Japan university stops hiring smoking professors

TOKYO: A Japanese university has stopped hiring professors and teachers who light up, officials said on Tuesday, as the nation steps up an anti-smoking campaign ahead of the 2020 Olympics. Nagasaki University spokesman Yusuke Takakura said they had "stopped hiring any teaching staff who smoke", although applicants who promise to kick the habit before taking up their post could still be offered employment.  AFP

Astrologer casts Thai king's horoscope before coronation

BANGKOK: Thailand's royal astrologer cast King Maha Vajiralongkorn's horoscope on Tuesday in an important ritual to prepare for his elaborate coronation ceremonies next week. Saffron-clad Buddhist monks chanted as the horoscope for the king's reign was cast on a golden plaque. Reuters

US Prez Donald Trump to make state visit to Britain in June

LONDON:  US President Donald Trump will make a state visit to the United Kingdom in June, Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday, a trip Britain hopes will cement transatlantic relations but one that immediately prompted criticism and promises of protests. Trump will be only the third US president to have been accorded the honour of a state visit by Queen Elizabeth during her 67-year reign. Reuters