Month: June 2023
- World News
EU mulls €1bn Tunisia loan to tackle economy and refugee influx
The European Union is considering a loan of over 1 billion euros to Tunisia, with the majority designated as “macro-financial assistance” aimed at rescuing the nation’s struggling economy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the potential package during her visit to Tunisia, accompanied by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. The EU’s efforts…
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Pakistanis in UK protest for free elections and Khan’s release
A throng of around 200 individuals assembled outside the Houses of Parliament in London on Sunday, displaying placards and green, black, and red flags. The slogan “Aaj nahi, to kub? [If not today, then when?]” reverberated through loudspeakers across Westminster, accompanied by well-known Pakistani tunes. The demonstration was arranged by Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members, a political party established in 1996 by…
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Berlusconi dies at 86: Controversial ex-Italian PM leaves mixed legacy
Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s former prime minister who recently passed away at 86 years old, was a controversial figure known for his political career, business empire, and numerous scandals. Throughout his life, he made headlines with his flamboyant personality and memorable quotes. In 2006, Berlusconi claimed to be the “Jesus Christ of politics,” stating that he sacrificed himself for everyone. He…
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Surrey financial analyst jailed for bomb-making and terrorism offences
A 50-year-old financial analyst from Redhill, Surrey, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for terrorism offences after his laptop, containing a self-written manifesto and bomb manuals, was discovered by a computer repair shop. Asad Bhatti, who previously worked as a senior financial analyst for Legal and General, had also rented a storage unit where chemicals, circuitry, a homemade…
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Met Police spends £4.5m tackling daily Just Stop Oil protests
The Metropolitan Police has spent over £4.5m in the past six weeks dealing with Just Stop Oil (JSO) protests, which have been occurring daily since April 24. The demonstrations, part of an ongoing campaign of civil resistance, have disrupted events such as the Chelsea Flower Show, Gallagher Premiership final, and World Snooker Championship. The police force has had to allocate…
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Jodie Comer wins Tony, National Theatre Live sets UK record
Prima Facie star Jodie Comer has claimed the Tony Award for best leading actress, marking her first Broadway role. The National Theatre Live’s cinema version of the play set a new record as the top-grossing event cinema release in the UK and Ireland. Comer described her victory as “surreal” and dedicated it to playwright Suzie Miller, who she said was…
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Motorbike hit-and-run leaves mum, baby injured in southeast London
Images of a motorbike rider have been released by the police following a hit-and-run crash that left a 29-year-old mother and her 18-month-old baby injured. The incident occurred on Eltham Hill in southeast London, where the baby, who was in a buggy at the time, sustained life-changing injuries. Both mother and child were taken to a south London hospital, and…
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Heathrow security staff delay strikes as new pay offer considered
Heathrow Airport’s security staff have delayed their planned strikes for next weekend, as Unite, the union representing them, considers a new pay offer. The security personnel at the UK’s largest airport had previously announced an escalation of strike action, with walkouts scheduled for almost every weekend from mid-June until the end of August. The strikes planned for June 24 and…
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National Eisteddfod excludes rapper Sage Todz over bilingual lyrics
The National Eisteddfod, an annual Welsh cultural festival, has defended its decision to exclude rapper Sage Todz from performing due to his bilingual use of Welsh and English lyrics. The festival has maintained a Welsh language-only policy throughout its history. Sage Todz expressed his disappointment on Twitter, stating that there was “too much English” in his songs for the event’s…
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Malaysia’s Parliament debates Human Rights Commission report for first time
For the first time, the Annual Report of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) was debated by Members of Parliament in the Dewan Rakyat. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Law and Institutional Reform, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, stated that the purpose of the debate was to enable a mature discussion to strengthen human rights protection. Azalina…
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JP Morgan settles Epstein lawsuit, regrets 15-year relationship
JP Morgan has reached a preliminary agreement to settle a lawsuit involving alleged victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The bank’s attorneys stated that the settlement serves the best interests of all parties, particularly the survivors who suffered from Epstein’s horrific abuse. The lawsuit claimed that the largest US bank disregarded warning signs about its client during a 15-year…
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Malaysia deputy minister stresses media literacy amid citizen journalism surge
Media literacy is an essential skill for today’s news consumers, according to Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Teo Nie Ching. As information is now widely accessible, and individuals can easily become citizen journalists or content creators on social media platforms, the ability to discern accurate information is crucial. Teo Nie Ching emphasised the importance of the public learning how…
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Malaysia studies rail service revamp for enhanced governance and competitiveness
The Malaysian government is currently conducting a feasibility study to determine the future direction of multiple rail service operators in the country. The Ministry of Transport (MoT) stated that the study aims to enhance the governance and framework of the existing railway model, covering financial, economic, operational, social, regulatory, and legal aspects. In response to a question posed by Wong…
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Malaysia police seek key witnesses in high-profile drug case
Johor police in Malaysia are currently searching for three local men who are considered crucial witnesses in a drug-related case at the High Court in Muar. The individuals in question are Muhammad Najib Somadin, 32 years old; Muhamad Zaki Johari, 40 years old; and Muhammad Diah Abas, 42 years old. Muhammad Najib’s last known residence was in Taman Cempaka 2,…
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Sabah set to control electricity supply with PM Anwar’s approval
Sabah’s Chief Minister Hajiji Noor announced that a special state assembly sitting is set to take place on January 3 next year, paving the way for Sabah to assume regulatory control of its electricity supply. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has given the green light for the transfer of regulatory power, which is expected to occur on January 1, 2024. To…
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Malaysia urged to end child detention, adopt alternatives for refugee welfare
In the Dewan Rakyat, the debate on the 2022 Annual Report of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) brought forward concerns regarding child welfare and the empowerment of children’s rights. Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman urged the government to put an end to the detention of refugee children and families by implementing initiatives such as the Alternative to Detention (ATD) pilot…
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Nigeria’s eurobonds surge after Central Bank Governor suspension
Nigeria’s sovereign dollar-denominated bonds experienced a significant increase as international investors reacted positively to the suspension of Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele. His tenure saw multiple exchange rates that failed to maintain a strong naira. The country’s eurobonds prices surged, with many issues reaching their highest values since late January. Longer-dated maturities, such as the 2049 maturity, witnessed the largest…
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Pakistan welcomes first Russian crude oil shipment amid economic crisis
Pakistan has welcomed its first shipment of Russian crude oil, marking a new chapter in the relationship between the two nations. The cargo, containing 45,000 metric tonnes of crude oil, arrived in Karachi, with an additional 50,000 metric tonnes expected later this week. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the arrival as a “transformative day” for the economically troubled country. As…
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Silvio Berlusconi dies at 86: Tributes pour in for Italy’s ex-PM
The passing of Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s former prime minister and business magnate, at the age of 86 has prompted an outpouring of tributes from political figures, sports icons, and global leaders. Berlusconi’s impact on Italian politics and his notoriety for financial and sex scandals have made him a divisive figure in the country’s history. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his…
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Dnipro River flooding escalates Russia-Ukraine tensions over dam destruction
The flooding of areas surrounding the Dnipro River has escalated tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as both nations point fingers at each other for the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam. Amidst the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been seeking support from NATO members in the form of weapons training and financing to strengthen Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia’s…
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Sunak denies Johnson’s request to ignore HOLAC’s Lords appointment advice
Rishi Sunak has claimed that Boris Johnson requested him to disregard the House of Lords Appointments Commission’s (HOLAC) recommendations regarding his resignation list appointments to the House of Lords. HOLAC has verified that it did not approve eight of the former prime minister’s nominations. Sunak stated that he declined Johnson’s request, as he believed it was not the right thing…
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Thunderstorms cause 109 easyJet cancellations, affecting 15,000 Gatwick passengers
Disruptions at Gatwick Airport have affected thousands of easyJet passengers, as a series of thunderstorms led to the cancellation of 55 flights on Monday, following the grounding of 54 flights on Sunday. Approximately 15,000 passengers have been impacted by the cancellations. EasyJet emphasised that the safety and wellbeing of its customers and crew are the top priority and that efforts…
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Scottish Highlands wildfires persist amid extended ‘very high’ warning
Wildfires continue to rage in the Scottish Highlands, with emergency crews working tirelessly since Saturday afternoon to extinguish the flames. The fire, which began near Daviot, south of Inverness, prompted local authorities to advise residents to stay indoors and keep their windows and doors shut to avoid smoke inhalation. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) initially deployed six appliances…
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B&Q endorses eco-friendly no-dig gardening to reduce CO2 emissions
B&Q has highlighted the environmental benefits of the “no-dig” gardening method, which is gaining popularity among gardeners. Tim Clapp, head of product range at Kingfisher, the parent company of B&Q, explained that the traditional practice of digging can be damaging to the environment and that there is a viable alternative. The “no-dig” movement was pioneered by British gardener Charles Dowding,…
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Sturgeon avoids suspension amid SNP funding investigation
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has announced that Nicola Sturgeon, its former leader, will not face suspension as police investigate the party’s funding and finances. Sturgeon, who remains an MSP, was arrested and questioned for seven hours before being released without charge. The SNP confirmed to Sky News that Sturgeon’s membership would not be revoked. First Minister Humza Yousaf responded…
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Woman arrested after two children found dead in Stoke-on-Trent
Two young children, aged seven and eleven, have been discovered dead in Stoke-on-Trent, leading to the arrest of a woman on suspicion of murder. The tragic incident unfolded after police initially responded to a stabbing report involving a man and a woman at a car wash on Campbell Road just after 2pm on Sunday. A man in his 40s was…
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Kuala Lumpur police seek key witness in anti-human trafficking trial
In Kuala Lumpur, police are seeking a crucial witness for a trial related to the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (Atipsom) 2007. Kajang district police chief Mohd Zaid Hassan announced that T. Sivakumar, whose last known address is No. 223 Jalan Tempua 6, Puchong Jaya, Selangor, is being sought to appear as a prosecution witness at the…
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Perak considers Penang’s request to purchase treated water supply
Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad confirmed that an application from Penang to purchase treated water from the state was received two months ago. The Perak Water Board (LAP) currently sells treated water to users in the Nibong Tebal area, situated adjacent to Parit Buntar, based on cubic meters. Saarani expressed readiness to discuss the matter with the Penang state government,…
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Nigeria’s petrol subsidy removal: President promises infrastructure investment
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the additional burden on citizens following the removal of a popular petrol subsidy, but emphasised that the decision will ultimately benefit the nation through investments in education, power supply, transport infrastructure, and healthcare. In a broadcast on Democracy Day, Tinubu stated that the subsidy had become increasingly expensive for the country, with the government…
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Saudi Arabia targets Chinese tourists to bolster Vision 2030 and diversify economy
The bond between Saudi Arabia and China continues to strengthen as Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 plan and Beijing pursues its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The collaboration between these two countries has grown significantly in recent years, with Saudi Arabia shifting its geoeconomic focus towards the East and China expanding its presence in the kingdom’s economy. The potential…
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Former Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi dies at 86, leaving controversial legacy
The passing of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi at the age of 86 marks the end of an era in Italian politics. Born in Milan on September 29, 1936, Berlusconi was a controversial figure known for his financial and sex scandals, but also for transforming the political landscape of Italy. Often compared to former US President Donald Trump, Berlusconi…
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Russia’s defence ministry signs contract with Chechen special forces
A recent contract signing between Russia’s defence ministry and the Akhmat group of Chechen special forces has raised eyebrows, as the paramilitary group is currently involved in the Kremlin’s offensive near Mariinka, in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. This development comes after Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of Russia’s Wagner group of private mercenaries, declined a similar contract offer. The signing…
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Sunak touts AI revolution in education, seeks UK as global hub
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has expressed enthusiasm for the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionise education by offering personalised learning for students. He believes AI could assist teachers in lesson planning and marking, reducing their workload, and comparing the impact of AI to having a personal tutor for each student. As schools and universities face the challenge of adapting…
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British man arrested scaling South Korea’s Lotte World Tower
A 24-year-old British man was apprehended by authorities on the 73rd floor of the Lotte World Tower in Seoul while attempting to scale the world’s fifth tallest building without safety ropes. The man, dressed in shorts, had been climbing South Korea’s tallest skyscraper for over an hour before he was intercepted on Monday and forced into a maintenance cradle, after…
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Malaysia tackles poverty-driven school dropouts with compulsory 11-year education
Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying has stated that poverty is a significant factor contributing to school dropouts, particularly among secondary school students in Malaysia. The Ministry of Education (MOE) has discovered that some students are unable to attend school as they must work to support their families financially. Addressing this social issue during a question and answer session at…
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Malaysia upholds 54.6% forest cover, exceeding 1992 Rio Summit pledge
Malaysia has successfully maintained over 50% of its land area as forest and tree cover for nearly three decades, according to Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Huang Tiong Sii. Currently, the nation’s forest cover stands at 54.6%, or 18.04 million hectares, demonstrating Malaysia’s commitment to preserving its natural environment. This pledge was made during the 1992…
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Malaysia amends Act 118 to tackle abandoned housing projects issue
The Malaysian government is working to amend the Housing Development (Control and Licensing) Act 1966 (Act 118) to address the issue of abandoned housing projects and safeguard the interests of homebuyers. Deputy Local Government Development Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir explained that, under the current legislation, liquidators appointed by the court to manage the affairs of a development cannot be…
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