Prince Charles accused of ‘abusing his position’ to influence planning process

London, Sep 2 (ANI): A senior architect in Britain has accused Prince Charles of “abusing his position” to influence planning decisions.

Ruth Reed, the first woman president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), claims that the Prince of Wales used his royal status to interfere in the “democratic process”.

She also accused him of writing letters “behind the scenes” to display his opinions on certain architects and building projects.

“It is unfortunate if anybody uses their position in public life to exert undue influence on a democratic process such as planning,” the Telegraph quoted her as telling BBC Radio Four’s Front Row.

She added: “There appears to be evidence that he has written behind the scenes both about planning applications and also about the appointment of particular architects, which would be an abuse of his position, definitely.”

However, the Clarence House has declined to comment on the allegations. (ANI)

Teddy bear-shaped nurse robot developed

London, September 1 (ANI): Japanese scientists have come up with a robot resembling a huge, happy teddy bear to help look after hospital patients.

RIBA, Robot for Interactive Body Assistance, which can lift a weight of 61 kg on its foam padded arms, is the work of the government-run Riken research institute.

Dr. Toshiharu Mukai, the lead researcher, said the device was developed to lift hospital patients in and out of their wheelchairs and beds.

“We have developed RIBA because we want to help caregivers when they are required to transfer patients between hospital beds and wheelchairs,” the Telegraph quoted Mukai as saying.

The robot, that can also recognise faces and voices and respond to up to 30 spoken commands, may be seen in hospitals and retirement homes within three years.

Mukai said battery-powered RIBA was based on a teddy bear because humanoid versions could leave people uncomfortable. (ANI)