Hong Kong's Financial Secretary projects 2.5% to 3.5% economic growth amid Middle East tensions
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul Chan Mo-po, has expressed confidence that the city's economy will continue to grow despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, specifically the recent US-Israeli military actions against Iran. Speaking at a budget forum organized by the Hong Kong News-Expo, Chan affirmed that Hong Kong's economy is on track to achieve a growth rate between 2.5% and 3.5%, a statement he made in light of heightened geopolitical tensions following the outbreak of conflict in the region last week. Chan's remarks underscore the complexity of the economic landscape shaped by the consequences of war, which he... [Continue Reading]
Clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces in Nabi Chit, Lebanon result in at least 16 deaths and multiple injuries
In a significant escalation of hostilities, intense clashes erupted between Hezbollah and Israeli forces in the town of Nabi Chit, Lebanon, leading to at least 16 fatalities and numerous injuries. The confrontation took place during a raid conducted by Israeli troops in the predominantly Shiite region on Friday night. The violence has drawn international attention, highlighting the volatile relationship between Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the Israeli military, amid increasing tensions across the Middle East. The Israeli incursion into Nabi Chit marks a worrying development. Both Hezbollah and Israeli forces engaged in heavy exchanges of fire, resulting in extensive material damage and... [Continue Reading]
Lebanon: Israeli army tells residents Tyre to evacuate, more and more people displaced
Over the past week, Israel has issued evacuation warnings before launching heavy strikes on southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut. The IDF estimates that more than 300,000 Lebanese civilians have so far evacuated their villages in southern Lebanon. UN Human Rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan provides further details on human rights violations since the start of the conflict. [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong growth on track to hit target despite Middle East war: finance chief
Hong Kong’s economic growth forecast of between 2.5 per cent and 3.5 per cent for the year will not be affected by the Middle East war, which will hurt the trading sector but benefit the financial market, according to the city’s financial chief. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po also said on Saturday that the city would remain vigilant over the impacts of Sino-US relations, while consolidating its traditional American and European markets and developing new ones in Asia. His remarks came ahead... [Continue Reading]
Labour accuse Badenoch of scoring ‘cheap political points’ over Iran strikes
Defence minister urges ‘serious politics’ after Tory leader criticises prime minister’s stance at spring conferenceMiddle East crisis live: latest news updatesLabour has accused Kemi Badenoch of scoring “cheap political points” after the Conservative party leader said Keir Starmer was “too scared” to join strikes on Iran.Al Carns, the defence minister, said “serious politics” was required in response to Badenoch’s speech at the party’s spring conference where she criticised the prime minister’s stance on the US-Israel strikes on Iran a week ago. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Family carers 'insufficiently recognised' - Connolly
President Catherine Connolly has said that the contribution of family carers, including young carers "too often goes simply ignored or certainly is insufficiently recognised". [Continue Reading]
Euronews journalist seeks shelter at Dubai airport during Iranian drone attack
Euronews’ journalist Lilly Douse was scheduled to travel from Dubai airport when the Iranian drone attacked the vicinity of the airport. [Continue Reading]
Dozens killed as Israel ramps up strikes and clashes with Hezbollah in eastern Lebanon
Israeli strikes on eastern Lebanon, where Israeli forces carried out a commando operation, killed 41 people, the Lebanese health ministry said on Saturday. The area witnessed intense clashes and airstrikes overnight after an Israeli force landed there and clashed with local gunmen. [Continue Reading]
Iran: Intense Israeli strikes overnight
The wave of Israeli raids carried out before dawn was one of the largest since February 28. 🔍 [Continue Reading]
Ferguson ruled out of Czech playoff as he awaits surgery
Evan Ferguson is set to undergo surgery on an ankle injury ruling him out of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup playoff against Czech Republic in Prague later this month. [Continue Reading]
LIV Golf Hong Kong starts to tick boxes, with bumper crowd set for 3-way fight on last day
A large crowd spent much of Saturday following Jon Rahm around Fanling as he made his way up the leaderboard at LIV Golf Hong Kong – further evidence, if any were needed, that the tournament is quickly establishing itself as an important part of the city’s social and sporting calendar. And while attendance figures will not be announced until the tournament has finished, officials said a large number had made the trip from mainland China and overseas, with many paying thousands of dollars for... [Continue Reading]
CK Hutchison subsidiary seeks US$2 billion for Panama’s takeover of canal ports
A subsidiary of Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings is seeking US$2 billion in damages from the Panamanian government over what it described as the “illegal takeover” of the operations of two ports at either end of the strategic canal. In a statement issued on Friday, the Panama Ports Company (PPC) said it had submitted the claim for arbitration against the country under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce, vowing it would not “relent” or seek “token relief” for the... [Continue Reading]
India vs New Zealand: Fans hope for World Cup final redemption in Ahmedabad
At the T20 World Cup final, the cricket-crazy nation hopes to bury the ghosts of 2023 and walk away with happy memories. [Continue Reading]
Iranian authorities warn against ‘fifth column’, as no signs of war abating
Intelligence Ministry renews call to report any suspicious activity through phone calls, messaging services. [Continue Reading]
US agency did not perform safety checks of more than 100 food ingredients, analysis finds
Review of FDA records by the Environmental Working Group reveals firms are exploiting rule to send new chemicals in food systemMore than 100 substances widely used in common US foods, supplements and beverages underwent no health and safety review by the US Food and Drug Administration, a new analysis of federal records finds.The review of FDA records by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) non-profit reveals that diverse products across the food pyramid, such as Capri Sun drinks, Kettle and Fire organic broth, Acme smoked fish, and Quaker Oats snack bars, use a range of substances that have not undergone review... [Continue Reading]
UK recruiter emerges from insolvency for third time, avoiding millions owed in tax
Hampshire business seems to have benefited from ‘phoenixism’, which costs the taxpayer about £800m a yearA UK recruitment business has been acquired out of administration for a third time in four years as part of a succession of deals that left some of the former management team in place and millions of pounds owed to the public purse.The chain of insolvencies appears to contain more examples of phoenixism – a process when companies are liquidated and directors are able to rise from the ashes with a new entity, free of debts. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
My husband asked for a divorce – I was devastated but proud of him
There had always been problems between my husband and I, even before we married. [Continue Reading]
Chinese scientists use AI model to crack mystery of moon’s far side
Chinese scientists have used AI to determine the chemical make-up of the moon’s far side, offering new insights into one of lunar science’s enduring mysteries. Nearly half the moon’s surface – the far side which permanently faces away from the Earth – had long remained chemically unmapped. But samples from China’s Chang’e-6 mission, combined with advanced technologies, have enabled a team led by the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics (SITP) to crack the lunar chemical code. Researchers from... [Continue Reading]
Jeremy Clarkson cuts off host to give frank warning about The Grand Tour replacements
'Don’t be hasty. Do not be hasty.' [Continue Reading]
Trump says U.S. will expand Iran targets after Tehran apologizes to neighbors
President Donald Trump, set to honor slain U.S. service members at Dover, threatened to widen U.S. targets after Iran’s president dismissed the notion of surrender. [Continue Reading]
Iranian drone attack suspends flights at Dubai International airport
A drone attack near the main terminals of Dubai International Airport temporarily suspended operations on Saturday morning just after Iran announced that it would no longer target neighbouring countries and apologising for the past attacks. [Continue Reading]
In the emerging world order, Europe and China’s interests align
The Iran war has declared the death of the old global order. Europe wasn’t even consulted before Washington struck Iran alongside Israel – proof the continent is trapped between moral outrage and geopolitical irrelevance. If Europe wants to matter, it must shift its gaze eastwards, redefining China not as a binary adversary but as a balancing power. This is the path from Atlantic dependence to Eurasian relevance. For China, too, this moment is pivotal. US President Donald Trump has launched wars... [Continue Reading]
OpenAI’s fund raising boom slows amid mounting debt
Experts have begun to question the AI startup’s path forward amid surging financial needs and no profit plan. [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong urged to review fuel prices amid ‘unfair’ cost increase accusations
Hong Kong authorities have been urged to review the pricing mechanism for local fuel supplies after petrol retailers were accused of swiftly raising prices as conflict erupted in the Middle East, even though the city had not yet exhausted its weeks-long stockpile. Global fuel prices have soared since the US-Israel war with Iran broke out, disrupting traffic along the Strait of Hormuz – the key waterway that handles about 20 per cent of the world’s oil shipments. The price of Brent crude, the... [Continue Reading]
Aftermath of village in Lebanon after Hezbollah, Israeli troops clash
Aftermath of village in Lebanon after Hezbollah, Israeli troops clash [Continue Reading]
Indonesians protest Iran war, pressure president over US ties
Protesters in Indonesia have rallied against the US-Israeli war on Iran, denouncing their government's ties to the US. [Continue Reading]
Fake taxi driver picked up and raped woman after forcing his way into her home
The victim was commended for her bravery and coming forward. [Continue Reading]
Kurdish fighters say Iran ground operation ‘highly likely’
Babasheikh Hosseini has told Al Jazeera it is highly likely that Kurdish fighters will stage a ground operation in Iran. [Continue Reading]
MPs demand to meet Travelodge CEO over Maidenhead sexual assault case
Call for urgent meeting comes after woman was assaulted by man who had been given her key card by hotel staffMore than 20 MPs have demanded an urgent meeting with the CEO of Travelodge after a woman was sexually assaulted by a man who had been given her room number and a key card by hotel staff.The MPs said the case of Kyran Smith, 29, who was jailed for seven-and-a-half years last month, raised “deeply concerning” questions. He attacked the woman after a party in December 2022. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Guinea orders dissolution of 40 political parties, including three main opposition groups
The three main opposition groups in Guinea were dissolved by an overnight decree Friday to Saturday, less than two months after President Mamadi Doumbouya took office. [Continue Reading]
Sanaa's mass rally amid regional strikes: Houthis warn of escalation after death of Khamenei
Amid regional strikes and reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Sanaa in Yemen has emerged as a focal point of defiance. Yemen’s Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi declared support for Iran and said the group was ready to escalate militarily if necessary. He also urged supporters to stage mass demonstrations on Friday in Sanaa and other areas under the group’s control. Caitlin Brown reports. [Continue Reading]
How Candidates Are Using Winks and Posts to Seek Crypto and A.I. Cash
All across America, congressional candidates are finding creative , and critics say cynical , ways to signal support for two deep-pocketed industries, A.I. and crypto. [Continue Reading]
Iranian Kurdish Forces Signal Potential Cross-Border Military Operation Against Iranian Government
The ongoing tensions between Iranian Kurdish forces and the Iranian government have escalated, with Babasheikh Hosseini, the secretary-general of the Khabat Organisation of Iranian Kurdistan, indicating a significant likelihood of a cross-border ground operation into Iran. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Hosseini emphasized that although no immediate action has been taken, the group's considerations are increasingly leaning towards a military campaign against Iranian positions, particularly in light of perceived favorable conditions. Hosseini conveyed that the Kurdish forces have been preparing for a potential incursion for an extended period. His statements come amid reports that the United States has established contact with... [Continue Reading]
Military chief defends UK response to Middle East conflict
Sir Richard Knighton "completely rejects" criticism that the UK had been ill-prepared. [Continue Reading]
Taoiseach will have 'tough job' in White House - Varadkar
Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said Micheál Martin is going to have a "tough job" when he visits Washington for St Patrick's Day, adding that he will have to "walk a tightrope" when he meets the US president. [Continue Reading]
Israeli ground forces conduct operation in southern Lebanon amid rising tensions with Hezbollah following missile attacks
Israeli ground forces have launched a significant operation deep into southern Lebanon amid escalating tensions with the militant group Hezbollah. The confrontation comes in response to Hezbollah's recent missile attacks on Israel, which were launched after the reported death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. This retaliatory action by Israel follows a pattern of escalating violence that has left many civilians in the region displaced and exposed to the ongoing conflict. In the most recent developments, areas close to the Israeli-Lebanese border have witnessed heavy clashes as Israeli troops engage in combat operations targeting Hezbollah fighters. Reports indicate that Israeli... [Continue Reading]
US B-1 Lancer Bomber Lands at RAF Fairford Amid Rising Tensions with Iran
A US B-1 Lancer bomber has landed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, marking a significant escalation in US military operations in response to increasing tensions with Iran. The B-1 Lancer arrived on the evening of Friday, with sources indicating a dramatic increase in potential strikes against Iranian missile sites. This follows a directive from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorizing "defensive" US action from British bases. The B-1 Lancer, measuring 146 feet in length and capable of carrying up to 24 cruise missiles, is strategically positioned to respond to recent US warnings regarding Iran. On Thursday, US Defense Secretary Pete... [Continue Reading]
Huda Beauty gives cult product a Matcha makeover with this new setting powder
This one we just had to try... [Continue Reading]
Families say infected blood scandal compensation scheme creates ‘penalty for dying’
Charities warn estates of victims who died before the scheme began are losing hundreds of thousands in financial loss paymentsFamilies of victims of the infected blood scandal have criticised the government for imposing a “penalty for dying” in its compensation scheme, which has seen them lose out on hundreds of thousands of pounds.The scheme awards payouts to living victims and the families of those who have died after being infected with HIV or hepatitis as a result of being given contaminated blood products by the NHS. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
‘We were ready’: Democratic attorneys general lead fight to stop Trump
As some elected leaders choose to play nice with the president, Democratic AGs have done the opposite – to impressive effectSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxFour Democratic attorneys general, sitting in their offices from New York to California with state flags and books behind them, announced a new lawsuit on Thursday, alleging the president, yet again, had broken the law by attempting to create new tariffs without congressional approval.It’s a now familiar scene for the group of top law-enforcement officials who have collectively filed more than 50 lawsuits against the Trump... [Continue Reading]
Trump skirts Congress over Iran war as Republicans simply step aside
Senate blocks war powers measure and House follows suit – now president can bomb Iran free from congressional interferenceBefore US troops invaded Iraq, George W Bush asked Congress to pass a resolution authorizing military force against Washington’s longtime nemesis, a request that lawmakers obliged.Twenty four years later, the United States is at war with a different Middle Eastern rival – Iran – under a different Republican president – Donald Trump. But this time, the president did not bother to seek permission from the Senate and House of Representatives before joining Israel in launching the air and naval campaign. And far... [Continue Reading]
There Are About 20 Canisters Filled With Uranium Somewhere in Iran. We Must Find Them.
The U.S. and Israel have no good options to address an unavoidable problem. [Continue Reading]
One President’s Whim. A World in Crisis.
A week into Trump’s war in Iran, his strategy is still a mystery. [Continue Reading]
McCullum makes 'no apologies' for informal set-up
Brendon McCullum says he makes "no apologies" for running an informal dressing room as England coach but rejects the perception it is casual. [Continue Reading]
I mentioned politics – and my date unravelled
It may appear to be too heavy for a first date, but I'm not scared of delving into some deeper stuff early on to decipher if we’re a match. [Continue Reading]
WWE icon Trish Stratus, 50, is delighted to still be ‘your first crush’
She thinks it's the 'coolest thing'. [Continue Reading]
Intel report warns large-scale war ‘unlikely’ to oust Iran’s regime
A classified U.S. report doubts that Iran’s opposition would take power following either a short or extended U.S. military campaign. [Continue Reading]
Timothée Chalamet triggers backlash over ballet and opera remarks
In an interview, the Oscar-nominee danced into some online controversy after claiming no one cares about ballet and opera. [Continue Reading]
Health authorities probe possible food poisoning cluster at police college
Authorities have launched an investigation into a potential food poisoning cluster that has affected 53 trainees understood to be from the Hong Kong Police College. The Department of Health said on Saturday that 48 male and five female trainees, aged 20 to 40, had developed symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever since Thursday evening. It did not name the police college in its statement, only referring to the location as a training institute. A source confirmed to the South... [Continue Reading]
