diagnosed worldwide in 2012 — some 800,000 cases — were caused by diabetes and excess weight, according to a study published Tuesday. Among the 12 types of cancer examined, the percentage of cases chalked up to these factors was as high as a third, researchers reported in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, a leading medical journal. Cancers stemming from diabetes and obesity combined was almost twice as common among women than men, they found.
Iran, Turkey sign deal with Qatar to ease Gulf blockade
TEHRAN, NOV 27 (DNA) – Iran and Turkey signed a deal on Sunday with Qatar aimed at boosting commercial ties with the Gulf state which is under blockade by its Arab neighbours, Iranian state television said. Erdogan pledges military support for Qatar on Doha visit The broadcaster’s website said the agreement provides for the creation of a “joint working group to facilitate the transit of goods between the three countries”. It also said the three nations aimed to tackle “obstacles to sending goods from Iran and Turkey to Qatar”.
Blast rocks Chinese megaport city, two dead
SHANGHAI, (DNA) – A major explosion hit China’s megaport city of Ningbo on Sunday, killing at least two people, injuring dozens and wrecking buildings, state media and local authorities said. The Ningbo government said on a social media account that the blast occurred in a “vacant lot” but it did not provide details about what may have caused it. Local authorities said two people died, two were seriously injured and an unidentified number were being treated for injuries in the major port city. State media said more than 30 people were hospitalised, reporting the explosion had taken place in a demolished factory at around 9:00 am (0100 GMT).
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan eye cooperation in rail transport
BAKU, NOV 25 (DNA) – Representatives of railway administrations of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan discussed issues of cooperation on the organization of international passenger transportation, reports the press service of “Uzbekistan Temir Yullari”. The delegations of the JSC “Uzbekistan Temir Yollari” and JSC “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy ” mulled the results of joint work in 2017. The sides also discussed ways to improve the efficiency of work and prospects for the development of passenger communication between the two countries. The parties reached an agreement on the application of a discount system for the purchase of a travel document (ticket), depending on the period of its preliminary acquisition.
Traditional Uzbek costumes showcased at a fashion show By A.M.Bhatti
ISLAMABAD, NOV 23 (DNA) – Embassy of Uzbekistan in collaboration with Iqra University hosted a grand fashion show in order to show case various traditional Uzbek costumes. The show, which was largely attended by members of civil society, media and diplomatic corps, provided the guests with an opportunity of getting them acquainted with the marvelous Uzbek costumes. Ambassador of Uzbekistan Furqat Sidqov in his brief remarks termed the event historic and landmark as it was happening for the first time that Uzbek costumes were exhibited in front of a large number of people.
“I would love to visit Pakistan”: Farah Khan
DUBAI, (DNA) – Ace Bollywood director and choreographer, Farah Khan was recently in Dubai to help promote her dear friend, Sania Mirza’s sister Anam Mirza’s fashion initiative named, The Label Bazaar. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the filmmaker shared her thoughts on Pakistan and India, especially with respect to cinema. “I hope someone takes me there one day,” Khan said when asked if she ever thought of visiting Pakistan, knowing that there are countless Pakistanis who love her work. “I would love to visit Pakistan and I know there are so many people from Pakistan who love me.”
BJP leader offers $1m for beheading Bollywood star Deepika Padukone
MUMBAI: (DNA) – The release of a highly anticipated Bollywood movie Padmavati has further compounded in a controversy after a ruling party leader offered a bounty of $1.5 million for the heads of the movie’s star Deepika Padukone and director amid outcry that the film distorted Hindu legend. Bharatia Janata Party ledare Suraj Pal Amu issued death threats against the filmmaker and the actress and announced reward for their beheading.
Work on Karachi Package phase II to begin on December 15
KARACHI: (DNA) – Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has asked the local government department to start work on 14 schemes of the Karachi Package’s phase II from December 15. The cost of the mega schemes has been estimated at Rs8 billion. The CM issued the directives while presiding over a meeting to review the progress of the Karachi Package’s phase I and fix the deadline for the start of phase II. The meeting was attended by Local Government Mnister Jam Khan Shoro, Principal Secretary to the CM Sohail Rajput, Local Government Secretary Ramzan Awan, Karachi Commissioner Ejaz Khan, Karachi Package Project Director Niaz Soomro and others.
CPEC projects set to enter next stage of execution
ISLAMABAD, (DNA) – The seventh Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will take decisive actions on Tuesday on about a dozen projects that will help take these schemes to the next stage of implementation. However, no major breakthrough is expected on deepening industrial cooperation between Pakistan and China. A summary containing actionable points on about one dozen schemes related to energy, roads, uplifting Gwadar and developing Special Economic Zones (SZEs) has been moved to the prime minister for approval, said CPEC Project Coordinator Hassan Daud Butt on Saturday.
