One of the most notorious and long-awaited events not only in the tennis world but all sport is to take place today on the court of German Stuttgart. After a 15-month disqualification, Maria Sharapova returns to elite tennis for the first time in history with a big tournament with zero points in the ranking. Realnoe Vremya tells why only Maria Sharapova managed to return noisily, why tennis needs her more than she needs tennis and how she handles scandals around her name.

One could read, hear and see a great deal of information about her case in ITF and know many opinions that the Russian tennis player was outside sport during the last 15 months. Consider people from the tennis world from a completely new perspective and see who is who and their attitude to Maria. This is why we won't tell all this story and discuss whether it was ethical to disqualify Sharapova for the substance for the nth time, which was not considered as doping when she was taking it. We would rather tell why Maria Sharapova's return to the tournaments in German Stuttgart is a phenomenon in itself.

Generally speaking, no matter whether you are interested in tennis or in sport in general, ''Maria Sharapova's case'' seems to be the story that concerns people of different interests around the world.

To start with, this comeback will be the first case in the history of tennis when the athlete was included in the draw of the competition when she was still disqualified. The case is unique. But if we base only on law, anti-doping rules of ITF and WTA allowed this comeback while VADA rules simply did not forbid it. Maria has ''0'' in the column ''ranking''. She did not begin her entrance to the world of elite tennis with small competitions as it usually happens after disqualification. It already makes Maria a historical figure.

The fact that Maria Sharapova's comeback after 15 months of holidays has already become the main event in sport this spring and probably of all year is more important. No return in tennis was waited for with vibrant curiosity. Accreditation of journalists to this competition ended a long time before the kick-off, sports media do nothing but write about the upcoming tournament while tickets were sold out as if it had been an Australian Open final.

This is why competition organisers not only in Germany but also in Italy and Spain stood in a line to grant the Russian tennis player a wild card. It was unlikely to happen to any European tennis player. There are suspicions that something similar could happen in the tennis world only for one figure – great American Serena Williams. But everybody knows Masha and everybody is also waiting for her.

We should clarify that for very Maria Sharapova this comeback will not maybe become as a big event in her life as it is for her multi-billion army of fans. Because the athlete perfectly got used to living without sport. However, she did not hide that tennis was part of her life. ''This past year, my intake of alcohol was so much more than ever in my life,'' she told Vogue in winter. ''But it was because I actually had a social life! I think I'd go crazy if I was only a tennis player. Seriously.''

Maria actively travelled around the planet, gave interviews, visited numerous fashion shows, studied in a business school of one of the most prestigious universities of the world – Harvard – and, of course, started her business making Sugarpova candies. When CAS reduced the disqualification from 2 years to 15 months, Sharapova recalled: ''Not only those who were with me but the entire world supported me.''

It was so. Her e-mail and Facebook were full of her fans' letters of support in the beginning. A story about the tennis player's Australian fan who deliberately booked tickets to Germany to see her first appearance on the court has surfaced in the media recently. Considering that the Australian citizen will have to spend one day to get Germany and one day to be back and $3,000 for one way, we can only imagine how popular Maria is worldwide.

Zara clothing company got its portion of fame from Sharapova just because Maria had this company's T-shirt with lettering Back in 5 Minutes on when she launched her ''chocolate factory''. After that Masha's fans started to buy the same T-shirts around the world and post a photo in it in social networks with a hashtag #IStandwithMaria. Maria personally reposted many of them on her page. As the very Russian admitted, she had never reposted so much, and it made her wake up with a smile.

And when Maria just admitted at that unfortunate press conference with an ''awful carpet'' that mildronate was found in her organism, many sponsors including Nike and Porsche started to turn their back on her and stop cooperating. And only Head – best racket manufacturer – claimed it not only would break the contract but expand it in the next years. ''Maria may have made a mistake but she has earned the benefit of the doubt and we are extending it to her,'' the company stated.

Read more at Realnoe Vremya

One of the most notorious and long-awaited events not only in the tennis world but all sport is to take place today on the court of German Stuttgart. After a 15-month disqualification, Maria Sharapova returns to elite tennis for the first time in history with a big tournament with zero points in the ranking. Realnoe Vremya tells why only Maria Sharapova managed to return noisily, why tennis needs her more than she needs tennis and how she handles scandals around her name.

One could read, hear and see a great deal of information about her case in ITF and know many opinions that the Russian tennis player was outside sport during the last 15 months. Consider people from the tennis world from a completely new perspective and see who is who and their attitude to Maria. This is why we won't tell all this story and discuss whether it was ethical to disqualify Sharapova for the substance for the nth time, which was not considered as doping when she was taking it. We would rather tell why Maria Sharapova's return to the tournaments in German Stuttgart is a phenomenon in itself.

Generally speaking, no matter whether you are interested in tennis or in sport in general, ''Maria Sharapova's case'' seems to be the story that concerns people of different interests around the world.

To start with, this comeback will be the first case in the history of tennis when the athlete was included in the draw of the competition when she was still disqualified. The case is unique. But if we base only on law, anti-doping rules of ITF and WTA allowed this comeback while VADA rules simply did not forbid it. Maria has ''0'' in the column ''ranking''. She did not begin her entrance to the world of elite tennis with small competitions as it usually happens after disqualification. It already makes Maria a historical figure.

The fact that Maria Sharapova's comeback after 15 months of holidays has already become the main event in sport this spring and probably of all year is more important. No return in tennis was waited for with vibrant curiosity. Accreditation of journalists to this competition ended a long time before the kick-off, sports media do nothing but write about the upcoming tournament while tickets were sold out as if it had been an Australian Open final.

This is why competition organisers not only in Germany but also in Italy and Spain stood in a line to grant the Russian tennis player a wild card. It was unlikely to happen to any European tennis player. There are suspicions that something similar could happen in the tennis world only for one figure – great American Serena Williams. But everybody knows Masha and everybody is also waiting for her.

We should clarify that for very Maria Sharapova this comeback will not maybe become as a big event in her life as it is for her multi-billion army of fans. Because the athlete perfectly got used to living without sport. However, she did not hide that tennis was part of her life. ''This past year, my intake of alcohol was so much more than ever in my life,'' she told Vogue in winter. ''But it was because I actually had a social life! I think I'd go crazy if I was only a tennis player. Seriously.''

Maria actively travelled around the planet, gave interviews, visited numerous fashion shows, studied in a business school of one of the most prestigious universities of the world – Harvard – and, of course, started her business making Sugarpova candies. When CAS reduced the disqualification from 2 years to 15 months, Sharapova recalled: ''Not only those who were with me but the entire world supported me.''

It was so. Her e-mail and Facebook were full of her fans' letters of support in the beginning. A story about the tennis player's Australian fan who deliberately booked tickets to Germany to see her first appearance on the court has surfaced in the media recently. Considering that the Australian citizen will have to spend one day to get Germany and one day to be back and $3,000 for one way, we can only imagine how popular Maria is worldwide.

Zara clothing company got its portion of fame from Sharapova just because Maria had this company's T-shirt with lettering Back in 5 Minutes on when she launched her ''chocolate factory''. After that Masha's fans started to buy the same T-shirts around the world and post a photo in it in social networks with a hashtag #IStandwithMaria. Maria personally reposted many of them on her page. As the very Russian admitted, she had never reposted so much, and it made her wake up with a smile.

And when Maria just admitted at that unfortunate press conference with an ''awful carpet'' that mildronate was found in her organism, many sponsors including Nike and Porsche started to turn their back on her and stop cooperating. And only Head – best racket manufacturer – claimed it not only would break the contract but expand it in the next years. ''Maria may have made a mistake but she has earned the benefit of the doubt and we are extending it to her,'' the company stated.

Read more at Realnoe Vremya

The first World Culture Summit is taking place this week in Abu Dhabi, and among the 300 participants from 80 countries is Sarah Ioannides, music director of Symphony Tacoma.

Ioannides is the only female conductor of a professional orchestra in the United States invited to the summit hosted by the United Arab Emirates. The goal of the summit is bringing diverse cultural leaders together to brainstorm how to solve world challenges through the arts.

“I am finding the summit extremely positive and highly engaging and stimulating thus far,” said Ioannides via email this week. “There are many powerful and unique stories of artists and cultures being shared, healthy discussions about the state of the arts, and today we began to formulate the questions we want to ask and to resolve as a group … to tackle key issues our world now faces.”

Virtual delegates and those at the five-day summit include a range of artistic, political and social leaders: former U.S. secretary of state Madeleine Albright, youth orchestra organization El Sistema, the producers of Sesame Street, composer Tan Dun, choreographer Liz Lerman, artist Idris Khan, cellist Maya Beiser, classical Indian singer Falu, rapper Young Paris, plus directors from major international arts venues and educational institutions.

Prior to attending, Ioannides consulted with Tacoma leaders such as Mayor Marilyn Strickland and arts administrator Amy McBride about how to best represent Tacoma’s own issues and make beneficial connections. She’ll be presenting about the orchestra’s May concert, which includes a commission from New York composer and Puyallup native Daniel Ott about the melting of glaciers on Mount Rainier. The piece is also a collaboration with the Museum of Glass.

Issues addressed by the summit include environmental problems, social displacement, effects of war and social injustice, said Ioannides.

“It is certainly among the most diverse group of arts and culture representatives I have had opportunity to engage in, creating heated and vibrant discussions now at every opportunity and every angle in a very special and unique setting,” said the conductor.

The News Tribune

Mr Heinrich Jessen, chairman of Jebsen & Jessen (SEA), was named Businessman of the Year 2016 at the annual Singapore Business Awards (SBA).

The business activities of Jebsen & Jessen (SEA) span manufacturing, engineering and distribution in seven core business units: cable technology, ingredients, life sciences, material handling, offshore, packaging and technology.

Launched in 1985, the SBA has grown to be Singapore's most prestigious business accolade.

It is jointly organised by The Business Times, Singapore's leading business daily; and DHL Express, the global market leader in the international express logistics industry.

Among the other awards, Mr Goh Choon Phong, chief executive officer, Singapore Airlines Group, was named Chief Executive of the Year.

Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) & Second Minister for Defence, was the guest of honour at the SBA 2017 presentation dinner held at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia, Singapore.

Mr Wong Wei Kong, chairman of the SBA organising committee and editor of The Business Times, said: "The Singapore Business Awards honour business leaders who have demonstrated continued commitment to excellence and leadership in innovation, talent development and sustainability."

TNP SG

North Korea and the US continue to flex their military muscle as fears mount that Kim Jong-un will launch a nuclear weapons test that could spark World War Three. Here is the latest news and updates on the North Korea-US tension.

Kim Jong-un’s regime has conducted a massive live-fire drill as tensions grow with the US.

Donald Trump has deployed an “armada” of submarines and a missile defence system in South Korea in response to the growing threat of Kim’s nuclear programme.

North Korea has warned that is is “ready to react to any mode of war desired by the US”, and is said to be “primed and ready” to launch a nuclear weapons test.

As fears grow that World War Three could be imminent, here is the latest news and live updates on North Korea.

The US military is deploying its Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) missile defence system in South Korea.

Parts of the system arrived in military vehicles and were met with protests from hundred of local residents.

China has warned that THAAD will do nothing to deter Kim Jong-un and will only destabilise regional security. It has urged the US and South Korea to withdraw the system.

Seoul’s defence ministry said in a statement: "South Korea and the United States have been working to secure an early operational capability of the THAAD system in response to North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile threat.”

It added that the system is not expected to be operational until the end of 2018.

Elsewhere, a joint US-South Korea military training drill saw tanks firing live rounds near to the Demilitarized Zone.

The exercise will last for 11 days and will involve aircraft carriers, fighter jets and military operations.

Later today, all 100 members of the US Senate will visit the White House for a briefing on North Korea, Press Secretary Sean Spicer has confirmed.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats will give an update on the growing tensions over Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons programme.

North Korea has conducted a live-fire drill after a guided-missile US submarine arrived at a South Korean dock.

The exercise coincided with the 85th anniversary of the founding of North Korea’s army and involved between 300 and 400 long-range artillery pieces capable of hitting Seoul, according to the Yonhap news agency.

Earlier, the USS Michigan docked at Busan in South Korea in the latest show of force from Donald Trump’s administration.

The US has officially called the submarine visit a “routine” stop, but its timing has not gone unnoticed.

Kim Jong-un’s despotic regime has threatened to launch a sixth nuclear test in response to the US military’s recent shows of force.

It was thought that the test would take place yesterday to coincide with the military anniversary, but reports now suggest that Kim is delaying his plans because of South Korea’s upcoming presidential election, which takes place on May 9.

Zhou Chenming, from the Knowfar Institute for Strategic and Defence Studies, said: “Kim would prefer a moderate candidate to be elected because he or she would be easier to deal with.”

Satellite images released earlier this month have shown that North Korea’s Punggye-ri nuclear test site is “primed and ready”.

Express UK

Secret Service costs for Trump family protection continue to mount.

With Eric Trump’s trip to the United Kingdom this week, the international hotel and car rental costs for the Secret Service agents who protect him and his brother Donald Trump Jr. have topped $190,000 since January 1st, according to a review of purchasing orders by CBS News. Mike Pence heads to South Korea Saturday amid North Korea tensions.

Vice President Mike Pence will leave Washington on Saturday for an 11-day trip overseas with his first stop in South Korea as North Korea appears to prepare for another nuclear test. Do Americans think their tax system is fair?

As Americans prepare to file their income taxes this year, most see unfairness in the current tax system: 56 percent describe the income tax system as somewhat or quite unfair, while just over a third -- 37 percent -- think it’s quite or reasonably fair. “The Takeout” - Bob Schieffer on Trump’s move toward centrist policies.

Legendary CBS News correspondent and former “Face the Nation” moderator Bob Schieffer is the first to acknowledge he has never seen anything like the 2016 presidential campaign.

“You know, that became a drinking game among the younger people,” he said on the latest episode of The Takeout podcast. “Every time I said that on television, they had to take a shot.” Schedule

The president is in Mar-a-Lago for the Easter weekend with no public events today.

CIA director calls WikiLeaks Russia-aided “non-state hostile intelligence service”.

CIA Director Mike Pompeo blasted WikiLeaks Thursday as a “hostile” intelligence service often aided by questionable actors like Russia. Trump, Spicer won’t say if president specifically authorized “mother of all bombs”.

President Trump didn’t say Thursday whether he specifically authorized the use of the “mother of all bombs” in Afghanistan hours earlier, simply remarking his White House has given the military “total authorization.” George W. Bush on “poncho” incident, response to inauguration.

Former President George W. Bush says he can’t remember if he said “that was some weird s***” after President Trump’s inauguration speech in January. Russians laugh off idea that Putin interfered in U.S. election.

What happens when you ask Russians about the Kremlin interfering in the U.S. presidential election? Dismissive finger flicks, eye rolls and laughter. Trump reverses Obama-era rule on Planned Parenthood, abortion provider funding.

President Trump signed legislation Thursday allowing states to withhold federal family planning funds from Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers. Kitchen at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago had several health code violations, inspectors found.

Restaurant inspectors recently found several health code violations in the kitchen at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, including undercooked meat and subpar hand-washing practices among employees. VA hospital in Washington, D.C. criticized for unsanitary conditions, poor management.

Subpar conditions at a Washington, D.C., VA medical center have prompted a scathing report from the agency’s inspector general and the dismissal of the hospital’s director.

CBS News

Russia vetoed on Wednesday the resolution condemning the alleged chemical attack in the Syrian town of Khan-Sheikhoun on April 4 and demanding from Damascus to present information on its sorties on that day. The West-drafted resolution was supported by ten votes at the UN Security Council, which forced Moscow to veto it.

Bolivia voted against the resolution alongside Russia, while Kazakhstan, China and Ethiopia abstained.

"The draft resolution has not been adopted owing to the negative vote of a permanent member of Council," US Ambassador and current Security Council President Nikki Haley said.

Drafted by the US, UK and France, the resolution is a slightly revised version of previous similar document. It denounces "the reported use of chemical weapons in the [Syria], in particular the attack on Khan Shaykhun."

The document also urged the Syrian government to comply with recommendations of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Fact Finding Mission and the OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) and provide access to the military bases from which strikes against Khan Shaykhun could be carried out.

The resolution also calls on the Syrian government to cooperate fully with the international investigators, including by providing them with "flight plans, flight logs, and any other information on air operations, including all flight plans or flight logs filed on April 4 2017."

If adopted, the resolution would have enjoined Damascus to submit the "names of all individuals in command of any helicopter squadrons," organize meetings with them and ensure access to relevant air bases from which the JIM or the FFM believe attacks involving chemicals as weapons may have been launched. Besides, the resolution also threatened Syria with sanctions and the use of military force under Chapter VII of the UN Charter given toxic chemicals had been used.

The news agency Reuters reported on April 4, citing the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights that an air strike by Syrian or Russian jets had allegedly killed 58 people, including 11 children, and wounded 300 in the town of Khan-Shaykhun. As Reuters said, the air strike could have been carried out by the Syrian government forces in a suspected gas attack.

The Russian and the Syrian military have rejected their involvement in the attack.

Following an order of US President Donald Trump, the US military fired 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles from its warships in the Mediterranean on an air base in the Syrian Homs Governorate in early hours of April 7. The missile strike came as a response to the chemical attack in Idlib on April 4 and targeted what Washington claims was a starting location for the attack.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry’s data, the Syrian aircraft hit workshops on April 4 where terrorists were producing munitions with chemical agents supplied to Iraq and used in Aleppo.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow considered the US missile strikes on the air base in Homs as an aggression against a sovereign state.

TASS

Russia’s Channel One has decided to cancel the broadcast of the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest in light of the entry ban issued by the Ukrainian authorities against Russian contestant Yulia Samoilova, the channel’s press service said in a statement.

"Channel One does not consider it possible to broadcast the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest," the statement reads.

According to the press service, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has failed to solve the issue concerning Samoilova’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.

"We believe Ukraine’s refusal to be groundless, it seems to be aimed at politicizing the contest, while during its 62-year history, the Eurovision Song Contest’s goal has remained to unite people," the statement adds.

At the same time, Channel One said that it was "not ready to consider the possibility of replacing Yulia Samoilova with another contestant."

On March 22, the Ukrainian Security Council (SBU) issued a three-year entry ban against Samoilova, citing her performance at a festival dubbed "A World of Sports and Kindness" held in Crimea on June 27, 2015. Ukraine’s authorities say that by performing in Crimea, Samoilova violated the Ukrainian government’s regulation dated June 4, 2015, which stipulates that foreign citizens should receive a special permission in order to enter Crimea.

The European Broadcasting Union said that it was deeply disappointed in Kiev’s decision to ban Russian contestant from entering Ukraine.

EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre forwarded a letter to the Ukrainian prime minister saying that "should we not be able to find an agreeable solution to this matter, it will without doubt place the future participation of Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest under threat." The Supervisory Board of Ukraine’s National Public Broadcasting Company, in turn, said that the EBU should refrain from interfering in Kiev’s interior affairs and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty.

The 2017 Eurovision Song Contest semifinals will be held in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev on May 9 and 11 while the Grand Final will take place on May 13.

TASS

A business roundtable on ‘UK`s participation in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)` - a flagship project of China’s broader ‘One Belt One Road (OBOR)’ initiative- was organised by the Department of International Trade at Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by Rt Hon Greg Hands Minister of State for International Trade, H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, H.E. Thomas Drew, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, H.E. Liu Xiaoming, Chinese Ambassador to UK, besides other senior officials of the three countries.

Other participants in the roundtable included experts from City UK, RUSI and the China Britain Business Council. Businesses including HSBC, Deloitte and Standard Chartered also discussed how they and other British firms could support the delivery of CPEC.

The representatives of the three countries expressed their resolve to work together to implement the CPEC project successfully for the benefit of all the partners.

The UK has expressed its desire to become a key partner in CPEC, a collection of $54bn worth infrastructure projects due for construction throughout Pakistan and the roundtable comes ahead of a larger CPEC conference in May hosted by the UK government and Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), to show how the UK’s world-leading expertise in areas such as financial and professional services, and energy and infrastructure can support China and Pakistan’s economic vision.

In this context, British Minister of State for International Trade is planning to visit Pakistan in near future, to explore business opportunities and initiate trade dialogue.

International Trade Minister Greg Hands said: “Britain is a country of global influence and can be an important partner for China and Pakistan in the delivery of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which has the potential to build closer links between our countries. We have a clear ambition to increase trade with both China and Pakistan and UK businesses are well placed to capitalise on the new opportunities in the region.”

In his remarks on the occasion, the Pakistan High Commissioner stated that excellent ties between Pakistan and China are time tested and exemplary in state relations.

On CPEC, he said that $54 Billion investment in four areas namely infrastructure, energy, Special Economic Zones and Gwadar port would give necessary impetus to Pakistan’s economy, thus creating enormous opportunities for the global corporate enterprises. Strengthening trade and economic ties in the region and beyond, remains the central plank of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ‘s vision of ‘Peace for development’ and ‘peaceful neighbourhood’. In this context, the transformative CPEC is not only a game changer for Pakistan but for the entire region.

The high commissioner also highlighted the successes which Pakistan has achieved in the economic front in the recent past which include 5.2% economic growth rate, achievement of ‘emerging market’ status by international credit rating agencies, declaration of Pakistan Stock Exchange as one amongst the 5 best performing stock exchanges of the world.

He invited British investors and businesses to explore Pakistan for the business opportunities on account of its strategic location, resilient economy and growing consumer market. He also informed the participants about Pakistan High Commission’s plan to hold an investment conference in September this year at Mansion House in collaboration with the Lord Mayor of London office.

The chinese ambassador stated that relations between Pakistan and China are mutually beneficial. He noted that Pakistan’s geographic position, demographic dividend and economic potential would continue to give the CPEC a great advantage and would enable the Corridor to play a bigger role in promoting regional connectivity and cooperation. That in turn will contribute to regional peace, stability and prosperity, added the Ambassador.

He further stated that the One Belt One Road initiative is open to all and so far more than 100 countries and International organizations have expressed support for this initiative. The Ambassador welcomed British Government’s desire to participate in the delivery of CPEC and advised them to engage in dialogue to identify specific business opportunities; leverage British strengths especially in the services sector and take a long term view while making investment decisions in CPEC.

The CPEC is one of the more advanced corridors in China’s ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative, seeking to replicate the ancient Silk Road trade routes with modern trading relationships and investments across Asia, the Middle East and into Europe. It has the potential to transform Pakistan’s economy into one of the most advanced economies in the region.

Geo Tv

Democratic legislative leaders are hopeful but making no promises as they prepare to vote on a $5 billion-a-year boost in California's gas and vehicle taxes to pay for road repairs.

Senate leader Kevin de Leon says talks are fluid but "very fruitful as of now."

He and other leaders including Gov. Jerry Brown are hurrying to line up the two-thirds votes needed to pass the tax increases. Democrats have the supermajorities, but are lobbying some reluctant members.

Republicans say the state already has enough money but Democrats who control state government have spent it poorly.

Votes are planned on the bill Thursday afternoon before lawmakers adjourn for their weeklong spring break.

STLToday

Tickets have been launched for the world’s largest festival of public science talks, which will see over 24 university scientists take to the stage in pubs across Bath.

The international, three-day Pint of Science festival will see thousands of scientists simultaneously standing up and telling the public about their research in over 100 cities across 12 countries.

Founded five years ago by two UK researchers, the festival brings a unique line up of talks, demonstrations and live experiments to the nation’s favourite locals.

University of Bath researchers can be caught speaking at various pubs across the city, including Bath Brew House, Bath Function Rooms, The Huntsman, and The Edge University of Bath. Tickets are available from the Pint of Science website (pintofscience.co.uk), with each evening costing only £4.

Attendees in Bath will enjoy a variety of exciting talks including:

Erasing unwanted memories

Living & learning in a connected world

Dancing Robots

Water-fuelled cars? Really?

Alongside the main talks, each evening will also include a range of fun, science-related activities including live experiments, fun quizzes, geeky puzzles, engaging stories and other interactive activities.

The festival kicked off with a National Launch in London on 3rd April, featuring Bath’s own Pint alumni, Dr Saiful Islam (Professor in Chemistry).

A local launch will happen at the University of Bath on 6th May during the Bath 50th anniversary festival.

Debra DeLoach, a postgraduate researcher in the University’s Department of Biology and Biochemistry and this year’s Festival coordinator, said: “Pint of Science is back in Bath for its fourth year – and it’s bigger than ever!

“We’re proud to showcase the fascinating research taking place at the University and are looking forward to engaging others with the love and joy that we for our craft. We hope you join us and fall in love with science too!”

Pint of Science was established five years ago by a group of UK-based postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers. Festival founders Dr Praveen Paul and Dr Michael Motskin wanted to bring back the personal touch to science, giving everyone the chance to meet the real people behind the incredible research taking place in universities across the country.

The duo are amazed by the growth of their idea into a global festival, which has spread to 12 countries around the world.

“Science can often get lost in translation, leading to the spread of pseudo-science and myths. The best way to overcome this is for people to be able to talk to scientists directly in a familiar environment, such as in a pub over a pint”, said Festival co-founder Dr Motskin.

“We are in awe of how big the festival has become over the years, demonstrating the thirst there is to hear science from the source – the scientists.

“The festival gives everyone the chance to pick the brains of some of the UK’s most brilliant academics, breaking down barriers and giving unrivalled access to the people behind the science.”

Bath Echo

AARHUS (Reuters) – Former senior World Anti-Doping Agency official David Howman was appointed on Wednesday as head of the newly established Athletics Integrity Unit to battle doping and corruption amid a drop in the sport’s popularity.

International athletics federation (IAAF) president Seb Coe said Howman, a lawyer who was director general at WADA for 13 years until 2016, was the perfect choice to chair the AIU.

The AIU takes over from the IAAF’s former anti-doping department and will manage testing, intelligence gathering and investigations among other things.

It will also address issues of bribery, corruption, betting and the manipulation of competition results in athletics, the flagship sport of the Olympics.

“The AIU is all about the athlete. It is our responsibility to create the right framework for everyone to succeed,” Coe said.

“I am therefore delighted that we have attracted someone of the calibre and experience of David Howman as chairperson, as we set out to create a place where athletes can understand the rules and gain knowledge, confidence and experience.”

Coe is hoping to reform the IAAF following the departure of his predecessor Lamine Diack in 2015, who is the subject of an ongoing French investigation into corruption and embezzlement.

He passed sweeping reforms late last year, including the establishment of the AIU.

“I want athletics to be on every observable metric a top four sport in the next four years,” Coe, a former Olympic track and field champion, said at an international sports convention.

The IAAF still has many unresolved issues, however, and has triggered the wrath of Russia after it banned its athletics team from competing at last year’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics over the country’s huge doping scandal.

The Russians are also likely to miss the world athletics championships in London in Augus.

KHMER Times