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Pakistan army called on to stop 'blasphemy' clashes in Islamabad

Pakistan's government has called for troops to be deployed in the capital, Islamabad, after violence broke out during protests by Islamists.

About 200 people were injured when security forces tried to disperse an Islamist sit-in at the Faizabad Interchange - a key highway.

Several deaths have been reported.

The protesters have been blocking the highway for several weeks, demanding the sacking of Law Minister Zahid Hamid whom they accuse of blasphemy.

Pakistani media report that demonstrators also broke into the minister's residence in Punjab province. Mr Hamid and his family were not in the building.

The protests have spread to other cities, including Lahore and the southern port of Karachi.

The Pakistani government asked the army to deploy in Islamabad on Saturday evening.

The interior minister said the order was issued at the request of the city authorities, who were not able to clear the sit-in.

There was no immediate comment from the Pakistani military.

Earlier on Saturday, security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets to try to disperse the demonstrators, Pakistani media report, but were met with rocks and tear gas shells.

About 8,500 elite police and paramilitary forces took part in the operation to clear the Faizabad Interchange. The crackdown was later suspended.

Protesters said four of their activists were killed, but police said there were no deaths, Reuters reports.

However, officials are quoted in other reports confirming that several people were killed. Many of those injured are security personnel.

The request for the military deployment came after hundreds more demonstrators turned up unexpectedly, forcing the police to retreat.

At one point, the authorities took all private television news channels off air, apparently out of concern that the live coverage of the police action could inflame religious sentiments.

The protesting Islamists, from the hardline Tehreek-i-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah Party, want the law minister to be sacked for omitting a reference to the Prophet Muhammad in a new version of the electoral oath.

The minister has since apologised saying it was a clerical error.

What is known about the missing submarine?

The submarine was returning from a routine mission to Ushuaia, near the southernmost tip of South America, when it reported an "electrical breakdown".

A naval commander said the submarine had surfaced and reported the breakdown, described as a "short circuit" in its batteries. The navy said it then made further contact to say the problem had been fixed and the submarine would proceed toward its port.

On Thursday, the authorities said an event consistent with an explosion had been detected by a nuclear test watchdog.

The Vienna-based Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) said an "abnormal, singular, short, violent, non-nuclear event" was recorded in the South Atlantic.

The US also reported a "hydro-acoustic anomaly" hours after the submarine went missing, close to its last known location.

The news dashed hopes among relatives, although no wreckage or debris has been found by the international search teams.

On Saturday a military spokesman said the submarine was not carrying torpedoes on board, dismissing a theory there had been an accident with explosives it was carrying.

Who is looking for it?

On Saturday Russia joined the operation, deploying one of its largest aircraft on Friday night with specialist equipment on board.

Its unmanned submersible, known as the Pantera Plus, can conduct sonar scans up to a depth of 1,000m (3,281ft).

Russia also has a scientific exploration ship on the way from West Africa.

The US Navy also deployed unmanned "mini-sub" vehicles to join the search.

The UK, Brazil, Chile, Norway, Germany, Canada, France, Peru, Colombia and Uruguay are also helping to try to locate the vessel.

Who is on board?

There are 44 crew members on board, under the command of Pedro Martín Fernández.

Forty-three of the crew are men but there is also one woman, Eliana María Krawczyk. The 35-year-old is the first female officer in Argentina to serve on a submarine.

Reports suggest one crew member escaped the tragedy because he was off the vessel visiting his sick mother, and had been replaced by someone else.

On Saturday relatives held a religious vigil service outside of the Mar del Plata naval base where the submarine was based.

They have expressed frustration with authorities, who they say have been slow at sharing information about search efforts..

Read more on the missing crew members

China explosion: Ningbo port city rocked by major blast

At least two people have been killed and dozens more injured in an explosion in the eastern Chinese port city of Ningbo, local officials say.

The blast is said to have occurred at a factory at about 09:00 (01:00 GMT) in the city's Jiangbei District, causing some nearby buildings to collapse.

State media reported that at least 30 people had been taken to local hospitals amid rescue operations.

Footage showed rescuers carrying people away from an area surrounded by debris.

Chinese media said at least two of the injured are reported to be in a serious condition, citing local authorities.

Police said on social media that an investigation was under way to determine the cause of the explosion.

The city has a large international shipping port and is best known for its auto-manufacturing industry, it is home to Geely - the Chinese owner of Volvo.

Chinese media said the explosion happened in an industrial area, and residential buildings damaged nearby were already empty ahead of planned demolition.

Some local reports suggested gas canisters could have been to blame for the blast.

Shattered windows were reported in businesses up to 1km away from the site of the explosion itself.

The Hyundai Accent has been totally redone for the 2018 model year and this is interesting because the subcompact segment isn’t doing too hot right now — everyone is making the move to crossovers.

But for those people who need a small, budget-friendly car, here are nine things you need to know about the all-new fifth-generation 2018 Hyundai Accent.

1. Pricing and Availability

Of course, the first thing you need to know about cars like this is how much they cost. Too bad! Pricing hasn’t been announced yet for this model year, but it shouldn’t be too far off from what it is now, which is around $15K in both the U.S. and Canada, maxing out at just over $17K in the U.S. and about $20K in Canada for a fully loaded model. It should be available in U.S. dealerships before the end of 2017 and the hatchback and sedan models will be available in Canada in early 2018.

2. Body Styles

And that brings us to our next point, which is that in the U.S., the new Accent is only available as a subcompact four-door sedan for this generation, but in Canada, a hatchback is still offered as well. This makes a lot of sense because hatchbacks are much more popular in Canada than they are the U.S.

3. New Design

The old Accent pretty much looked like a bean, and the design of this new one makes it look a bit more grown up, kind of like a small Elantra. It helps the Accent look a bit more expensive than it actually is, especially from the front. Higher trim models even have features like LED lights, chrome trim, and 17-inch wheels.

4. New Dimensions

That redesign has made the Accent bigger than before: it’s a bit wider and longer than before, which translates into more room inside for passengers. The trunk can hold 13.7 cubic feet of cargo (387 L), which is the same as before.

ALSO SEE:http://www.autoguide.com/manufacturer/hyundai/2018-hyundai-accent-review- and-first-drive

5. More Tech

The biggest upgrade here is a standard backup camera, but automatic emergency braking and automatic climate control are also now available on higher trims, which is pretty impressive for a car in this segment. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available now, along with an upgraded seven-inch or base five-inch touchscreen. Canadian models are even available with a heated steering wheel and sporty two-tone seats.

6. Decent Interior

Inside, there aren’t too many surprises, but the layout is user-friendly and although the interior is quite no-frills, it’s not depressingly cheap. There are a lot of hard plastics used throughout the cabin, but it’s put together nicely and it’s not a punishing place to be.

7. One Engine Available

The new Accent has just one engine available, which makes sense. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder makes 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque, which goes to the front wheels via six-speed manualor automatic transmission. Those numbers are actually pretty respectable for this class of car — it’s on par with the Honda Fit and more than what the Toyota Yaris offers. Only the Chevrolet Sonic offers more power.

8. Driving Dynamics

There’s not much to report about when it comes to driving dynamics with cars like this. All you really need to know is that it does exactly what you need it to, which is get you places without much drama. Yes, passing people and getting up to highway speeds isn’t going to thrill you, but it gets the job done without being too depressing. Compared to the old Accent, though, driving dynamics are noticeably crisper in terms of steering and suspension that don’t feel as sloppy. There’s also a new Sport mode, which doesn’t do too much except make the throttle a bit jumpier, but it’s still appreciated.

9. Fuel Economy

Fuel economy probably matters more to people shopping this segment than driving dynamics, and this new Accent with the auto transmission is rated to get 28 mpg in the city, 38 on the interstate, and 32 mpg combined (7.3 L/100 km combined). That’s a 7 percent improvement over the old model.

2017 Toyota Prius Prime

MSRP Range:
$27,100 - $33,100

Fuel Economy: N/A

2017 Toyota Prius Prime Overview

While few people would look at a Prius and see it as a high-performance vehicle, the truth is that they are every bit as rigorously engineered as a Porsche or BMW. Toyota's designers maintain a ruthless pursuit of fuel economy, improving whenever and wherever they can.

For 2017, four variations of the Prius are available, intended to appeal to the variety of hybrid car buyers who have different requirements. The Prius, the standard on which all the others are based, is a 4-door compact hatch. Two other variants offer more flexibility and a greater price range. The "Prius c" is a bit smaller, but still offers 4-door access for five occupants and a cargo space of 17 cubic feet. The "Prius v" is the largest of the standard cars. Passenger volume is a capacious 97 cubic feet and it offers 34 cubic-feet of cargo space. Meanwhile, the Prius Prime also comes with four doors, though it's a 2+2, with seating for four.

All three standard Prius models are powered by a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine connected to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive electric motor. The only transmission choice remains a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which, rather than have distinct "gears" is able to choose whatever ratio is perfect for the job. The Prime, too, utilizes the fuel-sipping 1.8-liter engine and CVT, but pairs them with an 8.8 kWh battery pack. The car can run on battery power alone for up to 22 miles, perfect for the daily commute, while total range in hybrid mode is about 600 miles.

The interior of the Prius is big and airy, offering an open feel and a good view of the road ahead, with improved headroom over previous generations. Two 4.2-inch multi-information displays are housed within the instrument panel. Basic information such as speed and fuel level are displayed on the right. The left display, on the other hand, is programmable, allowing the driver to choose what information he or she wants to see at any time. A heads up display projects onto the windshield and serves to further keep the driver in the know without ever having to look away from the road. The Prime benefits from an 11.6-inch touchscreen display that is centrally mounted vertically, similar to that found in the Tesla, and it is controlled through simple tap/swipe gestures, much like a tablet.

Basic features on the Prius include 15-inch alloy wheels, low rolling resistance tires and four-wheel disc brakes. Higher trim levels include a navigation system, 17-inch alloys and synthetic leather seating surfaces. A suite of safety options include a pedestrian detection system and a pre-collision warning system, as well as a radar-controlled dynamic cruise control system.

Options include a premium JBL sound system and a full parking assistance system, which will make parallel parking much easier with the help of ultrasonic sensors.

2017 Toyota Prius Prime Model Changes

The Toyota Prius was totally redesigned for 2016. It carries over this year largely unchanged, though a new plug-in hybrid variant, the Prius Prime, replaces the previous model. The Prime differs in looks from the standard Prius, and it pairs the excellent 1.8L four found across the Prius range with a new 8.8 kWh battery pack. Toyota claims a total gas/electric range of 600 miles, with a battery-only range of up to 22 miles. A full charge takes less than six hours. The Prime will debut later in the model year.

2017 Toyota Prius Prime Value

One of the most remarkable things about the Prius is how little it asks from the owner in exchange for its legendary fuel efficiency. Special fuel isn't needed, and there's no need to plug the standard Prius into the wall at night. Further, drivers are not consigned to a tiny interior and miniature storage space, and finally, premium mileage numbers don't have to cost an arm and a leg.

The Prius drives, handles and behaves just like any other mid-sized car. It just happens to get the kind of fuel economy that can impress almost anyone. Starting at around $25,000 the Prius is competitive with other cars in its price bracket, offering ample interior space, a quiet comfortable ride, plenty of interior gadgets and world-famous mileage figures. With the all-new Prius Prime plug-in's range of up to 600 miles means there's nowhere that can't be gotten in a Prius.

2017 Toyota Prius Prime Strengths

Fuel economy; excellent interior room; sharp styling; quiet interior; reasonable price; plug-in option

http://www.autoguide.com/new-cars/

How recycled roofs are transforming homes in slums

"You go into slums and villages and it is a problem-rich environment."

Hasit Ganatra saw people in the slums of Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India, and realised that their lives were blighted by the quality of their homes.

Around 65 million people across India live in slums, according to data from the 2011 census, which defines a slum as "a residential area where houses are unfit for human habitation".

"You look at the roof, it has all these holes and you ask them: what's going on? And they say we have no other option," says Mr Ganatra.

The houses are commonly made of tin or concrete, so residents can find them too hot in summer, freezing in winter, and open to the rain during monsoon season.

An engineering graduate who had returned to his home town, Mr Ganatra decided that there must be a better way to construct roofs. A sustainable and cost effective way, that would allow residents to be comfortable in their homes.

Bad conditions

It took two years and more than 300 attempts, but finally Mr Ganatra and his company, Modroof, designed modular roof panels made from waste, pulped cardboard and natural fibres that were both sturdy and waterproof.

"Worldwide experts told us to give up; they said we'd never do it," he says.

"But when you see this sort of problem [in the slums] you have to do something about it."

Modroof has an all-women sales team, many of whom were customers themselves and are keen to spread the word about how much difference a new roof can make to the quality of life for women and children who spend a lot of time at home.

Saleswoman Kushalya Shamra says it's all about giving residents a better life.

"When we go to people's houses I feel very bad that they live in such bad conditions," she says.

"We tell them this roof is easy to maintain. We can help them get loans, as many are from poor backgrounds."

The BBC's Innovators series reveals innovative solutions to major challenges across South Asia.

Learn more about BBC Innovators.

An average 250 sq ft (23 sq m) roof costs $1,000 (£760) - more expensive than a roof made from metal sheeting but cheaper than concrete slabs.

Half of Modroof's customers use microfinance loans to spread the cost, paying around $50 a month over two years.

"We have four small kids at home and the kind of roof we have becomes very hot in the heat wave," explains Sakina, who wants the Modroof team to start as soon as possible on the construction of a new roof for her home.

"It affects the children, they haven't been well for over a month."

Global crisis

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to eradicate slum dwellings. The government has a programme to build 20 million affordable homes in urban areas by 2020.

In the meantime, organisations like the Centre for Urban and Regional Excellence (Cure) are working to improve existing slum housing.

"Bad roofing is one of the critical pieces of good housing, so if you want to do good housing for people then roofing innovation is one of the elements that we need to look at closely," says Cure director Rhenu Chosla.

Many people in Ahmedabad use their roof for more than just covering their house. Sanjay Patel runs a local school and says the new roof has allowed his pupils to have more time outdoors.

"Children can go up and fly a kite or can even sleep on it. The tin roof we had before was useless and we found it dangerous to send children out on to it," he says.

Worldwide interest

"We have people from all over the world who ask us about the panels. [Poor housing] is a global crisis. In my mind, it's a global crisis," says Mr Ganatra.

The Modroof panels are designed to last 20 years and he hopes that over this period many more houses in slums across India will make use of his invention.