Hong Kong to propel belt and road market expansion, finance chief says

Hong Kong to propel belt and road market expansion, finance chief says

SCMP

Hong Kong will step up support for belt and road enterprises seeking to expand into new markets and tap regional growth, reinforcing its role as a pivotal business hub and platform for deeper exchanges, the city’s financial chief has said. In his weekly blog on Sunday, Paul Chan Mo-po also pointed to strong growth in emerging markets and developing economies in recent years, citing International M...

Zia Yusuf’s post about Camden council leader is ‘straightforward racism’, says minister

Zia Yusuf’s post about Camden council leader is ‘straightforward racism’, says minister

The Guardian

Reform UK’s home affairs spokesperson has faced criticism within party after post about Sagal Abdi-Wali, a former child refugeeLabour has accused Reform’s Zia Yusuf of “straightforward racism” after he suggested the party’s frontrunner to replace Keir Starmer in the Holborn and St Pancras byelection was not British.Sagal Abdi-Wali, a former child refugee from Somalia and the leader of Camden counc...

Chinese food vendor sparks ‘camera bullying’ debate after vloggers portray her as ‘evil granny’

Chinese food vendor sparks ‘camera bullying’ debate after vloggers portray her as ‘evil granny’

SCMP

A 92-year-old snack vendor from southwestern China has sparked a debate over online exploitation after vloggers deliberately provoked her to produce sensational videos presenting her as an “evil granny.” This case mirrors a similar “camera bullying” incident last November, where tourists filmed an elderly woman from the Yi ethnic group in traditional clothing on a train, despite her apparent disco...

93-year-old Cleveland bridge closes after analysis finds severe floor-beam deterioration

93-year-old Cleveland bridge closes after analysis finds severe floor-beam deterioration

Times of India

A Cleveland bridge that opened in 1933 has been closed until further notice after new analysis found more extensive deterioration in its floor beams. The closure comes as the Ohio Department of Transportation was preparing a major rehabilitation project, with construction tentatively planned for 2028. Officials said the decision was made for public safety.

‘Can no longer be stopped’: AfD races towards historic win in Germany state vote

‘Can no longer be stopped’: AfD races towards historic win in Germany state vote

Times of India

Voting is currently taking place in Saxony-Anhalt's vital state election, representing an important benchmark for the far-right AfD party. Latest surveys indicate they are notably ahead, with a chance to obtain a full majority, possibly leading to their first state governance since WWII. The results will be crucial in assessing Chancellor Friedrich Merz's approach to migration and security, with w...

242 trapped by wildfire; pilots flew into flames to save them

242 trapped by wildfire; pilots flew into flames to save them

Times of India

California National Guard crews performed a historic nighttime helicopter rescue during the Creek Fire. They saved 242 people trapped by intense flames and thick smoke. This extraordinary mission utilized night-vision goggles and combat helicopters in a wildfire zone. The daring rescue demonstrated new possibilities for nighttime wildfire aviation response. California has since expanded its ni...

Witkoff and Kushner discussed ‘next steps’ with Putin to end Ukraine war, says US

Witkoff and Kushner discussed ‘next steps’ with Putin to end Ukraine war, says US

The Guardian

Donald Trump’s business ally and son-in-law now heading from Moscow to Kyiv to meet Ukrainian presidentSteve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are headed to Kyiv for the first time in their roles as Donald Trump’s peace envoys to Kyiv following talks on Saturday in Moscow, at which the White House said they “discussed substantive plans for next steps” towards ending the war between Ukraine and Russia duri...

Witkoff and Kushner discuss ‘next steps’ with Putin to end Ukraine war, says US

Witkoff and Kushner discuss ‘next steps’ with Putin to end Ukraine war, says US

The Guardian

Donald Trump’s business ally and son-in-law now head from Moscow to Kyiv to meet Ukrainian presidentSteve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are headed to Kyiv for the first time in their roles as Donald Trump’s peace envoys to Kyiv following talks on Saturday in Moscow, at which the White House said they “discussed substantive plans for next steps” towards ending the war between Ukraine and Russia during ...

Victoria police hunt for man on run after allegedly attacking brother and parents with axe

Victoria police hunt for man on run after allegedly attacking brother and parents with axe

The Guardian

Police say they believe argument took place before three people critically injured in Gippsland town of Tyers on SaturdayFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastVictoria police have urged the public to remain vigilant as they search for a man who allegedly attacked his brother and parents with an axe or tomahawk.Police issued...