While you were sleeping: 23 February 2016

UN to send task force to oversee Syrian ceasefire, and Rio wholly unprepared for Olympics thus far.

By John Stupart

23 Feb 2016

“I felt like poisoning a monk.”

– Umberto Eco

Story of the Day

Analysis: The NPA's world of ever-increasing conflict
There has been so much pressure on the various people in leadership at the National Prosecuting Authority for so long, that you would for be forgiven for expecting it to produce little work. Instead, in a recent flurry of activity, charges have been laid against prominent people in a variety of cases. Claims are emerging of a plan to even charge the NPA's former head, Mxolisi Nxasana. But, each time someone high profile like this is charged by the NPA it increases the risk of more embarrassment for the organisation and the people who hold some of its top positions. By STEPHEN GROOTES.

While you were sleeping

UN to monitor Syria ceasefire
The United Nations has announced a special task force to watch over the upcoming Syrian ceasefire. The truce, brokered by the United States and Russia, is scheduled to begin this weekend. How the UN will monitor the chaos, however, is another question entirely.
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Rubio surges ahead of Cruz
Marco Rubio is positioning himself as a clear alternative to the Orange Menace, while Ted Cruz has begun to lag behind. Cruz fired his campaign spokesperson for tweeting a false statement about Rubio insulting the Bible. Regardless, the Nevada caucus appears to firmly favour Donald Trump.
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Seas are rising faster than ever
A new report has indicated that the world's oceans are rising at a faster rate than thought. An international team of researchers has determined global warming is the cause of the rise, which is estimated to be the fastest in 2,800 years.
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Rio unprepared for April Olympic test
An upcoming test event in mid-April may see Rio without its main Olympic swimming pool or a functioning subway system. Delays in construction have resulted in both facilities being far behind completion. They are likely going to be ready for August's main event, however, but don't hold your breath.
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In Numbers

The number of years in which Vermont was a country. The Vermont Republic lasted longer than the Republic of Texas, remaining sovereign from 1777 until 1791.

Facts of the Day

Today in 1958 saw Formula One champion, Juan Manuel Fangio, kidnapped by Cuban rebels.

Fact of the day: New York City intends to renovate all its old telephone booths and turn them into Wi-Fi hotspots.

Weather & Financial Data

BFN: min: 17° max: 33°, cloudy
CPT: min: 16° max: 26°, cloudy
DBN: min: 22° max: 36°, cloudy

EL: min: 19° max: 34°, sunny
JHB: min: 18° max: 27°, rainy
KIM: min: 20° max: 34°, cloudy
NLP: min: 20° max: 30°, rainy
PMB: min: 16° max: 36°, cloudy
PKN: min: 18° max: 31°, cloudy
PE: min: 17° max: 31°, cloudy
PTA: min: 18° max: 28°, rainy

Oil=$34.68 Gold=$1,210.70 Platinum=$926.85
R/$=15.17 R/€=16.72 R/£=21.48 $/€=1.11
JSE All Share=49,112.80 DJIA=6,037.73 FTSE 100=16,603.71 : Source