Month: June 2023
- World News
Pulitzer-winning author Cormac McCarthy dies aged 89
Renowned American author Cormac McCarthy has passed away at the age of 89, according to an announcement from his publisher, Penguin Random House. The celebrated writer, who won the Pulitzer Prize for his novel The Road, died from natural causes at his residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico. McCarthy’s literary works, which include No Country for Old Men and The…
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Ukraine’s counteroffensive sees heavy fighting in Neskuchne village
In the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine, the village of Neskuchne has experienced some of the heaviest fighting in the country’s ongoing counteroffensive against Russian forces. As one of the first media organisations to gain access to the recently liberated village cluster, the BBC reported that six Ukrainian soldiers were lost during the liberation of Neskuchne. The village was first…
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Trump pleads not guilty to mishandling classified documents in Miami court
Donald Trump has entered a not guilty plea to historic charges of mishandling classified documents at a federal court in Miami, Florida. Trump is the first US president, either current or former, to face a federal criminal indictment. Appearing sombre and subdued in court, he wore a dark suit and red tie with his arms crossed. This marked the second…
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IOPC probes police conduct in Cardiff e-bike crash that killed teens
An investigation into the conduct of two police officers is underway following the tragic deaths of two teenagers in a Cardiff e-bike accident that sparked riots. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has issued gross misconduct notices to both the driver and passenger of a police van seen in the vicinity of the boys in the Ely area prior…
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Boris Johnson submits last-minute letter to MPs investigating Partygate
A last-minute letter from Boris Johnson has been submitted to the Members of Parliament (MPs) investigating allegations that he misled Parliament over lockdown parties. The privileges committee confirmed receipt of the submission from the former Prime Minister just before midnight on Monday. The committee’s conclusions are expected to be published this week, although not on Wednesday as initially anticipated. Johnson…
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Early breast cancer survival rates soar from 14% to 5% since 1990s
Significant advancements in treatments for early breast cancer have led to a substantial increase in survival rates, according to a recent analysis by the British Medical Journal (BMJ). The study found that the risk of dying within five years of diagnosis has decreased from 14% in the 1990s to around 5% today. Cancer Research UK has welcomed the findings but…
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UK Covid inquiry questions lack of lockdown planning and impact foresight
The lack of consideration given to the “potentially massive impact” of lockdowns on society before the pandemic has been highlighted by Hugo Keith KC, the lead lawyer for the Covid inquiry. As the investigation into the government’s response to the pandemic began hearing evidence, Keith stated that the UK might not have been well prepared “at all.” He found it…
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UK unprepared for COVID-19, focused on flu outbreak, inquiry hears
The UK’s official COVID-19 inquiry has been informed that the nation was unprepared for the pandemic, as it had focused on the possibility of an influenza outbreak rather than a coronavirus. Lead counsel to the inquiry, Hugo Keith KC, stated that this lack of foresight led to the country being “taken by surprise” by the virus, which has resulted in…
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Johnson urges release of absurdly unfair partygate report amid suspension threat
Boris Johnson has called on the privileges committee to release its report concerning allegations that he lied to MPs about partygate, labelling the committee’s rules as “absurdly unfair.” The former prime minister has been accused by the cross-party group of MPs of deliberately misleading parliament with claims that COVID regulations were adhered to at all times within Downing Street during…
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Foreigner found stabbed to death in Taman Central Island, Penang
In Taman Central Island Aspen, Batu Kawan, a man’s body was discovered in a pool of blood, with 10 stab wounds. The victim is believed to be a foreigner, and his identity remains unknown as no identification documents were found on him. Penang police chief Khaw Kok Chin confirmed that the man was wearing a t-shirt and jeans, and initial…
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Klang River rubbish removal declines, water quality improves in Malaysia
A decline in the amount of rubbish removed from the Klang River in Malaysia has been observed since 2016, with the water quality also showing marked improvement, according to Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. The minister revealed that the water quality, which was previously categorised as Class Four and Five, has improved to Class…
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Over 11,000 luxury serviced apartments unsold in Johor amid foreign interest
A total of 11,512 serviced apartments priced at RM500,000 and above remain unsold in Johor Baru and Iskandar Puteri, according to Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, the state Housing and Local Government committee chairman. Despite the high number of unsold units, developers have started to receive positive feedback from foreign buyers, particularly those from Singapore, where property prices are among…
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Malaysia warns retailers against conditional sugar sales amid rising prices
Retailers in Malaysia have been warned against selling sugar with conditions, as it violates the Control of Supplies Act 1961. Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh emphasised that businesses found to be engaging in such practices could face suspension of their licences. Reports have surfaced that some retailers are imposing conditions requiring consumers to purchase a…
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Andrew Tate’s first serious interview since his release racks up 5 million views in just 24 hours
Internet personality Andrew Tate, known for his controversial statements and actions, has blown up YouTube with his first ‘proper’ interview since being released on house arrest alongside his brother, Tristan. And who better to conduct the interview, none other than the rising media superstar, Patrick Bet-David. Patrick and his Valuetainment media company were the first to interview Tate after being…
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Selangor reviews cancelling permanent positions for long-serving contract staff
The Selangor government in Malaysia has announced plans to review the decision to cancel the policy of appointing contract civil servants who have served for more than 15 years to permanent positions. Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said the matter would be discussed during the state government meeting this week, with the decision to be announced by the state secretary.…
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Foreigner found stabbed to death in Batu Kawan, Penang police investigate
A gruesome discovery was made recently in Taman Central Island Aspen, Batu Kawan, as the body of an unidentified man, believed to be a foreigner, was found with ten stab wounds. The Penang police received a call at 9:20am alerting them to the situation, and a team was promptly dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, the police discovered the lifeless…
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Klang River rubbish drops 63% since 2016, water quality improves
The Klang River in Malaysia has seen a significant decline in the amount of trash collected annually since 2016, according to Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. The water quality has also improved, moving from Class Four and Five to Class Two, and even reaching Class One during the rainy season. Odour issues have become…
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Nigeria’s CBN appoints Shonubi interim governor amid reforms
Nigeria’s Central Bank (CBN) has a new interim governor, Folashodun Shonubi, following the suspension and arrest of former Governor Godwin Emefiele. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cited an ongoing investigation and planned banking sector reforms as reasons for the change. The move has been well-received by investors and analysts, who view Shonubi’s appointment as a shift towards a more traditional economic…
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Belarus to receive Russian tactical nuclear weapons amid Ukraine conflict
Belarus is set to receive Russian tactical nuclear weapons in the coming days, as announced by President Alexander Lukashenko. The deployment comes shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the weapons would be stationed in Belarus on July 7-8. Lukashenko expressed his readiness to host the arms and emphasised that he would not hesitate to use them in response to…
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Sainsbury’s and Asda ordered to end unlawful land agreements by CMA
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has directed Sainsbury’s and Asda to cease using “unlawful” land agreements that may have hindered rival supermarkets from opening stores nearby. The regulator claims that such practices could have limited consumer choice and access to lower grocery prices. Both Sainsbury’s and Asda have downplayed the breaches, describing them as “technical” and not detrimental to…
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IOPC investigates police conduct in fatal Cardiff e-bike crash
An investigation is underway concerning the conduct of two police officers prior to a fatal bike crash in Cardiff that resulted in the deaths of two teenage boys and subsequent rioting. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has issued gross misconduct notices to the driver and passenger of a police van that was seen following the boys on an…
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UK heatwave continues amid thunderstorm alerts and calls for rain
The United Kingdom is currently experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 28C in certain regions, according to the Met Office. A heatwave is classified as three consecutive days where daily maximum temperatures meet or exceed the heatwave temperature threshold. These thresholds differ by county, with the highest being 28C in and around London, and the lowest at 25C…
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Two South Wales officers face misconduct notices over fatal electric bike crash
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has issued gross misconduct notices to two South Wales Police officers involved in a tragic incident in Cardiff. The officers were in a marked van when they followed an electric bike ridden by Kyrees Sullivan, 16 years old, and Harvey Evans, 15 years old, before it crashed on Snowden Road, resulting in the…
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Malaysia plans National Disease Control Centre to tackle future health crises
In response to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Malaysia’s Health Ministry has announced plans to establish a National Disease Control Centre (NDCC). The information was released in a Health White Paper published on the Parliament’s website. The NDCC aims to enhance the country’s preparedness and ability to respond rapidly to potential public health crises in the future. The…
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Cyclone Biparjoy threatens India and Pakistan, forcing evacuations and port closures
The first severe cyclone of the year is set to hit India and Pakistan this week, with both nations preparing for the impact of Cyclone Biparjoy as it advances from the Arabian Sea towards their coastal regions. The cyclone is targeting Pakistan’s southern Sindh province and the western Indian state of Gujarat, with major cities and ports in both countries…
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Muslim families flee Purola amid far-right Hindu groups’ threats
In the north Indian town of Purola, Muslim families have been forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods following threats from far-right Hindu groups. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, both affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, issued these threats after an alleged kidnapping attempt involving a 14-year-old Hindu girl on May 26. The incident led to accusations of…
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UN chief backs global AI watchdog amid disinformation concerns
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in spreading disinformation and hate, supporting the proposal for an international watchdog to monitor the technology. Guterres highlighted the risks AI poses to democracy and human rights during the launch of a new policy on disinformation. The Secretary-General endorsed the idea of creating a watchdog…
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Nine injured in Denver shooting after Nuggets’ NBA title win
In Denver, Colorado, a shooting has left at least nine people injured, with three of them in critical condition. The incident occurred around 12:30am on Tuesday, not far from Ball Arena, where the Denver Nuggets had just won their first NBA title. The Denver Police Department confirmed that a suspect was shot and is now in custody. The police department…
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Denver Nuggets clinch first NBA title, Jokic named Finals MVP
The long wait is over for the Denver Nuggets as they clinched their maiden NBA championship, overcoming the Miami Heat in a thrilling 94-89 victory. This marks the end of a 47-season pursuit for the coveted title for the franchise. Nikola Jokic, the Serbian sensation, played an instrumental role in the Nuggets’ triumph, contributing 28 points and 16 rebounds in…
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Ukraine intensifies counteroffensive, reclaims territory from Russian forces
Ukraine’s forces have demonstrated their prowess in masking strategic intentions, keeping the Russian military guessing with feints, disinformation, and troop shuffling. As the summer season progresses, Kyiv’s forces are intensifying their counteroffensive, achieving some notable successes. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently praised the troops for liberating territory from Russian occupiers, with at least seven villages reclaimed, according to Ukrainian officials. As…
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Mother jailed for late-stage abortion ignites UK law reform debate
In a controversial case that has sparked a heated debate, a 44-year-old mother of three has been sentenced to 28 months in prison for procuring an abortion beyond the 24-week legal limit in the UK. The woman obtained the abortion pills through the post during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 when in-person services were limited due to social distancing measures.…
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UK COVID-19 inquiry begins, scrutinising pandemic response and impact
The United Kingdom’s COVID-19 inquiry has commenced its main hearings, scrutinising the nation’s handling of the pandemic that led to one of the highest global death tolls. Heather Hallett, the chairwoman of the inquiry, emphasised the importance of acknowledging the suffering and loss experienced by many during her opening statement on Tuesday. The inquiry was initiated by former Prime Minister…
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AI extinction risk warning: 350 experts urge human rights-based approach
The Center for AI Safety recently issued a public warning, signed by over 350 scientists, business executives, and public figures, stating that mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority, alongside other societal scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war. Notably, some signatories, including the CEOs of Google DeepMind and OpenAI, represent companies responsible for…
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NSW bus crash: 10 dead, 20 injured after wedding party tragedy
A bus crash in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has left 10 people dead and at least 20 injured, as the driver, Brett Andrew Button, 58, allegedly drove too fast in foggy conditions. The passengers were returning from a wedding on Sunday when the accident occurred near the town of Greta. Many of the victims were members of local rural…
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Man on trial for murdering 3 women, blaming them for ruined career
A trial has commenced in France for Gabriel Fortin, a 48-year-old man accused of murdering three women he believed were responsible for ruining his career. Fortin was apprehended in 2021 in Valence, where two human resources managers who had played a part in his dismissal years prior were shot and killed. The third victim was employed at a job centre.…
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Sgt Ratana murder suspect expresses sadness, denies intent in court
A 25-year-old man, Louis De Zoysa, accused of murdering Metropolitan Police custody sergeant Matiu Ratana, has expressed his sadness over the officer’s death during a trial. De Zoysa admitted that CCTV footage captured him firing a gun at 54-year-old Sgt Ratana, who was shot at Croydon custody centre on September 25, 2020. Despite acknowledging the act of shooting, De Zoysa…
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Scottish junior doctors to strike over rejected 14.5% pay rise proposal
Scottish junior doctors plan to strike following their rejection of a pay increase proposed by the Scottish government. BMA Scotland announced that unless a better offer is made, a three-day strike will occur between July 12 and 15. The government’s proposal included a 14.5% pay rise over two years, which they claimed was the best offer in the UK. However,…
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