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45,433 | Observatory to issue no 3 signal between 4pm and 6pm | The Observatory on Friday said it would issue the strong wind signal number three between 4pm and 6pm, as a tropical depression moves north towards the coast of western Guangdong. The Observatory said the cyclone would make landfall tonight, or early tomorrow morning, before moving inland, and that Hong Kong would see heavy showers on Saturday.The standby signal number one was issued at 5.40pm on Thursday. | 1,717,119,769 | en |
45,432 | Ruru Yang becomes world champion | Hong Kong boxer Ruru Yang became WIBA Super Bantamweight champion on Thursday, defeating Thailand's Tanwarat Saengiamjit in Bangkok.The 29-year-old won by unanimous decision after 10 rounds in the Thai capital.She adds the previously-vacant WIBA Super Bantamweight belt to her WBC Asia Super Flyweight crown.Yang went into the bout with an undefeated record in five professional fights, with two wins coming by way of TKO.Saengiamjit, with a record of nine wins and one loss, had already failed at a shot at the super bantamweight title in 2015 – when she lost to New Zealand's Gentiane LupiYang is now undefeated in six fights since turning professional in 2022. | 1,717,115,317 | en |
45,431 | Trump convicted on all charges in hush money trial | A New York jury convicted Donald Trump on all charges in his hush money case on Thursday in a seismic development barely five months ahead of the election where he seeks to recapture the White House.The historic first criminal trial of a former US president ended with the 77-year-old Trump found guilty on each of the 34 charges of falsifying business records to hide a payment meant to silence adult film star Stormy Daniels.Trump, who is all but certain to appeal, did not immediately react, but sat still, his shoulders dipping.The conviction thrusts the United States into uncharted political territory but does not bar Trump from a White House run, even in the unlikely event that Judge Juan Merchan sentences him to prison time.The verdict comes just weeks before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Trump is due to receive the party's formal nomination to face Democratic President Joe Biden on November 5.The 12-member jury deliberated for more than 11 hours over two days at the end of the extraordinary five-week trial held in a drab Manhattan courtroom.Trump was convicted of falsifying business records to reimburse his lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a US$130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election, when her claim to have had sex with him could have proved politically fatal.The trial featured lengthy testimony from the adult performer, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford and who described to the court in graphic detail what she says was a 2006 sexual encounter with the married Trump.Prosecutors successfully laid out a case alleging that the hush money and the illegal covering up of the payment was part of a broader crime to prevent voters from knowing about Trump's behaviour.Trump's defence attorneys had countered that "trying to influence an election" was simply "democracy" and that the former president did nothing wrong.The trial has distracted Trump from his campaign to unseat Biden.However, he milked the media attention throughout, with daily speeches in front of the cameras outside the courtroom in which he complained about being a political victim.Identities of the 12 jurors deciding the case were kept secret, a rare practice more often see in cases involving mafia or other violent defendants.After teasing the prospect for weeks, Trump – who denied ever having sex with Daniels at a 2006 celebrity golf tournament – opted not to testify.The Republican, who made his name as a brash real estate mogul before a stunning ascent to the nation's highest office in the 2016 election, now faces prison or, more likely, probation.In theory, he could face up to four years in jail for each count of falsifying business records but legal experts said as a first-time offender he is unlikely to go behind bars.An appeal could take months to complete.Should he win the presidency he will not be able to pardon himself, given that the case was not brought by the federal government but by the state of New York, where only the governor could clear his name.Trump also faces federal and state charges of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election won by Biden, and for hoarding secret documents after leaving the White House. (AFP) | 1,717,103,956 | en |
45,430 | US stocks fall as several large tech names retreat | Wall Street stocks fell for a second straight session on Thursday following a downgrade in a US growth report as several large tech shares tumbled.The world's biggest economy expanded at an annual rate of 1.3 percent in the January to March period, the Commerce Department said, below the 1.6 percent figure published last month.Meanwhile, Dow member Salesforce plunged nearly 20 percent as the technology company published mixed results and lowered some of its full-year projections.Several other large tech companies followed Salesforce lower. Microsoft, Google parent Alphabet and Amazon all fell 1.5 percent or more.The Dow Jones finished down 0.9 percent at 38,111.The S&P 500 dropped 0.6 percent to 5,235, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq tumbled 1.1 percent to 16,737.The losses came on the heels of Wednesday's session in which major indices retreated amid worries that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates high due to persistent inflation."It's all about interest rates. We don't see any relief in sight from the Fed," said Jack Ablin of Cresset Capital. "There is a growing view that they won't cut at all this year."Among individual companies, Best Buy soared 13.4 percent despite reporting a 6.1 percent drop in comparable sales as investors were encouraged by commentary suggesting an improvement in the second half of 2024.But Kohl's plunged 22.9 percent after results missed expectations. The retailer reported a loss of US$27 million. (AFP) | 1,717,101,489 | en |
45,429 | id MK was a natural partner for the ANC."They have similar policies and similar tendencies," he said.But analyst and author Susan Booysen said the rift between Ramaphosa and Zuma, who has long been bitter about the way he was forced out of office in 2018, was "too far reaching" to mend.The ANC might prefer the centre-right DA, which pledged to "rescue South Africa" through better governance, free market reforms and privatisations, to the leftist EFF, which is perceived as "too erratic" and "unpredictable" in its demands, she added. (AFP) | 2024-05-31 03:16:03 | 1,717,096,563 | en |
45,428 | ANC on track to lose majority after South Africa vote | South Africa's ruling ANC was on course to lose its 30-year-old parliamentary majority on Thursday, opening the prospect that the party that defeated apartheid will have to share power for the first time.With a third of votes in Wednesday's election tallied, the ANC was leading but with a score of only 42 percent – well below the 57 percent it won in 2019.Followed by the centre-right Democratic Alliance (DA) on 25 percent. The leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and former South African president Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) were neck and neck on around nine percent each.The final results are expected in the next three days."The broad church of the ANC has taken a substantial knock. This is a shock to the system for the ANC and ultimately will also be a shock to the system for the average South African, who has only known ANC rule since 1994," said political analyst Daniel Silke."It redraws the political boundaries of South Africa and creates a degree of uncertainty."If President Cyril Ramaphosa's party is confirmed as dropping below 50 percent, it would force him to seek coalition partners to be re-elected to form a new government.That would be a historic evolution in the country's democratic journey, which was underlined by newspaper headlines on Thursday."SA on the cusp of shift in politics," read the front page of daily BusinessDay. "The people have spoken," headlined The Citizen.The ANC has dominated South Africa's democracy with an unbroken run of five presidents from the party.The party remains respected for its leading role in overthrowing white minority rule, and its progressive social welfare and black economic empowerment policies are credited by supporters with helping millions of black families out of poverty.But over three decades of almost unchallenged rule, its leadership has been implicated in a series of large-scale corruption scandals, while the continent's most industrialised economy has languished and crime and unemployment figures have hit record highs."The people in power are hopefully going to come down and we will have a new political party," Shaun Manyoni, a 21-year-old student, said in Johannesburg.Ramaphosa's opponents from both the left and the right came to the polls on Wednesday hoping either to replace the ANC with an opposition alliance or force the party to negotiate a coalition agreement."Zuma ran this country perfectly ... so let's put him back and let South Africa run again," said Don Naidoo, a middle-aged small business owner from the province's largest city of Durban.Voting was marked by hours-long queues in many districts, which in some cases forced polls to remain open well beyond closing time.The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said a last-minute rush in urban voting and high turnout were to blame for the late finish.Almost all votes had been counted by 3:00 pm on Thursday, but most had yet to be validated, IEC's head Sy Mamabolo told a press conference.While, the process was "proceeding well," officials said they expected it would take longer than the usual 24 hours to reach an 80 percent tally, due to delays caused by the new three-ballot system.If the ANC gets close to 50 percent it could shore up a majority by allying itself with some of the four dozen smaller and regional parties contesting the election.But this appeared increasingly unlikely.Experts were split on who the ANC would prefer as bedfellows and on whether the poor performance threatened Ramaphosa's leadership."His power is gone within the ANC," said analyst Sandile Swana, predicting that the party would patch up ties with one or both of the radical left groups led by former ANC figures: firebrand Julius Malema's EFF or Zuma's MK.In a major upset, the latter was leading with 43 percent of preferences in Zuma's home province of KwaZulu-Natal, a key electoral battleground.Siphamandla Zondi, a politics professor from the University of Johannesburg sa | 1,717,096,874 | en |
45,427 | Ipswich manager McKenna signs new deal | Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has ended speculation about his immediate future by signing a new four-year contract on Thursday.McKenna, 38, led the Portman Road club to a second successive promotion last season as Ipswich returned to the Premier League.That achievement saw him linked with the managerial vacancies at English top-flight rivals Brighton, Chelsea and Manchester United."I am extremely proud to have signed a new contract with the club," McKenna told Ipswich's website."We have enjoyed incredible success together over the last two seasons and I'm excited to have the opportunity and responsibility of leading this fantastic club into its first season in the Premier League in 22 years." (AFP) | 1,717,089,231 | en |
45,426 | Stock markets diverge ahead of key inflation data | Stock markets diverged on Thursday, a day ahead of key inflation indicators that could determine the future direction of interest rates on both sides of the Atlantic.All the main indexes were lower in New York at midday, following on to Wednesday's slump when shares were hit by concerns that interest rates will not be coming down any time soon.US shares were also hit by Salesforce slumping 21 percent after the software company reported disappointing results the previous day.US Treasury yields fell back after figures pointed to a slightly weakening US economy, though they were just off their recent highs, indicating expectations of higher-for-longer interest rates.Thursday's second update to first quarter GDP data showed it grew an annually adjusted 1.3 percent, slower than the initial estimate of 1.6 percent.Traders awaited Friday's release of the crucial personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index, the Fed's preferred gauge of inflation, hoping for signs that prices are being brought under control enough for rates to be cut."Though Treasury yields eased this morning from yesterday's four-week highs, the market appears anxious heading into PCE," said Joe Mazzola, a strategist at Charles Schwab."Rising yields snuffed out the tech-led stock market rally yesterday even before Salesforce missed quarterly revenue expectations and sank double-digits," he added.Friday also sees the release of the latest eurozone consumer price index, a key release ahead of the European Central Bank's monetary policy meeting on June 6 and which could decide whether the central bank goes ahead and as expected cuts rates by 25 basis points.Europe's main stock markets closed higher on Thursday, making up some of the losses from the previous session.Elsewhere on Thursday, the Sydney stock market closed lower with shares in BHP shedding 1.7 percent after the Australian mining giant ended its US$49-billion takeover bid for British rival Anglo American, whose shares were down five percent in London.Oil prices fell ahead of this weekend's Opec meeting over concerns about future demand in China and the United States."Oil is on track for its second straight day of falling prices amid softer US growth data ahead of Sunday's Opec+ meeting," said Axel Rudolph, Senior Market Analyst at IG. (AFP) | 1,717,087,422 | en |
45,425 | 24-05-31 00:16:16 | 1,717,086,004 | en |
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45,424 | Spain parliament passes controversial amnesty bill | Spain's parliament gave the final green light to a controversial amnesty bill for Catalan separatists on Thursday, paving the way for the return of their figurehead Carles Puigdemont after years of self-imposed exile.The legislation seeks to draw a line under years of efforts to prosecute those involved in the botched 2017 Catalan independence bid that triggered Spain's worst political crisis in decades.The text, which has been resolutely opposed by Spain's right and far-right opposition, passed by 177 votes in favour to 172 votes against in the 350-seat parliament. One person was absent from the vote.Passing the amnesty is a key moment for Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, as it was a demand made by separatist parties in exchange for their parliamentary support to allow him to serve a new term.In March, Spain's lower house of parliament passed the bill, which grants an amnesty to hundreds of separatists involved in Catalonia's failed 2017 independence bid.It then went to the Senate upper house, which is dominated by the right-wing opposition, where it was symbolically vetoed – as the Senate cannot block a bill, but only propose amendments – before returning to the lower house on Thursday morning.Following a rowdy two-and-a-half hour debate during which the Speaker was forced to call order several times due to the insults traded on the floor, the bill passed.It will now be up to individual judges to decide whether the amnesty applies to their cases. They have two months to raise issues with the Constitutional Court or the European justice system which could delay the law's implementation for some time.The biggest beneficiary will be Puigdemont – the former Catalan leader who led the bid then fled Spain to avoid prosecution.His hardline separatist JxCat and its moderate rival ERC both demanded the amnesty in return for their votes in November that let Sanchez secure another four-year term.What opened that door was Spain's inconclusive July 2023 election, which was won by the right-wing Popular Party (PP) but without enough parliamentary support to form a government.With JxCat cast as kingmaker, Sanchez won them over with the promise of an amnesty and returned to office, in a move sparking fierce and unrelenting opposition from the PP and the far-right Vox.They have drawn thousands onto the streets in mass protests against the bill that at times turned violent, notably around the Socialists' Madrid headquarters.Earlier this week, a PP spokesman said that even after it passes, the party would do everything to "overturn" the law, whether through appeals to the Constitutional Court or "social pressure" on the street.Surveys suggest Spaniards are divided over the amnesty, even Sanchez's own Socialists and their supporters.However, the outcome of Catalonia's regional election on May 12, in which the Socialists won a clear victory, has shifted the picture.The separatists lost their absolute majority in the Catalan parliament after 10 years in power, suggesting the focus has shifted away from independence, vindicating Sanchez's strategy of seeking to defuse tensions around the 2017 crisis.The leader of the Socialist Party's Catalan branch, Salvador Illa, is hoping to lead the region's new government.The results show that Catalonia has chosen "the path of forgiveness, giving up any kind of resentment," Sanchez said in Barcelona last week.Puigdemont, whose party increased support during the vote and has said he wants to lead a minority separatist administration, is hoping to be home back in time to see a new Catalan government take office.Although the date has not yet been set, it is expected to take place by June 25 at the latest.But it is unclear whether that will be possible, given the two month time span for the courts to enact the legislation, which involves releasing those behind bars and cancelling outstanding arrest warrants, including the one for Puigdemont. (AFP) | 1,717,086,003 | en |
45,423 | Red Bull becomes Leeds sponsor and takes small stake | Red Bull has purchased a minority stake in Leeds United and will become the English second-tier football club's main shirt sponsor next season, it was announced on Thursday.The global drinks brand, best known in sport as the backer of the world champion Formula One team, are already involved with football clubs RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg and New York Red Bulls."I am thrilled that Red Bull is joining us to build a bright future for Leeds United and shares our deep respect for this truly special club," said United chairman Paraag Marathe."As chairman, our consortium of investment partners will be invaluable to me as we approach this important moment for the club, now and into the future."Red Bull's addition is a historic milestone that will further empower the club to reach its full competitive potential."Leeds will spend a second consecutive season back in the Championship after losing to Southampton in last Sunday's play-off final at Wembley.Red Bull chief executive of corporate projects and investments Oliver Mintzlaff said the company hoped to help the Yorkshire club back into the top flight."The ambition to bring Leeds United back to the Premier League and establish themselves in the best football league in the world fits very well with Red Bull." (AFP) | 1,717,083,636 | en |
45,422 | S Korean tycoon ordered to pay US$1bn for divorce | The chairman of South Korea's sprawling SK Group was ordered by a court on Thursday to pay his wife US$1 billion in cash in the country's largest divorce settlement.The Seoul High Court ordered Chey Tae-won to pay Roh So-young, the daughter of former president Roh Tae-woo, 1.38 trillion won as a settlement, court documents showed.The amount was a significant increase from an earlier lower court ruling of 66.5 billion won and takes into account the contributions Roh So-young and her father made to Chey's success.SK Group runs businesses that include South Korea's leading mobile carrier and also controls SK Hynix, the world's second-largest memory chip maker."It was reasonable to rule that, as his wife, Roh played a role in increasing the value of SK Group and Chey's business activity," the court said.Chey married Roh So-young in 1988 but they have been separated for years. She appealed against the original settlement amount awarded in 2022, several years after Chey filed for divorce in what has become an acrimonious case.The court said the new settlement also took into account the emotional suffering Roh So-young endured due to Chey's extramarital affair.Chey has a child with his new partner.The court said Chey "is not showing any signs of remorse for his foul behaviour in the course of the trial... nor respect for monogamy," ordering him to pay the settlement in cash.Chey's net wealth was assessed by the court to be around four trillion won, meaning Roh So-young will take 35 percent of it in the settlement.His legal team said they would lodge an appeal against the latest ruling, claiming the court had "taken Roh's one-sided claim as factual."The Seoul High Court said Roh Tae-woo also helped Chey's business flourish during his five years as president from 1988, easing regulatory hurdles for SK's late former chairman Chey Jong-hyon, Chey Tae-won's father."Former president Roh Tae-woo played the role of a protective shield for ex-chairman Chey Jong-hyon" when the late businessman was trying to tap into the mobile carrier business, the court said, giving "intangible help" to the family.Chey's lawyers disagreed, saying SK Group had been under pressure from the Roh government and had "provided various financial contributions.""We will set things straight through the appeal," they said.A former general, Roh Tae-woo was elected to the presidency in 1987 polls that were South Korea's first free and fair election in more than a decade.He had earlier helped his military academy friend Chun Doo-hwan stage a military coup and take over as a dictator. (AFP) | 1,717,080,128 | en |
45,421 | US and EU's allegations are baseless: govt | The Hong Kong government on Thursday said it strongly disapproves of, and condemns all baseless allegations by the United States Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) and the European Union (EU) against the city’s homegrown national security law as well as law enforcement action taken by the police’s National Security Department. The police made seven arrests on Tuesday and Wednesday on suspicion of "offences in connection with seditious intention" under the Basic Law Article 23 national security legislation.One of the arrestees was former vice-chairwoman of the now-defunct Hong Kong Alliance, Chow Hang-tung. The seven were accused of being responsible for seditious posts published on social media ahead of what authorities described as a "sensitive date".The CECC and EU had described the arrests as a violation of human rights and an attempt to stifle freedom of expression.But in a statement published on Thursday, authorities said their claims simply do not stand up to the facts. “The HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, and have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation,” the statement wrote. “Offences in connection with seditious intention are very serious crimes, and no jurisdictions, including the US and those from the EU, will watch with folded arms acts and activities that endanger national security.”The government stressed Hong Kong’s homegrown national security ordinance only targets an extremely small minority of people who endanger national security, adding that it will not hinder legitimate expression of opinions. “The Ordinance is a piece of legislation to defend against acts and activities endangering national security. Only invaders who want to intrude into our home to plunder and loot should be worried by the Ordinance,” the statement added. | 1,717,078,892 | en |
45,420 | Five arrested near West Kowloon Court | Police said five people were arrested near West Kowloon Court on Thursday for alleged disorderly conduct in public placesOfficers said four people, aged between 32 and 68, failed to follow instructions when they entered the court building. They also ignored officers' verbal warnings and chanted.The force added that they arrested another 32-year-old man after he chanted inside the court area and refused to cooperate with officers. All five suspects are detained on suspicion of engaging in disorderly conduct in a public place.Police reminded members of the public to abide by the law and express their views in a peaceful and orderly manner, without undermining national and public security. | 1,717,075,368 | en |
45,419 | Stop interfering in China's affairs: Beijing | China on Thursday hit out against foreign criticism of the landmark court ruling on Hong Kong’s largest national security trial to date. Speaking at a regular press briefing in the capital, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Beijing strenuously opposes attempts by foreign countries to use this case to interfere in China’s internal affairs and smear Hong Kong. "No one can engage in unlawful activities in the name of democracy and then try to escape legal sanctions," she said. The spokeswoman added that the central government firmly supports the SAR’s law enforcement and judicial authorities in fulfilling their duties in accordance with the law and punishing acts that violated national security. Her remarks came after the United States, European Union and Australia described the trial as being "politically motivated", and called for those convicted to be immediately released. 14 people were convicted earlier in the day of conspiring to commit subversion under the national security law, after a court ruled that they had sought to subvert state power by plotting to take control of Legco to disrupt government operations in July 2020. Two others were acquitted.31 other defendants, meanwhile, had already pleaded guilty in the case. | 1,717,067,989 | en |
45,418 | Subversion ruling shows case's severity: CE | Chief Executive John Lee on Thursday said the court ruling on a national security trial confirmed there was a conspiracy to commit subversion, which also showed the seriousness of the case.In a statement, Lee said the judgement handed down by a three-judge panel showed there was a conspiracy to subvert state power and to destroy and overthrow the existing political system and structure established under the Basic Law and the principle of One Country, Two Systems.He said the convictions of 45 of the 47 defendants showed the scale and severity of the plot.Of the 16 who pleaded not guilty, 14 were convicted of conspiring to commit subversion and two were acquitted. Thirty-one others pleaded guilty earlier.Lee noted that the Department of Justice had indicated its intention to appeal against the acquittals.He also said the SAR is duty-bound to safeguard national security, and is determined to fight any acts that compromise this.Secretary for Security Chris Tang said the subversion saga had harmed Hong Kong."There is no winner out of this case. This is a very sad story that some Hong Kong people tried to conduct subversion of Hong Kong. I think it is good that we were able to interdict the plot so that the Hong Kong citizens will not suffer and Hong Kong will now resume to a normal state," he told reporters. | 1,717,067,684 | en |
45,417 | No 1 signal to remain in place until at least 6am | The observatory on Thursday issued the Standby Signal Number 1 and said it would remain in effect until at least 6am on Friday. The forecaster said a tropical cyclone located about 800 kilometres from Hong Kong could affect the city. The broad area of low pressure in the South China Sea has become a tropical depression, it said. The observatory said strong winds were not expected to have a significant impact on the region yet, but the tropical depression could move closer to the coast and strengthen slightly during Friday. It said it would assess the need to issue the Strong Wind Signal No 3 based on the storm's intensity, as well as local wind conditions. | 1,717,063,861 | en |
45,416 | Govt to appeal against subversion case acquittals | The Department of Justice on Thursday announced its intention to appeal against the acquittal of two of the defendants in a subversion case relating to an opposition plot to take control of Legco to disrupt government operations.Former district councillors Lawrence Lau and Lee Yue-shun were among 16 defendants who pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit subversion under the national security law.In a verdict delivered on Thursday morning, the judges said they were not sure if Lau and Lee had intended to subvert state power.After the lunch break, Director of Public Prosecutions Maggie Yang told the court that the Department of Justice intends to appeal using the amended Criminal Procedure Ordinance.She requested that the pair be kept on bail, pending a decision on the appeal.But Lee's defence counsel argued against that, saying his client should be a "free man" unless the court grants the appeal.The three-judge panel decided to extend the bail of Lau and Lee. They are now required to report to police on a monthly basis, instead of twice every week.The court also said mitigation hearings for those convicted are scheduled for June 25.Speaking to the media, chief superintendent Steve Li from the police's National Security Department welcomed the conviction of 14 defendants."In the judgement, you can see that the court regarded this as a very serious case. This is a very illicit plot... The ultimate goal is to paralyse the government," he said. | 1,717,061,403 | en |
45,415 | Hong Kong stocks finish with third straight loss | Hong Kong shares tumbled on Thursday, marking a third successive loss, following a sell-off on Wall Street sparked by concerns over the outlook for US interest rate cuts.The Hang Seng Index retreated 1.3 percent, or 246 points, to 18,230.The Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.6 percent, or 19 points, to 3,091, while the Shenzhen Composite Index fell 0.5 percent, or 8 points, to 1,726. (AFP) | 1,717,058,197 | en |
45,414 | Registration period begins for Iran leadership elex | Iran opened a five-day registration period on Thursday for hopefuls wanting to run in the June 28 presidential election to replace the late Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed in a helicopter crash earlier this month with seven others.The election comes as Iran grapples with the aftermath of the May 19 crash, as well as heightened tensions with Israel and the United States.The period would see those between the ages of 40 to 75 with at least a master's degree register as potential candidates. All candidates ultimately must be approved by Iran's 12-member Guardian Council, a panel of clerics and jurists ultimately overseen by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. That panel has never accepted a woman nor anyone calling for radical change within the country's governance.It is unlear who will run. The country’s acting president, Mohammad Mokhber, a previously behind-the-scenes bureaucrat, could be a front-runner, because he's already been seen meeting with Khamenei. Also discussed as possible aspirants are former hard-line President Mohammad Ahmadinejad and former reformist President Mohammad Khatami.The five-day registration period will close on Tuesday. The Guardian Council is expected to issue its final list of candidates within 10 days afterwards. That will allow for a shortened two-week campaign before the vote in late June. (AP) | 1,717,056,640 | en |
45,413 | Typhoon standby signal to be issued at 5.40pm | The observatory on Thursday said it will issue the Standby Signal Number 1 at 5.40pm. The forecaster said a low-pressure area in the central to northern part of the South China Sea will soon develop into a tropical depression. It is expected to gradually move towards the coast of western Guangdong, near the Pearl River Estuary.The observatory added that there will be squally showers and thunderstorms in the coming days, while winds offshore and on high ground will strengthen. | 1,717,055,497 | en |
45,412 | Avoid queues during extreme weather at the airport | Electronic queuing systems for taxis have been brought in at the arrival hall to reduce queues during extreme weather, the Airport Authority said on Thursday.Steven Yiu, the executive director of airport operations, said the system was introduced in March this year after people had to queue for hours last year during a typhoon. He said a mobile phone notification or the airport's information board would now tell passengers when their taxi was ready."We tried to avoid a long queuing for prolonged-waiting passengers. For example, if the typhoon lasts three to four hours, we don't let the passengers keep queuing for long periods of time, so we give them some sort of queuing number so they can stay in the restaurant and also rest until being called forward to the taxi station," he said. "We created a resting area, actually it is a large area with over 500 chairs, with Wifi [and a] charging facility. We will also distribute water, biscuits to them, and also some blankets as well."He said the authority hopes to make passengers feel comfortable, especially when taxis and Airport Express trains can't operate under Typhoon Signal No 9. | 1,717,053,029 | en |
45,411 | Judges cite intention in acquitting two defendants | Three judges presiding over a subversion trial centred on an opposition plot to take control of Legco to disrupt government operations said in their ruling on Thursday that two of the defendants were acquitted because they were not sure if the pair had the intention to subvert state power.According to the judgement, former district councillors Lawrence Lau and Lee Yue-shun never advocated vetoing government budgets in the election forum they had attended.The prosecution argued during the trial that the suspects planned to indiscriminately veto any budget or public expenditure to be introduced by the government, had they become Legco members.Handing down the verdict, the judges said although Lau's name appeared on a declaration of poll candidates, they were not sure if he had signed it himself or authorised someone to sign it on his behalf. Signatories to the "Inked without Regret" declaration agreed to use the vetoing power of lawmakers to force the chief executive to respond to the five demands of protesters."It is a fact that [Lau] did not post the [declaration] on his Facebook page and he did not make use of the [declaration] in his electioneering work," the judgement read.The judges also said although the now-disbanded Civic Party, which Lee belonged to, endorsed the declaration, he was not yet a candidate at the time.They also noted that Lee had asked his election team to come up with a new pamphlet that did not mention the five demands after looking at the national security law, which took effect in June 2020.The pair were released after the verdict at the West Kowloon Court."There are still other defendants in this case, warranting our concern and even love," Lau told reporters outside the courtroom."If there's any star in this case, this judgement should be the star. It sets the jurisprudence, reasoning, logic, perspectives of our judges. Please study it. This is more important than any single individual of this case. This is part of our rule of law."Lee said the first thing he'd like to do was to have a meal with his family. "I feel calm, as I have always been... Thank you to everyone who have been concerned about us and expressing your care. We all can feel that."Because there is a tendency for the prosecution to apply for an appeal, so I cannot make any comment on this case at this moment." | 1,717,047,686 | en |
45,410 | Use of force not necessary for subversion, court finds | A landmark ruling on Hong Kong’s largest national security trial to date has set out that those who plot to subvert state power need not use force or employ criminal means to be found guilty of breaching the national security law (NSL), nor do they need to know that their tactics were unlawful.National security judges Andrew Chan, Alex Lee and Johnny Chan laid out their reasoning in a 319-page judgement, which found 14 defendants guilty of conspiring to commit subversion while acquitting two. Thirty-one others earlier pleaded guilty to the same charge.The judges concluded that those convicted had taken part in a plot to seriously obstruct, disrupt or undermine the duties and functions of the Hong Kong government by unlawful means with a view to subvert state power.The court found that they had planned to indiscriminately veto any budget or public expenditure request by the government if they win a majority in the Legislative Council election in 2020, to compel the chief executive to accede to demands made by anti-government protesters or be forced to dissolve the legislature and resign.The judges rejected arguments by defence lawyers that "unlawful means" necessitates the use or threat of force; that guilty parties must know that what they were doing was illegal; and that Legco members who veto government budgets are merely exercising their constitutional duty instead of breaking the law.In the ruling, the judges noted that the NSL was drafted with the understanding that national security in the city could be undermined not only by force, but also by non-violent actions such as advocating Hong Kong's independence, inciting public hatred, and paralysing the work of the government and legislature.It said limiting "unlawful means" to acts of force would be such a narrow interpretation that "would be absurd and illogical and defeat the purpose of the NSL".The judges also swept aside defence arguments that "other unlawful means" should only include criminal acts, saying it’s “inconceivable that acts or activities by whatever forms and methods with a view to subverting the state power could be considered to be acceptable or tolerable.”Moreover, they ruled that the defendants did not have to be aware that they were breaching the law at the time of the offence, so long as the accused had intentionally committed an unlawful act with a view to subverting state power.“Therefore, it was irrelevant to the issue of guilt that the accused acted with a mistaken belief that his or her means was lawful; to hold otherwise would go against the purpose of the NSL,” the judges wrote.While the judges agreed that legislators should not automatically approve government budgets, any plan to indiscriminately veto such budgets in an attempt to force the government to accept political demands would, they concluded, constitute an abuse of power that contravenes both the Basic Law and the NSL. The court also dismissed defence claims that the offence wasn’t clearly defined because the law doesn’t provide specific definitions for "subversion" or "state power".The judges said it was obvious that all the powers of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ultimately came from the Constitution and the Central People's Government, and concluded that "state power" refers to those wielded by the SAR government, including the various duties and functions it performs.Using a dictionary definition of "subversion", the judges ruled that “a serious interference in, disruption or undermining of the performance of duties and functions in accordance with the law by the body of power of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region… could amount to an act ‘subverting the State power’.”As such, they found that 14 defendants had knowingly participated in the plot, with the intention of subverting state power, and therefore found them guilty. | 1,717,047,506 | en |
45,409 | FS hopes for stronger ties between China, US bay areas | Financial Secretary Paul Chan has told the business community in Berkeley, California that he hopes there will be further financial and technological exchanges between the state's bay area and the Greater Bay Area.His remark came after the Financial Services and Treasury Bureau and the University of Hong Kong both signed a memorandum of understanding with a California-based climate institute to cooperate in areas such as talent exchanges, green fintech and carbon market development. “I hope, too, that we can encourage financial and technological exchanges. The global gap for green funding and technology is enormous, measured in trillions of US dollars. Let's turn this need into opportunities,” Chan said. He went on to say that Hong Kong is a great place to do business in Asia, being the "super connector" between China and the rest of the world, and invited US businesses to pay a visit to the SAR to see what is on offer. Chan also told attendees at a climate event that Hong Kong is committed to a greener future and that the SAR plans to reach carbon neutrality in the coming decades.“Hong Kong is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. We are adopting a four-pronged strategy to reach neutrality: net-zero electricity generation, green buildings, green transport and waste reduction,” he said.“Indeed, we were among the first cities in Asia to take action against climate change… Our carbon emissions peaked in 2014 and have shown a general downward trend since.” | 1,717,046,222 | en |
45,408 | NKorea launches missiles off its eastern coast: Seoul | South Korean military officials on Thursday said North Korea fired a barrage of suspected ballistic missiles toward its eastern sea. The missile launch comes days after its attempt to put a military reconnaissance satellite into orbit ended in failure.South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said it detected the North firing around 10 projectiles that appeared to be short-range ballistic missiles from an area near its capital, Pyongyang.It said the suspected missiles flew around 350 kilometres before landing in waters off the North’s eastern coast. It said the South Korean military had increased surveillance and shared its information with the United States and Japan.Japan’s coast guard issued a maritime safety advisory over the North Korean launches and urged ships to exercise caution if they find any fallen objects. Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters the suspected missiles were believed to have landed in waters outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone and there were no immediate reports of damages. He said Tokyo “strongly condemns” the launches, which are in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions against the North. (AP) | 1,717,044,220 | en |
45,407 | Beijing announces China-Arab States Summit for 2026 | President Xi Jinping on Thursday announced that China would host the second China-Arab States Summit in 2026, adding it would be another milestone in Beijing's relations with the Middle East region.Xi made the announcement as he delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing.President Xi also called for a peace conference on the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas as he addressed Arab leaders and diplomats.China is this week hosting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and several other Arab leaders for a forum at which discussions on the war in Gaza were expected.Addressing the delegations, Xi said China supported a "broad-based" peace conference to resolve the conflict."The Middle East is a land bestowed with broad prospects for development, but the war is still raging on it," Xi said."War should not continue indefinitely. Justice should not be absent forever," he added.Xi also said China supports Palestine's full membership of the United Nations.(Xinhua/AFP) | 1,717,041,956 | en |
45,406 | HKO may issue Standby Signal Number 1 | The observatory on Thursday said it will issue the Standby Signal Number 1 if a low-pressure area in the central to northern part of the South China Sea develops into a tropical depression.The forecaster said the low-pressure area is still loosely organised but may intensify. It is expected to move towards the coast of western Guangdong, near the Pearl River Estuary. It added that there will be showers, thunderstorms and strong winds in the coming days, while offshore winds will also strengthen. | 1,717,039,804 | en |
45,405 | Design contests held to promote patriotic education | The group in charge of promoting patriotic education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee on Thursday said it is going to hold design contests in which participants create mascots and logos that reflect the theme of "love our country, love Hong Kong, and love our community."The competitions would be held in separate primary, secondary, and tertiary divisions. The winning design could be used in events celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.The winners and the first and second runner-ups would also receive annual passes to the Hong Kong Palace Museum.The registration for the competition starts today and will close on July 15.The group's convenor, Starry Lee, said all schools in the SAR would be invited to join the competitions.“We have designed a theme that is ‘to love our motherland, to love Hong Kong and to love the community’. We need a logo or symbol to represent this main theme. We will issue a letter to all schools in the community, including universities, secondary and primary schools, to invite all schools to join and participate in this competition," she said.“Hopefully, we can find some very symbolic design so that we can use in other part of our activities.”She added that while participation is voluntary, she expects a lot of students would join the contests. | 1,717,039,737 | en |
45,404 | 14 convicted, 2 cleared in subversion trial | Fourteen people were on Thursday found guilty of conspiring to commit subversion under the national security law after a court ruled that they had sought to subvert state power by participating in an unsanctioned 'primary election' organised by the opposition camp in July 2020. Two others – former district councillors Lawrence Lau and Lee Yue-shun – were acquitted. Those convicted in the subversion case were Gordon Ng, Tat Cheng, Clarisse Yeung, Michael Pang, Kalvin Ho, Helena Wong, Sze Tak-loy, Gwyneth Ho, Raymond Chan, Owen Chow, Lam Cheuk-ting, Leung Kwok-hung, Ricky Or and Winnie Yu.They were remanded in custody, pending sentencing.The verdict was handed down by three national security judges in a hearing at the West Kowloon Court.Thirty-one others earlier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit subversion. | 1,717,037,544 | en |
45,403 | Local stocks open again with losses | Hong Kong stocks opened with another loss on Thursday morning.This followed a retreat on Wall Street that came on the back of rising US Treasury yields and worries about whether the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates this year.The Hang Seng Index edged down 0.29 percent, or 53 points, to 18,423. (AFP) | 1,717,036,981 | en |
45,402 | Robots help with spine surgery at Queen Mary Hospital | Robot-assisted spine surgery has been carried out successfully on 20 patients at Queen Mary Hospital since October. Researchers from the University of Hong Kong say the robot can help surgeons be more precise and accurate when placing screws, and thus reduce the risk of complications and the need for more surgery. Professor Jason Cheung, from the University of Hong Kong's medical school, led the research team. "I would say there are a couple of aspects that it improves," he said. "First it of course increases patient safety. So in the past when we are doing the surgeries, where we insert the screws, they are all done by free hand, meaning that it is up to the surgeons' experience to identify where the correct position is for the screws... "Secondly, it helps the surgeon with the overall process of the surgery. Surgeons no longer need to be completely concentrated to put screws in accurately. They can actually put their major part of the concentration into more risky procedures, such as decompression of the nerves."But Professor Cheung said surgeons would still remain in overall control."So even to this day when I am using the robot, despite it guiding me, I will still always check whether the track of the screws are correct or not. So I will always double-check myself by feel, perhaps an X-ray just to confirm whether everything is accurate," he said.Professor Cheung said the robot didn't just help with inserting the screws. He said, prior to surgery, surgeons would take a CT scan from the patient and plan where to put the screws. The system would then match this with the plan and guide the surgeon. | 1,717,033,291 | en |
45,401 | HK court to deliver verdict on primaries case | The High Court is set to begin delivering a verdict on whether 16 opposition figures breached the national security law by participating in an unofficial legislative primary election four years ago.Queues formed outside the West Kowloon Court where the hearing is held amid tightened security and a heavy police presence.Sixteen defendants who have pleaded not guilty are expecting to hear their fate after a subversion trial lasting 118 days.If convicted, they could face up to life in prison although sentencing is expected later. They were among the 47 politicians and activists charged with conspiracy to commit subversion under the national security law. Authorities alleged that an unofficial Legco primary election in July 2020 was a subversive attempt by the opposition camp to win a majority in Legco and paralyse the government. The 16 who stood trial include former lawmakers Lam Cheuk-ting and Leung Kwok-hung, and journalist-turned-activist Gwyneth Ho.The case was centred on whether they conspired to subvert state power by planning to indiscriminately vote down the budget and force the then-Chief Executive to resign through their participation in the polls. Thirty-one others, including former legal scholar Benny Tai and ex-student activist Joshua Wong, pleaded guilty to their charges. The judiciary has set aside more than 400 seats for the public to hear the verdict on Thursday - the largest national security case to date.Three national security judges - Andrew Chan, Alex Lee and Johnny Chan - presided over the jury-free trial. | 1,717,033,110 | en |
45,400 | Haughey takes fourth Mare Nostrum gold | Siobhan Haughey won her fourth gold medal of the Mare Nostrum Swim Tour on Wednesday, this one coming in the 100m freestyle event on Day 1 in Barcelona.Competing in her only discipline on the opening day, a time of 55.45 seconds was enough to easily see the 26-year-old through the preliminary heats.The Hong Kong swimmer then improved her time to 52.76 in the final, touching the wall 1.11 seconds ahead of Swedish swimmer Michelle Coleman.Haughey took gold in the 100m breaststroke, 200m freestyle and 100m freestyle at the Tour's opening leg in the French town of Canet-en-Roussillon. | 1,717,031,086 | en |
45,399 | Prosecutors drop assault charges against Scheffler | Prosecutors in Kentucky on Wednesday dropped all charges against top-ranked golfer Scottie Scheffler, who was arrested after allegedly ignoring police at a traffic stop outside the US PGA Championship.Scheffler, 27, was handcuffed and led away by officers in the pre-dawn incident on May 17, before having his mugshot taken in an orange jumpsuit and then returning from jail to the Valhalla course and teeing off for his second round.Scheffler allegedly drove onto a curb near the course entrance after police set up a traffic stop due to a separate road accident in which a local man working at the tournament had been killed.A police report said Scheffler had disobeyed orders to stop his car and accelerated, dragging to the ground police officer Bryan Gillis, who was hospitalized with bruising and swelling.On Wednesday, Jefferson County Attorney Mike O'Connell lodged a motion in court to dismiss all charges against Scheffler and the judge agreed.O'Connell told the court that the evidence against Scheffler did not meet the standard of probable cause."Based on the totality of the evidence my office cannot move forward in the prosecution of the charges filed against Mr Scheffler," O'Connell said.Scheffler had been charged with felony assault on a police officer, criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic.His lawyer Steve Romines denied any wrongdoing, adding Scheffler was driving a marked player's vehicle when he received conflicting signals from police officers at the traffic control.Romines had stressed that his client would fight the charges and was "not interested in any sort of settlement negotiations or anything."On the morning of his arrest, world number-one Scheffler released a statement saying "there was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do."O'Connell told the court in Louisville that Scheffler's claim of misunderstanding "is corroborated by the evidence." (AFP) | 1,717,030,125 | en |
45,398 | Swiatek survives Osaka classic, Alcaraz goes through | Defending champion Iga Swiatek escaped from match point down against Naomi Osaka to reach the French Open third round on Wednesday, while Carlos Alcaraz overcame a scare of his own as persistent rain caused widespread disruption to the tournament.Swiatek outlasted fellow four-time Grand Slam winner Osaka 7-6 [7/1], 1-6, 7-5 in a breathtaking second-round clash, livening a gloomy day in which 23 singles matches were postponed until Thursday.World number one Swiatek won the last five games of the match to keep her bid for a third successive Roland Garros title on track. Justine Henin was the last woman to achieve the feat in 2005-07.Osaka, appearing at only a second Grand Slam since giving birth to her daughter last July, was on the cusp of her biggest win since returning to tennis at the start of the year but took a philosophical view to an agonising defeat.Three break points eluded Swiatek to start the deciding set and Osaka's clean hitting quickly had her opponent again on the back foot.Osaka blasted a backhand winner to break for a 2-0 advantage before demonstrating her resolve once more to save another five break points.Swiatek fended off a break opportunity to stay in touch at 2-4, but she looked doomed when Osaka brought up match point three games later.A terrific return kept her alive and a loose backhand from Osaka handed Swiatek a break to get back to 4-5.After a tough hold, Swiatek broke again to move 6-5 in front before holding her nerve to wrap up victory after nearly three hours.US Open champion and third seed Coco Gauff defeated Slovenia's Tamara Zidansek 6-3, 6-4, while eighth seed Ons Jabeur overcame Colombia's Camila Osorio in three sets.Alcaraz shook off a third-set blip against world number 176 Jesper de Jong before the Spaniard came through 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 under the roof on Court Philippe Chatrier.Other winners in the men's draw were Second seed Jannik Sinner, Sixth seed Andrey Rublev and former French Open finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas. (AFP) | 1,717,029,782 | en |
45,397 | Interest rate fears take shine off US markets | US markets finished lower on Wednesday as rising Treasury bond yields prompted a wave of selling after recent records."Now that the (first-quarter earnings) period is essentially over, inflation and interest rates are front of mind," said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research, noting that the Dow has pulled back after topping 40,000 earlier this month.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.1 percent on the day to 38,441.The S&P 500 declined 0.7 percent to 5,266, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 0.6 percent to 16,920.Analysts have attributed the rise in Treasury yields partly to commentary from US Federal Reserve officials warning that elevated inflation could keep interest rates high.Market observers have also cited disappointing demand for US Treasury bonds as a factor.On Wednesday, the Fed's latest "beige book" of economic conditions pointed to a somewhat gloomier outlook, although economic activity remained positive from early April to mid-May.Among individual companies, Marathon Oil shot up 8.4 percent after it agreed to be acquired by ConocoPhillips in an all-stock transaction valued at US$22.5 billion.ConocoPhillips declined 3.1 percent.American Airlines sank 13.5 percent after it lowered its profit outlook, citing weaker demand and a troubled booking system upgrade. (AFP) | 1,717,015,244 | en |
45,396 | Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula hit by fresh eruption | A new volcano erupted on the Reykjanes peninsula in southwestern Iceland on Wednesday, spewing red-hot lava into the air shortly after authorities evacuated the nearby town of Grindavik.A large white cloud of smoke could be seen, with orange lava fountains bubbling out of a crack in the ground near Sundhnukagigar, north of Grindavik.The eruption was the fifth in six months on the Reykjanes peninsula.Two hours after the start of the eruption, lava was flowing less than a kilometre from a defensive barrier protecting the fishing village of Grindavik, the barrier itself located about another kilometre from the northern tip of the town.Most of the 4,000 residents had evacuated Grindavik in November, prior to a December eruption.Lava flowed into the town's streets during another eruption in January, engulfing three homes.While the large share of those who were in the town on Wednesday -- for work or visits -- left immediately, a few die-hard residents refused to leave, the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management said on its Facebook page."Despite recommendations from response teams to leave the town, three residents remain in Grindavik. Such actions are not advisable," it said.The nearby Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, Iceland's biggest tourist attraction known for its turquoise waters, said it had evacuated its facilities on Wednesday.Maia Biegatch, a 28-year-old French tourist, had just arrived at the Blue Lagoon when the eruption occurred."We received alerts on our phones telling us to 'evacuate, evacuate', so we turned back," she told AFP. "It was a total surprise."The eruption was, however, not expected to disrupt air traffic, with the international airport Keflavik "open and operating in the usual way", airport operator Isavia said on its website."The eruption cloud reached an altitude of about 3.5 kilometres (2.2 miles) at the beginning of the eruption" and the length of the fissure was estimated at over one kilometre, the Iceland Meteorological Office said shortly after the eruption began at 12:46 pm (1246 GMT).Around 90 minutes later, the Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management said the fissure had extended to 3.4 kilometres.The lava flow was heavy, estimated at between 1,500 and 2,000 cubic metres per second, the IMO said.The eruption came almost three weeks after the end of a previous eruption that had been ongoing since March 16.In the past six months, volcanoes have erupted on the peninsula in December, January, February and March. The IMO had reported "intense earthquake activity" prior to Wednesday's eruption, with "about 400 earthquakes" measured in the past seven days near the Sundhnukagigar crater row. (AFP) | 1,717,015,117 | en |
45,395 | BHP abandons bid for Anglo American | Australia's BHP announced on Wednesday that it has walked away from a proposed US$49-billion takeover of British rival Anglo American that would have created a copper titan.BHP said in a statement that it will not make a firm offer for Anglo American, ending a six-week saga and scrapping its gigantic proposal just before a key Wednesday deadline which its UK rival had refused to extend.A core part of BHP's plan was splitting off Anglo's platinum holdings in South Africa, a politically sensitive move that stirred government opposition ahead of the country's general election.BHP's offer had also proposed Anglo American hiving off its iron ore production activities in South Africa under plans to focus on copper, demand for which is booming over its use in green technologies and artificial intelligence (AI)."BHP will not be making a firm offer for Anglo American," BHP chief executive Mike Henry said in a statement bringing an end to their efforts, which had seen the Australian company twice raise its initial proposal."While we believed that our proposal for Anglo American was a compelling opportunity to effectively grow the pie of value for both sets of shareholders, we were unable to reach agreement with Anglo American on our specific views in respect of South African regulatory risk and cost."BHP remained confident however that its plan "was the most effective structure to deliver value for Anglo American shareholders" and could have "obtained all required regulatory approvals, including in South Africa", he added.The London-listed giant had rejected a third offer from BHP last week, worth 38.6 billion pounds, but agreed to keep talks alive for seven more days.In response to BHP's overtures, Anglo had recently announced it would offload its coal, diamond and platinum businesses to focus on critical minerals.Earlier on Wednesday, Anglo American had rejected BHP's request to extend talks over its vast proposal beyond a 1600 GMT deadline for it to either make a concrete offer or abandon the bid.The company said its board had unanimously concluded that there was "no basis for a further extension" for BHP to explore its proposal, adding that there were "fundamental concerns" over the bid structure and value.The offer "includes the same highly complex and unattractive structure", Anglo American argued.Ahead of the deadline, BHP -- which is listed in London and Sydney -- had made a last-ditch attempt to mollify concerns and keep its bid alive."BHP believes that its proposal will contribute to South Africa and allow the benefits of South African mining to be shared with more South African stakeholders," the company had insisted in its previous statement as it requested a further deadline extension.Any deal between two of the world's largest resources companies would have fundamentally reshaped the sector, with far-reaching consequences for commodities markets and the global energy transition.BHP's interest was largely stoked by its hunger to secure a reliable copper supply.Anglo American's South American copper holdings include four of the largest copper mines in the world.An electrical conductor used in wiring, the metal is seen as a bedrock of emerging clean-energy industries -- a crucial component to manufacture solar panels, electric vehicles and rechargeable batteries.It is also widely regarded as vital for the development of cutting-edge AI technology.Copper prices have increased about 400 percent in the past quarter of a century, and broke US$10,000 a tonne in April for the first time in two years.The boom has already prompted a wave of investment, with BHP snapping up Australian copper producer OZ Minerals for more than US$6 billion last year. (AFP) | 1,717,010,259 | en |
45,394 | Europe sets up special office targeting AI sector | The European Union on Wednesday announced the creation of an "AI Office" of tech experts, lawyers and economists to regulate artificial intelligence under a sweeping new law.The EU this year approved the world's first comprehensive rules to govern AI, especially powerful systems like OpenAI's ChatGPT after long, intense negotiations.First proposed in 2021, the bloc raced to get the law in the books after ChatGPT burst onto the scene in 2022, leaving users stunned by its ability to churn out coherent text including poems within seconds."The AI Office aims at enabling the future development, deployment and use of AI in a way that fosters societal and economic benefits and innovation, while mitigating risks," the European Commission said.The 140-member AI Office will be established within the commission, which is the EU's executive arm and also acts as the bloc's powerful tech regulator."The Office will foster a European AI ecosystem that is innovative, competitive and respectful of EU rules and values," the EU's top tech enforcer, Thierry Breton, said.The EU's law known as the "AI Act" has tougher rules for general-purpose AI systems such as ChatGPT and takes a risk-based approach to the technology.The higher the risk to Europeans' rights or health, for example, the greater the systems' obligations to protect individuals from harms."Together with developers and a scientific community, the office will evaluate and test general purpose AI to ensure that AI serves us as humans and upholds our European values," commission executive vice president Margrethe Vestager said.Companies will have to comply with the EU's law by 2026, but rules covering AI models like ChatGPT will apply 12 months after the law becomes official.The EU's announcement came on the same day that EU auditors criticised the commission for failing to sufficiently invest in AI to achieve the bloc's ambitions."Going forward, stronger governance and more -- and better targeted -- public and private investment in the EU will be paramount if the EU is to achieve its AI ambitions," the bloc's spending watchdog said.But the commission defended the bloc's record and said it was investing more than one billion euros (US$1.1 billion) annually in AI research projects under different schemes. (AFP) | 1,717,006,522 | en |
45,393 | ConocoPhillips to snap up Marathan Oil | US energy giant ConocoPhillips said on Wednesday it will acquire competitor Marathon Oil in an all-stock transaction valued at US$22.5 billion, including US$5.4 billion in debt.The deal, the latest in a series of major acquisitions in the US oil sector, will enable ConocoPhillips to strengthen its position in shale oil and gas-rich regions such as the Bakken Basin in the northern United States and the Permian Basin in the south.The acquisition "further deepens our portfolio and fits within our financial framework, adding high-quality, low cost of supply inventory adjacent to our leading US unconventional position," ConocoPhillips chairman and chief executive officer Ryan Lance said in a statement.He said the company sees "significant synergy potential" in the merger.Marathon Oil chief Lee Tillman said it was a "proud moment to look back on what we achieved," and that ConocoPhillips was "the right home to build on that legacy."The deal, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year, gives Marathon Oil shareholders 0.255 shares of ConocoPhillips common stock for each share of Marathon Oil common stock. (AFP) | 1,717,003,320 | en |
45,392 | Jobless rate to ease in 2024 - ILO | Global unemployment is set to fall slightly this year, a United Nations agency said on Wednesday, reversing its previous prediction of a rise while warning of "slow progress" on tackling inequalities.The International Labour Organization (ILO) expects a global unemployment rate of 4.9 percent in 2024, after originally forecasting unemployment would rise to 5.2 percent this year from 5 percent in 2023.In a report, the Geneva-based UN agency forecasts that the rate will stay at 4.9 percent in 2025.However, the ILO cautioned that "inequalities in labour markets persist, with women in low-income countries particularly affected."The report found that 183 million people meet the definition of unemployed, meaning they are actively looking for work and are immediately available. But the number of people without a job who wanted to work stood at 402 million.The agency also said women were more likely to be unwillingly out of work and disproportionately affected by a lack of opportunities.Women in low-income countries were especially hard-hit, with 22.8 percent who wanted a job not in work, compared with 15.3 percent for men.For high-income countries, the rate stood at 9.7 percent for women and 7.3 percent for men.The report also warned that these differences were just the "tip of the iceberg" as women were much more likely than men to have left the labour force altogether.Worldwide, the report estimated that 45.6 percent of women of working age were employed in 2024. For men, the figure was 69.2 percent."Despite our efforts to reduce global inequalities, the labour market remains an uneven playing field," ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo is quoted as saying in a press release."To achieve a sustainable recovery whose benefits are shared by all... we must place inclusion and social justice at the core of our policies and institutions," Houngbo said.The ILO is the oldest specialised UN agency and brings together employers, unions and governments from around the world. (AFP) | 1,717,000,027 | en |
45,391 | Two giant pandas to head to US | China will return giant pandas to Washington's National Zoo by the end of the year, US First Lady Jill Biden and officials said on Wednesday in a surprise announcement signalling a new era of panda diplomacy between the two superpowers."We are excited for children near and far to once again enjoy the giant pandas' adorable and joyful adventures at our @NationalZoo," the first lady posted on X.Beijing will send a new pair called Bao Li and Qing Bao under a 10-year breeding and research agreement, the zoo said in a statement, hailing a "historic moment" that demonstrated the benefits of its partnership with Beijing."We're thrilled to announce the next chapter of our breeding and conservation partnership begins by welcoming two new bears, including a descendent of our beloved panda family, to Washington, DC," said Brandie Smith of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute."This historic moment is proof positive our collaboration with Chinese colleagues has made an irrefutable impact."Amid tensions between Beijing and Washington, only a handful of the iconic black and white bears remain in the US, with three having left the national zoo in Washington six months ago.But President Xi Jinping said after meeting President Joe Biden at a summit in California last November that China could send new pandas as "envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American people."The White House said it would be happy to have more bamboo-chewing bears.China has been using so-called "panda diplomacy" since 1972, when the first animals were sent to the United States as a gift, following then-president Richard Nixon's historic visit.Strained relations between the rival superpowers in recent years have led Beijing to call some of the pandas back home.All three giant pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington – Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, who arrived in 2000, and their three-year-old cub Xiao Qi Ji ("Little Miracle" in English) – flew back on a cargo plane to China in November last year.The currently last remaining pandas in the US, at a zoo in the southern city of Atlanta, are due to return to China later this year, although China announced plans in February to send a new pair of giant pandas to the San Diego Zoo. (AFP) | 1,716,992,701 | en |
45,390 | China, Egypt sign cooperation deals, discuss Gaza | China and Egypt on Wednesday signed agreements deepening their cooperation during President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's visit to Beijing.President Xi Jinping and his Egyptian counterpart witnessed the signing in a ceremony that coincided with the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.China and Egypt discussed bilateral relations and bringing stability to the Middle East in light of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, according to a statement released by the Egyptian presidency."The current round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has caused a large number of innocent Palestinian civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation in Gaza is extremely severe. China is deeply pained," Xi told el-Sisi, according to state media."The top priority task now is an immediate ceasefire, in order to avoid spillover of conflict, impact on regional peace and stability, and so as to prevent a more serious humanitarian crisis."Xi added that China is ready to work with Egypt to continue to assist the people of Gaza "and push for an early, comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue".Egypt, along with Qatar and the United States, have been engaged for months in talks aimed at securing a lasting truce between Israel and Hamas.The agreements signed between Beijing and Cairo on Wednesday include collaboration in the Belt and Road Initiative.China has invested billions of dollars in Egyptian state projects, including the Suez Canal Economic Zone and the new administrative capital east of Cairo.Investments between the two countries amounted to around US$14 billion in 2023, compared to US$16.6 billion in 2022, according to the latest data released by Egypt’s statistics agency.China is hosting el-Sisi and several other Arab leaders in Beijing this week, with talks aimed at deepening consensus between Beijing and the Arab countries. (Agencies) | 1,716,989,667 | en |
45,389 | One more arrested over 'seditious posts' | National security police on Wednesday said they arrested one more person on suspicion of "offences in connection with seditious intention" under the Basic Law Article 23 national security legislation. Six people, including the former vice-chairwoman of the now-defunct Hong Kong Alliance, Chow Hang-tung, were arrested on Tuesday and linked to seditious posts published on social media ahead of what authorities described as a "sensitive date".It is understood that a 53-year-old woman arrested on Wednesday is the wife of one of those taken into custody the day before.Officers are not ruling out further arrests. | 1,716,983,981 | en |
45,388 | Coaches, footballers arrested for alleged match-fixing | The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) on Wednesday said it arrested 12 people, including footballers and coaches, for alleged match-fixing.The anti-graft body said the head coach, a midfielder and a goalkeeper of a football team in the Hong Kong Premier League were arrested.Also taken into custody were a coach and five players from two teams in the third-tier Second Division. Three betting agents were arrested as well.The ICAC did not name the suspects or their clubs, citing an ongoing investigation.The alleged offences took place over three seasons, beginning with the 2021 campaign, authorities said.Matthew Chang, a principal investigator with the ICAC, said the coaches allegedly communicated with players with signals during the matches.“They would give some secret signals during the match if they can recruit some players in the same team, like moving their head or using their body language, gestures, to show that at which specific times the involved players have to do something, like to keep going to score or just stop to defend,” he said. The ICAC said each player could get up to tens of thousands of dollars for each match fixed.It is also believed that some of those arrested placed bets in illegal gambling for gains, with the amount of bets topping HK$1 million in one season.The ICAC said the suspects have been released on bail.The Football Association of Hong Kong, China said it will fully assist the ICAC in the investigation, stressing that it has "zero tolerance" towards football corruption. In a statement, the association said if the allegations are proven true, it will severely punish the clubs, players and coaches involved by revoking their memberships and imposing lifetime suspensions. The Hong Kong Premier League expressed regret over the incident, adding that it will work with the football association to create a fair and clean football industry.The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau said it will not tolerate illegal acts. The bureau said it will urge the local football association to work with ICAC and improve the anti-corruption awareness of football clubs. | 1,716,982,994 | en |
45,387 | Hong Kong stocks suffer fresh losses | Hong Kong stocks closed with more losses on Wednesday on lingering fears the Federal Reserve will not cut interest rates this year, with investors also awaiting the release of US inflation data later in the week.The Hang Seng Index fell 1.83 percent, or 344 points, to 18,477.The Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.1 percent, or 1 point, to 3,111, while the Shenzhen Composite Index gained 0.3 percent, or 5 points, to 1,734. (AFP) | 1,716,971,302 | en |
45,386 | South African general election gets underway | South Africans began voting on Wednesday in the most competitive election since the end of apartheid, with opinion polls suggesting the African National Congress (ANC) would lose its parliamentary majority after 30 years in government.Then led by Nelson Mandela, the ANC swept to power in South Africa's first multi-racial election in 1994 and won a majority in national elections held every five years since then, though its share of the vote has gradually declined.In Wednesday's election, voters choose the 400 members of the National Assembly and these MPs will then go on in the coming weeks to choose a president from among their number.Candidates for South Africa's nine provincial assemblies were also on the ballot.If it falls short of a 50 percent majority, the ANC could be forced to negotiate a coalition deal with one or more of the smaller parties in order to continue governing.Analysts expect the ANC to do well enough to remain the largest party in parliament, meaning its leader, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, was likely to stay in office, unless he faced an internal challenge if the party's performance was worse than expected.Voter dissatisfaction over high rates of unemployment and crime, frequent power blackouts and corruption in party ranks lies behind the ANC's gradual fall from grace. (Reuters) | 1,716,967,158 | en |
45,385 | 'Work underway on legal framework for same-sex unions' | The government on Wednesday said efforts are underway to respond to a court order on formulating an official framework to recognise same-sex partnerships following a landmark ruling last year. The Court of Final Appeal ruled last September that the government has a constitutional duty to allow gay couples to register their partnerships, in a case brought by former activist Jimmy Sham who married his male partner in New York in 2013.The top court said the government would be given two years to come up with an alternative framework so that same-sex relationships could be provided legal recognition. In a written reply to a request by lawmaker Regina Ip for an update on the situation, constitutional and mainland affairs chief Erick Tsang said officials are "actively taking forward the relevant work" and will seek the views of the Legislative Council in due course, once there are concrete suggestions. Tsang also said the matter is complex and involves a wide range of issues. "We are now following the court's relevant judgment and timetable, conducting detailed study with the [Department of Justice] and relevant bureaux on the mechanism relating to the legal recognition of same-sex relationship, thresholds of recognition, eligibilities, conditions, how to effectively avoid abuses of the alternative framework, etc, as well as the rights and obligations arisen, including 'core rights' and 'supplementary rights', and formulating implementation," he said. | 1,716,964,229 | en |
45,384 | HK a 'launch pad' for San Francisco firms to expand | Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Tuesday told business leaders in San Francisco that the SAR is a “natural launching pad” for them to enter the Asian and China markets, as he promoted collaboration between the China-US bay areas on a five-day trip.Speaking at a business luncheon, Chan said there were many commonalities between the San Francisco Bay Area and the Greater Bay Area, with the two places the global engines of technological innovation and also the birthplaces of tech firm giants.“The San Francisco Bay Area and the Greater Bay Area are a magnet, attracting a lot of talent, that is our competitive advantage, and also this will give us continuous impetus in terms of innovation and technological development,” Chan said.He went on to point out there’s also a difference between the two places in terms of population and market sizes, as the Californian bay area has a population of about seven million, while the Guangdong bay area population stands at some 87 million, with huge market potential contributing to some 12 percent of the Chinese economy.“So if you want to launch your products or services in Asia, in China, Hong Kong is naturally your launching pad, because from here you can springboard to other parts of the mainland and Asia,” he told delegates, noting the SAR’s financial markets are much bigger in breadth and depth compared with Singapore.A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between InvestHK and San Francisco’s Bay Area Council to promote cooperation especially in the green economy.Separately, the finance minister also met with representatives of five Hong Kong startups currently exploring expansion in San Francisco.The five SAR startups specialise in areas including biodegradable materials, new construction materials, online marketing, artificial intelligence, and robotics, and the entrepreneurs are exploring the market there whilst undertaking training programmes.The finance chief also welcomed a plan by a Silicon Valley startup accelerator company to set up a technological innovation centre in the SAR. | 1,716,959,179 | en |
45,383 | Jørn Andersen resigns as SAR head coach | Hong Kong football head coach Jørn Andersen announced on Wednesday that he has resigned with immediate effect.Andersen said he had received an offer "he couldn't refuse", without disclosing which club it came from.He told reporters that the local football association "had made every effort to retain" him, offering him a new three-year contract being as his original deal was due to expire next summer."After much careful consideration, I have made a difficult decision and decide to take a new challenge, and step down as coach of the Hong Kong, China representative team," Andersen said at a press conference."I have recently received an invitation from a club outside that presents an opportunity that I simply cannot refuse."The Norwegian thanked the Football Association of Hong Kong, China, as well as the SAR government, his staff, players and the fans for their support throughout "a fantastic journey" in the past two and a half years."I thank all the players who train with me, play with me. And at last, I thank all the great Hong Kong fans who support us everywhere, wherever we were playing."Earlier this year, the coach, 61, had spoken to the press about the association not offering him a new contract.The association, for its part, said Andersen informed them of his intention to leave on Monday, and officially tabled his resignation on Wednesday. Assistant coach Wolfgang Luisser has been named interim head coach, with Szeto Man-chun joining the coaching staff.Andersen took up the head coach role in late 2021. He is considered to have successfully changed the team's culture by playing with a high pressing, attacking style that was relatively rare in the SAR squad. In January, he led the team to its first Asian Cup berth since 1968, with the squad putting up inspiring battles despite defeats against Asian heavyweights Iran and the United Arab Emirates, as well as a surprising Palestinian team.Team Hong Kong, China also made history at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year, when Andersen took the under-23 squad to advance to the semi-final stage for the first time ever. | 1,716,958,000 | en |
45,382 | Record temperatures scorch India's capital | Temperatures in India's capital soared to a record-high 49.9 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, the government's weather bureau said.The India Meteorological Department, which reported "severe heat-wave conditions", recorded the temperatures at two New Delhi suburb stations at Narela and Mungeshpur.Forecasters predict similar temperatures on Wednesday.In May 2022, parts of New Delhi hit 49.2 degrees Celsius.India is no stranger to searing summer temperatures.But scientists have found climate change is causing heatwaves to become longer, more frequent and more intense.New Delhi authorities also warned of the risk of water shortages as the capital swelters in an intense heatwave -- cutting supplies to some areas.India's Water Minister Atishi Marlena called for "collective responsibility" to stop wasteful water use, the Times of India newspaper reported Wednesday. (AFP) | 1,716,957,399 | en |
45,381 | Former Thai PM to face trial over alleged royal insult | Thailand's attorney general's office on Wednesday said former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would be prosecuted for insulting the monarchy over comments he made almost a decade ago.Prayuth Pecharakun, spokesman for the attorney general, said Thaksin would be summoned to court on June 18 to answer charges under the kingdom's strict lese-majeste laws.Thaksin, 74, is a two-time premier who was ousted in a 2006 coup and then lived in self exile for 15 years.He returned to Thailand last year as his Pheu Thai party took power at the head of a coalition government."The attorney general has decided to indict Thaksin for insulting the monarchy," Prayuth told reporters."The attorney general cannot bring him to court today, as his (Thaksin's) lawyer said he has Covid."Thailand has some of the world's strictest royal defamation laws protecting King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his close family, with each charge bringing a potential 15-year prison sentence.Thaksin's lawyer, Winyat Chatmontree, said he would fight the charges. (AFP) | 1,716,956,568 | en |
45,380 | Local home prices log second monthly rise in April | Hong Kong’s lived-in home prices rose for the second straight month in April, increasing by 0.3 percent from March, with all home sizes seeing gains.Data released by the Rating and Valuation Department on Wednesday showed that the latest official price index of second-hand units stood at 308.7 last month, compared with 305.7 in March.The increase was broad-based, as all small, medium, and large sized units saw gains of about 0.3 percent on a monthly basis.It also came after the index logged its first increase in 11 months in March, as buyers returned to the market after Financial Secretary Paul Chan scrapped all property cooling measures in his Budget on February 28.However, taking the first four months in total, home prices still fell 0.84 percent, and the latest index level was still about 13 percent lower compared with the same period last year. Rental prices, meanwhile, rose 0.9 percent on a monthly basis, also a second straight increase, but still 4.6 percent lower from the same period last year.The city’s rents rose 0.5 percent in the first four months of the year. | 1,716,954,356 | en |
45,379 | Philip Chan wins HK's Footballer of the Year | Local star footballer Philip Chan won the Hong Kong Footballer of the Year award on Tuesday, the first player from the SAR to do so since goalkeeper Edmond Yapp in 2016.The Tai Po midfielder scooped three further trophies at the Top Football Awards Ceremony, including Fan's Favourite, with over 4,500 votes.He took home a total of HK$60,000 in prize money by also winning the award for the best player from the local top-flight representing the SAR in international competition, as well as being named one of the midfielders in the season's Best XI.Tai Po finished second in the league this season, with Chan often scoring last-minute winners for the team.The midfielder, 31, also scored the 1,000th goal in the history of the Asian Cup in January while playing for the SAR team in Qatar.Meanwhile, Eastern swept a number of awards, with Roberto Losada winning Coach of the Year, striker Noah Baffoe Player's Favourite, and midfielders Jesse Yu and Ma Hei-wai named Young Players of the Year. | 1,716,952,632 | en |
45,378 | IMF lifts China's 2024 growth forecast to 5pc | The International Monetary Fund on Wednesday raised its 2024 growth forecast for China to five percent, citing recent policy moves by Beijing to boost the nation's economy."China's economic growth is projected to remain resilient at five percent in 2024 and slow to 4.5 percent in 2025," the IMF said in a press release.The decision was "driven by strong first-quarter GDP data and recent policy measures", it added.The fund had initially projected 4.6 percent growth for this year – compared with "around five percent" targeted by authorities in March.The IMF also welcomed official steps in recent weeks to boost the housing market."The ongoing housing market correction, which is necessary for steering the sector towards a more sustainable path, should continue," it said.But, it added that "a more comprehensive policy package would facilitate an efficient and less costly transition while safeguarding against downside risks". (AFP) | 1,716,951,353 | en |
45,377 | HSI opens the day in negative territory | Hong Kong shares fell at the beginning of business Wednesday on concerns the US Federal Reserve could hold back from cutting interest rates this year.The Hang Seng Index sank 0.86 percent, or 161.75 points, to 18,659. Shares on China's two main bourses in Shanghai and Shenzhen also fell at the opening of trade. (AFP) | 1,716,950,861 | en |
45,376 | Djokovic shrugs off troubles at French Open | Defending champion Novak Djokovic shrugged off his recent troubles to sweep to his 93rd career win at the French Open on Tuesday, extending his run of first round Roland Garros victories to a perfect 20.Djokovic, chasing a fourth title in Paris and record 25th Grand Slam triumph, came through against 142nd-ranked French wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4, 7-6 [7/3], 6-4.The 37-year-old, who saw career-long rival and 14-time champion Rafael Nadal exit the tournament on Monday, had arrived under a cloud.For the first time since 2018, he is without a title and has yet to reach a final this season."It's a victory in three sets, that's what matters at this moment. I felt better compared to the last few weeks. I was focused. I encouraged myself, I am satisfied with my state of mind," said DjokovicDjokovic, who has advanced to the French Open quarter-finals or better every year since 2010, will face Spain's 63rd-ranked Roberto Carballes Baena for a place in the last 32.Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, a semi-finalist in 2023, over-powered Russian teenager Erika Andreeva 6-1, 6-2 in just 68 minutes under the roof of Court Philippe Chatrier as heavy rain caused a five-hour delay to action around the grounds."I'm trying to do well on clay, it is tough conditions here but I enjoy playing here and I'm just trying to bring my best tennis every time -- whatever the surface," said Sabalenka.There was better luck for Andreeva's younger sister Mirra, who went to the fourth round as a 16-year-old in 2023.She swept past Emina Bektas of the United States in straights sets.Two-time runner-up Casper Ruud, who won clay-court titles in Barcelona and Geneva in the build-up to Roland Garros, cruised to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Brazilian qualifier Felipe Meligeni Alves.Frenchwoman Alize Cornet's career ended with a straight-sets defeat by Zheng Qinwen in her record-extending 69th consecutive Grand Slam appearance.Cornet was no match for China's Australian Open runner-up Zheng, losing 6-2, 6-1. (AFP) | 1,716,949,088 | en |
45,375 | Conference to look at 'food as medicine' in healthcare | A Baptist University academic says he hopes a framework can be established on promoting "food as medicine" in the primary healthcare system. The university is hosting a two-day conference called FoodMed. Terence Lau, the university's Interim Chief Innovation Officer and chair of the conference, said Chinese medicine used many herbal components that people also consumed as food, such as ginseng. Appearing on RTHK's Hong Kong Today programme, he was asked about the relationship to medicine, especially as there had previously been controversies in Hong Kong over naturopathic - or so-called holistic - treatments."We can enhance primary health by alleviating a lot of unhealthy conditions and food can also provide a lot of benefits for chronic diseases," he said. "We are not trying to replace the traditional, or western, medicine doctors. But I think it's another approach to enhance people's health."Professor Lau also called for the greater use of technology in the field, especially when it came to data collection. He said Chinese medicine had a lot of heritage and the conference would be looking at better ways to utilise this. | 1,716,946,975 | en |
45,374 | Trump lawyers wrap up defence in hush money case | Defence lawyers in Donald Trump's hush money trial made their final pitch to the jury on Tuesday, insisting the first ever criminal prosecution of a former US president was based on "lies."Less than six months before American voters choose whether to return Trump to the White House, the stakes riding on the verdict are hard to overstate -- for the 77-year-old personally, but also for the country.Trump is accused of falsifying business records to reimburse his lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a US$130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels, when her account of a 2006 sexual encounter could have doomed his 2016 presidential campaign."This is a very dangerous day for America," Trump told reporters before entering the Manhattan courtroom as three of his five children -- Don Jr, Eric and Tiffany -- stood behind him. "We have a rigged court case that should have never been brought.""President Trump is innocent," his defense attorney Todd Blanche told the jury at the start of what he said would be about two-and-a-half hours of closing arguments."The consequences of the lack of proof you have heard over the last five weeks is simple -- it's a not guilty verdict," Blanche said.He attacked Cohen, the prosecution's star witness, as a liar."He told you a number of things on that witness stand that were lies, pure and simple," Blanche said. "You cannot convict president Trump of any crime beyond a reasonable doubt on the word of Michael Cohen."Then-president Trump was "busy running the country" when the reimbursements were made to Cohen," he said, and he did not inspect all the invoices that came across his desk."There was no intent to defraud and beyond that there was no conspiracy to influence the 2016 election by president Trump," Blanche said. "He did not commit any crimes."Trump had a grim expression as his lawyer spoke, his head tilted as he studied the jurors. He gave a thumbs-up as he left the courtroom during a break but did not address reporters.Prosecutors will get the last word. They will lay out the case that Trump falsified records to keep the hush money payment secret amid fear that the episode could sink his already rocky outsider's bid to defeat Hillary Clinton.The 12 jurors -- whose identities have been kept secret for their protection -- will start deliberations as early as Wednesday.Polls show Trump neck and neck against President Joe Biden in the White House race and the verdict will inject new tension into an already bitter contest.Speaking on behalf of the Biden campaign outside court, actor Robert De Niro berated Trump as a "clown" and "grubby real estate developer" intent on destroying the country.Trump is the first former or sitting president under criminal indictment, with charges ranging from the relatively minor hush money case to accusations that he took top secret documents and tried to overthrow the 2020 election.The New York case, which featured more than 20 witnesses over five weeks, is the only one likely to have come to trial by election day on November 5.If convicted, Trump faces up to four years in prison on each of 34 counts, but legal experts say that as a first-time offender he is unlikely to get jail time.Trump would almost certainly appeal and a conviction would not bar him from appearing on the ballot in November.Trump chose not to testify in his defence -- a move that would have exposed him to damaging cross-examination. (AFP) | 1,716,932,215 | en |
45,373 | Nvidia helps Nasdaq to break new ground | The Nasdaq crossed 17,000 for the first time ever on Tuesday, boosted by gains in Nvidia, while the S&P 500 closed slightly higher and the Dow slightly lower as Treasury yields rose.Nvidia shares boosted shares of other chip stocks as traders returned from a holiday-extended weekend.Stocks lost ground in the afternoon as US Treasury yields climbed to multi-week highs after weak debt auctions.The S&P 500 gained 0.03 percent to 5,306, the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.6 percent to 17,019. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.6 percent to 38,852.Investors awaited US inflation data this week that could sway expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts.The US core Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index report for April is due later this week. The Fed's preferred inflation barometer is expected to hold steady on a monthly basis.S&P 500 technology led gains among sectors, while healthcare was the biggest decliner."It’s all about technology and the winners continue to be the winners, specifically Nvidia," said Michael James, managing director of equity trading at Wedbush Securities in Los Angeles.Wall Street has been hitting records recently as investors bet the US central bank could kick off interest-rate cuts this year.Expectations for the timing of rate cuts have see-sawed, with policymakers wary as data still reflects sticky inflation.The retail sector will also be in focus this week, with several retailers due to report results.US trading moves to a shorter settlement on Tuesday, which regulators hope will reduce risk and improve efficiency, but is expected to temporarily increase transaction failures for investors. (Reuters) | 1,716,927,635 | en |
45,372 | Putin warns west of 'serious consequences' | Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that there would be "serious consequences" if Western countries allowed Ukraine to use their weapons to strike targets in Russia, as sought by Kyiv.Putin's warning came in response to calls within some Nato members as well as the alliance's chief Jens Stoltenberg to allow Ukraine to use their arms to step up attacks on Russian soil, in an attempt to end more than two years of fighting."This constant escalation can lead to serious consequences," Putin said during a visit to Uzbekistan."In Europe, especially in small countries, they should be aware of what they are playing with," he said, noting that many European countries had "small territory" and a "dense population"."And this factor, which they should keep in mind before they talk about striking deep into Russian territory, is a serious thing," he said.He added that even if Ukraine's forces carried out the strikes, responsibility for them would lie with Western suppliers of the weapons."They want a global conflict," he said. Western countries have long been wary of being deemed a belligerent in the Ukraine conflict as they provide support to Kyiv.Putin also said that while he believed Western military instructors were already in Ukraine operating undercover as mercenaries, any move by countries to send them officially would be another "escalation".Ukraine's top commander announced Monday that talks were being held with France on sending military instructors to the country."It is another step towards a serious conflict in Europe, towards a global conflict," Putin said."There are specialists there under the guise of mercenaries," he said, adding that "this was nothing new".He said they would be "defeated" by the Russian army, as "we will do what we think is necessary regardless of who is on the territory of Ukraine".EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said after a meeting of EU defence ministers in Brussels that European countries were split on sending military instructors to Ukraine.Countries including Germany oppose taking a step they fear could potentially drag them closer to direct conflict with a nuclear-armed Russia.EU countries have trained 50,000 Ukrainian troops outside the war-torn country under a bloc-wide mission set up in 2022.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been pressing Western allies to provide longer-range missiles and other material for striking deeper into Russia in a bid to cripple its military and industrial capacity.With the war now in its third year, Ukraine is also pleading for more weapons for its outgunned and outnumbered troops, notably seeking help to address its lack of air defence systems. (AFP) | 1,716,923,767 | en |
45,371 | Pope backpedals over gay controversy | Pope Francis issued an extraordinary apology on Tuesday over his reported use of a gay slur in a closed-door meeting with Italian bishops last week."The pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms and he extends his apologies to those who felt offended by the use of a term, reported by others," the Vatican said in a statement.During a meeting with more than 250 bishops last week, the 87-year-old pontiff was said to have used an offensive term while expressing his opposition to openly homosexual men joining training colleges for priests, even if they committed to celibacy.According to two Italian newspapers, Francis said there was already too much "frociaggine" in seminaries, using an offensive Roman term which translates as "faggotry".The reports made headlines around the world and drew dismay from both LGTBQ groups and practising Catholics.Some commentators suggested the Argentine pope did not know what he was saying.The Vatican statement did not confirm that he used the word but referenced newspaper articles."As he had the opportunity to state on several occasions: 'In the Church there is room for everyone, everyone! Nobody is useless, nobody is superfluous, there is space for everyone. Just as we are, all of us'," the statement said. (AFP) | 1,716,919,558 | en |
45,370 | OpenAI unveils safety and security group | OpenAI has formed a Safety and Security Committee that will be led by board members, including CEO Sam Altman, as it begins training its next artificial intelligence model, the AI startup said on Tuesday.Directors Bret Taylor, Adam D'Angelo and Nicole Seligman will also lead the committee, OpenAI said on a company blog.Microsoft-backed OpenAI's chatbots with generative AI capabilities, such as engaging in human-like conversations and creating images based on text prompts, have stirred safety concerns as AI models become powerful.The new committee will be responsible for making recommendations to the board on safety and security decisions for OpenAI's projects and operations."A new safety committee signifies OpenAI completing a move to becoming a commercial entity, from a more undefined non-profit-like entity," said D.A. Davidson managing director Gil Luria."That should help streamline product development while maintaining accountability."Former Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever and Jan Leike, who were leaders of OpenAI's Superalignment team, which ensured AI stays aligned to the intended objectives, left the firm earlier this month.OpenAI had disbanded the Superalignment team, earlier in May, less than a year after the company created it, with some team members being reassigned to other groups, CNBC reported days after the high-profile departures.The committee's first task will be to evaluate and further develop OpenAI’s existing safety practices over the next 90 days, following which it will share recommendations with the board.After the board's review, OpenAI will publicly share an update on adopted recommendations, the company said.Others on the committee include newly appointed Chief Scientist Jakub Pachocki and Matt Knight, head of security.The company will also consult other experts, including Rob Joyce, a former US National Security Agency cybersecurity director and John Carlin, a former Department of Justice official.OpenAI did not provide further details on the new "frontier" model it is training, except that it would bring its systems to the "next level of capabilities on our path to AGI."Earlier in May, it announced a new AI model capable of realistic voice conversation and interaction across text and image. (Reuters) | 1,716,916,882 | en |
45,369 | Report warns of growing number of extreme heat days | The world experienced an average of 26 more days of extreme heat over the last 12 months that would probably not have occurred without climate change, a report said on Tuesday.Heat is the leading cause of climate-related death and the report further points to the role of global warming in increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather around the world.For this study, scientists used the years 1991 to 2020 to determine what temperatures counted as within the top 10 percent for each country over that period.Next, they looked at the 12 months to May 15, 2024, to establish how many days over that period experienced temperatures within -- or beyond -- the previous range.Then, using peer-reviewed methods, they examined the influence of climate change on each of these excessively hot days.They concluded that "human-caused climate change added -- on average, across all places in the world -- 26 more days of extreme heat than there would have been without it".The report was published by the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, the World Weather Attribution scientific network and the non-profit research organisation Climate Central.2023 was the hottest year on record, according to the European Union's climate monitor, Copernicus.Already this year, extreme heatwaves have afflicted swathes of the globe from Mexico to Pakistan.The report said that in the last 12 months some 6.3 billion people -- roughly 80 percent of the global population -- experienced at least 31 days of what is classed as extreme heat.In total, 76 extreme heatwaves were registered in 90 different countries on every continent except Antarctica.Five of the most affected nations were in Latin America.The report said that without the influence of climate change, Suriname would have recorded an estimated 24 extreme heat days instead of 182; Ecuador 10 not 180; Guyana 33 not 174, El Salvador 15 not 163; and Panama 12 not 149."(Extreme heat) is known to have killed tens of thousands of people over the last 12 months but the real number is likely in the hundreds of thousands or even millions," the Red Cross said in a statement."Flooding and hurricanes may capture the headlines but the impacts of extreme heat are equally deadly," said Jagan Chapagain, secretary general of the International Federation of the Red Cross. (AFP) | 1,716,912,355 | en |
45,368 | Xi stresses need to promote high-quality employment | President Xi Jinping has called for efforts to promote high-quality and sufficient employment, and to further boost employment through development.Xi made the remarks on Monday while presiding over a Politburo group study session, Xinhua news agency reported."[We should] insist that employment of young people including college graduates is a top priority," Xi told the session. China is expected to see over 11.7 million college graduates this year.The president also said measures should be taken to promote the employment of migrant workers, stabilise the number and income of people who were lifted out of poverty, and provide more help to groups that find it difficult to secure employment.He also called for efforts to deepen the reform of employment systems and mechanisms, and protect the rights and interests of workers.China created 4.36 million new urban jobs in the first four months, human resources ministry data showed, 36 percent of its annual job creation target. (Additional reporting by Reuters) | 1,716,905,933 | en |
45,367 | Girl suffers cardiac arrest after getting stitches | The Hospital Authority on Tuesday said a four-year-old girl suffered a cardiac arrest after receiving stitches in Yan Chai Hospital.The authority said the medical staff resuscitated her and that she regained a heartbeat 18 minutes later, but remains in a coma and in critical condition.She was sent to Yan Chai Hospital’s accident and emergency department after sustaining a head injury in a fall on Saturday night. The child had a slight fever and medical staff put stitches into a two-centimetre gash in her head.The hospital's chief executive, Ian Cheung, said this incident was "very rare", adding the staff had followed procedures when giving her three stitches."It was a very short process... She cried during the first stitch, but she quieted down during the second and the third stitches," he told reporters."We checked her after completing the process because it's over so quickly, and we found out she didn't have a pulse. So we must find experts to give us advice on why this happened."The girl was then transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit at Princess Margaret Hospital.Fong Nai-chung, chief of service for paediatrics in both Princess Margaret and Yan Chai hospitals, said she suffered from ischemic encephalopathy, which meant her brain was injured because blood supply decreased when her heart stopped."Currently, she is on a ventilator, given heart medication and drugs to control seizures and swelling in the brain. These are also coupled with antibiotics and nutrient injections. Our team will monitor her situation closely and provide the most appropriate treatment for her," he said.The Hospital Authority said it is upset by the incident, and is providing assistance to the girl's family. | 1,716,902,765 | en |
45,366 | Six arrested over 'seditious posts' | Six people were arrested on Tuesday under Basic Law Article 23 national security legislation, with police saying the group is suspected of "offences in connection with seditious intention".National security police accused a woman who was on remand of taking advantage of "a forthcoming sensitive date" and publishing seditious posts on social media anonymously, with the help of five others.Secretary for Security Chris Tang said former vice-chairwoman of the now-defunct Hong Kong Alliance, Chow Hang-tung, was one of those arrested.The suspects, aged between 37 and 65, were arrested by national security police at various locations in the city, including the Tai Lam Centre for Women.Social media posts since April were allegedly aimed at inciting public hatred of the central government, the SAR administration and the judiciary, and were allegedly designed to encourage people to organise or take part in illegal activities, police said. Electronic devices suspected of having been used to publish posts with seditious intention were among items seized during the operation, the force added. These are the first arrests made under Hong Kong's homegrown national security legislation that came into effect in March.A police spokesperson noted that people found guilty of committing offences in connection with seditious intention face a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.The spokesperson also warned that people who try to endanger national security should not think they can avoid police investigation by making anonymous comments online.“The allegations (against) this group of people are using a Facebook page on social media to advocate hatred against our central government, the Hong Kong government and also our judiciary,” Tang told reporters.“They're relating to a forthcoming sensitive date. But I would like to reiterate that... the main crime is not about the subject. It's about their utilising the subject during which they incited hatred against the central government and our Hong Kong government and the judiciary. This incitement of hatred is the cause of the crime.” | 1,716,893,375 | en |
45,365 | HK stocks close mostly flat | Hong Kong stocks ended marginally lower on Tuesday as investors moved cautiously following the previous day's rally and ahead of key US inflation data later in the week.The Hang Seng Index inched down six points to 18,821.The Shanghai Composite Index dropped 0.46 percent, or 14 points, to 3,109, while the Shenzhen Composite shed one percent, or 18 points, to 1,728. (AFP) | 1,716,893,082 | en |
45,364 | Fencing four hope to bring HK good results | The four fencers representing the SAR in the Olympics on Tuesday said they hope to use the Asian Fencing Championship in Kuwait next month as final preparation for Paris in July. Star fencer Vivian Kong has won several large events, including the Fujairah Women's Epee World Cup 2024 and the Barcelona Women's Epee World Cup 2024, but has yet to win an Olympic medal. She said she still has to give it her all, even though this will be her third Games."There's like psychologically and mentally [where] I need to be calm and that's like usually the hardest part when we compete especially in foreign competitions. Technically, it's all my coach [Octavian Zidaru]. He knows every action we work on," she said. "He's always like this one higher, this one lower, this one point more accurately, so there's always something wrong with my actions, so I have to work hard to make him happy."Meanwhile, Olympic gold-medallist Edgar Cheung said he doesn't want to let the pressure to win another medal affect his performance. He said the competition in Kuwait will give him another practice opportunity before the Games, adding that it's vital to perform to the best of his ability and enjoy the competition."Of course, there are challenges but for me, it is like preparing well for myself, and give all my best, and afterwards, we will see what happens. I think me and Vivian had quite a good experience about the Olympics," he said."For the two of the rest, one is my ex-roommate so we are friends. We have been talking about the Olympics, how it is and I just told them to enjoy and to have fun."Epee fencer Cedric Ho said he is excited to have booked his place in Paris."Though I'm really excited, I do want to bring that energy down a little and enter the Olympics with a calm mindset," he said. "I will be going to the Asian Fencing Championship in Kuwait at the end of June, and those results will determine our rankings in the Olympics. I will use that competition as a prep for the Games."As for Daphne Chan, she said she doesn't have specific expectations from the Games, and is just looking forward to learning from her teammates and staying focused for Paris. | 1,716,891,395 | en |
45,363 | RTHK, mainland stations to air special Olympics shows | Hongkongers will soon be able to watch a series of special RTHK Olympics-related programmes in Putonghua, Cantonese and English, including some produced on the mainland.Sign language and audio description services will also be available.This comes after RTHK signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Guangdong Radio and Television on Monday, and another with Beijing Radio and Television Station (BRTV) on Tuesday, to jointly deliver news related to the Paris Olympics and Paralympics 2024. China Media Group is also a cooperation partner.Some of the special shows will be produced locally, featuring issues related to Environmental, social, and governance, to echo the Paris Games’ goal of being the greenest Games ever.There will also be a raft of programmes produced by the Guangdong and Beijing TV stations, with content ranging from local culture, behind-the-scenes stories of the Winter Olympics 2022, as well as individual athletes’ preparations for this summer's Games.Speaking at a signing ceremony, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung said the programmes will promote a sports culture in Hong Kong.“This allows all Hongkongers to cheer for athletes from the national team and Team Hong Kong, while uniting all sectors of the society and encouraging residents to do more exercise,” he said.“Meanwhile, we hope that the broadcast of the Paris Olympics and the Paralympics Games 2024 will further spur local catering and retail activities, boosting the local economy by creating a ‘multiplier effect’,” he added.Li Xiulei, deputy chief editor of BRTV, said the cooperation between Hong Kong and Beijing marks the beginning of a deepening of cultural exchanges.“I hope Hong Kong viewers and listeners could learn about Beijing’s profound culture via the programmes by BRTV,” she said, adding that she hopes the two cities will further strengthen collaboration to provide more diversified programmes for residents. The Hong Kong government has purchased broadcasting rights for this year's Olympics, allowing RTHK, TVB, Hoy TV and ViuTV to show the Games on their free-to-air channels. | 1,716,890,837 | en |
45,362 | Increase penalties over illicit cigarettes: customs | Customs officials on Tuesday proposed increasing the penalties for crimes involving illicit cigarettes, after they detected a 50 percent rise in cases this year.Customs recorded over 7,000 cases in the first five months, which was a 54 percent increase when compared with the same period last year.An assistant customs commissioner, Lai Chi-wing, said most illicit cigarettes were shipped into Hong Kong before the pandemic, but more travellers had been bringing in illicit cigarettes into the city after the border reopened."The total number of incoming passengers bringing in dutiable cigarettes was over 5,000 [from February to May], so this is not a small figure. So we try to target these incoming passengers bringing in small amount of cigarettes," he said.Officials recommended increasing the maximum imprisonment term from two to seven years, and to double the maximum fine to HK$2 million. They also proposed including the offence of illicit cigarettes under the Organised and Serious Crimes Ordinance, as cases may involve syndicates.Customs proposed that cigarettes being sold lower than the tax amount should be presumed as duty-not-paid goods.It pointed out there were packs of cheap white cigarettes being sold at HK$40 in the market, which was even lower than the required tax of HK$66 for a packet of 20 cigarettes. | 1,716,890,626 | en |
45,361 | 'Turn south Lantau into a resort town' | Lawmakers on Tuesday called on authorities to speed up its long-standing plan to turn south Lantau into a tourist spot, with some urging the government to make it a high-end vacation resort.Officials told a Legco meeting they were collecting the public's views over the next two months on building a pier and accommodation facilities in Cheung Sha, as well as setting up a water sports centre at Hong Kong’s longest beach there.In the proposed South Lantau Eco-Recreation Corridor plan, an uphill chairlift would also be built in Cheung Sha, and the neighbouring areas of Shek Pik, Shui Hau and Pui O would get walkways around a reservoir, along the shore of a sand flat, or on treetops.But legislators like Andrew Lam said the government had earlier made such plans in its blueprint to develop Lantau back in 2017, and had asked authorities to act on them.Undersecretary for Development David Lam said the government would try to build more parking spaces, family playgrounds and a visitor’s centre in the area in a year or two.The undersecretary said preliminary assessments on the environment and infrastructure had shown the proposals would not have any adverse impact on south Lantau.He said it is estimated the corridor would attract 4,000 to 6,000 more visitors a day during holidays."We will have to access the reception capacity of Lantau as a whole because it wouldn't be ideal if too many visitors are going to the area and destroy the local characteristics. So maybe we'll implement an online booking system," he said.Meanwhile, Roundtable lawmaker Michael Tien said authorities could transform south Lantau into an upscale vacation destination featuring high-end resort hotels.Lam said authorities were liaising with developers and had received some positive response. | 1,716,889,798 | en |
45,360 | China expresses 'grave concern' over Rafah strike | China on Tuesday expressed "grave concern" over Israel's military operations in Rafah, where an Israeli strike killed dozens in a displaced persons camp.Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning also said China urged "all parties to protect civilians and civilian facilities".Beijing also said it "strongly urges Israel to listen to the appeals of the international community and to stop its attacks on Rafah".China has been calling for an immediate ceasefire since the start of the current Israel-Hamas war in October last year.Additionally, President Xi Jinping has called for an international peace conference to resolve the fighting.The UN Security Council was set to convene an emergency meeting later on Tuesday over Israel's operations in the southern Gaza border city.An Israeli attack targeting two senior Hamas members on Sunday night sparked a fire that ripped through a displacement centre, killing 45, according to Gaza health officials.The attack prompted a wave of international condemnation. Israel said it was looking into the "tragic accident".The war in Gaza began after Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing at least 1,200 civilians.Militants also took 252 hostages, 121 of whom remain in Gaza.Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 36,000 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the territory's health ministry run by Hamas. (AFP) | 1,716,886,561 | en |
45,359 | Douyin to tighten regulations for viral posts | Chinese social media giant Douyin has said it will start cracking down on posts that use so-called "hot events" to boost views, after state media reported that accounts for multiple influencers known for showing off their lavish lifestyles had been blocked.In a statement released on Monday, Douyin said these videos use scenarios, such as staged medical crises or domestic disputes, in a bid to go viral. "Douyin guides creators to record true, good lives," the company added.It comes after Global Times newspaper earlier this month said the Douyin account belonging to content creator Wang Hongquan – which had more than 4.3 million followers – was no longer accessible last week amid a crackdown on influencers who flaunt their wealth online.Wang's Douyin page had featured videos where he showed off designer outfits, first-class flights and his jade jewellery collection. A screenshot of his Douyin profile page showed that the account had been banned for violating the platform's regulations.Chinese social media platforms, including Tencent, Kuaishou, Weibo and Little Red Book, had jointly issued a statement on May 15 saying they will crack down on those showing off their wealth, according to Global Times.Douyin said they removed over 4,701 pieces of inappropriate content and closed 11 accounts from May 1 to 7, while Little Red Book cleaned up more than 4,200 posts and shut 383 accounts in two weeks. Meanwhile, "Sister Abalone", a woman who filmed her elaborately decorated mansion and was regularly seen dripping with diamond and pearl necklaces, also appeared to have been targeted, with her videos on the YouTube-like Bilibili site no longer visible.And "Young Master Bo", an influencer who filmed himself test-driving Rolls-Royces and splurging on rare Hermes Birkin bags, was also missing from Douyin, with his account showing an error message that said he had "violated relevant laws and regulations". (Additional reporting by AFP) | 1,716,885,903 | en |
45,358 | India, Bangladesh count the cost of killer cyclone | Torrrential rain brought by cyclone Remal caused a collapse in a stone quarry in India's remote northeastern state of Mizoram, killing at least 12 people, while harsh weather hampers efforts to rescue those trapped, authorities said on Tuesday.Weather authorities said the powerful cyclone had weakened into a depression after devastating regional coastlines the previous day, killing at least 16 and cutting power to millions in parts of eastern India and neighbouring Bangladesh.Bitter weather was holding up rescue efforts in Melthum, the site of the quarry outside the state capital of Aizawl, a state disaster management official said."There have been incessant rains in the wake of cyclone Remal, which led to the quarry collapse," the official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.There were no immediate details of the number trapped.The heavy rain in Mizoram, which borders Bangladesh, also unleashed landslides in the region.Authorities in India's eastern state of West Bengal were working to restore electricity lines in the worst-affected areas, after Remal stripped power lines and uprooted trees.Weather experts in Bangladesh said the deadly cyclone was one of the quickest-forming and longest-lasting they'd experienced, blaming climate change for the shift."In terms of its land duration, it is one of the longest in the country's history," Azizur Rahman, director of the state-run Bangladesh Meteorological Department told AFP, adding it had battered the country for more than 36 hours.In contrast, cyclone Aila, which hammered Bangladesh in 2009, lasted around 34 hours.Slow-moving – and therefore longer-lasting – storms bring greater destruction."I've seen many storms in my life but nothing like this cyclone," said Asma Khatun, an 80-year-old widow who lives with her son, a fisherman in Bangladesh's hard-hit coastal town of Patuakhali."Before, the storm came and went away... now it doesn't seem to go away. The incessant pouring and heavy wind kept us stuck for days."Rahman said the cyclone triggered massive rains, with some cities receiving at least 200 millimetres.Storm surges breached multiple embankments, meaning seawater flooded into farmland, damaged freshwater fish farms common along the coast, or corrupted drinking water.Bangladesh's state minister for disaster Mohibbur Rahman said 3.75 million people had been affected by the cyclone, more than 35,000 homes were destroyed, and another 115,000 damaged. (Reuters/AFP) | 1,716,884,043 | en |
45,357 | Shanghai rolls out measures to boost property market | Authorities in Shanghai have unveiled a set of measures to provide further targeted support for homebuyers.The nine measures unveiled on Monday aim to meet the diversified living needs of residents, Xinhua news agency reported.They include easing home-purchase restrictions further for non-Shanghai residents and divorced couples, and allowing families with two or more children to purchase an additional home.Shanghai also said it would reduce the minimum down payment for commercial housing mortgages to 20 percent.The announcement followed similar moves in major cities such as Hangzhou and Xi'an this month, reducing purchase restrictions for first-time buyers.Many mainland cities had imposed restrictions and tough credit requirements on home purchases well over a decade ago in an effort to tamp down soaring prices and speculation.But they are now reversing those policies in a bid to stem an economic slump characterised by a debt crisis among developers, low demand and falling prices. (Additional reporting by AFP) | 1,716,879,465 | en |
45,356 | Jason Ng secures triathlon ticket for Paris | Hong Kong triathlete Jason Ng has beaten Ayan Beisenbayev from Kazakhstan for the remaining spot in Paris Olympic qualification reserved for the highest-ranked Asian nation or region that hadn't already made it through to the Games. Ng had been going neck to neck against Beisenbayev for the remaining place, after Japan's top three athletes secured spots based on individual Olympic rankings.During the weekend's Asia Triathlon Cup, Ng was disqualified for wearing a helmet during the running portion of the competition.However, given that Beisenbayev failed to finish on the podium to accumulate the points he needed, Hong Kong were able to win a spot in Paris. Ng secured the 33rd ticket for the SAR delegation. | 1,716,873,646 | en |
45,355 | Half of HK's firms will use AI by end of 2024: CE | Chief Executive John Lee on Tuesday said he expects half of Hong Kong's companies would be using artificial intelligence by the end of this year, adding that technology and innovation is the government's priority. Speaking at the UBS Asian Investment Conference, Lee said the SAR understands the important role technology plays in the future of investment. "Thanks to the unique 'One Country, Two Systems' principle, Hong Kong continues to evolve. As we embrace new technologies and sustainable practices, we strengthen our position as the foreign investment gateway to mainland China, and as the conduit for mainland enterprises to invest in the world," he said. "Technology and innovation is a central priority of the Hong Kong SAR government. That includes applying AI technology to fast track our smart city and digital government ambitions."Lee added the government was launching more than 100 digital government and smart-city initiatives and expediting the establishment of an AI Supercomputing Centre in Cyberport. | 1,716,869,770 | en |
45,354 | FS in San Francisco to promote Greater Bay Area | Financial Secretary Paul Chan has arrived in San Francisco to promote opportunities brought by the Greater Bay Area to major business communities, as well as industrial and tech enterprises.As well as a luncheon and a "Bay-to-Bay Dialogue", Chan will also attend the "US-China High-Level Event on Subnational Climate Action", to seek environmental collaboration between the two countries.The Hong Kong delegation includes representatives from over 10 government departments and organisations. They include Commerce Secretary Algernon Yau, Transport Secretary Lam Sai-hung, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Joseph Chan, and members from InvestHK, the Monetary Authority, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation.Chan is also expected to hold meetings with startups, as well as financial and green tech companies.His arrival in the US follows a five-day trip to France where he visited the "VivaTech" conference along with more than 10 SAR firms displaying their latest technological innovations. | 1,716,867,995 | en |
45,353 | Boston Celtics reach NBA finals with win over Indiana | The Boston Celtics clinched the Eastern Conference championship on Monday with a 105-102 win over the Indiana Pacers, sweeping the series 4-0 and booking a spot in the NBA Finals.The Celtics will face the winner of the Western Conference finals, where the Dallas Mavericks hold a 3-0 over the Minnesota Timberwolves ahead of Tuesday's game four.The Celtics win in Indianapolis was their seventh straight in the post-season but they left it late against a Pacers team again without injured star guard Tyrese Haliburton.Jaylen Brown once again proved decisive.He hit a step through to level at 102-102 with 2:40 left in the fourth, then superbly rose to block Andrew Nembhard at the rim.With 45 seconds remaining Brown found Derrick White in the corner who sank the three-point jumper that ultimately clinched the game.Nembhard, who had 24 points, 10 assists and six rebounds for the Pacers, missed a three-pointer with 33 seconds left which would have tied the game.Brown led Boston's scoring with 29 points and Jayson Tatum had 26 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists.The Celtics return to the finals two years after losing to the Golden State Warriors as they search for their first NBA title since 2008.It was the third time in the four series games that Indiana had lost after holding leads or being tied in the final minute of a game."Expectations will be raised for next year, which is good," said Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle."There are challenges to meet over the summer for our guys to get better, all of us involved need to get better," he added. (AFP) | 1,716,867,731 | en |
45,352 | Govt not given up on waste charging: environment chief | Green groups disagreed with the government's decision to postpone waste charging indefinitely, but the environment minister stressed officials had not given up on the policy. The administration announced on Monday it would not implement the pay-as-you-throw scheme on August 1 as originally planned, citing concerns among residents and the limited coverage of recycling facilities. On Tuesday, Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan said it was not suitable to set a date for the scheme. "Our society has to be mature enough to accept this approach. Also, when the policy is introduced, its design has to be easy and accepted by the public, and be straight forward for frontline workers," Tse told an RTHK programme. "In the coming year, we will of course expand our efforts on waste reduction and recycling, as well as promotion. On the other hand, we will also look at how we can enhance the scheme, gauge public sentiment, and see whether we have the conditions to introduce waste charging. We are not giving up on this concept."Tse said the government might roll out waste charging in phases if officials decided to re-introduce the scheme in future, so that it's more easily accepted by the public. But Edwin Lau, the founder and executive director of The Green Earth, told the same programme that the decision in postponing the scheme reflected a lack of faith and determination in the administration. He said while the government's poll showed a majority of residents opposed waste charging, he understood the business sector was ready for the scheme. "Many large companies and organisations said they had been prepared and had no issue [with the policy]. I have also asked some from the middle class, they said [paying] HK$50 a month was a very small amount," Lau said. "The government appeared to have amplified negative responses to the policy, but did not focus on positive feedbacks." Speaking on RTHK's Backchat programme, Wendell Chan from Friends of the Earth called on the government to dig deeper to understand public opinion on the policy. "What we need to know is why opinion shifted, what happened there, what caused people to not like this scheme," Chan said. "I don't think we went in-depth enough, in terms of analysing these problems in order to tackle them. The problem is that the government, right now, is way too willing to back down instead of trying to resolve these issues." | 1,716,866,906 | en |
45,351 | Building collapse in Anhui kills 4 | Four people were killed and another was receiving intensive medical treatment after a residential building partially collapsed in Anhui province on Monday afternoon.According to Xinhua News Agency, the west side of the five-storey building in the city of Tongling collapsed at around 1.40pm.Four bodies were recovered following a search-and-rescue operation, local authorities said, while a girl, 12, was plucked to safety and receiving medical treatment.Authorities have evacuated other residents as parts of the building remained at risk of collapse.Tongling saw heavy rain between Saturday evening and Monday morning. | 1,716,866,475 | en |
45,350 | Security still a factor in trilateral talks: academic | A political academic in Shanghai has described trilateral talks between China, Japan and South Korea as a step in the right direction, although he said the security stances of Tokyo and Seoul may be problematic. Professor Josef Gregory Mahoney from East China Normal University said Japan and South Korea had recently been gravitating towards the Aukus defence pact - between the US, Australia and the UK - and it remained to be seen how things would play out after the US presidential election later this year. "The main issues of whether Japan and South Korea will continue to draw closer to the US, as we've seen, especially since President Yoon took office in Seoul and whether or not we'll see a change in the US presidency this November and how that would affect US strategic positioning where we've seen, of course, Biden playing a very powerful role in advancing the Indo-Pacific concept and moving forward with Aukus," he said."And, of course, we've had recent reports that South Korea and Japan will be cooperating with Aukus, which most people interpret as a new sort of Pacific-based Nato that is the foremost part of American containment strategies."The two-day talks in Seoul, which began on Sunday, were the first direct dialogue between the three countries in more than four years with Premier Li Qiang meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.Professor Mahoney also said he did not think a free trade pact would emerge soon, despite the countries agreeing to work towards one. | 1,716,862,714 | en |
45,349 | Hong Kong stocks open flat ahead of inflation data | Hong Kong stocks opened slightly lower on Tuesday morning as traders stepped back after the previous day's rally, with focus on the release of key US inflation data due this week.The Hang Seng Index dipped 0.07 percent, or 13.34 points, to 18,814.01.The Shanghai Composite Index edged down 0.05 percent, or 1.65 points, to 3,122.39, while the Shenzhen Composite Index lost 0.25 percent, or 4.43 points, to 1,743.40. (AFP) | 1,716,860,840 | en |
45,348 | Mixed reaction to waste charging scheme shelving | There has been a mixed reaction to the news that the government has indefinitely postponed the roll-out of its waste charging scheme. Some lawmakers say they back the decision, noting that a trial had found many concerns about the pay-as-you-throw initiative. Others insisted that Hong Kong still has to find ways to better manage its waste. The founder of the Environmental Association, Yau Wing-kwong, says a delay is reasonable. But he says officials should now get back to the original point of the scheme and better promote recycling."Waste charging is only one of the many ways to reduce waste and waste treatment is a worldwide problem," he said. "One important thing is that we have to put more recycling facilities, more recycling points and shops so that we can push up recycling."The government on Monday announced it would not implement the citywide waste charging scheme on August 1 as originally planned. Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk told the Legislative Council that various surveys had revealed significant concerns among residents about the pay-as-you-throw scheme. He also said the city's existing recycling infrastructure was inadequate.DAB lawmaker Elizabeth Quat said she supported the government's move to postpone the scheme, which she called "impractical”. But Third Side lawmaker Tik Chi-yuen said authorities shouldn’t abandon the waste charging scheme altogether. | 1,716,854,106 | en |
45,347 | Egypt says soldier shot dead near Rafah crossing | A member of Egypt's security forces was killed in a shooting incident near the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip and an investigation is under way, Egypt's military spokesperson said in a statement on Monday.Israel's military had earlier said it was investigating reports of an exchange of fire between Israeli and Egyptian soldiers."A few hours ago (Monday), a shooting incident occurred on the Egyptian border. The incident is under review and discussions are being held with the Egyptians," the Israeli military said in a statement.Later on Monday, Egypt warned against compromising the security and safety of its security forces, a high-level source told Egypt's state-linked Al Qahera News, adding that Egypt would take necessary measures to prevent the incident from recurring.An Egyptian soldier stationed on a watchtower had reacted to seeing an armoured vehicle carrying Israeli troops cross a boundary line near the border while the soldiers pursued and killed several Palestinians, two Egyptian security sources said.The soldier opened fire and Israeli forces fired back, killing him, the sources said, sparking an exchange of gunfire between the two sides. Several Israeli soldiers were wounded and the force fell back, and one Egyptian was wounded, the sources said.Israel seized control of the Rafah border crossing from the Gaza side of the border earlier this month as it stepped up its military offensive in the area, drawing strong criticism from Egypt.Egypt is concerned that Palestinians could be displaced from southern Gaza by the offensive, and has also repeatedly accused Israel of holding up deliveries of humanitarian aid to the territory, which Israel denies.Egypt and Israel signed a peace treaty in 1979 and have cooperated closely on security issues around the borders between Israel, Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, and the Gaza Strip. They jointly upheld a blockade of Gaza after Hamas took control of the territory in 2007. (Reuters) | 1,716,846,131 | en |
45,346 | Britain's Tories suspend lawmaker who endorsed rivals | British lawmaker Lucy Allan, who had said she would not stand in the national election, was suspended from the governing Conservative Party on Monday after endorsing the candidate for the right-wing Reform UK party.This marks another setback for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has been on the campaign trail since calling a general election last week. Dozens of Conservative lawmakers have already said they won't be standing in the July 4 election.Allan, 59, who was the Conservative member of parliament (MP) for the English town of Telford and has been an MP for nine years, said on social media that she was supporting Reform's Alan Adams to be the constituency's next MP.A Conservative Party spokesperson said she had been suspended from the party with "immediate effect," adding that "a vote for Reform is a vote for (opposition Labour leader) Keir Starmer."A poll conducted by More in Common published a day after Sunak called the election on Wednesday showed 44 percent support for Labour and 27 percent for the Conservatives, with the right-wing Reform UK party at 10 percent.Earlier this year, former Conservative Party Deputy Chairman Lee Anderson, who was suspended from the party over accusations of Islamophobia, defected to Reform, which has Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage as its honorary president. (Reuters) | 1,716,843,014 | en |
45,345 | Israel launches probe as leaders condemn Rafah strike | An Israeli airstrike triggered a fire that killed 45 people in a tent camp in the Gazan city of Rafah, officials said on Monday, prompting an outcry from global leaders who urged the implementation of a World Court order to halt Israel's assault.Palestinian families rushed to hospitals to prepare their dead for burial after a strike late on Sunday night set tents and rickety metal shelters ablaze.Israel's military, which is trying to eliminate Hamas in Gaza, said it was investigating reports that a strike it carried out against commanders of the Islamist militant group in Rafah had caused the fire.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strike had not been intended to cause civilian casualties."In Rafah, we already evacuated about 1 million non-combatant residents and despite our utmost effort not to harm non-combatants, something unfortunately went tragically wrong," he said in a speech in parliament that was interrupted by shouting from opposition lawmakers.Survivors said families were preparing to sleep when the strike hit the Tel Al-Sultan neighbourhood where thousands were sheltering after Israeli forces began a ground offensive in the east of Rafah over two weeks ago.More than half of the dead were women, children, and elderly people, health officials in Hamas-run Gaza said, adding that the death toll was likely to rise from people with severe burns.Israel's military said Sunday's strike, based on "precise intelligence", had eliminated Hamas' chief of staff for the second and larger Palestinian territory, the West Bank, plus another official behind deadly attacks on Israelis.That followed the interception of eight rockets fired towards Israel from the Rafah area in Gaza's southern tip.Israel has kept up its offensive despite a ruling by the top UN court on Friday ordering it to stop, saying the court's ruling grants it some scope for military action there. The court also reiterated calls for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas.French President Emmanuel Macron said he was "outraged" over Israel's latest attacks. "These operations must stop. There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians," he said on X.German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the International Court of Justice ruling against action in Rafah must be respected. (Reuters) | 1,716,830,257 | en |
45,344 | Nadal crashes out in likely French Open farewell | Rafa Nadal crashed to his earliest exit at the French Open on Monday after a 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3 first-round defeat by fourth seed Alexander Zverev, with fans wondering if the 14-times champion will return to the Grand Slam he has ruled for two decades.The 22-times major champion, who won the Musketeers' Cup for the first time in 2005 and last raised the trophy in 2022 before a serious hip injury derailed his career, had previously said this year could be his final one on the tour.Having returned to the tournament that he skipped in 2023 and refusing to confirm any farewells ahead of his opener, Nadal showed flashes of top form again on Court Philippe Chatrier but the 37-year-old ultimately went down fighting.Victory meant Zverev became only the third man to beat Nadal at Roland Garros, after Novak Djokovic and Robin Soderling, with the German banishing memories of his retirement due to an ankle injury when the duo last met in the 2022 semi-finals.Nadal was broken by in-form Rome champion Zverev in the opening game and surrendered his serve again late on to drop the first set in unfavourable conditions for him with the roof closed due to heavy rain.Faced with the prospect of only his fourth Roland Garros defeat in 116 matches, Nadal made a positive start to the next set as he leapt and pumped his fists after holding for 2-2 and broke for the first time with a delicate drop.The crowd began to sense a comeback as Nadal went ahead 4-2 with some vintage shots on both flanks but the steely Zverev hit back in the 10th game and saved two breakpoints before doubling his advantage by edging a high-octane tiebreak.Watched on by his great rival Djokovic and a host of other current players, Nadal surged to a 2-0 lead in the third set but squandered it as Zverev drew level and dealt another body blow in the seventh game.The boisterous crowd tried their best to roar Nadal on but Zverev held his nerve to clinch a famous victory that could well prove to be the springboard he needs to push for an elusive first Grand Slam title. (Reuters) | 1,716,828,646 | en |
45,343 | North Korean rocket explodes in satellite launch | North Korea said its attempt to launch a new military reconnaissance satellite ended in failure on Monday when a newly developed rocket engine exploded in flight.The attempt came just hours after Pyongyang issued a warning that it would try to launch a satellite by June 4, in what would have been its second spy satellite in orbit.Instead, the launch became the nuclear-armed North's latest failure, following two other fiery crashes last year. It successfully placed its first spy satellite in orbit in November."The launch of the new satellite carrier rocket failed when it exploded in mid-air during the flight of the first stage," the deputy director general of North Korea's National Aerospace Technology Administration said in a report carried by state media.An intial analysis suggested that the cause was a newly developed liquid fuel rocket motor, but other possible causes were being investigated, the report said.Officials in South Korea and Japan had earlier reported that the launch seemed to have failed.North Korea fired the projectile on a southern path off its west coast at around 10.44pm, the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.JCS said it had detected a large amount of debris from the rocket in the sea just two minutes after launch, however.The object launched by North Korea disappeared over the Yellow Sea, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters, adding the government presumes nothing had entered the space.“These launches are in violation of relevant security council resolutions and are a serious matter concerning the safety of our people," Hayashi said. (Reuters) | 1,716,824,803 | en |
45,342 | HK snooker queen crowned British Open champion | Hong Kong’s s Ng On-yee came out on top in the Landywood British Women's Open.She defeated Thailand’s Mink Nutcharut 4-1 in the final, marking her first career win at the Landywood Snooker Club.The 33-year-old earlier beat former world champions Baipat Siripaporn and Reanne Evans, as well as three-time UK Championship winner Tessa Davidson, en route to the final.This is the third ranking title of the season for Ng. | 1,716,809,752 | en |
45,341 | Lawmakers mostly support suspension of waste scheme | Lawmakers on Monday were largely sympathetic towards the decision to suspend the pay-as-you-throw scheme.Speaking to reporters after a meeting at the Legislative Council, Roundtable lawmaker Michael Tien said the ultimate goal of the scheme was to promote recycling and reduce waste, but he acknowledged the public had misconceptions about the plan."The public misunderstood that this whole thing is actually tantamount to a poll tax, which means that everyone has to start paying more taxes because everyone needs to generate garbage," he explained."Most people are not aware of the fact that, no - that is not the end game. The end game is to reduce wastage generation. To do that, you need to do the wastage collection, the separation, so that some can be recycled. The whole world is doing that, and I cannot believe Hong Kong should just surrender and forget it."Third Side lawmaker Tik Chi-yuen said authorities shouldn’t abandon the waste charging scheme altogether."We insist the policy should be carried out because it is environmental protection. We feel disappointed that [over] the last two years the government [had inadequate] preparation to implement the policy," he added.However, DAB lawmaker Elizabeth Quat supported the government's move to postpone the scheme, which she called "impractical”.Quat urged the government to continue educating the public and to provide support for the city's recycling industry."I think now is a very good timing for the government to promote recycling and the reduction of waste. Because going through all this education process, a lot of citizens think that they support environmental protection and they want to participate in waste reduction," she added.Quat also suggested the government introduce additional incentives, such as a rewards scheme, to encourage people to adopt an environmentally friendly lifestyle. | 1,716,808,573 | en |
45,340 | Doraemon-themed trains running ahead of exhibition | Fans of the Japanese anime character Doraemon can now catch the time-travelling robot cat on some trains, as well as at the Siu Hong Light Rail stop.Leading up to the Doraemon exhibition on July 13 at the Avenue of Stars, the MTR Corporation has put up posters and decorations from the series at the stop, and has transformed some Light Rail, East Rail Line and Airport Express trains with the Doraemon theme. The trains are covered in Doraemon blue, while the doors are pink to depict the "Anywhere Door" portal to any destination. S K Lam, speaking for the organisers of the Doraemon event, said he hopes people can enjoy the iconic character during their journeys."I think Doraemon is everyone's friend. We want to bring more joy and more creativity to people," he said. "MTR is one of the important daily [modes of] transportation in Hong Kong, so when people can see it everyday, we are happy to share the joy with everybody. Of course, people can also catch the train to our exhibition." | 1,716,805,273 | en |
45,339 | Police arrest 20 over money laundering accounts | Police have arrested 20 people after a gang allegedly gave foreign domestic helpers cash to open bank accounts used to process HK$10 million in criminal proceeds.Among the suspects picked up on suspicion of conspiracy to launder money were 14 Indonesian migrant workers. A helper is suspected of having acted as an intermediary for a syndicate to recruit others, with meetings arranged at locations such as parks, fast food restaurants and hotel rooms. Officers on Monday said they believe the helpers were paid between HK$1,000 and HK$2,500 for opening accounts, which were then managed by the syndicate."For foreign domestic workers, the amount [allegedly] paid is relatively high compared to their salaries. That also was the main incentive for them to [allegedly] sell their bank accounts," said Chief Inspector So Chi-bing.The bank accounts are suspected of being linked to 39 cases of fraud involving losses of HK$5.4 million, police added. | 1,716,803,298 | en |
45,338 | RTHK signs MOU with Guangdong broadcaster | RTHK announced on Monday that the broadcaster will join hands with Guangdong Radio and Television station (GRT) to produce various sports programmes including a documentary on legendary football players in both places.The two stations also agreed to play each other's programmes about the upcoming Paris Olympics in order to broaden the audience's horizons and promote interactive exchanges in the Greater Bay Area.The deputy director for broadcasting, Christine Wai, signed a memorandum of understanding with the head of GRT's sports channel in Shenzhen on Monday."RTHK has been actively promoting cooperation and exchanges with various media organisations on the mainland. In addition to sports, we have also collaborated on television programmes that promote Chinese history and culture, and foster a sense of patriotism. These efforts aim to help Hong Kong people integrate into the overall development of the country and cultivate a sense of national identity," Wai said.Deputy director of GRT, Zhong Shixun, said the new agreement would bring high-quality development cooperation and initiate new collaborative projects that will bring mutual benefits and win-win outcomes. | 1,716,799,727 | en |
45,337 | HK stocks bounce with Asia after Wall St gains | Hong Kong stocks finished more than one percent higher on Monday, snapping four straight losses, following a rally on Wall Street and ahead of key US inflation data at the end of the week.The Hang Seng Index jumped 1.2 percent, or 218 points, to 18,827.The Shanghai Composite Index rose 1.1 percent, or 35 points, to 3,124, while the Shenzhen Composite Index added 0.8 percent, or 13 points, to 1,747. (AFP) | 1,716,798,166 | en |
45,336 | Taxi union demands ban on unlicensed ride services | A transport workers’ union on Monday called on the government to ban unlicensed ride-hailing services and address the plight of the taxi trade. The Motor Transport Workers General Union said cab drivers have suffered a more than 30 percent drop in business in recent years due to competition with illegal taxi services.Videos circulating online appear to show cabbies posing as Uber passengers before asking drivers to stop at locations the police have been called to. Chief Executive John Lee has urged people to leave such matters to law enforcement agencies, but the union’s principal vice-chairperson, Chong Wing-tak, said taxi drivers are not convinced. "Why do drivers perform sting operations? It's because of a lack of enforcement action by the government, transport authorities, and the police. We have endured this for more than ten years. We can't bear it anymore, so some drivers have organised these sting operations," he told a press conference. Harry Ho, the union's director of the taxi driver branch, described illegal cab drivers as "irresponsible", noting that any injuries that occur during unlicensed ride-hailing services are not covered by insurance. In July, the Transport and Logistics Bureau is expected to report to lawmakers the results of a study on ride-hailing services. | 1,716,797,405 | en |
45,335 | China, Japan, S Korea work towards free trade deal | China, Japan and South Korea have agreed to discuss speeding up talks for a trilateral free trade agreement, according to a joint statement released on Monday following their three-way summit.The three countries also reaffirmed their goal of a denuclearised Korean Peninsula at the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting in Seoul.The summit brought together Premier Li Qiang, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for the countries' first trilateral talks in nearly five years.The three countries announced they would keep discussions for speeding up negotiations for a trilateral free trade deal.Li said they had agreed not to turn "economic and trade issues into political games or security matters, and rejecting protectionism as well as decoupling or the severing of supply chains".Yoon said the leaders had "decided to create a transparent and predictable environment for trade and investment, and to establish a safe supply chain".After their talks, Li, Kishida and Yoon joined a business summit aimed at boosting trade among the countries, which was also attended by top industry leaders.On the situation on the Korean Peninsula, Premier Li called on relevant parties to exercise restraint.He said China has always been committed to maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula.While North Korea was not officially on the agenda, hours before the leaders met Pyongyang announced that it would soon put another spy satellite into orbit, a move that violates United Nations sanctions barring it from tests using ballistic technology.At a joint press conference, Yoon and Kishida urged Pyongyang to call off the launch, with the South Korean leader saying it would undermine regional and global peace and stability. Li also said China, Japan and South Korea should properly handle sensitive issues and differences, and take care of each other's core interests and major concerns.Yoon said the three leaders agreed to promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and work together to tackle shared environmental, health and other issues. "The trilateral cooperation system should be strengthened. We have decided to hold trilateral summits on a regular basis," Yoon said.Kishida said the three countries share a big responsibility for regional peace, and that Japan will chair the next round of the trilateral meeting. (Xinhua & Agencies) | 1,716,796,122 | en |
45,334 | Government shelves waste charging scheme | The government on Monday announced it would not implement the citywide waste charging scheme on August 1 as originally planned. Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk told the Legislative Council that various surveys had revealed significant concerns among residents about the pay-as-you-throw scheme. He also highlighted the limited coverage of recycling facilities, pointing out that the city's existing recycling infrastructure was inadequate. Cheuk also said the scheme had increased the workload and pressure on cleaners. He added that Hong Kong's economic recovery had not lived up to expectations and the implementation of the scheme could have a negative impact on businesses, particularly in the catering sector. Cheuk also addressed the misconception that the government's aim with the waste charging scheme was to generate more revenue. He clarified that the primary objective of the scheme was to improve waste management practices. In light of these factors, the government had taken the decision to shelve the waste charging scheme, he said. However, he stressed the government remained committed to improving waste management and recycling practices in Hong Kong. He said the government would step up publicity work to raise awareness of waste management and improve the city’s recycling network. The government plans to report back to Legco on its work by the middle of next year, he said. | 1,716,793,917 | en |
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