If history is a guide, Uber Technologies new Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi is likely to dangle data sharing and a promise to pay fines and fees when he sits down with London officials to negotiate the ride service’s future in one of its most important markets.

From the Philippines to Portland, Oregon, the strategy has worked time and time again for the San Francisco company.

London transportation officials last month deemed Uber unfit to operate because of lax corporate responsibility. The move threatens an Uber stronghold at a time when Khosrowshahi is trying to salvage the company’s reputation after a series of scandals.

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Police have complained that Uber was not disclosing or taking too long to report serious crimes tied to its rides, and London mayor Sadiq Khan backed the decision to pull Uber’s license.

Khosrowshahi already offered a contrite public response, which is unusual for Uber, in an open-letter apology to Londoners “for the mistakes we’ve made.” He’s also armed with local support: more than 840,000 Londoners have signed an Uber petition urging city to reconsider its decision.

Khosrowshahi is scheduled to meet on Tuesday with Transport for London Commissioner Mike Brown.

‘Unfit’ Uber stripped of London licence

A deal would be a big victory for the new Uber leader, and securing a surcharge or new data on drivers could be a win for Khan, Uber’s highest profile critic and chair of the regulator.

Uber has been willing to pay fines and institute fees in local disputes around the world. But when pressed, it has also shut down in several markets to protest measures that it says slow the service for customers or hinder driver recruitment. As recently as last week, Uber said it would pull out of Quebec rather than agree to 35 hours of training for drivers.

Uber declined to comment on London bargaining tactics. It has said it wants to work with the city “to make things right.”

There is no certainty of a deal, and neither side has portrayed the Tuesday meeting as a negotiations. But with the stake so high – 3.5 million customers won over by price and convenience have made it Uber’s biggest European market – a deal for both sides makes sense.

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“The mayor just wants to get something to show constituents upset with Uber some action,” said Bruce Shaller, a former New York City transport official who has authored a book on ride-hailing apps. “Transport for London would look unreasonable to let Uber walk away.”

Data deals

Uber is often described as a “big data” company that thrives because it can match customer needs to driver availability, predicting where cars will be needed and dynamically tailoring fares based on expected demand.

Though it has been loathe to share information for privacy and business reasons, awarding limited data access to cities has solved several standoffs.

When New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio tried to limit the number of Uber cars in the city to clear up traffic, the company released data that helped show congestion would persist and agreed to give the city ongoing data such as the location and time of pickups.

Uber also launched a personal and public campaign in New York against the mayor, similar to the London petition but with criticism aimed directly at de Blasio. De Blasio dropped the proposal.

Portland, Oregon let Uber back into the city in 2015 after a similar promise of trip data – and a fee of 50 cents per ride to pay for oversight. The information helps the city check compliance with requirements such as 24-hour, citywide service.

“We’ve been able to use data from the company and the resources from the rides’ fees to create a regulatory scheme that is robust,” said Brendan Finn, chief of staff to Portland Commissioner Dan Saltzman, who played the role of swing vote and wasn’t otherwise an Uber backer.

Uber has paid fines to other regulators for access: a one-month suspension in the Philippines was lifted early, once Uber paid almost $10 million to the government and drivers in August. Last year, Uber agreed to a $7.6 million fine in California to avoid suspension over a delay in turning over data sought for an analysis on the neighborhoods the company served.

Still, Uber has drawn lines when the convenience and affordability that has helped its offering stand out is threatened. The company suspended operations in places such as Macau, Bulgaria, Denmark and Hungary that are all mandating terms the company has called financially unbearable for itself and its drivers.

And talks with Australia’s Northern Territory province have been bogged down over a proposed registration fee of around $500 for each driver and a small per-ride fee, which Uber said were not affordable.

In Quebec, the company has provided 20 hours of training for new drivers. When the province said it wanted 35, in line with training for taxi operators, Uber said it would pull out in mid-October.

“They are more than happy with regulation,” a former Uber public policy official speaking on the condition of anonymity said of the company. “But it has to enable the market for ride sharing, and it has to exist for a public policy reason.”

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Time and technology have not only changed the techniques of film-making but have also made giving the “first take” a more comfortable affair for actor Saif Ali Khan, who will next year clock 25 years in the industry – since his 1993 debut with the film Parampara.

Talking about the evolution that has come about due to technology, the National Award-winning Saif told IANS in an interview, “India is a different country now. I have witnessed some huge changes in terms of film-making techniques (in the last couple of decades). Digital (technology) has changed a lot of things. Things are done a lot faster now… In a way, that’s good.

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“I have stopped worrying about my first take though, because it’s so easy to do one more now. Of course, I try and get it right always, but earlier I think there was a lot more attention on getting it right on the first attempt itself.

“As editing and dubbing have become simpler, I worry less now as it can protect me. Today’s acting style has changed to more international and natural. For me, it’s more fun to do acting now.”

Saif, son of late cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and veteran actor Sharmila Tagore, was present to promote his forthcoming entertainer Chef. Directed by Raja Krishna Menon, it’s an Indian adaptation of the 2014 American film of the same name by Jon Favreau and is slated for release on Friday.

Saif decided to be a part of this film to understand the urban problem of dealing with family, divorce and child.

“Chef is a mix – both art and commercial. I agree that the entertainment industry needs to feature newer stories and fresher content. I think ‘Chef’ is a step in the right direction. Some of the smaller films have been more exciting because they seemed fresher somehow. I am excited about (finding out) what response this film gets,” he said.

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Asked whether parents today are more supportive of their children’s dreams, Saif, a father of three, said, “It’s difficult. People say that they want to do this or do that, but (as a parent) you would prefer them to be safer. In Chef, my father wants me to be a doctor or an engineer. He gets really upset when I say that I want to become a chef.

“All parents want security for their children. There are many more career options nowadays. We say this is a post-3 Idiots film where you get to follow your heart.”

Saif, who is married to Bollywood diva Kareena Kapoor Khan, believes that parents accord more respect to their children’s aspirations now.

“Earlier, parents used to decide a lot of things for you. In my family, we always listen to our children – Sara wants to join films; that’s fine as that’s something she has always wanted to do. I am happy with what my children want to be,” said the actor, who has daughter Sara and son Ibrahim with former wife Amrita Singh and nine-month-old Taimur with Kareena.

Sara, daughter of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, told by mum to stay away from boys

Best known for his roles in films like Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Hum Saath-Saath Hain, Hum Tum, Salaam Namaste, Omkara and Love Aaj Kal, most of which have been multi-starrers, Saif is now more inclined towards working in solo-hero movies.

“I prefer working in solo-hero projects because there you can be more relaxed and work at your own pace. But I am happy to do a two-hero film – if the role is good. I have had a wonderful timing with Shah Rukh. I really enjoyed Kal Ho Naa Ho,” said Saif.

On the work front, besides Chef, Saif will also be seen in Kaalakaandi and web series Sacred Games.

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BARCELONA: Catalonia’s leader Carles Puigdemont said the region had won the right to break away from Spain after 90 percent of voters taking part in a banned referendum voted for independence, defying a sometimes violent police crackdown and fierce opposition from Madrid.

His declaration appeared to set the restive region on course for a deeper split with the Spanish government, after Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy reiterated his government’s position that the vote was an illegal act, to which the state had reacted “with firmness and serenity”.

Any attempt to unilaterally declare independence is almost certain to be opposed not just by Madrid but also by a large section of the Catalan population which is deeply split on the issue.

Over 840 people injured in Catalonia during referendum: Catalonia regional govt

The regional government said 2.26 million people actually took part in Sunday’s referendum, or 42.3 percent of the electorate.

A jubilant Puigdemont said his people had “won the right to an independent state” and urged the European Union to stop looking “the other way”.

Puigdemont has said that in the event of a “yes” victory he would declare independence for Catalonia, which accounts for 19 percent of Spain’s economic output.

At least 92 people were confirmed injured out of a total of 844 who needed medical attention, Catalan authorities said.

Further adding to tensions, unions and Catalan associations called a region-wide strike for Tuesday due to “the grave violation of rights and freedoms,” urging people to take to the streets.

Helmeted police armed with batons moved in en masse early Sunday to seal off polling stations and seize ballot boxes, sparking clashes.

Videos posted on social media showed police dragging voters from polling stations by their hair, throwing people down stairs and attacking Catalan firefighters protecting polling stations..

Rajoy declared the plebiscite had been blocked, and called the vote a process that “only served to sow division, push citizens to confrontation and the streets to revolt”, but left the door potentially open to negotiations on greater autonomy for the region.

The referendum was organised under the threat of reprisals and criminal charges but thousands of Catalans stood in defiance of the central government crying “Votarem” – “We will vote”.

Puigdemont said in an address after polls closed: “With this day of hope and suffering, the citizens of Catalonia have won the right to an independent state in the form of a republic.”

The referendum law foresees a declaration of independence soon after a “yes” vote but it remains unclear if the regional government will actually do so.

Even before the vote, judicial officials ordered police to seize ballot papers, detain key organisers and shut down websites promoting the referendum after Madrid and the courts deemed it unconstitutional.

Thousands of people had gathered outside polling stations before dawn, joining those who had spent the night camped inside to ensure they would be open on the day.

In central Barcelona, riot police charged at demonstrators who were sitting on the ground at a polling station, and fired rubber bullets, witnesses said.

Riot police also stormed a polling station near Girona, smashing the glass doors of the sports centre where Puigdemont was due to vote and cutting a chain to force their way in.

But Puigdemont managed to vote anyway in nearby Cornella del Terri.

The crackdown drew a sharp rebuke from Catalan leaders and others including Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party.

The trouble caused Barcelona football club to play its La Liga tie against Las Palmas behind closed doors after the Spanish league refused to postpone the match.

But in several areas, voting was peaceful.

Under a sea of umbrellas outside a school in Barcelona, a crowd gathered, among them elderly people in wheelchairs, families with baby carriages and parents clutching toddlers by the hand.

With no police in sight, they were able to cast their ballots, prompting scenes of jubilation.

What you need to know about Catalan independence vote

“That’s the great hope, to be able to vote freely like this despite the problems we’ve faced, I’m very happy. I can die peacefully,” said Jose Mas Ribas, 79.

Although Catalans are divided over independence, most want to vote on the matter in a legal and binding plebiscite.

Catalonia already has significant control over education, healthcare and welfare, but the region says it pays more in taxes than it receives from Madrid.

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MILAN: Napoli took sole possession of top spot in Serie A on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Cagliari as champions Juventus’s winning run stalled 2-2 at Atalanta.

The stalemate ended the six-time defending champions’ run of six consecutive wins leaving them joint second with Inter Milan — who beat Benevento 2-1 — with big-scoring Napoli top on a maximum 21 points.

“I was worried at the end, as we could have lost it and every point will be precious come the end of the season,” said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Higuain is not a problem, says Allegri

Juventus had been two goals up in Bergamo after Federico Bernardeschi opened on 21 minutes and Gonzalo Higuain added a second four minutes later.

But on-loan Juventus defender Mattia Caldara turned in a rebound to pull one back for Atalanta after half an hour to keep the hosts in touch at the break.

Mario Mandzukic thought he had scored for 3-1, but it was disallowed when the video assistant referee ruled Stephan Lichtsteiner had elbowed Gomez in the face.

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Bryan Cristante nodded in a Alejandro Gomez cross to level on 67 minutes for Atalanta who finished fourth in Serie A last season.

Paolo Dybala missed a chance to grab the winner nine minutes from time when Juventus were awarded a penalty — also through the video referee — after an Andrea Petagna handball in the box.

But Albanian goalkeeper Etrit Berisha saved the kick to frustrate the Argentine striker who nevertheless remains top of the Serie A goalscorers with ten so far.

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LONDON: Arsene Wenger lamented on Sunday that Arsenal’s recent upturn in form will be interrupted by next week’s international break.

The Gunners have amassed 10 points out of a possible 12 in the Premier League and won both of their Europa League group games since the previous round of World Cup qualifiers, which had been preceded by back-to-back defeats by Stoke City and Liverpool.

Arsenal will now have to wait until October 14 for their next match, away to Watford in the Premier League.

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“I would’ve loved to be able to continue to play, but we cannot do anything about that,” said Wenger after his side’s 2-0 league win over Brighton & Hove Albion. “Our last international break was a nightmare, but this is one is a bit better. Let’s hope the players come back in a good shape. I knew that after the game at Liverpool, everybody did write us off. It just depends on us how much we respond.”

Pressure on Wenger had intensified in the wake of those early defeats, but the Frenchman insisted the results had not made him panic.

Ten-man Chelsea hold Arsenal for goalless draw

“Nothing is permanent,” he said. “You’re not bad in a permanent way, if you can do something about it. You’re not good in a permanent way, if you don’t keep your urgency. We responded in a united way and we put some wins together and some good performances as well.”

Arsenal’s win over Brighton, sealed by goals from Nacho Monreal and Alex Iwobi, came on the 21st anniversary of Wenger taking charge of the club.

“In this job you only look for the next game,” said the 67-year-old. “When you look back, you see the distance you have made. Overall, football changed a lot in this 21 years.”

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Actor Josh Gad, who lent his voice for the character of magical snowman Olaf in the hit 2013 Disney animation film Frozen, believes the second installment is going to be special.

Voice recordings for the sequel of the blockbuster animated film Frozen have begun, Gad announced on his Instagram account.

The first installment also starred Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell and Jonathan Groff.

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Gad posted an image of himself with the co-stars with the backdrop of a voice recording studio and wrote, “Nothing is more exciting than getting back in the booth with this incredible team. Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee, Peter Del Vecho, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Bobby Lopez along with John Lasseter and the amazing people at Disney animation have created a story that carries on the incredible legacy of the original Frozen and continues to build and expand on the characters and themes in new and exciting ways.

“Unfortunately, that’s all I can tell you right now. But, rest assured Frozen 2 is on the way and damn is it going to be special.”

The film is releasing on November 27, 2019.

The first movie was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale The Snow Queen, which revolved around a fearless Princess Anna (voiced by Bell), who sets off on a journey alongside iceman Kristoff (voiced by Groff) and his pet reindeer to rescue her sister Elsa (voiced by Menzel), whose icy powers have left the kingdom trapped in an eternal winter.

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In March 2015, the sequel was announced with Buck and Lee returning as directors and Peter Del Vecho as producer.

The plot of the film is yet unknown.

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