Google cuts back on Android security fixes
Millions of Android users could be at risk as Google cuts back on security updates for older versions of its smartphone operating system.
The risk arises because Google has stopped producing security updates for parts of those older versions.
About 60% of all Android users, those on Android 4.3 or older, will be affected by the change.
The researchers who uncovered the policy change said it was "great news for criminals".
The shift was brought to light by security experts who found vulnerabilities in the webview component of Android 4.3 aka Jelly Bean. Webview is used to display webpages on an Android device.
Tod Beardsley and Joe Vennix from security firm Rapid7 and independent vulnerability finder Rafay Baloch contacted Google to let it know about the loophole. They expected to hear about the work Google was doing to patch the bug but instead were told that it was now only fixing bugs found in the two most recent versions of Android known as Kitkat (4.4) and Lollipop (5.0).
In a blogpost, Mr Beardsley said Google's Android security team told him it would "welcome" a patch from the researchers if they produced one but would not be making one itself. It added that it would tell its Android partners about the bug even though no fix would be forthcoming.
Mr Beardsley said the response was so "bizarre" that he contacted Google for clarification and was told again that many components of Android in earlier versions of the OS would not be getting fixes.
Over the last year, Mr Vennix and Mr Baloch have uncovered 11 separate vulnerabilities in the webview component.
Mr Beardsley questioned the wisdom of the decision because Google's own statistics show that the majority of Android users, 60%, are still using the older, vulnerable versions of Android.
"It would appear that over 930 million Android phones are now out of official Google security patch support," wrote Mr Beardsley.
Mr Beardsley did point out that it was not all bad news for Android users as some elements of the older versions, such as the multimedia player, will still be updated. In addition, Google regularly changes the requirements apps must meet to head off some security problems.
However, he added: "Any new bug discovered in 'legacy' Android is going to last as a mass-market exploit vector for a long, long time."
A spokesperson for Google declined to comment on its policy change.
Source-BBC
Ford stuns onlookers in Detroit with GT
June 2016 will mark 50 years since Ford prevailed against the Ferrari juggernaut in the premier Le Mans endurance-race category.
To commemorate that feat, the company will build a new, 600-plus horsepower GT road car and race it at the legendary French event in 2016.
This road-going, carbon-fibre wonder features a race-rated version of the company's signature EcoBoost turbocharged engine technology, with a mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission driving the rear wheels.
For the company's 100th anniversary in 2003, it introduced a GT whose styling was a tribute to that of the '60s racer. This new car, however, looks resolutely forward, with contemporary styling that eschews so-called retro-futurism, a design language championed by J Mays, Ford’s former chief designer.
The bodywork looks shrink-wrapped over the cockpit and powertrain in the manner of the latest sports prototype racers, lending it a focused, track-ready look.
As the car that proved Ford’s ability against the world's established sports car companies the GT holds a special place in Ford history.
"For students of racing, this seems to me the coolest story to come along in years," said AJ Baime, author of Go Like Hell, an account of Ford's attack on Le Mans, in a telephone interview. "It's got everything in it: history, a hugely important brand, American pride and the most important sports car race on earth, all wrapped up in a new car. The stakes are huge."
The original Ford GT enjoyed association with drivers who are icons of the sport. "The Ford GT at Le Mans in the 1960s is the story of Henry Ford II, Carroll Shelby, Bruce McLaren, Lee Iacocca, Mario Andretti and AJ Foyt, among so many others," Baime added, noting just some of the drivers and craftsmen who helped stoke the car’s legend. "This new programme will be the impetus to celebrate it all again, on the 50th anniversary of Ford's first Le Mans victory."
Indeed, the GT is a halo car, the kind of machine that casts its glow down the product line. And Jim Farley, Ford of Europe's leader, expects to see a "GT effect".
"Even if people don't buy a GT, they would be talking about it as they buy their ST," he said, referencing initials bolted on a higher-performance Fiesta whose pricing begins around $21,000. It is safe to say that pricing will be significantly higher for the GT, though the final figure will not be announced until closer to the car's June sale date.
Source-BBC
' Taken 3' topples 'Hobbit ' at the box office
After three weeks atop the box office, "The Hobbit" has been taken down by Liam Neeson.
"Taken 3" nabbed the top spot at the weekend box office in North America with $40.4 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. The third installment of the 20th Century Fox thriller series stars Neeson as a vengeance-seeking retired CIA operative with "a very particular set of skills."
The original "Taken," which also features Maggie Grace and Famke Janssen, debuted in 2009 with $24.7 million, while "Taken 2" launched in 2012 with $49.5 million. "Taken 3" also earned $41 million in 36 international territories this weekend.
"For Neeson to be at this stage in his career and be considered one of the premier action heroes is certainly unexpected, but it's really cool and lucrative," said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at box-office tracker Rentrak. "I don't think Neeson expected back in '09 that 'Taken' would take off the way it has. It's really enhanced his box-office appeal."
"The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" slid to fourth place with $9.4 million following three straight weeks in first place. The total domestic take for filmmaker Peter Jackson's Middle-earth finale now stands at $236.5 million. "The Hobbit" also earned $21.8 million internationally this weekend, pushing the worldwide total to $545.3 million.
"Into the Woods" milked $9.7 million in third place in its third week at the box office, bringing the total haul of Disney's Broadway musical adaptation to $105.3 million.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Rentrak. Where available, the latest international numbers are also included. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.
1. "Taken 3," $40.4 million ($41 million international).
2. "Selma," $11.2 million.
3. "Into the Woods," $9.7 million ($7.6. million international).
4. "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies," $9.4 million ($21.8 million international).
5. "Unbroken," $8.7 million ($5.7 million international).
6. "The Imitation Game," $7.6 million ($5.5 international).
7. "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb," $6.7 million ($46.2 million international).
8. "Annie," $4.9 million ($14 million international).
9. "The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death," $4.8 million ($1.5 million international).
10. "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1," $3.7 million.
Source-AP
Haiti marks earthquake anniversary
Haiti yesterday marked the fifth anniversary of the powerful earthquake that killed an estimated 300,000 people and left more than a million others homeless, with the Organisation of American States (OAS) pledging its commitment to help the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country rebuild its battered economy and infrastructure.
But even as the government continues to seek assistance from the international community, hundreds of opposition supporters took to the streets Sunday demanding the resignation of President Michel Martelly, who is seeking to resolve a standoff over elections.
Late last month, President Martelly may have averted a political crisis in the French-speaking Caribbean Community country after reaching a tentative agreement with the heads of the two houses of Parliament.
The accord was expected to have resulted in the approval of a "consensus" government that could include Evans Paul, the president's new choice for prime minister to replace Laurent Lamothe, who resigned in December.
The agreement would also extend the terms of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, due to run out on January 12, but only if an electoral law is passed first.
In recent weeks, Martelly has been meeting with several social and political groups in a bid to pave the way for the holding of the long-delayed election to renew two-thirds of the 30-member Senate, the entire Lower Chamber and hundreds of local government bodies.
Out of the 30 senate members, only 20 remain in office, and amendments to an existing electoral law are required to facilitate the vote.
The new agreement could extend the terms of the deputies until April 24 next year and senators until September 9.
But political observers say the new agreement is likely to be favourably received by Haiti's foreign donors, particularly the United States and the United Nations, who had expressed concern that the impoverished Caribbean nation was on the brink of political chaos again.
Martelly's critics have accused him of stalling the elections, and the Senate is yet to vote on the proposal.
Meanwhile, the OAS has reiterated its commitment to Haiti with Secretary General Jose Miquel Insulza indicating that "our sincere thoughts go out to the 230,000 victims, their families and friends and all those who were injured or left homeless.
"The commemoration of this sad anniversary is an opportunity to honour the courage and perseverance of the Haitian people, as well as the efforts of their government to improve the living conditions of the population," he added.
OAS Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin, who is also chairman of the Group of Friends of Haiti, recalled that, since 2010, at least 94 per cent of the households displaced as a result of the earthquake have been relocated.
He said the removal of debris has given way to reconstruction, improvement of infrastructure, economic growth and the creation of jobs.
"More children now attend school than before and health indicators are improving. The hard work that has been done in recent years has produced concrete results, which should be celebrated, while, at the same time, we must not lose sight of all that remains to be done in unity," Ramdin said.
Insulza said that "for the benefit of the population, it is imperative that all the actors of the Haitian nation unite in their efforts to make the agreements necessary to preserve the achievements that have been made and to ensure sustainable development in Haiti".
He added that "this is all the more urgent as the deadline for resolving the political crisis afflicting the country´s democratic institutions approaches".
In this regard, Insulza said the OAS applauds the intensive efforts from President Martelly and the Parliament over the past weeks to agree on a way forward.
He, however, urged all political actors to "work together to create the necessary conditions for the holding of free and transparent elections in 2015 that are essential to the preservation of the democratic gains that have been made and the political stability of the country.
"The best way to honour the thousands of victims of this catastrophe is to overcome the political and other forms of difficulties with courage and in unity, in order to continue without delay the work needed to allow Haiti and its people to reach their full potential," the OAS Secretary General said.
Source-CMC
World Bank team visits Dominica
A team from the World Bank has arrived here as Dominica begins to implement a multi-million dollar climate change resilient programme,” Environment Minister Dr Kenneth Darroux said Tuesday.
Speaking on the state-owned DBS radio, Darroux said that the EC$103 million (One EC dollar =US$0.37 cents) project, the agreement for which had been signed last year, is very important “because we know that climate change is probably one of the most important global problems that we have…and over the years we would know of the impact of climate change and significance to small island developing states, such as Dominica”.
Darroux said that the island is now in the process of putting together the project-coordinating unit and recruiting other personnel.
He said some of the projects identified under the multi-million dollar programme have already started including a water project for the West Coast, “and in this calendar year what we are hoping to do is to try to cash in on what I like to refer to as the low hanging fruits…”.
He said eight million dollars had been set aside for improving the drains across the island and the government would also embark upon “a number of major infrastructural road works especially on the south-southeast coast of Dominica”.
He told radio listeners that the World Bank team “is here to give us guidance…and we can actually see work starting on the ground”.
Source-CMC
Guyana a concern for Britain
Britain yesterday warned Guyana that it risks being referred to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group after the Caribbean Community (Caricom) country suspended Parliament in November last year.
"There is discussion about countries of concern in the Commonwealth every few months... Guyana is moving into a category of concern for the Commonwealth. That is quite clear from discussions that take place in London," British High Commissioner to Guyana Andrew Ayre told a news conference.
President Donald Ramotar prorogued Parliament on November 10 last year as the opposition parties -- a partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) -- moved to table a vote of no-confidence in his administration.
The two opposition parties have a one-seat majority in the 65-member Parliament.
Ramotar, who is likely to be the ruling People's Progressive Party (PPP) choice for presidential candidate, justified the decision to prorogue Parliament noting that he had earlier indicated a desire for the National Assembly, in its post-recess sittings, to deliberate and give priority to important matters relating to the development of the country.
Ramotar has also said he intends naming the date for fresh general elections on or before February 23 when Guyana observes Mashramani, the annual festival that celebrates Guyana becoming a Republic in 1970.
The last general election was held here on November 28, 2011.
The British diplomat told reporters that the decision to prorogue Parliament is a clear breach of the Guyana Constitution and the Commonwealth Charter.
"These things matter. The UK and other governments don't sign the Commonwealth Charter...and then just put them to bed," he said reiterating London's earlier call for President Ramotar to resume Parliament without delay or lay out a timeline for the resumption of parliamentary democracy.
"Guyana could be subject to a critical review because of breaches of the Commonwealth Charter," he said, hinting also that Georgetown could fall a foul of Britain's aid to developing countries.
"Without a parliament there is no parliamentary oversight of development assistance or anything else. Clearly the appetite to send money to a country that has no parliamentary oversight is much reduced," he asserted.
The diplomat said that he hoped President Ramotar would deliver on his promise late last year that general and regional elections would be held early this year because of the need to pass amendments to the Anti Money Laundering and Countering of Financing Terrorism (AML-CFT) Act and a national budget.
"It means that no budget can be passed, so local investment will eventually grind to a halt. And external investor confidence takes a further knock as insecurity around Guyana's future prospects decreases the appetite of investors to take the risk of investing whilst pushing up the costs of so doing," he said.
"The UK Government therefore calls on the Government of Guyana to resume Parliament without further delay or lay out a timeline for the resumption of parliamentary democracy which helps to deliver shared commitments to democracy, security and prosperity for all," he added.
Source-CMC
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION FOR GOVERNMENT HR STAFF
Four members of the TCI Government Human Resource Management Directorate (HRMD) are set to benefit from a professional development course funded by the Governor’s Office, Jubilee Fund, it was announced on Monday, 12 January 2015.
The four members of HRMD have had their membership of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) paid for by the Jubilee Fund. They will now complete online coursework and examinations in the Dominican Republic to achieve certified HR professional status. The four officers working towards their HR certified status are: Keisha Taylor, Karresa Gardiner, Catherine Ann Forbes and Cherice Boyce.
The Governor’s Office in TCI manage the funds allocated to it by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. For 2014/15, the Jubilee Fund budget allocation was £40,000 (around $60,000). The funds are being used to support a total of eight Government projects, of which HR enterprise is the first to be announced. The Fund aims to support the development of the highest professionals standards across the TCI Government to improve its efficiency and capacity.
“Our staff are at the heart of everything in Government,” said Mark Greenway, Director of HRMD. “In addition to hiring and managing staff they are involved in payroll, monthly reports and other matters to ensure the smooth running of Government. There will be real benefits to these individuals and to our organization in their working towards, and achieving, these internationally recognized professional qualifications.”
Deputy Governor, and head of the civil service, Anya Williams, added, “This is a very important year for the civil service as it works to implement the organizational changes announced last week by the Premier in his Cabinet reshuffle, as well as other activities such as the long awaited pay and grading review.
“Training and professional development remain a key objective for my office in 2015, so it is very good news that our human resources professionals, receive the highest quality support and development opportunities which this SHRM certification provides. I must thank the Governor’s Office and the Jubilee Fund for this practical support and look forward to seeing the other successful bids being announced in due course.”
A Life Well Lived – A True Celebration for Dr. Rosita Butterfield
The Official Opposition and the Peoples Democratic Movement together with the people of these islands mourn the passing of a giant of a lady, the Late Dr Rosita Butterfield and we extend our sincerest condolences to Dr Albray Butterfield, her children and the rest of her family.
Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life well spent and well lived.
The Late Dr Butterfield was an icon, an institution, a pioneer. She wore many hats in the years that God had loan her to these islands and her family. A former teacher, nurse, a long standing member of parliament as an elected member, appointed member and speaker, a businesswoman, a preacher, a philanthropist sponsoring and supporting many national events among them the National Inter High School Spelling Bee and her very own Foundation in recent years, the ARB Foundation formed to help those in need. She served on many national boards of influence including being a founding member of the TCI Community College.
There were many things that distinguished her in her different walks of life but she will forever be celebrated as the first female ever elected to parliament and then later as the first female Speaker of Parliament. Though she walked with "Kings and Queens" and was widely traveled, if one would ask her or just chat with her for a brief moment, she reflected with a childlike excitement on her nursing career as the noblest thing she ever did, next to serving and caring for her family. This was indeed her pride and joy and no matter how lofty a height she attained, she thought the greatest contribution she made was perhaps what too many might consider as the lowliest of the lot - nursing. This exemplified the type of lady she was. She never forgot her humble birth and beginnings in Kew, North Caicos nor how she began her life of public service – through a humble nursing career.
As a female, her life is an inspiration to me and I will continue to cherish each of our exchanges and her words of encouragement which spanned from my first days on Providenciales as a banker to my current role as Leader of the Opposition.
Indeed the life of the late Dr Rosita Butterfield is a life well spent and history, if recorded truely, will record her as one of the most outstanding Turks and Caicos Islanders ever, having left an indelible mark on all the paths she trod. She undeniably left this world better than she met it and she will certainly continue to be held in the highest esteem by many who knew and loved her.
She ought to be celebrated and honored by the people of this country whose lives she has touched in many ways.
May she rest in peace after a lifetime labour of love.
Kuwait plans $155-bn projects despite oil slump
Kuwait's government on Sunday announced plans to spend 45.5 billion dinars (155 billion) on projects over the next five years despite the plunge in world oil prices, a lawmaker said.
The spending is slated to cover 523 key projects in a five-year development plan starting in the fiscal year which begins on April 1, said parliament's financial and economic affairs committee secretary, Mohammad al-Jabri.
He said the oil-rich Gulf country's state minister for planning and development, Hind al-Sabeeh, discussed the draft development plan with his panel.
The committee was assured that the sharp drop in oil revenues would not affect the projects of Kuwait, which has a massive sovereign wealth fund and invested billions of dollars in a "future generations fund".
Oil revenues in the new budget from April will be calculated on the basis of 45 a barrel, down from 75 a barrel in the current fiscal year, Jabri said.
The price of Kuwaiti oil closed on 43.21 a barrel on Friday, compared to a price of over 110 a barrel in June 2014. Oil income makes up around 94 percent of public revenues in Kuwait.
The government has vowed to cut current spending, especially subsidies, which constitutes over 85 percent of total expenditures but insisted it will not reduce capital spending on projects.
The OPEC member has posted a budget surplus in each of the past 15 fiscal years and is expected to post a surplus in the current year ending March 31.
But officials and lawmakers warned that an actual deficit is expected in the next fiscal year unless oil prices rise.
The emirate has scrapped subsidies on diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel as a first step in revising heavily-subsidised electricity, water and petrol.
Local media said Kuwait's fiscal reserves grew to 548 billion as of June 30.
The emirate has a native population of 1.25 million and is also home to about 2.8 million foreigners.
Source-MenaFN
Brent crude oil price falls to fresh six-year low
The price of Brent crude oil has fallen again taking it to a fresh six-year low.
The price of a barrel of the North Sea benchmark dropped by 5% to $47.75, its lowest level since early 2009.
US crude oil was also at its lowest level since that time, down by 4.1% to $46.33 a barrel.
The cost of petrol in the UK is being cut in response to the recent falls, with one Birmingham garage selling petrol at 99p a litre.
Asda said on Monday it would be cutting its forecourt price by a further 2p a litre to 103.7p.
Diesel will be 110.7p.
Meanwhile, a leading investment house drastically cut its three-month forecast for Brent crude from $80 a barrel to $42.
Goldman Sachs said the price would stay close to $40 for most of the first half of this year, at which price the firm said investment in the US shale gas industry would be held up.
The oil price has now fallen by more than half since June, when the price stood at $110 per barrel.
Production from North American shale companies has increased the supply of oil and gas, helping to depress prices.
Also undermining the price of oil are slowing global economic demand and a rising dollar against a range of other currencies.
The latter can flatter the oil price, which nonetheless can remain the same price in a local currency that buys fewer dollars.
Source-BBC