Ireland votes to relax strict divorce law

Dublin: Ireland has voted by an overwhelming majority to relax its constitutional restriction on divorce, the latest in a series of reforms to modernise the charter of the once devoutly Catholic nation. Some 82 per cent of voters cast ballots in favour of removing a provision requiring couples to live separately for four out of the previous five years before dissolving their marriage. The government has signalled it will shorten the requirement to two out of the prior three years. AFP

German Jews warned not to wear ‘kippas’

Berlin: The German government’s anti-Semitism commissioner has urged Jews to avoid wearing “kippa”, the traditional Jewish skullcap, in public. Felix Klein warned Jews against donning the “kippa” in parts of the country, following a rise in anti-Semitism. Klein said his opinion on the matter had “changed compared with what it used to be”. Official figures showed 1,646 hate crimes against Jews were committed in 2018, an increase of 10% on the previous year. IANS

Waste food may help cut fossil fuel use: Study

Toronto: Wasted food can be affordably turned into a clean substitute for fossil fuels, say scientists who used natural fermentation to produce a biodegradable chemical that can be refined as a source of energy. The chemical could also be used to replace petroleum-based chemicals in a host of products including drugs and plastic packaging. Wasted food account for a worldwide economic loss of an estimated $1.3 trillion every year. Most of that discarded food goes into landfills, researchers said. PTI

Thailand’s unmatched powerbroker Tinsulanonda dies

Bangkok: Former Prime Minister and close adviser to Thailand’s revered royals Prem Tinsulanonda died on Sunday aged 98, ending a decades-long career of unrivalled influence over Thai politics. Prem was a top aide to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and helped cement the unshakeable bond between the monarchy and the military. The bachelor General cultivated loyalty in the military despite two counter-coup attempts. AFP