The JSE was weaker across the board in noon trade on Thursday, knocked by negative world markets and a stronger rand. There was an element of catch-up following the Women’s Day holiday on Wednesday and this exacerbated the bourse’s losses. By 12.01pm, the all-share and all-share industrial indices shed 1,49% and 1,07% respectively.
Police in the United Kingdom said on Thursday they have thwarted a plot to blow up aircraft in mid-flight using bombs smuggled on in hand luggage. A number of people were arrested in the London area. Britain raised its security-threat level to ”critical”, which means it expects an attack imminently. An immediate ban has been placed on carry-on luggage on planes.
The British Airports Authority said on Thursday it had requested that all in-bound flights from Europe into London’s Heathrow airport be cancelled temporarily. Police in the United Kingdom said earlier in the day they had thwarted a plot to blow up aircraft in mid-flight, arresting a number of people in the London area.
Once a simple fishing village, Hua Hin has evolved into one of Thailand’s bustling tourism gems thanks largely to the presence of a revered resident: King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Just a few hours drive from Bangkok, Hua Hin is an alternative to Pattaya, a nearby beach resort best known for its thriving sex tourism.
The United Nations on Wednesday expressed concern at recent remarks by politicians in Côte d’Ivoire threatening to boycott the ongoing fragile peace process, and appealed to all parties to stay the course. ”The UN is launching solemn appeal to all players in the crisis to maintain their engagement,” the UN said.
Africa is mulling setting up a 24-hour television news channel that would portray the continent in positive perspective on the global platform and promote a development agenda, officials said on Wednesday. They said the channel, which will resemble pan-Arabic television al-Jazeera, could be in place by next year.
Sri Lankans can’t wait to welcome back a fit-again Sachin Tendulkar as India arrive in Colombo on Thursday night to play a tri-series also featuring South Africa. Tendulkar, arguably the most prolific batsman in history, returns to the Indian team after being out of action since March due to shoulder surgery.
Top seed Roger Federer and number four Ivan Ljubicic swept through into the third round while American James Blake fell flat to exit on an off-day at the Toronto Masters on Wednesday. Federer, playing his first event since winning his fourth straight Wimbledon title a month ago, rolled over Frenchman Sebastien Grosjean 6-3, 6-3.
Six-time champions AC Milan and four-time winners Ajax and Liverpool put themselves in a position to reach the group stage of the Champions League on Wednesday. AC Milan edged Red Star Belgrade 1-0, Ajax won 2-1 at Copenhagen, and Liverpool beat Israeli club Maccabi Haifa 2-1 at Anfield.
Strong winds and giant waves, boosted by a south-west monsoon, have wiped out hundreds of shacks on stilts and left thousands of people homeless in the southern Philippines, local government officials said on Thursday. A number of people were missing after giant waves swept four coastal villages out to sea.