World News
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Sponsored Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
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AI discrimination more pressing than human extinction, says EU competition chief
The European Union’s competition chief, Margrethe Vestager, has highlighted discrimination as a more urgent concern than human extinction in the development of artificial intelligence (AI). In an interview with the BBC, Vestager emphasised the need for “guardrails” to counter the technology’s risks, particularly in areas where AI is used for decision-making that can impact livelihoods, such as mortgage applications. The…
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Instant Brands files for bankruptcy amid $1bn liabilities, weak demand
Instant Brands, the company behind Pyrex glassware and Instant Pot multicookers, has filed for bankruptcy protection, citing liabilities of up to US$1bn. The firm attributes its financial troubles to high interest rates and weak demand. With over 2,400 employees, Instant Brands plans to continue operations while restructuring the business. This follows a warning from fellow kitchenware brand Tupperware in April,…
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Berlusconi’s death leaves €6bn empire, Forza Italia’s future uncertain
The passing of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has left the nation in mourning, with a state funeral being held in Milan’s grand cathedral. This level of tribute, usually reserved for popes, war heroes, and serving ministers, demonstrates the impact of Berlusconi’s life on Italy. The media mogul and political leader leaves behind a vast empire and a powerful…
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Putin claims Ukrainian losses ‘catastrophic’, Zelensky denies failing counter-offensive
Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, has stated that the Ukrainian counter-offensive has been largely unsuccessful, with the Ukrainian army experiencing significant losses. He claimed that Kyiv’s losses were nearing a “catastrophic” level during a meeting with war correspondents. However, this information has not been verified, and Ukrainian President Zelensky has denied that the counter-offensive is failing. “There is movement forward,”…
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Baleh hydroelectric project on track for 2028 despite pandemic delays
The Baleh hydroelectric project, a 1,285MW dam in Kapit, Sarawak, is on track to commence operations by 2028, according to Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg. The construction is expected to be completed within the next three to four years, despite some delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and worker-related issues. “Our schedule for the dam to be completed is in…
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Israeli soldiers avoid prosecution over Palestinian-American’s death
The Israeli military has decided not to criminally prosecute the soldiers involved in the death of Omar Assad, an 80-year-old Palestinian-American, who passed away in January 2022 after being detained at a West Bank checkpoint. Instead, the soldiers will only face disciplinary measures. Palestinian leaders had called for the soldiers to be prosecuted in an international court. Omar Assad, a…
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Trump dismisses charges over mishandling classified documents as abuse of power
Former US President Donald Trump has dismissed the federal charges brought against him regarding his handling of classified documents, just hours after pleading not guilty at an arraignment in Miami, Florida. Trump faces 37 counts of concealing and mishandling classified documents. Addressing a crowd from his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, he labelled the case as the “most evil…
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Malaysia’s Health White Paper set for Dewan Rakyat debate
The Health White Paper, which includes a comprehensive policy on reforming Malaysia’s health system over 15 years, is set to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat. Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa will move the motion to table the paper after the winding up session for the debate on the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (Suhakam) annual report. The Health White…
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Six Malaysian states anticipate simultaneous polls in August
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has indicated that the state elections for Penang, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan could take place in August. The final decision on the election date rests with the Election Commission (EC), which has not yet provided a clear indicator. However, simultaneous polls are expected for all six states. Chow is scheduled to…
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MIC leader dismisses need for explanation on Sivarraajh’s CWC removal
An MIC leader has stated that there is no need for the party to provide an official explanation to former vice-president C. Sivarraajh regarding his removal from its central working committee (CWC). According to Free Malaysia Today, MIC information chief Thinalan Rajagopal claimed that there was no reason given when Sivarraajh joined the CWC in 2021, as it was the…
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Ukraine advances in counteroffensive, NATO pledges support, US announces US$325m aid
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised the progress of his troops as they advance near the city of Bakhmut in the east and on the southern front. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has also acknowledged Ukraine’s progress in its counteroffensive against Russia, promising increased support from NATO leaders in their upcoming meeting. In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that…
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Trump pleads not guilty amid showmanship and Republican unease
The indictment of Donald Trump unfolded in two distinct arenas on Tuesday afternoon – a federal courtroom in Florida and the realm of public opinion. Within the Miami courthouse, Trump and his legal representatives maintained a composed demeanor. A lawyer for the former president informed the judge that Trump was pleading not guilty to all charges. Discussions ensued regarding the…
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Essex Police warn of lethal opioid Etonitazene after Basildon deaths
A warning has been issued by Essex Police after the discovery of a potentially lethal synthetic opioid at the scene of two deaths in Basildon. A man and a woman, both in their 40s, were found dead at a property on Tuesday, with the presence of etonitazene identified at the scene. Etonitazene, also known as Pyro, is a synthetic opioid…
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Sarawak ministry mulls Tuak Festival to boost local culture, tourism
As part of its efforts to promote Sarawak culture, the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak is considering the idea of organising a “Tuak Festival.” The event, which may initially be held in Kuching, aims to showcase and promote tuak, a traditional rice wine of the Dayaks, and the culture of the state. Deputy Minister Datuk Sebastian…
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Manhunt for Indonesian escapees expands in Sarawak with 100 officers
A manhunt involving 100 police personnel, including members of the General Operations Force’s (GOF) Tiger Platoon, has been launched in Sarawak to locate two Indonesian men who escaped from the Tapah police station lockup. Sarawak police commissioner Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri announced that the search radius for the escapees, Kelvin, 21 years old, and Bony, 31 years old, has been…
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Sabah police probe handling of woman’s case before ex-lover’s alleged murder
Sabah police are investigating potential breaches of standards in the handling of a case involving a woman who was later allegedly killed by her ex-lover at a shopping mall. Police commissioner Jauteh Dikun stated that if the investigation reveals any shortcomings, disciplinary action will be taken against the officers involved. The family of Nurul Ain Silien, who was allegedly murdered…
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Trump faces federal charges, pleads not guilty to concealing classified documents
Former US President Donald Trump appeared in a Miami courtroom, facing criminal charges for the second time since leaving office. Trump, dressed in a blue suit and red tie, listened as prosecutors accused him of improperly possessing and concealing classified documents. This marks the first instance of a former president facing federal criminal charges. The courtroom did not permit cameras,…
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Trump pleads not guilty to 37 charges, supporters rally in Miami
Supporters of former US President Donald Trump gathered in Miami, Florida, as he pled not guilty to 37 charges of mishandling classified information. This indictment marks the first time a former US president has been federally prosecuted. Trump’s supporters rallied around the court, protesting the charges and claiming they are politically motivated to hinder his potential 2024 campaign. Last week,…
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New law grants police power to intervene in seriously disruptive protests
Parliament has approved a law granting police in England and Wales clearer authority to intervene in protests considered seriously disruptive. The House of Lords passed the new regulations, despite opposition from some peers. The law allows officers to take action when protesters attempt to block roads through slow marching, a tactic employed by groups such as Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop…
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Umno’s decline signals political shift, coalition method future of Malaysia
The declining support for Malaysia’s United Malays National Organisation (Umno) has been evident since the 12th general election in 2008, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. According to Syaza Syukri, an assistant professor of political science at International Islamic University Malaysia, the 2008 election signalled the beginning of a “political tsunami” that has continued to impact Umno’s…
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Press Secretary faces Hatch Act scrutiny for mega MAGA remarks
In a recent development, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faces scrutiny for violating the Hatch Act, a law that limits political activity by federal employees. The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) has accused Jean-Pierre of using her official capacity to influence the outcome of an election by referring to “mega MAGA Republicans” during press briefings before the November 2022…
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Cormac McCarthy dies aged 89, leaving legacy of dark tales
Renowned American author Cormac McCarthy, celebrated for his gripping and often dark tales of the US frontier and post-apocalyptic worlds, has passed away at the age of 89. McCarthy’s death was due to natural causes at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as confirmed by his son John McCarthy and publisher Penguin Random House. Cormac McCarthy’s unique writing style…
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Bunge and Glencore-backed Viterra to merge, creating $34bn agri-trade giant
The global agricultural trading sector is set to see a major transformation as US grains merchants Bunge and Glencore-backed Viterra plan to merge, creating a $34bn giant, including debt. This deal, announced on Tuesday, will bring the combined company closer to leading rivals Archer-Daniels-Midland and Cargill, valuing both Bunge and Viterra at approximately $17bn each. Bunge, already the world’s largest…
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NATO summit prioritises Ukraine support, Indo-Pacific ties, and defence spending
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has discussed key topics for the upcoming alliance summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, during a meeting with top US officials at the White House. Stoltenberg, who will step down as secretary general in September, highlighted NATO’s commitment to support Ukraine and strengthen deterrence on defence at the summit. Stoltenberg also emphasised the importance of sending a strong…
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US lawmakers urge relocating US-Africa summit over South Africa-Russia ties
A group of American legislators has urged for the relocation of the upcoming US-Africa trade summit, initially set to take place in South Africa later this year. The lawmakers cited concerns over South Africa’s “deepening military relationship” with Russia as the reason for their request. In a letter addressed to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other high-ranking officials,…
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Putin hints at Ukraine sanitary zone amid escalating border attacks
Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted at the possibility of expanding military operations in Ukraine to safeguard Russian territory on the border. This comes as Ukrainian forces report progress in their counteroffensive against Russian troops. Putin shared his perspective on the conflict during an open meeting with military journalists and bloggers, revealing that Ukraine has allegedly lost 160 tanks and…
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Trump pleads not guilty to charges over classified documents
Former US President Donald Trump has entered a not guilty plea in response to criminal charges alleging he unlawfully retained classified documents after leaving the White House. The 37 charges against him include obstructing the government’s attempts to retrieve the files. Prosecutors are pushing for a swift trial now that Trump has made his court appearance; however, legal experts suggest…
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Malaysia seeks Interpol help to find comedian over MH370 joke
Malaysia is seeking assistance from Interpol in locating a New York-based comedian who made a joke about the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. Jocelyn Chia, a US national who was raised in Singapore, is being investigated under laws related to incitement and offensive online content, according to the police. The joke she posted online last week sparked an official protest…
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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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