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- World News
UK expands pardon scheme for same-sex convictions to include women
The UK government has expanded its Disregards and Pardons Scheme, enabling women convicted of offences relating to same-sex activity to apply for the removal of their convictions. Launched in 2012 for England and Wales, the scheme initially only applied to men and specific offences. Now, anyone convicted or cautioned under former laws related to same-sex activity can submit an application.…
- World News
Malaysia to replace nearly expired Covid vaccines with 2.7m new doses
Malaysia is set to receive 2.7 million doses of the new generation bivalent Covid-19 vaccines to replace the nearly expired stock held by the Ministry of Health (MoH). Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni revealed that, based on current data, only 2.5% of the population have received the second booster shot, leading to the possibility of having to dispose of…
- World News
Malaysia targets 200 firms for 20,000 school leavers’ skills programme
The Malaysian government is targeting the participation of 200 companies in its Academy in Industry programme by the end of this year. The initiative aims to train 20,000 school leavers and equip them with the necessary skills to become skilled workers. Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli explained that the programme will provide Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) school-leavers with 18 months of…
- World News
Sarawak deputy minister proposes film academy to boost local talent
The possibility of establishing a film academy in Sarawak has been proposed by the deputy minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Sebastian Ting. The idea aims to encourage skilled Sarawakians to venture into the film industry and provide them with diplomas or certificates upon graduation. During a press conference on the Sixth Asean International Film Festival and…
- World News
Hay fever advice page visits triple as UK pollen count soars
A surge in hay fever sufferers seeking advice on the NHS website has been recorded, with over 122,650 visitors last week as pollen counts reached some of the highest levels this year. According to NHS England, the number of weekly visitors to the hay fever advice pages has tripled in the past five weeks, with the site receiving one visit…
- World News
COVID inquiry begins: Baroness Hallett vows to focus on 226,000 victims
The COVID inquiry is set to commence its initial public hearings today, with Baroness Hallett, a retired judge and the inquiry’s chair, delivering an opening statement. The hearings will also feature a film containing testimonies from grieving families, which has been deemed challenging to view. Baroness Hallett has pledged to centre the investigation around the 226,000 pandemic victims when examining…
- World News
Mother jailed for illegal 32-week abortion using lockdown postal pills
A 44-year-old mother of three has been sentenced to over two years in prison for inducing an abortion beyond the legal limit. Carla Foster obtained medication through a “pills by post” scheme introduced during the lockdown, which allows pregnancies up to 10 weeks to be terminated at home. Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard that Foster was between 32-34 weeks pregnant when…
- World News
Youth-led climate case in Montana could set precedent for US government
A groundbreaking youth-led climate case is set to commence on Monday in Helena, Montana, marking the first time such a case has reached trial in the United States. Held v State of Montana involves 16 plaintiffs, aged between five and 22 years old, who claim that Montana’s promotion of a fossil fuel-reliant energy system breaches their right to a clean…
- World News
Canadian judge quits over misconduct claims from Arizona resort incident
A Canadian Supreme Court justice has resigned from his position following allegations of misconduct, according to the Canadian Justice Council. Justice Russel Brown was accused of being involved in a drunken altercation at an Arizona resort in January, where he allegedly harassed a female guest. Brown, who has denied the allegations, has been on leave since February. The retirement concludes…
- World News
I-95 collapse: Body found, Philadelphia motorway repairs to take months
A body has been recovered from the wreckage of a section of the I-95 motorway in Philadelphia, which collapsed following a petrol lorry fire on Sunday, according to Pennsylvania State Police. The identity of the body, handed over to the Philadelphia County Medical Examiner on Monday, remains unknown. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has declared a state of emergency to speed…
- World News
Ukraine aims to sever Russia-Crimea link, faces fortified defences
Ukrainian forces are determined to drive out the Russian army from their land, focusing on the strategic area between the city of Zaporizhzhia and the Sea of Azov. This “land corridor” connects Russia to the illegally annexed Crimea, and if Ukraine can successfully split it, it would cut off Russian troops in the west and make it difficult to resupply…
- World News
Ex-Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi dies at 86, national mourning declared
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who held office four times despite numerous scandals, has passed away at the age of 86. He was being treated at the San Raffaele hospital in Milan for a lung infection related to leukaemia. Italy’s defence minister announced that Berlusconi’s death leaves a “huge void” in the country, with a national day of mourning…
- World News
Elderly man investigated for fatally shooting British girl, 11, in France
A 71-year-old man, Dirk Raats, is being investigated for murder after the fatal shooting of an 11-year-old British girl, Solaine Thornton, in France. The incident took place on Saturday evening while Solaine was playing on a swing in her garden. Raats, a neighbour, reportedly opened fire through a hedge after approaching within 10m of the girl’s father. The suspect had…
- World News
Police gain power to halt slow-walk protests, sparking authoritarianism fears
The UK House of Commons has granted police additional authority to address slow-walking protests, a decision that has sparked concerns about the government’s shift towards authoritarianism. The new measures, which redefine “serious disruption,” were approved by a majority of 60 votes. Home Secretary Suella Braverman claims that these changes will enable law enforcement to better manage harmful protests and clarify…
- World News
Bath stabbing: 16-year-old Mikey Roynon identified as victim
Police have identified the 16-year-old boy who was fatally stabbed in Bath on Saturday as Mikey Roynon from Kingswood. Emergency services discovered the teenager at an address on Eastfield Avenue, where he was pronounced dead. A post-mortem examination revealed that he succumbed to a single stab wound. Eight teenagers, who were arrested on a bus within 30 minutes of the…
- World News
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…
- World News
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…
- World News
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…
- World News
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…
- World News
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…
- World News
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,…
- World News
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…
- World News
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…
- World News
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…
- World News
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,…
- World News
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…
- World News
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…
- World News
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…
- International Education
Regents International School Pattaya: Empowering students through world-class partnerships
Press Release Innovation, adaptability, and credibility are valuable qualities of any educational institution and Regents International School Pattaya has exhibited these qualities by showing miraculous growth and progress over the past 25+ years. With Regents’ consistent implementation and efforts to improve its education curriculum, the school has been able to secure some of the best collaborations in the world, putting…