News Headlines - 22 May 2015

▽AIIB expects to be operational by year-end | Bangkok Post: news

The China-backed Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank said on Friday it expected to be operational by the end of this year, after a three-day meeting of prospective member nations in Singapore.

▽U.K. Posts Smallest April Budget Deficit Since 2008 - Bloomberg Business

Net borrowing excluding public-sector banks was 6.8 billion pounds ($10.7 billion) in April, 2.5 billion pounds lower than a year earlier and the smallest deficit for the month since 2008... Government income rose 2.7 percent and spending dropped 7.4 percent.

▽NHS deficit in England rises to ￡822m - The Independent

Hospitals and other NHS organisations in England ended the financial year with a combined deficit of ￡822m, according to new figures that confirm the dire state of the health service’s finances.

▽Vladimir Putin's 'girlfriend' sparks new pregnancy rumours - Telegraph

Alina Kabayeva, the former gymnast said to have romantic links to Vladimir Putin has made a rare public appearance in a voluminous dress, prompting fresh speculation that she could be pregnant.

▽‘Game of Thrones': Rape Scene Stirs Backlash Against HBO Drama | Variety

HBO is on the defensive this week as a growing chorus of critics are taking aim at the cabler’s flagship drama “Game of Thrones” following a brutal rape scene in Sunday’s episode.