Author: Krobea

A court in Pakistan has banned public celebrations of Valentine’s Day in the capital, Islamabad, on the grounds that it is not part of Muslim culture. The Islamabad High Court’s order prohibits all Valentine’s Day festivities in government offices and public spaces with immediate effect. It also directs the media not to promote or cover Valentine’s events. The orders were a response to a private petition which argued that Valentine’s Day was contrary to Islamic teaching. According to the Dawn newspaper, the petition argued that the festival promoted immorality, nudity and indecency under the cover of spreading love. Valentine’s Day…

Car giant Ford has announced that it is investing $1bn (£800m) over the next five years in artificial intelligence (AI) company Argo. The firms will collaborate on developing a virtual driver system for driverless cars. Ford intends to have an autonomous vehicle ready to launch in 2021. Argo was founded by CEO Brian Salesky and chief operating officer Peter Rander, who led self-driving car teams at Google and Uber respectively. The investment makes Ford the firm’s majority stakeholder. “The next decade will be defined by the automation of the automobile, and autonomous vehicles will have as significant an impact on…

You finally found a guy who’s not just great, but amazing. He’s charming. He’s helpful. He’s a great listener. The moment he came into your life, things instantly improved. Even your mother liked him. Everyone did. For the first few months, everything was magical. The relationship was perfect. Sure, you hit a few minor bumps that seemed like they could be red flags, but you figured everyone has bad days and he would never intend to be such a jerk. Besides, he apologized. Except that lately, you’re the one doing all the apologizing. You don’t always know what you did…

Kenyan doctors are calling for better pay and working conditionsA Kenyan court has jailed seven union officials for a month over a doctors strike that has crippled public hospitals for 10 weeks. High Court Judge Hellen Wasilwat had handed down suspended sentences to the officials a month ago after they ignored an earlier court order to end the strike. Jailing them for contempt of court, the judge said they had provided no reason for the punishment to be deferred. The seven officials were handcuffed and driven to jail past placard-waving supporters gathered outside the court. The nationwide strike involving thousands…

Hearts of Oak will begin their 2016/2017 season on Monday, February 13 with a clash against International Allies at the El Wak Sports Stadium. The Phobians’ match against Inter Allies was postponed to allow for Bechem United’s CAF Confederation qualifier against MC Algers. The 2016/2017 Ghana Premier League began on Sunday but Hearts are among the six sides yet to taste action. Debutants Elmina Sharks, champions Wa All Stars, Bechem United, Great Olympics and Allies are the others yet to play at the domestic front. Referee Issaka Afful will officiate Monday’s encounter with Kwesi Brobbey and Rahman Salifu supporting him…

Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection Otiko Afisa Djaba says she feels victimized by the stance taken by the Minority in Parliament over her appointment. She says the stance that she has not undertaken her National Service is hypocritical given the approval of former Deputy Local Government Minister John Oti Bless and Tourism Minister Catherine Afeku, who had not done the Service prior to their appearances before the Appointments Committee. The New Patriotic Party’s National Women’s Organiser says she is just being “victimised” because of her comments against Former President John Dramani Mahama, an action she does not regret…

La La Land has dominated the Baftas, taking five trophies – including best film and best actress for Emma Stone. There were also awards for Lion, including best supporting actor for Dev Patel, and Ken Loach’s I, Daniel Blake, which was named outstanding British film at the London ceremony. Patel said the win was “overwhelming”. Casey Affleck was named best actor for Manchester by the Sea and Viola Davis won the best supporting actress prize for Fences. She is also nominated for an Oscar for her role in Fences, based on the August Wilson stage play of the same name.…

Adele has apparently turned down the Grammy award for best album, saying Beyonce deserved it more. The pop star was given the night’s top honour for her multi-million selling record 25, but told the audience, “I can’t possibly accept this award”. “I’m very humbled and I’m very grateful, but Beyonce is the artist of my life”. Adele’s victory over Beyonce is certain to boost complaints that the Grammys habitually overlook black artists. Several artists, including Frank Ocean and Kanye West, chose to skip this year’s ceremony on that basis. Ocean even declined to submit his critically-acclaimed album, Blonde, for consideration,…

READ: Free SHS starts this year with free meals, admission, utility etc – Prez declares

The ten ministerial nominees of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to head the country’s regions will begin facing the Appointments Committee of Parliament from today, Monday, February 13. The vetting of the ten is expected to end on Wednesday, February 15. To begin the process will be Western Region Minister-designate Dr Kwaku Owusu Afriyie, a popular cocoa farmer and a former minister of state. He will be followed by Simon Osei-Mensah, the Ashanti Region Minister-designate. Eric Kwakye Darfour, Member of Parliament for Nkawkaw Constituency, will follow next while Former Greater Accra Region Minister Ishmael Ashitey, who is also the Region’s…