Japan minister first to announce paternity leave

Tokyo: Japan’s environment minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Wednesday said he would take two weeks of paternity leave, the first time a cabinet minister has publicly committed to such a move in the country. He told a ministry meeting that it had been a difficult decision to balance his duties as minister and his desire to be with his newborn. “I want to take a total of two weeks off flexibly, making exceptions for important public duties,” he said. afp

Rare deep sea dolphins wash up on Aussie beach

Sydney: Two rare deep sea dolphins washed up on an Australian beach in separate incidents over the past few weeks, leaving marine scientists baffled at the discovery. The southern right whale dolphins were found on Port Fairy’s East Beach in Victoria State, however, only one of the mysterious animals was able to be retrieved by authorities for examination. IANS

China’s iconic tractor driver dies at 90

Beijing: China’s first and oldest female tractor driver Liang Jun, whose image features on Renminbi currency notes, has died. Liang was 90. She died of illness on Tuesday in Harbin, the capital of northeastern province. Liang was the first female tractor driver of New China. Her image featured on the 1 yuan note of the third set of the Chinese currency Renminbi. pti