‘Arrest warrant against Zuma’s friend Gupta withdrawn’

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa has provisionally withdrawn an arrest warrant for Ajay Gupta, a businessman and friend of former president Jacob Zuma, in a corruption case, the police said. The case against Gupta relates to allegations made by former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas, who said a member of the Gupta family offered him the job of finance minister and a large bribe if Jonas would help the Gupta family with its business ventures in South Africa. The Guptas have denied any wrongdoing.Reuters

Japan to recognise Ainu people for first time    

Tokyo: Japan’s government introduced a bill Friday to recognise the country’s ethnic Ainu minority as an “indigenous” people for the first time, after decades of discrimination against the group. The Ainu people — many of whom live in northern Hokkaido — have long suffered the effects of a policy of forced assimilation, and while discrimination has receded gradually, income and education gaps with the rest of Japan persist. AFP 

Adams’ album on hold amid sexual abuse charges 

Los Angeles: Ryan Adams had planned to come out with three albums in 2019, but the release of his first LP ‘Big Colors’ has been put on hold following the accusations of sexual misconduct and emotional manipulation by more than half a dozen women, including ex-wife Mandy Moore. According to Variety, ‘Big Colors’ was suppose to release on April 19, but the musician has decided to postpone it. PTI