bbc--2020-02-22--Crossing Divides: What happens when pen pals reunite

Duaa Bhat is a 17-year-old girl in Indian-administered Kashmir , one of the most heavily militarised zones in the world .
Two years ago , she became pen pals with Saumya Sagarika , 18 , from the country 's capital , Delhi , in a bid to understand the different worlds they were growing up in .
The army has been deployed in Kashmir , India 's only Muslim-majority region , since the rise of an armed rebellion in 1989 .
As Saumya discovered through her letters , Duaa 's studies were interrupted by strikes and school shutdowns .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government who would deliberately shut down or `` snap '' internet and social media .
Then , in August last year , the government removed Kashmir 's special status - which provided a degree of autonomy under article 370 of the country 's constitution - and imposed a communication clampdown .
Schools were closed , thousands including politicians were placed under detention , and phone lines and internet were blocked .
Five months later , as the government began to ease communication restrictions , Saumya began writing to Duaa again .
Here are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read more about why Kashmir is so controversial A warm hello from Delhi .
How are you ?
How is everyone in your family ?
We did n't really continue our promise of staying `` pen pals '' after our last round of letters , but I am very happy to restart our conversation .
A lot must have changed in your life and the circumstances around you in the past two years too .
I got to know that Section 370 was removed from Kashmir a few months back and for some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internet is probably still not working .
I am sure the situation must have changed .
I hope everyone is safe there ?
Chilling because it is really , really cold here these days .
I am good and , Allhamdullilah , everyone in my family is doing good .
We did n't continue being pen pals because the internet here is down most of the time and staying in touch with anyone outside the valley is a task in itself .
I was really happy to know that you 've started college @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People like me have suffered the most in the past few months .
We used to study ourselves with some help from the magic of the internet .
Only the Almighty knows how we 've completed our syllabus in time for exams .
People here are not happy with the removal of our special status .
Personally , I feel depriving people of even talking to their near and dear ones is a violation of human rights .
Saumya , most people , including myself , do not understand the protests in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here do not give us enough information to understand what the CAA ( Citizenship Amendment Act ) really is .
Can you brief me about them ?
In December , India 's parliament passed the CAA , which offers amnesty to non-Muslim illegal immigrants from the three nearby Muslim-majority countries - Pakistan , Afghanistan and Bangladesh .
It sparked massive protests as many considered it discriminatory against Muslims , something the government denies .
Saumya , a Hindu , joined the hundreds of mostly Muslim women in a Delhi street protest against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cold in Delhi too but the mood is really hot .
A few days back , I went to the protest at Delhi 's Shaheen Bagh .
Women have been protesting against this act there for the past 26 days .
These women are not university professors or activists but homemakers , women who remain in purdah , who have stepped out on to the streets to protest .
They are fighting this battle so their children are able to lead their lives in peace .
After witnessing the enthusiasm among people at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are prepared to fight this battle for our rights .
In your last letter , you wrote that you 'd heard slogans like , `` They wanted Kashmir to become like India but have made India into Kashmir '' , were being chanted in Delhi .
You are 100 % right .
Since this protest movement started , all of Delhi is feeling like Kashmir .
Like internet/phone shutdowns , section 144 ( curfew ) being imposed , stone-throwing and police lathi-charge ( using long batons ) during protests .
So I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation facing people living there quite well .
From what you said about CAA , I feel we are going back in time instead of moving forward .
I still ca n't believe that even in the 21st Century some people discriminate against others on the basis of caste , religion and , in some parts of society , even gender .
These protests are a proof that people still believe in taking a stand for each other and that humanity is still alive .
Unlike other places in India , Kashmir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In our hearts we know this act is wrong but these days we Kashmiris could n't care less about what 's happening outside the valley .
Our voices , our rights have been neglected in the past and are being neglected right now .
A couple of days ago , a Niti Aayog ( a government think tank ) member VK Saraswat defended the communication ban and he went as far as saying that Kashmiris do nothing but watch `` dirty films '' online .
Even though he apologized later , these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our minds .
Do people there really think that way about us ?
No one is talking about the problems we are facing right now due to the internet ban .
Are we really invisible to the rest of the country ?
Religious identities come up repeatedly in Saumya and Duaa 's letters .
In 1989-90 , at the start of the rebellion , hundreds of thousands of Hindus - referred to as Pandits - were terrorised into leaving by Muslim militants .
It tore apart the centuries-old harmony that existed between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ childhoods of Kashmir in pencil and crayon I feel that people here consider Kashmir a precious property of the country and do n't give any importance to its people .
Just last week , there was a discussion on the film Shikara on TV .
The film is based on Kashmiri Pandits .
There has been no discussion of their plight for the past 30 years here .
And I do n't think that people will go to watch this film or talk about it even now .
Through our letters I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kashmir and Muslims , which is different from common perceptions .
We have lots of family friends who are Muslim but are unable to discuss such issues with them openly , lest we offend them .
This CAA issue motivated me to protest , even though I am a Hindu .
As I have understood Kashmir through your letters , it has removed my apprehensions and made me even more curious about Kashmir and Kashmiris .
Earlier I was afraid because of the image created by society and the media .
But after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to Kashmir to understand and experience it myself .
Is the Kashmir valley open for people from outside now ?
I am writing this letter not from Kashmir , but from one of the most holy cities of the world - Mecca , Saudi Arabia .
It 's an amazing feeling to watch Muslims from all around the world come to pray here .
I feel glad that you know the truth about Kashmir .
The valley is open for tourists now ( officially ) but for us Kashmiris it was and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside .
You know there is a place in the Khanyar area of Kashmir , where worshipping places of different religions are located on one hill .
At the bottom is a Gurdwara ( Sikh temple ) , in the middle a shrine and at the top a temple .
My mother 's maiden home was near that area and they had Pandits as neighbours .
In my childhood , my mother used to tell me various stories about the brotherhood between different communities .
Kashmir is a really beautiful place to live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this holy city of Mecca to make Kashmir a peaceful place again and to restore the brotherhood that was lost .
I 'm closing this letter with the hope that my dua ( wish ) comes true and you will come to Kashmir to meet me .
A season of stories about bringing people together in a fragmented world .
• What would you say to the men who killed your mum ?
• Why the idea of 'snowflakes vs gammons ' is bad for us

A couple of days ago, a Niti Aayog (a government think tank) member VK Saraswat defended the communication ban and he went as far as saying that Kashmiris do nothing but watch "dirty films" online. Even though he apologized later, these remarks cannot be just thrown out of our minds. Do people there really think that way about us? No one is talking about the problems we are facing right now due to the internet ban. Are we really invisible to the rest of the country?


bbc--2020-02-22--Big hitting, big money, big hype - all you need to know about Wilder v Fury

Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder will face each other again on Saturday almost 15 months on from a controversial draw that left punters desperate for a rerun of their thrilling affair in Los Angeles .
Tickets in Las Vegas are exchanging hands for thousands of dollars , the fighters are volleying spiteful words at one another with gusto , and pundits who have frequented Sin City more times than they care to remember have described the occasion as a `` monster '' .
Somewhere amid the chaos is the prize of Wilder 's WBC world title .
If Fury wins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be shared between two British fighters - him and Anthony Joshua , who holds the IBF , WBA and WBO titles .
Wilder starts as favourite ( just ) before the fighters walk to the ring at about 05:00 GMT on Sunday .
At Friday 's weigh-in , where a face-off was banned and the pair shouted abuse at one another from behind cordons , the American weighed in at 231lb - the heaviest of his career .
Fury , at 273lb , has not been as heavy since his comeback fight in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told BBC Sport : `` It looks to me from that they are going to stand in the middle of the ring and have a right scrap . ''
Here is everything you need to know about the fight - including the 5 Live Boxing predictions .
Las Vegas is all in for fight night A handful of tickets remain for the fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena , with prices ranging from $ 425 ( £330 ) on the open market to $ 10,000 ( £7,754 ) on resale .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay $ 100 ( £77 ) to watch on a big screen , while the fight will cost $ 74.99 ( £58 ) to buy at home in the US .
If organisers sell the two million pay-per-views they are predicting , about $ 150m ( £116m ) could be raised before even accounting for ticket revenue .
In terms of earnings , it will be an eight-figure night for both men .
It is the biggest heavyweight bout in 20 , 30 , or - if you listen to Fury - close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not lost on this city of bright lights and razzmatazz .
Fight billboards run the length of the famous Strip ; on the ground of the MGM Grand itself , three boxing rings act as stages for US TV networks .
`` I have been coming here 25 years and I have never seen this kind of investment into the building of hype of a pay-per-view fight , '' said BBC Sport boxing correspondent Mike Costello .
His 5 Live Boxing sidekick Steve Bunce added : `` Two unbeaten men , elite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact we are seeing something we do n't often see .
This is a monster . ''
Why does it matter for Fury ?
Fury would have taken the WBC world heavyweight title with a points win had he not been pummelled to the canvas in the absorbing 12th round of their 2018 draw .
He said he kidded Wilder 's team into fighting him by implying he was finished , having struggled with personal problems and weight gain and taken a 30-month break from the sport after beating Wladimir Klitschko in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and WBO world titles .
He lost those titles outside the ring - vacating them as he dealt with the issues he was facing .
A victory on Saturday would complete a remarkable return to the top of world boxing .
`` Not only did he have three years out but did you see the size of him ? ''
former world champion Carl Froch told BBC Radio 5 Live .
`` He is a real inspiration for someone sat in their armchair supping on their beer thinking their life is n't going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fury doing too much before the fight ?
Wilder , according to Costello , is moving into `` rare company '' in heavyweight history .
The American is seeking to defend his title for an 11th time ; if he did , it would surpass Muhammad Ali 's best run as a champion .
He can also perhaps win over those who still question his ability despite a 43-fight unbeaten record .
Fans and pundits point to his technical flaws and expect Fury to outwit him .
To do so , the Briton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punches .
Jay Deas , the American 's trainer , says taking shots on the pads from his fighter feels like receiving a `` sprained ankle in your elbow '' .
Former world heavyweight champion David Haye told BBC Radio 5 Live : `` On two occasions I brought him over to spar - and of all the partners - he was the one with the most devastating punch power .
`` I have never experienced getting hit like anything close to that .
He has a formula that works .
Why would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight will be electric . ''
So what has changed since last time ?
Wilder has changed little , so the outcome to the fight will lie in the success or failure of the changes Fury has made .
Outside the gym , his profile in the US has sky-rocketed , bringing with it new demands .
Inside the gym , he has a new trainer .
SugarHill Steward , a former policeman , calls himself `` a knockout architect '' , having learned his craft at Detroit 's legendary Kronk Gym .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in case the wound that needed 47 stitches after September 's win over Otto Wallin re-opens - and has recruited the chef used by UFC star Conor McGregor .
He has even given up Diet Coke , his drink of choice .
Perhaps most important of all , though , is his pledge to move away from his evasive style and attempt to knock out a feared puncher .
`` What I did last time clearly was n't good enough , so we are going to go for the knockout , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come out of the gates like a galloping horse , flat out , to try to knock me out . ''
• 'My job is to ensure Fury walks out as handsome as when he walks into the ring' And the winner is ?
Some UK bookmakers have the pair evenly priced but Wilder is a slight favourite in the mammoth sports betting facility at the MGM Grand , where high rollers are expected to force changes in the prices as the fight nears .
Costello added : `` I think Wilder has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be better at closing the space this time .
I do n't know when he will catch up with Fury but I think he will . ''
Bunce responded : `` I think we will see a bit more boxing from Wilder and a far more aggressive Fury .
I do n't think either of those changes will last .
I believe Fury survives rocky moments and wins on points .
And , yes , it will be controversial . ''
The pundits and bookmakers are split down the middle .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both been waiting for , '' Wilder said this week .
A relentless rivalry is set for its latest twist .
At least the waiting is nearly over .
• Subscribe now to the 5 Live Boxing with Costello & Bunce podcast on BBC Sounds - their post-fight pod with all the analysis and reaction will be there soon after the bout on Sunday morning

Wilder v Fury II weigh-in: 'The atmosphere & buzz is phenomenal'
WBC world heavyweight title: Deontay Wilder v Tyson Fury Venue : MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas Date : Saturday, 22 February Time : About 05:00 GMT on Sunday, 23 February Coverage : Live text commentary on the BBC Sport website, plus daily podcasts on BBC Sounds.
Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder will face each other again on Saturday almost 15 months on from a controversial draw that left punters desperate for a rerun of their thrilling affair in Los Angeles.
Tickets in Las Vegas are exchanging hands for thousands of dollars, the fighters are volleying spiteful words at one another with gusto, and pundits who have frequented Sin City more times than they care to remember have described the occasion as a "monster".
Somewhere amid the chaos is the prize of Wilder's WBC world title. If Fury wins it, all four heavyweight belts will be shared between two British fighters - him and Anthony Joshua, who holds the IBF, WBA and WBO titles.
Wilder starts as favourite (just) before the fighters walk to the ring at about 05:00 GMT on Sunday.
At Friday's weigh-in, where a face-off was banned and the pair shouted abuse at one another from behind cordons, the American weighed in at 231lb - the heaviest of his career. Fury, at 273lb, has not been as heavy since his comeback fight in 2018.
Former world champion Kell Brook told BBC Sport: "It looks to me from that they are going to stand in the middle of the ring and have a right scrap."
Here is everything you need to know about the fight - including the 5 Live Boxing predictions.
Las Vegas is all in for fight night
Tyson Fury on Deontay Wilder fight: 'All bullies fold when you stand up to them'
A handful of tickets remain for the fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, with prices ranging from $425 (£330) on the open market to $10,000 (£7,754) on resale.
On the Las Vegas Strip, fans can pay $100 (£77) to watch on a big screen, while the fight will cost $74.99 (£58) to buy at home in the US. If organisers sell the two million pay-per-views they are predicting, about $150m (£116m) could be raised before even accounting for ticket revenue. In terms of earnings, it will be an eight-figure night for both men.
It is the biggest heavyweight bout in 20, 30, or - if you listen to Fury - close to 50 years. And the hype is not lost on this city of bright lights and razzmatazz. Fight billboards run the length of the famous Strip; on the ground of the MGM Grand itself, three boxing rings act as stages for US TV networks.
"I have been coming here 25 years and I have never seen this kind of investment into the building of hype of a pay-per-view fight," said BBC Sport boxing correspondent Mike Costello.
His 5 Live Boxing sidekick Steve Bunce added: "Two unbeaten men, elite versus elite. Let's not lose the fact we are seeing something we don't often see. This is a monster."
Why does it matter for Fury?
'He's cut no corners' - Inside Tyson Fury's team
Fury would have taken the WBC world heavyweight title with a points win had he not been pummelled to the canvas in the absorbing 12th round of their 2018 draw.
He said he kidded Wilder's team into fighting him by implying he was finished, having struggled with personal problems and weight gain and taken a 30-month break from the sport after beating Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 to take the IBF, WBA and WBO world titles.
He lost those titles outside the ring - vacating them as he dealt with the issues he was facing. A victory on Saturday would complete a remarkable return to the top of world boxing.
"Not only did he have three years out but did you see the size of him?" former world champion Carl Froch told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"He is a real inspiration for someone sat in their armchair supping on their beer thinking their life isn't going anywhere."
Devastating Wilder can silence doubters
Witness Deontay Wilder's punching power
Wilder, according to Costello, is moving into "rare company" in heavyweight history.
The American is seeking to defend his title for an 11th time; if he did, it would surpass Muhammad Ali's best run as a champion. He can also perhaps win over those who still question his ability despite a 43-fight unbeaten record.
Fans and pundits point to his technical flaws and expect Fury to outwit him. To do so, the Briton would have to avoid Wilder's power punches. Jay Deas, the American's trainer, says taking shots on the pads from his fighter feels like receiving a "sprained ankle in your elbow".
Former world heavyweight champion David Haye told BBC Radio 5 Live: "On two occasions I brought him over to spar - and of all the partners - he was the one with the most devastating punch power.
"I have never experienced getting hit like anything close to that. He has a formula that works. Why would anyone tamper with that formula? This fight will be electric."
So what has changed since last time?
Deontay Wilder says rematch with Tyson Fury is 'bigger' than Mayweather v Pacquiao
Wilder has changed little, so the outcome to the fight will lie in the success or failure of the changes Fury has made.
Outside the gym, his profile in the US has sky-rocketed, bringing with it new demands.
Inside the gym, he has a new trainer. SugarHill Steward, a former policeman, calls himself "a knockout architect", having learned his craft at Detroit's legendary Kronk Gym.
Fury has a new cuts man - in case the wound that needed 47 stitches after September's win over Otto Wallin re-opens - and has recruited the chef used by UFC star Conor McGregor. He has even given up Diet Coke, his drink of choice.
Perhaps most important of all, though, is his pledge to move away from his evasive style and attempt to knock out a feared puncher.
"What I did last time clearly wasn't good enough, so we are going to go for the knockout," said Fury. "I think Wilder will come out of the gates like a galloping horse, flat out, to try to knock me out."
And the winner is?
Steve Bunce says Deontay Wilder beat Tyson Fury in their final press conference.
Some UK bookmakers have the pair evenly priced but Wilder is a slight favourite in the mammoth sports betting facility at the MGM Grand, where high rollers are expected to force changes in the prices as the fight nears.
Costello added: "I think Wilder has learned from the first fight and will be better at closing the space this time. I don't know when he will catch up with Fury but I think he will."
Bunce responded: "I think we will see a bit more boxing from Wilder and a far more aggressive Fury. I don't think either of those changes will last. I believe Fury survives rocky moments and wins on points. And, yes, it will be controversial."
The pundits and bookmakers are split down the middle.
"This is the moment in time we have both been waiting for," Wilder said this week.
A relentless rivalry is set for its latest twist. At least the waiting is nearly over.
Watch Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury face off in news conference


bbc--2020-02-21--Talking to your neighbours is mandatory if you live here

You can only live in this block of flats if you are under 25 or a pensioner - and you @ @ @ @ @ 's all part of a plan to help tackle loneliness .
Part of Crossing Divides @ @ @ @ @ people together in a fragmented world .

You can only live in this block of flats if you are under 25 or a pensioner - and you have to socialise. It's all part of a plan to help tackle loneliness.
Reporter: Maddy Savage
Filmed and edited by Benoit Derrier
A film for People Fixing the World
Part of Crossing Divides, a BBC season bringing people together in a fragmented world.


bbc--2020-02-19--Fair Isle: The remote island where jumpers are always in fashion

Fifty years ago , the allure of Fair Isle knitwear inspired freelance photographer Chris Morphet to travel to the UK 's most remote community .
His pictures documented the lives of Shetland islanders and the distinctive designs which are still influencing fashion today .
Chris felt drawn to Fair Isle after seeing the famous knitwear on the streets of London .
So in 1970 , the 26-year-old photographer headed north to the remote island , which is located 80 miles off the Scottish mainland , half way between Orkney and Shetland .
`` I found it amazing that people lived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I just went round and knocked on people 's doors and asked if they had any Fair Isle sweaters .
`` It was quite a naive thing to do , but I was just entranced by the place .
It was just something that caught my imagination . ''
Chris , now 76 , remembers everyone on the island being very welcoming .
`` People just seemed happy to pose .
`` I loved it all .
It was a really wholesome experience , and I met amazing people . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ included Stewart and Triona Thomson .
Triona , now aged 75 , said the picture had been taken while the couple were putting up a byre at their home .
`` I have no memory of it at all , '' she admitted .
`` We must have put on our posh jumpers .
The one in the photo - knitted by my mother-in law - is the only one I 've ever possessed . ''
Chris had two sweaters made for himself - one of which he still owns and wears today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Shetland provided a historical record of the `` very special '' designs created by the people on Fair Isle .
The patterned knitwear developed in the early 19th Century in fishermen 's caps and jumpers , then gained wider popularity in the 1920s .
Fair Isle has since been adopted as a general term for multicoloured knitwear , but there are still small numbers of garments produced on the island from patterns which have been handed down through generations .
Each design contains an average of four colours , with only two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ventrillon , a French-Venezuelan designer , is among those who are trying to keep the tradition alive on Fair Isle .
She moved to the island from London in 2007 , when local knitters were looking for new recruits .
`` I felt attracted to the designs , and I wanted to try my own designs and colours , '' she explained .
She eventually launched her own company , selling online to customers in the UK and in overseas markets such as the US and Canada .
She also made headlines in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chanel after her work was not credited for inspiring designs in one of its collections .
Mati said she was trying to work out how to grow the business while also preserving the traditions and heritage of the island .
`` It starts to become a legacy .
We are bringing people to the island and passing on the skills , '' she said .
`` It has been here for so many years , and you see it everywhere , it 's so beautiful .
The design possibilities are endless .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead . ''

Fair Isle has since been adopted as a general term for multicoloured knitwear, but there are still small numbers of garments produced on the island from patterns which have been handed down through generations.


bbc--2020-02-22--Quaden Bayles: Bullied Australian boy leads out all-star rugby team

A nine-year-old Australian boy has taken centre-stage at a major sporting event , days after a video of him in distress at being bullied captured hearts across the world .
Quaden Bayles , who is himself Aboriginal , led out an indigenous rugby league team in an exhibition match in Queensland against New Zealand Maoris .
Quaden 's mother said he had always dreamt of being a rugby league star .
She posted the clip of him crying after he was targeted at school for dwarfism .
Celebrities offered their support , and hundreds of thousands of dollars have since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to send him to Disneyland .
'Best day of his life' The National Rugby League 's Indigenous All Stars team invited Quaden to lead out the side for their match against the Maori All Stars on Saturday on the Gold Coast .
`` We 've got your back and just want to make sure that you are doing alright ... we want you around , we want you to lead us out on the weekend , '' he said .
Holding the hand of team captain Joel Thompson , Quaden led them out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the crowd .
He then posed with the teams holding the match ball , before handing it to the referee .
The Maori All Stars won the game 30-16 .
Mother Yarraka Bayles said at a news conference on Friday that Quaden was `` going from the worst day of his life to the best day of his life '' .
Days earlier , she had posted the video of Quaden , which has been viewed millions of times .
`` This is what bullying does , '' she says in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wants to end his life .
Celebrities including actor Hugh Jackman and basketball player Enes Kanter spoke out , while parents in other countries shared video messages from their children .
Ms Bayles said she hoped her son 's experience was raising awareness over the effects of bullying .
`` We are losing way too many people because of bullying , because of discrimination , because of racism .
There 's so many factors of bullying , '' she said .
`` On top of that , being an Aboriginal boy with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's a double-edged sword .
There 's racism and then there 's discrimination because of the disability . ''
What happens in the video of Quaden ?
In the six-minute video , posted on Tuesday , Quaden 's mother describes the relentless bullying experienced by her son every day .
The family , who are Aboriginal Australian , live in Queensland .
`` I 've just picked my son up from school , witnessed a bullying episode , rang the principal , and I want people to know - parents , educators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that bullying has , '' Ms Bayle says as her son sobs .
`` Every single ... day , something happens .
Another episode , another bullying , another taunt , another name-calling .
`` Can you please educate your children , your families , your friends ? ''
If you or someone you know needs support for issues around this story , in Australia you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 .
In the UK these organisations may be able to help .

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bbc--2020-02-22--Saudi rapper faces arrest for Mecca Girl music video

Saudi officials have called for the arrest of a female rapper who released a music video for her song Mecca Girl that praises women from the holy city as `` powerful and beautiful '' .
In 2018 the crown prince of the conservative country began a programme of reforms .
But activists say repression has increased and there is a crackdown on freedom of expression .
The video was released on YouTube last week by a young rapper who identifies herself as Asayel Slay .
She raps about women in the city of Mecca , which is Islam 's holiest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hajj or pilgrimage annually .
`` Our respect to other girls but the Mecca girl is sugar candy , '' she sings in the video while men and women dance in a café .
It was widely shared on social media , and people used hashtag # Mecca_Girl_Represents_Me to praise it .
On Thursday governor of Mecca Khaled al-Faisal ordered the arrest of the people behind the video , tweeting that it `` insults the customs of Mecca '' and using hashtag `` They 're not the girls of Mecca '' .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arabia • The Saudi rapper performing at the wheel Asayel Slay 's account has been suspended and the video is no longer available on YouTube .
One popular tweet read , `` It 's the only rap song that does n't contain a single obscenity , insult , pornographic scene , nudity , hashish or smoking and the rapper is even wearing the hijab .
`` The girl faces arrest because the song does n't suit new Saudi Arabia or old . ''
Other social media users suggested double-standards apply to men and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case of Moroccan singer Saad Lmjarred who was permitted to perform in Riyadh after facing three charges of rape that he denies .
Social media users accused authorities of projecting an image of modernisation abroad while cracking down at home .
`` This is so typical of the Saudi government to do - bring western influencers to artwash the regime but attack real Saudi women who try to artistically express their cultural identities , '' tweeted Amani Al-Ahmadi , who identifies herself as a Saudi-American feminist .
Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country abroad as part of his Vision 2030 programme of reform .
Artists including Mariah Carey , Nicki Minaj and BTS have been invited to perform in the kingdom .
Nicki Minaj pulled out after a backlash , citing her support for the rights of women and the LGBT community .
At a music festival in December , 120 Saudi men and women were arrested for wearing `` inappropriate clothes . ''

"This is so typical of the Saudi government to do - bring western influencers to artwash the regime but attack real Saudi women who try to artistically express their cultural identities," tweeted Amani Al-Ahmadi, who identifies herself as a Saudi-American feminist.


bbc--2020-02-22--South Sudan rivals Salva Kiir and Riek Machar strike unity deal

Former South Sudanese rebel leader Riek Machar has been sworn in as first vice-president , sealing a peace deal aimed at ending six years of civil war .
President Salva Kiir witnessed the moment at a ceremony at the State House in the capital , Juba .
It is hoped that the new unity government will bring an end to the conflict that has killed about 400,000 people and displaced millions .
However , previous deals were widely heralded only to fall apart .
Saturday 's ceremony took place just before the deadline for an agreement expired .
`` For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to assure you that we will work together to end your suffering , '' Mr Machar said after taking the oath .
He then embraced and shook hands with President Kiir .
`` We must forgive one another and reconcile , '' said Mr Kiir .
`` I also appeal to the people of Dinka and Nuer ( rival ethnic groups ) to forgive one another . ''
Also present at the ceremony was the leader of Sudan , General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan .
Three other vice-presidents were also sworn in including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sudan 's founding father , John Garang .
Under the agreement , the current cabinet has been dissolved to make way for more opposition members .
Correspondents say some issues remain unresolved including power-sharing and the integration of rebel fighters , but the two sides have agreed to form a government and address other matters later .
The deal was announced hours after the UN released a damning report accusing both sides of deliberately starving civilians during their struggle for power .
What 's the significance of the agreement ?
President Kiir has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will pave the way for refugees and internally displaced people to return to their homes .
In addition to those killed or displaced , many others have been pushed to the brink of starvation and faced untold suffering .
If the deal holds , it could herald a fresh start in the world 's newest country .
What is the fighting about ?
South Sudan became an independent state from Sudan in 2011 , marking the end of a long-running civil war .
But it did not take long for the promise of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after independence , the country returned to violent conflict after President Kiir sacked Machar , then the deputy president in December 2013 .
President Kiir had accused Mr Machar of plotting a coup to overthrow him , which Mr Machar denied .
While the war had political origins , it also has ethnic undertones and is based on power dynamics .
The Dinka and Nuer , South Sudan 's two largest ethnic groups , which the two leaders belong to , have been accused of targeting each other in the war , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has it been so hard to strike a deal ?
Parties had been unable or unwilling to agree on the terms for the formation of a transitional government , in line with the revitalised peace agreement of 2018 .
The deal was supposed to have been finalised by May 2019 but was postponed twice - the latest deadline being 22 February .
The conflict has pushed the country into a catastrophic humanitarian crisis .
Despite the situation , it has been difficult for the parties to reach and maintain a peace deal that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main leaders have a mutual distrust of each other and there has not been a cordial working relationship since President Kiir fired Mr Machar in 2013 .
Mr Machar has never returned permanently to the capital , Juba , fearing for his safety .
He fled the country when his forces were engaged in fierce clashes with government troops as the 2016 peace agreement collapsed .
What is life like in South Sudan ?
It is pretty bleak .
The International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) ranks the country as the poorest in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Much of the country is not developed in terms of infrastructure .
It has , for instance , just about 300km ( 186 miles ) of paved roads in a country that stretches more than 600,000 sq km .
Most parts of the country outside the urban centres have no electricity or running water .
South Sudan also has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world at 34.5 % , according to Unesco ( 2018 ) .
The UN children 's organisation , Unicef , estimates that 70 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of school - risking their future and that of their country .
This represents one of the highest rates of out-of-school children in the world .
Globally , South Sudan has the fourth lowest human development indices despite its huge natural resource potential , such as fertile agricultural land , gold , diamonds and petroleum .
( UNDP 's Human Development Index measures the average achievements in human development : a long and healthy life , knowledge and decent standard of living . )
As of 2019 , more than half of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extreme levels of acute food insecurity across the country , according to the World Bank .
The country is almost solely dependent on oil revenues and there is very little investment in other sectors such as agriculture and infrastructure .
There are certainly no guarantees .
More than 10 agreements and ceasefires have been reached since the two leaders fell out in 2013 , and their inability to sustain any deal , including on power-sharing , has been at the heart of the conflict .
Peter Adwok Nyaba , an activist and former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 2019 advisory that the agreement does not fully address the conflict elements of ethnic nationalism , power struggles and weak institutions of governance , which he says remain alive despite the deal .
`` This is a typical vicious circle : poverty-conflict-peace lack of development then conflict , '' he says .

South Sudan rivals Salva Kiir and Riek Machar strike unity deal Published 22 February 2020
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Riek Machar took the oath of office in front of President Salva Kiir (l) and Chief Justice Chan Reech Madut
Former South Sudanese rebel leader Riek Machar has been sworn in as first vice-president, sealing a peace deal aimed at ending six years of civil war.
President Salva Kiir witnessed the moment at a ceremony at the State House in the capital, Juba.
It is hoped that the new unity government will bring an end to the conflict that has killed about 400,000 people and displaced millions.
However, previous deals were widely heralded only to fall apart.
Saturday's ceremony took place just before the deadline for an agreement expired.
"For the people of South Sudan, I want to assure you that we will work together to end your suffering," Mr Machar said after taking the oath.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Inside South Sudan's civil war
He then embraced and shook hands with President Kiir.
"We must forgive one another and reconcile," said Mr Kiir. "I also appeal to the people of Dinka and Nuer (rival ethnic groups) to forgive one another."
Also present at the ceremony was the leader of Sudan, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
Three other vice-presidents were also sworn in including Rebecca Garang, the widow of South Sudan's founding father, John Garang.
Under the agreement, the current cabinet has been dissolved to make way for more opposition members.
Correspondents say some issues remain unresolved including power-sharing and the integration of rebel fighters, but the two sides have agreed to form a government and address other matters later.
The deal was announced hours after the UN released a damning report accusing both sides of deliberately starving civilians during their struggle for power.
What's the significance of the agreement?
President Kiir has expressed hope that the transitional three-year period will pave the way for refugees and internally displaced people to return to their homes.
In addition to those killed or displaced, many others have been pushed to the brink of starvation and faced untold suffering.
If the deal holds, it could herald a fresh start in the world's newest country.
What is the fighting about?
South Sudan became an independent state from Sudan in 2011, marking the end of a long-running civil war. But it did not take long for the promise of peace to crumble.
Just two years after independence, the country returned to violent conflict after President Kiir sacked Machar, then the deputy president in December 2013.
President Kiir had accused Mr Machar of plotting a coup to overthrow him, which Mr Machar denied.
While the war had political origins, it also has ethnic undertones and is based on power dynamics.
The Dinka and Nuer, South Sudan's two largest ethnic groups, which the two leaders belong to, have been accused of targeting each other in the war, with atrocities committed by both sides.
Why has it been so hard to strike a deal?
Parties had been unable or unwilling to agree on the terms for the formation of a transitional government, in line with the revitalised peace agreement of 2018.
The deal was supposed to have been finalised by May 2019 but was postponed twice - the latest deadline being 22 February.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Mr Machar has not been in Juba permanently since 2016
The conflict has pushed the country into a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
Despite the situation, it has been difficult for the parties to reach and maintain a peace deal that could stabilise the country.
The two main leaders have a mutual distrust of each other and there has not been a cordial working relationship since President Kiir fired Mr Machar in 2013.
Mr Machar has never returned permanently to the capital, Juba, fearing for his safety. He fled the country when his forces were engaged in fierce clashes with government troops as the 2016 peace agreement collapsed.
What is life like in South Sudan?
It is pretty bleak. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) ranks the country as the poorest in the world, by GDP per person. Much of the country is not developed in terms of infrastructure. It has, for instance, just about 300km (186 miles) of paved roads in a country that stretches more than 600,000 sq km.
Most parts of the country outside the urban centres have no electricity or running water.
Getty Images South Sudan World's youngest country 2011 Gained independence
2013 Civil war started
4.3m People forced from their homes
12m People in the country
82% Of people live on less than $1 a day
65%Of the population unable to read and write UN Agencies
South Sudan also has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world at 34.5%, according to Unesco (2018).
The UN children's organisation, Unicef, estimates that 70% of children (about 2.2 million) are out of school - risking their future and that of their country. This represents one of the highest rates of out-of-school children in the world.
Globally, South Sudan has the fourth lowest human development indices despite its huge natural resource potential, such as fertile agricultural land, gold, diamonds and petroleum. (UNDP's Human Development Index measures the average achievements in human development: a long and healthy life, knowledge and decent standard of living.)
As of 2019, more than half of the population required humanitarian assistance, with extreme levels of acute food insecurity across the country, according to the World Bank.
The country is almost solely dependent on oil revenues and there is very little investment in other sectors such as agriculture and infrastructure.
Does the deal guarantee lasting peace?
There are certainly no guarantees.
More than 10 agreements and ceasefires have been reached since the two leaders fell out in 2013, and their inability to sustain any deal, including on power-sharing, has been at the heart of the conflict.
Peter Adwok Nyaba, an activist and former minister in South Sudan, says in a 2019 advisory that the agreement does not fully address the conflict elements of ethnic nationalism, power struggles and weak institutions of governance, which he says remain alive despite the deal.


bbc--2020-02-22--Chile protests: Lasers and tear gas as police and protesters clash

Lasers and tear gas have been used against police and anti-government protesters in Santiago .
The unrest , which began @ @ @ @ @ originally sparked by a now-suspended increase in metro fares , but has now grown to @ @ @ @ @ equality .

Lasers and tear gas have been used against police and anti-government protesters in Santiago.
The unrest, which began in October 2019, was originally sparked by a now-suspended increase in metro fares, but has now grown to represent wider grievances on social equality.


bbc--2020-02-22--Ilkeston NatWest hole in wall rises up TripAdvisor rankings

Internet jokers have turned a circular hole in a wall outside a bank into a tourist attraction .
Since December 2018 , wags have been posting glowing reviews on TripAdvisor for the hole at NatWest in Ilkeston .
`` NatWest hole '' is now ranked fourth out of 16 attractions in the Derbyshire town based on user reviews .
One reviewer on TripAdvisor offered the spoof advice : `` Can get very busy and you can queue for hours , but it 's worth the wait . ''
Another wag wrote : `` The city of Agra has the Taj @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sydney has its Opera House .
`` But they all pale in comparison to the impact on the soul of first laying eyes on Ilkeston 's Hole in the Wall . ''
Paul Miller , chairman of the Ilkeston and District History Society , said he was `` gobsmacked '' at the hole 's high ranking .
`` It does n't really say a lot about the area if it 's number four , '' he said .
`` I think it looks like a 1970s idea of something to look different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pyramids though does it ? ''
A NatWest spokeswoman clarified the hole was introduced during a mid-1990s refurbishment as a safety feature so people using the cash machine could see if anyone was lurking behind the wall .
It is not the first time tongue-in-cheek reviews have propelled an unlikely attraction up the TripAdvisor rankings .
In 2018 , a plastic tunnel outside a Bude supermarket became the highest ranked place to visit in the Cornish resort - although TripAdvisor bosses later suspended reviews for the see-through walkway .
Follow BBC East Midlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

It is not the first time tongue-in-cheek reviews have propelled an unlikely attraction up the TripAdvisor rankings. In 2018, a plastic tunnel outside a Bude supermarket became the highest ranked place to visit in the Cornish resort - although TripAdvisor bosses later suspended reviews for the see-through walkway.


bbc--2020-02-22--Inter Milan v Sampdoria among three Serie A games postponed over coronavirus

Inter Milan 's game against Sampdoria is among three Serie A fixtures that have been postponed over fears of the spread of coronavirus .
The suspension was announced by Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte at a news conference on Saturday .
`` Minister of Sport [ Vincenzo ] Spadafora intends to suspend all sporting events planned for Sunday in the Veneto and Lombardy regions , '' Conte said .
The suspension also includes Verona v Cagliari and Atalanta v Sassuolo .
Inter Milan confirmed on Twitter the postponement of Sunday 's game at the San Siro .
Earlier on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been postponed .
The action was taken as a woman from the northern region of Lombardy became the second person in Italy to die from the virus in 24 hours .
Cremonese 's Serie B match against Ascoli and Piacenza v Sambenedettese in Serie C were among those fixtures postponed .
Serie D matches and a number of amateur and youth games in the Lombardy and Veneto regions were also called off .
Several towns in the Lombardy region have been placed on lockdown , with schools and offices closed and residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency departments .
The new virus , which originated last year in the Hubei province in China , causes a respiratory disease called Covid-19 .
China has reported 75,567 cases of the virus , including 2,239 deaths .
Outside China , more than 1,200 cases of the virus have been confirmed in 26 countries and there have been at least eight deaths , according to the World Health Organization .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
An Italian municipal information sign urging residents to read Ministry of Health advice regarding coronavirus
Inter Milan's home game against Sampdoria is among four Serie A fixtures on Sunday postponed over fears of the spread of coronavirus.
The suspension was announced by Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte at a news conference on Saturday.
"Minister of Sport [Vincenzo] Spadafora intends to suspend all sporting events planned for Sunday in the Veneto and Lombardy regions," Conte said.
Torino v Parma, Verona v Cagliari and Atalanta v Sassuolo are also suspended.
Antonio Conte's side, who are third in Serie A, are due to host Bulgarian side Ludogorets in the return leg of their Europa League last-32 tie on Thursday.
More than 600 Ludogorets fans are expected to travel to Milan for the game and the club say they have made a formal enquiry to Uefa and Inter about the situation in the region.
In a statement, European football's governing body Uefa said it is "in touch with Inter and with local authorities on the matter and there is no further comment to be made at this stage".
Torino, who play in Turin, which is in the north-west region of Piedmont, announced their cancellation just hours before the match was due to kick off at 14:00 GMT.
AC Milan Women's Serie A home game against Fiorentina and Italy v Scotland in the Women's Six Nations on Sunday have also been called off.
Earlier on Saturday, a number of other football matches had been postponed.
The action was taken after a woman from the northern region of Lombardy became the second person in Italy to die from the virus in 24 hours. A third person in Italy has subsequently died from the virus.
Cremonese's Serie B match against Ascoli and Piacenza v Sambenedettese in Serie C were among those fixtures postponed.
Serie D matches and a number of amateur and youth games in the Lombardy and Veneto regions were also called off.
Several towns in the Lombardy region have been placed on lockdown, with schools and offices closed and residents urged to stay away from accident and emergency departments.
The new virus, which originated last year in the Hubei province in China, causes a respiratory disease called Covid-19.
China has reported 75,567 cases of the virus, including 2,239 deaths.
Outside China, more than 1,200 cases of the virus have been confirmed in 26 countries and there have been at least eight deaths, according to the World Health Organization.


bbc--2020-02-22--Jesus helps Man City pass 'incredible test' with win at Leicester

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised his players for passing `` an incredible test '' as Gabriel Jesus came off the bench to score a late winner at Leicester and cement themselves in second spot .
Jamie Vardy had hit the post for Leicester in the first half , but both sides wasted numerous chances before Jesus slotted home with a cool finish after a surging run from Riyad Mahrez had opened up the home defence .
The best of those opportunities saw Foxes keeper Kasper Schmeichel deny Sergio Aguero from the spot on the hour mark as the Blues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ champions are now seven points clear of the Foxes having won twice since being banned from European football for two years by Uefa .
`` Do n't ask me about the attitude of these guys , '' said Guardiola .
`` You still doubt what they have done .
These players have won seven titles in the last eight [ domestic ] competitions .
`` Today , after missing the penalty , see the reaction we had against an incredibly good team , not just for where they are in the table right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general this season .
It was an incredible test for us . ''
Guardiola 's side have now missed five of their seven Premier League spot-kicks this season , but Leicester will argue they should have been given two of their own before the break .
Nothing was given when Kevin de Bruyne had his arms up in the wall and James Maddison 's free-kick clearly hit them , and even more mystifying was the decision to give Leicester a corner when Ederson took out Kelechi Iheanacho .
Iheanacho had beaten the Brazilian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was floored by the goalkeeper 's attempt to punch the ball to safety , but referee Paul Tierney and the video assistant referee both felt Ederson had touched the ball .
The next time VAR got involved , it was to award the visitors a penalty - after Dennis Praet charged down Ilkay Gundogan 's effort with his arm .
But Schmeichel preserved parity when he saved with his legs after Aguero went for power and blasted his spot-kick down the middle , leaving the game in the balance .
The Foxes keeper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he could do nothing to keep out Jesus ' strike which brought a jubilant reaction from the away fans , and the Manchester City players joined them in celebration at the final whistle .
It is almost an irrelevance that the Blues have cut Liverpool 's lead at the top to 19 points , but they can head for the Bernabeu for their Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid on a high after a difficult week .
• Reaction from this match and Saturday 's other Premier League games • Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lawro The strength of Manchester City 's team selection was an indication Guardiola was looking to build rhythm rather than rest his players for their crucial clash with Real .
The only absentee from his squad who could figure on Wednesday night was Raheem Sterling , who is hoping to recover from a hamstring injury in time to feature against the team he talked about joining this week .
This was a decent warm-up for that tie , and an altogether more demanding test than the midweek stroll over a meek West Ham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for around an hour as he builds his fitness , and showed his value to the side with quick balls forward as well as calm defending under pressure .
Mahrez , booed by his old fans before the game , was again impressive and his running with the ball showed how important he could be against the Spanish giants if Sterling is not fully fit .
Manchester City were by no means perfect - their sloppy passing in the first half in particular was worrying .
But the resolve they found to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a winner will offer Guardiola much encouragement at the start of a huge week , that ends at Wembley next Sunday when they play Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup final .
Leicester have now lost home and away to the two teams above them in the table this season but they again showed why they occupy such a lofty position , and will feel they deserved more from this game .
The Foxes may have been forced into an attacking outlook by their lack of available defensive midfielders but boss Brendan Rodgers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a three-man defence and his side looked comfortable , and dangerous , as they carried out his instructions .
Conceding so late will hurt but at one point Leicester 's fans started singing about how they are `` going on a European tour '' after being called out by the away fans , and it still looks like that excursion will be of the Champions League variety even after this defeat .
True , Leicester have now won only two of their seven league games in 2020 but their performance levels have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they still hold a healthy lead over the teams outside the top four .
If Manchester City 's Uefa ban is upheld then fifth place will see the Foxes return to the top table of European football in 2020-21 , but more displays like this from Rodgers ' side should see them safely in the Champions League places regardless .
• Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel 's save from Sergio Aguero 's penalty was his fourth Premier League penalty save - one more than his father Peter made in his entire Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successive clean sheets in the Premier League for only the second time this season ( also in October 2019 ) .
• Manchester City have won six of their last seven league meetings with Leicester City ( L1 ) , as many as their previous 21 such clashes .
• Leicester City have lost three of their last five home league games ( W1 D1 ) ; they had only lost one of their first 14 such matches under Brendan Rodgers .
• Rodgers has lost all three of his Premier League meetings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as many such defeats as he suffered in eight games against the Citizens in charge of Swansea and Liverpool ( W3 D2 L3 ) .
• Gabriel Jesus has scored four goals in his five Premier League appearances against Leicester City ; only versus Everton ( seven ) has he scored more in the competition .
• Manchester City have failed to score from each of their last four Premier League penalties , with each being missed by a different player ( Aguero , Ilkay Gundogan , Jesus , Raheem Sterling ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this match , the most Leicester have faced in a single league game at King Power Stadium since Manchester United had 19 in December 2017 .
'VAR interpretation needs sorting ' - what they said Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers , speaking to BBC Sport : `` We 're obviously very disappointed not to get something from the game .
We had big opportunities .
Of course you have to defend well , too .
You 're going to get moved about at times , but I thought we did very well . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester City 's was a penalty .
Kasper makes a fantastic save , but ours is clear too .
Everyone bar Kevin 's arms are down .
I believe this was one of the reasons VAR was introduced .
`` VAR is fine , it 's the interpretation of it .
That 's what needs sorting out . ''
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola , speaking to BBC Sport : `` Leicester are a top side .
It was a good performance .
We did n't give up and that 's an incredibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have missed four penalties in a row , but maybe we will score a penalty when we need it to win something .
The keepers are good too , but the next one we are going to score . ''
On Champions League opponents Real Madrid : `` The preparation after 12 days off was good .
We have played two good games and it 's good to prepare for Real Madrid with these good opponents .
We are playing the kings of the competition .
We will see , we will try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Leicester travel to bottom side Norwich on Friday ( 20:00 GMT ) in the Premier League .
Manchester City head for the Bernabeu on Wednesday to face Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League tie ( 20:00 ) , then go to Wembley on Sunday to play Aston Villa in the final of the Carabao Cup ( 16:30 ) .

Kasper Schmeichel's stop from Sergio Aguero's penalty was his fourth penalty save in the top flight - one more than his father Peter made in his entire Premier League career
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised his players for passing "an incredible test" as Gabriel Jesus came off the bench to score a late winner at Leicester and cement themselves in second spot.
Jamie Vardy had hit the post for Leicester in the first half, but both sides wasted numerous chances before Jesus slotted home with a cool finish after a surging run from Riyad Mahrez had opened up the home defence.
The best of those opportunities saw Foxes keeper Kasper Schmeichel deny Sergio Aguero from the spot on the hour mark as the Blues' penalty problems continued.
The defending champions are now seven points clear of the Foxes having won twice since being banned from European football for two years by Uefa.
"Don't ask me about the attitude of these guys," said Guardiola. "You still doubt what they have done. These players have won seven titles in the last eight [domestic] competitions.
"Today, after missing the penalty, see the reaction we had against an incredibly good team, not just for where they are in the table right now but the way they played in general this season. It was an incredible test for us."
Guardiola's side have now missed five of their seven Premier League spot-kicks this season, but Leicester will argue they should have been given two of their own before the break.
Nothing was given when Kevin de Bruyne had his arms up in the wall and James Maddison's free-kick clearly hit them, and even more mystifying was the decision to give Leicester a corner when Ederson took out Kelechi Iheanacho.
Iheanacho had beaten the Brazilian to Maddison's delightful chipped pass and was floored by the goalkeeper's attempt to punch the ball to safety, but referee Paul Tierney and the video assistant referee both felt Ederson had touched the ball.
The next time VAR got involved, it was to award the visitors a penalty - after Dennis Praet charged down Ilkay Gundogan's effort with his arm.
But Schmeichel preserved parity when he saved with his legs after Aguero went for power and blasted his spot-kick down the middle, leaving the game in the balance.
The Foxes keeper denied Aguero again soon after, but he could do nothing to keep out Jesus' strike which brought a jubilant reaction from the away fans, and the Manchester City players joined them in celebration at the final whistle.
It is almost an irrelevance that the Blues have cut Liverpool's lead at the top to 19 points, but they can head for the Bernabeu for their Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid on a high after a difficult week.
City warm up for Real test
Leicester 0-1 Man City: 'We'll score the next one' - Guardiola not worried by penalty woes
The strength of Manchester City's team selection was an indication Guardiola was looking to build rhythm rather than rest his players for their crucial clash with Real.
The only absentee from his squad who could figure on Wednesday night was Raheem Sterling, who is hoping to recover from a hamstring injury in time to feature against the team he talked about joining this week.
This was a decent warm-up for that tie, and an altogether more demanding test than the midweek stroll over a meek West Ham side.
Aymeric Laporte was again used for around an hour as he builds his fitness, and showed his value to the side with quick balls forward as well as calm defending under pressure.
Mahrez, booed by his old fans before the game, was again impressive and his running with the ball showed how important he could be against the Spanish giants if Sterling is not fully fit.
Manchester City were by no means perfect - their sloppy passing in the first half in particular was worrying.
But the resolve they found to hold off a spirited Leicester side and find a winner will offer Guardiola much encouragement at the start of a huge week, that ends at Wembley next Sunday when they play Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup final.
Leicester still look Champions League material
Leicester City 0-1 Manchester City: No penalty call 'bitterly disappointing' - Rodgers
Leicester have now lost home and away to the two teams above them in the table this season but they again showed why they occupy such a lofty position, and will feel they deserved more from this game.
The Foxes may have been forced into an attacking outlook by their lack of available defensive midfielders but boss Brendan Rodgers demonstrated his tactical versatility by switching to a three-man defence and his side looked comfortable, and dangerous, as they carried out his instructions.
Conceding so late will hurt but at one point Leicester's fans started singing about how they are "going on a European tour" after being called out by the away fans, and it still looks like that excursion will be of the Champions League variety even after this defeat.
True, Leicester have now won only two of their seven league games in 2020 but their performance levels have not noticeably dropped and, just as importantly, they still hold a healthy lead over the teams outside the top four.
If Manchester City's Uefa ban is upheld then fifth place will see the Foxes return to the top table of European football in 2020-21, but more displays like this from Rodgers' side should see them safely in the Champions League places regardless.
Man of the match - Gabriel Jesus (Man City)
Jesus missed a host of chances against West Ham in midweek but redeemed himself in style here, for his fourth goal in five Premier League games against the Foxes
Schmeichel eclipses dad Peter with save - the stats
Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel's save from Sergio Aguero's penalty was his fourth Premier League penalty save - one more than his father Peter made in his entire Premier League career.
Manchester City have kept successive clean sheets in the Premier League for only the second time this season (also in October 2019).
Manchester City have won six of their last seven league meetings with Leicester City (L1), as many as their previous 21 such clashes.
Leicester City have lost three of their last five home league games (W1 D1); they had only lost one of their first 14 such matches under Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers has lost all three of his Premier League meetings with Manchester City as Leicester manager, as many such defeats as he suffered in eight games against the Citizens in charge of Swansea and Liverpool (W3 D2 L3).
Gabriel Jesus has scored four goals in his five Premier League appearances against Leicester City; only versus Everton (seven) has he scored more in the competition.
Manchester City have failed to score from each of their last four Premier League penalties, with each being missed by a different player (Aguero, Ilkay Gundogan, Jesus, Raheem Sterling).
Manchester City attempted 18 shots in this match, the most Leicester have faced in a single league game at King Power Stadium since Manchester United had 19 in December 2017.
'VAR interpretation needs sorting' - what they said
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers, speaking to BBC Sport: "We're obviously very disappointed not to get something from the game. We had big opportunities. Of course you have to defend well, too. You're going to get moved about at times, but I thought we did very well."
On the two handball incidents: "Manchester City's was a penalty. Kasper makes a fantastic save, but ours is clear too. Everyone bar Kevin's arms are down. I believe this was one of the reasons VAR was introduced.
"VAR is fine, it's the interpretation of it. That's what needs sorting out."
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, speaking to BBC Sport: "Leicester are a top side. It was a good performance. We didn't give up and that's an incredibly good sign for us.
"We have missed four penalties in a row, but maybe we will score a penalty when we need it to win something. The keepers are good too, but the next one we are going to score."
On Champions League opponents Real Madrid: "The preparation after 12 days off was good. We have played two good games and it's good to prepare for Real Madrid with these good opponents. We are playing the kings of the competition. We will see, we will try to enjoy it and do our game."
What's next?
Leicester travel to bottom side Norwich on Friday (20:00 GMT) in the Premier League.
Manchester City head for the Bernabeu on Wednesday to face Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League tie (20:00), then go to Wembley on Sunday to play Aston Villa in the final of the Carabao Cup (16:30).


bbc--2020-02-22--Referee got penalty try decision wrong, says Wales boss Pivac

Wales coach Wayne Pivac believes referee Matt Carley made a wrong decision to not award his side a key second-half penalty try in the 27-23 defeat by France .
Paul Willemse knocked on a try-scoring pass from Ken Owens to Josh Adams which could have been a penalty try .
The officials awarded a scrum by deeming the offence accidental .
`` We have had a look at the slap down and I think the officials may have got that one wrong , '' said Pivac .
`` That killed momentum as well . ''
Wales trailed 27-16 at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduced the deficit to four points .
Carley decided to stick with the on-field decision by his assistant Karl Dickson after watching television replays .
• Wales 'will not panic ' after France defeat Pivac was also disappointed when France were awarded a scrum penalty in the second-half when he felt the visitors ' set-piece had scrummaged illegally .
It was a controversial issue raised before the game when Wales prop Wyn Jones claimed France would `` chase and cheat '' at the scrum .
`` Another disappointing moment was when the French @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and went straight across the scrum and was rewarded for that , '' added Pivac .
`` Those were the big moments in the game .
The scrums , from our point of view , had gone OK up until that point .
`` You have got to go with the forward motion but he clearly went across the scrum . ''
Pivac also admitted there was a key moment when France led 17-16 and man of the match Romain Ntamack intercepted a Nick Tompkins pass and sprinted away to score .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are truly in games and winning , '' said Pivac .
`` You come back to the intercept , three versus one .
It was a 14-point swing .
`` If we are accurate with our passing we probably score at the other end .
That was a big momentum shift .
`` We 're frustrated with a couple of decisions we made ourselves after creating opportunities on one or two occasions .
`` But I thought Nick played very well and was then pushed out to the wing .
He did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that last play .
`` He bounced back well from Dublin . ''
Pivac gave France credit as Fabien Galthie 's side claimed their first win in Cardiff since 2010 and remain on course for a Grand Slam .
`` Having said all that , the French played very well and we have to take that loss on the chin , '' said Pivac .
`` We scrambled very well and we created at the end of the game with some players playing out of position .
`` We showed a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to steal it at the end . ''
Pivac also confirmed George North failed a head injury assessment ( HIA ) after a heavy first-half collision , while fellow wing Josh Adams was forced off the field with an ankle problem .
`` George will go through the normal protocols for an HIA , while we will have to check Josh in the next day or two to see how severe it is , '' added Pivac .
Wales next face England at Twickenham on 7 March having lost successive games against @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section Welsh Rugby
Wales coach Wayne Pivac believes referee Matt Carley was wrong not to award his side a key second-half penalty try in the 27-23 defeat by France.
France's Paul Willemse knocked on a try-scoring pass from Ken Owens to Josh Adams but the officials deemed the offence accidental and awarded a scrum.
"We have had a look at the slap down and I think the officials may have got that one wrong," said Pivac.
"That killed momentum as well."
Wales trailed 27-16 at the time and a penalty try would have reduced the deficit to four points. Carley decided to stick with the on-field decision by his assistant Karl Dickson after watching television replays.
Pivac was also disappointed with the award of a scrum penalty to France in the second half when he felt the visitors' set-piece had scrummaged illegally.
It was a controversial issue raised before the game, Wales prop Wyn Jones claiming France would "chase and cheat" at the scrum.
"Another disappointing moment was when the French tight-head [Demba Bamba] came on and went straight across the scrum and was rewarded for that," added Pivac.
"Those were the big moments in the game. The scrums, from our point of view, had gone OK up until that point.
"You have got to go with the forward motion but he clearly went across the scrum."
Pivac also admitted there was a key moment when France led 17-16 and man of the match Romain Ntamack intercepted a Nick Tompkins pass and sprinted away to score.
"If we convert one or two more we are truly in games and winning," said Pivac. "You come back to the intercept, three versus one. It was a 14-point swing.
"If we are accurate with our passing we probably score at the other end. That was a big momentum shift.
"We're frustrated with a couple of decisions we made ourselves after creating opportunities on one or two occasions.
"But I thought Nick played very well and was then pushed out to the wing. He did well there, he was involved in that last play.
"He bounced back well from Dublin."
Pivac gave France credit as Fabien Galthie's side claimed their first win in Cardiff since 2010 and remain on course for a Grand Slam.
"The French played very well and we have to take that loss on the chin," said Pivac.
Pivac also confirmed George North failed a head injury assessment (HIA) after a heavy first-half collision, while fellow wing Josh Adams was forced off the field with an ankle problem.
"George will go through the normal protocols for an HIA, while we will have to check Josh in the next day or two to see how severe it is," added Pivac.
Wales next face England at Twickenham on 7 March having lost successive games against Ireland and France.


bbc--2020-02-22--'It could ruin football forever' - another day of VAR controversy

One football legend said it could `` ruin football forever '' , while a second said it made an `` unbelievable '' decision .
It 's fair to say Saturday was another controversial day for VAR in the Premier League .
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was first to speak out - saying there was `` another huge question mark '' about the technology after Tottenham midfielder Giovani lo Celso was not punished for a `` leg-breaker '' tackle in Saturday 's opening match .
And there were further incidents involving the video assistant referee in Bournemouth 's defeat at Burnley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I want it to work and help them and make the game better , '' said Lampard .
`` It was so wrong today .
`` Referees have such a difficult job and VAR was brought in to help them .
I hate to call for red cards but that is a leg-breaker of a tackle . ''
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel went as far as suggesting VAR would `` ruin football forever '' if it was not removed .
VAR was introduced in the Premier League this season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in decision-making and say the time it takes for rulings to be made kills the passion and excitement of games .
Speaking in November , Neil Swarbrick - the Premier League referees ' lead on VAR - gave its introduction a mark of seven out of 10 and asked fans to be patient as the system evolved .
Lo Celso stood on Cesar Azpilicueta 's shin when tackled by the full-back 52 minutes into the Blues ' 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge .
After on-field referee Michael Oliver did not discipline Lo Celso @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coote at the VAR base in Stockley Park , west London .
He decided the incident was not worthy of a red card .
Lampard said : `` It is a clear human decision - straight to Stockley Park , red card , game goes on but that one was wrong . ''
During the game , BBC Radio 5 Live 's Mark Chapman was given a statement by the Professional Game Match Officials Board - the body responsible for Premier League referees .
He said : `` I have a statement on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... give me strength ... not a clear and obvious error because the VAR did n't feel there was anywhere else for Lo Celso to put his foot . ''
After the game finished , Chapman tweeted the station had spoken to Stockley Park and , on reflection , `` they did think the tackle was a red card '' .
`` They do want to reiterate it was a human being making a decision on a subjective event , but also said the challenge did 'tick the boxes ' of being a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho had little to say on the controversy .
`` I did n't watch it , '' the Portuguese said .
`` I did n't watch on TV and in the game .
I do n't know . ''
Chelsea were also left with a sense of injustice after their defeat by Manchester United on Monday , when United 's Harry Maguire was not sent off for appearing to kick Michy Batshuayi .
Olivier Giroud and Marcos Alonso scored the Blues ' goals against Spurs , with Antonio Rudiger deflecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe felt his side were `` very harshly treated '' as they lost 3-0 at Burnley in a game that had a pivotal VAR decision at its centre .
With the home side ahead through Matej Vydra 's second goal in two games , Bournemouth broke the length of the field for Callum Wilson to set up namesake Harry for what they thought was an equaliser .
But VAR judged Adam Smith had used his upper arm to control and clear a Burnley cross in his own area at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the goal was disallowed and the home side were awarded a penalty .
Jay Rodriguez scored the resulting spot-kick to give the Clarets a two-goal lead , before Dwight McNeil found the net from distance to seal victory late on .
The home side felt they should have had a penalty when Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson came flying out and clattered Kelechi Iheanacho as they challenged for the ball .
But play continued without any significant check from VAR .
There was more irritation when they were not awarded a penalty when a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside the box .
`` We 're disappointed we did n't get a penalty - it 's so clear , '' said Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers .
`` I felt it was the reason VAR was brought in .
It was going towards the goal , the corner , and Kevin de Bruyne stops it .
He 's lifted his arms up .
`` If you look at the reaction of the other players in the wall , their hands were down .
It 's handball . ''
Leicester 's disappointment was exacerbated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kick when Ilkay Gundogan 's shot hit Dennis Praet on the arm .
However , Sergio Aguero 's effort was saved by Kasper Schmeichel .
`` Unbelievable , '' tweeted Gary Lineker .
`` How can you give that if you 've not given the De Bruyne one ?
Justice done . ''
'VAR is an absolute joke ' - pundits and your reaction on # bbcfootball Dion Dublin on BBC Radio 5 Live : `` What are they seeing at Stockley Park that we 're not ?
Lo Celso 's nowhere near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ball , and it 's with anger . ''
Andy Reid on BBC Radio 5 Live : `` It 's a definite sending off .
It 's not a great tackle and you can see why Cesar Azpilicueta was in so much pain . ''
Ruz : As a Spurs fan , I have to say Lo Celso should be sent off .
That 's a simply awful 'challenge ' and how VAR does n't see that as serious foul play is beyond me .
Rob : Expecting the usual criticism of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did its job ; it captured an incident you could easily miss in real time .
The problem is incompetence ; there is an official at the other end somehow deciding that it 's not a red card .
VAR or no VAR , the standard of refereeing is the problem .
Alex : I 'm amazed Azpi is n't leaving on a stretcher .
Not so amazed none of us can understand the VAR decision .
It 'd be funny if it was n't so dangerous .
Greg : No way a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his foot on the ground , as anyone would do .
Chelsea player slides in , putting his leg where Lo Celso is expecting to meet turf .
He had no other place to put his foot .
# VAR got it right !
Steven Shaw : As it did with Chelsea v Man Utd , I think VAR is having a shocker with Burnley v Bournemouth today .
Several controversial decisions already in this game , all in Burnley 's favour .
If I was a Bournemouth fan , I 'd be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this nonsense please , get rid of VAR , this is not football .
Jack Nimrod : That has got to be the beginning of the end of VAR .
Ludicrous to take it so far back .
Not even a clear handball .
It totally deflated Bournemouth and ruined the game .
Feel so sorry for the fans travelling from the South Coast on a horrible day to see that horror show .
Matthew Khor : Another crazy VAR day - why was n't De Bruyne 's penalised if it is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same !
Consistency please , people !
Ash Williams : Dennis Praet has less time to react than De Bruyne did .
The lack of consistency is what 's ruining the game , not VAR itself .
Rich : I used to enjoy football but What utter rubbish VAR is .
That 's two games I 've now turned off in a row due to VAR - get the message ?

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says Giovani lo Celso's tackle was a 'clear red card'
One football legend said it could "ruin football forever", while a second said it made an "unbelievable" decision. It's fair to say Saturday was another controversial day for the video assistant referee in the Premier League.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was first to speak out - saying there was "another huge question mark" over VAR technology after Tottenham midfielder Giovani lo Celso was not punished for a "leg-breaker" tackle in the day's early kick-off.
And there were further incidents involving the technology in Bournemouth's defeat at Burnley and Manchester City's win at Leicester.
"I want it to work and help them, and make the game better," said Lampard. "It was so wrong today.
"Referees have such a difficult job and VAR was brought in to help them. I hate to call for red cards but that is a leg-breaker of a tackle."
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel went as far as suggesting VAR would "ruin football forever" if it was not removed.
It was introduced in the Premier League this season but has angered fans who cite inconsistencies in decision-making and say the time it takes for rulings to be made kills the passion and excitement of matches.
Speaking in November, Neil Swarbrick - the Premier League referees' lead on VAR - gave its introduction a mark of seven out of 10 and asked fans to be patient as the system evolved.
What happened at Chelsea?
Lo Celso stood on Cesar Azpilicueta's shin when tackled by the full-back 52 minutes into the Blues' 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.
After on-field referee Michael Oliver did not punish Lo Celso, the incident was reviewed by David Coote at the VAR base in Stockley Park, west London.
He decided the incident was not worthy of a red card.
Lampard said: "It is a clear human decision - straight to Stockley Park, red card, game goes on but that one was wrong."
Final Score's Garth Crooks and Leon Osman react to Giovani lo Celso's controversial tackle
During the game, BBC Radio 5 Live's Mark Chapman was given a statement by the Professional Game Match Officials Board - the body responsible for Premier League referees.
He said: "I have a statement on why that wasn't a red card... give me strength... not a clear and obvious error because the VAR didn't feel there was anywhere else for Lo Celso to put his foot."
After the game finished, Chapman posted on social media external-link to say the station had spoken to Stockley Park and, on reflection, "they did think the tackle was a red card".
"They do want to reiterate it was a human being making a decision on a subjective event, but also said the challenge did 'tick the boxes' of being a red card," Chapman tweeted.
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho had little to say on the controversy.
"I didn't watch it," he said. "I didn't watch on TV and in the game. I don't know."
Chelsea were also left with a sense of injustice after their home defeat by Manchester United on Monday, when the visitors' Harry Maguire was not sent off for appearing to kick Michy Batshuayi.
Olivier Giroud and Marcos Alonso scored the Blues' goals against Spurs, with Antonio Rudiger deflecting in a late consolation for Mourinho's side.
What happened at Burnley?
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe felt his side were "very harshly treated" as they lost 3-0 at Burnley in a game that had a pivotal VAR decision.
With the home side ahead through Matej Vydra's second goal in two games, Bournemouth broke the length of the field for Callum Wilson to set up namesake Harry for what they thought was an equaliser.
But VAR judged Adam Smith had used his upper arm to control and clear a Burnley cross in his own area at the start of the move - meaning the goal was disallowed and the home side were awarded a penalty.
Jay Rodriguez scored the resulting spot-kick to give the Clarets a two-goal lead, before Dwight McNeil found the net from distance to seal victory late on.
Even before the pivotal incident, Bournemouth's Joshua King had a goal chalked off by VAR after the ball appeared to hit Philip Billing's shoulder on the way to King.
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe on the way VAR decisions affected his side against Burnley
What happened at Leicester?
The home side felt they should have had a penalty when Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson came flying out and clattered Kelechi Iheanacho as they challenged for the ball.
But play continued without any significant check from VAR.
There was more irritation when they were not awarded a penalty when a free-kick hit Kevin de Bruyne's hands inside the box.
"We're disappointed we didn't get a penalty - it's so clear," said Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers.
"I felt it was the reason VAR was brought in. It was going towards the goal, the corner, and Kevin de Bruyne stops it. He's lifted his arms up.
"If you look at the reaction of the other players in the wall, their hands were down. It's handball."
The Foxes' disappointment was exacerbated when the visitors were awarded a spot kick when Ilkay Gundogan's shot hit Dennis Praet on the arm. However, Sergio Aguero's effort was saved by Kasper Schmeichel.
"Unbelievable," Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker posted on social media. external-link "How can you give that if you've not given the De Bruyne one? Justice done."
'VAR is an absolute joke' - pundits and your reaction on #bbcfootball
On the Chelsea-Tottenham game
Dion Dublin on BBC Radio 5 Live: "What are they seeing at Stockley Park that we're not? Lo Celso's nowhere near the ball, no intent to play the ball, and it's with anger."
Andy Reid on BBC Radio 5 Live: "It's a definite sending off. It's not a great tackle and you can see why Cesar Azpilicueta was in so much pain."
Ruz: As a Spurs fan, I have to say Lo Celso should be sent off. That's a simply awful 'challenge' and how VAR doesn't see that as serious foul play is beyond me.
Rob: Expecting the usual criticism of VAR over the red card... VAR did its job; it captured an incident you could easily miss in real time. The problem is incompetence; there is an official at the other end somehow deciding that it's not a red card. VAR or no VAR, the standard of refereeing is the problem.
Alex: I'm amazed Azpi isn't leaving on a stretcher. Not so amazed none of us can understand the VAR decision. It'd be funny if it wasn't so dangerous.
Greg: No way a red card. Lo Celso is putting his foot on the ground, as anyone would do. Chelsea player slides in, putting his leg where Lo Celso is expecting to meet turf. He had no other place to put his foot. #VAR got it right!
On the Burnley-Bournemouth game
Steven Shaw: As it did with Chelsea v Manchester United, I think VAR is having a shocker with Burnley v Bournemouth today. Several controversial decisions already in this game, all in Burnley's favour. If I was a Bournemouth fan, I'd be furious.
Matt Whitten: Oh stop this nonsense please, get rid of VAR, this is not football.
Jack Nimrod: That has got to be the beginning of the end of VAR. Ludicrous to take it so far back. Not even a clear handball. It totally deflated Bournemouth and ruined the game. Feel so sorry for the fans travelling from the south coast on a horrible day to see that horror show.
On the Leicester-Man City game
Matthew Khor: Another crazy VAR day - why wasn't De Bruyne's penalised if it is a pen against Praet? They're exactly the same! Consistency please, people!
Ash Williams: Dennis Praet has less time to react than De Bruyne did. The lack of consistency is what's ruining the game, not VAR itself.
Rich: I used to enjoy football but what utter rubbish VAR is. That's two games I've now turned off in a row due to VAR - get the message?


bbc--2020-02-23--Bernie Sanders cements front-runner status with Nevada caucuses win

Bernie Sanders has cemented his status as the Democratic front-runner to take on Donald Trump in November 's US presidential election .
He is projected to win Nevada 's caucuses , and early results suggest he is on course for a large victory .
There is a long way to go , however , until a nominee is confirmed .
Early results also suggest former vice-president Joe Biden has performed better in Nevada than in the other two states which have voted so far .
He had underwhelming results in Iowa and New Hampshire .
Those states kicked off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates are jostling to convince voters why they are the best candidate to challenge Mr Trump .
So far , with 50 % of the ballots counted in Nevada , Mr Sanders , the left-wing senator for Vermont , has 47 % of the vote , ahead of Mr Biden on 19 % .
The field is then split between a number of other moderates , with Pete Buttigieg on 15 % and Elizabeth Warren on 10 % .
Candidates who have won more than 15 % of the vote will be awarded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party 's convention in July to support their Democratic candidate .
Before Saturday , Mr Sanders had 21 delegates , and while he will remain a long way off the 1,990 needed to become the nominee , victory in Nevada will bring him another small step closer towards that total .
• A simple guide to US primaries and caucuses • The Nevadans left behind by Trump 's boom The last caucuses in Iowa were plagued by technical glitches that meant results struggled to be recorded using a new app .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nevada , there are reports of volunteers struggling to connect to a telephone number used to record results .
Organisers say results should start flowing soon .
In a victory speech in Texas on Saturday evening , Mr Sanders praised his `` multi-generational , racial coalition '' team of supporters , and attacked Mr Trump .
`` The American people are sick and tired of a president who lies all the time , '' he said .
Mr Biden 's campaign was in buoyant mood too , declaring that `` the comeback starts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Trump praised Mr Sanders ' win , but also called him `` Crazy Bernie '' .
How has Bernie Sanders done so well ?
It looks like it 's all down to a few key factors .
• Polling agency Edison Research said more than half of participating Hispanics had decided to vote for him before the caucuses .
In a state of more than three million people where Hispanics make up a third of the population , this mattered • Despite some concern from union members about Mr Sanders 's plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans , 36 % of union members backed him .
One in four Nevada residents is in a union , or has a relative in a union • Polls suggest he did well across all age groups - apart from over-65s .
He was especially popular among young voters in Nevada , and among white college-educated women , who are expected to be a key demographic in November 's election 'No doubt Sanders is the front-runner now' Four years ago , the Nevada caucuses were the moment Hillary Clinton began to turn the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bid for the Democratic presidential nomination .
This time around , the results could be further evidence that the Sanders surge is very real and very durable .
Caucus entrance polls show Sanders won a dominating 53 % of the Hispanic vote - a demographic he struggled with against Clinton .
That bodes well for the senator in the two biggest prizes coming up , Texas and California , with their sizeable Hispanic populations .
Sanders also , not as surprisingly , carried a majority of those aged 18 to 27 and voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with them on the issues .
If Sanders has a winning formula this time around , it could be that he has successfully diversified his coalition , while keeping his loyal support from the young and those who want a president who is with them on issues like major healthcare reform , aggressively combating climate change and addressing income inequality .
The Vermont senator appears so confident in his standing that he was campaigning in California this week and spent the day of the Nevada caucuses in Texas .
If there was any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now - and , quite honestly , there should n't have been - there is no question now .
What happens next ?
All eyes turn to South Carolina 's primary next Saturday .
It will be the biggest of the four states to have voted before March - and the one with the largest percentage of African-American voters .
This should favour Mr Biden , who is popular among African Americans , but Mr Sanders is also expected to do well , and polls suggest that billionaire hedge-fund manager Tom Steyer could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few days later , on 3 March , is Super Tuesday , when 14 states vote .
They include California and Texas , the two states with the most delegates .
By the end of Super Tuesday , it may be much clearer who the Democratic candidate will be .
The Super Tuesday votes will include former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg , who is not competing in the first four Democratic leadership ballots .

The Vermont senator appears so confident in his standing that he was campaigning in California this week and spent the day of the Nevada caucuses in Texas. If there was any doubt whether Sanders was the front-runner before now - and, quite honestly, there shouldn't have been - there is no question now.


bbc--2020-02-23--Coronavirus: South Korea declares highest alert as infections surge

South Korea has raised its coronavirus alert to the `` highest level '' as confirmed case numbers keep rising .
President Moon Jae-in said the country faced `` a grave turning point '' , and the next few days would be crucial in the battle to contain the outbreak .
Five people have died from the virus in South Korea and more than 600 have been infected .
Meanwhile , Italy and Iran have announced steps to try to contain worrying outbreaks of the virus .
In Italy , strict quarantine restrictions are in force in two northern `` hotspot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
People can not enter or leave several towns in Veneto and Lombardy for the next two weeks without special permission .
Even outside the zone , many businesses and schools have suspended activities , and sporting events have been cancelled including several top-flight football matches .
• What you need to know about the virus Italy has seen two deaths and the number of confirmed cases has risen to more than 100 - 89 of them in Lombardy .
`` The contagiousness of this virus is very strong and pretty virulent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giulio Gallera .
Iran 's outbreak of coronavirus has significantly worsened , with five deaths since Wednesday .
The government has acknowledged 29 confirmed cases although officials have warned the virus may have spread to `` all cities '' .
Schools , universities and cultural centres across 14 Iranian provinces have been closed from Sunday .
The new strain of coronavirus , which originated last year in Hubei province in China , causes a respiratory disease called Covid-19 .
On Sunday , health officials revealed a further leap in the number of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a hospital and to a religious group near the south-eastern city of Daegu .
South Korea has seen the largest number of confirmed cases after China , where there have been more than 76,000 infections .
An outbreak on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan has also seen more than 600 cases .
`` The Covid-19 incident faces a grave turning point , '' President Moon said following a meeting with ministers and experts .
`` The next few days will be crucial .
The government will raise the alert level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to experts ' recommendations and drastically strengthen our response system . ''
On Sunday , South Korea reported 169 new cases - 95 of them linked to a Christian sect in Daegu called the Shincheonji Church of Jesus .
The total number of cases connected to the church stands at 329 , the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( KCDC ) said .
In a video statement , a church spokesman expressed `` deep regret '' that many of its followers and citizens of South Korea had been infected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ advised about 250,000 members to minimise their outside contact and take precautions .
Daenam Hospital in nearby Cheongdo , which treats the elderly and people with mental health issues , has seen more than 110 people infected including nine medical staff .
• Israel refused to allow non-Israelis to disembark from a Korean Air plane at Ben-Gurion Airport on Saturday .
It had announced a ban on South Koreans and Japanese visitors , sparking an official protest from Seoul • China reported another 97 deaths on Sunday , taking its total to 2,442 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Princess cruise ship have begun their two-week quarantine in the UK The head of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , has expressed concern at the number of new cases with no clear link to China or other confirmed cases .
In a briefing to the African Union on Saturday , he said the greatest concern now was countries with weaker health systems , particularly in Africa .
Dr Tedros said the WHO was working with African governments to train thousands of health workers and to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Our biggest concern continues to be the potential for Covid-19 to spread in countries with weaker health systems , '' he said .
`` We are working hard to prepare countries in Africa for the potential arrival of the virus . ''
Dr Tedros said some countries , such as the Democratic Republic of Congo , were using experience gained from testing for the Ebola virus to test for the new coronavirus .
`` This is a great example of how investing in health systems can pay dividends for health security @ @ @ @ @

If we have a pandemic, it will still be important to limit the speed of spread of the virus. If countries could hold it somewhat at bay until the end of winter, there is a hope that warmer temperatures will reduce the time the virus can survive in the air, as we see with seasonal flu. But this may not be certain.