Britain’s Princess Anne turns 75 with typically minimal fuss

LONDON: Princess Anne, the sister of British head of state King Charles III, turned 75 on Friday, with the famously straightforward royal eschewing any public celebration of her birthday. Queen Elizabeth II’s only daughter is reportedly set to mark the occasion privately, sailing around the Western Isles of Scotland with her husband Tim Laurence, a… Continue reading Britain’s Princess Anne turns 75 with typically minimal fuss

MyKad revolutionises Malaysia’s digital identity and daily transactions

PUTRAJAYA: With a single card, individuals can confirm their Malaysian citizenship and seamlessly handle daily tasks such as paying tolls, using public transport, and buying essentials. Efficient and convenient – that’s how several users describe their experience using MyKad in daily life, despite the card’s currently limited range of accessible services. “I don’t need to… Continue reading MyKad revolutionises Malaysia’s digital identity and daily transactions

Trump stands firm ahead of Alaska summit with Putin

ANCHORAGE: US President Donald Trump declared he would not be intimidated by Russian leader Vladimir Putin ahead of their crucial summit in Alaska. Trump emphasised that Ukraine would be involved in any decisions regarding its future during the talks. Putin arrives in Alaska on Friday, marking his first visit to a Western nation since Russia’s… Continue reading Trump stands firm ahead of Alaska summit with Putin
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Trump stands firm ahead of Alaska summit with Putin

ANCHORAGE: US President Donald Trump declared he would not be intimidated by Russian leader Vladimir Putin ahead of their crucial summit in Alaska. Trump emphasised that Ukraine would be involved in any decisions regarding its future during the talks. Putin arrives in Alaska on Friday, marking his first visit to a Western nation since Russia’s… Continue reading Trump stands firm ahead of Alaska summit with Putin

Singaporean e-hailing vehicles detained in Johor for illegal operations

JOHOR BAHRU: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has detained and seized four e-hailing vehicles registered in Singapore driven by citizens of the republic for carrying passengers without a valid permit through the Special Op for Foreign Vehicle E-Hailing around the city since August 9. JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the vehicles involved, namely… Continue reading Singaporean e-hailing vehicles detained in Johor for illegal operations

“Many think a RM5k salary is comfortable,” says M’sian living in big city

DO you think a RM5,000 salary is sufficient enough for living in a big city? A Malaysian man recently shared how a seemingly comfortable salary of RM5,000 can quickly vanish in a big city. The post by user @taqidin_sukri began with a blunt reality check: “Many think a RM5,000 salary is comfortable… but after calculating… Continue reading “Many think a RM5k salary is comfortable,” says M’sian living in big city

California to redraw election maps in response to Texas gerrymandering

LOS ANGELES: California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed plans to redraw the state’s electoral districts in response to Texas’ Republican-led redistricting efforts. The move aims to neutralise expected Republican gains in the House of Representatives from Texas’ proposed changes. “Today is Liberation Day in the State of California,“ Newsom declared at the Democracy Center in Los… Continue reading California to redraw election maps in response to Texas gerrymandering
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California to redraw election maps in response to Texas gerrymandering

LOS ANGELES: California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed plans to redraw the state’s electoral districts in response to Texas’ Republican-led redistricting efforts. The move aims to neutralise expected Republican gains in the House of Representatives from Texas’ proposed changes. “Today is Liberation Day in the State of California,“ Newsom declared at the Democracy Center in Los… Continue reading California to redraw election maps in response to Texas gerrymandering

Petronas ownership stays federal, states gain participation – Azalina

KUALA LUMPUR: The ownership of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) remains with the federal government, although steps were taken to enhance the participation of states through strategic collaboration platforms, joint project implementation, and involvement in the value chain, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. Azalina said… Continue reading Petronas ownership stays federal, states gain participation – Azalina

Apple rejects Musk claim of App Store bias

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES: Apple on Thursday rejected Elon Musk’s claim that its digital App Store favors OpenAI’s ChatGPT over his company’s Grok and other rival AI assistants. Musk has accused Apple of giving unfair preference to ChatGPT on its App Store and threatened legal action, triggering a fiery exchange with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman… Continue reading Apple rejects Musk claim of App Store bias
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Policeman killed in Bagan Serai motorcycle-lorry collision

IPOH: A policeman was killed after the motorcycle he was riding grazed against a lorry, causing him to fall onto the road at Kilometre 94 of Jalan Ipoh-Butterworth in Taman Selinsing Indah near Bagan Serai on Wednesday (August 13). Perak police chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said that they received a report regarding the incident… Continue reading Policeman killed in Bagan Serai motorcycle-lorry collision

Apple rejects Musk claim of App Store bias

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES: Apple on Thursday rejected Elon Musk’s claim that its digital App Store favors OpenAI’s ChatGPT over his company’s Grok and other rival AI assistants. Musk has accused Apple of giving unfair preference to ChatGPT on its App Store and threatened legal action, triggering a fiery exchange with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman… Continue reading Apple rejects Musk claim of App Store bias

Police seek missing 15-year-old girl in Bachok

BACHOK: Police are seeking public assistance to locate a 15-year-old girl who went missing from Kampung Surau Budi, Jalan Tawang, last Tuesday. Bachok district police chief DSP Mohd Azrie Sulaiman said the teenager, Tuan Nurul Ain Najihah Tuan Perang, was reported missing by her father, Tuan Perang Raja Husin, after he noticed at 6 am… Continue reading Police seek missing 15-year-old girl in Bachok

‘Ridiculous’: How Washington residents view the new troops in town

WASHINGTON: Outside the busiest train station in Washington, newly deployed National Guard troops wearing camouflage lean on a huge military Humvee. Wary residents and curious tourists stop to take photos, while inside the elegant Union Station a string trio plays “What a Wonderful World.” Christian Calhoun, a 26-year-old consultant who was born and raised in… Continue reading ‘Ridiculous’: How Washington residents view the new troops in town
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‘Ridiculous’: How Washington residents view the new troops in town

WASHINGTON: Outside the busiest train station in Washington, newly deployed National Guard troops wearing camouflage lean on a huge military Humvee. Wary residents and curious tourists stop to take photos, while inside the elegant Union Station a string trio plays “What a Wonderful World.” Christian Calhoun, a 26-year-old consultant who was born and raised in… Continue reading ‘Ridiculous’: How Washington residents view the new troops in town

Sinner dominates Auger-Aliassime to reach Cincinnati semis

JANNIK SINNER “felt great on the court” as he annihilated Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-0, 6-2 on Thursday to reach the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open semi-finals with his 25th straight hardcourt match victory. The world number one powered through a rapid-fire opening set and overcame a wobble as he started the second set by dropping serve. The defending… Continue reading Sinner dominates Auger-Aliassime to reach Cincinnati semis
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US military deploys forces to Caribbean to combat drug cartels

WASHINGTON: The United States has ordered the deployment of air and naval forces to the southern Caribbean Sea to address threats from Latin American drug cartels, three sources briefed on the decision told Reuters on Thursday. President Donald Trump has wanted to use the military to go after Latin American drug gangs that have been… Continue reading US military deploys forces to Caribbean to combat drug cartels
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US military deploys forces to Caribbean to combat drug cartels

WASHINGTON: The United States has ordered the deployment of air and naval forces to the southern Caribbean Sea to address threats from Latin American drug cartels, three sources briefed on the decision told Reuters on Thursday. President Donald Trump has wanted to use the military to go after Latin American drug gangs that have been… Continue reading US military deploys forces to Caribbean to combat drug cartels

Florida deputy cleared in Black man traffic stop punch case

WASHINGTON: A Florida deputy who punched a Black man at a February traffic stop did not commit a crime, prosecutors said in a report on an incident that was condemned by civil rights groups. A video of the incident showed officer D. Bowers punching William McNeil Jr., 22, who recorded the clip. It went viral… Continue reading Florida deputy cleared in Black man traffic stop punch case

Morocco and DR Congo secure crucial CHAN wins over Zambia and Angola

TWO-TIME champions Morocco and DR Congo clawed their way back into quarter-final contention with wins over Zambia and Angola in the African Nations championships (CHAN) on Thursday. Morocco crushed Zambia 3-1, while DR Congo needed two second-half goals to defeat Angola. The Zambian back line sustained high pressure as Morocco dominated the early proceedings at… Continue reading Morocco and DR Congo secure crucial CHAN wins over Zambia and Angola
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Turkey condemns Israeli settlement plan as illegal under international law

ANKARA: Turkey condemns Israel’s settlement plan aimed at dividing the West Bank and cutting it off from East Jerusalem, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, adding the decision was a total violation of international law. “This step… totally disregards international law and United Nations resolutions; targets the State of Palestine’s territorial integrity, the basis… Continue reading Turkey condemns Israeli settlement plan as illegal under international law
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Turkey condemns Israeli settlement plan as illegal under international law

ANKARA: Turkey condemns Israel’s settlement plan aimed at dividing the West Bank and cutting it off from East Jerusalem, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, adding the decision was a total violation of international law. “This step… totally disregards international law and United Nations resolutions; targets the State of Palestine’s territorial integrity, the basis… Continue reading Turkey condemns Israeli settlement plan as illegal under international law

Global plastic treaty talks deadlocked as nations seek compromise

GENEVA: Talks to create the world’s first legally binding treaty to tackle plastic pollution hung in the balance late on Thursday as countries scrambled to bridge deep divisions over the extent of future curbs on a final day of negotiations in Geneva. Late Thursday night, countries awaited a new text which could be the basis… Continue reading Global plastic treaty talks deadlocked as nations seek compromise
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Global plastic treaty talks deadlocked as nations seek compromise

GENEVA: Talks to create the world’s first legally binding treaty to tackle plastic pollution hung in the balance late on Thursday as countries scrambled to bridge deep divisions over the extent of future curbs on a final day of negotiations in Geneva. Late Thursday night, countries awaited a new text which could be the basis… Continue reading Global plastic treaty talks deadlocked as nations seek compromise

Eduardo Bolsonaro warns of more US sanctions, tariffs on Brazil

WASHINGTON: Brazilian Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, told Reuters on Thursday that he expects additional U.S. sanctions against Brazilian officials and possibly more tariffs due to a legal crackdown on his father. In an interview at the Reuters bureau in Washington after meetings with senior U.S. officials, the lawmaker said… Continue reading Eduardo Bolsonaro warns of more US sanctions, tariffs on Brazil
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Eduardo Bolsonaro warns of more US sanctions, tariffs on Brazil

WASHINGTON: Brazilian Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, told Reuters on Thursday that he expects additional U.S. sanctions against Brazilian officials and possibly more tariffs due to a legal crackdown on his father. In an interview at the Reuters bureau in Washington after meetings with senior U.S. officials, the lawmaker said… Continue reading Eduardo Bolsonaro warns of more US sanctions, tariffs on Brazil

Trump proposes Putin-Zelenskiy Alaska meeting amid US-Russia talks

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would like to see a second meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Alaska. Trump is scheduled to meet with Putin in Alaska on Friday. “I would say that tomorrow, all I want to do is set the table for the… Continue reading Trump proposes Putin-Zelenskiy Alaska meeting amid US-Russia talks

US Supreme Court declines to block Mississippi social media age-check law

WASHINGTON: The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Thursday to put on hold a Mississippi law requiring that users of social media platforms verify their age and that minors have parental consent in a challenge by a trade group whose members include Meta’s Facebook, Alphabet’s YouTube and Snapchat. The justices denied a request by NetChoice to… Continue reading US Supreme Court declines to block Mississippi social media age-check law

US reinstates childhood vaccine safety task force after 27 years

WASHINGTON: The US Department of Health and Human Services announced the reinstatement of a federal task force dedicated to improving childhood vaccine safety. The original task force was established in 1986 under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act to enhance vaccine oversight and quality. It was dissolved in 1998 and remained inactive until now. The… Continue reading US reinstates childhood vaccine safety task force after 27 years

Renault and Geely join forces on new SUV line for overseas markets

RENAULT’S China-based research and development team is harnessing Geely’s advanced GEA platform to create a fresh line-up of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) aimed primarily at markets in Southeast Asia and Latin America. The project marks a significant step for both manufacturers, as it could become the first instance of Geely supplying its GEA platform to… Continue reading Renault and Geely join forces on new SUV line for overseas markets
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Israel’s Smotrich advances West Bank settlement plan to block Palestinian state

MAALE ADUMIM, West Bank/TEL AVIV: Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that work would start on a long-delayed settlement that would divide the West Bank and cut it off from East Jerusalem, a move his office said would “bury” the idea of a Palestinian state. The Palestinian government, allies and campaign groups condemned the… Continue reading Israel’s Smotrich advances West Bank settlement plan to block Palestinian state

Trump: Journalists should be allowed into Gaza

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said on Thursday he would like to see journalists gain access to Gaza to see humanitarian efforts. Israel has not allowed foreign reporters to enter Gaza since the start of its war in October 2023, unless they are under Israeli military escort. “I’d like to see that happen. Sure,“ Trump told… Continue reading Trump: Journalists should be allowed into Gaza

Nemanja Matic leaves Lyon after early contract termination

FORMER Serbian international Nemanja Matic has reached an “amicable” agreement for the early termination of his contract with Lyon, the Ligue 1 club said Thursday. The 37-year-old former Manchester United, Chelsea and Benfica midfielder’s contract had been due to run until June 30, 2026. However the club has opted to shed one of its highest… Continue reading Nemanja Matic leaves Lyon after early contract termination
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Decent return for reformed rogues

DREAMWORKS Animation brings back its mischievous yet lovable gang of anthropomorphic criminals in The Bad Guys 2, a globe-trotting animated heist comedy that reunites audiences with familiar faces and introduces a new rival crew. Directed by Pierre Perifel and JP Sans, this sequel maintains the charm of the first film while offering a heartwarming story… Continue reading Decent return for reformed rogues

Trump told Norwegian minister he wants Nobel Prize, newspaper reports

OSLO: When U.S. President Donald Trump called Norway’s finance minister last month to discuss tariffs, he also told him he wanted the Nobel Peace Prize, Norwegian business daily Dagens Naeringsliv reported on Thursday. Several countries including Israel, Pakistan and Cambodia have nominated Trump for brokering peace agreements or ceasefires, and he has said he deserves… Continue reading Trump told Norwegian minister he wants Nobel Prize, newspaper reports

Trump says Putin ready to make deal on Ukraine, US hopes to include Zelenskiy

WASHINGTON/MOSCOW/KYIV: U.S. President Donald Trump said he believes his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is ready to end his war in Ukraine, speaking on the eve of Friday’s summit between the men, but that peace would likely require at least a second meeting involving Ukraine’s leader. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his European allies have intensified… Continue reading Trump says Putin ready to make deal on Ukraine, US hopes to include Zelenskiy

Trump administration plans 300,000 federal job cuts in 2025

WASHINGTON: The Trump administration will likely shed around 300,000 workers this year, its new human resources chief said on Thursday, which would amount to a 12.5% decrease in the federal workforce since January. Office of Personnel Management director Scott Kupor said 80% of those workers would leave voluntarily and only 20% would be fired. It… Continue reading Trump administration plans 300,000 federal job cuts in 2025

Air Canada cancels 700 flights as strike threat disrupts travel

Air Canada expects to cancel the majority of its estimated 700 daily flights on Friday, ahead of a planned Saturday strike by unionized flight attendants, leaving some 100,000 passengers scrambling to make alternative travel plans. Canada’s largest carrier said on Thursday it would cancel several dozen flights by day’s end and around 500 flights by… Continue reading Air Canada cancels 700 flights as strike threat disrupts travel

Push for local action on global environmental policie

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will, for the first time, push to integrate the New Urban Agenda into the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a landmark move aimed at ensuring that global environmental policies translate into action at the local level. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming yesterday launched the Kuala Lumpur… Continue reading Push for local action on global environmental policie

Serbian protesters clash with police, demolish ruling party offices

BELGRADE: Anti-government protesters demolished the offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in the northern city of Novi Sad and clashed with police and SNS supporters in the capital Belgrade on Thursday, a day after violent unrest left dozens injured. In Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, police and SNS supporters loyal to populist President… Continue reading Serbian protesters clash with police, demolish ruling party offices

Oracle and Google cloud partnership to offer Gemini AI models

SAN FRANCISCO: Oracle and Alphabet said on Thursday their cloud computing units have struck a deal to offer Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence models through Oracle’s cloud computing services and business applications. The deal, similar to one that Oracle struck with Elon Musk’s xAI in June, will let software developers tap Google’s models to generate text,… Continue reading Oracle and Google cloud partnership to offer Gemini AI models

Pentagon clarifies Hegseth supports women’s vote despite reposted video

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supports a woman’s right to vote, the Pentagon said on Thursday, days after he reposted a video on X of a pastor advocating repealing the right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. “All of Christ for All of Life,“ Hegseth wrote on his personal X account last week alongside the nearly… Continue reading Pentagon clarifies Hegseth supports women’s vote despite reposted video

King Charles leads VJ Day 80th anniversary commemorations in UK

LONDON: King Charles will lead British commemorations on Friday for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, which marks victory over Japan and the end of World War Two, with famous buildings across the country lit up to mark the occasion. While fighting in Europe ended in May 1945, the conflict with Japan continued until it… Continue reading King Charles leads VJ Day 80th anniversary commemorations in UK

Massachusetts man jailed for antisemitic threats to synagogues

BOSTON: A Massachusetts man has been sentenced to 26 months in prison for making violent threats against synagogues and the Israeli consulate. John Reardon, 60, pleaded guilty in November to charges linked to antisemitic voicemails and calls targeting Jewish institutions. The threats began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, escalating into dozens… Continue reading Massachusetts man jailed for antisemitic threats to synagogues

Berkshire invests in UnitedHealth, trims Apple stake

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway disclosed on Thursday a new investment in UnitedHealth Group after the insurer became a target for many Americans upset over the direction of the nation’s healthcare. Berkshire said it owned 5.04 million UnitedHealth shares worth about $1.57 billion as of June 30. The disclosure came in a U.S. Securities and Exchange… Continue reading Berkshire invests in UnitedHealth, trims Apple stake

Berjaya Langkawi Resort: Where Rainforest Meets the Sea

Nestled between the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea and the lush ancient rainforest of Langkawi Island, Berjaya Langkawi Resort offers a truly unique escape where luxury meets nature. Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic getaway, a family on vacation or an adventurer in search of outdoor thrills, this award-winning resort has something unforgettable… Continue reading Berjaya Langkawi Resort: Where Rainforest Meets the Sea
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‘Symbolic gestures not enough to tackle bully issues’

PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry directive for schools to recite daily chants of “Kami Benci Buli” (We Hate Bullying) has drawn mixed reactions from experts, who warn that symbolic gestures alone may not be enough to address the deep-rooted problem. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia education expert Dr Anuar Ahmad described the move as reactive. “From an… Continue reading ‘Symbolic gestures not enough to tackle bully issues’

USAID failed to monitor Starlink terminals in Ukraine, watchdog finds

WASHINGTON: The U.S. Agency for International Development did not monitor the uses of 5,175 Starlink terminals sent to Ukraine, with nearly half of the operational units ending up in areas fully or partly held by Moscow, according to a report by the agency’s internal watchdog. USAID’s inspector general found that the agency failed to keep… Continue reading USAID failed to monitor Starlink terminals in Ukraine, watchdog finds