bbc--2020-02-01--Iowa caucuses: Nine unusual things about them

On Monday evening , tens of thousands of Democrats in Iowa will brave the cold and gather in schools , churches , gyms and libraries to decide on their favourite presidential candidates .
It 's the first stop in the race for the Democratic nomination - but it 's not a traditional vote as you know it .
Most US elections involve filling in a ballot paper in private .
But in Iowa 's caucuses , Democrats will gather in noisy rooms , stand in different zones to show which candidate they support - and try to convince others to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unusual about one of the first key contests for Democrats who want to take on Donald Trump .
1 .
It 's a bit like musical chairs - with lots of shouting , and baked goods After representatives from the campaigns make their final pitches , everyone has to gather with others who support the same candidate .
`` There 's this process where everybody stands up and moves ... you have to find other people '' in your group , says Karen Kedrowski , a political science professor at Iowa State University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they freeze the room and folks count how many are in each sub-caucus . ''
At this point , any candidate with fewer than 15 % of the total number of people in the room is considered unviable - and their supporters have the chance to go to another candidate 's zone .
It 's been likened to a high-stakes game of musical chairs , but louder .
`` Folks that are wandering around are likely to get persuaded quite forcefully by supporters of other candidates '' to join them , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters even saw some supporters offer free cookies and other treats as they encouraged voters to head towards their corner .
Following this second round , all candidates with more than 15 % of votes are allocated a number of delegates who will represent their interests in the later stages of the nominating process .
Republicans also have caucuses in Iowa - but the process just involves casting a ballot , and no one is seen as a serious challenger to Mr Trump this year .
2 .
It 's not actually an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverage because it comes first - but it 's not an election .
Caucus actually means `` a meeting of neighbours '' , and they 're run as internal party meetings .
As a result , the process is run by party volunteers rather than election officials - and orchestrating such a complicated process across all 1,678 precincts in the state is a challenge .
Bret Nilles , Chair of the Linn County Democrats , is responsible for 86 precincts , and expects up to 20,000 people to show up to his caucuses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 86 wedding receptions when you do n't know how many people are going to show up '' .
• Which Democrat will take on Trump ?
• How do caucuses and primaries work ?
An added challenge is that voters need to be in the room at the same time for the count - and close to 600 voters could be showing up and moving around in the largest venues .
`` People in other states may not understand why you 'd stand around for two hours for a caucus , '' says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , she loves the political process and , despite the snow , has travelled to outlying towns and seen six of the candidates in person .
3 .
Iowa may be first - but it started by accident '' Iowa is not first because it 's important , it 's important because it 's first , '' says Dennis Goldford , a political science professor at Drake University in Iowa .
In fact , its Democratic caucuses ended up so early in the calendar partly because of understaffing , and a slow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Humphrey became the Democratic candidate for president without winning any of the presidential primaries - leading to an outcry and protests at the Democratic Convention .
After he lost to Richard Nixon , the party decided it had make its nominating process more transparent by publicising when caucuses were taking place , holding them in public spaces , and making them open to all registered members .
Since the process in Iowa involves four stages ( precinct caucuses , and then county , district and state conventions ) , and since the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Iowa needed a particularly long time , says Prof Kedrowski .
The chair of the Iowa Democrats also wanted all delegates to have a copy of the rules and proposals - but the party 's copy machine was old and slow .
`` In order to comply with all the new requirements , the Democratic Party of Iowa worked out they needed at least a month between [ each stage ] to pull together all the paperwork , '' says Prof Kedrowski .
`` By the time they backed up the calendar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and nobody at the time noticed . ''
This changed in 1976 when Jimmy Carter used the Iowa caucuses to jump-start his presidential campaign .
Since then , Iowa has worked to ensure it comes first in the nominating calendar - Republicans and Democrats even agreed to hold their caucuses on the same day `` to maximise attention '' from media and politicians , says Prof Goldford .
4 .
You can be 'uncommitted ' - but you might get stuck If voters do n't have a favourite candidate , they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This was actually a popular choice in the past - in 1972 , and 1976 , the `` uncommitted '' option actually won the most delegates in Iowa ( Jimmy Carter came second ) .
This year , new caucus rules mean that voters are locked in after the first round if their preferred option passes the 15 % threshold - which means that if enough voters are unsure about who to vote for in the first round , they could end up getting stuck .
But experts say this is unlikely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fewer people have been counting themselves as uncommitted '' in recent years , says Prof Goldford , `` because the caucuses have become such a centre of attention '' .
5 .
Some delegates could get decided by coin flips The Iowa Democratic Party 's handbook uses coin tosses to resolve ties .
This typically happens when two candidates have the same number of supporters but there 's an odd number of delegates .
The coin toss determines who gets the extra delegate .
It may sound arbitrary , but a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic caucuses , ties are broken by whoever draws a higher card from a deck of cards , while in Mississippi , a state election tie was resolved by drawing straws .
In 2016 , there were conspiracy theories after reports that Hillary Clinton won six coin tosses in Iowa - although experts pointed out that her rival Bernie Sanders also won several coin tosses , and that mathematically , the number of delegates won through coin flips was not significant .
The coin toss was `` a party rule that they put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used - but it ended up being used a lot , which is a testament to how close Sanders and Clinton were , '' says Prof Kedrowski .
6 .
Some Republican supporters take part too Only registered Democrats can take part in the caucus - but voters can register or change their party affiliation at the door .
Ms Anhalt has voted Republican since 1996 , and is a registered party member .
She says she is `` not disillusioned , and not unhappy '' with her party - but nonetheless plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew Yang at Monday 's caucus .
She credits her support due to the face to face exposure Iowans get to candidates - she attended events for various Democratic candidates `` just to see the process '' , and unexpectedly became impressed with Mr Yang .
`` I like his fresh ideas - you have to see him , and hear him ... you ca n't get it from a 30-second commercial , '' she says .
She says the caucuses are good because candidates `` have to come and go town to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be humble '' .
`` You can ask a question , or at least shake their hand ... you can hardly meet them anywhere else . ''
However , this does n't mean she 'll necessarily be a Democratic voter in November 's presidential election .
`` If Andrew Yang does not make the ticket ...
I 'll decide on the day . ''
7 .
You do n't have to be in Iowa - but you do have to be in the room at the right time For the first time ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the state .
It has 92 satellite sites elsewhere in the US , and sites in Paris , Glasgow , and Tbilisi .
It 's because the caucuses have been criticised for being inaccessible to shift workers and those with caring responsibilities .
To take part in a caucus , `` you have to show up at 7pm on a Monday night in the winter , '' says Prof Goldford .
`` You 've got to hope you 're not on a night shift , not out of the state , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows up . ''
The new locations may help a bit - but participants still need to be physically in the room when the caucus starts .
There were plans for a virtual ballot - but these were vetoed over cyber security fears .
Why does n't Iowa allow absentee ballots or a longer voting window instead ?
It has a tacit agreement with New Hampshire - the second state in the selection process , and the first to hold a primary .
`` New Hampshire is going to raise holy heck if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too much like a primary , '' says Prof Kedrowski .
Here 's another first - Iowa will allow 17-year-olds to vote in the caucuses , as long as they are 18 by the time November 's presidential election rolls around .
This is thanks to a law that came into effect in January 2019 - and state officials say almost 5,000 17-year-olds have now registered to vote .
Given how tight some of the caucuses were last time , having younger voters involved could tip the balance .
If you arrive at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're out of luck - you wo n't be able to take part .
That 's because organisers need to work out what 15 % of all of the people in the room is , to determine which candidates are viable - and even one latecomer could change the percentages .
Organisers are `` literally recruiting volunteers to stand at the end of the line at 7pm '' to make sure latecomers do n't vote , says Prof Kedrowski .

Iowa caucuses: Nine unusual things about them Published 1 February 2020
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Iowa's democratic caucuses have been likened to a game of musical chairs
On Monday evening, tens of thousands of Democrats in Iowa will brave the cold and gather in schools, churches, gyms and libraries to decide on their favourite presidential candidates.
It's the first stop in the race for the Democratic nomination - but it's not a traditional vote as you know it.
Most US elections involve filling in a ballot paper in private. But in Iowa's caucuses, Democrats will gather in noisy rooms, stand in different zones to show which candidate they support - and try to convince others to switch sides.
Here's what's unusual about one of the first key contests for Democrats who want to take on Donald Trump.
1. It's a bit like musical chairs - with lots of shouting, and baked goods
Iowa's Democratic caucuses are colourful - and complicated.
Image source, Al Drago / Getty Images Image caption, Cookies and other treats have featured in previous caucuses
After representatives from the campaigns make their final pitches, everyone has to gather with others who support the same candidate.
"There's this process where everybody stands up and moves... you have to find other people" in your group, says Karen Kedrowski, a political science professor at Iowa State University.
"When everybody has stopped moving, they freeze the room and folks count how many are in each sub-caucus."
At this point, any candidate with fewer than 15% of the total number of people in the room is considered unviable - and their supporters have the chance to go to another candidate's zone.
It's been likened to a high-stakes game of musical chairs, but louder. "Folks that are wandering around are likely to get persuaded quite forcefully by supporters of other candidates" to join them, says Prof Kedrowski.
In previous caucuses, reporters even saw some supporters offer free cookies and other treats as they encouraged voters to head towards their corner.
Following this second round, all candidates with more than 15% of votes are allocated a number of delegates who will represent their interests in the later stages of the nominating process.
Republicans also have caucuses in Iowa - but the process just involves casting a ballot, and no one is seen as a serious challenger to Mr Trump this year.
2. It's not actually an election
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Surrogates campaign for Senators stuck in Washington
The Iowa race gets plenty of coverage because it comes first - but it's not an election. Caucus actually means "a meeting of neighbours", and they're run as internal party meetings.
As a result, the process is run by party volunteers rather than election officials - and orchestrating such a complicated process across all 1,678 precincts in the state is a challenge.
Bret Nilles, Chair of the Linn County Democrats, is responsible for 86 precincts, and expects up to 20,000 people to show up to his caucuses. He likens it to "planning 86 wedding receptions when you don't know how many people are going to show up".
An added challenge is that voters need to be in the room at the same time for the count - and close to 600 voters could be showing up and moving around in the largest venues.
"People in other states may not understand why you'd stand around for two hours for a caucus," says Ann Anhalt, from Des Moines. However, she loves the political process and, despite the snow, has travelled to outlying towns and seen six of the candidates in person.
3. Iowa may be first - but it started by accident
"Iowa is not first because it's important, it's important because it's first," says Dennis Goldford, a political science professor at Drake University in Iowa.
In fact, its Democratic caucuses ended up so early in the calendar partly because of understaffing, and a slow mimeograph machine.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Why's it taking so long? Blame the mimeograph machine...
In 1968, Hubert Humphrey became the Democratic candidate for president without winning any of the presidential primaries - leading to an outcry and protests at the Democratic Convention.
After he lost to Richard Nixon, the party decided it had make its nominating process more transparent by publicising when caucuses were taking place, holding them in public spaces, and making them open to all registered members.
Since the process in Iowa involves four stages (precinct caucuses, and then county, district and state conventions), and since the party there was "underfunded and understaffed", Iowa needed a particularly long time, says Prof Kedrowski.
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The chair of the Iowa Democrats also wanted all delegates to have a copy of the rules and proposals - but the party's copy machine was old and slow.
"In order to comply with all the new requirements, the Democratic Party of Iowa worked out they needed at least a month between [each stage] to pull together all the paperwork," says Prof Kedrowski. "By the time they backed up the calendar, they ended up leapfrogging New Hampshire - and nobody at the time noticed."
This changed in 1976 when Jimmy Carter used the Iowa caucuses to jump-start his presidential campaign.
Since then, Iowa has worked to ensure it comes first in the nominating calendar - Republicans and Democrats even agreed to hold their caucuses on the same day "to maximise attention" from media and politicians, says Prof Goldford.
4. You can be 'uncommitted' - but you might get stuck
Image source, Getty Images
If voters don't have a favourite candidate, they can opt for being "uncommitted".
This was actually a popular choice in the past - in 1972, and 1976, the "uncommitted" option actually won the most delegates in Iowa (Jimmy Carter came second).
This year, new caucus rules mean that voters are locked in after the first round if their preferred option passes the 15% threshold - which means that if enough voters are unsure about who to vote for in the first round, they could end up getting stuck.
But experts say this is unlikely to happen this time. "Fewer and fewer people have been counting themselves as uncommitted" in recent years, says Prof Goldford, "because the caucuses have become such a centre of attention".
5. Some delegates could get decided by coin flips
Image source, Getty Images
The Iowa Democratic Party's handbook uses coin tosses to resolve ties.
This typically happens when two candidates have the same number of supporters but there's an odd number of delegates. The coin toss determines who gets the extra delegate.
It may sound arbitrary, but a lot of states use similar methods- in Nevada's Democratic caucuses, ties are broken by whoever draws a higher card from a deck of cards, while in Mississippi, a state election tie was resolved by drawing straws.
In 2016, there were conspiracy theories after reports that Hillary Clinton won six coin tosses in Iowa - although experts pointed out that her rival Bernie Sanders also won several coin tosses, and that mathematically, the number of delegates won through coin flips was not significant.
The coin toss was "a party rule that they put in, thinking it would be rarely used - but it ended up being used a lot, which is a testament to how close Sanders and Clinton were," says Prof Kedrowski.
6. Some Republican supporters take part too
Only registered Democrats can take part in the caucus - but voters can register or change their party affiliation at the door.
Ms Anhalt has voted Republican since 1996, and is a registered party member. She says she is "not disillusioned, and not unhappy" with her party - but nonetheless plans to switch affiliation so she can support Andrew Yang at Monday's caucus.
Image source, Ann Anhalt Image caption, Ann Anhalt decided to support Andrew Yang because they're both "products of the American Dream"
She credits her support due to the face to face exposure Iowans get to candidates - she attended events for various Democratic candidates "just to see the process", and unexpectedly became impressed with Mr Yang.
"I like his fresh ideas - you have to see him, and hear him... you can't get it from a 30-second commercial," she says.
She says the caucuses are good because candidates "have to come and go town to town" and "they have to be humble".
"You can ask a question, or at least shake their hand... you can hardly meet them anywhere else."
However, this doesn't mean she'll necessarily be a Democratic voter in November's presidential election. "If Andrew Yang does not make the ticket... I'll decide on the day."
7. You don't have to be in Iowa - but you do have to be in the room at the right time
For the first time ever, Iowa is allowing satellite caucuses outside of the state. It has 92 satellite sites elsewhere in the US, and sites in Paris, Glasgow, and Tbilisi.
It's because the caucuses have been criticised for being inaccessible to shift workers and those with caring responsibilities.
To take part in a caucus, "you have to show up at 7pm on a Monday night in the winter," says Prof Goldford. "You've got to hope you're not on a night shift, not out of the state, that your car starts as the baby sitter shows up."
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Iowans need to brave the cold to take part in caucuses
The new locations may help a bit - but participants still need to be physically in the room when the caucus starts. There were plans for a virtual ballot - but these were vetoed over cyber security fears.
Why doesn't Iowa allow absentee ballots or a longer voting window instead? It has a tacit agreement with New Hampshire - the second state in the selection process, and the first to hold a primary.
"New Hampshire is going to raise holy heck if Iowa does anything that smells or feels too much like a primary," says Prof Kedrowski.
8. 17-year-olds can vote
Here's another first - Iowa will allow 17-year-olds to vote in the caucuses, as long as they are 18 by the time November's presidential election rolls around.
This is thanks to a law that came into effect in January 2019 - and state officials say almost 5,000 17-year-olds have now registered to vote.
Given how tight some of the caucuses were last time, having younger voters involved could tip the balance.
9. And finally - don't be late
If you arrive at your precinct after the start time, you're out of luck - you won't be able to take part.
That's because organisers need to work out what 15% of all of the people in the room is, to determine which candidates are viable - and even one latecomer could change the percentages.


bbc--2020-02-01--What does healing the Brexit divide mean?

The moment of Brexit is a time to `` find closure and let the healing begin '' , according to Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
But what does `` healing '' involve ?
If there is one thing that people on both sides of the referendum debate agree on it is that , at times , the argument became far too hostile .
In the House of Commons , on social media and in the streets , passions became inflamed .
An official statement from the prime minister earlier this month said now was `` a moment to heal divisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit would be marked with a Downing Street light display , the hoisting of flags , a countdown clock and the minting of a commemorative coin .
While many of his supporters want to celebrate leaving the European Union , there 's little sign that these events have healed political divisions .
On the other hand , it 's not clear how the decision of the SNP to fly an EU flag outside the Scottish Parliament building was going to bring people together .
To heal , we need to understand the nature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel so strongly about Brexit ?
What are the values that lie behind the slogans and insults ?
There is a danger in trying to characterise the Leave/Remain split too rigidly .
The practice of describing people , places , regions and nations as `` Leave '' or `` Remain '' risks polarising the argument with a binary description that fails to reflect the nuance behind the choice and the result .
For instance , London is often described as a `` Remain city '' .
But more Londoners voted to leave the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as mayor .
Meanwhile , even in that most pro-Brexit town of Boston in Lincolnshire , a quarter of those who took part opted to remain .
Voters had a whole list of reasons for choosing to support one side or the other , often weighing up different arguments .
No place was 100 % for leaving or remaining in the EU .
But new opinion polling , commissioned by the BBC and the Campaign for Social Science , helps us understand the core beliefs associated with the way people voted .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked people to say which propositions came closest to their view .
The phrase `` influences from other countries and other cultures make Britain a better place to live '' was supported by a majority of Remain voters ( 56 % ) , but just a quarter ( 23 % ) of Leave voters .
The alternative proposition - `` influences from other countries and cultures threaten the British way of life '' - was supported by just 18 % of Remain voters but 52 % of Leave voters .
A similar result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The phrase `` Britain will be stronger if it is open to changes and influences from other countries and other cultures '' was supported by 58 % of Remain voters but just 22 % of Leave voters .
The alternative - `` Britain will be stronger in the future if it sticks to its traditions and way of life '' - was supported by 56 % of Leave voters and just 14 % of Remain voters .
Along with other polling data , Remain voters emerge as significantly more likely to celebrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European .
Leave voters are more likely to say Britain 's history , heritage , pageantry and Christian tradition are important to their national identity .
Leave voters appeared more patriotic , proud of their nationality and more likely to suggest their country was better than others .
Remain voters placed more importance on being part of the international community .
What is suggested by the survey is two visions of Britain - one which seeks to protect tradition , heritage , culture and familiar way of life , another which is happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of a global conversation .
They are not mutually exclusive ideas - there is always a balance to be found between continuity and change .
We can all feel that we want to protect tradition and be open to new ideas .
It is a matter of emphasis .
But the reason that this debate has inspired such passions is that it goes to the kind of country we want to live in , its priorities and values .
In that context , what does healing look like ?
Culturally , British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adversarial .
The House of Commons is designed to pit one side against the other .
Compromise is often portrayed as weakness .
Consensus-building seen as alien to our political tradition .
But conflict-resolution experts say healing does n't mean conceding the argument .
It is about understanding and valuing the views of people with whom you do n't agree .
It is not about trying to change people 's minds or prove them wrong .
It is about `` respectful disagreement '' .
Part of the problem is that it 's increasingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chambers , surrounding ourselves with those who endorse our personal view of the world .
On Facebook and Twitter , we naturally exclude those whose views we do n't like .
The newspapers and websites we choose , the books we read , the pubs and cafes we frequent , the films we watch - all of them are to some extent selected because they bolster our views and values rather than challenging them .
Indeed , when we do find ourselves hearing opinions at odds with our own core beliefs , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people we disagree with have a much bigger psychological effect on us than the voices of those who think like us .
Healing the divide , it seems , is going to require us to get out of our comfort zone , out of our bubble .
`` More in Common '' is the name of more than one body trying to understand this situation .
A foundation set up in memory of the murdered MP Jo Cox organises community events which encourage people with different views to come together and explore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A separate research organisation operating in the UK , US , Germany and France , describes its mission as working to `` address the underlying drivers of fracturing and polarisation , and build more united , resilient and inclusive societies '' .
This year they will be teaming up with organisations and institutions to see what role they can play in `` bridging divides '' in Britain .
One charity they already work with is the Roots Programme which takes people from different walks of life and gets them to `` meet and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physically removing them from their `` bubble '' .
The first pair to take part were Ben Lane , 31 , a Remain-supporting , north-London-dwelling former business strategy consultant , and Peter Curtis , 47 , a community football coach from Sunderland who voted to leave .
Both men acknowledge their exchange visits could have been better .
`` It was quite depressing going down to London and seeing the money flying about , '' said Peter , a former construction worker who now earns less than £10,000 a year in Sunderland .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ embarrassed that he played no role in his community , despite his prestigious job as a charity chief executive .
But they now both feel optimistic about the healing of the nation after Brexit .
Ben said : `` One of the worst ingredients for healing is uncertainty , and now we 've got more certainty .
`` It definitely means we can try and galvanise around something . ''
Helpfully , the phrase `` more in common '' has some truth to it in the UK .
Compared with the US where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area of policy , here there is still broad national consensus on many key issues - taxation , welfare , the NHS , abortion , gun control or homosexuality .
That is not to say that everyone agrees on everything , but it is more likely there will be some common ground where people can gather to explore the aspirations and values they share .
Healing the Brexit divide , though , needs to be more than a group hug .
It also means dealing with the consequences of a very fractious and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time when many questioned the effectiveness of our system of governance and when confidence in our democracy was shaken .
A season of stories about bringing people together in a fragmented world .
• Watch : Get a flavour of the Crossing Divides season • How the BBC is tackling the issue of polarisation in society • Her ancestors enslaved mine - now we 're friends Tellingly , all the big political parties included proposals for democratic renewal in their manifestos .
There was consensus , at least , on the need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works .
The Brexit vote itself has been interpreted as a cry of pain from communities which felt that their voice was being ignored , that decisions affecting their lives were being taken without consultation or discussion in anonymous offices in Westminster or behind mirrored glass in Brussels .
Politicians of all stripes appear to accept the need to listen to and respond to those concerns , finding ways to help people feel they have a genuine connection to power .
The government intends to create a Constitution , Democracy and Rights Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with proposals to `` restore trust in our institutions and in how our democracy operates '' .
No details have been given on the terms of reference or make-up of this new body , although there have been suggestions that it may be asked to look at the balance of power between government , MPs and the judiciary after the Supreme Court ruled that Boris Johnson 's suspension of Parliament last autumn was unlawful .
Already , some have argued that might be interpreted as Brexiteer vengeance rather than a sincere attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helps explain why constitutional or democratic reform is tricky for government or even for Parliament .
Any adjustment to the architecture is likely to have implications for the power of ministers and MPs .
That is why civil society has stepped into this space , looking at ways to involve citizens directly in any redesign of the British constitution - trying to take party politics out of the process and give power to the people .
Citizens ' assemblies are increasingly used by governments around the world to find answers to the trickiest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear power in South Korea , energy policy in Texas , waste recycling in South Australia .
• What will change after 31 January ?
• Sir John Curtice : Do Britons now agree about leaving the EU ?
A randomly selected cross-section of the public is recruited to consider a policy question through rational , respectful and reasoned discussion .
They engage with information and arguments around a topic before agreeing on a proposal for consideration by lawmakers .
UK parliamentary committees have held citizens ' assemblies on climate change and social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to informed voters .
In Scotland , a randomly selected assembly is currently considering the nation 's governance , with its recommendations to be considered by the Scottish Parliament .
Over the next two years , the Citizens ' Convention on UK Democracy will attempt to engage 10 million people in what it describes as a `` UK conversation '' .
Thousands will receive a formal invitation to participate in a convention , their names selected by civic lottery .
Among the issues that will be considered are the voting system , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devolving power to local and regional bodies , how politics should be paid for and whether the UK should have a written constitution .
A number of senior MPs from across the political spectrum have agreed to help ensure that the conclusions of the convention are considered by Parliament .
There are other initiatives working in the same area , all convinced that the divide exposed by the Brexit debate can be healed only by getting under the bonnet of the UK 's democracy , examining its inner workings and looking at ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Society 's most recent annual Audit of Political Engagement suggested 72 % of voters think Britain 's system of governance needs significant improvement and almost half ( 47 % ) say they feel they have no influence at all over national decision-making .
With the arguments and campaigns over Brexit now over , this does seem to be a good moment to consider the lessons of what has been an uncomfortable and at times painful process .
It has knocked the confidence and pride Britain once had in its democracy .
If healing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation to ask some searching questions of itself and what kind of country we want to be .

With the arguments and campaigns over Brexit now over, this does seem to be a good moment to consider the lessons of what has been an uncomfortable and at times painful process. It has knocked the confidence and pride Britain once had in its democracy.


bbc--2020-02-03--Coronavirus: China admits 'shortcomings and deficiencies'

China 's top leadership has admitted `` shortcomings and deficiencies '' in the country 's response to the deadly coronavirus outbreak .
The Politburo Standing Committee said the national emergency management system had to improve .
A crackdown on wildlife markets , where the virus emerged , has been ordered .
There are more than 17,000 confirmed cases in China , with 361 deaths , and more than 150 in other countries , with one death in the Philippines .
These are the latest figures from the National Health Commission .
However , Chinese television early on Tuesday local time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the epicentre of the outbreak , adding another 64 fatalities and 2,345 more cases .
The number of deaths in China , excluding Hong Kong , now exceeds the 349 killed on the mainland in the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ( SARS ) outbreak of 2002-03 .
• Coronavirus will be in UK for some months , says minister • Coronavirus : How worried should we be ?
The new coronavirus causes severe acute respiratory infection and symptoms usually start with a fever , followed by a dry cough .
The outbreak took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ markets reopened on Monday following the Lunar New Year holiday .
The Shanghai Composite index closed nearly 8 % lower , its biggest daily drop for more than four years .
What has the Politburo said ?
Reports of the standing committee meeting , chaired by President Xi Jinping , were carried by the official Xinhua news agency .
It said lessons had to be learned from what had been a `` big test '' of China 's governance system .
`` In response to the shortcomings and deficiencies that were exposed responding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our national emergency management system and improve our abilities in handling urgent and dangerous tasks , '' the report said .
One area to be tackled is the trade in illegal wildlife , which should be `` resolutely banned '' , while supervision of markets should be strengthened .
It is thought a market in the city of Wuhan in Hubei province was the source of the viral outbreak .
On Monday , a study by a Chinese virologist said bats were the likely source .
Wuhan remains the `` top priority '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there , the committee said .
It said officials should assume full responsibility for their duties in epidemic prevention , and that those who failed to perform them would be punished .
It has been revealed that two officials in the town of Huajiahe were removed from their posts after a teenager with cerebral palsy died when his father - and sole carer - was quarantined for suspected coronavirus .
What is happening on the ground ?
The increase in fatalities for Sunday - 57- had been the largest in a single day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
All but one were in Hubei province .
Monday 's deaths appear to have topped that .
Wuhan has seen the speedy construction of two new hospitals , although they are not yet fully operational .
Provinces with populations larger than 300 million have been ordered to make the wearing of masks in public mandatory .
But there is a shortfall in equipment and China 's foreign ministry on Monday issued a global appeal .
Spokesperson Hua Chunying said : `` What China urgently needs at present are medical masks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some cities , including Shanghai , have extended the Lunar New Year holiday , with many schools still closed .
Hong Kong , which has 15 confirmed cases , has suspended 10 out of 13 border crossings with mainland China .
The mortality rate for the new coronavirus is about 2.1 % , currently far lower than the 9.6 % of SARS .
How are other countries responding ?
The health ministers of the G7 group of nations - the US , Germany , Japan , UK , Canada , France and Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
German Health Minister Jens Spahn said they had agreed to co-ordinate on travel regulations , viral research and co-operation with the World Health Organization ( WHO ) and China .
Many nations have evacuated their citizens from affected areas of China , often placing them in quarantine on arrival home .
The US has ordered the departure of all US personnel family members under the age of 21 , and any US citizen who has been in Hubei province will be subject to 14 days ' quarantine .
Ms Hua said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contrary to WHO recommendations , accusing the US of `` spreading fear '' .
The WHO has warned that closing borders could even accelerate the spread of the virus , if travellers enter countries unofficially .
More than 20 countries have recorded confirmed cases .
• Denying entry to all foreign visitors who have recently been to China : US , Australia , Singapore • Denying entry to foreigners travelling from mainland China : New Zealand , Israel .
( Russia will also apply these restrictions , though not through Moscow 's Sheremetyevo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have visited Hubei province : Japan , South Korea • Temporarily suspending all flights to mainland China : Egypt , Finland , Indonesia , the UK , Italy • The body that represents some of the world 's largest cruise ship operators , the Cruise Lines International Association , announced on Monday that passengers and crew members who had recently travelled to China would not be allowed to board vessels How deadly is the virus ?
More than 75,000 people may have been infected in Wuhan , experts say .
But estimates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total number of cases could be far higher than official figures .
• Coronavirus : What it does to the body • Wuhan : The London-sized city where the virus began A report on the early stages of the outbreak by the Lancet medical journal said most patients who died had pre-existing conditions .
The report found that , of the first 99 patients treated at the Jinyintan Hospital in Wuhan , 40 had a weak heart or damaged blood vessels .
A further 12 had diabetes .
Most people infected are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would from a normal flu .
An expert at China 's National Health Commission ( NHC ) said that one week was sufficient for a recovery from mild coronavirus symptoms .
How has the coronavirus outbreak affected you ?
Has your family been affected ?
What about your business or your travel plans ?
You can share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

The US ordered the departure of all US personnel family members under the age of 21, and any US citizen who has been in Hubei province will be subject to 14 days' quarantine.


bbc--2020-02-03--The many meanings of the pinched fingers emoji

Is it a way to show disbelief , a way to ask others to be quiet , or a cute gesture popularised by a K-Pop star ?
It 's called `` pinched fingers '' and depending on where you are in the world , a new emoji announced by the Unicode Consortium , which approves standard emojis worldwide , could have a completely different meaning .
Its official purpose , according to the emoji 's creators , is to represent the way an Italian might ask `` what do you want ? ''
.
But that has not stopped its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debuted in January 2020 .
In a 14-page proposal for the emoji , creators of the `` pinched fingers '' icon suggested that the gesture would be representative of Italian culture because `` everybody knows Italians speak with their hands '' - but may have other meanings elsewhere .
`` We expect this emoji to be widely used not only in Italy and other Mediterranean countries , '' it says , `` but also , more broadly , worldwide because of the increasing popularity of Italian culture and way of life .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ configuration of the fingers in most cultures , it is simply a universal form of signing . ''
• Transgender flag and women in tuxedos among new emojis • Meet the student who has created African emojis • OK hand sign added to list of hate symbols For example , according to journalist Kim Zetter , the gesture can have a myriad of meanings in Israel .
In Nigeria , it was suggested the gesture could be the emoji version of `` gbas gbos '' - a back-and-forth argument - and in India @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if somebody is hungry .
In the Arab world it could be a gesture a mother would use toward her child .
There are of course various comedy interpretations which have emerged , such as one person 's claim it represents eating without utensils , or another 's suggestion that with a simple flip it could mean `` a pinch of salt '' .
There are also a legion of people who will see the emoji and instantly think of K-Pop star Yuri , who is known for making a gesture with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is often associated with the phrase `` I mandu you '' - with mandu being the Korean word for dumpling - because fans joke about the pose being her way of saying `` I love you '' to them .
To have an emoji created , a person must make a detailed application for it to be included in Unicode , the system which makes text and emoji function on electronic devices .
This is how the same emoji can appear across different devices , regardless of whether it is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent batch of emojis to be released in 2020 also includes gender-neutral wedding symbols and the trans flag .
A pickup truck emoji approved by Unicode is thought to have been inspired by Ford , the US carmaker , which petitioned Unicode for the icon .
In total , 117 options will be added in 2020 as part of the `` Emoji 13.0 '' update .

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bbc--2020-02-03--Rush Limbaugh reveals advanced lung cancer diagnosis live on radio show

Prominent conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh has revealed he has been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer .
The 69 year old , an influential political commentator in the US , made the surprise announcement during his radio show on Monday .
Mr Limbaugh said the diagnosis was confirmed on 20 January after he had suffered from shortness of breath .
The veteran broadcaster said he would not present his show while he receives treatment .
Mr Limbaugh told his audience he hoped to be back hosting his long-time programme , The Rush Limbaugh Show , later in the week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ today that I wish I did n't have to tell you , '' Mr Limbaugh told his listeners at the end of the show .
`` It 's a struggle for me because I had to inform my staff earlier today .
I ca n't help but feel that I 'm letting everybody down with this .
The upshot is that I have been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer . ''
The radio personality 's producer commented on the announcement in an emotional tweet .
Mr Limbaugh 's show , which first aired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million listeners each week .
A self-described conservative , Mr Limbaugh has drawn support from US President Donald Trump and other Republican Party figures .
On his show , he has been known to lambast Democrats and strongly opposed Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential election .
Last month , the host had signed a new long-term contract with Premiere Radio Networks , the company that syndicates his show .
`` Rush is both a colleague and a dear friend , and I know he will handle the situation with courage and grace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of Premiere 's parent company , iHeartMedia .
`` I know millions of people nationwide join me and all of iHeart in wishing him a full recovery . ''
President Trump announced Mr Limbaugh 's new deal with Premier at a rally in Miami .
`` We have great people .
Rush just signed another four-year contract , '' Mr Trump said .
`` He just wants four more years , OK ? ''


bbc--2020-02-03--HIV vaccine hopes dashed by trial results

Hopes have been dashed an experimental vaccine could protect people against HIV , the virus that causes Aids .
The National Institutes of Health has stopped its HVTN 702 trial , of more than 5,000 people in South Africa , as it found the jab did not prevent HIV .
Experts expressed `` deep disappointment '' but added the search for a preventive HIV vaccine must continue .
Such vaccines do not contain HIV and therefore do not pose any danger of giving HIV to an individual .
• The man who saved thousands of people from HIV What was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new version of the first HIV-vaccine candidate shown to provide some protection against the virus - in the RV144 clinical trial , in Thailand .
There are many different strains of HIV and the vaccine had been adapted to the subtype most common in South Africa , which has one of the highest HIV rates in the world .
There were great hopes that the vaccine would work and it could then be adapted to cover other strains of HIV circulating in other parts of the world .
What happened in the trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either the vaccine or placebo injections .
• 123 HIV infections among those given the dummy jab Dr Anthony Fauci , from the NIH , said : `` An HIV vaccine is essential to end the global pandemic and we hoped this vaccine candidate would work .
Regrettably , it does not . ''
`` Research continues on other approaches to a safe and effective HIV vaccine , which I still believe can be achieved . ''
Linda-Gail Bekker from the International Aids Society said : `` Whilst this is a significant setback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue the quest for a preventive vaccine . ''
There is still hope other HIV vaccines in development may work .
How can HIV be stopped ?
A drug treatment called pre-exposure prophylaxis ( Prep ) is effective at preventing HIV infection but , unlike a vaccine , it needs to be taken regularly , even daily .
In countries where such treatments may not be available , the only effective prevention remains using condoms during sexual intercourse - or abstinence .
Recent breakthroughs in anti-retroviral treatments have improved the lifespan of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Policy at Terrence Higgins Trust said : `` Through regular testing , condoms , Prep and effective treatment which means people living with HIV ca n't pass on the virus - we now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to end the HIV epidemic .
It 's vital we seize this . ''

There are many different strains of HIV and the vaccine had been adapted to the subtype most common in South Africa, which has one of the highest HIV rates in the world.


bbc--2020-02-03--Streatham attack: Emergency terror law to end early prisoner release

Emergency legislation will be introduced to end the automatic early release from prison of terror offenders , the government has said .
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland told MPs the change would apply to both current and future offenders .
Terror offenders will only be considered for release once they have served two-thirds of their sentence and with the approval of the Parole Board .
It follows two attacks by men convicted of terror offences in recent months .
On Sunday , Sudesh Amman , 20 , was shot dead by police in Streatham , south London , after stabbing two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were killed near London Bridge by Usman Khan .
Amman was released from prison towards the end of January , while Khan was out on licence from prison when he launched his attack in central London .
Mr Buckland said the latest attack made the case `` for immediate action '' .
• Who was the Streatham attacker ?
`` We can not have the situation , as we saw tragically in yesterday 's case , where an offender - a known risk to innocent members of the public - is released early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oversight by the Parole Board , '' he said .
He said the new legislation would mean people convicted of terrorism offences will no longer be released automatically after they have served half of their sentence .
Because we face `` an unprecedented situation of severe gravity '' , the legislation will also apply to serving prisoners , Mr Buckland said .
The Ministry of Justice said the legislation would be introduced `` when parliamentary time allows '' .
The government will also consider making new legislation to ensure that extremists are more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether the current maximum sentences for terrorist offences are sufficient .
The Parole Board for England and Wales has welcomed the plans .
In a statement , it said it would not `` direct the release of an offender unless [ it is ] satisfied , taking account of all the evidence , that detention is no longer necessary for the protection of the public '' .
`` The board 's focus is rightly on those who have committed the most serious criminal offences and it is vital that the most serious offenders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their release , '' it added .
However , human rights group Liberty described the government 's actions after recent terror attacks as a `` cause of increasing concern for our civil liberties '' .
Clare Collier , an advocacy director for the campaign group , said : `` From last month 's knee-jerk lie detector proposal , to today 's threat to break the law by changing people 's sentences retrospectively , continuing to introduce measures without review or evidence is dangerous and will create more problems than it solves .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system is in chaos and desperately needs proper scrutiny and review . ''
Responding to the government announcement in the Commons , shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon said the justice system was in `` crisis '' due to funding cuts .
`` The government can not use sentencing as a way of distracting from their record of bringing the criminal justice system to breaking point , '' he said .
Former government counter-terrorism adviser Professor Ian Acheson argued that there might be instances where offenders should stay in prison .
He told BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people for whom their ideology is bulletproof and there is no way we can get inside that .
`` If there are people who are absolutely determined not to accept any intervention that will change that toxic mind-set , yes they should be in prison and if necessary , indefinitely . ''
Although plans for the Parole Board to decide if people convicted of terrorism offences should be released after serving two thirds of their sentence were in the Queen 's Speech , there were no proposals at that stage for the measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the Streatham attack - the third incident involving convicted Islamist extremists in two months .
Ministers are clearly concerned about the risks posed by other prisoners serving sentences for terrorism who are due to be let out : there 's about one release , on average , every week .
But the measures , if approved by Parliament , will almost certainly be the subject of a challenge in the courts .
Is it fair that a prisoner who 's been convicted and sentenced under one set of rules suddenly finds themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set of rules ?
The government is likely to justify its approach on the grounds of national security , so prepare for an epic legal battle that may well end up at the Supreme Court .
Amman was shot dead on Streatham High Road on Sunday afternoon after stabbing two people in what police called an Islamist-related terrorist incident .
He wore an imitation suicide belt .
He had been released from prison about a week ago after serving half of a sentence for terror offences , and was under police surveillance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of a `` proactive counter-terrorism surveillance operation '' , Scotland Yard said .
He was seen entering a shop in Streatham High Road shortly before 14:00 GMT , where he is believed to have stolen a knife .
Once outside the shop he attacked two people .
In a statement on Monday , the Metropolitan Police said its officers responded within 60 seconds of Amman 's attack , fatally shooting him .
The force did not reveal more details about its surveillance operation on the terror convict .
Three people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stabbing victims .
One victim , a man in his 40s , is now said to be recovering after sustaining injuries that were initially thought to be life-threatening .
Another , a woman in her 50s , has been discharged from hospital .
A third woman in her 20s suffered minor injuries , thought to have been caused by broken glass from the gunfire .
The attack comes after convicted terrorist Khan fatally stabbed Saskia Jones and Jack Merritt at Fishmongers ' Hall near London Bridge on 29 November last year .
Khan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 , half-way through a 16-year sentence for terrorism offences .
This prompted a raft of measures to be proposed by the Home Office in January .
The so-called Counter-Terrorism Bill would also ensure people convicted of serious offences , such as preparing acts of terrorism or directing a terrorist organisation , spend a minimum of 14 years in prison .
There are currently at least 74 people who were jailed for terror offences and subsequently freed on licence .
There are also 224 people convicted of terrorism offences in prison in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be released at the end of their custodial sentence .

But the measures, if approved by Parliament, will almost certainly be the subject of a challenge in the courts. Is it fair that a prisoner who's been convicted and sentenced under one set of rules suddenly finds themselves locked up for longer under a different set of rules?


bbc--2020-02-03--Greyhound bus shooting: One dead, five injured in California

A shooting on a Greyhound bus in California has left a woman dead and five other people injured , the @ @ @ @ @ ) said .
The shooting happened just before 01:30 local time ( 09:30 GMT ) @ @ @ @ @ section of Interstate 5 , north of Los Angeles .
The suspect is now in @ @ @ @ @ the attack was not immediately known .
The bus was travelling from Los Angeles to @ @ @ @ @ pulled onto the hard shoulder near Fort Tejon after the shooting , the CHP 's @ @ @ @ @ He said the suspect exited the bus , leaving the weapon inside .
The driver @ @ @ @ @ and stopped by a petrol station so the injured could be treated .
They were @ @ @ @ @ and the suspect was arrested .
One of those shot - a woman - died @ @ @ @ @ FirstGroup to sell Greyhound buses in US Greyhound is an intercity bus carrier , serving @ @ @ @ @ America .
It is a subsidiary of the Aberdeen-based FirstGroup company .

The driver then took the next exit and stopped by a petrol station so the injured could be treated. They were later taken to hospital, and the suspect was arrested.


bbc--2020-02-03--Malawi election: Court orders new vote after May 2019 result annulled

Malawi 's constitutional court has annulled last year 's controversial election , which saw President Peter Mutharika narrowly re-elected .
The judge found there had been widespread irregularities in the 21 May vote .
This is the first election to be legally challenged since Malawi 's independence in 1964 .
A new vote will take place within 151 days .
There have been regular anti-government protests since the election .
The court ruled that Mr Mutharika will stay in power until a new election takes place .
President Peter Mutharika won a second term in May with 38.6 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chakwera , who came second , and Saulos Chilima , who finished third , went to court to argue that the election was not fair .
They said the way the election was conducted was full of irregularities .
The judges , who arrived in court in the capital , Lilongwe , under military escort , upheld the complaint on Monday .
According to the official results , Mr Chakwera , who claims he won the election , garnered 35.4 % of the vote as the flag bearer for the Malawi Congress Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the president , got 20.2 % .
He was the candidate for the UTM .
There is a high level of anxiety in the country following months of tense clashes between the police and opposition supporters .
Many schools were closed and some public transport had been suspended ahead of Monday 's court decision .
What were the irregularities ?
In court , lawyers for the losing candidates said that correction fluid - known by the brand name Tipp-Ex - had been used on some of the tallying forms sent in by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after they had been signed by party agents , they said .
The lawyers also said that in some cases polling officials sent in the wrong copy of the results sheet to the main tallying centre .
They also found some mathematical errors in a small number of cases .
Though in each case there were not a huge number of errors , the lawyers said that the evidence pointed to a flawed process .
What was the response ?
The Malawi Electoral Commission ( MEC ) defended its handling of the vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It said that on the few forms where correction fluid had been found , it had not been used to change a result , but to alter procedural information that had been incorrectly entered .
The commission said it had not supplied the Tipp-Ex .
The MEC 's lawyers also argued that while the wrong copy of the results sheet had been submitted in some cases , that copy had been signed off by party agents and the tally itself was correct .
Outside the court proceedings , backers of Mr Mutharika @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of international observers , which were largely favourable , as evidence that he won the vote fairly .
What sort of coverage was there in Malawi ?
The court proceedings , which lasted more than three months , were keenly followed .
Four radio stations broadcast the sessions live and on public transport passengers sometimes demanded that the radio be switched on so they could follow what was happening .
Groups of people gathered round radio sets to hear the latest from the court .
Why is it such a big deal ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since the disputed results were announced last May , there have been regular anti-government protests .
Some of these have resulted in looting and the destruction of property , including government offices .
Two people - one police officer and one civilian - are known to have been killed during the demonstrations .
Malawi 's Human Rights Commission said that in October , during a security crackdown following a protest , police officers raped and sexually assaulted women , some of them in the presence of their children .
Just a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body arrested a top businessman on allegations that he attempted to bribe the five judges hearing the case .
He allegedly wanted the judges to decide in favour of the respondents , Peter Mutharika and the Malawi Electoral Commission .
The businessman was reported to the anti-corruption agency by the chief justice .
The situation has not been helped by the fact that the police are not seen as neutral or professional .
For the most part , it has been the military which has been going onto the streets to help bring @ @

The situation has not been helped by the fact that the police are not seen as neutral or professional. For the most part, it has been the military which has been going onto the streets to help bring order.


bbc--2020-02-03--Iran plane downing: Tehran ends co-operation with Ukraine

Iran has ceased co-operation with Ukraine in its investigation into the downing of Ukrainian passenger jet PS752 by Iranian missiles last month .
It comes after leaked remarks suggested Iran knew immediately that it had struck the plane .
Ukrainian TV aired an exchange between air traffic control and a pilot who was landing as the jet crashed .
The Iranian pilot allegedly states he saw a flash like missile fire in the sky , and then an explosion .
Iran initially denied responsibility for the downing on 8 January that killed 176 , but Ukraine 's president said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been hit by a missile .
At the time Iran was on high alert , having fired ballistic missiles at two US bases in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad .
• Who are the victims of Iran plane crash ?
• What we know about the Iran plane crash '' We will no longer provide any documents to the Ukrainians , '' the head of the Iranian investigation team , Hassan Rezaeifar , told Iranian news agency Mehr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incident , Iran agreed to co-operate in investigating with `` foreign experts '' .
There are clearly tensions over the conduct of the investigation , the BBC 's correspondent in Ukraine Jonah Fisher explains .
Ukraine wants to look at the black box flight recorders .
Iran has been stalling for weeks and is insisting on trying to extract the information in Tehran , he adds .
The recording is of a conversation between an Iranian pilot who was landing shortly after the doomed Ukrainian passenger jet took off , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audio clip published by a Ukrainian YouTube channel , the Aseman Airlines pilot says he is seeing lights in the sky ahead .
`` Is this an active area ?
There 's lights like a missile .
Is there anything ? ''
he says .
`` Nothing has been reported to us .
What 's the light like ? ''
the controller replies .
The pilot says : `` It 's the light of a missile . ''
The control tower is then heard trying to contact the Ukrainian plane several times , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Iranian pilot tells the control tower he has just seen a `` big light from an explosion '' .
The country where a plane crashes is usually responsible for leading investigations , but political interests can get in the way .
In 2014 a missile hit flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine at the height of conflict between Ukrainian troops and Russian-backed groups .
Both sides blamed each other for the disaster which killed 283 passengers .
The Netherlands , which lost 193 citizens , commissioned three investigations , and in 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downed by a Russian missile .
In 2015 Egyptian and Russian officials disagreed on the causes of the Russian Airbus 321 crash in the Sinai peninsula which killed 224 people .
It was n't until 2016 that the Egyptian president acknowledged the Russians ' conclusion that Islamic state militants were behind the disaster .
And sometimes airlines are reluctant to admit they may be at fault .
A Yemenia Airways crash en route to the tiny Comoros Islands in 2009 was blamed on pilot error by French and US officials .
But Yemenia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of poor safety , rejected the findings and demanded further readings of the plane 's black box .

At the time Iran was on high alert, having fired ballistic missiles at two US bases in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad.


bbc--2020-02-03--Lesbos: Tear gas fired as migrants hold protest over conditions

Greek police have used tear gas to break up protests by migrants over living conditions on the Greek island of @ @ @ @ @ , including women and children , attempted to march to the town of Mytilene .
@ @ @ @ @ government invited proposals for a floating barrier to block migrants from arriving by sea .
@ @ @ @ @ often travel through Turkey to Greece .
Arrivals have proved hard to manage .
Many @ @ @ @ @ .
The majority are from Afghanistan and Syria , according to the United Nations .

Greek police have used tear gas to break up protests by migrants over living conditions on the Greek island of Lesbos.
Hundreds of people, including women and children, attempted to march to the town of Mytilene.
It comes after the Greek government invited proposals for a floating barrier to block migrants from arriving by sea.
Migrants trying to reach Europe often travel through Turkey to Greece. Arrivals have proved hard to manage.
Many are fleeing violence and persecution. The majority are from Afghanistan and Syria, according to the United Nations.


bbc--2020-02-03--Jailed Pennsylvania cancer patient sparks debate over justice

The case of a Pennsylvania cancer patient sentenced to up to seven years in prison for shoplifting has sparked a debate over the justice system .
Ashley Menser , 36 , who has ovarian and cervical cancer , was given a minimum 10 month jail term for stealing $ 109 ( £83 ) worth of goods from a market .
The state 's lieutenant governor criticised the punishment as `` insane '' .
But the district attorney has dissented , citing the woman 's prior record .
Menser has begun serving her prison term since pleading guilty on 22 January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Samuel Kline .
Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman on Friday called on the judge to `` err on the side of mercy '' in Menser 's case .
He later offered to personally reimburse the shop for the stolen goods .
`` In what universe do you deserve to be sent to prison for 10 months for stealing $ 110 worth of groceries ? ''
he asked in the New York Times .
Mr Fetterman said the case was an example of failures in the US criminal justice system and how it handles people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Menser , a mother of four , had a history of post traumatic stress disorder and drug abuse for which she was receiving treatment , the PA Post newspaper reported .
She was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 .
`` Nobody wants this , '' Mr Fetterman said .
• Locked up and vulnerable : When prison makes things worse However , the state 's district attorney has pushed back against Mr Fetterman 's response , saying he left out key details in the case in his criticisms .
`` Our Lieutenant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court and the victim ; he went so far as to offer a personally delivered check for the underlying amount to the victim to absolve the defendant of the crime , '' District Attorney Pier Hess Graf said .
`` He failed to mention in any of his tweets , however , the extensive prior record of the defendant , her drug abuse , or the fact that her sentencing ranges - as set forth by the legislature - call for jail time . ''
According to the district attorney 's office , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a record with welfare fraud and endangering children 's welfare .
She pleaded guilty to retail theft for stealing goods including makeup , hair dye and a candle from the Lebanon , Pennsylvania , Weis Markets grocery store in 2018 .
Ms Graf noted that the state prison system is `` capable of addressing serious health concerns for inmates '' .
Her office said Menser had refused treatment for her medical issues last year , but her family told the Post that they had scheduled an oncology appointment the day of her sentencing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Menser family has also said she has received no treatment since her sentencing .
Her lawyer has asked the judge to reconsider the sentence .
The case has divided social media too , with some people commending Mr Fetterman for his empathy and others saying Menser was not a good example of a victim of the system .
US prisoners are entitled to medical care by the Constitution , but in recent years , for-profit institutions that provide healthcare to prisons have come under fire for failing to adequately treat inmates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that often , mental health conditions , other chronic illnesses and emergencies are untreated by prison staff .
According to the US Bureau of Justice Statistics , around 22 % of deaths in custody are due to cancer .


bbc--2020-02-03--George Steiner: Holocaust survivor and literary critic dies aged 90

Literary critic and essayist George Steiner has died in the UK , aged 90 .
The French-US scholar passed away in Cambridge , where he had spent half a century as an Extraordinary Fellow at Churchill College .
Born to Austrian Jewish parents in France in 1929 , Francis George Steiner and his family fled to the US in 1940 .
Described by literary critic Maya Jaggi as `` a polyglot and polymath '' , Steiner was a divisive figure .
The broad scope of his work - which included linguistics , philosophy and literary criticism - was praised as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disapproved of by others .
As one critic wrote in The New York Times in 2009 : `` His bracing virtue has been his ability to move from Pythagoras , through Aristotle and Dante , to Nietzsche and Tolstoy in a single paragraph .
His irritating vice has been that he can move from Pythagoras , through Aristotle and Dante , to Nietzsche and Tolstoy in a single paragraph . ''
'We come after' Steiner grew up speaking French , German and English and later learned Italian .
He studied at the universities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK , where he worked at The Economist magazine for four years in the 1950s .
As one of only two Jewish pupils at his school in France to survive the Holocaust , questions surrounding this dark period of European history permeated much of his writings .
`` The black mystery of what happened in Europe is to me indivisible from my own identity , '' he wrote in an essay entitled `` A Kind of Survivor '' .
Although he was a great proponent of the arts , and wrote widely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide no shield against the horrors of the Holocaust , writing in book published in 1967 : `` We come after .
We know now that a man can read Goethe or Rilke in the evening , that he can play Bach and Schubert , and go to his day 's work at Auschwitz in the morning . ''
Steiner went on to held visiting professorships at a number of universities , and received honours including France 's Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur .
His prolific writings included both fiction and non-fiction , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ variety of literary magazines .
He is survived by his wife , historian and academic Zara Steiner , and their two children .

Although he was a great proponent of the arts, and wrote widely about them, he noted that they provide no shield against the horrors of the Holocaust, writing in book published in 1967: "We come after. We know now that a man can read Goethe or Rilke in the evening, that he can play Bach and Schubert, and go to his day's work at Auschwitz in the morning."


bbc--2020-02-03--Coronavirus: Disabled boy dies in China after father quarantined

Two officials in China have been removed from their posts after a teenager with cerebral palsy died when his father - and sole carer - was quarantined for suspected coronavirus .
Yan Cheng , 16 , was found dead on Wednesday , a week after his father and brother were placed in quarantine .
The boy was fed only twice during this time , according to reports .
Both the local Communist Party secretary and mayor in Huajiahe town have been dismissed over the case .
Yan Cheng 's story has been trending on social media websites .
• Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Can people recover from coronavirus ?
And other questions The family lived in China 's central Hubei province , the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak .
According to local media , the teenager 's father had posted on Chinese social media platform Weibo appealing for help and explaining that his son had been left alone without food or water .
Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of conditions that appear in early childhood , and affect movement and co-ordination .
Symptoms vary , and can include tremors , stiff or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trouble with vision , speech and hearing .
Those affected may be severely disabled .
Officials had previously announced that an investigation would be carried out into the boy 's death .
In China , 361 people have died of coronavirus and more than 17,000 cases of the virus have been confirmed .
There have also been more than 150 confirmed cases of the virus outside China , including one death in the Philippines .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) has warned the number of cases is likely to rise further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of measures to try to halt the virus 's spread .

In China, 361 people have died of coronavirus and more than 17,000 cases of the virus have been confirmed. There have also been more than 150 confirmed cases of the virus outside China, including one death in the Philippines.


bbc--2020-02-03--Kenya school stampede: At least 14 pupils killed in Kakamega

At least 14 pupils have been killed in a stampede at a primary school in western Kenya , officials say .
The crush happened at Kakamega Primary School , north-west of the capital Nairobi , on Monday afternoon .
Reports say children were leaving classes for home at about 17:00 local time ( 14:00 GMT ) when the stampede took place .
`` The loss of a child is very painful .
My condolences to parents who have lost their children , '' Mr Magoha told Citizen TV .
Nearly 40 other students were injured - some critically - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some of them were released after receiving treatment .
• Africa Live : More on this and other stories The cause of the stampede is not yet clear .
But Kakamega police commander David Kabena told local media an investigation had been launched .
Some reports said the students had rushed down a narrow staircase at the end of the school day .
The staircase is said to have collapsed .
The Daily Nation newspaper said some of the children fell from the third-floor of the building as they ran .
Videos posted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gathered outside a hospital where children were being treated .
On Twitter , Kenya Red Cross said it was supporting emergency services after the `` fatal stampede '' .
Kenya 's education ministry offered condolences to the families and friends of those who had died .
Correspondents say the incident may raise questions about the safety of children in Kenya 's schools .
Raila Odinga , Kenya 's former prime minister , called for a swift investigation to `` get to the bottom of this incident '' .
In September last year eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a classroom collapsed at a primary school in Nairobi .
Several days later , Kenya 's education ministry closed St Catherine 's Children Education Centre Bombolulu , near Nairobi , due to safety concerns .
`` This is just a start and we are going to crack down on all schools in the country with poor structures , '' Mr Magoha said at the time .


bbc--2020-02-03--Ukraine MP's advice to sell dog to pay bills causes outcry

Pictures of dogs flooded Ukrainian social media after an MP advised a pensioner to sell her pet , so she could pay her utility bills .
The shaggy dog story began on Friday when Lyubov Kolyucha , 66 , called in to the 112 Ukrayina TV channel , to complain that her small pension of 2,000 Ukrainian hryvnias ( $ 79 ; £61 ) was not enough to live on .
But MP Yevgeniy Brahar 's suggestion about how to raise the money led to jokes and memes , including one stating : `` First they came for the dogs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Because I was not a dog . ''
Mr Brahar , 25 , of the ruling Servant of the People party , later apologised on his Facebook page , saying he was a `` novice in politics '' .
Together with the host of the political phone-in , Mrs Kolyucha calculated that - after she had paid her gas bill - there would be nothing left .
In fact , she would still be in debt .
Gas prices for the people of Ukraine have increased 10 times since 2014 , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pension of less than 3,000 hryvnias ( $ 119 ; £92 ) per month .
But during the programme , Mr Brahar expressed doubts about the extent of Mrs Kolyucha 's poverty .
`` If she has [ a dog ] of an elite breed , she can sell it ... and easily pay [ the bills ] , '' Mr Brahar said on air .
The deputy 's unexpected advice quickly caused outrage and multiple jokes on Ukrainian social media .
One user showed several pictures of concerned pups , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advised a pensioner to sell her dog to pay for utilities '' .
Another said on Facebook : `` The dog refuses to come outside .
He 's locked himself in the toilet and demands we first show him the paid utility bill for the last month . ''
You might also be interested in : • Ukraine MP 'sorry ' for prostitute chat in parliament Opposition party MP Iryna Friz used the Ukrainian-language hashtag # Iwontsellmydog - calling on her followers to post pictures of their pets .
The following day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the People parliamentary faction , Yevheniya Kravchuk , said on Facebook that Mr Brahar 's remarks were `` absolutely indecorous '' and apologised to the public for his words .
`` If one can not handle live talk shows , one should stick to drafting bills , '' she added .
Mr Brahar finally apologised for his words .
`` I am a novice in politics and have not yet learned how to answer sensitive questions .
I apologise to anyone who may have been offended by my words , '' he wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , BBC News Ukraine journalist Anastasiya Dzubak visited Mrs Kolyucha in her small town .
She revealed that her dog - a 14-year-old blind mongrel - was called Sharik and that she had no plans to sell him .
Responding to Mr Brahar 's response to her complaint about her small pension , she believed he had embarrassed himself .
`` I would tell him to sell his brain !
One has to think first who , where and what to say , '' she said .

One user showed several pictures of concerned pups, with the caption: "When MP Brahar advised a pensioner to sell her dog to pay for utilities". Another said on Facebook: "The dog refuses to come outside. He's locked himself in the toilet and demands we first show him the paid utility bill for the last month."


bbc--2020-02-03--Lagos motorbike taxi ban: Chaos as Nigerian city removes okadas

There has been widespread disruption in Nigeria 's commercial capital , Lagos on the first working day of a ban on motorbike- and tricycle-taxis .
There were long queues at bus stations even though extra transport was laid on , while some walked for miles .
Commercial motorbikes are the most common form of public transport in the city of at least 20 million people , which is notorious for traffic jams .
The authorities said the ban was needed because of safety concerns .
They said the motorbike taxis , known as okadas , and tricycles , called kekes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Africa Live : Updates on this and other stories Has the ban been effective ?
It has , aided by security agencies who have been accused of going beyond their remit .
The ban did not include private motorbikes and motorcycles used by delivery companies but on Saturday , the first day of the ban , there were complaints that the police were arresting them .
A few commercial dissenters were arrested over the weekend , but there was near total compliance with the ban on Monday , the first working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban affects the city 's main business areas , such as Ikoyi , Ikeja , Victoria Island , Surulere , and the bridges and highways which link the different bits of the coastal city .
Okadas and kekes are still allowed in some of residential areas of the state , especially where many poorer people live .
What have people said about the ban ?
The decision has not gone down well with commuters , who feel the decision is elitist and targeted at the poor .
As many sweaty commuters waited at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buses on Monday , they wondered why the government did not provide alternatives before placing the ban .
The government said it had provided more public buses and boats for those along the waterways , but the truth is that the kekes and okadas provided a badly needed service .
They plied the streets and hard-to-reach areas where buses and taxis are unable to go .
In this city where appearance means a lot to many people , the okadas saved them from the dust and the sweat of walking , by dropping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who will approve of the ban are private cars owners who had a difficult relationship with the two- and three-wheelers .
Anyone who has driven in Lagos , or in any of the Nigerian cities where okadas and kekes operate , will know how frustrating it is to share the same road with them .
Another group who will approve of the ban are the drivers of yellow buses and taxis , who experienced a surge in customers on Monday .
`` The ban is good , those people [ keke and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said one driver at the Obalende bus station on Lagos Island .
The notorious traffic in Lagos meant that commuters preferred the motorcycles for their ability to nip in and out of tight spots and get them to their destinations on time .
Ride-hailing apps providing okada services have become very popular with young commuters who could order rides from the comfort of their locations .
There are reports of fare hikes in some parts of the state , while some drivers have added more stops and routes to accommodate passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ okada riders reacted ?
There was a small protest in the Ijora area of Lagos , where a handful of okada riders burnt tyres and blocked the main road .
But they were dispersed by security forces , who had earlier warned that defaulters would be dealt with .
There was also a protest on Friday against the ban as riders who belonged to ride-hailing companies called for better regulation rather than an outright ban .
As it is now , commercial motorcycles and tricycles have been pushed to the fringes of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain parts , but it is away from the lucrative business areas bustling with passengers .
Thousands of keke and okada riders are likely to lose their livelihoods in a city where unemployment is widespread .
What has the government said ?
The state government said it was `` not unaware that enforcing this directive may lead to some job losses '' and that the governor would announce measures to tackle the effects of the order .
A statement on Sunday also noted the `` little discomfort experienced by commuters on some routes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tricycles '' and added that it will not last as alternatives are being rolled out .
The public bus service said it had deployed 65 buses along major routes and the government announced additional ferry services .
Are things going to change ?
It is most unlikely that there would be a reversal on the ban , as the Lagos authorities attempt to impose order on the city .
But many wonder how a city with the population of Portugal and Switzerland combined does not have a rail network or a developed ferry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barely enough to cope with a small fraction of the population , while previous governor Akinwunmi Ambode is being investigated for corruption in purchase of more buses , an allegation he denies .
Commuting in Lagos has been greatly helped by the commercial motorcycles and the three-wheeler taxis .
There is a need to be served , and the proof is in the millions of dollars raised by foreign investors in the ride-hailing motorcycle taxi business .
The kekes were brought into Nigeria as part of a poverty alleviation programme under a previous @ @

The people who will approve of the ban are private cars owners who had a difficult relationship with the two- and three-wheelers. Anyone who has driven in Lagos, or in any of the Nigerian cities where okadas and kekes operate, will know how frustrating it is to share the same road with them.


bbc--2020-02-03--Nigeria's women learning to fight back

Nigeria's women learning to fight back

Nigeria is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for women , with rape and sexual assault an @ @ @ @ @ , the country 's largest city , women are breaking tradition by attending self-defence classes @ @ @ @ @ protect themselves .

Nigeria is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for women, with rape and sexual assault an ongoing threat.
In Lagos, the country's largest city, women are breaking tradition by attending self-defence classes, and learning how to protect themselves.


bbc--2020-02-04--The Chinese doctor who tried to warn about coronavirus

In early January , authorities in the Chinese city of Wuhan were trying to keep news of a new coronavirus under wraps .
When one doctor tried to warn fellow medics about the outbreak , police paid him a visit and told him to stop .
A month later he has been hailed as a hero , after he posted his story from a hospital bed .
`` Hello everyone , this is Li Wenliang , an ophthalmologist at Wuhan Central Hospital , '' the post begins .
It 's a stunning insight into the botched response by local authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak .
Dr Li was working at the centre of the outbreak in December when he noticed seven cases of a virus that he thought looked like Sars - the virus that led to a global epidemic in 2003 .
The cases were thought to come from the Huanan Seafood market in Wuhan and the patients were in quarantine in his hospital .
• Coronavirus : How worried should we be ?
On 30 December he sent a message to fellow doctors in a chat group warning them about the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid infection .
What Dr Li did n't know then was that the disease that had been discovered was an entirely new coronavirus .
Four days later he had a visit from officials from the Public Security Bureau who told him to sign a letter .
In the letter he was accused of `` making false comments '' that had `` severely disturbed the social order '' .
`` We solemnly warn you : If you keep being stubborn , with such impertinence , and continue this illegal activity , you will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? ''
Underneath in Dr Li 's handwriting is written : `` Yes , I do . ''
He was one of eight people who police said were being investigated for `` spreading rumours '' .
At the end of January , Dr Li published a copy of the letter on Weibo and explained what had happened .
In the meantime , local authorities had apologised to him but that apology came too late .
For the first few weeks of January officials in Wuhan were insisting that only those who came in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
No guidance was issued to protect doctors .
But just a week after his visit from the police , Dr Li was treating a woman with glaucoma .
He did n't know that she had been infected with the new coronavirus .
In his Weibo post he describes how on 10 January he started coughing , the next day he had a fever and two days later he was in hospital .
His parents also fell ill and were taken to hospital .
It was 10 days later - on 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an emergency .
Dr Li says he was tested several times for coronavirus , all of them came back negative .
On 30 January he posted again : `` Today nucleic acid testing came back with a positive result , the dust has settled , finally diagnosed . ''
He punctuated the short post with an emoji of a dog with its eyes rolled back , tongue hanging out .
Not surprisingly the post received thousands of comments and words of support .
Dr Li Wenliang is a hero , '' one user @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says about their country .
`` In the future , doctors will be more afraid to issue early warnings when they find signs of infectious diseases . ''

Dr Li was working at the centre of the outbreak in December when he noticed seven cases of a virus that he thought looked like Sars - the virus that led to a global epidemic in 2003. The cases were thought to come from the Huanan Seafood market in Wuhan and the patients were in quarantine in his hospital.


bbc--2020-02-04--Manasi Joshi: The accident that created a world champion

Manasi Joshi had just begun a career as a software engineer , when what should have been a routine commute to work ended in a tragic accident .
But this moment of horror changed her life in a surprisingly positive way .
It was December 2011 and , for 22-year-old Manasi Joshi , a normal Friday morning .
She had recently graduated and just started her first job as a software engineer in the hectic Indian metropolis of Mumbai .
The house where she lived with her parents was barely 7km ( 4 miles ) from her office , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But that Friday , barely 10 minutes into her journey , disaster struck - as she took a U-turn under a flyover , a lorry travelling in the wrong direction ran over her leg .
`` I was still conscious after it happened .
I managed to sit up and take my helmet off .
I immediately knew my injuries were serious , '' she says .
People rushed to the spot but no-one really knew what to do .
`` Indians are helpful by nature but they are not very skilled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manasi says with a wry smile .
After waiting in vain for an ambulance , police lifted her on to a `` rickety '' stretcher and took her to a nearby hospital .
However , it was ill-equipped to deal with the injuries to one of her hands , and to her left leg - which was completely crushed .
There was no surgeon , and not even an ambulance to take her to a larger hospital .
`` I was so frustrated .
I had lost so much blood , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The hospital 's ambulance , when it arrived a full two hours later , turned out to be a dilapidated van - a far cry from the `` state-of-the-art '' vehicle that had been promised .
Her 10-12km journey to the hospital where she would finally be treated was torturous , every bump , every pothole , only increasing her agony .
It was only at 17:30 that evening that Manasi received proper medical care - about nine hours after her accident .
Doctors made saving her leg a priority .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going into surgery every five to 10 days .
But eventually gangrene set in and the medical team had to concede defeat .
There was no choice but to amputate her leg .
When she was growing up , studies were always the priority in the Joshi household .
Manasi 's father was a government scientist at Mumbai 's prestigious Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and was determined that his children should also do well academically .
That is how she ended up pursuing computer science and becoming a software engineer .
But Manasi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took part in all sorts of extracurricular activities .
`` I played many sports like football , basketball and even volleyball .
And it was not just sports .
I was also exposed to music , singing , art ... you know how parents want their kids to be exposed to lots of activities , '' she says .
Badminton was a favourite , though .
Manasi 's father was her first coach - when she was barely six , he had taught her how to hold a racket and hit a shuttle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned to the sport as part of her rehabilitation .
In the eight years since her horrific accident , she had begun seriously pursuing para-badminton , made it on to India 's national team , and was now representing the country at the finals of the World Championships .
The final was against defending champion and fellow Indian Parul Parma .
Manasi had never won a match against her .
But this time , she was confident .
`` I was very fit , I was very quick on court , and my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its own clarity , '' she says .
As the match progressed , Manasi began to surge ahead of Parma , dominating the game .
The last set was a decimation - she won 13 points in a row , and suddenly , seemingly just like that , she was a World Champion .
But how did she make the journey from amputee to para-athlete ?
When she describes the days immediately after her accident , Manasi does not look back on them with any real bitterness .
Instead , she recounts how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her bedside making her hospital room `` the coolest hang-out spot '' , how the intensive care nurses became her friends , and how an anaesthetist paid her a visit to boost her morale , after being touched by her plight in the operating theatre .
`` Trust me , there was not even a single point where I felt something very bad has happened to me .
I 'll say the worst I felt was when I came home and I looked at myself in mirror and said , 'Oh yeah this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then after a few days I felt 'It 's OK , it 's just a scar ... it 's just a leg . '
'' Badminton began as part of a process of rehabilitation to help her walk again with a prosthetic limb , but she began to show exceptional skill .
One day she caught the eye of a fellow para-badminton player , who saw her defeat able-bodied competitors at a corporate tournament .
He encouraged her to try out for the Indian team , which led eventually to her getting called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Spain .
Although she did n't win , she did , for the first time , feel the `` transformational power '' of the sport .
Here were people , some with injuries far more severe than Manasi 's , out on the court , playing what she calls `` flawless '' badminton .
`` And they were so kind and generous .
They actually came up to me and thanked me for choosing the sport !
That was part of the reason I decided to take this up full-time , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting with legendary Indian coach Pullela Gopichand that truly transformed her career .
A former international champion , Gopichand is the man behind India 's recent dominance on the world badminton stage - he 's coach to world champions like PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal .
She was working at a bank in the western city of Ahmedabad when Mr Gopichand paid a visit - and she went straight up to him to ask if he would train her .
• This story is the third in a series on moments that drastically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Manasi Joshi 's story on Outlook , on the BBC World Service - click here for transmission times , or to catch up online Mr Gopichand laughs when I ask him about his reaction .
`` She looked like quite a brave girl , her story was very inspiring , I said , 'OK we will look into it , ' '' he says .
But training a para-athlete was a new challenge .
Gopichand scrutinised videos of matches , and even practised playing while limping on one leg to try and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like for her .
Then , along with his coaching staff , he designed a training schedule for Manasi , who he describes as `` very focused and gritty '' .
It was those qualities that got her to the World Championship and the pinnacle of her sport .
When I meet Manasi , she is in the middle of an intense training session with her coach , Hari , at the prestigious Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in the southern city of Hyderabad .
As I watch her play , I can tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is not just the fact that the lithe , athletic woman on the court is wearing a prosthetic leg .
She also returns a flurry of increasingly tricky shots , smashing and volleying with ease .
Afterwards , it becomes evident that Manasi 's victory in Basel has turned her into a celebrity .
`` Everything has changed .
People are recognising me in the streets , '' she says , laughing .
I travel home with her , and as we enter her apartment complex , a young man stops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still running , he hurries after her to ask for a selfie .
Her apartment is filled with mementoes and gifts she has received from fans and there are stacks of greeting cards in the hall .
She shows me a large handmade poster pasted on her bedroom door .
It has drawings of shuttlecocks and badminton rackets on it , along with the words `` Congratulations Manasi Joshi aunty '' written in different coloured crayons .
`` This was the sweetest gesture .
Even before I came back , my win was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids of the building pasted this poster right on our front door .
I was n't there so my flatmates took it and pasted it on my bedroom door , '' she says .
Inside her bedroom , Manasi shows me some of her medals .
There is , of course , the glittering gold World Championship medal .
But she says her favourite is a Bronze she won at the Asian games .
It has text in Braille and makes a jingling sound when you shake it .
She says the amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gold , Silver and Bronze , so that each medal makes a different sound .
This allows visually impaired athletes to immediately identify what they are holding .
`` That is the inclusive design or society I wish to live in .
Where we consider everybody even when we give out trophies , '' she says .
Now , Manasi has set her sights on her next goal - getting chosen for the Paralympics in Tokyo .
She won the World Championship playing singles , but there is no singles event in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she hopes to compete by playing doubles instead .
Playing doubles may be new to her , but the one thing she has demonstrated is the ability to excel in unfamiliar situations .
You may also be interested in : Neelam Krishnamoorthy 's children loved watching films - but one afternoon a routine cinema trip ended in a moment of tragedy , and left Neelam fighting a decades-long battle for justice .

There is, of course, the glittering gold World Championship medal. But she says her favourite is a Bronze she won at the Asian games. It has text in Braille and makes a jingling sound when you shake it. She says the amount of particles in each medal differs between Gold, Silver and Bronze, so that each medal makes a different sound. This allows visually impaired athletes to immediately identify what they are holding.