CEASEFIRE NEGOTIATIONS OPEN IN SOUTH SUDAN
Representatives of South Sudan’s government have started negotiating a ceasefire with opposition forces in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, three weeks after the outbreak of violence in the world’s youngest nation, AFP reports.
ISRAEL SUCCESSFULLY TESTS MISSILE SHIELD SYSTEM
Israel carried out a successful test of its future missile shield system Arrow 3,The Jerusalem Post reports. The new shield, designed to intercept Iranian Shihab 3 missiles, among others, is expected to become operational in 2016.
NSA SEEKS QUANTUM COMPUTER TO BREAK SECURITY SYSTEMS
The U.S. National Security Agency is building a super machine — described as “a cryptologically useful quantum computer” — that could potentially break every kind of encryption system currently protecting banking, business, medical and government records, The Washington Post reports, citing material leaked by Edward Snowden.
EX-FINANCE MINISTER BECOMES NEW MADAGASCAR PRESIDENT
Madagascar’s former Finance Minister Hery Rajaonarimamapianina was declared winner of the presidential election, with 53.5% of the vote in the second round, according to Radio France Internationale. Earlier this week, rival Robinson Jean-Louis claimed the election had been rigged.
A TREATMENT FOR CANNABIS ADDICTS?
French scientists claim to have found a natural hormone that cancels out the effects of “mild euphoria” induced by cannabis, raising hopes of a future treatment against intoxication and addictions to the drug. Read more from France 24.
SNOW SLAMS EAST COAST
After blanketing Illinois with 18 inches of snow earlier, a U.S. snow storm is now hitting the Northeast. See our Foto here.
VERBATIM
India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced today he won’t seek re-election, and in the next breath slammed an opposition candidate as bad for the country. Read here what he said.
BY THE NUMBERS
As Formula One champion Michael Schumacher turns 45 today, fans prepare to gather for a vigil outside his hospital, where he is still in a coma following a ski accident.
SMASHING
Did you see this incredible shot from Roger Federer?
