India has decided to restore mobile messaging services in Kashmir from New Year, nearly five months since its suspension. Broadband internet services will also be allowed in hospitals across the union territory from the New Year, although curbs on civilian use may remain. The curbs on internet and mobile messaging services were part of the communications clampdown imposed on Jammu and Kashmir after the scrapping of its special status under Article 370 on August 5. The authorities said it was done to ensure that “trouble-makers” do not succeed in mobilising the people against the administration. The decision to ease restrictions in Kashmir were announced by Rohit Kansal, official spokesman of the union territory administration, at a press conference yesterday.

Pak media mogul rejects

rape accusations

The chief executive of one of Pakistan’s most influential newspapers has denied accusations he raped an acclaimed filmmaker, in a case that has spotlighted sexual abuse targeting men and added momentum to the country’s fledgling #MeToo movement. Director Jamshed Mahmood Raza took to social media over the weekend to allege that Dawn newspaper’s Hameed Haroon raped him 13 years ago. Haroon -- who hails from one of Pakistan’s most influential families -- issued a fierce denial in Dawn, the country’s most popular English daily, late Monday, calling the accusations “simply untrue and intentionally fabricated”.

Prince William unveils prize

for climate innovation

Prince William yesterday announced what was described as “the most prestigious environment prize in history” to encourage new solutions to tackling climate change. The Earthshot Prize will be awarded to five people every year over the next decade, and aims to provide at least 50 answers to some of the greatest problems facing the planet by 2030. They include promoting new ways of addressing climate change and issues surrounding energy, nature and biodiversity, the oceans, air pollution and fresh water. The prize promises “a significant financial award”, a statement said.

Source: AFP