HK unveils law banning insults to Chinese national anthem

HONG KONG: Hong Kong unveiled a proposed law on Wednesday to punish anyone who disrespects the Chinese national anthem with up to three years in jail, as Beijing ramps up pressure on the semi-autonomous city to fall into line. The bill, which will have its first reading in the city’s Parliament on January 23, sets up a fresh battle between authorities and democracy activists who say the financial hub’s freedoms are being steadily dismantled. Hong Kong has mulled the law ever since China fine-tuned legislation on the proper way and place to sing the anthem, tightening rules that already bar people from performing it at parties, weddings and funerals. AFP

Tom Hanks to Present SAG’s Lifetime Award to Alan Alda

Los Angeles: Actor Tom Hanks will be presenting the Life Achievement Award to veteran Alan Alda at the upcoming Screen Actor Guild Awards ceremony. The award ceremony will be held on January 27. Alda, 82, is the 55th recipient of the award which is bestowed upon a performer who has contributed to improving the image of the acting profession and has a history of active involvement in humanitarian and public service endeavours. Alda is best known for his performances in films such as “The West Wing”, “The Aviator” and “Manhattan Murder Mystery”. The actor starred alongside Hanks in Steven Spielberg’s 2015 thriller “Bridge of Spies”. PTI

Sharks force closure of Sydney beaches

Sydney: Two popular Australian beaches have been temporarily closed after sharks were spotted nearby, one of which was just metres from shore, within what was supposed to be a shark free area. Local residents at Brighton Le Sands beach in Sydney spotted a three-metre shark, cruising around within a netted area which is intended to keep bathers separating from wildlife. Children were swimming in the area not long before the alarm was raised and made it from the water unharmed, while police responded by closing the beach and posting warning signals. Earlier on Tuesday, a four-metre great white shark was spotted at Tamara beach by a drone. IANS

Former MD Anderson president Mendelsohn dead 

Houston: John Mendelsohn, a pioneering physician scientist in the arena of cancer treatment and a strong advocate of yoga, died here on Tuesday. He was 82. Mendelsohn, who was the president emeritus of prestigious Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, was diagnosed of glioblastoma 15 months ago and succumbed to the aggressive brain cancer at his home.  Known to be close to the Indian-Americans, Mendelsohn was a pioneer in embracing alternative medicines and yoga.  His vision helped make yoga a household name across the US and worldwide. A molecular biologist, he also conducted some of the earliest research in targeted therapy. AFP