Month: June 2023
- World News
Pakistan aims for $50bn budget to tackle economic crisis, unlock IMF funds
Pakistan’s government is set to present its annual budget, focusing on the nation’s precarious economic situation and the upcoming national elections. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar plans to propose a budget exceeding 14 trillion rupees (US$50bn), aiming for a 3.5% growth and a reduction in inflation to 21% from a record 38%. The government also hopes to generate over 9 trillion…
Read More » - World News
US-Mexico border robot dogs escalate AI-driven surveillance threat
The US Department of Homeland Security’s announcement last year of deploying “robot dogs” along the US-Mexico border has raised concerns about the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in border security operations. The programme aims to enhance the presence of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and reduce human exposure to life-threatening hazards in the harsh Southwest landscape. The growing…
Read More » - World News
UK net migration hits record high amid government efforts to reduce arrivals
Net migration to the United Kingdom has reached a record high, as the government grapples with reducing the number of arrivals. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) disclosed that 606,000 people arrived in 2022, marking a 24% increase compared to the previous year. In 2015, just before the Brexit referendum, net migration stood at approximately 330,000. Jay Lindop, director of…
Read More » - World News
Ukraine counter-offensive targets Zaporizhzhia to regain Sea of Azov access
Ukrainian forces have reportedly launched attacks against Russian troops in the strategic southern Zaporizhzhia region, according to Russian officials and military bloggers. The Ukrainian military, supported by tanks, artillery, and drones, is said to be pushing south of the town of Orikhiv for a second consecutive night. A high-ranking Ukrainian defence official claimed that their enemy was in an “active…
Read More » - World News
Teen arrested after serious assault at Devon private school
A violent assault at Blundell’s School in Tiverton, Devon, has left three individuals, including two students, in hospital with serious injuries. Local authorities have assured parents that the incident was isolated and that there is no wider risk to the community. A 16-year-old boy from Tiverton has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Superintendent Antony…
Read More » - World News
Labour MP Bambos Charalambous suspended amid conduct complaint
Labour MP Bambos Charalambous has been suspended from his position as shadow minister following a complaint regarding his conduct. The Labour Party has initiated an investigation after receiving a formal complaint through their internal process. Charalambous acknowledged the allegation on Twitter, stating that it is essential for the Labour Party to conduct a proper investigation.
Read More » - World News
Mirror newspapers apologise to Nikki Sanderson for hiring private investigators
Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) has issued a court apology to former Coronation Street actress Nikki Sanderson after admitting to using private investigators to obtain stories about her. The publisher’s barrister expressed their “unequivocal apologies” and assured that such actions would not happen again. Sanderson is currently pursuing a High Court case against the newspapers, seeking damages for 37 articles published…
Read More » - World News
Osborne’s advisory firm involved in $75bn Activision-Microsoft deal
The advisory firm Robey Warshaw, where former chancellor George Osborne is a partner, has secured a significant role in the US$75 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft. Robey Warshaw, established by British investment bankers Sir Simon Robey and Simon Warshaw, has been enlisted to advise the Call of Duty developer, Activision. Although the firm’s involvement in the takeover has…
Read More » - World News
Arrest made after huge fire engulfs historic Newcastle building
A suspect has been apprehended in connection with a massive fire that engulfed Henderson Old Hall, a grade II-listed building in Heaton, Newcastle. The structure, which was previously used as student accommodation by Newcastle University, is now vacant. The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) deployed 54 firefighters, 10 fire engines, and two drones to extinguish the blaze.…
Read More » - World News
Nurse denies affair amid trial for murdering seven babies at neonatal unit
Lucy Letby, a 33-year-old nurse facing allegations of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder ten more at the Countess of Chester’s Neonatal Unit between June 2015 and June 2016, has denied having an affair with a married colleague following her suspension from work. In June 2016, after two triplet boys died and another boy collapsed, Letby was suspended and…
Read More » - World News
University of Manchester suffers cyberattack, data likely copied
The University of Manchester has experienced a cyberattack on its computer systems, with data believed to have been copied by the perpetrators. The specifics of the accessed information remain unclear, but staff and students have been advised to remain vigilant for any suspicious emails. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and National Crime Agency are among the organisations collaborating with…
Read More » - World News
Labour frontbencher suspended amid behaviour complaint investigation
Shadow foreign minister Bambos Charalambous has been suspended from the Labour Party following a complaint about his behaviour, according to reports. The Enfield Southgate MP has been “administratively suspended” pending an investigation, which means he has lost the whip and will now sit in the Commons as an independent MP. Charalambous acknowledged the allegation and expressed his intention to cooperate…
Read More » - World News
Teen dies of undetected heart condition at West Lothian school
Police Scotland has confirmed that the 14-year-old boy who collapsed on the grounds of St Kentigern’s Academy in West Lothian, Hamdan Aslam, died from natural causes. Emergency services were called to the scene on Tuesday afternoon, and Hamdan was rushed to the hospital, where he later passed away. A post-mortem examination revealed that the cause of death was natural, and…
Read More » - World News
Three seriously injured in assault at £41,325-a-year Devon private school
A serious assault at Blundell’s School, a private institution in Tiverton, Devon, has left two students and another individual with significant injuries. Authorities responded to the incident at approximately 1am on Friday, June 9, after receiving reports of an attack on the school grounds. A 16-year-old boy from Tiverton has been apprehended on suspicion of three counts of causing grievous…
Read More » - World News
Umno amends constitution to streamline new membership applications
The Umno Special General Assembly has recently approved amendments to the party constitution, focusing on membership-related matters to simplify the process for new applicants. The amendments encompass three primary clauses, including Clauses 5, 10, and 18, which address membership registration and the Supreme Council’s (MT) responsibilities. Umno permanent chairman Badruddin Amiruldin announced the unanimous approval. Earlier, Umno vice-president Mohamed Khaled…
Read More » - World News
Malaysia to launch nationwide babysitter database for parents
The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) in Malaysia has announced plans to create a database of registered babysitters to help parents make informed decisions when selecting childcare providers. Currently, there is no centralised platform for parents to access information about daycare centres and registered babysitters. Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, the minister of KPWKM, acknowledged that parents often rely…
Read More » - World News
Malaysia rakes in RM421m from mining royalties, no export duty imposed
The Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change in Malaysia has revealed that there is no specific agreement in place for the mining industry between the federal government, state governments or mining operators. Despite this, the ministry has expressed its willingness to collaborate and offer advisory services to state governments for the development of the mineral industry. The mineral…
Read More » - World News
Two men arrested for trafficking cannabis via taxi and public transport
Two local men have been arrested in Petaling Jaya for their alleged involvement in trafficking four kilograms of cannabis via taxi, e-hailing service, and public transport. The arrests took place on June 6 during two separate raids. The first suspect, a 41-year-old taxi driver believed to be responsible for transporting the drugs in the Kelana Jaya area, was apprehended at…
Read More » - World News
GPS open to supporting allies in six Peninsular Malaysia state elections
Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general Alexander Nanta Linggi has not ruled out the possibility of the party supporting coalition members in the unity government during campaigns in six state elections in Peninsular Malaysia. Although GPS is not directly involved in these polls, Linggi stated that the party would not mind assisting as Sarawak is on friendly terms with the Pakatan…
Read More » - World News
Umno urged to rebrand for future relevance and regain public trust
Delegates at the Umno General Assembly 2023 have called for the party to rebrand itself and focus on future goals, rather than dwelling on past achievements. Bukit Gantang division head Mohammad Sollehin Mohamad Tajie emphasised the need for Umno to remain relevant and avoid becoming outdated during a debate session at the assembly. Fairul Nizam Roslan, head of the Alor…
Read More » - World News
Man leaves after woman brings 23 relatives on first date, takes legal action
A Chinese man was left shocked and out of pocket after his blind date brought 23 relatives to the restaurant. The woman, Ms Zhang, later sued her date, Mr Liu, to recover the hefty bill for the meal. Mr Liu from Jilin Province, China, met Ms Zhang through a chaperone and arranged to have their first date at a restaurant…
Read More » - World News
Jealous Indian man stabs girlfriend 18 times in Malaysian condo
In a tragic incident, an Indian woman was fatally stabbed by her boyfriend in a condominium in Kelana Jaya, Malaysia. The 30-year-old suspect, also an Indian national, was apprehended after being caught trespassing on train tracks by an Express Rail Link (ERL) auxiliary police team. Upon further questioning, he confessed to killing his 40-year-old girlfriend on June 2, suspecting she…
Read More » - World News
Sabak Bernam plan attracts RM1.9bn investment for northern Selangor development
The Sabak Bernam Development Area (Sabda) plan has the potential to attract RM1.9 billion in investments for the development of northern Selangor, particularly in the district, according to Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari. He stated that the six development projects, which cover 1,317 hectares, are expected to create 3,600 high-income jobs for local residents. The projects include the Smart Selangor Agro…
Read More » - World News
Rohingya refugees demand repatriation amid food aid cuts in Bangladesh camps
Tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are calling for repatriation to Myanmar, seeking to escape the dire conditions in the camps where they have resided since fleeing a brutal military crackdown in 2017. Over a million Rohingya live in these camps in southeastern Bangladesh, constituting the largest refugee settlement in the world. The World Food Programme reduced the…
Read More » - World News
Everest’s deadliest season blamed on cold weather and inexperienced climbers
Mount Everest has experienced one of its deadliest climbing seasons, with experts attributing the increased danger to extreme weather, safety shortcuts, and inexperienced foreign climbers. As the final search and rescue teams leave the area and Base Camp is dismantled, experienced climbers believe that several of the 17 fatalities and missing persons could have been avoided. “This season was very…
Read More » - Things To Do
What to do in Bangkok this weekend (9-11 June)
In need of some weekend adventure in Bangkok? Get ready for this weekend’s activities, including an exciting pride cruise, a few inspiring live performances, a digital art exhibition, and more. Let’s have another memorable weekend! Things to do in Bangkok this weekend (June 9-11) 1. Pride Cruise #7 An extravaganza celebrating pride will take place for two days in the…
Read More » - Thailand News
Thai nurse harassed by patient: ex-politician behind the threat
A Thai nurse faced verbal threats and ridicule from a patient, sharing her concerns about the lack of support from her superiors on social media. However, a Nursing Council member recommended reporting the incident to authorities and reassessing her work environment. In a viral post, the nurse shared her frustration about receiving verbal abuse from a male patient. She expressed…
Read More » - World News
Messi’s Inter Miami move skyrockets ticket sales and social media
Excitement surrounding Lionel Messi’s potential move to Inter Miami has led to a massive surge in the club’s social media following and ticket sales. The Argentinian football legend’s announcement that he plans to join the Major League Soccer team after leaving Paris Saint-Germain has caused a frenzy among fans. In less than 24 hours following the news, Inter Miami’s Instagram…
Read More » - Thailand News
Size matters: Hospital’s warns of penis enlargement dangers after man’s member gets infected
Nakhonping Hospital, situated in the northern province of Chiang Mai, recently issued a warning to men seeking penis enlargement treatments following a distressing incident involving a Burmese man who resorted to using a steel ring in hopes of increasing his size. In a Facebook post shared by the hospital today, it was revealed that a 29 year old Burmese man…
Read More » - World News
Tesco reported to watchdog over unclear Clubcard unit pricing
Tesco, one of the UK’s leading supermarkets, has been reported to the competition watchdog by consumer group Which? due to concerns surrounding its Clubcard pricing. The Tesco Clubcard loyalty scheme offers members discounted prices on a range of products. However, Which? argues that the supermarket fails to provide clear unit pricing for these deals, making it difficult for shoppers to…
Read More » - World News
Windfall tax suspension possible for energy firms amid falling oil prices
The UK government has declared its intention to suspend the windfall tax on oil and gas companies if prices return to normal levels for a sustained period. This move would reduce the overall tax rate on energy firms from 75% to 40%. The windfall tax was introduced last year to fund a scheme aimed at reducing energy bills for households…
Read More » - World News
Windfall tax to end in 2028 if oil and gas prices drop
The UK government has announced plans to terminate the windfall tax on exceptional oil and gas profits in 2028, provided that prices decrease. This decision comes after fossil fuel corporations warned of reduced investments. The windfall tax, which accounts for 75% of North Sea oil and gas production profits, will persist for the next five years. However, if prices drop…
Read More » - World News
Labour scales back £28bn green plan, citing economic instability
The Labour Party has scaled back its ambitious £28bn green prosperity plan, attributing the change to increasing interest rates and the economic “damage” caused by the Conservatives. Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasised the importance of prioritising “economic stability, financial stability.” Initially, the party had committed to investing £28bn annually to expedite the transition towards net-zero emissions by 2050. However, Reeves…
Read More » - World News
Anwar Ibrahim objects to court questioning royal pardon
Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, has opposed an application filed by Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor in the High Court, which seeks to determine several legal questions regarding the royal pardon granted to Anwar five years ago. Anwar asserts that the application, concerning the royal pardon he received from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on May 16, 2018, is beyond…
Read More » - World News
Umno Youth submits memorandum to US ambassador over comedian Jocelyn Chia’s remarks
Umno Youth, a Malaysian political organisation, has submitted a memorandum to the US Ambassador to Malaysia, Brian D. McFeeters, protesting against stand-up comedian Jocelyn Chia. The group’s chief, Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, is urging the US government to investigate the incident and take appropriate action. In an official letter to the US ambassador, Dr Akmal stated, “I appreciate your attention…
Read More » - World News
Binance.US suspends dollar deposits, braces for fiat withdrawal halt
Crypto exchange Binance.US has announced the suspension of US dollar deposits and the potential halt of fiat dollar withdrawal channels, just days after the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a lawsuit against Binance and its CEO Changpeng Zhao. In response to the regulatory pressure, Binance.US is taking proactive steps to transition to a crypto-only exchange for the time…
Read More » - Crime News
Lopburi fraud: Thai philanthropist scams locals for millions
Residents of Lopburi province have reported a well-known local entrepreneur for allegedly defrauding them of millions of baht under the guise of a charitable investor. The victims claim they were lured into investing and purchasing shares in the perpetrator’s ventures, but were left with unpaid debts and empty promises. Today, knowing the businessman by his work in the community and…
Read More »
