text
stringlengths 102
112k
| url
stringlengths 37
240
| crawl_date
timestamp[us, tz=UTC]date 2024-01-04 00:15:18
2024-01-31 23:10:45
| exclusion_reason
stringclasses 1
value |
|---|---|---|---|
SINGAPORE - Dragon lanterns set Chinatown aglow as Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong launched the annual Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations at the official street light-up and opening ceremony held at Kreta Ayer Square on Jan 19.
With PM Lee were the MPs for Jalan Besar GRC – Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo, Mr Heng Chee How, Central Singapore District Mayor Denise Phua and Dr Wan Rizal. They were joined by more than 250 residents.
The festive lights will come on nightly until March 9 in New Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, South Bridge Road and Upper Cross Street.
This is the seventh time that PM Lee, who was born in the Year of the Dragon, has graced the event, which started exactly 20 years ago.
Speaking in Mandarin, PM Lee, who was accompanied by Mrs Lee, said his hair has turned white over the years, but the ceremony remains one of the annual highlights of CNY celebrations here.
“I hope the new year will bring new hope and achievements,” he said. “This year, despite the rain, I feel that the atmosphere is especially good. I believe this is because the Year of the Dragon is coming next year.”
PM Lee also went on stage at the close of the ceremony to sing a CNY song with the MPs and performers, and posed for pictures with some working staff.
The celebration will feature activities like a festive fair, weekend stage shows, a countdown party and a lion dance competition.
“We are delighted to welcome the Year of the Dragon with our series of festivities that unite diverse cultures and ages in Singapore and beyond,” said Mrs Teo.
“With the fitting theme, I wish everyone would fearlessly embrace the unfolding opportunities ahead.”
She added that CNY is also a time when Chinese are reminded to preserve and pass on their traditions to future generations. Illustrating this, a team of 13 students from the Singapore University of Technology and Design has helped to design the displays for the 13th consecutive year.
Upcoming highlights include the annual countdown party, which will be held at Kreta Ayer Square on CNY Eve on Feb 9 at 10pm.
There will also be firecrackers featuring a diverse assortment of comets, mines and fountains at the countdown party.
There are festive fairs at People’s Park Complex and Chinatown, along Sago Street, Smith Street, Temple Street, Trengganu Street and Pagoda Street, that will run from 10am to 10pm daily till Feb 9.
Weekend stage shows will also be held from 6pm to 9pm on Jan 27 and 28, and Feb 3 and 4, at Kreta Ayer Square.
2024’s celebration also sees the return of a lion dance competition on Jan 27 and 28 at Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre. The competition draws top lion dance troupes from across Singapore and the Asia-Pacific who compete for the title of King of the Lions.
The Chinatown Festival Committee will also be organising the Adopt a Lantern initiative, a tradition upheld since 2014. All street lanterns used during the celebrations will be available to members of the public as keepsakes.
Individuals keen on adopting a lantern can register on Chinatown Festivals’ Instagram and Facebook from Feb 22 to March 1.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/dragon-lanterns-set-chinatown-aglow
| 2024-01-19T14:04:18Z
|
blocked_url
|
ABIDJAN - Algeria are looking to end a four-game winless streak at the Africa Cup of Nations as they take on Burkina Faso in their second Group D match in Bouake on Saturday.
Algeria won the 2019 tournament on the back of inspiring performances from the likes of Riyad Mahrez and AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer, but the defence of their title in the next edition in Cameroon two years ago saw them finish last in their group without winning a game.
That campaign included a humiliating defeat to tiny Equatorial Guinea and a scoreless draw with lowly ranked Sierra Leone, who were making a rare appearance at the finals.
They began this year’s tournament in Ivory Coast with a 1-1 draw against unfancied Angola on Monday, dominating the match and scoring first before giving away a second-half penalty.
“We said we had to take the three points to get off to a good start but we didn't do it, so now we're going to do everything we can to take the three points,” Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi told a press conference on Friday.
“People keep talking to me about what happened in Cameroon but crying over it all the time solves nothing. If you fail in football, it’s about getting up again. We use those experiences to get back on our feet.”
Belmadi said the fact Algeria had not won in their past four finals games was immaterial. “Statistics are often important, they mean things but football is not always what we see in the statistics. What would have been even more worrying was not to see a team looking to play or attack,” he told reporters.
“When we see Angola, Equatorial Guinea, once again there are no more small teams. The teams work, they take their chances, they are well prepared. It’s not the top favourites that necessarily win,” Belmadi added. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/algeria-look-to-end-winless-cup-of-nations-streak
| 2024-01-19T14:04:29Z
|
blocked_url
|
Gent's Europa Conference League game against Israel's Maccabi Haifa next month must be played behind closed doors by order of the city of Ghent, the Belgian club said on Friday.
The clubs meet in the knockout round playoffs, with the second leg in Belgium on Feb. 21, and the mayor of Ghent, Mathias De Clercq, believes the security risks are too great given the tensions from the Israel-Hamas conflict.
"The city council has already received several complaints from politically engaged citizens who believe that such a competition cannot take place given the current context," a city of Ghent statement said.
"In addition, the open nature of the KAA Gent Arena and the fact that it is not possible to set up an external security perimeter around the stadium means that, in light of the current circumstances, it is impossible to offer watertight guarantees with regard to the safety of all supporters present."
Maccabi Haifa were ordered by European soccer's governing body UEFA to host their last two Europa League home group games at neutral venues, playing in Cyprus and Hungary in November.
Gent faced another Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv in the group stage which they hosted in October with fans present, while the away game was played in Serbia.
Reuters have contacted UEFA for comment. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/gent-conference-league-game-with-maccabi-haifa-to-be-behind-closed-doors
| 2024-01-19T14:04:39Z
|
blocked_url
|
MELBOURNE - Russian qualifier Maria Timofeeva heads into the second week of the Australian Open wondering how far she can go on the big stage but the 20-year-old has extra confidence after a shock third-round win over Beatriz Haddad Maia on Friday.
The 20-year-old came through three rounds of qualifying and got past experienced Frenchwoman Alize Cornet and 2018 champion Caroline Wozniacki in her opening two rounds before pulling off a 7-6(7) 6-3 upset against 10th seed Haddad Maia.
"I'm still curious how far it will go. Just now I know what I'm capable of, that I can compete with these girls," Timofeeva told reporters as she prepares to face Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk.
"And I was just curious to see if it's possible or not, like should we work on something? Of course there's something to work on. That's always (there).
"Now I'm just a bit more confident in my powers and we will see what it will bring us."
Timofeeva is playing some of her best tennis at the year's first Grand Slam but faces a tricky test against Kostyuk in the fourth round after the Ukrainian beat Russian Elina Avanesyan in a contest that had geopolitical undertones.
Timofeeva may not get a handshake from Kostyuk following their match but is keen to finally face her.
"Marta's just a year older than me," Timofeeva said.
"But we didn't cross paths in juniors because she started to play well in the professional tour much faster. She was already I think rocking the WTA since she was 16 years old.
"That's great. I came a bit later there. I saw today a bit of her match, because she was playing against my friend. She's looking solid, so we'll see.
"It's going to be an interesting match, for sure." REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/confident-timofeeva-relishing-kostyuk-test-at-australian-open
| 2024-01-19T14:04:50Z
|
blocked_url
|
MELBOURNE - Surviving home hope Alex De Minaur has his eyes on breaking through his fourth-round barrier for the first time at the Australian Open after reaching last 16 without losing set.
The 10th seed crushed Italian qualifier Flavio Cobolli 6-3 6-3 6-1 on Friday to continue an impressive start to the season which included a win over Novak Djokovic at the United Cup.
The 24-year-old is through to the fourth round for the third time in Melbourne but has never gone further, while his best-ever Grand Slam run was a quarter-final at the 2020 U.S. Open.
Having been the lone Australian man to reach the third round this year, De Minaur is shouldering a nation's hopes. But he looks in the mood to make a deeper run.
"First of all, I'll try to get a little bit better and beat my personal best, get to a quarter-finals," he told reporters.
"That's the first step. I've made a couple fourth rounds in the past. I maybe have gotten to that point and not played the type of match I wanted to.
"I'm hoping I can break that barrier and go one further."
None of De Minaur's matches so far have gone beyond two hours, leaving him fresh for his next match which could pitch him up against tenacious Russian fifth seed Andrey Rublev or American Sebastian Korda.
"I probably must be feeling the freshest I've been getting at this stage of the tournament. Obviously I got a little bit lucky with Milos (Raonic) pulling out (in the first round)," he said. "Therefore, the match wasn't too long. Then I played two straight-sets wins that weren't too long.
"Physically I'm feeling great. Now it's just about giving all my energy for what's to come."
The hard work starts now for De Minaur if he is to finally make his mark at a Grand Slam after a rather underwhelming record so far in the majors.
"This is where the tail end of the tournament starts, the second week of slams," he said. "I've always been told that the first week of a slam is to get through however way you want to, and the second week is when you start to play your real tennis." REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/de-minaur-aiming-to-smash-through-barrier-after-reaching-last-16
| 2024-01-19T14:05:01Z
|
blocked_url
|
MELBOURNE - World number one Iga Swiatek believes the stiff tests she has faced at the outset of her bid to claim a maiden Australian Open title have helped her shake off the rust as she prepares for a third-round match against Linda Noskova on Saturday.
The Pole battled through a difficult first set to defeat former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in her opening match at Melbourne Park, before having to claw her way back from two breaks down in the third set to beat Danielle Collins on Thursday.
Asked about her draw at the Australian Open, Swiatek told reporters: "I think it was even the toughest one I ever had, maybe even more than when I was unseeded a couple of years back.
"I'm proud to survive this and I'm already thinking about the next goals.
"I don't mind actually that it was intense because I remember also when I started the tournament with some easy matches, then I felt I was a little bit rusty when the tough moments came..."
Swiatek will fancy her chances against Noskova, who has never reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam before, having beaten the 19-year-old in straight sets last year.
In an intriguing third-round clash in the women's draw, former Grand Slam champions Victoria Azarenka and Jelena Ostapenko will face off for a fourth time in their careers.
The two also met at the Brisbane International last month, with two-time Australian Open champion Azarenka winning that encounter to improve her head-to-head record against Ostapenko to 3-0.
Ukrainian 19th seed Elina Svitolina takes on Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland, while Zheng Qinwen and Wang Yafan will meet in an all-Chinese clash during the day session at Rod Laver Arena.
On the men's side, former world number one Daniil Medvedev, who came through a tough five-setter against Finland's Emil Ruusuvuori in the second round, comes up against Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime as he chases his second Grand Slam title.
Norwegian Casper Ruud, seeded 11th, closes out proceedings at John Cain Arena against British number one Cameron Norrie, while second seed Carlos Alcaraz faces wild card Shang Juncheng of China.
"I've never played against him. So it's going to be the first time that we face each other. I think it's going to be great for everyone. I think for him, as well," Alcaraz said. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/rust-free-swiatek-grateful-for-demanding-start-at-australian-open
| 2024-01-19T14:05:11Z
|
blocked_url
|
MELBOURNE – Years ago in a historic profile in Esquire magazine, the fine writer Gay Talese wrote a famous line. “(Frank) Sinatra with a cold is Picasso without paint, Ferrari without fuel”. Ah, but Novak Djokovic is an entirely different species. The Serb, breathing heavily at times and his nose red, has been suffering from an ailment at the Australian Open. It was hardly enough to prevent him from composing some efficiently masterful geometry in his third round.
Tomas Etcheverry, his rival, has as many years on earth, 24, as Djokovic has Grand Slam titles. He was born in Argentina and has a dog named Roland Garros in honour of that clay coliseum. But this is Melbourne Park and it is currently leased to Djokovic. Even when not at his best, the Serb is better than the world. He won 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) and brought a rare calm to a wonderfully turbulent Open.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/to-a-wonderfully-turbulent-open-novak-djokovic-brings-geometry-and-calm
| 2024-01-19T14:05:22Z
|
blocked_url
|
SINGAPORE – High on confidence, Yeo Jia Min is not resting on her laurels after clinching her first Badminton World Federation World Tour Super 750 semi-final appearance at the India Open on Jan 19.
Singapore’s top women’s singles player made the step up after South Korea’s world No. 1 An Se-young retired while trailing 21-19, 3-0 in their quarter-final clash at the K. D. Jadhav Indoor Hall in New Delhi.
Super 750 competitions are the third tier of the Badminton World Federation World Tour, behind the World Tour Finals and Super 1000 events.
Yeo will take on world No. 3 Tai Tzu-ying on Jan 20 with an eye on a first victory in their fifth encounter. The Taiwanese beat China’s He Bingjiao 21-12, 21-12 in another quarter-final.
The Singaporean world No. 20 told The Straits Times: “I’m excited to see how much I can challenge Tai Tzu-ying tomorrow, and I’m definitely aiming to win.”
On the win over An, the 24-year-old said: “I’m grateful for every match experience with top players that is helping me improve. I’m happy to have made the right choices during important moments today.
“I knew I had to play fast and make as few mistakes as possible, and I’m glad I did that and won today. However, it is a pity to know An Se-young is not in her best physical condition and I hope she will recover soon.”
An, who held a superior 7-1 head-to-head record over Yeo that included a quarter-final victory en route to winning the Malaysia Open last week, has been nursing a right-knee injury since she won the Asian Games gold in October.
The 21-year-old said: “I knew the injury could get worse, but I wanted to play more matches ahead of the Olympics.”
But Yeo deserved credit for playing an outstanding match.
After both players settled down, it was the Singaporean who led 15-10 and then 17-13, keeping her opponent at bay with her angled and deceptive shots.
An then showed the prowess behind the 10 titles she won in 2023 and the Malaysia Open triumph, as she threatened to turn the tide with her aggressive play.
The South Korean drew level at 18-18 with a diving return that landed on the line and took the lead when a deflated Yeo played a drop shot into the net in the next point.
But after a medical timeout to treat her scrapped knuckles, the Singaporean took the opener, as An’s movement appeared to be hampered.
Yeo would continue to stretch her beleaguered rival as she described: “I felt I was moving a little faster than her, so I tried to vary my shots to make her uncomfortable.”
The ability to outwit the top player speaks volumes of the turnaround she has made since starting 2023 with five straight losses and slipping to 37th in the world, before her gradual improvement.
National singles coach Kelvin Ho said: “The shuttle speed and drift here are slow, so the more consistent players have an advantage, and Jia Min has been consistent in general.
“Her shot variation and speed have been good and she didn’t make it easy to anticipate her shots as she kept creating difficult moments for her opponents.
“Every opponent at this level is strong and she needs to continue her focus and positive approach to go through the processes well to develop further.”
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/yeo-jia-min-gains-breakthrough-with-india-open-q-final-win-over-injured-world-no-1-an-se-young
| 2024-01-19T14:05:32Z
|
blocked_url
|
AMSTERDAM - Dutch lawmakers will vote on Tuesday on a first step towards requiring King Willem-Alexander and his family to pay income tax, a plan that would require an amendment to the constitution.
"A blue envelope for blue blood," Sandra Beckerman, a lawmaker from the left-wing Socialistische Partij, said during a debate on the issue on Thursday evening, referring to the blue envelope in which tax letters arrive in Dutch mailboxes.
The initial motion, expected to be put to the vote on Tuesday, requires a simple majority to pass. It asks the government to propose a constitutional change, which would then ultimately need backing from two-thirds of both houses of parliament.
Such a proposal appeared to have sufficient support in the House of Representatives, but the level of support in the Senate is less clear.
The biggest Senate fraction, the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), was leaning towards backing the motion during the debate on Thursday evening but stopped short of supporting it.
Far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders, whose nationalist party won a parliamentary election in November but lacks a majority, favours the tax change, which was opposed by outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte during his 13-year term.
Rutte reiterated during the debate his view that a constitutional amendment was "too complicated".
Members of parliament in favour of taxing the royal family hope that a new coalition government, which has yet to be formed, might lead to a change.
The royal family receives tax-free money from taxpayers on top of their private income, some of which is taxed.
In 2024, the king, his wife Queen Maxima, his daughter and future heir Princess Amalia, and his mother, the former Queen Beatrix, together received 11.6 million euros ($12.61 million).
Princess Amalia, who is 20 and studying at the University of Amsterdam, said she would reimburse her share (1.8 million euros) as long as she was a student.
The family lost popularity for travelling during the COVID pandemic, with 55% of the population now supporting the monarchy, down from 70% right before it broke out, a poll by public broadcaster NOS showed last year.
The same poll showed only 46% of respondents have confidence in the king.
In 1992, Britain's then-Queen Elizabeth acted on criticism about royal wealth by offering to pay income tax for the first time. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/dutch-parliament-considers-first-step-towards-asking-king-to-pay-income-tax
| 2024-01-19T14:05:42Z
|
blocked_url
|
PARIS - France's largest farm union FNSEA is considering nationwide protests in the coming weeks, a spokesperson said on Friday, potentially expanding action by farmers in the southwest who have blocked a highway and dumped manure on public buildings.
Like their German counterparts who held a massive demonstration over the weekend with tractors rumbling towards Berlin from every corner of the country, French farmers are mainly protesting against taxes and regulation.
The FSNEA will decide whether to organise nationwide action next Thursday after meeting local branch representatives and different farm sectors, the spokesperson said.
Hundreds of tractors and farmers from across southwest France have been protesting in the southwestern city of Toulouse this week, causing traffic jams.
On Friday they blocked the highway linking Toulouse to the Atlantic cost with a wall of hay.
Farmers cite a government tax on tractor fuel, cheap imports, water storage issues, excessive restrictions and red tape among their grievances.
FNSEA farmers have been turning around road signs at the entrance of towns and villages across the country - in 12,000 districts out of a total of 36,000 - to express their discontent in a campaign called "We are walking on our heads".
The protests in the European Union's biggest agricultural producer come at a time when President Emmanuel Macron is wary of farmers' growing support for the far-right ahead of the European Parliament elections in June.
Macron told his cabinet this week to pay careful attention to potential flashpoints for rural workers, to try to avoid further demonstrations and another flare-up of the so-called Yellow Vest protest movement, a minister told Politico.
In a sign of growing farmer anger in the EU, hundreds of Romanian farmers have also held protests this week. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/france-could-face-nationwide-farmer-protests-as-anger-mounts
| 2024-01-19T14:05:53Z
|
blocked_url
|
MOSCOW - A Russian state prosecutor on Friday asked a court to jail Darya Trepova, a woman accused of killing a prominent military blogger by blowing him up at Ukraine's behest, to 28 years in jail, the RIA news agency reported.
Pro-war blogger Vladlen Tatarsky was killed by a bomb hidden in a figurine that Trepova, 26, gave him at a cafe in St Petersburg where he was giving a talk to an audience of up to 100 people in April last year.
The figurine was a crude likeness of Tatarsky, who accepted it as a gift. Witnesses told the court that he had jokingly called it "Golden Vladlen" and turned it over in his hands before it had exploded, killing him on the spot and injuring dozens.
At the last court hearing on Jan. 16, Trepova told the court that she had believed that the package she handed to him had contained a listening device, not a bomb.
Trepova said she was acting under orders from a man in Ukraine whom she knew as "Gestalt" (German for "Shape"), who had been sending her money and instructions for several months before the killing.
Russia accused Ukraine immediately after the attack of organising Tatarsky's murder. Senior Ukrainian officials have neither claimed responsibility nor denied involvement, with presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak describing it as "internal terrorism". REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/russian-prosecutor-asks-court-to-jail-woman-accused-of-killing-war-blogger-for-28-years-ria
| 2024-01-19T14:06:04Z
|
blocked_url
|
GENEVA - Swiss prosecutors on Friday confirmed that Israeli President Isaac Herzog had been the subject of criminal complaints during his visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos, as Israel finds itself accused of committing war crimes in Gaza.
"The criminal complaints will be examined according to the usual procedure," the Office of the Swiss Attorney General said, adding that it would contact the Swiss foreign ministry to examine the question of immunity of the individual concerned.
The Office of the Swiss Attorney General would not disclose details on who had lodged the complaints.
Spokespeople for Israel's government and foreign ministry did not immediately reply to requests for comment. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/switzerland-says-israeli-president-subject-of-criminal-complaints-at-davos
| 2024-01-19T14:06:14Z
|
blocked_url
|
KAMPALA - Leaders of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) countries on Friday denounced Israel's military campaign in Gaza and demanded an immediate ceasefire there, during the annual summit of the 120-member bloc.
Dozens of heads of state and other senior officials from the NAM, formed officially in 1961 by countries opposed to joining either of the two major Cold War-era military and political blocs, are attending a summit in Uganda.
Israel launched its offensive in Gaza after the Islamist militant group Hamas' Oct. 7 attack in which Israeli officials say more than 1,200 Israelis and foreigners were killed and 240 taken hostage. The military campaign has killed more than 24,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
"Since Oct. 7 we have witnessed one of the cruellest genocidal acts ever to be recorded by history," Cuba's vice president, Salvador Valdes Mesa, said in a speech to delegates.
"How can the Western countries, who claim to be so civilised, justify the murder of women and children in Gaza, the indiscriminate bombings of hospitals and schools and deprivation of access to safe water and food?" he said.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union commission, called for an immediate end to what he called the "unjust war against the Palestinian people."
Nearly all African countries belong to the NAM, comprising nearly half of its members, while other members range from India and Indonesia to Saudi Arabia and Iran, Chile, Peru and Colombia.
Israel has said it is acting in self-defence and rejected accusations of genocide, including in a case brought against it by South Africa at the United Nations' top court.
Speaking at the summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, said the war in Gaza had demonstrated the inadequacy of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, where the United States has vetoed several resolutions critical of Israel.
"We should establish a system of global governance that is fair and equitable, and has the capacity to respond to the needs of all persons in situations of threat and harm," said Ramaphosa. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/non-aligned-movement-leaders-denounce-israels-military-campaign-in-gaza
| 2024-01-19T14:06:25Z
|
blocked_url
|
DUBAI - Yemen's Houthis have said they did not intend to expand their attacks on shipping in and around the Red Sea further, beyond their stated aims of blockading Israel and retaliating against the United States and Britain for air strikes.
In an interview with Reuters, spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam, who is also the chief Houthi negotiator in peace talks over the country's decade-old civil war, told Reuters the group had no plans to target longstanding foes Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
"We do not want the escalation to expand. This is not our demand. We imposed rules of engagement in which not a single drop of blood was shed or major material losses," said Abdulsalam. "It represented pressure on Israel only, it did not represent pressure on any country in the world."
The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control most of Yemen's populated areas, have attacked ships at the mouth of the Red Sea since October, in what they say is a show of solidarity with Palestinians by targeting vessels linked to Israel.
"What the Yemeni people did in the beginning was to target Israeli ships heading to Israel without causing any human or even significant material losses, just preventing ships from passing as a natural right," said Abdulsalam.
"Now, when America joined in and escalated the situation further, there is no doubt that Yemen will respond," he said.
The Houthi attacks have forced international shipping companies to route trade between Europe and Asia around Africa, adding time and costs. The United States and Britain bombed Houthi targets last week in what they called an intervention to keep one of the world's busiest shipping routes open.
"We do not want the conflict to expand in the region and we do not prefer that, and we are still working on non-escalation, but the decision is up to the Americans, as long as they continue to attack," said Abdulsalam.
"Yemen is concerned with responding, and is interested in verifying or maintaining its position by preventing Israeli ships from heading to the occupied Palestinian territories."
The Red Sea conflict is one of half a dozen involving armed groups backed by Iran across the Middle East that have escalated since October, when Hamas fighters attacked Israel provoking an Israeli assault that has since devastated the Gaza Strip.
Washington accuses Tehran - which leads an "Axis of Resistance" including Hamas, Lebanon's Hezbollah and groups in Syria and Iraq - of trying to spread conflict across the region.
Among other flashpoints, Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged fire across the border, while pro-Iranian militias have attacked bases hosting U.S. troops in Iraq.
The Houthis, mountain fighters who captured Yemen's capital a decade ago, have retained their grip through years of war against regional powerhouses Saudi Arabia the UAE, now in a delicate phase of peace talks.
"We do not find justification for taking any action against them, and we call on them to reject the militarization of the Red Sea or the presence of military forces inside the region," Abdulsalam said of the Gulf Arab powers.
Abdulsalam said the Houthis have made their own decisions in the conflict and do not take orders from Tehran, though they maintain a close relationship.
"We have not received any comment from the Iranians until this moment. We do not know if they will inform us later," he said. "Yemen is concerned with responding, and is concerned with confirming or remaining firm on its position of preventing Israeli ships from heading to the occupied Palestinian territories." REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/yemens-houthis-say-they-do-not-seek-to-expand-red-sea-attacks
| 2024-01-19T14:06:35Z
|
blocked_url
|
Dolly Parton has plenty to celebrate on her 78th trip around the sun and took the opportunity to make a huge announcement on her big day.
Taking to Instagram, the country music star shared a message which will delight both her fans and her long-time husband, Carl Dean.
Dolly posted the message that read: "Hey fans and friends. It's my Birthday so I'm going to give you a present."
She then revealed: "I'm releasing four never released songs for my birthday, to go with the Rockstar album, and a few others that you may not have heard before that were not on the album. I hope you enjoy them, and I hope you all have a happy birthday for me! LOL." Dolly signed off: "Thanks for everything."
As for why her husband will be jumping for joy... he doesn't like country music, but adores rock.
When Dolly revealed she was turning to the music genre and releasing a rock album, she opened up about Carl's feelings towards country music and made a surprising revelation.
During an interview on Absolute Radio Breakfast last year, she confessed: "Country music was his least favorite, he was into hard rock," the 78-year-old. "All of our lives, and we've been together almost 60 years, anytime I'm around him, in the house, in the car he's always playing rock songs."
At the time, Dolly was promoting, Rockstar – which came out November 17 – that features her take on rock classics including "Stairway to Heaven" and Prince's "Purple Rain." However, the former was recorded as a do-over because her first take of the hit Led Zeppelin song didn't sit well with Carl.
"I actually chose a lot of his favorite songs to do [for this album] "Stairway to Heaven" being one of them," she explained. "I did a version of "Stairway to Heaven" some years back as a bluegrass kind of thing, and he didn't think I should have done it. And he said, are you sure that's "Stairway to Heaven" or stairwell to hell?"
Her insight into her relationship is always welcomed by fans as Carl prefers to stay away from the limelight and has only been photographed publicly a handful of times.
Dolly adores performing but Carl can barely even bring himself to watch her because it makes him a bag of nerves.
"He gets nervous seeing me perform," she told Ellen DeGeneres. "It's almost like seeing your kid in a recital. He's afraid I'll mess up. Actually, he has seen me a time or two and it did relax him a little. He saw that I do mess up and it's OK because people are not gonna punish me for it."
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletterand get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511658/dolly-parton-makes-huge-reveal-78-birthday-husband-carl-dean-will-be-thrilled/
| 2024-01-19T14:25:36Z
|
blocked_url
|
Despite murdering our Diane with a villainous glass of rose wine, The Traitors star Miles has opened up about why he is the “real victim” in HELLO!’s latest episode of Traitors Talk alongside our resident Traitor, Wilf Webster, and our TV Editor, Emmy Griffiths!
Miles had something on an iconic exit from the show, after he was tasked with serving a ‘poisoned chalice’ to Diane, who in turn was served a full funeral procession alongside her fellow contestants after they had learn that one if the Faithfuls had been murdered. After the contestants were quick to work out that Miles handed Diane a drink, he was voted out of the show during the roundtables.
Speaking about swapping out his fizzy wine to give to Diane, Miles joked: “I’m the real victim here because I love fizzy rose! I love it! I had to hand mine out and give it to Diane to get the job done, so I’m so dedicated as a Traitor! I had to have a boring, flat rose, so who really suffered here guys?!
“My name had never been mentioned or brought up on anyone’s chalkboard until that moment. If that hadn’t been the case, I think I would have cruised to the end. There wasn’t a lot to go on - except that I stood on a wall during a challenge… if it hadn’t been for the fizzy rose, I might have had a cruiser!”
He jokily added: “I had no idea Diane would be a massive gay icon, you know? My people hate me right now!”
He also spoke about trying to find the chalice, saying: “It felt like hours. Paul goes back into the kitchen and is talking to everyone like normal, and I was like… ‘Do you want to come in here and help with this murder?’ Trying to actually find it incognito… and be casual. It felt like hours.”
The charge against Miles was mostly led by his fellow Traitor, Paul. He joked: “I’m not going to lie, when Paul was going in at me on the roundtable I wanted to launch across the table and strangle him like, ‘Shut up!’” Watch the whole of Traitors Talk above to find out more about Miles’ experience on the show, including why he watched the episode with a fellow Traitor, who he wants to win the show, and who he would have recruited as a new Traitor.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511661/the-traitors-star-miles-talks-response-to-murdering-diane-im-the-real-victim-here/
| 2024-01-19T14:25:42Z
|
blocked_url
|
Penny Lancaster is returning to Loose Women on Thursday following a long period of absence. The model, who joined the show in 2014 and made regular appearances until the autumn of 2022, will be back on the panel to update her co-stars on what she's been up to in recent months, including touring with her husband, rockstar Sir Rod Stewart.
The news was announced in a pre-recorded clip in which Charlene White teased Penny's comeback. Looking down the camera lense, the ITV news host said: "On Thursday, our Penny is back with a bang. Pressing pause on her jet-set lifestyle, back to make us laugh or cry but always full of fun.
"She'll fill us in on everything from touring to travelling, birthdays and blended families. All-round superstar and Special Constable, Penny Lancaster."
Penny's return to the programme comes four months after it was reported that the model had stepped down from the panel following rumours of "toxicity" backstage.
Penny's agent, Nicholas Young, later responded to the speculation with an official statement, explaining that his client hadn't appeared on the show due to scheduling conflicts. He told HELLO! in September: "There is no story here. Penny has been approached to appear on the show in September but is only available for one date in the near future; a date that does not work for LW.
"Penny has just returned from abroad after six weeks away; and she is off to South America shortly. LW and we have agreed to look at the diary again on her return in October."
He continued: "It is obvious that Penny is no longer a regular panellist. This is purely due to other professional and personal commitments. Penny loves the show; and LW loves Penny. But such appearances as she is able to make in the future will be as a 'guest.'"
ITV also responded to the reports. A spokesperson said at the time: "Penny is a much-loved part of the award-winning Loose Women family and it is always a pleasure to have her on the show. We look forward to her joining us again soon."
It's been a busy few months for Penny, who accompanied her husband on his world tour late last year, including to faraway destinations such as Buenos Aires, Argentina and Brazil.
Taking to Instagram back in November, Penny shared an adorable snap of her and Rod wearing matching denim jackets as they held hands on their way to board a private jet. In the caption, Penny wrote: "Excited for Rods shows in Vegas and the F1 race nights this weekend, Go go go! @sirrodstewart."
The following month, the jet-setting couple flew to Scotland, where they celebrated their sons' first-ever Hogmanay. Sharing a photo from their New Year's celebrations showing Alastair and Aiden twinning with their dad in traditional tartan kilts, the 52-year-old TV star penned in the caption: "First ever #hogmanay boys are proud of their Scottish heritage."
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511663/penny-lancaster-to-return-to-loose-women-details/
| 2024-01-19T14:25:48Z
|
blocked_url
|
Robert Hardman has been at King Charles' side for the past 18 months, as he tells in his new book Charles III New King. New Court. The Inside Story.
The royal author has witnessed many historic events during this time, as well as seeing the monarch in many different situations and moods (who can forget pen-gate) – but one thing is clear to Robert, and that is that King Charles is the “happiest” he has ever been.
Speaking to A Right Royal Podcast hosts Andrea Caamano and Emmy Griffiths, along with HELLO!’s royal editor Emily Nash, Robert Hardman reveals why Charles is a “very happy King” despite the “challenges” and “dramas” he has faced over the past years, including his estrangement from son Prince Harry.
Listen to the podcast below to understand why, far from his demeanour during the Naughties – when Charles could be very “melancholy” – he is now making jokes and feels “liberated”.
LISTEN: Why King Charles is happier than ever despite all the royal dramas in the past years
In the book, which was published this week, Robert touches upon this very subject. “He is unquestionably more cheerful these days,” he writes.
“He laughs a lot more, whether at the Archbishop of Canterbury fluffing his lines during Coronation rehearsals or discovering a pie crust depicting his face at the Sandringham Flower Show.”
The journalist also reveals that his good mood has permeated his wardrobe, something royal fans were able to witness themselves back in January 2023. The King attended the Epiphany service at the church of St Lawrence, Castle Rising, near Sandringham wearing a pale pink silk tie with a light blue Tyrannosaurus rex pattern printed all over it.
“Is the T-Rex motif a humorous, coded play on C-Rex?” Robert asked a royal source for his book. “‘I couldn’t possibly comment,’ says one of his team with a grin, suggesting strongly that it might be.”
"Rex" is part of the King's title, marked by the R on his royal cypher / monogram, and is Latin for "King".
At the time, it was reported that Charles' special tie, debuted just after Christmas, had been a special gift from his grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511589/why-king-charles-is-the-happiest-he-has-been-despite-royal-dramas/
| 2024-01-19T14:25:54Z
|
blocked_url
|
On 19 January, Romanian farmers stopped blocking truck traffic in front of Romania’s Vicovu de Sus checkpoint, opposite the Ukrainian checkpoint Krasnoilsk in Chernivtsi Oblast, according to a report by Ukraine’s State Border Service.
Farmers and truckers in Eastern European nations hold their border-blocking protests, attempting to address local issues by disrupting imports to and exports from Ukraine, a nation currently facing the challenges of the all-out war and Russia’s genocide. Such border blockades align with one of Russia’s objectives: to undermine the Ukrainian economy and weaken the nation’s capacity to resist the ongoing Russian invasion.
Romanian farmers staged a blockade at a Ukrainian checkpoint on 14 January, joining the “trend” of protests seen in Poland, Slovakia, and, occasionally, in Hungary. Like their fellow protesters in the nearby countries, they aimed to disrupt the movement of trucks and presented their own set of demands to local authorities.
As of 5:30 a.m. on 19 January, 1,670 trucks had registered to cross the border through Porubne in the eCherha system, an online queue booking system for international freight carriers. Romanian farmers allowed only 246 trucks to enter Ukraine per day, Suspilne says.
Previously, the role of Romania as a transit country increased after Polish truckers started a blockade of Ukrainian trucks on border crossing points in late November, at times joined by Polish farmers and Slovakian truckers.
On 16 January 2024, Polish truck drivers ended the blockade of the last checkpoint on the Polish-Ukrainian border until 1 March 2024, after blocking the passage of goods for months over fears of allegedly losing their market share to Ukrainian competitors.
Read also:
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/19/border-service-romanian-formers-partially-unblock-ukraine-border/
| 2024-01-19T14:29:58Z
|
blocked_url
|
US President Joe Biden met with House and Senate lawmakers at the White House on 17 January to elucidate the high stakes involved in Ukraine.
While Biden persistently pushes top US lawmakers to greenlight his $60 billion aid request for Ukraine, the administration faces a somber reality: this could be the final opportunity for fresh US military funding to reach Ukraine before the 2024 presidential election, according to CNN.
The lack of military aid degrades Ukraine’s military capabilities, benefitting Russia. Highlighting the ongoing months-long Ukraine aid deadlock, Pentagon officials haven’t convened a meeting since last month to determine the allocation of items from the Defense Department’s weapon reserves to Ukraine as the absence of funds has stalled the aid packages.
During the meeting, the President turned to his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, and Director of National Intelligence, Avril Haines, to identify crucial capabilities that Ukraine could deplete in the coming months, a White House official familiar with the meeting told CNN.
Another official informed CNN that they specifically cited air defense systems and artillery ammunition as instances of critical capabilities that might run out without US assistance.
“Biden also warned that US personnel were on the line, saying that if the Ukraine-Russia war spills over into NATO territory, the US would have to get directly involved in the conflict,” CNN says.
At the White House on 18 January, Biden informed reporters that he deemed the meeting successful and expressed his belief that “the vast majority of members of Congress support aid” for Ukraine. However,
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who, along with other House Republicans, has linked further Ukraine funding to a comprehensive immigration agreement, claimed that continued funding for Ukraine could transform it into a US quagmire similar to the two-decade-long war in Afghanistan.
Within the White House, NATO headquarters, and Kyiv, there’s a growing concern that a Trump reelection might lead to reduced support for Ukraine. US and Western intelligence anticipate a prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict. Consequently, officials and lawmakers, including some Republicans, are eager to approve funding for Ukraine before the 2024 deadline.
They’re also considering the message a US pullback could send about long-term commitment to allies and partners, as well as the potential for Europe to follow suit. More immediately, this reduction in support may limit Ukraine’s long-range strikes, previously supported by Western weapons, including US-provided Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).
Biden submitted a request to Congress for additional funding to address national defense requirements, totaling $106 billion, in October 2023. This request includes a provision to allocate a minimum of $61.4 billion for military and economic assistance to Ukraine. Since then, the Congress didn’t approve Biden’s request. The Pentagon said at the end of 2023 that funding for Ukraine aid was exhausted.
Earlier, Deputy Defense Minister Gen. Ivan Havryliuk said Ukraine was ramping up the production of one-way attack “kamikaze” drones to compensate for the lack of artillery shells at the front.
Previously, the Pentagon and White House both warned that the funds previously allocated for Ukraine’s military aid would be depleted by the end of the month unless Congress authorizes further assistance.
IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warned that failure by the US and EU to deliver on tens of billions in pledged Ukraine aid swiftly could undermine the country’s fragile economic progress.
Read also:
- Biden to meet Congress members to discuss importance of Ukraine aid
- US announces $ 250 mn military aid package for Ukraine, “the last until Congress authorizes additional funds”
- Biden says Republicans will have “an awful lot to pay for” if they don’t pass military assistance for Ukraine now
- Pentagon dismisses reports of expiring ATACMS destruction instead of sending to Ukraine
- US announces $ 250 mn military aid package for Ukraine, “the last until Congress authorizes additional funds”
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/19/cnn-biden-warns-top-lawmakers-that-us-soldiers-on-the-line-if-russia-ukraine-war-expands-into-nato-territory/
| 2024-01-19T14:30:39Z
|
blocked_url
|
“The enterprises of the military-industrial complex of Belarus produce new ammunition and recycle obsolete ammunition, with their subsequent transfer to the Russian armed forces,” Naiev says.
Read also:
- Military: Russia keeps 19,000 troops on Ukraine’s northern border
- Russian pontoon bridge “defected” to Ukraine (video)
- Sumy Oblast firefighters came under Russian fire while eliminating aftermath of earlier attack
- Russian forces killed a man on his birthday, among other civilian casualties
- Military: Ukraine territorials foil Russian saboteur incursion attempt into Sumy Oblast
- Ukraine repels cross-border raid in northern Chernihiv Oblast
- Six civilians killed, including two children, in Russian attacks on Ukraine’s oblasts
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/19/general-russia-keeps-some-22000-troops-near-ukraines-northern-border/
| 2024-01-19T14:31:19Z
|
blocked_url
|
Both Russia and Ukraine are reliant on artillery on the battlefield, and both faced shortages of artillery ammunition after heavy use, fueling a race for rounds.
In 2022 and the first half of 2023, Ukraine seemed to be winning: the West provided more artillery ammunition to Ukraine than Russia received from its partners.
However, by January 2024, the dynamics shifted: Russia is now getting more rounds than the West sends to Ukraine, thanks to continuous ammunition shipments from North Korea that went into full swing in the fall of 2023.
This poses great danger to the Ukrainian forces, as in a battlefield where neither side can achieve air dominance, artillery is a key factor that shapes the outcome of offensive or defensive operations.
After identifying this key factor in the war, the OSINT group Frontelligence Insight monitored ammo shipments from North Korea to Russia, aiming to track logistical routes, calculate delivery numbers, and identify storage points. Today, we are disclosing North Korea’s ammo transport ecosystem – and revealing some of its crucial nodes for the first time.
How much ammo?
According to recent statements by Vadym Skibitskyi, a representative of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR), in 2023, North Korea supplied Russia with approximately one million rounds of ammunition, predominantly consisting of 122 mm and 152 mm artillery shells. In October 2023, my OSINT group Frontelligence Insight tracked and estimated that, from September to the end of October, Russia received approximately 2,000 cargo containers from North Korea, containing around 500,000 rounds of 152mm and 122mm ammunition.
On 11 January, in an exclusive interview with Yonhap, a major South Korean news agency, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik stated that North Korea is estimated to have provided around 5,000 containers of weapons to Russia as of the end of December. These containers can accommodate some 2.3 million rounds of 152mm shells or around 400,000 rounds of 122mm artillery shells.
Given that Russia consistently received ammunition without disruptions, as we in Frontelligence Insight have visually observed, we believe that the number provided by South Korean officials of 5,000 cargo containers between September and January is likely accurate.
Applying our methodology, which has been consistent in past estimations of ammunition deliveries from North Korea, assuming the accuracy of the information about 5,000 containers, the estimated number of ammunition deliveries between September and the end of December would be approximately 1.57 million shells, combining 152mm and 122mm (see footnote for the calculations). This figure falls in the middle between the estimates provided by HUR and the South Korean Defense Minister.
Logistical routes: North Korean ammo deliveries to Russia
As previously identified by researchers from the Royal United Services Institute, the predominant method for delivering ammunition to Russia is through sea shipments. Evident from recent imagery, since October 2023, 20 ft shipping containers filled with ammunition are loaded onto sea vessels at Raijin port (Rason) and shipped to Dunai port near Vladivostok in Russia’s far east.
Our analysis based on January imagery reveals ongoing ammunition shipments from North Korea in 2024. After being offloaded at Dunai port, the containers are transported by trucks to the railroad branch at the port. This allows Russians to load the delivered containers onto trains, facilitating transportation across Russia to various locations closer to Ukraine.
Upon arrival in Russia, the artillery ammo in containers is directed to at least three identified locations where Russians store and distribute it. The details of these locations are as follows:
Tikhoretsk ammunition storage
The Tikhoretsk ammunition depot, previously known as the 719th Artillery Ammunition Base in Rostov Oblast, has been utilized as an artillery ammo depot throughout the war. Satellite imagery reveals that Russians began excavating and preparing multiple revetments for ammo storage in mid-August 2023. By September, the arrival of 20 ft cargo containers via trains had been well-documented.
Mozdok ammunition storage
Unlike the Tikhoretsk ammo depot, Mozdok is situated over 600 km away from the border with Ukraine, making it improbable for immediate delivery of ammo to the frontlines. Possibly, it may serve as storage for ballistic missiles delivered to Russia, used against Ukraine on 30 December 2023 and 2 January 2024. However, there is currently no visible evidence indicating the transportation of these missiles to Mozdok.
The Frontelligence Insight team analyzed satellite imagery of the area, determining that the initial shipments arrived at Mozdok in early October 2023. Like the Tikhoretsk ammo depot, containers are transported via trains and subsequently unloaded near the ammunition storage site.
Yegorlykskaya airfield
Yegorlykskaya, a small rural town in Rostov Oblast, situated approximately 90 km from the Tikhoretsk Ammo Depot, serves as another discreet location for storing ammunition. Unlike other known sites, Yegorlykskaya lacks prior associations with ammo storage before or during the war; recent operations there are kept discreet. The revetments were constructed on the territory of a military airfield that has been inactive since 2010.
Satellite imagery from early September 2023 shows the emergence of initial revetments, like those observed in Tikhoretsk.
By October, objects resembling crates and containers began to appear in the area. The timeline, discreet location near the railroad, and the appearance of objects resembling containers in revetments strongly indicate that this location is likely associated with North Korean ammo deliveries as well.
What happens with the ammo after arrival?
After arriving at the designated locations, the ammunition is further transported using both civilian and military trucks. The destination includes specific military units or temporary makeshift ammo dumps situated approximately halfway to the intended unit.
The decentralization of ammo storage has become a new standard after a series of successful strikes employing HIMARs, drones, and other long-range weaponry. This approach involves rotating and utilizing temporary storage locations, minimizing the concentration of ammunition at a single site.
It is natural for warring sides to adapt to enemy weaponry and develop their own countermeasures as the war progresses. This is why large, one-time deliveries that can alter the balance of forces are preferable to a series of smaller deliveries spread over time. The latter approach may provide the opponent with opportunities to learn, adapt, and develop countermeasures.
Gap in production and alternative resolutions
Given that Russia produced approximately 2 million 122mm and 152mm artillery rounds in 2023 and received approximately 1.57 million rounds from North Korea, it’s likely that Russia will continue to increase its domestic production while covering current needs through foreign deliveries from Iran and North Korea.
While these numbers may not enable Russia to use artillery as extensively as in 2022, they still provide Russia with an artillery firepower advantage when considering the Ukrainian ammo situation. According to the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), Russia currently fires 10,000 shells a day – five times more than Ukraine. In the summer of 2023, Ukraine had the upper hand, firing 7,000 a day, compared to Russia’s 5,000.
Although the European Union admitted it is having trouble fulfilling its pledge of 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition by March 2024, the goal could still be achieved if the EU redirects its exports and increases pressure on producers, EU officials say.
Concurrently, the USA, Ukraine’s primary source of artillery ammunition, doubled its production to 28,000 rounds per month in October 2023. As well, Ukraine has increased its ammunition production tenfold in 2023.
However, this all still falls short of meeting current frontline needs and lags behind Russia’s capacities, boosted by North Korea.
While the straightforward solution is to boost production, scaling up artillery ammunition production takes time. In the meantime, what other measures can the West and Ukraine implement to alleviate the effects of artillery ammo shortages?
- FPV Drones: While not a direct replacement for artillery, FPV drones prove effective in both offensive and defensive actions. They can deliver precise strikes on enemy vehicles and soldiers, bridging the gap in situations where ammunition is scarce or severely limited.
- Counter-Battery Systems: Increased delivery of counter-battery radars and GMLRS weaponry may not boost artillery fire rates for Ukraine, but it can significantly diminish enemy artillery fire. This reduction allows forces to achieve parity or even gain an advantage in artillery fire ratio, enhancing the overall tactical situation.
- Mortars: Similar to FPV drones, mortars cannot fully substitute for artillery. However, their mobility and effectiveness make them valuable in both offensive and defensive operations, providing a short-range alternative on a smaller, tactical scale. Increased mortar and its ammo deliveries in 2024 can alleviate the pressure on Ukrainian troops.
- Deep-striking capabilities: Europe and the US should also explore the possibility of providing Ukraine with missiles and permission to strike Russian ammo depots inside Russian territory. Escalatory rhetoric is unlikely to be effective, especially after North Korea supplied Russia with ballistic missiles, which were subsequently used to strike Ukrainian cities.
- Soft power: Finally, the decision by the North Korean dictatorial regime to supply ammunition to Russia for an invasion of a sovereign European country demands a robust response from the West. Despite North Korea’s existing heavy sanctions, its dependence on China opens avenues for influence through diplomatic and economic soft power. Coordinated efforts by Western nations and their Asian partners can be instrumental in addressing this problem.
Deepening ties between authoritarian axis
In summary, Russia’s growing artillery advantage on the battlefield is caused by the deepening connections between Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The situation may get worse if China opts to significantly assist Russia with ammunition—either by providing machinery and specialists to boost production or by directly selling it to Russia through North Korea.
This geostrategic alignment should not be taken lightly, as it has the potential to furnish Russia with a firepower advantage in 2024, leading to multiple tactical and operational successes and fostering the perception that Ukraine is steadily losing territories. Given the ongoing presidential election campaign and the lack of consensus in the US Congress on providing military aid to Ukraine, Europe should explore alternatives to address the Ukrainian ammo problem while simultaneously increasing production.
Even though North Korean ammunition has low quality, resulting in low accuracy, unexploded ordnance, and even barrel bursts, Russia still holds an advantage due to the sheer volume. This advantage enabled Russia to seize the strategic initiative by the end of 2023.
As evident from imagery and analysis provided by Frontelligence Insight, North Korean ammo deliveries can assist Russia in partially meeting its ammo needs, and makeshift logistical hubs have been created to accommodate the ammo. While this creates a vulnerable logistical bottleneck, the West’s prohibition on using its weapons for strikes inside Russian territory stymies Ukraine’s potential for neutralizing the North Korean ammunition lifeline to Russia. It remains to be seen whether Ukraine’s evolving drone capabilities, developed to overcome this Western limitation, are capable of achieving this task.
Calculations:
The approximate distribution of ammo is as follows: 85% (4,250 containers) contain 152mm ammo, and 15% (750 containers) contain 122mm ammo crates.
It was previously established that one 20ft shipping container accommodates approximately 276 crates of 152mm and 264 crates of 122mm.
The number of 152mm shells: 276 * 4,250 = 1,173,000
The number of 122mm shells: 264 * 750 * 2 (each 122mm box contains two pieces) = 396,000
Total number = 1,173,000 + 396,000 = ~1.57 million artillery shells.
A small percentage of containers may be utilized for the delivery of missiles and other ammunition; however, their overall numbers are too limited to make a significant difference in the final count. Therefore, they have been omitted from the calculation.
Related:
- North Korea uses Ukraine “as test site for nuclear-capable missiles,” South Korea says at UN SC meeting
- Russia hits 2 million large-caliber munitions yearly; 500k shortfall covered by North Korea
- North Korea may sell tactical guided missiles to Russia in addition to short-range ballistic missiles, Seoul says
- Ghost ships reveal North Korea’s secret arms trade with Russia, posing threat to Ukraine – Bloomberg
- Ukraine has initial evidence Russia uses North Korean missiles in Ukraine
- North Korean arms transfers to Russia estimated over 500,000 artillery rounds in two months, OSINT group says
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/19/mapping-north-koreas-discreet-artillery-ammo-route-to-russia/
| 2024-01-19T14:31:59Z
|
blocked_url
|
UK Defense Ministry’s intelligence update reports Russia has deployed a new A-50 airborne early warning aircraft over Russian territory instead of nearer Ukraine following likely shootdown of a previous one in the war zone.
The ministry wrote:
- As previously reported on 14 January 24, a Russian A-50 MAINSTAY almost certainly exploded and subsequently crashed into the Sea of Azov. The A-50 MAINSTAY is a key enabler for Russian operations over Ukraine providing airborne early warning of threats as well as command and control functionality.
- On 17 January 2024, the Russian Air Force appears to have begun operating another A-50 MAINSTAY, but this time over land within Russian territory near the Krasnodar region, farther eastwards from Ukraine. This activity is highly likely indicative of a reduced risk appetite for the airframes and an attempt to preserve remaining A-50 MAINSTAY at a loss to its overall effectiveness over Ukraine.
- Despite no official position from Russia on the loss of the MAINSTAY, this activity likely demonstrates a tacit Russian acknowledgement of a successful targeting operation by the Ukrainians against a high value air asset. If the loss of the MAINSTAY was an accident, then such a decision is unlikely to have been required.
- ISW: Russian air operations drop over Azov Sea after Ukraine strikes hit radar plane, command aircraft
- Russia reportedly loses valuable AWACS A-50 aircraft over Azov Sea (updates)
- UK intel: Russia integrates radar plane with S2A missile system eyeing Ukraine’s future Western jets
- Belarusian partisans conducted aerial reconnaissance for 2 weeks before drone attack that damaged Russian A-50 aircraft
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/19/uk-new-russian-a-50-radar-plane-kept-distant-from-ukraine-after-previous-one-downed/
| 2024-01-19T14:32:39Z
|
blocked_url
|
Kelly Clarkson made another stunning appearance on Thursday – and her fans went wild over her figure-hugging outfit.
The 41-year-old has lost as much as 50lbs since she relocated to New York City from LA, and she is loving showing off her slimmer frame in striking ensembles.
Taking to Instagram in a video for Wayfair, Kelly looked unreal in a purple, corduroy jumpsuit from & Other Stories that highlighted her tiny waist and trim physique.
Standing in a garden while sharing her home tips with her followers, Kelly oozed confidence in the $159 one-piece.
The jumpsuit boasts a high waist, cropped silhouette, matching fabric belt, duo patch pockets, duo slash pockets, and a zip closure, which Kelly wore partially unzipped to create a plunging neckline.
Her fans were blown away by her appearance, with one commenting: "Go on with your skinny self, Kelly Clarkson. You look amazing. An inspiration."
A second said: "You look amazing! And love you in purple." A third added: "LOVE Kelly's look." A fourth wrote: "Oh wow, Kelly you look gorgeous!"
Nutrition expert Danni Duncan told HELLO! that Kelly looks to have lost as much as 50 lbs over the last eight months, and attributes it to the removal of ultra-processed and high sugar high-fat foods.
Earlier this month, the singer revealed how exploring her new city with her children, River Rose, nine, and son Remington Alexander, seven, has helped her to transform her weight.
"Walking in the city is quite the workout," she told People. “And I’m really into infrared saunas right now. And I just got a cold plunge because everybody wore me down.”
However, Kelly hasn't lost weight for appearance's sake, but for her health. "I dropped weight because I've been listening to my doctor," she told the outlet. "A couple years I didn’t."
This means not only adding more exercise to her regime but focusing on a healthy diet too. "I eat a healthy mix," she said.
"90 percent of the time I'm really good at it because a protein diet is good for me anyway. I'm a Texas girl, so I like meat. Sorry, vegetarians in the world!".
Before Kelly shed light on her health journey, there were rumors that she turned to Ozempic – an FDA-approved drug for type 2 diabetes, also known for its appetite-suppressing effects.
While she never responded to these claims, in 2019, she addressed similar rumors that she turned to weight-loss supplements to help her slim down.
"Other fake news that's going around about me is that I've been taking weird pills 4 weight loss or doing weird fad diets. All of this is not true," she wrote on Twitter.
"I ain't got time 4 all that," she added. "I eat the same stuff I always have. It's all just made w/different flours/sugars/ingredients."
Kelly's previous weight loss was the result of her turning to Steven Gundry's 'The Plant Paradox' book, which she revealed in 2018 helped her lose a whopping 40lbs after she experienced weight gain following an autoimmune disease diagnosis in 2006 and problems with her thyroid.
Last month, while interviewing Jenna Bush Hager and her sister Barbara, Kelly admitted that she "loves" how her recent weight loss has made her feel.
"I love losing weight," she admitted, before sharing her struggle to find clothes to fit her new shape.
"Here's the thing, jeans are so hard when you have a butt and a smaller waist," she said. "This is a first-world problem, I realize. And it's a great problem."
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletterand get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/511664/kelly-clarkson-weight-loss-wows-plunging-jumpsuit-fans-react/
| 2024-01-19T15:09:29Z
|
blocked_url
|
Douglas Henshall has wasted no time since leaving his starring role on the BBC One detective series, Shetland. Not only has the Scottish actor appeared in Netflix thriller, Who is Erin Carter?, and the BBC's Christmas Agatha Christie adaptation, but he'll soon be appearing on the big screen in the upcoming horror film, One of Us, alongside Heartstopper's Kit Connor and All Creatures Great and Small's Callum Woodhouse.
The mystery-horror, which also stars Game of Thrones stars Charlotte Hope and Ian Beattie, and Rushed actress Siobhan Fallon-Hogan, is an allegorical film where members of a family mysteriously begin dying one by one at a funeral, while Youngest searches for the stranger in their midst.
Filming for the movie began in Belfast back in March last year, with a release date yet to be announced.
While Douglas' role in the film has not yet been disclosed, we do know that Kit is set to star as the protagonist, Youngest. The film will be the debut of writer-director Stefan van de Graaff.
One of Us isn't the only project Douglas has in the pipeline. The 58-year-old is set to appear in the new crime drama, The Darkness, with Golden Globe nominee Lena Olin leading the cast.
Pennyworth and Endeavour star Jack Bannon also stars in the six-part series, alongside Icelandic actors Björn Hlynur Haraldsson and Thorsteinn Bachmann.
At the helm as director is Oscar nominee Lasse Hallström, who has worked behind the camera on various critically acclaimed films, including What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Chocolat and The Cider House Rules.
The upcoming series is based on the best-selling thriller series by Icelandic author Ragnar Jónasson and follows Detective Inspector Hulda Hermannsdóttir as she takes on a shocking murder case while coming to terms with her own personal traumas.
"Facing early retirement and forced to take on a new partner, she is determined to find the killer, even if it means putting her own life in danger," reads a plot description.
With the final additions to the cast announced earlier this month, principal photography is currently underway in Iceland's capital, Reykjavík.
Douglas' latest project comes almost a year after the actor announced his departure from Shetland.
On why he decided to leave the drama, Douglas told the BBC ahead of his seventh and final season: "I decided to leave a few years ago because I felt that Perez's story was coming to a natural end - it was time to find a resolution to Perez's private life.
He continued: "I never wanted to ruin the things that were unique to him and our series so it felt like the right time to wrap up his story in a way that would be satisfactory to everybody."
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511667/douglas-henshall-new-project-with-all-creatures-great-and-small-sounds-terrifying/
| 2024-01-19T15:09:35Z
|
blocked_url
|
Interior expert Dara Huang has shared another glimpse inside her rented home in London, describing her kitchen as "like a Japanese restaurant."
Dara shares her Kensington flat with her seven-year-old son Christopher Mapelli Mozzi (or Wolfie), whom she welcomed with Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Taking fans behind the scenes ahead of a shoot, Dara showed off a kitchen with stainless steel cabinets, black worktops and mirrored walls, creating the illusion of a very large, industrial space.
A shelf with wine glasses and a gold light added a personalised touch to the space, which had been decorated with a large display of twigs in a tall vase.
One of the most pictured parts of her home is her lounge, which features a linen cream sofa with a Hermes blanket, a cowhide rug, an exposed cream bookshelf with a wooden ladder and a DIY fake mirrored television.
The doting mother also revealed there is a hidden feature for her son. "I have a ginormous toy closet built in the back of the room to hide all of the toys because it multi-functions as a playroom as well," Dara told House Beautiful.
For those looking to make the most out of their space, Dara advised, in partnership with Samsung: "In the living room add mirrored tables and side cabinets so that they reflect light on the surface and visually expand a space, while also providing a clever way to hide everyday items like children’s toys, creating a two-in-one fix.
"A mirror cabinet opposite a window will reflect the open outdoors and can be especially effective, not to mention how it is good feng shui."
Sharing another tip, she added: "Using furniture with extra storage, like ottomans with hidden compartments and a wall clock with hidden interior shelves helps keep your space tidy by hiding things you don’t want people to see without taking up extra space, ensuring every piece of furniture has a double function."
The property used to be located a short distance from Wolfie's father Edoardo's home with Beatrice, before the couple moved to the countryside with their daughter Sienna. Now, we imagine Wolfie enjoys the best of both worlds – the open spaces and greenery offered by Edoardo's home and the excitement of living in the capital with his mother.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/homes/511657/edoardo-mapelli-mozzi-ex-dara-huang-restaurant-worthy-kitchen-kensington-home/
| 2024-01-19T15:09:41Z
|
blocked_url
|
Prince Harry has dropped his libel action against Associated Newspapers, who publish the Mail on Sunday.
The Duke of Sussex was pursuing a libel claim against the publisher over articles about his security arrangements when returning to the United Kingdom, with the newspaper alleging that the royal had tried to keep secret clashes with the government over the issue and that he had tried to mislead the public about the arrangements.
Back in December, Harry failed in an attempt to have the publisher's legal defence thrown out, with Mr Justice Nicklin ruling on 8 December that the case should proceed to trial in 2024. The judge concluded the publisher had a "real prospect" of successfully showing at a trial that previous Harry press statements provided a "misleading" description of his case against the Home Office.
The Duke's lawyers have said the 2022 story, which claimed Harry "tried to keep details of his legal battle to reinstate his police protection secret from the public," was "an attack on his honesty and integrity" and would undermine his charity work and efforts to tackle misinformation online.
ANL contested the claim, arguing the article expressed an "honest opinion" and did not cause "serious harm" to Harry's reputation.
In a summary published the day after Mr Justice Nicklin's ruling, it was revealed that Harry and his wife Meghan Markle's security when they came back to the UK was of "paramount importance" to the late Queen. In a document written by the late monarch's private secretary, Sir Edward Young, it was stated: "You [Cabinet secretary Sir Mark Sedwill] will understand well that ensuring that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain safe is of paramount importance to Her Majesty and her family.
"Given the Duke's public profile by virtue of being born into the royal family, his military service, the Duchess's own independent profile and the well-documented history of targeting of the Sussex family by extremists, it is imperative that the family continues to be provided with effective security."
During the proceedings, the judgment explained that the letter did not refer to an offer "personally to reimburse, or proactively to finance, the cost of state security so as not to burden the taxpayer", which the Duke claims he made during the Sandringham summit in a press statement in 2022. Ravec, the Home Office committee that rules on security matters has claimed they received no such offer.
Harry has had some legal wins over the past year, with the Duke being awarded £140,600 after bringing a High Court phone hacking claim against Mirror Group Newspapers. In a ruling last month, Mr Justice Fancourt concluded there was "extensive" phone hacking generally by Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) from 2006 to 2011, "even to some extent" during the Leveson Inquiry into media standards.
Reading a statement on Harry's behalf outside the High Court, his lawyer David Sherborne said: "Today is a great day for truth, as well as accountability."
In his summary, Judge Fancourt: "I have accordingly awarded the Duke damages in respect of each of the articles and invoices where unlawful information gathering was proved.
"I have also awarded a further sum to compensate the Duke fully for the distress that he suffered as a result of the unlawful activity directed at him and those close to him. I recognise that Mirror Group was not responsible for all the unlawful activity that was directed at the Duke, and that a good deal of the oppressive behaviour of the press towards the Duke over the years was not unlawful at all.
MORE: Prince Harry seen for the first time since debate over Princess Lilibet's name
READ: Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced pregnancy at Princess Eugenie's wedding
"Mirror Group therefore only played a small part in everything that the Duke suffered and the award of damages on this ground is therefore modest."
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511668/prince-harry-drops-legal-case-associated-newspapers/
| 2024-01-19T15:09:47Z
|
blocked_url
|
TOKYO - Japan gave the green light for its spacecraft to make a "precision" landing on the moon on Jan 19, its bid to become the world's fifth country to achieve a moonshot and revitalise a space programme that has suffered a wave of recent setbacks.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa) said the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) has begun an autonomous 20-minute descent from 15 km (9 miles) above the moon’s surface.
Dubbed the "moon sniper", Slim is attempting to land within 100m of its target, versus the conventional accuracy of several kilometres.
Jaxa says this landing technology will become a powerful tool in future exploration of hilly moon poles seen as a potential source of oxygen, fuel and water - factors necessary to sustain life.
Jaxa will broadcast the touchdown on its YouTube channel, but has said it will take up to a month to verify whether Slim had achieved the high-precision goals.
Japan is increasingly looking to play a bigger role in space, partnering with ally the United States to counter China. Japan is also home to several private-sector space startups and the Jaxa aims to send an astronaut to the moon as part of Nasa's Artemis programme in the next few years.
But the Japanese space agency has recently faced multiple setbacks in rocket development, including the launch failure in March 2023 of its new flagship rocket H3.
The failure caused widespread delays in Japan's space missions, including Slim and a joint lunar exploration with India, which in August made a historic touchdown on the moon's south pole.
Jaxa has twice landed on small asteroids, but a moon landing is much more difficult due to its gravity. Three lunar missions by Japanese startup ispace, Russia's space agency and American company Astrobotic have failed in the past year.
Only four nations - the former Soviet Union, the United States, China and India - have achieved a soft landing on the moon's surface.
Slim's successful touchdown and demonstration of the precision landing "will help Japan to keep its technology advanced at a very high level in the world", Ritsumeikan University professor Kazuto Saiki said.
Mr Saiki developed Slim's near-infrared camera that will analyse moon rocks after the touchdown.
"Mistakes happen, but Japan is a very experienced space power - it's conducted very complicated space operations for many years," said Dr Bleddyn Bowen, a University of Leicester associate professor specialising in space policy.
"Not as big as the United States or the Soviet Union of old or China today in terms of scale, but in terms of capability and niche advanced technologies, Japan has always been there."
Slim's precision landing "won't be a game changer", but the demonstration of it and the lightweight probe manufacturing Japan has pursued might open up moonshots to space organisations worldwide by reducing the cost of each mission, Dr Bowen added.
On landing, Slim will also deploy two mini-probes - a hopping vehicle as big as a microwave oven and a baseball-sized wheeled rover - that will take pictures of the spacecraft.
Tech giant Sony Group, toymaker Tomy and several Japanese universities jointly developed the robots. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/japan-starts-precision-landing-of-moon-sniper-slim-spacecraft
| 2024-01-19T15:36:10Z
|
blocked_url
|
Meetings between U.S. Treasury and Chinese financial officials in Beijing this week concluded with both sides agreeing to continue to meet regularly, the Treasury Department said on Friday.
U.S. officials also indicated that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen looked forward to a return visit to China at an "appropriate time," the department said in a statement.
The meeting of the Financial Working Group included discussions on financial stability and capital markets issues, international financial institutions, sustainable finance, cross-border payments and data and efforts to fight money laundering and financing of terrorism.
"U.S. officials also frankly raised areas of disagreement during the conversations," the Treasury said, without identifying these points of contention.
The two sides also reviewed previous exchanges on climate stress testing and frameworks for resolving global systemically important banks in each country.
The Financial Working Group and a parallel Economic Working Group were established in September 2023 after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen visited Beijing to re-establish economic communications with her Chinese counterparts.
The groups last met in San Francisco in November ahead of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, where Yellen also met with her Chinese counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng and agreed to "intensify communication." He also invited her to return to China this year.
The members of the financial group, led on the U.S. side by Assistant Secretary for international finance Brent Neiman and Undersecretary for Domestic Finance Nellie Liang, also met with He in Beijing, the Treasury said.
The China delegation was led by the People's Bank of China, with participants from other agencies. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/us-treasury-chinese-finance-officials-agree-to-keep-meeting-after-beijing-talks
| 2024-01-19T15:36:20Z
|
blocked_url
|
SINGAPORE – Former transport minister S. Iswaran’s case is the first time in 153 years that anyone in Singapore has been reported to be charged under Section 165 of the Penal Code, since 1871 when the Penal Code was introduced here.
Legal experts and lawyers told The Straits Times that no other person here is believed to have been charged before under this section, which makes it an offence for a public servant to accept gifts from someone involved with them in an official capacity.
Of the 27 charges Iswaran faces, 24 of them fall under Section 165, which accuse him of obtaining items worth more than $218,000 – including tickets to musicals and football matches – from billionaire hotelier Ong Beng Seng.
Iswaran also faces two charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) and one charge of obstructing the course of justice.
The value of the items in Iswaran’s 27 charges is more than $380,000.
1. What constitutes an offence under Section 165 of the Penal Code?
Adjunct Professor Kevin Tan from the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) law school said this offence penalises public servants who obtain or accept gifts, or attempt to do so, from an individual with whom the public servant has official dealings without necessarily giving or doing anything in return.
He added that Section 165, which has been in the Penal Code since it was introduced in Singapore in 1871, is intended to deter public servants from abusing their positions to enrich themselves or others.
In Iswaran’s case, he is being accused of obtaining valuable items from Mr Ong – who is founder and managing director of Hotel Properties Limited – and chairman of Singapore GP, which organises the Formula One night race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit annually.
Mr Ong has not been charged.
ST reported earlier that in the mid-2000s, then Junior Trade Minister Iswaran and Mr Ong convinced then Formula One Group chief executive Bernie Ecclestone to make Singapore the venue for the sport’s first night race, starting in 2008.
Singapore Management University associate professor of law Eugene Tan said that while Singapore has no reported cases under Section 165, countries such as Malaysia and Brunei have used the provision in their penal codes.
He pointed to the case of former Selangor chief minister Mohamad Khir Toyo, who was sentenced to a year in jail in September 2015 after he was convicted of corruption charges, including those under Section 165 of Malaysia’s Penal Code.
Mohamad Khir was found guilty of buying land and property below market value from a businessman who had dealings with him at the time.
Another case involves former Brunei minister of development Pengiran Ismail Pengiran Damit, who was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2010 after being convicted of 11 corruption charges, including eight offences under the Brunei Penal Code’s Section 165.
He was found guilty of accepting gratification from a managing director of a building contractor who had contracts with the Brunei government.
Prof Eugene Tan said the defence and prosecution on Iswaran’s case could refer to cases abroad involving Section 165 when presenting their interpretations of the provision.
If convicted of an offence under Section 165, Iswaran faces a punishment of up to two years’ jail, a fine, or both.
2. How are offences under Section 165 different from those under the PCA?
The PCA defines the primary offences of corruption and their punishments in Singapore.
In Iswaran’s PCA charges, he is accused of corruptly obtaining F1 tickets, flights between Singapore and Doha, and a night’s stay in Four Seasons Doha from Mr Ong in exchange for advancing the latter’s business interests.
These business interests include a facilitation agreement between Singapore GP and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), and a proposal for a contract with STB to hold a concert in Singapore.
Assistant Professor Benny Tan from NUS’ law school said there are additional elements that the prosecution needs to prove for offences under the PCA, which is Singapore’s primary anti-corruption legislation, as opposed to Section 165.
He added: “Under Sections 5 and 6 of the PCA, the prosecution needs to prove that the gratification was used as an inducement for some kind of benefit. The PCA can apply to anyone, not just public servants.
“But for Section 165 offences, the prosecution does not need to prove that a favour was given in exchange for something in return.”
Therefore, the law professor said, offences under the PCA carry a more severe punishment of a jail term of up to five years, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
As Iswaran’s alleged PCA offences involve contracts with STB, a statutory board, he faces a higher maximum sentence if convicted.
The maximum punishment for each of his PCA offences is a jail term of up to seven years, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
3. Is it an offence if I receive gifts from someone I have business dealings with?
Lawyers said the rules are stricter in the public service than in the private sector.
Under Singapore’s public service rules on gifts, civil servants cannot retain gifts worth more than $50, unless they pay the market value of the gift to the Government.
Minister-in-charge of Public Service Chan Chun Sing said in Parliament in August 2023 that political office-holders adopt “similar spirit and principles” in their official activities and there are specific rules spelt out in the code of conduct for ministers.
For the private sector, senior criminal defence lawyer Rajan Supramaniam from Regent Law said different companies have their own guidelines on how to deal with gift-giving.
He added: “It is better to be transparent and declare what you have received to your department or superiors to avoid being in a grey area.
“You never know if accepting a gift from a client, for example, may lead to them making a request in future, which you may feel obligated to accede to, and doing so may constitute a corruption offence.”
4. What’s next for Iswaran, and how long will his case take?
Iswaran told the court on Jan 18 that he intends to plead not guilty.
Prof Benny Tan said that does not mean the former minister will definitely be claiming trial eventually, as the accused can change his mind during pre-trial conferences (PTC).
“During PTC, the prosecution may make a plea offer and the defence, after reviewing the evidence, may also be able to persuade the prosecution to drop charges,” he added.
Mr Supramaniam said Iswaran’s case could stretch to the next year, as it depends on the course of action the former minister takes and how complex the case is.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/askst/askst-iswaran-is-the-first-reported-person-to-be-charged-under-section-165-what-is-this-provision
| 2024-01-19T15:36:31Z
|
blocked_url
|
SINGAPORE – The collective sale committee of Pine Grove condominium is trying to get the requisite 80 per cent mandate from owners to relaunch a collective sale at a lower reserve price of $1.78 billion, after the tender closed in November 2023 without any bids at the $1.95 billion price.
In September 2023, the former HUDC estate in Ulu Pandan, which has 59 years left on a 99-year lease, launched its fourth collective sale attempt since 2018 via public tender at $1.95 billion.
ERA has been in private treaty discussions with several parties since the tender closed, and these talks will continue until Feb 7.
An extraordinary general meeting (EOGM) and a signing session will be held on Jan 21 to assess owners’ interest in relaunching the 660-unit condominium for sale at $1.78 billion, according to a Jan 18 letter from its marketing agent ERA Realty Network seen by The Straits Times.
The letter said the new price was found to be a “fair valuation” by Premas, a unit of Cushman & Wakefield. This assessment included the full potential in redeveloping the 893,218 sq ft site into a 2,050-unit development.
“Several developers have informally indicated interest in the Pine Grove collective sale at the specified valuation price. This has prompted the ongoing effort to secure the necessary 80 per cent consensus before the upcoming tender deadline... in mid- to late March 2024,” ERA said.
The EOGM, which can commence only if at least 30 per cent of the unit owners attend, will present updates on the timeline and potential sale of Pine Grove.
Signatures gathered by ERA on Jan 21 will serve as an initial assessment of the interest level in the collective sale at the new reserve price.
If successful, owners of 1,163 sq ft units in the project stand to get gross proceeds of about $2.19 million, while those who own 1,690 sq ft units could get $2.69 million, and those that own 1,938 sq ft homes could get $2.9 million.
At $1.78 billion, the land rate works out to $1,335 per sq ft per plot ratio (psf ppr), said Mr Eugene Lim, key executive officer of ERA Singapore. This is after factoring in the 10 per cent bonus gross floor area, an estimated land betterment charge (LBC) of $974.4 million for intensification, and lease upgrade to a fresh 99-year lease.
Developers pay an LBC for the right to enhance the use of some sites or to build bigger projects on them.
In comparison, the Pine Grove (Parcel B) GLS site received a top bid of $692.4 million, or a land rate, of $1,223 psf ppr, from an MCL Land-linked entity in November 2023.
An adjacent Pine Grove (Parcel A) site – the future 520-unit Pinetree Hill – was sold in 2022 to a joint venture between UOL Group and Singapore Land Group at $671.5 million, or $1,318 psf ppr.
More attractive sites released under the government land sales (GLS) programme have diverted attention from the residential collective sale market. That, along with higher development risks and a mismatch in price expectations between developers and collective sale sellers, has left the market in a stalemate.
As a result, just three residential collective sale deals worth $574 million were done in 2023. In 2022, 11 such deals totalling $1.87 billion were concluded, according to Cushman & Wakefield.
Cushman’s head of research for Singapore and South-east Asia Wong Xian Yang said developers are increasingly seeking small to medium-sized sites to manage higher costs and risks.
Another challenge to the collective sale market is the harmonisation of floor area definitions by government agencies that kicked in on June 1, 2023, which has reduced the amount of saleable area and margins for developers’ residential projects.
Collective sale sellers, on the other hand, have been raising their asking prices so that they can afford a replacement property, as private home prices have jumped significantly.
This has widened the mismatch in expectations between what developers are willing to pay and what en bloc owners are asking for, Mr Wong said.
While this policy change also applies to GLS sites, the process of developing a project on a GLS site is much shorter, and does not involve demolition or require collective sale owners’ consensus, analysts say.
Pine Grove was one of the first two HUDC estates to be privatised in 1996. Out of 18 former HUDC estates developed between 1974 and 1987, it ranked second in terms of land size, after Braddell View, followed by the former Farrer Court.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/mandate-sought-from-pine-grove-collective-sale-owners-to-relaunch-at-lower-price-of-178b
| 2024-01-19T15:36:41Z
|
blocked_url
|
SINGAPORE – The community law centre in Hougang was closed for the day when community law fellow Goh Qian Hui heard a knock on the door from a man in his late 60s who had travelled five hours to see a lawyer.
The man, who required a personal mobility device, said he met many obstacles as he made his way from his home in Sin Ming to the centre using public transport, around the time the centre opened on Jan 31, 2023. He wanted to get free legal help for a personal injury claim.
Ms Goh told The Straits Times at the opening of charity Pro Bono SG’s second community law centre in Woodlands on Jan 19 that the man’s legal issue was a simple one that he could have found answers for online, but the man was not tech-savvy.
“That justified the need for a physical centre closer to people because there is a huge segment of the community that’s left behind as we move towards technology in general,” she said.
To bring legal assistance closer to those in the north-west of Singapore with mobility and technology challenges, Pro Bono SG launched its new community law centre at the Realm of Tranquility charity at Block 547 Woodlands Drive 16.
Ms Goh and other community lawyers with Pro Bono SG will take turns operating out of the new centre as well as at the existing one at Tian De Temple in Hougang.
The centre at the temple is Pro Bono SG’s first. It has helped close to 1,000 clients facing legal issues ranging from family and estate, to mental capacity, personal injury and other matters.
Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli, who was the guest of honour at the launch, said the new centre aims to see 1,200 cases yearly.
He added: “At the centre, legal professionals and social workers will come together and work closely on more complex cases that involve both legal and social matters.
“This partnership helps individuals untangle some of the challenges they are facing, and provides them with more holistic support.”
The new community law centre at Realm of Tranquility is supported by the Social Service Sector Strategic Thrusts Partnership Fund, which launched in April 2023 and is administered by the National Council of Social Service and The Majurity Trust.
Pro Bono SG is the first to receive funding under the fund’s “Grow” category, which expands initiatives with a proven model over three years.
Ms Cai Chengying, head of community lawyering at Pro Bono SG, said that over the past year, the team had been working closely with social services to explain the legal challenges their clients face to come up with solutions for their clients together, including through multidisciplinary case review panels.
“We hope to work closely with social service partners to come up with solutions together which can hopefully make their work easier too,” she added.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/pro-bono-sg-opens-its-second-free-community-law-centre-in-woodlands
| 2024-01-19T15:36:52Z
|
blocked_url
|
SINGAPORE - After months of public speculation, plans by Turkish Airlines to fly between Istanbul and Australia with a stop in Singapore have materialised, with the inaugural flight starting in March.
Tickets for the service between the Turkish capital and Melbourne, the capital city of Australia’s Victoria state, went on sale on Jan 19.
A check of the Turkish Airlines website showed that the thrice-weekly flights will include a 1½-hour stopover at Changi Airport without the need to change aircraft.
The first flight will depart Istanbul on March 15 and land in Singapore the next day, before proceeding to Melbourne.
The flights will initially use 300-seat Boeing 787-9 passenger jets, before switching to 329-seat Airbus A350-900 planes from April.
Over time, Turkish Airlines plans to make this a daily service, Melbourne Airport said.
Also being sold are tickets solely for the Singapore-Melbourne leg, which means Turkish Airlines has secured the right to operate fifth-freedom flights between the two cities.
Airport operator Changi Airport Group confirmed to The Straits Times that Turkish Airlines will operate fifth-freedom flights between Singapore and Melbourne from Terminal 1 starting March 16.
Fifth-freedom flights allow a carrier to fly from its home country to another, where it can offload passengers and freight, pick up other passengers and cargo, then proceed to a third country.
Without this air right, airlines can sell flights only to and from their home country.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) had told ST in December 2023 that it had not received any application from Turkish Airlines to operate fifth-freedom services between Singapore and Australia at the time.
This was after Turkish Airlines chairman Ahmet Bolat made public the carrier’s intentions to operate flights to Sydney and Melbourne via Singapore.
Earlier in December, Australia granted the airline fifth-freedom rights to stop at other ports – in South Asia, South-east Asia or the Middle East – on the way from Istanbul to Australia.
Fifth-freedom flights must be agreed upon among all the governments and civil aviation authorities involved.
ST has asked CAAS for comment, given the latest development.
In a statement on Jan 19, Turkish Airlines said it would be the only European airline to operate flights to Melbourne Airport.
“In the next few years, Turkish Airlines aims to organise direct flights to Melbourne and other potential cities in (Australia), with the acquisition of new aircraft capable of operating non-stop flights between Istanbul and Melbourne,” it added.
In December, the airline placed an order for 220 Airbus jets, including 15 A350-1000 planes with the range to enable such non-stop connections.
Turkish Airlines will become the sixth carrier to fly between Singapore and Melbourne, joining an already-crowded field that includes Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its budget arm Scoot, as well as Australia’s Qantas and its low-cost subsidiary Jetstar.
In addition, Emirates has fifth-freedom rights to fly from its Dubai base to Singapore, and onwards to Melbourne.
Aviation analysts had said Turkish Airlines’ plans to fly between Istanbul and Australia via Singapore would increase options for travellers.
The heightened competition on these routes could also bring down fares.
Asked to weigh in on Turkish Airlines’ plans to fly between Singapore and Australia, SIA previously said it has faced competition “from day one”.
At present, it operates flights to Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, while Scoot flies to Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
In 2023, the Singapore-Australia market was among the fastest growing for Changi Airport.
It made one of the strongest recoveries after the lifting of Covid-19 travel curbs, with passenger traffic between the two countries reaching 94 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in November.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/turkish-airlines-to-fly-from-istanbul-to-melbourne-via-singapore-from-march
| 2024-01-19T15:37:02Z
|
blocked_url
|
Cyprien Sarrazin claimed the first World Cup downhill win by a Frenchman at the iconic Kitzbuhel showpiece since 1997 as he topped the leaderboard on Friday.
The French have endured a long wait since Luc Alphand won the race in 1997, having also done so in 1995, but Sarrazin delivered a superb run down the Hahnenkamm.
He clocked 1:55.75 to edge ahead of Italy's Florian Schieder by 0.05 seconds. Swiss Marco Odermatt was third fastest.
It continued a strong season for Sarrazin who won in Bormio and had two second places in Wengen.
A second downhill takes place on Saturday.
"Now I know the secret for tomorrow," the 29-year-old told Eurosport. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/alpine-skiing-sarrazin-ends-long-french-wait-for-kitzbuhel-downhill-win
| 2024-01-19T15:37:13Z
|
blocked_url
|
When Mohammed Kudus put Ghana ahead with a superb strike and Egypt's Mohamed Salah limped off injured just before halftime in Thursday's Africa Cup of Nations clash in Abidjan the Egyptian fans feared the worst.
A second-half turnaround did not appear on the cards but the North African side made light of Salah's absence to come from behind twice and earn an exciting 2-2 Group B draw that keeps alive their chances of reaching the last 16.
Liverpool forward Salah cut an isolated figure up front in the first half, with Egypt unable to muster any meaningful efforts on goal in a lethargic display.
However, in Salah’s absence, they came out showing renewed zeal after the break, with Eintracht Frankfurt winger Omar Marmoush stealing the show, and Mostafa Fathi, who replaced Salah, adding much-needed pace on the right.
The notable second-half improvement prompted some fans to suggest Egypt had been liberated when Salah went off, though Marmoush did not quite agree.
"We showed spirit and character (in the second half). It doesn't matter who is absent, who makes an assist or who is the star of the game," he told beIN Sports when asked about the impact of Salah's injury.
"The most important thing is that we play and win as a team."
'AMAZING PLAYER'
Second in Egypt's all-time scorers list with 53 goals, Salah has shouldered the team's hopes of winning their first Cup of Nations since they lifted the last of their record seven titles in 2010.
Despite his goalscoring record, Salah is occasionally criticised for failing to reproduce his club form with the national team.
The 31-year-old is still looking for a maiden trophy with Egypt, having gone close when they lost in the 2017 and 2021 continental deciders.
Coach Rui Vitoria leapt to the forward’s defence following the draw with Ghana, saying the second-half revival was simply down to his halftime team talk.
"Salah is an amazing player, one of the best in the world. We want to have this kind of player with us always. In the past, he already helped a lot and he will also help a lot in the future," the Portuguese coach told reporters.
"In the second half, we started to talk with the players … the players were upset, but OK, this is football, let's go and fight in the second half.
"We went for the game with a positive energy, not because of Salah, it's because the (scoreline) was not good."
Egypt, who have two points from as many games, face Group B leaders Cape Verde in their final pool game on Monday, with the severity of Salah’s injury not yet known. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/egypt-show-they-still-have-a-sting-without-salah
| 2024-01-19T15:37:23Z
|
blocked_url
|
SINGAPORE – Tough times do not last, but tough people do. Reminded of that saying by his mum, footballer Harhys Stewart persevered when he went through some rough patches in 2023.
It was a wretched year for the captain of the national U-22 side, who were widely criticised after their dismal SEA Games campaign that included a 7-0 loss to Malaysia.
Back in the Singapore Premier League, the Stewart-led Young Lions also propped up the table.
But things are looking up for the 22-year-old.
On Jan 18, the defensive midfielder sealed his first overseas move by signing a 1½-year contract with Thai giants BG Pathum United.
He will be spending the rest of the season on loan at fellow Thai League 1 side Chiangrai United, who are fifth in the 16-team league after 15 matches, a spot and eight points behind BG (29 points).
“Definitely, 2023 was not easy,” Stewart said. “As a footballer, it is normal that there will always be ups and downs and I just told myself that I needed to roll with it.
“My whole goal has always been to play football for a living so no matter how tough things got, I wanted to keep going and keep trying to find ways to get better.
“And my mum would keep telling me that tough times don’t last, but tough people do.
“I took on that mentality.”
Stewart also had to contend with the Football Association of Singapore’s decision to not send the U-22 team to the Asian Games.
There was more disappointment with the Young Lions finishing bottom of the nine-team Singapore Premier League with only five points from 24 matches.
But his performances in the league – which included three goals in 21 matches – convinced BG of his capabilities.
They were the quickest with a firm offer, said Stewart, who had fielded interest from local and foreign clubs.
He had contacted overseas clubs and agents to try and secure a stint abroad in November, when the season’s end coincided with his completion of full-time national service.
On the advice of Lions kitman Omar Mohamed, Stewart also approached football icon Fandi Ahmad.
Fandi had helped Lions defender Jacob Mahler link up with Indonesia’s Madura United last May.
Through Fandi’s help, Stewart joined BG, who have a strong Singapore connection as Irfan Fandi, Ikhsan Fandi and Harhys’ older brother Ryhan, 23, are plying their trade there.
Former Lions star Kadir Yahaya is also their head of youth.
Stewart is determined to impress with Chiangrai this season to earn a return to his parent club.
He is especially looking forward to the April 6 fixture against BG, which will see him come up against his brother, a fullback.
Stewart said: “It would be the first time playing against each other at the professional level and I have already looked at the date and noted it down.
“It will be a special moment for my family. He has always been really supportive and I do look up to him because he is always one step ahead.
“He has played for the national team and has established himself overseas and I’ve always wanted to follow in his footsteps.
“I am glad that I am going to get that chance to try and do that now.
“And of course, I want to earn that (first) national team cap too.”
When asked what advice he had for his younger brother, Ryhan said: “I just told him to give his 100 per cent, work hard every day and show his quality.
“I believe he will do well, he has the skills and the attitude to go far.
“I’m looking forward to playing against him
“I will treat him like any other opponent.
“But, after the game, I will probably ask for his jersey.”
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/former-young-lions-captain-harhys-stewart-seals-move-to-thai-league-1
| 2024-01-19T15:37:34Z
|
blocked_url
|
AL RAYYAN, Qatar - Iraq claimed their first victory over Japan in 42 years when they won their Asian Cup Group D encounter 2-1 on Friday to qualify for the knockout stage thanks to a first-half double from Aymen Hussein.
Japan were unbeaten against the West Asian side in their last nine games and Iraq's victory propelled them to the top of the group standings with six points from two games while Hajime Moriyasu's side have three points.
Roared on by thousands of Iraqi supporters in the stadium, Iraq got on the board inside five minutes when Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki failed to deal with a cross, parrying the ball straight to Hussein who headed it into the top corner.
Iraq's strategy to unsettle Japan was to stay compact and use their physicality early on, which worked to an extent until the East Asian side began using their pace and finding space on the wings to put crosses into the box.
But Iraq doubled their lead on the stroke of halftime when Ahmed Al-Hajjaj skipped past his marker and floated in a cross that was headed home from point-blank range by Hussein as the Iraqi fans at the Education City Stadium went delirious.
Moriyasu made five substitutions after the restart and, although Japan had a penalty claim denied after a VAR check, they did not test the keeper until the 94th minute when Wataru Endo headed home at the far post from a corner. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/iraq-stun-japan-to-seal-asian-cup-last-16-spot
| 2024-01-19T15:37:44Z
|
blocked_url
|
AL RAYYAN – Iraq claimed their first victory over Japan in 42 years when they won their Asian Cup Group D encounter 2-1 on Jan 19 to qualify for the knockout stages, thanks to a first-half double from Aymen Hussein.
The Samurai Blue were unbeaten against the West Asian side in their last nine games and Iraq’s victory propelled them to the top of the group standings with six points from two games, while Hajime Moriyasu’s side have three points.
“We had a great game today and the most important thing is that we got three points,” said Iraq coach Jesus Casas, a Spaniard who was a long-time assistant to Luis Enrique at both Barcelona and Spain.
“I have great confidence in the players and thank them for their commitment. We have to focus and prepare for the next game against Vietnam.”
Roared on by thousands of supporters in the stadium, the Iraqis – ranked 63rd in the world to Japan’s 17th – scored inside just five minutes when Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki failed to deal with a cross, parrying the ball straight to Hussein who headed it into the top corner.
Iraq’s strategy to unsettle Japan was to stay compact and use their physicality early on, which worked to an extent until the Japanese began using their pace and finding space on the wings to put crosses into the box.
However, Iraq doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when Ahmed Al-Hajjaj skipped past his marker and floated in a cross that was headed home from point-blank range by Hussein as the Iraqi fans at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan went delirious.
Japan went into the game in Doha on the back of a 10-game winning streak in which they scored 43 goals. But they ultimately had no answer for Iraq’s power and aggression, backed by the support of almost 40,000 in the crowd.
Moriyasu made five substitutions after the restart and, although Japan had nearly 75 per cent possession of the ball and a penalty claim denied after a VAR (video assistant referee) check, they did not test the Iraq goalkeeper until late in the 94th minute.
Liverpool’s Wataru Endo headed home at the far post from a corner, but it was too little, too late.
“It was a tough result,” said Moriyasu, who took Japan to the round of 16 at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
“The players did their best in preparing for the first game and against Iraq. I want to learn from this for the next match. It’s only the second match. We need to reflect on a lot of things, so we can move forward in the future.”
REUTERS, AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/iraq-stun-japan-to-seal-asian-cup-last-16-spot-0
| 2024-01-19T15:37:55Z
|
blocked_url
|
AMSTERDAM - Jordan Henderson, who joined Ajax Amsterdam on Thursday, has apologised again to anyone he might have offended six months after the England midfielder was the target of scathing criticism for his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.
The 33-year-old met with media a day after he signed with the Dutch side having terminated his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq after six months.
Henderson's switch to Saudi Arabia -- where homosexuality is illegal -- after 12 years at Liverpool was widely criticised as he has long been a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community.
The midfielder was booed by fans when he appeared for England in a friendly against Australia at Wembley in October.
"I said six months ago that if I offended anybody or people felt as though I let them down then I apologise for that, and I apologise again," he said on Friday.
"My beliefs have never changed and never will. I can apologise if people feel let down. I haven't changed as a person and never have."
Henderson had nothing negative to say about his time in the Middle East.
"A lot of people would like me to sit here and criticise the Saudi Pro League and everything that went along with it. But that's certainly not the case and something I'm not going to do," he said.
"I have full respect for the league, for any fans, for the people over there who really made me feel welcome. Unfortunately sometimes these things in life just don't work out."
Henderson's move to Ajax comes with the Dutch club fifth in the Eredivisie, 23 points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven; a disappointing start for the 36-time champions who have not finished outside the top three since 2006.
Asked why not choose a club enjoying a more successful season, Henderson said: "Because it's one of the biggest clubs in the world. The biggest club in Holland.
"I felt it was a great opportunity for me personally to come to a huge club and try to help this club go forward and be as successful as possible," he added.
He scoffed at reports he chose not to return to the UK for tax reasons.
"Don't believe what you read in the press, I would say is a little bit of advice," Henderson said. "It had nothing to do with anything else but a football decision."
Henderson is uncertain when he will be able to make his debut for Ajax, who next host RKC Waalwijk on Sunday.
"We'll have to wait and see. Of course it's up to me to show how good I am on the pitch in training every day and in the games," said Henderson, who was given a tour of the team store to see his jerseys already on shelves and later posed for photos holding his No. 6 shirt.
"I am ready to play ASAP but I have to wait for things like work permits and stuff. As soon as everything is good and ready I'll be good to go," he said.
Juergen Klopp, Henderson's former manager at Liverpool, said he is happy for Henderson and questioned the ugly criticism the player has faced.
"I don't know how we dare to judge these kind of things, we have one life and sometimes the decisions are perfect in the first place and sometimes it is different after you make them," Klopp told reporters on Friday. "He was there and it was 100% an interesting experience." REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/new-ajax-midfielder-henderson-apologises-again-to-anyone-offended-by-saudi-move
| 2024-01-19T15:38:05Z
|
blocked_url
|
Cameron Young carded an eight-under-par 64 to claim a three-shot lead after the second round of the Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club on Friday.
The American started the day in a four-way share of the lead, but excellent putting saw Young move to 13-under-par overall, despite a bogey on his final hole after hitting the water with his second shot.
"I putted fantastic," Young said. "I made a couple of long ones yesterday and then made a few more today that had no right going in."
Andy Sullivan was the only one of the leading quartet to challenge Young, holing five birdies on the front nine to card a five-under-par 67 and shares second place with Poland's Adrian Meronk, three shots ahead of their closest rivals.
Nicolai Hojgaard hit an eagle at the 17th to join his twin brother Rasmus and Scotland's Richie Ramsay on seven-under-par overall.
Masahiro Kawamura looked on course to threaten Ernie Els's course record of 61, set in 1994, with five birdies and an eagle on his first six holes, and was 10-under after 12, but the Japanese player lost momentum to card a nine-under 63.
England's Luke Donald, 46, hit a hole-in-one on the par three fourth hole as he shot a second consecutive 71.
"My eyesight is not that good these days," Donald said. "I couldn't see it but I saw some people behind the green jumping up and down." REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/golf/american-young-takes-three-shot-lead-after-second-round-in-dubai
| 2024-01-19T15:38:16Z
|
blocked_url
|
DAVOS – The Philippines plans to propose a regulatory framework on artificial intelligence (AI) for the region when it serves as Asean chair in 2026, said the Speaker of its House of Representatives.
This would be based on the Philippines’ own draft legislation.
“We’d like to give as a gift to Asean a legal framework. Digitisation, even in our economic policy, is very, very much right up there as a priority,” said Speaker Martin Romualdez during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan 18.
“Alongside that is cyber security and the concomitant concerns and issues, (such as) generative artificial intelligence, a field that needs a lot of support and regulation.
“We feel that in Asean, we can capitalise (on) and optimise these developments, but within a framework of regulatory support.”
The regulatory landscape for AI is currently fragmented, and there have been calls to develop common rules among countries.
In December, the European Union reached a political deal on a law to regulate AI, but the details are still being finalised.
Mr Romualdez also said he wants to set up an Asean Parliament, like the one in the European Union, but did not elaborate.
He invited the event participants to attend a WEF roundtable for chief executives in Manila in March, to be hosted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Mr Romualdez, Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also spoke at the Learning From Asean panel discussion to emphasise the grouping’s strengths and agency to investors and politicians.
Mr Chinh expressed hope that unity would prevail as the region becomes a hot spot for rapid and sustainable growth.
Meanwhile, Mr Srettha said he envisioned a “seamless Asean” as a single destination for foreign investors in five to 10 years, even as each country presented its own advantages in the eyes of foreign investors. “If you come to Thailand, then you won’t need a visa for Cambodia or Vietnam.”
He added that all countries could have the same tax incentives.
The key factors for Asean’s success, the speakers highlighted, are its leaders’ ability to work closely with each other and towards a common vision of shared prosperity, as well as their emphasis on maintaining relations with both the United States and China.
“It is kind of unique that I can just pick up the phone and WhatsApp (other leaders),” said Mr Srettha.
“Today, I just called (Cambodian PM) Hun Manet and we had a quick chat without having to prepare for two months. It is a fast-changing world.
“I wish President Xi Jinping and President Biden could do the same,” he added.
Asean’s remarkable growth, despite the pandemic, geopolitical tensions and protectionist measures, formed the backdrop for the discussions.
At the start of the session, it was pointed out that the region of 660 million people, with a nominal gross domestic product of US$3.6 trillion (S$4.8 trillion), is projected to be the world’s fourth-largest trading bloc by the end of the decade.
While global trade grew by 24 per cent between 2017 and 2021, it grew 33 per cent in Asean and there are higher hopes going forward as global firms bring Asean deeper into their supply chains, noted panel moderator Julia Chatterley, a CNN Business news anchor.
Perhaps the strongest endorsement of the region’s potential came from the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who was also on the panel.
She said: “We think, at the WTO, the Asean group of countries is a poster child for the open multilateral trading system.
“They are an example of using international trade to create jobs and enhance people’s living standards (and) reduce poverty. They have done it so well.”
The trick, she said, is that Asean countries have been able to diversify their economies and build trust. “Trust is key when you are going to negotiate agreements.”
Mr Chinh also said during a separate session, focused on opportunities in Vietnam, that the country wants to become a developed nation by 2050, with high-income opportunities for their people.
For this, Vietnam’s focus is to build a “socialist-oriented democracy, develop a rule-of-law state and ensure a socialist-oriented market economy, with a role for the government”, he said.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/at-wef-thai-pm-touts-seamless-asean-philippines-moots-ai-regulatory-framework-for-bloc
| 2024-01-19T15:38:26Z
|
blocked_url
|
ROME - Performing a stiff-armed fascist salute is not a crime in Italy unless it risks sparking violence or is aimed at reviving the fascist party, the Supreme Court has ruled in a verdict that delighted extreme-right groups.
In a decision released on Thursday, the court said fascist salutes during commemorative events should not be considered criminal, but it left open the possibility of prosecution depending on the context of the incident.
Legal experts said the ruling would not resolve an issue that has long dogged Italy, which has never fully confronted the legacy of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini.
The court sentence came just 10 days after a video emerged of hundreds of men making fascist salutes during a gathering in Rome, sparking fury amongst left-wing parties, which demanded a police crackdown on extremist groups.
One such organisation, CasaPound, hailed Thursday's verdict as "an historic victory" which vindicated their participation at countless rallies that celebrate Italy's fascist past.
"The Roman salute will be considered an offence only if there is an actual concrete danger of the reconstitution of the fascist party, which is absolutely excluded in the case of commemorations," it said in a statement.
The Supreme Court was called to review the issue following a 2016 event in Milan where eight militants were arrested for making fascist salutes. Acquitted in an initial trial, they were subsequently found guilty when prosecutors appealed the verdict.
Thursday's ruling means the appeal will have to be reheard, with a fresh conviction looking highly unlikely.
However, the Supreme Court left open the door to future prosecutions given Italy's inconclusive legal framework.
"This ruling will not resolve the problem around the Roman salute because there is no clear law on what represents fascist apology," said Francesco Filippi, author a book that is critical of Italy's relationship with its fascist past called "Mussolini also did a lot of good - the spread of historical amnesia".
"The only sure thing is that you cannot create a fascist party. Everything else is up to interpretation," he said.
'ETERNAL COMPROMISE'
Italy's main piece of legislation against promoting fascist propaganda is the so-called Scelba Law of 1952 which prohibits any "movement or group of people ... pursuing anti-democratic ends associated with the fascist party".
Subsequently, in 1993, Italy introduced the Mancino Law, which widened the scope of the Scelba law, targeting anyone "disseminating ideas based on racial or ethnic superiority" or inciting "discrimination or violence" for racial motives.
However, defence lawyers say the law often stands at odds to the constitution, which protects freedom of expression.
The Supreme Court reiterated that both the Scelba and Mancino laws could be applied to people making the fascist salute, depending on the circumstances, leaving it up to the individual prosecutors to decide whether they were applicable.
"We are the country of eternal compromise, of ifs and buts," newspaper editor Alessandro Sallusti wrote in a front-page editorial on Friday in his right-wing daily Il Giornale.
"The judgment on those who dare to raise an outstretched arm will not depend on objective factors, but on the subjective interpretation of the magistrate, who can never determine with certainty whether the accused was paying homage to a deceased person or the political ideals of the deceased with the intention of bringing them back into prominence." REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/ambiguous-italian-court-ruling-on-fascist-salute-delights-extreme-right
| 2024-01-19T15:38:36Z
|
blocked_url
|
DAVOS, Switzerland - At a dinner in the Swiss ski resort of Davos this week, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani hosted business and political leaders to showcase Iraq's improved security and finances.
As the private event was about to end, two attendees told Reuters, news reached some guests that Iran had fired ballistic missiles at what it said was an Israeli "spy headquarters" in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan.
"Some people at the dinner were checking if their houses have been hit," said one guest, who asked not to be named because the dinner was closed to media.
The strikes by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the oil and gas rich region was the most direct intervention by Iran, and sparked fears of the Israel-Hamas conflict spreading in the Middle East.
While Iran's proxies, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi rebels who have attacked shipping in the Red Sea off Yemen, have stepped in since it began in October last year, Tehran has made it clear it wants to avoid war with Israel.
But for some at the World Economic Forum (WEF), where the agenda was dominated by three areas of conflict in which Tehran is involved, the Iraq missile attack highlighted Iran's desire to play a role in how the war in Gaza is resolved.
"The Iranians want a seat at the table," a senior source with direct knowledge of Tehran's thinking told Reuters, explaining its actions were meant to give Iran a voice and not allow the U.S. and Israel to dictate the outcome.
"The real question is 'what is the end game for Iran and Hezbollah and now increasingly the Houthis?' They don't want Israel and the U.S. to dictate the pace of (the) Gaza war," Vali Nasr, a Middle East expert at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, said in Davos.
"One man's escalation is another man's deterrence."
Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, the only official delegate from the Islamic Republic in Davos, said on Wednesday that attacks against Israel and its interests by the "Axis of Resistance" would stop if the Gaza war ends.
"I'm extremely worried. I think we have both seen spread and escalation," U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said at a WEF panel on the Middle East two days after the strike.
"I do believe Iranians do not want further escalation ... I think they are playing with fire," said Pedersen, who was listed on the Iranian foreign ministry's website as one of the senior officials with whom Amirabdollahian would meet in Davos.
Amirabdollahian did not respond to Reuters questions at Davos. Iran's foreign ministry could not be reached for comment.
The United States and other Western nations accuse Tehran of supplying drones and equipment to the Houthis and Russia for its war in Ukraine, as well as funding Hamas.
Iran says it supports the Houthis but denies arming them. While publicly acknowledging selling armed drones to Russia, Tehran says it has not provided any to attack Ukraine.
KURDISTAN
The Erbil strikes also reminded the world of oil exporter Iran's deep involvement in the politics of its neighbour Iraq.
The day after, a visibly upset Iraqi Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani gathered members of his delegation and some media at the Kurdish House on the Promenade in Davos.
"What's surprising - we are not a part of this conflict. We don't know why Iran is retaliating against civilians of Kurdistan, especially in Erbil," Barzani told reporters.
A close friend of Barzani, the multimillionaire Kurdish businessman Peshraw Dizayee, was killed in the attack.
Iran defended the strikes, saying it had a "legitimate right to deter national security threats".
Baghdad has recalled its ambassador from Tehran in protest and Sudani has called the attacks a "clear aggression" against Iraq and a dangerous escalation.
Sudani's spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.
U.S. IMPACT
Be it in Davos or elsewhere, the difficulty of establishing dialogue with Iran is its involvement in conflicts via proxies.
This strategy was designed by Qaseem Soleimani, the commander of the IRGC's foreign operations force Quds who was killed by a 2020 U.S. military strike on Baghdad airport.
Iran promised to retaliate.
"His legacy lives on: a network of deniable but deployable arms-length proxies across the region," a Western executive working in the Middle East, who asked not to be named due to security concerns, told Reuters.
Soleimani was killed during the third year of Donald Trump's presidency. The former U.S. President exited a nuclear deal with Western powers in 2018 and imposed new sanctions on Iran.
Tehran's ability to fund wars hinges on its ability to generate enough oil revenue and Trump threatened to sanction all buyers of Iranian oil, slowing its exports to a trickle.
Under U.S. President Joe Biden, Tehran has steeply raised oil exports. Biden's administration says it does not intend to lessen pressure on Tehran or allow its oil to reach global markets.
Tehran now exports more than 2 million barrels per day, 2% of global supply, more than half of it to close ally China.
Biden, who polls indicate is likely to face Trump in the race for the U.S. presidency later this year, has refrained from tightening sanctions on Iran.
Energy analysts say Washington is keen to avoid a gasoline price rally, a sensitive subject in an election year. Biden has also failed to persuade Iran's arch-rival Saudi Arabia to raise oil supply amid strained relations with Riyadh.
A top European oil executive in Davos said that if Trump returns for a second term it would be a game-changer for Iran.
"If Trump returns to the White House, he will make two phone calls. One to his "friend Saudi" to ask for more oil. One to China to ask to stop buying Iranian oil or face a new trade war. Then, things may start to change," the executive told Reuters. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/irans-desire-for-a-seat-at-the-table-felt-in-davos
| 2024-01-19T15:38:47Z
|
blocked_url
|
MADRID - A Spanish court has ordered hotel chain Melia to compensate Latin music star Daddy Yankee and his wife with $908,950 for a jewellery theft from a hotel room in 2020, court documents showed on Friday.
He, his wife and entourage stayed at the hotel Melia in the Mediterranean city of Valencia in August 2020 to perform at a music festival in nearby Gandia.
On Aug. 6, an unknown person stole jewellery - including two watches, three chains, and four bracelets - valued at over $1 million from the safe in his hotel room, the statement, dated Jan. 9, but released on Friday said.
The court said the thief's modus operandi could not be overlooked when analysing Melia's responsibility.
"He wouldn't have been able to commit the theft if he hadn't had the invaluable but ignored collaboration" of Melia, since "its staff provided copies of the keys to the rooms and opened a safe deposit box without requiring reliable identification from the person making these requests," it said.
Melia did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Born Ramon Luis Ayala Rodriguez, Daddy Yankee is best known for the 2004 single "Gasolina", the first reggaeton song nominated for a Latin Grammy Record of the Year award.
Daddy Yankee is often credited with coining the word reggaeton to describe the new dance music genre in the early 1990s that blends hip-hop, Latin Caribbean music and reggae rhythms with Spanish rapping and singing.
"Despacito", Yankee's collaboration with Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi in 2017, scooped multiple Latin Grammys and Billboard awards that year. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/spains-melia-hotels-to-pay-daddy-yankee-nearly-1-million-for-jewellery-theft
| 2024-01-19T15:38:57Z
|
blocked_url
|
SINGAPORE - The world needs to cut high levels of debt and raise tax revenues to deal with challenges such as climate change and rapid ageing in developed countries, said Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
Speaking at a World Economic Forum panel discussion in Davos, the President said the world needs to invest in solutions for these long-term challenges, which would require fiscal reforms.
“We spend a lot of time talking about monetary policy, we spend very little time talking about fiscal policy reforms for a more secure future,” he said on Jan 19.
“We’re neglecting fiscal reform because it’s never pleasant to talk about raising revenues or raising taxes. It’s never pleasant to talk about redirecting subsidies or redirecting spending. So, we’re merrily gliding into the future, tinkering at the edges.”
He said the big global issues are how to address the climate transition, the needs of ageing societies and broken social security systems.
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), agreed with Mr Tharman’s argument. She said world leaders, especially those from developed countries, will have to agree on issues like a global carbon tax to help fund green projects and affected communities in the developing world.
“We have to look at what we need to do on the fiscal side to finance the green transition. The money isn’t coming. The amounts are huge, trillions are needed,” she said.
Dr Ngozi said Africa, for instance, needs US$190 billion (S$255 billion) per year up to 2030 to finance the green transition.
The WTO is already trying to convince international bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development to work together – rather than separately – on a global carbon tax mechanism which is agreeable to a majority of nations worldwide.
“Finally we are coming together in one task force to try to see if we can put all our energies together and develop a common methodology or framework,” she said.
Mr Tharman said: “There’s no realistic or fair solution (to the climate transition) that does not involve a globally coordinated system of carbon taxes.”
The President also disagreed with the common perception that a global carbon tax will be unjust or unfair and will lead to inflation.
“In fact, quite the contrary. If we don’t do this, the countries that will suffer most ultimately, are the developing countries, they’re going to be the worst affected by climate change,” he said.
What is needed are a system of carbon taxes, coupled with subsidies for vulnerable households, and a stream of funding for the developing world to allow these countries to engage in investments in mitigation and adaptation that allow them to keep growing, he said.
“And that’s a real opportunity. It’s a fair solution and is the only realistic solution,” he noted.
The IMF has estimated that about US$1.3 trillion is spent each year on fuel subsidies worldwide, which is about five times more than the amount of subsidies that go into green technologies and green energy.
Mr Tharman said those fuel subsidies need to be redirected to help vulnerable households and businesses adjust to renewables and other green technologies.
Dealing with the challenge of ageing societies, the President said, will also need rejigging in significant ways social security systems and healthcare financing systems.
“Too many people who don’t need support are getting disproportionate support in many countries. And too many people who need support the most in healthcare systems are not getting enough support. So there has to be a reshaping of subsidies within healthcare, to benefit those who need it the most,” he said.
Mr Tharman said there has to be more spending on preventive or pre-emptive healthcare to help people stay healthy for as long as they can, rather than wait for the very expensive occasions when they end up in hospital, particularly for acute care.
“Social security can also be reformed to reduce spending, by reforming labour markets to allow people to stay engaged at work if they wish for as long as possible.”
Rounding up the discussion, Mr Tharman urged countries to start moving to avoid piling up problems for the future. He said: “Our political antennae have gotten too short. We are looking at the next elections in a whole range of countries. And the consequences if we carry on that way are going to be much more pain in future and a much higher hurdle that future politicians will need to cross.”
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/fiscal-reforms-needed-to-address-global-problems-like-climate-change-and-ageing-tharman
| 2024-01-19T15:39:08Z
|
blocked_url
|
GENEVA - The United Nations said on Jan 19 that thousands of babies had been born in conditions “beyond belief” in Gaza since the war there erupted more than three months ago.
Spokeswoman Tess Ingram, who came back from a recent visit to the Gaza Strip, described mothers bleeding to death and one nurse who had performed emergency caesareans on six dead women.
Nearly 20,000 babies have been born into the war that began after the Hamas attacks inside Israel on Oct 7, according to the UN children’s agency United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef).
“That’s a baby born into this horrendous war every 10 minutes,” Ms Ingram told reporters in Geneva via a video link from Oman.
“Becoming a mother should be a time for celebration,” she said. “In Gaza, it’s another child delivered into hell.”
Ms Ingram stressed the need for urgent international action.
“Seeing newborn babies suffer, while some mothers bleed to death, should keep us all awake at night,” she said.
Hamas’s Oct 7, 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of about 1,140 people in Israel, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
Israel has vowed to “annihilate” Hamas in response.
Its relentless air and ground offensive has killed at least 24,762 Palestinians, around 70 per cent of them women, children and adolescents, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry.
Ms Ingram described “heartbreaking” meetings with women caught up in the chaos.
‘Unimaginable challenges’
One woman, Ms Mashael, was pregnant when her house was hit and her husband buried under the rubble for several days, and her baby stopped moving.
“She says she is sure now, about a month later, that the baby is dead,” Ms Ingram said. But, she added: “She is still waiting for medical care.”
Ms Mashael had told her it was best “a baby isn’t born into this nightmare”, she said.
Ms Ingram also told the story of a nurse named Ms Webda, who said she had performed emergency caesareans on six dead women in the last eight weeks.
“Mothers face unimaginable challenges in accessing adequate medical care, nutrition, and protection before, during and after giving birth,” Ms Ingram said.
“The situation of pregnant women and newborns in the Gaza Strip is beyond belief, and it demands intensified and immediate actions.”
Ms Ingram pointed out that the Emirati Hospital in Rafah was now catering to the vast majority of pregnant women in Gaza.
“Struggling with overcrowded conditions and limited resources, staff are forced to discharge mothers within three hours of a caesarean,” she said.
“These conditions put mothers at risk from miscarriages, stillbirths, preterm labour, maternal mortality and emotional trauma.”
Pregnant and breastfeeding women and infants were living in “inhumane” conditions, including makeshift shelters, with poor nutrition and unsafe water, she added.
This, Ms Ingram warned, was “putting approximately 135,000 children under two at risk of severe malnutrition”.
“Humanity cannot allow this warped version of normal to persist any longer. Mothers and newborns need a humanitarian ceasefire,” she added. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/nearly-20000-babies-born-into-gaza-war-hell-says-un
| 2024-01-19T15:39:18Z
|
blocked_url
|
LONDON -Britain's Prince Harry has withdrawn his libel claim against the publisher of the Mail on Sunday newspaper, its sister title the Daily Mail reported on Friday.
Harry, King Charles' younger son, has sued the publisher over a 2022 article which alleged he only offered to pay for police protection after bringing a separate legal fight against the British government.
In December, he lost his attempt to have the paper's defence to his libel lawsuit thrown out, meaning he would have likely had to give evidence at London's High Court later this year. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/prince-harry-withdraws-libel-claim-against-british-tabloid
| 2024-01-19T15:39:28Z
|
blocked_url
|
Like any proud parent, Robert Downey Jr. took to Instagram to show his pride in his son - but fans couldn't help but comment on his remarkable appearance and surprising career.
The Iron Man star posted a black and white photo of his son Indio, aged 30, smoking a cigarette. Like any supportive dad, he captioned the photo: "My glorious firstborn continues to impress. Strong recommend!!! (link in bio)"
It turns out that Indio is a budding musician, whose Debut EP - 'Cigarettes In Bed' - is out now. The musician had a promising 2023, as his Spotify wrapped showed that his music received 186,000 streams across 144 different countries.
The rock and roll photo saw fans comparing the musician to his father.
"I thought that was younger you", one fan commented. Another asked: "So…is he like Robert Downey Jr Jr?"
"I still remember him as a toddler posing with you for a cover of Details(?). And now look at him!" A third person wrote.
Fans also thought he looked like a rather unexpected icon.
"Thought this was Kurt Cobain for a second", one added, whereas a different fan simply commented: "Kurt Cobain??"
Indeed with the tousled long hair and the cigarette, in the grainy photo the budding musician certainly looked a bit like the grunge legend.
Many fans were simply confused by the revelation of the Oppenheimer actor's son's career.
"I didn’t even know Robert Downey Jr had a son that made music" someone typed. Fans flocked to listen to Indio's music - safe to say he gained a few of his own.
"This song is absolutely perfect, my fav now!" One person wrote, as another chimed in "it's actually good".
Indio is Robert's oldest son, whom he shares with ex-wife, actress and singer Deborah Falconer. His first wife left him in the midst of his final arrest and sentencing for an extended stay in rehab, taking their son with her.
But it seems that Robert has gone on to inspire his son musically. "My dad actually really inspired me to play music when I was young," Indio told PEOPLE.
"He sings, and he has an album as well that I listen to a lot. I was very fortunate to grow up in an artistic family, which allowed me to develop my creativity and my talents."
He continued: "I'm very grateful for all the opportunities and possibilities I've had in my life, which allowed my hard work to pay off. Fans of my dad have always been supportive of my music career as well, which I'm hugely grateful for."
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511666/robert-downey-jr-lookalike-son-strong-reaction-fans-career-revealed/
| 2024-01-19T15:57:46Z
|
blocked_url
|
Emily in Paris star Ashley Park has revealed that she spent her new year hospitalized from septic shock.
Taking to Instagram, the actress - who plays Mindy Chen in the hit Netflix drama - penned a long and emotional account of the health scare and her recovery.
She wrote: "As I sit here processing and recovering from the first few weeks of 2024, the only word I can think of is grateful."
After suffering from tonsillitis during the winter period, things got worse for Ashley as it "spiraled" into critical septic shock which "infected and affected" several of her organs.
She added that she was "grateful that my health has improved despite what we had initially been told."
The actress was sure to thank her Emily in Paris co-star Paul Forman for "being unconditionally by my side through all this." She stated she was "most grateful" for the actor in the deeply heartfelt post.
"You calmed my fears and held me through ambulances, three foreign hospitals, a week in the ICU, scary ERs, countless scans and tests and injections, excruciating pain, and so much confusion all while we were alone on the other side of the world far from those we know." She added: "I love you Paul. More than I can ever say."
The emotional declaration of love seemed to confirm their romance, which many fans have speculated about since they were spotted holding hands at The Hollywood Reporter's Beauty Dinner in October 2023.
Paul also then went on to seemingly confirm this by sharing a photo of the duo to Instagram with the caption: "By your side, no matter what" with a heart emoji.
As she continued to describe the nightmarish illness, the actress continued to thank "every doctor and ICU nurse who worked tirelessly and especially the @JoaliBeing team for responding immediately and staying with me to provide language translations and vital support."
She added: "Infinite thanks to my personal team of heroes at home who were on calls with insurance, Paul, my parents, and doctors at all hours (you know who you are)."
Ashley then finished the post by confessing she was originally hesitant to share what had been happening as she is "still in the throes of recovery", but she put fans' worries to rest by confirming she knows she is "safely on the other side of the worst."
She ended the post by writing: "Thanks for reading this. I'm sorry for being so absent recently to so much and to people in my life. I love you all. I’m healing and I promise I’m gonna be okay".
As Emily in Paris is set to start filming this month, fans might wonder whether Ashley will be fit to perform. However they nonetheless responded with an outpour of love for the star.
One wrote: "We love you. Glad you are doing better. Stay strong." The star was inundated with well wishers who hoped she would get well soon.
Another person added: "Praying for your continued healing and sending you so much love Ashley."
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511672/emily-in-paris-ashley-park-supported-co-star-paul-forman-excruciating-health-emergency/
| 2024-01-19T15:57:52Z
|
blocked_url
|
Isla Fisher had viewers not knowing where to look when she made a jaw-dropping appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Thursday.
The 47-year-old rocked one of her most revealing outfits yet, wearing a black mini-dress with a plunging neckline that drew all eyes to her exposed chest.
The daring outfit also boasted ruffled detailing on the hem and accentuated Isla's tiny waist and toned legs, which looked never-ending in a pair of sheer tights and towering stiletto heels.
Isla looked gorgeous for her appearance, wearing her fiery red hair in a half-up 'do with bouncy curls cascading down her chest.
Enhancing her megawatt smile with glossy pink lips, she kept her accessories to a minimum, adding a pair of chunky gold pendant earrings.
The actress was on the show to promote the second season of the Peacock mystery series, Wolf Like Me.
The show is set in suburban Australia, and season one followed Gary – played by Josh Gad – and Mary – played by Isla – getting to know each other after a car crash involving Josh's fictional eleven-year-old daughter, who is played by Ariel Donoghue.
Season two sees them navigating the next phase of their relationship, which includes Mary's pregnancy and the birth of their wolf child.
Isla has been busy with promotional duties this week. As well as her appearance on the Late Show with Seth Meyers, she has also visited the Today show and The Drew Barrymore Show.
For each stop, the Australian star looked incredible. For Today, she wore a navy dress with floral embroidery, and on Drew's show, she opted for chic green pants with a white shirt and sleeveless sweater.
Isla's incredible physique is the result of a balanced diet and staying active – although she's the first to admit that she hates the gym.
Instead, she prefers swimming with her children, Olive, 15, Elula, 12, and Montgomery, eight, - whom she shares with her husband, Sacha Baron Cohen – and hiking near her home in Perth in her native Australia.
She also practices yoga as she loves the "mind-body experience" she gets, especially after a busy day.
"When you're really focused on your breathing, you're able to clear your head, and all the worries of everyday life go out the window," she previously said.
Isla also credited yoga with sculpting her body, particularly her bottom. "Every woman likes her tush in jeans when she's worked on it a little more!" she joked.
When it comes to her diet, Isla once confessed that she "eats like a seagull" but is mindful about what she puts into her body.
"Usually, I'll grab whatever the other people in my house don't want, which is anything from spare carrots to nuts and leftover pasta," she told The Sun.
"I have a giant bag of cashew nuts at all times in case I need a quick snack, too," she added.
No matter what she's eating, the Confessions of a Shopaholic star tries to keep a positive attitude about her appearance.
"For me, so much about life is acceptance. You can look in the mirror and find a million things wrong with yourself," she said.
"Or you can look in the mirror and think, 'I feel good, I have my health, and I'm so blessed.'
She added: "That's the way I choose to look at it. I don't need to be perfect. I'm doing just fine."
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletterand get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/511673/isla-fisher-wows-revealing-plunging-mini-dress-photos/
| 2024-01-19T15:57:55Z
|
blocked_url
|
The showbusiness calendar of 2024 promises to be full of memorable milestones, showstopping events and marital bliss as a fleet of royals and celebrities gears up to get married – and we couldn’t be more excited. Two royal weddings are due to take place, with Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei and his wife Anisha Rosnah binti Adam tying the knot this month with a ten-day spectacle, while Princess Märtha Louise of Norway will follow suit in August when she marries spiritual guide Durek Verrett.
The King and Queen and Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to attend the Duke of Westminster’s wedding in June, and we hope to see a host of celebrities name the date, too. Roll on romance, the confetti, the bouquets and the wedding belles...
Nicole Scherzinger and Thom Evans
It has been months since Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger and sportsman Thom Evans shared news of their fairytale engagement. Former international rugby union player Thom, 38, popped the question on a sun-soaked beach in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. Alongside a heartwarming image posted on Instagram, Nicole, 45, wrote: "I said yes."
Although the Buttons hitmaker has confessed that she hasn’t yet prioritised wedding plans, Nicole did tell the Sunday Times about her hopes for a ceremony in her native Hawaii, followed by a reception "somewhere in Europe". The star said last year: "I haven’t even thought about anything. Everybody's like: 'What’s the plan?' I’m like: 'Yo, I gotta find Norma Desmond,'" referring to the character she recently played in the musical Sunset Boulevard in London’s West End.
"Until I find her, and I open this show, and I am proud of it, I’m not thinking of anything else.'"
The singer said that the ceremony will be conducted by her grandfather, who is a bishop. And when asked where the married couple will be based, "adopted Brit" Nicole confirmed that it will be somewhere in the UK. "My friends in America know me as a Londoner, and I’m proud to be. I’m with this country; I’m proud of it," she said.
The pair made their relationship official in January 2020, after meeting on The X Factor: Celebrity the previous year, when Thom competed as part of a boy band and Nicole was on the judging panel. Since finding love, the couple have explored their shared passion for all things fitness and travel, also praising one another on social media as their "shining light" and their "rock".
The Duke of Westminster and Olivia Henson
The society wedding of the year will take place when Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, who turns 33 in January, marries Olivia Henson, 31, a descendent of the 5th Duke of Rutland, at Chester Cathedral in June.
The calibre of the guest list matches that of any royal wedding, with the King, who is Hugh’s godfather, and the Queen expected to take their seats in the cathedral’s ancient pews, along with the Prince of Wales, a lifelong friend who is rumoured to be best man, and his wife the Princess, as well as their son Prince George, the groom’s godson, who is tipped to serve as a pageboy.
Other royals expected to attend include the Duke and Duchess of Kent and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, as well as members of the Van Cutsem and Manners families. However, although the Duke of Sussex is a friend of Hugh, he and his wife the Duchess will not be at the wedding. Guests are expected to arrive in a stream of private jets, helicopters and limousines. Described as having been "born with the longest silver spoon anyone can have" by his father Gerald, Hugh has a fortune estimated at £9.8 billion.
Inherited on his father’s death in 2016, it includes some of the wealthiest postcodes in central London, as well as several reportedly proposed last April at the family seat, Eaton Hall in Cheshire. He and Olivia, a senior account manager at ethical food business Belazu, had been together for two years.
Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongovi
All eyes will be on actress Millie Bobby Brown following her engagement to rock star Jon Bon Jovi’s son Jake Bongiovi, 21. The 19-year-old TV star, who shot to fame aged just 12 when she joined the cast of Netflix hit Stranger Things, could be looking to sashay up the aisle this year, with the young fashionista no doubt wearing an exquisite bridal gown. Despite the building excitement surrounding their nuptials, Millie and her fiancé, an actor and model, haven’t given much away.
Discussing her desire to keep their wedding plans under wraps, the actress told Women’s Wear Daily that she was: "Probably drawing the curtains, just because there are only so many moments in life that you get only once. And to have everyone’s opinions and looking at that feels unnatural to me. So I feel it’s important to keep those things, those small precious moments in life, really close to your chest. I can say that the planning is so fun and it's such an exciting time in my life."
The Hollywood sweethearts announced their engagement last April via social media. Sharing their happy news on Instagram, Millie posted a stunning black-and-white image of the pair embracing. On her ring finger, she wore a giant sparkler that once belonged to her mother Kelly. In May, the pair held a private family party to celebrate their engagement. For the special occasion, Millie looked every inch the beautiful bride-to-be, wearing an embroidered white lace bralette and matching pencil skirt.
Jill Scott and Shelly Unitt
Former footballer Jill Scott is expected to tie the knot with her fiancée Shelly Unitt this year. The 2022 I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! winner and her partner, who have been engaged since 2020, are seemingly back in the swing of wedding preparations after their plans were hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The former Lioness, 36, told HELLO! last June that the couple were yet to set a date. "I think it’s just because everything has been so busy. We’ve got some time together after the summer and then hopefully we can get some plans in place," she said.
"Especially since the jungle, we’ve been like passing ships, to be honest, because Shelly has got the coffee shop [which the couple co-own] as well. But hopefully, we’re going to improve that work-life balance after this summer." The couple, who met via Shelly’s sister, former England footballer Rachel, have their hearts set on a slimmed-down wedding with "just family and friends" in attendance.
They are thinking about tying the knot abroad before celebrating with a "massive party" back in the UK. Jill proposed to Shelly with a diamond ring she bought in New York. After keeping it hidden in a rucksack, she slipped the sparkler into a glass of champagne during a romantic spa weekend away.
"We’re total opposites," said Jill. "I can be too laid back, whereas Shelly needs a plan. We work well because we find a middle ground."
Princess Martha Louise of Norway and Durek Verrett
In August, the fourth in line to the Norwegian throne will marry her fiancé, an American "sixth-generation shaman", against the backdrop of a spectacular fjord and dramatic mountains at the Hotel Union in Geiranger, a village in western Norway. "It means a lot to us to gather our loved ones in a place that is so rich in history and intense nature experiences," Princess Märtha Louise wrote on Instagram. "Geiranger is the perfect place to embrace our love."
In line with tradition, her groom, Durek Verrett, asked the bride’s parents, King Harald and Queen Sonja, for their eldest child’s hand in marriage. "If they had said no, I would not have gone ahead," he said. The King and Queen gave him their blessing and are expected to attend the wedding, as will their son Crown Prince Haakon and his wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
Describing Durek as "the one who makes my heart skip" when she announced her engagement on social media in June 2022, Princess Märtha Louise, 52, first made their relationship public in May 2019. Durek, 49, works as a spiritual guide and healer with Hollywood stars including Selma Blair, Rosario Dawson and Gwyneth Paltrow, who has said: "His appeal is that he is both very human and otherworldly."
Princess Märtha Louise is no stranger to the spiritual world, having described herself as a clairvoyant in 2019. Last November, she gave up her royal duties. Perhaps anticipating that the couple might face criticism for their unusual professions, she wrote on Instagram: "To those of you who feel the need to criticize: Hold your horses. It is not up to you to choose for me or to judge me... I choose from love."
Rebel Wilson and Ramona Agruma
Australian actress Rebel Wilson thrilled fans last February when she announced her engagement to girlfriend Ramona Agruma. Rebel’s proposal was the stuff of fairy tales, with the star getting down on one knee during a trip to Disneyland in California. She popped the question in front of Cinderella’s candyfloss-pink castle, with a solitaire engagement ring from Tiffany’s. The couple met in 2021 and made their relationship public the following June, when Rebel shared a photo of the pair on Instagram, writing: "I thought I was searching for a DisneyPrince... But maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess."
The couple are in the midst of preparations for their wedding, suggesting that the nuptials may be on the cards in 2024. Opening up about their plans, Rebel, 43, recently revealed that her fiancée, who turns 40 this month, gave her a "wedding planning survival kit" in jest. Although the Pitch Perfect star has her sights set on an extravaganza, Rebel has since revealed that she’ll have to compromise, given that fashion and jewellery designer Ramona "wants the opposite".
The pair’s 14-month-old daughter is likely to steal the limelight on the day. Rebel surprised the world by announcing her daughter’s arrival on Instagram in November 2022, writing: "Beyond proud to announce the birth of my first child, Royce Lillian, born this past week via surrogate. I can’t even describe the love I have for her, she’s a beautiful miracle! I am grateful to everyone who has been involved, (you know who you are), this has been years in the making."
Ella Henderson and Jack Burnell
Singer Ella Henderson may be looking to say "I do" in 2024. The X Factor star, 28, got engaged to boyfriend Jack Burnell last January while holidaying on the tropical island of Mauritius. Retired swimmer Jack, 30, who competed for Team GB at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, popped the question with a trilogy, or three-stone, diamond ring estimated to be worth £70,000.
Sharing the news on social media, the Ghost singer posted a photo of herself wearing the sparkler, writing in her caption: "So this happened...here’s to life with you & all its adventures @jackrexburnell". Posting the same photo, Jack wrote in his caption: "SHE SAID YES!!! Can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you." The couple’s modern love story is all thanks to a dating app they both downloaded during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Opening up about the expected romance, Ella has said: "It’s funny – we always say we would never have met if it wasn’t for lockdown. Even though it was such a frustrating time and difficult for our mental health, we have to thank that lockdown in a sense, or else we never would have crossed paths." She added: "The reason for going on the dating app was because it was a long period of time before we could go out and socialise. I missed my friends and wanted to go to a bar, have a cocktail, chat somebody up and let them chat you up, but you couldn’t have that time to do that."
Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei and Anisha Rosnah binti Adam
Royals from around the world attended the wedding of Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen and his fiancée Anisha Rosnahbinti Adam from 7 to 16 January. The lavish celebrations were held over ten days, beginning with a proposal-of-marriage ceremony, followed by an Islamic ceremony at the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, then a wedding reception and parade through Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. Prince Mateen, 32, who is the Sultan’s fourth son and the tenth of his 12 children, has reportedly been dating Anisha for years. She is close to the family, as her grandfather Pehin Dato Isa is one of her future father-in-law’s trusted advisers.
The Prince announced his engagement on Instagram, where he appears to lead an active lifestyle as a polo player and helicopter pilot, as well as being a major in the Royal BruneiArmed Forces. He was named as one of Asia’s 50 most eligible bachelors in 2016 by Hong Kong Tatler magazine. Mateen, whose father is reportedly worth up to $30 billion (£23 billion), described himself as "funny" and "weird in a good way", as well as "sweet" and "simple", in an interview with GQ Thailand in 2016.
Zoe Kravitz and Channing Tatum
Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum hit the headlines in November when sources confirmed their engagement after they’d been dating for two years. Rumours began after Zoë, who has starred in The Batman, was spotted wearing what appeared to be a sparkling engagement ring at Kendall Jenner’s Halloween party. Although they have yet to confirm details of their nuptials, there’s every chance that the Hollywood couple will say "I do" in 2024. The pair, who have both been married before, first sparked rumours in September 2021, when they were spotted leaving the Met Gala in New York together.
Since then, the Divergent actress, 35, and the 21 Jump Street actor, 43, have made a number of public appearances, also praising one another in rare interviews. Opening up to GQ magazine about Channing, Zoë said: "He’s just a wonderful human. He makes me laugh, and we both really love art and talking about art and the exploration of why we do what we do. We love to watch a film and break it down and talk about it and challenge each other."
She has also spoken about dating in the public eye, explaining that the pair had intended to keep their blossoming relationship under wraps for as long as possible. "You want to keep it sacred and private for as long as you can, so you don’t have to even think about what the world thinks about it," she said.
Neil Jones and Chyna Mills
Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Neil Jones and his fiancée, former Love Island star Chyna Mills, are thought to be planning to marry this year after welcoming their first child. The couple, who are proud parents to daughter Havana, embarked on a whirlwind romance before making their relationship official in August 2022, with Neil popping the question the following spring, during a trip to Bali.
Neil later told HELLO!: "I’d already planned to ask Chyna to marry me before we knew she was pregnant. Then we found out and I was like: 'Oh, this is brilliant – everything is coming together.'" Reflecting on the surprise proposal, Chyna added: "At first, I thought he was joking because we play jokes on each other all the time. Then Neil was like: 'Chyna, so is it a “yes” or “no”?' because a few minutes had passed and he was still on one knee. I was like: 'Yeah!'"
While the duo have remained relatively quiet about their plans, Neil, 41, has hinted that they intend to tie the knot in sunnier climes, with Chyna, 25, taking charge of the planning. "I'm going to start researching venues abroad. I told Neil I’ll just give him the date," she said. Naturally, Havana, now three months old, will be the key guest at her parents' nuptials. "We thought it would be cute if the baby can be walking around at the wedding," Neil told us.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Martin McDonagh
Fleabag writer and star Phoebe Waller-Bridge and her partner Martin McDonagh sparked engagement rumours late last year after the actress was spotted wearing a giant sparkler on her ring finger. Stepping out to attend her brother Jasper’s wedding to Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery, Phoebe turned heads in a hot pink Etro suit and a chic straw hat.
Although her outfit delighted many, it was her glimmering accessory that set tongues wagging. Phoebe, 38, and playwright and film-maker Martin, 53, began dating in late 2017, making their first public appearance together in October that year. Although they have not confirmed reports of their engagement, Phoebe opened up about their relationship in a rare interview with Vanity Fair, revealing that the pair, don’t swap notes on their work until it’s finished. "We don’t really share anything beforehand," she said, explaining that it has "a bit" to do with the fact that any criticism might be demoralising.
"And also, I just really, really fancy him," she said. "So if you show someone something, and you fancy them, it can become this blur." The multi-award-winning screenwriter added: "It’s really useful being with someone who I think is a genius – it just ups your game. I would always have wanted Martin McDonagh to think of my work as good, whether I was with him or not."
Before finding love with the British-Irish writer, Phoebe was married to author and broadcaster Conor Woodman. The pair, who met in 2012, split in December 2017 after three years of marriage.
READ NOW: Bedridden Queen Camilla, Meghan Markle's 'chill' breakfast & more private royal wedding mornings
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/511604/celebrity-royal-weddings-2024-nicole-scherzinger-duke-of-westminster-millie-bobby-brown-more/
| 2024-01-19T16:41:38Z
|
blocked_url
|
Eric McCormack and ex-wife Janet Holden's divorce proceedings are moving forward with the Will & Grace star agreeing with his wife about the "irreconcilable differences" that were behind the split.
Radar.online reports that it has obtained documents from the couple's legal proceedings, which have seen Eric tick a box that could lead to him paying spousal support to Janet, although this particular issue would be decided at a later date. Due to their son no longer being a minor, the issue of child support won't come up in their split.
When it comes to their property, the documents say that Eric believes he has "separate property" from Janet, but due to uncertainties of its "full nature and extent" this part of the proceedings will be delayed the "full nature and extent of his separate property has been ascertained."
Eric has, however, requested that the pair pay for their own separate legal fees.
Janet filed for divorce from the actor following 26 years of marriage with the Hollywood director citing "irreconcilable differences" in her initial proceedings.
The former couple first got together in 1994 on the set of the TV series Lonesome Dove in Canada. Eric, the leading actor, and Janet, serving as an assistant director, initially kept their relationship under wraps.
The 60-year-old once recounted to The Guardian the early days of their romance, describing Janet as refreshingly different from his previous partners. "We had a secret affair the first season," he confessed in 2007. "I mean, dating crew! Actually, it was much worse for her, because she wasn't supposed to give any of the actors preferential treatment."
Eric and Janet's wedding took place on August 3, 1997, followed by the birth of their son Finnigan in 2002. Eric's career took a significant turn five months into their marriage when he landed the iconic role of Will Truman on Will & Grace.
This role brought him immense fame and success, but Eric credits being married for helping him handle this newfound fame gracefully. He believed that had he been younger and single, he might not have navigated the challenges of fame as effectively.
RELATED: Jason Momoa details unique living situation amid divorce from Lisa Bonet: 'I got a sleeping bag'
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/511680/will-and-grace-eric-mccormack-spousal-support-ex-wife-divorce/
| 2024-01-19T16:41:44Z
|
blocked_url
|
Jeremy Allen White has been going from strength-to-strength from winning an Emmy and Golden Globe for his role in The Bear, to breaking the internet with his recent Calvin Klein campaign. So what is next for the actor?
According to IMDB, Jeremy has one project in the works as well as filming future seasons of The Bear, and it sounds seriously intriguing! The upcoming drama is titled You Can’t Win, and is based on the 1926 memoir of a petty thief, Jack Black.
The synopsis for the movie, which is in post-production, reads: “The true-crime story of Jack Black, whose 1926 memoir became an unlikely bestseller upon its release and later inspired generations of counter-cultural writing."
Tempted by the novel? The description continues: “[The memoir] follows the story of one man's life during the final, dying days of America's Wild West. Black offers up thirty years' worth of personal tales of being an outlaw, cross-country stick-up man, home burglar, petty thief and opium fiend.
“Perfect for anyone who loves the idea of an outlaw life or who simply relishes in true grit Americana, You Can't Win combines memoir, how-to notes and philosophy into a tale of conscience, motivations, habit and the vagaries of chance.”
Jeremy stars in the movie alongside Funny Games star Michael Pitt and Dirk Gently star Hannah Marks, and there aren’t any details about the release yet - so watch this space!
The actor recently swept up on the awards circuit alongside his co-stars Ayo Edibiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
During his speech at the Emmy awards, Jeremy said: “I’m so proud. I’m so full of gratitude to be standing in front of you all. I love the show so much. It filled me up. It gave me a passion, it set a fire in me to match the beautiful work done by [creators] Christopher Storer and Joanna Calo. The beautiful cast and beautiful crew I get to share a space and stage with. My parents. I love you, thank you for your support.”
Speaking to Variety about the new season of The Bear, he added: "I’ll tell you the truth, which is I think they’ve written a couple scripts. I have not read any. I do know in January, I’m going to spend a fair amount of time getting together with some chefs.”
The Bear follows Jeremy as Carmy, a talented chef who leaves his work at a high end restaurant to run his family’s sandwich shop business after his brother dies by suicide, leading him to team up with fellow brilliant chef Sidney (Edebiri) to save the business and turn it into something great.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511676/the-bear-jeremy-allan-white-new-movie-details/
| 2024-01-19T16:41:50Z
|
blocked_url
|
Jeremy Allen White is one actor people can't stop talking about right now thanks to his winning streak this awards season. The star, who rose to fame at Lip Gallagher in cult comedy Shameless, has managed to bag a Golden Globe, a Critics' Choice Award and a Primetime Emmy for his role as Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto in The Bear.
But away from a booked and busy acting schedule – not to mention a viral Calkin Klein campaign – Jeremy's personal life has faced more difficult times and his divorce from his ex-wife, Addison Timlin has come under the spotlight…
Who is Jeremy Allen White's ex-wife, Addison Timlin?
Like her ex-husband, Addison Timlin is an actor and began her career by appearing on television shows such as Californication and Cashmere Mafia. She's also done film work and has credits in the titles That Awkward Moment and Afterschool. While working on the latter movie in 2008, she met Jeremy and the two became friends instantly.
However, Addison later told Harper's Bazaar in 2013 that she and the fellow TV star had struck a romantic relationship. "We have a nice foundation from being friends for a long period of time, and then it took a hard right turn into romance."
The actors, both 32, had been in each other's lives for ten years by the time they welcomed their first daughter, Ezer Billie White. In October 2018, Addison shared the happy news on social media: "Welcome to the world baby girl, it just got so much brighter."
Two years later, the pair became parents for the second time when they welcomed their daughter Dolores Wild White. "Just in time to save the year. She is the answer to 1000 prayers and we are in love with her," the proud mom wrote on social media in December 2020.
But before they welcomed Dolores, the couple decided to tie the knot. Jeremy and Addison got engaged in April 2019 and in the fall of that year, they married at the Beverly Hills Courthouse in Los Angeles.
Why did the stars separate?
There's not been an official reason provided publicly giving the reasons for Jeremy and Addison's split, however, reports stated that Jeremy's filming in Chicago for The Bear put a strain on their relationship.
Addison filed for divorce from her husband in May 2023 after three years of marriage. It was then reported that the couple had separated in late 2022. Shortly after she filed for divorce, the actress posted a photo on Instagram discussing life as a "single mom" in relation to Mother's Day. The post read: "Co-parenting is not how I pictured it. It is so [expletive] hard.
"It's not the natural order of things. It can be so exhausting but more than anything it can just be so lonely. When something magical happens and you have to tell yourself 'Don't forget this' because there's no witness by your side. It's so painful."
It's clear that both parties had been finding the separation difficult, with Jeremy admitting that he had felt "blindsided" by the co-parenting Instagram post.
PEOPLE reported in July 2023 that the pair had been spotted hugging at their eldest daughter's soccer game, suggesting a reconciliation was on the cards. However, this proved not to be the case and they later stated that they are still separated but are getting along for their two children.
In November, the award-winning actor gave an interview with British GQ in which he described his year as "a lot of high highs, a lot terribly low lows."
He explained: "With everything going on in my personal life, I thought, 'OK, let's just pump the brakes in general, and maybe you don't work for a while,'" he explained to the outlet.
MORE: Inside Jason Momoa's relationship with Lenny Kravitz and blended family amid Lisa Bonet divorce
MORE: Dolly Parton makes huge reveal on 78th birthday - and her husband will be thrilled
"I made this choice to not work for the rest of the year and just be with my daughters and just slow it all down."
Jeremy Allen White and Addison Timlin's 'difficult' custody battle
Four months after the divorce was filed, the former couple began implementing changes as part of their joint custody battle. It was reported by Us Weekly that the Shameless actor agreed to undergo alcohol testing five times a week as part of his joint custody agreement.
According to documents obtained by the publication, Jeremy and Addison agreed that sharing custody was their joint goal and that the actor would be tested multiple times a week while caring for their two daughters.
in addition to the testing, according to the legal papers, Jeremy also agreed to attend individual therapy and at least two Alcoholics Anonymous meetings a week as part of their joint custody agreement.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511674/jeremy-allen-whites-difficult-custody-battle-with-ex-wife-addison-timlin-and-two-children/
| 2024-01-19T16:41:57Z
|
blocked_url
|
The front row at any Paris Fashion Week show is always an unequivocally star-studded affair, but Princess Eugenie's appearance at Dior Homme's show on Friday was totally unexpected, and her outfit may just be her chicest to date.
Eugenie, who is the sister of Beatrice and daughter of Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew, stepped out at Ecole Militaire wearing a complete look from the French label. She opted for a black fitted midi dress with a low-cut v-neck and a thin waist belt with a tonal 'CD' logo buckle.
She paired it with black court shoes and the pièce de résistance for fashion fanatics - a longline jacket slung over her shoulders featuring contrasting satin lapels. giving the illusion of a tuxedo blazer.
Sleek straight hair and a siren red lip finished off her ultra-sophisticated look.
Her look was a showcase of elegance, and demonstrated her penchant for looks that are as modern as they are timeless. The Princess, much like Beatrice, has gone through a style transformation over recent years, opting for attire that is more clean-cut and fashion-forward, yet still royally appropriate.
It is perhaps unsurprising that the 33-year-old attended Dior's show of all brands, as not only is it a royal favourite (by the Duchess of Sussex and Princess Diana to name a few), but it appears she also has a longstanding relationship with the brand, notable attending the Dior Sessions book launch in London in 2019.
Eagle-eyed sartorial fans will notice that fashionable royals all have their own distinctive styling hacks. For example, the Princess of Wales loves tonal dressing, Meghan Markle is a quiet luxury muse and Lady Amelia and Eliza Spencer constantly turn heads by twinning in 'same but different' outfits.
Princess Eugenie is the undeniable midi dress maestro and has been since her early days in the spotlight. But swapping floaty silhouettes for fitted tube dresses and coats casually slung over her shoulders instead of worn properly, proves she's in her cool-girl chic style era.
She's started 2024 as she means to go on and we can't get enough.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/hfm/fashion-trends/511678/princess-eugenie-dior-fashion-show/
| 2024-01-19T16:42:03Z
|
blocked_url
|
We're used to seeing her at royal events or on TV, but commuters were surprised to spot Lady Frederick Windsor selling copies of Big Issue outside London's Somerset House.
Known professionally as Sophie Winkleman and recognised for her roles as society beauty Lady Susan in Sanditon and Big Suze in the comedy Peep Show, the actress joined vendor Kelvin Gregory on his pitch to experience what it was like to sell the magazine as temperatures plummeted to 3°C.
"I can't imagine standing out here all day – freezing and having people not even talking to me," said Sophie, who is starring in Julian Fellowes's second series of Belgravia: The Next Chapter. "I've realised in a very short space of time that communication is very important and just being rejected and having people walk by you all day – that's not okay. I want people to have humanity and make eye contact and talk to vendors.
"It's fine if you can't buy a magazine, but just say: 'Happy New Year. Sorry, I can't get one today.' That's very, very important. Every single Big Issue vendor deserves admiration and kindness."
Sophie, 43, who has daughters Maud, ten, and Isabella, eight this week, with her husband Lord Frederick, the son of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, has been a fan of the social enterprise magazine for many years. Calling it her "favourite weekly by far", she became one of its ambassadors in 2020.
"I think I was 15 when I first started spending my money on it. I read about it and did a project on it for school," she said at the time. "I was very honoured [to become an ambassador] because I've been a real fan of the Big Issue ever since it started. Apart from the fact that it's a fantastic cause, it's a brilliant publication. It's informative, witty, always interesting, well-written and thought provoking.
"When Freddie and I lived in America for six years, my parents would send it to me every week because I missed it."
This was not Kelvin's first time with a member of the royal family. Last November, he made international news when he was pictured selling a copy of Big Issue to the King, who was appearing on the front cover to mark his 75th birthday.
The Prince of Wales also has a history with the publication, which supports people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. He teamed up with vendor Dave Martin in both 2022 and 2023 to help sell issues of the magazine outside a branch of Tesco in Hammersmith. And Prince William launched his Homewards initiative, which aims to eradicate homelessness, last June.
After spending time with Kelvin, Sophie made a stop at the magazine's Covent Garden distribution point, where she spoke about how it ensures vendors make an income. "Big Issue is one of the things I'm most proud of about our whole country," she said. "It's spectacular and I'm thrilled to be a very tiny part of it."
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511679/sophie-winkleman-joins-big-issue-vendors/
| 2024-01-19T16:42:09Z
|
blocked_url
|
Helen Skelton is regularly impressing fans with her stylish outfits, and her fitted Marks & Spencer checked coat was a particular hit after the Countryfile star recently debuted the elegant style.
Sharing a snapshot on her Instagram, Helen looked gorgeous in the smart jacket that featured a double-breasted design, a collared neckline and a black and white checked print. Now that the timeless piece has been fully restocked in sizes 6-24, I couldn't resist heading to M&S to check it out for myself.
My first impression of the coat was just how expensive it looked. The tailored fit, structured collar, and soft black lining gave a luxe feel that I would expect on a much higher price tag.
As my usual size 10 was out of stock in-store, I opted for a size 8, which turned out to be the perfect fit. I have a few cropped jackets in my wardrobe, so I loved how this one fell to my thighs for a slightly longer fit that still felt snug.
Helen beautifully styled her M&S coat with a pair of blue denim jeans, a white top and gold jewellery, so I opted for a similar look. I think the T-shirt and jeans combo is great for every day, and the versatile design means it could be styled in so many different ways. I'd wear it with a pair of wide-leg trousers, loafers and a black top for work, and for a day-to-night style, I'd choose a mini skirt, tights and chunky boots.
We've seen a rise in checked jackets on the high street, and everyone from Princess Kate, Holly Willoughby and Zara Tindall have been spotted wearing the sophisticated style.
Several shoppers also gave the M&S jacket their seal of approval, and one reviewer described the checked style as "extremely stylish" and "classy".
Another wrote: "This really is a beautiful coat. The fabric is soft and wearable but still keeps its tailored shape. It is a perfect length for warmth but still comfortable for wearing in the car. This coat will be my favourite for autumn, winter and spring."
Would I recommend shopping the M&S checked coat? I think that the timeless style will be a great addition to any capsule wardrobe, and thanks to its lightweight design that offers a great balance between a coat and a blazer, it's definitely one that you'll be reaching for throughout the year.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/shopping/511665/i-found-helen-skelton-marks-and-spencer-checked-coat/
| 2024-01-19T16:42:15Z
|
blocked_url
|
TOKYO - Japan on Jan 20 became the world’s fifth country to put a spacecraft on the moon, as the space agency said its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (Slim) has made a soft landing on the lunar surface.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa) has attempted the landing of the probe dubbed “moon sniper” within 100m of target.
It will take up to a month to verify if Slim has achieved the precision goals, the agency has said. REUTERS
This story is developing.
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japans-slim-spacecraft-lands-on-moon-a-first-for-the-country
| 2024-01-19T17:08:43Z
|
blocked_url
|
TOKYO - Japan on Saturday became the world's fifth country to put a spacecraft on the moon, as the space agency said its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) has made a soft landing on the lunar surface.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency has attempted the landing of the probe dubbed "moon sniper" within 100 metres (328 feet) of target. It will take up to a month to verify if SLIM has achieved the precision goals, the agency has said. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/japans-slim-spacecraft-lands-on-moon-a-first-for-the-country
| 2024-01-19T17:08:53Z
|
blocked_url
|
NEW DELHI – Apprehension is mounting in India over the economic fallout of the crisis in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden region, which could deal a US$30 billion (S$40.3 billion) blow to India’s external trade in the next six months.
Freight costs have shot up as ships take a detour to avoid potential rebel attacks, which also put the lives of Indian crew members on vessels transiting the dangerous waters at risk.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/concerns-mount-in-india-over-red-sea-attacks
| 2024-01-19T17:09:04Z
|
blocked_url
|
MUNICH, Germany - Franz Beckenbauer was a great German who became his country's best ambassador around the world, Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Friday at a commemoration at Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena stadium.
Steinmeier and Chancellor Olaf Scholz led the long list of attendees that also included a who's who of German football, past and present, as well as tens of thousands of spectators in the stadium.
Beckenbauer, who died at the age of 78 earlier this month, helped modernise soccer and came to personify Germany's post-war sporting success, captaining his country to the 1974 World Cup title on home soil.
"I don't know if angels up in the sky do any sport but in the past few days they may have heard this voice with the Bavarian accent saying 'go out and play football'," Steinmeier said in his speech.
"He was known around the world and Franz Beckenbauer was admired, idolised and loved.
"For many he was a role model, for us all he was a stroke of luck. We part from a great German and, as President, I say 'Thank you Franz Beckenbauer, thank you for everything'."
With wreaths laid out in the centre of the pitch around a large picture of Beckenbauer, his family, friends and fans bade an emotional farewell.
Beckenbauer also won the World Cup as Germany coach in 1990 and was one of only three people to achieve the feat as both player and coach
'Der Kaiser', as he was nicknamed for his imperious playing style and command of the game, was for decades synonymous with Germany's success on the pitch.
He amassed every major honour in his glittering playing career and continued his extraordinary record of success after switching to the manager's bench.
Beckenbauer won 103 caps and captained West Germany to World Cup success in 1974, two years after lifting the European title.
At club level he steered Bayern Munich to three successive European Cup victories from 1974 to 1976 and won the World Club Cup, the European Cup Winners' Cup and eight domestic trophies -- four league titles and four cup triumphs. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/bayern-commemorate-great-german-beckenbauer-in-stadium-ceremony
| 2024-01-19T17:09:14Z
|
blocked_url
|
ABIDJAN - The Cape Verde Islands, the smallest country competing at the Africa Cup of Nations finals, became the first to book their place in the next stage of the competition as they beat Mozambique 3-0 on Friday.
It was their second victory in Group B after a giant-killing 2-1 triumph over Ghana on Sunday and guarantees them top place and a spot in the last-16.
Former Manchester United forward Bebe fired home a free kick from some 35 metres out in the 32nd minute with captain Ryan Mendes scoring their second soon after the break at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium. Another long-range shot, this time from Kevin Pina, made it 3-0 in the 69th minute.
After two rounds of group matches at the tournament in the Ivory Coast, Cape Verde sit on six points, out of the reach of Egypt on two and Ghana and Mozambique on one each. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/cape-verde-islands-beat-mozambique-to-win-group-and-reach-cup-of-nations-next-stage
| 2024-01-19T17:09:24Z
|
blocked_url
|
LONDON - Once hailed as football’s social conscience, Jordan Henderson has fled Saudi Arabia to join Dutch club Ajax with his reputation tarnished by a move he may regret for the rest of his career.
Henderson’s decision to terminate his deal with Al-Ettifaq on Jan 18 came just six months and 19 games into his spell with the club he joined on a lucrative three-year contract in July.
In the twilight of his career and coming off a season in which he struggled for form and fitness with Liverpool, Henderson apparently felt the chance for a final payday was worth the potential damage to his image.
The 33-year-old jumped at the chance to accept Al-Ettifaq’s offer of weekly wages worth a reported £350,000 (S$600,000), leaving Liverpool to allow a £12 million switch that ended his 12-year spell at the Merseyside giants.
Henderson was one of a host of big names lured to the Saudi Pro League by the riches on offer in the Gulf state, whose Public Investment Fund aim to use football to present the country in a positive light.
Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Henderson’s former Liverpool team-mate Roberto Firmino were among the stars who headlined a remarkable exodus from Europe.
The presence of former Liverpool great Steven Gerrard as Al-Ettifaq manager added to the appeal for Henderson, who heralded his transfer as a chance to “grow the Pro League into one of the best in the world”.
But the dream move quickly turned into a nightmare for Henderson, who underestimated the scale of the opprobrium his transfer would trigger.
Saudi Arabia’s contentious human rights record and laws that make same-sex relationships illegal led the LGBTQ+ groups to turn on Henderson, who had been a high-profile supporter of their community.
Henderson had also earned plaudits, as well as an MBE in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours, for taking a leading role in mobilising footballers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He was an architect of the “Players Together” initiative that encouraged Premier League stars to donate to Britain’s National Health Service.
All that goodwill evaporated the moment he took the Saudi cash.
‘A difficult year’
Clearly hurt by the public backlash, Henderson subsequently apologised for any hurt caused, but he was still booed off the pitch at Wembley during an England friendly against Australia in October.
Shaken by the abuse from England fans, Henderson’s adaptation to life in Saudi Arabia proved draining on and off the pitch.
Al-Ettifaq struggled in the league and averaged crowds of just 7,854 in a 35,000-capacity stadium, with the intensity and quality of the matches far less demanding than the Premier League.
In November, reports emerged that Henderson and his family were finding it difficult to settle despite living in the more liberal Bahrain as opposed to the city of Dammam, where Al-Ettifaq play.
As Henderson’s problems mounted, he also faced the possibility of losing his place in the England squad for Euro 2024.
His desperation to leave Saudi Arabia became so strong that he jetted off to Amsterdam without “earning a penny” from Al-Ettifaq after reportedly deferring salary payments for the last six months for tax reasons.
Agreeing to join Ajax, down on their luck at present, rather than waiting for a move back to the Premier League, underscored the strength of Henderson’s desire to end his failed experiment.
Henderson, who captained Liverpool to Champions League and Premier League glory in 2019 and 2020 respectively, conceded it had been a troubled period in his football life.
“It’s been a difficult year or so for the club, both on and off the field, but that’s the same for me in the past six months,” he told the Ajax website, after sealing his move to the former European champions, who are currently languishing in fifth place in the Eredivisie.
“It wasn’t an easy decision but one that I feel is best for me and my family.”
As the first high-profile player to quit the Saudi revolution, Henderson will hope his move to Ajax is the start of the road to redemption. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/jordan-henderson-bids-to-restore-tarnished-reputation-after-saudi-exit
| 2024-01-19T17:09:35Z
|
blocked_url
|
LONDON - Jurgen Klopp said Jordan Henderson’s critics should not dare to judge the former Liverpool midfielder after he ended his controversial spell in Saudi Arabia by joining Ajax.
Just six months after quitting Liverpool, Henderson left Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq on Jan 18 in a surprise switch to Dutch side Ajax.
Henderson’s lucrative move to a country where same-sex relationships are illegal was heavily criticised in Britain, where he had previously been a high-profile supporter of LGBTQ+ rights.
Responding to a fresh wave of criticism of Henderson after he called time on his Saudi stay, Liverpool boss Klopp said the 33-year-old did not deserve to have his personal choices questioned.
“People are really critical of Hendo about the move, first there and now coming back,” Klopp told reporters on Jan 19.
“I don’t know how we dare, always judging these kind of things. We have one life and we have to make decisions and sometimes our decisions are perfect in the first case and sometimes it is different after you made them.
“He was there and it was 100 per cent an interesting experience and I spoke to him and 99 per cent of football things there were absolutely fine.”
Henderson captained Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2019 and lifted the club’s first Premier League title for 30 years the following season.
And, while Ajax are struggling in the Dutch league at present, Klopp believes the move to Amsterdam will help revitalise Henderson after a difficult period.
“There are many things to develop in the future but (he was) never really critical or saying: ‘It’s not possible that that’s not there’, but then he thought it is better for him and the family to come back to Europe and now he is at Ajax Amsterdam, a sensational club in a difficult moment,” he said.
“I’m happy for him as it looks like he is happy and that is the most important thing to me.
“He is going to Holland where he can enjoy his football definitely again. The family will feel wonderful because the city is absolutely outstanding.
“I will definitely talk to him in these few days but he has a few things to do which are more important.” AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/liverpool-s-klopp-tells-critics-not-to-judge-henderson-over-saudi-move
| 2024-01-19T17:09:45Z
|
blocked_url
|
MELBOURNE - Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk said making the Australian Open fourth round on Jan 19 “doesn’t really matter” when her country is in “survival mode’ and missiles are flying over her family home.
The 21-year-old beat Russian Elina Avanesyan in three sets in Melbourne to equal her best Grand Slam singles showing, refusing to shake her hand afterwards.
“The war is still there. People are still dying every day. I still don’t understand what all these players are doing here. Nothing really changed in my world,” she said.
Kostyuk, whose previous best effort at a major was reaching the last 16 at the French Open in 2021, accused people of forgetting about the conflict because they had got “used to it”.
“I understand that everyone has their own issues, and everyone is focused on their thing. I’m here to remind everyone all the time that it’s still on, and it should be stopped. It’s not normal that it’s happening,” she said.
“My whole family is in Kyiv right now. My mum sends me videos when there are missiles flying over their house. I watch this. To me it’s incredible that it’s still going on, and it’s been almost two years.”
World number 37 Kostyuk has been one of the most vocal and articulate critics of the presence of Russian and Belarusian players on the tour.
In 2022, they were banned from Wimbledon in response to the invasion of Ukraine but allowed to continue competing at other tournaments as neutrals.
“I try to do my best, and I compete, and I try to succeed,” she said in a passionate press conference.
“At the end of the day I look around, and I don’t feel like all of this really matters as much. It’s just a tennis match. It’s just a tennis tournament. Out there is the real life. People I think forget about.
“But in reality, the reality that I’m living in, is everything is very far from being over.
“We’re just in survival mode for the last two years. People are incredibly depressed now and tired. I don’t feel like it’s stopping anytime soon, and I don’t feel like anyone is doing anything about it.”
Kostyuk will meet another Russian, qualifier Maria Timofeeva, next. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/tennis-doesnt-really-matter-with-ukrainians-dying-says-marta-kostyuk
| 2024-01-19T17:09:55Z
|
blocked_url
|
USA Rugby, Major League Rugby (MLR) and World Rugby announced a partnership on Friday to launch a new expansion club to promote the development of the game in the U.S. as the country prepares to host the Rugby World Cup.
The new club Anthem Rugby Carolina (RC), mainly featuring young Americans, is to be based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will join the 2024 MLR season, playing at the American Legion Memorial Stadium.
"The launch of Anthem RC is a game-changer in this shared journey to grow and enhance the game of rugby in the U.S., offering a clear pathway for player development and greater opportunity for USA Rugby as North America gears up for the Rugby World Cup," Nic Benson, CEO of MLR, said.
The U.S. will host the men's Rugby World Cup for the first time in 2031, and the women's tournament in 2033. The national team is currently ranked 17th in the world, and failed to qualify for last year's World Cup.
Anthem RC, backed by World Rugby and USA Rugby, hope to greatly accelerate the high-performance objective by supporting the long-term progress of the USA national team as they bid to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
"This ambitious plan is centred around making the sport more relevant and accessible to more people in the U.S., a nation that loves sport and events, anchored in entertainment," World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said.
"In addition to accelerating the clear potential of women's rugby and cementing sevens in USA sports culture, we must sustainably grow the elite men's game and for the USA Eagles national team to be successful on the world stage."
Gilpin also said this type of partnership had already proved successful in Fiji, who reached the quarter finals at last year's World Cup, with the establishment in 2022 of the Drua team, who are based in the country and compete in Super Rugby.
The MLR season begins in March when Anthem RC kick off at home to New England Free Jacks. The club's roster features players from various MLR teams who are eligible to compete on behalf of the USA in international competition.
Anthem Rugby Carolina will return the league to 12 teams and two conferences after the recent withdrawal of the Toronto Arrows and Rugby New York, who were MLR champions in 2022. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/world-rugby-partners-with-usa-rugby-and-mlr-in-new-expansion-club
| 2024-01-19T17:10:06Z
|
blocked_url
|
TALLINN - The three Baltic states on Jan 19 agreed to build new defences on their borders with Belarus and Russia, given security concerns in the region over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Russia’s aggression in the region has sparked concern in the Baltic states that they could be next on Moscow’s agenda were it to win in Ukraine.
“The ministers signed an agreement in Riga, according to which Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will construct anti-mobility defensive installations in the coming years to deter and, if necessary, defend against military threats,” the Estonian defence ministry said, in a statement.
It added that the installations would be on the borders with Russia and Belarus. Latvia and Lithuania border both countries, while Estonia only borders Russia.
The statement did not provide details on the installations.
The Baltic states – all former Soviet republics and now members of Nato and the European Union – have been staunch supporters of Ukraine from day one of the invasion nearly two years ago.
“Russia’s war in Ukraine has shown that, in addition to equipment, ammunition, and manpower, physical defensive installations on the border are also needed,” Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said, quoted in the statement.
His Latvian counterpart Andris Spruds also announced the project.
“We will establish the Baltic Defence Line to defend Nato’s Eastern flank and deny freedom of movement for our adversaries,” he said on X, formerly Twitter. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/baltic-states-to-build-new-defences-on-russia-belarus-borders
| 2024-01-19T17:10:16Z
|
blocked_url
|
Brazilian Senate leader Rodrigo Pacheco said on Friday the government would revoke a proposal it made to phase out the extension of payroll tax exemptions for various labor sectors, yielding to the will of the lawmakers on the matter.
Speaking at a Lide Group event in Switzerland, Pacheco said that payroll tax exemption for 17 sectors of the economy until 2027 would remain.
"The exemption will stand, and there is a commitment from the federal government to...revoke this provisional measure in the part that concerns the payroll exemption," Pacheco said during a panel session at the event in Zurich.
"That's the political commitment we've made and that's the way things are going to go."
At the end of 2023, the government introduced an executive order featuring a set of measures to restrict tax benefits across various sectors and ensure fiscal compensation, as it aims to eliminate the primary budget deficit this year.
The executive order was intended to replace the text of an approved bill that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva vetoed, just to have it overturned by Congress in mid-December.
Lawmakers voted to extend payroll tax exemptions for 17 labor sectors until 2027, with an impact of 12 billion reais ($2.44 billion) that had not yet been incorporated into the 2024 budget.
The government package, which met with immediate political opposition, proposed reducing and gradually phasing out these benefits. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/brazils-senate-leader-pacheco-says-government-to-revoke-payroll-tax-proposal
| 2024-01-19T17:10:27Z
|
blocked_url
|
BRUSSELS - Brussels aims to impose a new round of sanctions on Russia in February to mark the second anniversary of Moscow’s all-out invasion of Ukraine, an EU official said on Jan 19.
The European Union has already hit Russia with 12 rounds of unprecedented sanctions since the Kremlin launched a war against its neighbour in February 2022.
European diplomats admit it is becoming increasingly difficult to agree on further sectors of the Russian economy to target in a bid to drain Moscow’s war chest.
But Brussels wants to keep up the pressure to send a signal to both the Kremlin and Kyiv that it has not lost focus on the conflict.
The official said that EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell “is very keen that we will be marking the second anniversary of the aggression with a package of sanctions fundamentally on people and entities”.
“We are working on that and we expect we will be able to deliver,” the official said.
The EU’s Baltic members and Poland, among the most hawkish on Russia, are repeating calls for sanctions on Moscow’s nuclear sector and exports of liquefied natural gas.
But other EU states have so far rejected those demands.
The discussion of new sanctions comes as the EU is scrambling to get Hungary, Russia’s closest ally in the bloc, to drop its veto on €50 billion (S$70 billion) in financial aid for Ukraine at a summit on Feb 1.
The EU is also debating a potential new fund for weapon supplies to Kyiv.
But there is so far no consensus on how to replace an existing fund used to refund member states for the arms they have sent to Ukraine. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/eu-eyes-new-russia-sanctions-for-second-anniversary-of-war
| 2024-01-19T17:10:37Z
|
blocked_url
|
LONDON - Britain's Prince Harry on Jan 19 withdrew his libel claim in London against the publisher of the Mail on Sunday newspaper over an article about his security arrangements, its sister title the Daily Mail reported.
Prince Harry, King Charles' younger son, had sued Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), over a 2022 article which stated he only offered to pay for police protection after bringing a separate legal fight against the British government.
The report also accused Prince Harry, 39, of attempting to mislead the public about his willingness to pay for the policing, which was withdrawn after he stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
In December, he lost his attempt to have the paper's defence to his libel lawsuit thrown out, meaning he would have likely had to give evidence at London's High Court later this year.
The Daily Mail reported that Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, had abandoned his case hours before his lawyers were required to hand over relevant documents. The paper said he would now be obliged to pay the paper's costs of £250,000 (S$425,000), along with his own fees which it put at 500,000 pounds.
Both Prince Harry's lawyer and a spokesperson for ANL declined to comment.
London’s High Court had ruled that the Mail report was defamatory – paving the way for Prince Harry to take the case forward against one of Britain’s biggest media publishers. But his bid to have the case decided in his favour without a trial failed.
The case is one of a number the royal is taking against British tabloids. He and six other high-profile figures including singer Elton John are also suing ANL for alleging widespread unlawful behaviour including phone-hacking by its journalists.
A judge ruled in November that their case could go to trial after the publisher tried to have it thrown out. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/prince-harry-withdraws-libel-claim-against-british-tabloid
| 2024-01-19T17:10:47Z
|
blocked_url
|
RAFAH, Gaza - Palestinian groom Mohammed al-Ghandour wanted to give his bride a beautiful wedding but after war began in Gaza they had to flee their homes and the couple finally got married this week in the tent city where they now live.
Ghandour led his wife Shahad by the hand towards the tent decorated with some coloured lights and a mirror with a gold-coloured frame as a few relatives escorted them, clapping in time.
Inside the tent Shahad, wearing a white dress and veil with traditional red embroidery, lifted her hand and Ghandour put a ring on it.
"I wanted a party. I wanted a celebration, a wedding. I wanted to invite my friends, my relatives and my cousins, like anyone would," said Ghandour.
The couple are from Gaza City in the north of the tiny enclave where some of the worst of Israel's heavy bombardment and the fighting between it and Hamas have taken place since the war began on Oct. 7.
The homes of both Ghandour's family and Shahad's family were destroyed in Israeli airstrikes, they said, and they lost cousins and other family members in the bombardment.
"My happiness is maybe at 3% but will get myself ready for my wife. I want to make her happy," said Ghandour.
The war began when Hamas fighters rampaged into Israel, killing more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 240 hostages. Israel's bombardment and assault into Gaza have killed more than 24,760 people according to health authorities there.
Instead of the big party that Ghandour had wanted, he and Shahad had a small group of relatives who like them had managed to leave Gaza City and flee to Rafah, at the far southern end of the strip next to Egypt.
Shahad's mother led a small group of women ululating in celebration of the marriage and somebody had saved batteries for a small portable music player.
For a wedding feast in an enclave that the U.N. warns is heading towards famine, the couple had only a few snacks in plastic package, laid out carefully for them in the tent.
Both families had already spent lots of money on the wedding before the war began. Shahad had spent more than $2,000 on clothes, they said.
"My dream was to give Shahad the best wedding, the most beautiful in the world," said her mother, Umm Yahia Khalifa.
"We prepared her wedding things and she was happy. But it is all gone in the shelling. Every time she remembers she starts to cry," she said.
As the small wedding party began to clap and dance, people around them went about their daily chores among the lines of tents stretched across the sand, seeking food or hanging laundry.
A small girl in a pink and white dress smiled broadly as the clapping began and joined a group of other children dancing as the sun set behind the high border fence topped with barbed wire. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/gaza-couple-marry-in-tent-city-by-barbed-wire-border-fence
| 2024-01-19T17:10:58Z
|
blocked_url
|
Estonia has committed to allocating €14 million annually for Ukraine’s development, ERR reported on 19 January, citing Maris Ratnik, Estonian foreign minister deputy secretary general, responsible for foreign affairs and development cooperation.
Estonia ranks among Ukraine’s most steadfast supporters against Russian aggression, committing the highest share of GDP among all allies.
Ratnik outlined the distribution of these funds: 12.8 million euros to the Estonian Centre for Development Cooperation (ESTDEV), 1 million euros for humanitarian aid, and 200,000 euros to aid Estonian business cooperation with Ukraine, primarily aimed at establishing business contacts with Ukrainian partners.
Ratnik emphasized that this assistance is in line with Estonia’s long-term development cooperation strategy approved by the government in early January, as well as the principles and action plan for Ukraine’s reconstruction. The Estonian government has also identified key sectors where this funding could be most effective, drawing from their own past experiences and challenges in similar contexts. These sectors include education system reform, healthcare system development, and digital and cybersecurity solutions.
With Ukraine’s ongoing negotiations for EU membership, Estonia plans to share its own experience in the accession process and in utilizing EU fund subsidies. Ratnik highlighted the estimated 400 billion euros required for post-war Ukraine’s reconstruction, a sum that large donors like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the European Investment Bank are expected to contribute.
She also noted that these institutions do not implement projects independently but offer project financing for which applications can be submitted, including by Estonian companies. Ratnik further added that Estonian engagement in these projects would also yield tax revenues for Estonia.
She concluded by emphasizing the importance of supporting the functioning of Ukraine’s economy through entrepreneurship and business cooperation, which would ultimately reduce future costs for all donors, including Estonia, in rebuilding Ukraine.
Read also:
- Times: Europe has three-five years to prepare for Russian military threat, Estonian PM says
- Estonia: West should allow Ukraine to hit targets in Russia with Western weapons
- Estonia to allocate GDP’s 0.25% to Ukraine’s defense in next four years
- Rheinmetall overhauls two of 14 Leopard tanks for Ukraine in nine months
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/19/estonia-to-provide-e14-million-annually-in-development-aid-for-ukraine/
| 2024-01-19T17:11:18Z
|
blocked_url
|
Gabrielle and Dwyane's youngest child Kaavia is known for her bold personality, so it's of no surprise that the five year old once again stole everyone's hearts in the family's latest beach trip.
Taking to Instagram, Gabrielle shared the highlights of the family's sun-filled break in Miami, which included Dwyane and Kaavia walking along the beach hand in hand, and Kaavia being utterly mischievous.
As Dwyane tickled his youngest daughter as they lay on sun loungers, she suddenly had a "great idea". She put her arms by her side so she lay down straight as a pencil, and said to her mom and dad: "If I move, that means I'm out."
Immediately the couple started tickling their daughter and she couldn't help but fidget so she had to stop her parents.
"Wait a minute", she said. "You guys did too much, you're only supposed to do a little." Kaavia put her parents right in their place and they found it hilarious.
Her mom couldn't help but find the irony in Kaavia telling them they were "doing too much".
"Imagine us - being extra", Gabrielle said with a smirk to the camera. Dwyane in the meantime was completely relaxed on the sunbed.
Another hilarious moment from the trip saw Kaavia warning her mom not to fall in the ocean, stood up on the sand while Dwyane held Gabrielle's hand in the water. The couple held hands in the water that went up to their knees, when suddenly the inevitable happened: Gabrielle fell.
Fortunately she saw the humor in the situation - and so did their fans.
"It’s K for me!! From the shore giving the best moral support", one fan commented about the five year old. Another added that "Kaav is The family manager" with laugh emojis. Gabrielle chimed in that "she's only here for her 10%", making a joke about managers in Hollywood.
A third fan couldn't help but notice that "Kaavia and her dad have the exact same walk", to which Gabrielle responded: "Kaav walks like she just played a 7 game series and still got the finals".
It seemed the couple really enjoyed their beach day with their youngest child. Gabrielle and Dwyane also raise three other children - Zaya and Zaire from Dwyane's first marriage, and his nephew. The basketball player also has another child with Aja Metoyer from when he split with Gabrielle briefly in 2013.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511684/gabrielle-union-dwyane-wade-daughter-kaavia-steals-everyones-hearts-family-beach-trip/
| 2024-01-19T17:29:55Z
|
blocked_url
|
Anyone who knows me knows I am very passionate about my brows and, having worked on beauty counters and brow bars in a past life, I like to think I know a good product when I see one. The market is saturated and almost every brand promises to give you the perfect brows whether it's a pencil, gel or pomade, so it takes a really good one to grab my attention.
The beauty gurus on TikTok tell me that there's one product that has cut through the noise and it's being labelled "the GOAT" of the brow game. So, is it any good? Spoiler alert: yes. But here's my honest review on why…
What is the Byellie Brow Texture?
After being sent the Byellie 'Brow Texture' and giving it a go for myself, I realised it's essentially like a brow mascara that holds your brows in place. You can use it on its own or as a finishing touch once you've created shape and added colour.
My brows are naturally quite full but, like everyone, I do get the odd gap when I get a bit trigger-happy with the tweezers, so my normal routine is filling in with my humble brow pencil. But I like to finish with a product that fluffs them up and makes them stay put.
As I pulled out the wand for the first time and applied it, the product was white, and I was immediately reminded of the double-ended mascaras of my teen years (remember them? One end for the primer and the other mascara?).
Not exactly fond memories, but don't be alarmed, the product dries completely clear. Plus, being able to see how much product you've applied is handy.
It's also really buildable, so if you want more of a 'slick' look then apply away. Equally, it's great for just brushing through gently to keep any pesky flyaways in check.
Why is the Brow Texture so good and would I buy it?
Yes! After the 'Brow Texture' had dried, my brows did not budge all day and night. I mean it. They didn't move. It's like a hairspray for your brows and I was truly impressed. It's so easy to use, does the job and, frankly, that's enough for me to be a big fan.
MORE: Want eyebrows like Lily Collins? This TikTok viral 2-in-1 brow serum can help
MORE: I got Meghan Markle's eyebrow treatment – and I am never going back
Not only that but with a price point of £13.99, it's far cheaper than premium products on the market so your bank balance will thank you. It's economical as well. I've been using one tube since the end of November and I don't see it running out anytime soon, and I wear it most days.
What else is there to know about Byellie?
If you're familiar with Byellie, you'll likely know that their selling point is that their products offer a 'laminated brow' effect at a fraction of the cost. Their hero product, Byellie 'Brow Shape', does this in spades.
The 'Brow Shape' is a pot of gel that you dip your brow brush into before applying it to brows. It gives a full-on slicked-down finish, making it look like you've stepped out of the salon fresh from a brow lamination.
Beauty lovers who are big fans of this look are more than impressed by this product – and it does exactly what it says it does. However, for me, a laminated effect wouldn't be my desired brow style.
I personally prefer a more natural, fluffy and textured brow, but one that is still going to hold its shape. And for that reason, the 'Brow Texture' will remain a staple in my makeup bag.
Subscribe to HELLO!'s Beauty Collective newsletter for exclusive content straight to your inbox
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/511601/tiktok-viral-brow-product-everyone-talking-about-my-honest-thoughts/
| 2024-01-19T17:29:57Z
|
blocked_url
|
Jim Carrey retired from the spotlight in 2022 to focus on his family and his passion for art and this includes treasuring his relationship with his only daughter.
While he has kept his bond with Jane Erin out of the spotlight, he has credited her for being one of the most important people in his life.
Here's what we know about the actor's offspring and the role she has played in his life as he turns 62.
Who is Jane Erin Carrey's mom?
Jane was born to Jim and his ex-wife, Melissa Womer, in 1987. It was a whirlwind romance for Jim and Melissa who met at a comedy store. Jane was welcomed by the couple after they'd been married for six months.
They divorced in 1994 but successfully co-parented Jane and tried to give her as normal an upbringing as possible and sent her to public school where she showcased her passion for the arts like her famous dad.
Jane was a contestant on American Idol
In 2012, viewers were left stunned when Jane auditioned for American Idol and revealed who her famous father was. "It was definitely fun growing up with [Jim] as a father," she said during her interview which can be seen above. "He's not the most extravagant celebrity so life's been fairly normal... fairly."
Jane added: "Everyone growing up has their issue with identity and trying to find themselves. It is difficult kind of growing up in the shadow behind something and trying to find your place in the world underneath this huge shadow."
What Jim has said about their relationship
Jim has also praised his daughter for helping him through some dark periods in his life. He's been open about his battle with depression and ADHD diagnosis but is thankful to have Jane always supporting him.
"My daughter is one of the most brilliant counsels of my life," he told CBS News while promoting 'Memoirs and Misinformation'. "Honestly, she is so wise and so loving...she brought me back from the brink a couple of times. Well, she just has chimed in with a few words that have really, like, opened my heart and settled me down and made me feel like everything's alright. She's just wonderful."
Explaining how she convinced him not to quit acting, he told Screen Slam: "There's been a couple of times where I said, ‘I don’t know if I want to do this anymore.' She goes, ‘Dad, you gotta. That’s what you do. You don't have it; it has you.'"
Jim Carrey is a grandfather
Not only is Jim a proud dad, but he's a proud grandfather-of-three. Jane is a mom to one-year-old Logan, Erin, three, and son Jackson, 13. He says that she's a "great mom" and he relishes in playing with his grandkids.
They've worked together
The father-daughter duo have worked on a series of projects together. Jane and her band wrote two songs for Dumb and Dumber To and was a singer on Jim Carrey: I Needed Color while also appearing in an episode of her dad's children's TV series Kidding.
Jane is heavily invested in her musical career and told LA's The Place. "Music probably became my passion when I was around 14. I was always a ham in school, so I always liked being in school plays. I met someone who really inspired me when I was around fourteen and we started writing together and I soon realized that I could not live without music in my life."
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletterand get them delivered straight to your inbox.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/511683/jim-carrey-lookalike-daughter-jane-erin-brought-him-back-from-the-brink-photos/
| 2024-01-19T17:29:59Z
|
blocked_url
|
BRASILIA - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday welcomed Brazil's support for Beijing's "One China policy" that states Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a move that strengthens bilateral ties with South America's largest country.
Wang met with his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira in Brasilia where they discussed the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and how they can be resolved, Vieira said, with China's top diplomat saying the two trade partners need to build closer levels of confidence.
China-Brazil relations were ruffled during the far-right government of former President Jair Bolsonaro, and have improved under his leftist successor, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Wang, who will meet Lula in northeastern Brazil later on Friday, said their two countries, both members of the BRICS group of leading emerging economies, must work together to build a multi-polar world based on peace and security.
Wang and Vieira signed a visa agreement between the two nations extending their validity from five to 10 years, aimed at spurring business travel and tourism.
Wang, on a tour of African nations, Brazil and Jamaica, was in Brasilia for two days of meetings.
On Friday afternoon, en route to Jamaica, he will stop in the northeastern Brazilian city of Fortaleza to meet Lula at an air force base.
Lula is currently traveling in northeast Brazil, his main political bastion, eyeing municipal elections this year.
Brazil's position on Taiwan was established in April in a foreign ministry statement that expressed Brazil's "firm support to the One China Principle" and said China was "the sole legitimate government of the whole of China, and Taiwan being an inseparable part of the Chinese territory."
China is Brazil's largest export market, mainly for soy and iron ore. Chinese companies are planning to increase their investments in Brazil, in power transmission, oil and electric vehicles, businessmen said at a Brazil-China meeting last week in Shenzhen with major Chinese corporations.
Marcos Caramuru, a China watcher and former Brazilian ambassador in Beijing, said he is seeing growing interest of Chinese companies in investments in electric vehicles and in infrastructure in Brazil, as well as new investments in areas where China has been investing for a while, such as the electricity sector and e-commerce.
"Lula as president has helped to increase the level of mutual confidence in Brazil-China relations," Caramuru said. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/brazil-backs-beijings-one-china-policy-foreign-minister-wang-yi-says
| 2024-01-19T18:41:05Z
|
blocked_url
|
BRUSSELS - The European Union on Friday imposed asset freezes and travel bans on six people it said were linked to Hamas, under a new sanctions regime targeting the Palestinian militant group.
The EU already listed Hamas as a terrorist organisation but moved to create a legal framework focused on the group after its deadly attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7.
The list could be widened to target "all those who support, materially or financially", Hamas or Islamic Jihad, another militant islamist group operating mainly in the Gaza strip which took part in October's assault, said the Council of the European Union, which represents the bloc's member states.
The Council listed those sanctioned as Sudan-based financier Abdelbasit Hamza Elhassan Mohamed Khair, Nabil Chouman, the former's son Khaled Chouman, senior Hamas financier Rida Ali Khamis, senior Hamas operative Musa Dudin and Algeria-based financier Aiman Ahmad Al Duwaik.
Arms trading, supporting actions undermining the stability or security of Israel, and involvement in serious humanitarian law or human rights breaches were cited as possible reasons for sanctioning.
"The new sanctions framework shall apply until 19 January 2025. It shall be kept under constant review and renewed or amended as appropriate," the Council said in a press release.
A senior EU official earlier on Friday said the first batch of sanctioned individuals was linked to providing funds to the group.
Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by both the EU and the United States, has established a secret network of companies managing $500 million of investments in companies from Turkey to Saudi Arabia, the U.S. Treasury has said.
Separately, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on Friday alleged that Israel over the past years had itself financed the creation of Hamas, publicly contradicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who has denied such allegations. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/eu-targets-six-people-under-new-hamas-sanctions-scheme
| 2024-01-19T18:41:15Z
|
blocked_url
|
DAVOS, Switzerland - World leaders and business executives left the freezing temperatures of the Swiss mountain resort of Davos after a week of high-stakes meetings about key world issues.
Here's what we learned:
MIDDLE EAST
Gaza dominated the agenda of the World Economic Forum (WEF), but leaders failed to produce clear details on any practical pathway to Palestinian statehood, or a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza's Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The war is slowing down the economy of the entire region, said Qatar's finance minister. The head of the Palestine Investment Fund estimated at least $15 billion would be needed to rebuild houses in Gaza alone. Arab states said they would not fund reconstruction unless there was a lasting peace.
"We agree that regional peace includes peace for Israel, but that could only happen through peace for the Palestinians through a Palestinian state," Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan told a WEF panel.
RED SEA
Attacks by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group on ships in the Red Sea would drive the cost of goods from Asia to Europe much higher, logistics giant DP World said. CEOs at Davos said they were gaming out alternative supply routes. Yemen's vice president and Iran's foreign minister said the attacks would not stop until Israel ended the war in Gaza.
"If it's in the short term, tankers might be available ... But if it's longer term, it might be a problem," said Amin Nasser, CEO of oil giant Saudi Aramco.
CHINA
Premier Li Qiang told Davos China's economy was open for business and highlighted its potential for foreign investment, but investors remained cautious amid sluggish post-pandemic recovery and tensions with the United States. Asked how helpful a closed-door lunch with Li was, one CEO said "medium", underscoring the scepticism about China's charm offensive.
"I'm glad that people are all talking," JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon after the Li lunch.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Talk of AI rippled through Davos meeting rooms and panels, its promise touted on signs and its security risks invoked by China's premier. While conversations included how to regulate the burgeoning technology and how to apply it to scientific discovery, the question of how to monetize it persisted.
"Everyone's like, yeah, I can build these cool demos," said Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince, "but where's the real value?"
DEBT RESTRUCTURING
Argentina's newly-elected President Javier Milei made his debut with a speech on the main Davos stage - and then quickly sat down with the International Monetary Fund's managing director Kristalina Georgieva to discuss his plan to navigate his country's debt maze. Ghana will re-engage with its international bondholders as the country seeks to build on momentum in debt restructuring.
"Free enterprise capitalism is the only tool we have to end hunger and poverty," said Milei.
ECONOMY
Heads of global banks warned of inflationary pressures from increased shipping costs and the possibility of oil price rises. Bank executives fear the market is mispricing interest rate cuts, and that geopolitical risks could cause volatility.
"It's a big year in general with many elections around the world which could change potentially the way fiscal stimulus is handled around the globe," said Suni Harford, President Asset Management and Group Executive Board Lead for Sustainability and Impact at UBS.
BANKING
Consolidation of European banks was discussed behind closed doors, but executives say cross-border mergers are difficult to achieve without uniform regulation across the region. Selective mergers of national players were seen as more likely.
ENERGY
While several panels focused on the end of fossil fuels, the head of Aramco told Reuters demand for oil would not peak any time soon. The number of energy executives in Davos was smaller than in years past. Oil bosses from Shell, TotalEnergies and Aramco met on the sidelines to discuss how to help decarbonise industries they supply, three industry sources said.
UKRAINE
With other crises jostling for attention, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy put Ukraine on the Davos agenda early. Talks with more than 80 national security advisers from around the world led to Switzerland offering to host peace talks. Zelenskiy also met with Wall Street's Jamie Dimon and other bank leaders to seek financing for Ukraine's reconstruction.
"Ukraine can prevail in this war but we must continue to empower their resistance," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, urging Kyiv's Western allies to continue arms deliveries and financial support.
GENDER
The WEF said that around 28% of the total of 3,000 participants, including 350 heads of state and government and ministers, who gathered in Davos this year were women.
"This year marks a significant milestone in the 54-year history of the Annual Meeting, as we expect to welcome more than 800 women to Davos — the highest number in our records," it said. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/heard-in-davos-what-we-learned-from-the-wef-in-2024
| 2024-01-19T18:41:26Z
|
blocked_url
|
New AS Roma manager Daniele De Rossi is well aware of the love the club's fans still have for Jose Mourinho but hopes they will have room in their hearts for him as well.
De Rossi replaced Mourinho on Tuesday, with Roma ninth in the league after their 3-1 loss to AC Milan, but the Portuguese manager still has the support of the fans and banners have appeared in recent days protesting about his sacking.
"Nobody will ever cancel the love the fans felt for Mourinho but nothing prevents them from loving me too, and continuing to support the team at the stadium," De Rossi told a press conference on Friday.
As a former, much-loved Roma player, De Rossi is under no illusions as to why he was chosen as the man to bridge the gap with the fans after Mourinho's dismissal.
"It was a well thought-out choice because if you dismiss a much-loved coach you have to take into account several factors; with someone else, the reaction of the fans could have been worse," De Rossi said.
"I'm not stupid, it's obvious that if I'm here, it's not because they were struck by the football played during my time at SPAL."
De Rossi had his first taste of management at SPAL last season but the experience lasted just four months as three wins in 16 league games left the club in the Serie B relegation zone.
His contract with Roma expires at the end of this season but De Rossi had no doubts about returning to the club where he spent 18 seasons as a player.
"The owners have been very clear about the duration and tenor of my stay here," De Rossi said.
"I asked for a bonus if we qualify for the Champions League but I would have signed anything; it seemed to me a necessary gesture considering my history here."
Luckily, as a Roma fan, De Rossi has already been keeping a close eye on the team and despite their position in the league he is hopeful that a Champions League place can still be achieved.
"I'd be happy if we were in the top four at the end of the season; it's not an easy goal but it's absolutely possible.
"If you change a coach it's clear that there are problems; I'm starting from scratch. Fortunately, for reasons of support, I have seen all the games, so I know the team well and I have shortened the study period a bit."
De Rossi's first test comes on Saturday with a home game against struggling Hellas Verona, currently 18th in the Serie A standings. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/de-rossi-believes-roma-fans-can-love-both-him-and-mourinho
| 2024-01-19T18:41:36Z
|
blocked_url
|
MILAN - An Italian sport court said on Friday it had rejected former Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli's request to overturn a soccer ban linked to a case over alleged irregularities in the Serie A club's payments to players.
In July, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) imposed a 16-month ban from the game, which was reduced to 10 months in September.
Agnelli was Juventus chairman for more than a decade but announced his resignation in November 2022 following a financial scandal that hit Italy's most successful soccer team.
As part of the same case, Juventus agreed in May to pay a fine of 718,000 euros ($781,543) and to not challenge a 10-point penalty for the past Serie A season in a settlement reached with Italy's soccer authorities. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/former-juventus-chairman-agnelli-loses-bid-to-overturn-ban
| 2024-01-19T18:41:47Z
|
blocked_url
|
LONDON - Mikel Arteta insists spluttering Arsenal will return to the Premier League title race at full power after a revitalising winter break in Dubai.
Arteta’s side trail leaders Liverpool by five points after a dismal run of three successive defeats and one win from their last seven games in all competitions.
The fourth-placed Gunners were knocked out of the FA Cup third round by Liverpool, before jetting off to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp.
With Crystal Palace visiting the Emirates Stadium on Jan 20, Arteta is confident his players are more energised thanks to their spell in the sunshine while the rest of England shivered in the winter chill.
“We are recharged, full of energy and super motivated so we want to attack the second half of the season with a lot of ambition and the understanding that the team is capable of big things. They are convinced of that,” Arteta told reporters on Jan 19.
“It was a phenomenal camp. We recharged our batteries and the context of the environment, in the beautiful weather, helps. The togetherness and moments we shared together were great, so yeah we’re fully recharged.”
After topping the Premier League table in December, Arsenal have lost their way in their chase for a first title since 2004.
A lack of goals has been the main issue, with only five scored across their seven-game stumble.
However, Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus is due back from a knee injury that forced him to miss the Liverpool loss and Arteta reiterated he would not move for a forward in the January transfer window.
“No, because I love the players that we have,” he said when asked about the potential for a signing amid reports of a bid for Brentford’s Ivan Toney.
Arteta also revealed Dutch defender Jurrien Timber, who sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage in August, was among the squad for the training camp and could return by the end of the season.
“At the moment he’s still very far from competing. That’s the realistic picture of it,” Arteta said.
“Are we hopeful that he could have a realistic impact before the end of the season? If everything goes well, it looks like that might happen. At the moment though it’s too early to make that call.” AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/recharged-arsenal-ready-to-thrive-after-title-blip-says-mikel-arteta
| 2024-01-19T18:41:57Z
|
blocked_url
|
Tottenham Hotspur's Croatia midfielder Ivan Perisic has rejoined Hadjuk Split on loan until the end of the season, having come through the youth ranks at the club, the teams said on Friday.
The 34-year-old has been sidelined since September after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee but hopes to return in time to secure a place in Croatia's squad for this year's Euros in Germany.
Perisic turned professional in 2006 after leaving Hadjuk Split for Sochaux and went on to play for some of Europe's biggest clubs including Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich, where he won the Champions League.
The versatile left-sided midfielder also won league titles and domestic cups in Germany and Italy.
Perisic has scored 33 goals in 129 appearances for Croatia, including in the 2018 World Cup final defeat by France.
He made 50 appearances for Spurs, including six in all competitions this season before being struck by injury.
Hajduk Split said they hope to extend Perisic's stay at the club after his Tottenham contract expires in June. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/spurs-midfielder-perisic-returns-to-boyhood-club-hadjuk-split-on-loan
| 2024-01-19T18:42:07Z
|
blocked_url
|
ABIDJAN - Tanzania coach Adel Amrouche has been suspended at the Africa Cup of Nations finals for making insulting remarks about Morocco, who beat the east African side 3-0 in their opening game at the tournament on Wednesday.
The Tanzania Football Federation said the Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary committee had suspended Amrouche for eight matches following a complaint submitted by Morocco. CAF have yet to make an announcement.
"In another step, the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has suspended coach Amrouche. As a result of that decision, Hemed Morocco has been appointed acting coach and he will be assisted by Juma Mgunda," TFF spokesman Clifford Mario Ndimbo said.
Amrouche had said that Morocco held too much sway in the corridors of power in African football and were influencing the appointment of referees. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/tanzania-coach-suspended-at-cup-of-nations-for-insulting-opponents
| 2024-01-19T18:42:18Z
|
blocked_url
|
BUENOS AIRES - The wife and children of fugitive Ecuadorean drug trafficker Jose Adolfo Macias were detained in Argentina on Thursday evening and returned to Ecuador early Friday, authorities said.
Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich told a press conference on Friday that authorities detained eight people - including some non-relative associates of Macias - who arrived in Argentina on Jan. 5 and moved into a home in the province of Cordoba that they had purchased in November.
Macias, whose alias is "Fito," disappeared on Jan. 7 from the Ecuadorean prison where he was serving a 34-year sentence for various crimes including drug trafficking and murder.
"Our hypothesis is that Fito's plan was to buy the house, move the family out and then escape from prison," said Bullrich, who said that the family had entered Argentina in the past.
The family was back in Ecuador as of Friday, Bullrich said, adding that she had no information or indication that Fito himself was in Argentina. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/argentina-arrests-deports-relatives-of-fugitive-ecuador-gang-leader-fito
| 2024-01-19T18:42:28Z
|
blocked_url
|
WASHINGTON - U.S. President Joe Biden discussed developments in Israel and Gaza with Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call on Friday, the White House said, as the Israeli military continued a major advance in the southern Gaza Strip.
No further details were immediately disclosed, but the White House said it would issue a fuller statement later Friday.
Biden's call with Netanyahu came as Red Crescent officials reported "intense gunfire from the Israeli drones targeting citizens at Al-Amal Hospital" in Khan Yunis, the main city in the southern part of Gaza.
Israel launched a major new advance in Khan Younis this week to capture the city, which it says is now the primary base of the Hamas fighters who attacked Israeli towns on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 and precipitating a war that has devastated the Gaza Strip.
The Gaza health ministry said 142 Palestinians had been killed and 278 injured in Gaza the past 24 hours, raising the death toll from more than three months of war to 24,762.
A Palestinian-American teenager was killed by Israeli security forces in the West Bank on Friday, Palestinian health officials said. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/biden-discussed-developments-in-israel-gaza-with-netanyahu-white-house-says
| 2024-01-19T18:42:38Z
|
blocked_url
|
MOSCOW - Russia on Jan 19 summoned France’s ambassador in Moscow and issued a formal complaint over his country’s alleged “growing involvement” in the conflict in Ukraine.
The move comes just days after Moscow claimed – without providing evidence – that it had killed a group of French mercenaries in a strike on the northeastern town of Kharkiv.
“On 19 January, French Ambassador P. Levy was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry and presented with evidence of Paris’s growing involvement in the conflict over Ukraine,” Russia’s foreign ministry announced, in a statement.
Moscow said dozens of fighters were killed in the late night attack on Jan 16 in Kharkiv, which Russian forces have been shelling since February 2022.
Kyiv said more than a dozen civilians were wounded in the attack and that residential buildings had been damaged.
France’s foreign ministry on Jan 18 denied it had mercenaries in Ukraine, a spokesman dismissing the claim as “another clumsy Russian manipulation”.
France has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest allies since Russia’s assault, and President Emmanuel Macron this week announced Paris was sending dozens of long-range missiles to Ukraine. AFP
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/russia-summons-french-envoy-over-growing-role-in-ukraine
| 2024-01-19T18:42:49Z
|
blocked_url
|
Slovak parliament chief Peter Pellegrini, leader of the second-biggest party in the government coalition, confirmed on Friday that he would run in a March presidential election.
The vote will be a test for Slovakia's leftist government led by four-time Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is facing protests over plans to fast-track criminal law reforms that the opposition has decried and the European Union has questioned.
Pellegrini, a prime minister in 2018-2020 and former member of Fico's SMER party, has seen a shrinking poll lead against his closest contender - Ivan Korcok, who was foreign minister in a previous government led by opposition forces.
"I officially announce I decided to campaign for the post of president," Pellegrini said in a speech to supporters in which he promoted his experience in office.
"The president must be someone the people trust, who they will rely on in difficult times, and who they will never be ashamed of."
A first round of voting takes place on March 23. A second round in the likely case that no candidate wins an outright majority is on April 6.
Pellegrini leads Korcok 40.6% to 37.7% in an AKO agency poll released on Thursday.
Fico's government has sought to scrap a special prosecution office fighting corruption crimes and lower sentences for financial crimes, arguing it will modernise legislation. Opposition politicians say it will protect government allies.
President Zuzana Caputova, a target of Fico for her liberal stance who has opted against a second term, has urged lawmakers to re-think the changes.
"(The election) will be about whether there will be an assistant to the prime minister in the presidential office, or someone who can cooperate... but also be able to show a clear position, clearly stand against things that are not right," Korcok said on Friday, cited by news website SME.sk.
Fico resigned in 2018 after mass protests against graft that followed the murder of a journalist. Pellegrini led the government until anti-corruption parties won a 2020 election.
Pellegrini's position could work against him if voters choose to keep a counterweight to the government. Presidents can slow legislation with vetoes and challenge laws at the constitutional court. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/slovak-parliament-chief-confirms-presidential-bid-facing-ex-foreign-minister
| 2024-01-19T18:42:59Z
|
blocked_url
|
Medical aid workers are only able to help with a tiny fraction of Gaza's humanitarian needs as conditions there deteriorate following nearly 15 weeks of war, staff from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said on Friday.
Shortages of medical personnel and supplies, denials of access by Israel, damage and risks from military activity all made it hugely challenging to treat injuries, provide routine care, prevent the spread of disease and tackle increasing malnutrition, they said.
"Our impact is very, very low because there are almost 2 million of people in need of health care," said Enrico Vallaperta, an intensive care nurse who returned from an MSF mission in Gaza on Thursday.
"If you compare with the needs that there are, what we are doing is really a drop in the ocean," he told a press conference in Cairo.
Israel's offensive in Gaza, launched in the wake of a deadly incursion by Hamas militants into southern Israel on Oct. 7, has displaced about 75% of Gaza's 2.3 million people and triggered a major humanitarian crisis.
More than one million people are crammed into the Rafah area near the border with Egypt, where many have just plastic sheeting for shelter in the rain and cold.
Food, medicine, power and fuel have been in short supply, with deliveries of aid from outside Gaza delayed by onerous inspection regimes and complications distributing relief within the enclave.
MSF had not been able to make deliveries of aid to the north of Gaza since November, and requests to access areas throughout the strip were often denied or left unanswered by Israel, said Helen Ottens-Patterson, an MSF emergency coordinator.
"We're able to support our own activities in a very hand to mouth way, but beyond that I think the situation is catastrophic and we need unhindered humanitarian access as soon as possible, and we need a ceasefire to allow us to work properly," she said.
The United Nations has also complained about Israel's "systematic" refusal to grant access to north Gaza, a problem it says became more acute this month.
Israel has denied blocking the entry of aid.
A lack of access to healthcare throughout Gaza has resulted in amputations being done with little or no anaesthesia, women giving birth without medical care, and outbreaks of diarrhoeal and respiratory disease spreading without treatment, MSF staff said.
"The global situation is extremely, extremely worrying in terms of the public health situation in the Gaza Strip and the worsening of the conditions on the ground," said Ottens-Patterson.
Mental health problems were not always visible because people were so focused on survival, but the issue would "explode" once the situation in Gaza stabilised, said Vallaperta. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/aid-workers-can-make-little-impact-on-ocean-of-need-in-gaza-msf
| 2024-01-19T18:43:10Z
|
blocked_url
|
HAMBURG - Attacks on shipping in the Red Sea region have in past days led to a sharp rise in the number of grain cargoes being diverted around the Cape of Good Hope, rather than using the Suez Canal, grain traders and analysts said on Friday.
Earlier this week, shipping sources had said they expected some grain cargo diversions but that most would continue to risk passing through the Suez Canal, which is the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia.
But continued attacks on shipping this week by Iran-backed Houthi militia despite U.S.-led air strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen mean more dry bulk carriers transporting grain are avoiding the Red Sea, analysts and grain traders said.
"About 3 million metric tons of about 7 million tons a month that normally goes through Suez has been diverted," Ishan Bhanu, lead agricultural commodities analyst at data provider and analysts Kpler, said. “So, this week, the number diverting away from the Red Sea has jumped from 20% to 45%.”
He said on Friday, Kpler had traced traced another 18 vessels diverting carrying in total about 1 million tons of grains.
"One vessel carrying soybeans from the U.S. to China, had travelled all the way to Egypt and decided to turn around before entering the Suez Canal," he said.
Wheat shipments via the Suez Canal fell by almost 40% in the first half of January to 0.5 million metric tons due to attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the World Trade Organization said on Thursday.
“The number of diversions has certainly become more serious in the past couple of days,” a German grain trader said, but, as an active charterer of vessels to ship his company's grains, added that large numbers of bulk carriers were still sailing via the Red Sea. REUTERS
|
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/more-grain-ships-divert-from-red-sea-after-attacks
| 2024-01-19T18:43:20Z
|
blocked_url
|
The Obama genes are strong with Malia! The eldest daughter of former President Barack Obama made a rare public appearance on Thursday, as she premiered her short film The Heart at Sundance Film Festival.
The creative, who is going by the name Malia Ann, was chosen to premiere the short in the acclaimed festival – over 14,000 filmmakers submit their work and only around 100 are selected – and in a video she revealed that the project is "an odd little story, somewhat a fable, about a man grieving the death of his mother after she leaves him an unusual request".
"The film is about lost objects and lonely people and forgiveness and regret, but I also think it works hard to uncover where tenderness and closeness can exist in those things," she continued. Watch the video below…
Malia also appeared on the red carpet at Prospector Square Theater in Park City, Utah, keeping warm in the chilly temperatures in a gray maxi coat, loose white button-down shirt and black jeans, paired with chunky boots and a thin scarf.
Malia grew up in the White House after her father was elected President in 2008 when she was 12-years-old.
Her younger sister, Sasha, is a student at University of Southern California in Los Angeles, and the pair live together – a decision mom Michelle was over the moon to hear.
She previously told People: "You try not to react too much because it's like, you don't want to go, 'Oh my gosh, I'm so happy for you!' because then they think, 'Well, maybe this is not a good thing if my mom likes it.' So I just said: 'Okay, well that's interesting that you guys are going to try living together. We'll see how it goes.'
"But yeah, it feels good to know that the two girls you raised find solace at a kitchen table with one another. It's like the one thing you want for them."
Malia and Sasha have kept themselves out of the public eye, and this appearance in Utah is the first public appearance Malia has made as a budding filmmaker.
She has previously worked on the Amazon Prime series Swarm as a writer.
Michelle recently turned 60 and to celebrate Barack shared a sderies of throwback pictures featuring Malia and Sasha, with one taking during an election night gathering in Grant Park on November 4, 2008, moments before Barack won the Presidential Election to become the first African-American U.S. President elect, when Malia was just 10 and Sasha seven.
Another saw them just three months after moving to the White House, as they introduced the world to their new dog, a six-month-old Portuguese water dog named Bo; Bo passed away in 2021 at the age of 12.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/511691/malia-obama-25-spitting-image-barack-obama-makes-rare-public-appearance/
| 2024-01-19T19:02:05Z
|
blocked_url
|
On 19 January, the defense ministers of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania signed an agreement in Riga, committing the Baltic states to construct anti-mobility defensive installations along their borders with Russia and Belarus in the coming years. The Estonian Ministry of Defense announced this development, stating that the move aims to bolster defenses and deter potential military threats.
This follows Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas’s recent interview with The Times, in which she warned that Europe has three to five years to prepare for a potential military threat from Russia on NATO’s eastern flank.
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasized the necessity of this project, stating, “Russia’s war in Ukraine has shown that, in addition to equipment, ammunition, and manpower, physical defensive installations on the border are also needed to defend Estonia from the first meter.”
He stressed that the installations’ primary objective is to avert military conflict in the region and to ensure the Estonian people’s safety. Pevkur highlighted the strategic importance of readiness for various developments, enhancing Estonia’s defense capabilities.
“We are undertaking this effort so that the people of Estonia can feel safe, but if the slightest risk emerged, we would be ready for various developments more promptly,” Pevkur added.
The concept for these installations stems from NATO’s Madrid Summit decisions, focusing on the need for Allies to be prepared to defend their territories from the outset. The planned defensive elements will be integrated into the landscape based on enemy intent analysis, environmental factors, and the defense plan. The Baltic countries, functioning as a unified area of operations, will coordinate the construction of these installations.
The defense ministers also moved forward with regional military cooperation. They signed a Letter of Intent for HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, establishing a framework for joint use of this weapon system in peace and wartime. Additionally, Estonia and Latvia agreed on conducting NATO Air Policing from Latvia’s Lielvarde air base during Ämari air base’s runway repairs.
The meeting also covered support for Ukraine, capability development, and preparations for the upcoming NATO Washington Summit, along with discussions on defense cooperation and the Baltic Defence College.
Earlier, US President Joe Biden said that Russia might plan new wars “if Putin takes Ukraine,” according to The Guardian. He predicted that the Russian leader could attack a NATO country, leading to a scenario where “American troops would be fighting Russian troops,” a situation Biden emphasized in his effort to persuade Republicans to support further aid for Ukraine.
Bild reported that NATO is planning military maneuvers involving 90,000 soldiers, marking the largest exercise since the end of the Cold War. According to Bild, the Steadfast Defender exercise, set to begin in Norway in February, aims to train the alerting and deployment of national and multinational land forces. Additional exercise locations include Lithuania and Hungary.
In December 2023, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his Lithuanian counterpart, Arvydas Anušauskas, signed an agreement that laid the foundation for the permanent deployment of a Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania, its first permanent troop deployment abroad since the end of World War II, with about 5,000 troops expected to be deployed in 2025.
Read also:
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/19/baltic-states-to-build-defensive-installations-along-borders-with-russia-belarus/
| 2024-01-19T19:35:32Z
|
blocked_url
|
Ukraine’s government has allocated a record UAH 17.5 billion ($466 million) for the development of defense borders. This funding, announced on 19 January, is designated for the construction of engineering and fortification structures, relevant equipment, and a system of non-explosive barriers.
Furthermore, the government approved a mechanism to distribute an additional UAH 33.4 billion (approx $800 million) in subvention to communities.
“This is a substantial amount that will help local authorities to carry out all the necessary expenditures for the sustainability and development of our state,” Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated.
The support will be provided in two stages, prioritizing communities in dire need, particularly in de-occupied territories and areas where hostilities are ongoing.
In line with this effort, President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a 19 December press conference in Kyiv, addressed the fortification of front lines, particularly highlighting the robust defenses constructed in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast.
According to the commander of the Joint Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Serhiy Nayev, Russia has about 21,800 troops in the northern operational zone, 1,800 of whom are in Belarus.
Read also:
- Baltic states to build defensive installations along borders with Russia, Belarus
- Expert: FPV drones can not replace artillery but are comparable with battalion mortar systems
- Ukraine reallocates reserve funds to buy ammo and drones amid US aid freeze
- Official: Russians changed assault vector in Luhansk Oblast
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/19/ukraine-allocates-record-466-million-for-fortifications/
| 2024-01-19T19:36:12Z
|
blocked_url
|
Ukraine’s National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NAZK) experts have discovered that a Russian missile, which struck the center of Chernihiv on 19 August 2023 and killed seven people, including a six-year-old girl, contained four components from the US.
Despite the US and EU sanctions imposed to weaken Russia’s “war machine,” NAZK continues to update its database with foreign components found in Russian missiles and air bombs launched against Ukrainian cities.
The missile, identified as an Iskander-K type, was used in the deadly attack on the city and was found to have four American components in its satellite navigation system.
The investigation revealed that the missile was manufactured no earlier than March 2023, suggesting that these components were likely supplied to the aggressor after the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, NAZK reported.
“Foreign technologies and components must not continue to become part of the weaponry of aggressors who kill civilians worldwide. The world must unite around the non-proliferation of its technologies to such terrorist regimes as Russia. Global peace and security depend on it,” NAZK stated.
Earlier this month, NAZK expanded its database of foreign components in Russian weapons, adding 42 new details specific to the Russian Kh-59 cruise missile.
Read also:
|
https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/19/ukraine-identifies-us-made-components-in-russian-missile-used-in-chernihiv-attack/
| 2024-01-19T19:36:52Z
|
blocked_url
|
Fussy eating in children can be incredibly difficult to deal with; it's a problem that most parents deal with and no one really talks about, as countless parents have had their patience disintegrate trying to get their little ones to eat broccoli. If you're lucky your child will grow out of it - but if you have found yourself worrying over your picky eater, just know you're not alone
Chrissy Teigen made the relatable revelation that while her eldest daughter Luna "is the best eater", her son Miles, five, is not.
"Luna is amazing, she eats salads, vegetables", Chrissy explained. But it turns out that Miles really struggles to eat vegetables.
"Miles has still not had a vegetable," Teigen revealed on The Jimmy Kimmel Show. "He is six, almost. He accidentally ate a broccoli floret in fried rice and was so upset about it."
If Chrissy Teigen, who writes cooking books and hosts cooking television shows, struggles to get her son to eat vegetables then truly it must be a tough predicament to find yourself in. But she hasn't given up. The model revealed she went on a Zoom call where they talk about picky eaters and she learned that "it's the only thing they really have control over at that age so he uses it."
Parenting expert Charlotte Stirling-Reed, The Baby & Child Nutritionist at The Baby Show, revealed to HELLO! that Chrissy's approach to her fussy five year old is actually very interesting.
"I love how Chrissy has decided to delve a bit deeper into fussy eating to try and combat it at home", she said.
"Sometimes it’s easy to get stuck in a bit of a rut with food refusal with little ones, but instead she’s done some digging and it sounds like she’s learning about why it happens and what she can do to help."
Charlotte added: "There are so many ways you can help reduce food refusal, but it takes time, patience and also some empathy - which Chrissy is clearly showing!"
The nutritionist explained that fussy eating isn't often kids trying to be naughty.
"Sometimes it’s them just searching for autonomy or independence, which is why we see it a lot in toddlerhood", she explained. "It can be really challenging, but it’s best to stick to what you offer regularly, but also allow children autonomy to refuse foods if they want at mealtimes."
Simply saying, "that’s ok you don’t have to eat it," can actually really help.
According to Charlotte, "quite often this is all kids are looking for and it will allow them to be eventually happy to explore more - especially if they see you exploring a variety of foods at home too!"
It can be easy to presume that celebrities have perfect lives, although Chrissy has always kept it real with fans. As she has opened up about the difficulties of trying to diversify a child's diet, perhaps more parents will start to take a more empathetic approach too.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/511692/chrissy-teigen-son-never-eaten-vegetable-parenting-expert/
| 2024-01-19T19:45:56Z
|
blocked_url
|
The Prince and Princess of Wales are preparing their three young children for their duty as working royals in the future.
But according to a new royal book, future king Prince George, ten, is unlikely to carry out royal engagements until he's much older and finished with his education.
Robert Hardman talks about the contrast between how King Charles and Prince William grew up in his latest publication, King Charles III: The Inside Story.
"Whereas Charles III had his future mapped out without consultation, Prince William had a significant degree of autonomy in his choice of university education, his engagement with the armed forces and his introduction to regular royal duties. He is determined that Prince George should have a similar if not greater involvement in the way he develops his own royal role.
"'There is no expectation that any royal duties are going to kick in until George is well into his twenties,' says a Kensington Palace veteran. 'Before he was even made a page at the Coronation, William and Catherine wanted to ask him if he felt comfortable about it because he was clearly the youngest. It turned out he was keen.'"
George and his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, have accompanied their parents Wiliam and Kate at some of their public outings in recent years, including volunteering with a Scout group just days after the coronation.
Tune in to listen to Robert Hardman on the latest episode of HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast, where he reveals that King Charles 'loves' seeing his grandchildren Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
George travelled to France with William to cheer on Wales during the Rugby World Cup last October. The young prince, who has a keen interest in sport like his parents, has also attended major football matches, including the Euro 2020 tournament, as well as Wimbledon.
The prince sat his first major set of tests last November, believed to be entrance exams for his future school.
George is expected to move to the next stage of his schooling at the age of 13 and is tipped to attend his father William's former school, Eton, or his mother Kate's alma mater, Marlborough College.
The Wales children are currently enrolled at Lambrook co-educational prep school in Berkshire.
The Prince of Wales has postponed his royal engagements in order to support his wife, the Princess of Wales, as she recuperates in hospital following abdominal surgery.
William was seen leaving The London Clinic in a car on Thursday after visiting Kate.
The future Queen was admitted to the private hospital on Tuesday for successful abdominal surgery, which Kensington Palace said was planned.
She is said to be "doing well" but will remain in the exclusive clinic for between ten to 14 days, and is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter.
|
https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/511693/why-prince-george-might-not-take-on-royal-duties-twenties/
| 2024-01-19T19:46:02Z
|
blocked_url
|
Ten millennia ago, a bunch of teenagers in what is now Sweden chewed up and spat out pieces of birch resin, in much the same way that modern kids might stick their used gum to the underside of a school desk. Little did these ancient adolescents know, however, that their discarded chewings would one day be analyzed by scientists, revealing that they had eaten deer, trout, and nuts, processed wolf and fox furs with their teeth, and suffered from gum disease.
The three pieces of chewed birch pitch – which was used as an adhesive during the Stone Age – were originally discovered in the 1990s at a site called Huseby Klev. Based on the age of the sediment in which the samples were found, researchers estimate that they are between 9,540 and 9,890 years old.
To confirm that the wrinkly specimens had indeed been chewed by humans, the study authors compared the microbial DNA sequences present in the resin with both modern and ancient salivary microbiomes. In doing so, they detected high levels of bacteria associated with periodontitis (gum disease), such as Treponema denticola, Streptococcus anginosus, and Slackia exigua.
Other bacterial species including Streptococcus sobrinus and Parascardovia denticolens – both of which are indicators of tooth decay – were also found to be abundant in the ancient chewing gum. Commenting on these findings in a statement, study author Dr Emrah Kırdök explained that “there is a richness of DNA sequences in the chewed mastic from Huseby-Klev, and in it we find both the bacteria that we know are related to periodontitis, and DNA from plants and animals that they had chewed before”.
Indeed, in addition to highlighting the poor oral health of Mesolithic Scandinavians, the genetic information extracted from the gum revealed the various different plant and animal species that had passed between the chewers’ lips shortly before they gnawed on the resin. These included food sources like hazelnuts, apples, brown trout, red deer, and limpets.
Bird species such as mallard, tufted duck, and European robin were also detected, indicating that Stone Age Scandinavians may have used their teeth to process the bones of these creatures into tools, in addition to eating them.
The researchers also identified the DNA of several canids, including red fox, arctic fox, and wolf. According to the authors, these animals were probably hunted for their furs, and people may have used their teeth at some point in the preparation of these pelts.
Among the other plants detected in the gum was mistletoe, which the researchers say might have been used medicinally or to produce poison for arrowheads.
Summing up the team’s findings, study author Professor Anders Götherström said that the DNA in the ancient gum “provides a snapshot of the life of a small group of hunter-gatherers on the Scandinavian west coast.”
“We know that these teenagers were eating deer, trout, and hazelnuts 9,700 years ago on the west coast of Scandinavia, while at least one of them had severe problems with his teeth,” he said.
The study is published in the journal Scientific Reports.
|
https://www.iflscience.com/10000-year-old-chewing-gum-reveals-stone-age-diet-and-poor-oral-health-72530
| 2024-01-19T19:46:05Z
|
blocked_url
|
An eight-year-old has broken new ground in two questions most Australians have pondered at some time: why do magpies swoop, and how do they pick their targets? What started out as a modest school project went viral and received tens of thousands of responses. While some of the survey’s associated questions might not be what an experienced scientist would ask, Emma Glenfield may have produced some significant advances in understanding the issue.
In Australia, the rest of the world is convinced, everything wants to kill you – even the trees. In reality, deaths from snake or spider bites, let alone lethal leaves, are exceptionally rare. For many, the greatest wildlife fear comes from magpies in springtime.
Barely related to the northern hemisphere birds of the same name, Australian magpies are extremely intelligent, playful, and promiscuous. They also have razer-sharp beaks, and every spring a small proportion of the males take to swooping humans who pass through their territory, sometimes deploying beak to head in the process. Possibly in cahoots with the car lobby, swoopers are particularly aggressive towards bike riders, which can lead to nasty accidents as panicked cyclists take their eyes off the road. The Australian Academy of Science even provides guidance on what to do.
Blue Mountains Grammar School has a magpie on site whose name, Mr Swoopsalot, tells the story. Emma, then in Grade 3, wondered at Mr Swoopsalot’s motivation. She also noticed his targets were not random. "He's been coming to school for a long time and he's been swooping all the dads," she told the ABC.
After Emma posed some questions about the topic, her teacher encouraged her to turn it into a project in mathematics, her favorite subject.
With help from her mother, Kirsty, Emma created a survey and used flyers with a QR code to encourage fellow students and strangers to fill it in. The survey went viral, attracting 31,432 responses, a far larger sample size than any research done on the topic by professional scientists. It became so popular a third of the submissions came from outside Australia. Kirsty Glenfield told IFLScience that while she largely let Emma run the project, she contributed by removing all submissions from foreign URLs, given the likelihood they referred to unrelated magpies of the corvid family.
Kirsty took to Reddit to report the results last year.
The key finding was that baldness is a risk factor. “Men who are “bald on top” are twice as likely (30%) to have been swooped in the preceding twelve months than people with other hairstyles (15%),” Kirsty reported.
Other danger factors include height, with those over 183 centimeters (6 feet) also twice as likely to have been swooped in the previous year as those under 160 centimeters (5 feet 3 inches). Unsurprisingly, given these factors, men were more likely to have been swooped recently than women, but Emma did not test the effect of gender when height and hair were controlled for.
Tall and bald being an unusual combination in primary school, only one of Emma’s fellow students reported being swooped, she told IFLScience. However, this didn’t stop many of them from being frightened of their local bird, having seen fathers and teachers alike fall victim.
Magpies are also apparently somewhat fatphobic, with high BMI posing a modestly increased risk.
More people had been swooped while walking than riding, but allowing for how frequently each is practiced in Australia, it is clear cyclists are at the greatest risk.
Emma had never used Excel – when asked, she told her mother she thought it was a size for pants – and Kirsty opted not to teach her. Instead, Emma produced bar graphs out of Lego. Kirsty noted to IFLScience that this turned out to offer advantages Microsoft might want to consider in future releases. “Physically handling and construction is very helpful for children,” Kirsty said. “They really get a sense of how much more red than blue there is on a question.”
In a statement, Emma said: “It’s been really fun doing this survey. I’ve been amazed that so many people wanted to talk about magpies and get involved. I hope my project helps people understand magpies better, and that people will understand that magpie dads are just looking after their babies. If you take time to make friends with magpies before swooping season, they will learn that you are not dangerous but are their friend. Thank you for your help.”
After being put in touch with behavioral ecologist Professor Darryl Jones of Griffith University, Emma is working on a paper for submission to scientific publication. Both Jones and Kirsty Glenfield stress that, while they are helping on such matters as showing Emma how to do a literature review, decisions on which questions to ask and prioritize for analysis are all Emma’s.
Jones is co-author of a seminal paper on the topic rebutting the belief testosterone makes magpies swoop. A broader review may include the less rigorous study that concluded red hair is the most effective swooping deterrent.
Emma’s leadership showed up in a question of how much people like magpies, which, as Kirsty noted to IFLScience, few professional scientists would have asked. Nevertheless, the results were revealing. Overwhelmingly, Australians love magpies. It won the bird of the year contest the first time it was imported from New Zealand, and its song recently gained recognition as the nation’s favorite animal sound. Most respondents to Emma’s survey rated them 10 out of 10 on a scale of hate to love. Nevertheless, 14 percent of the recently swooped reported hating them, compared to just 4 percent of those who had never been swooped.
Emma is considering potential topics for follow-up studies if her work achieves publication, but when IFLScience asked if she wished to become a professional scientist when older she responded: “Maybe an inventor.” Either way, we have high hopes.
[H/T: The ABC]
|
https://www.iflscience.com/8-year-olds-math-project-goes-viral-with-30000-responses-to-why-australian-magpies-swoop-72542
| 2024-01-19T19:46:11Z
|
blocked_url
|
Planetary scientists studying lunar rocks might have discovered some boulders behaving oddly. While studying some cracked boulders, they noticed that some were different from others. They believe some boulders are attracting only certain types of lunar dust, potentially due to magnetic properties.
Dust on Earth is certainly not pleasant, but it is certainly better than the dust you get on the Moon. The layer of loose soil on top of the lunar surface is not powdery at all – without elements to smooth them, dust particles are jagged. Also, they are electrically charged. The combination was a problem for the astronauts that landed on the Moon.
The dust interacts with boulders too. The team investigated boulders of about a meter (3 feet) across in images taken by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Using artificial intelligence, they looked through about one million images for fractured rocks, finding 130,000. Half of them were then checked by the scientists. One boulder stood out in the Reiner Gamma Region.
"We recognized a boulder with distinctive dark areas on just one image. This rock was very different from all the others, as it scatters less light back towards the sun than other rocks. We suspect that this is due to the particular dust structure, such as the density and grain size of the dust," lead author Ottaviano Rüsch, from the University of Münster, said in a statement.
"Normally, lunar dust is very porous and reflects a lot of light back in the direction of illumination. However, when the dust is compacted, the overall brightness usually increases. This is not the case with the observed dust-covered rocks," added co-author Marcel Hess from TU Dortmund University.
The crucial finding is that a very small number of boulders on the Moon have a layer of dust that reflects light weirdly, but what makes these rocks special is unclear. Due to the electrostatic properties of the dust, magnetism is being touted as a possible explanation: The dust might be lifted by interactions with the solar wind and end up on the boulders.
The team plans to study these rocks further, proposing potential ways for how the selective dusting happens. Understanding the presence of these rocks and the way they interact with the lunar regolith (the moon soil) helps scientists work out what are the processes that form and change the lunar crust.
The results of the study have been published in the Journal of Geophysical Research - Planets.
|
https://www.iflscience.com/anomalous-moon-rock-uniquely-covered-in-odd-dust-discovered-in-gamma-swirl-region-72534
| 2024-01-19T19:46:17Z
|
blocked_url
|
It’s currently winter in the Northern Hemisphere, and if you’ve seen the news in the last couple of weeks, you’ll know that many countries have been plunged into freezing temperatures. As if convincing your dog to pee outside and avoiding slipping on ice wasn’t enough, some have claimed that the chilly weather can endanger our electricity supply – namely, in the form of wind turbine failure. But as long as they’re weatherproofed, that isn’t the case.
People started kicking off loudly about wind power and winter back in 2021 when Texas experienced historically low temperatures, and with them, a massive power failure. Blame was quickly placed on iced-over wind turbines – and it turned into quite the political debate about the use of renewable energy – but the problem wasn’t with wind power itself. The turbines simply weren’t prepared for such low temperatures.
“The primary issue with the wind turbines in Texas is that such extreme cold weather was not expected based on the historical record of weather, and therefore the developers did not weatherize the wind turbines,” Michael Howland, MIT professor of civil and environmental engineering, told MIT’s Climate Portal. “Wind turbines operate in much colder locations than Texas, and dealing with icing is very straightforward and common through weatherization.”
According to international design standards, wind turbines should be able to operate down to temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). However, wind farms operate successfully in places where it can get much chillier than that, like the North Sea, Finland, and Sweden, the latter of which recently experienced a less-than-balmy -41.6°C (-42.8°F).
In countries such as these, wind turbines are designed with what’s known as “cold-weather packages”. These can include heaters for lubricants and the turbine’s bearings, and several different systems covering ice detection, de-icing, anti-icing, and hardened sensors.
Swedish power company Skellefteå Kraft has created one such package that’s designed to stop ice from even getting a chance to mingle with the blades. “It involves covering the wind turbine’s blades with a thin layer of carbon fibre which is heated when necessary to prevent ice from forming,” the company website explains. “Ice sensors then detect when there is a risk of ice formation and start the de-icing system before ice can be formed.”
Thanks to these features, turbines can keep on spinning in temperatures that would certainly put the rest of us off work. The events in Texas suggest that, with the recent uptick in super cold winters, specialized weather packages might end up being a more widespread necessity.
“Since extreme weather is increasingly affected by climate change, we may need to revisit which locations require wind turbine weatherization,” said Howland.
All “explainer” articles are confirmed by fact checkers to be correct at time of publishing. Text, images, and links may be edited, removed, or added to at a later date to keep information current.
|
https://www.iflscience.com/do-wind-turbines-stop-working-in-winter-72537
| 2024-01-19T19:46:23Z
|
blocked_url
|
'Tis the season for colds and flu, and with a hefty dose of COVID-19 and other viruses thrown into the mix, chances are you or people you know are feeling pretty rough right now. When you’re struck down with the sniffles, it’s usually not long before a well-meaning person advises you to “feed a cold, starve a fever.” But before you grab that thermometer or go ladling copious amounts of soup down your neck, we thought it worth asking: is there any science behind the saying?
Should you really “feed a cold”?
While it is perfectly fine to eat if you have a cold, it likely won’t have any magical curative powers – although a small study back in 2002 did suggest that eating could have a positive impact on the adaptive immune system. Until more definitive research is performed, however, experts tend to agree that it’s more important to keep an eye on your fluid intake than to worry about what you’re eating.
“Both fevers and colds can cause dehydration,” explains Dr Rachel Dawkins from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
The body uses more water than usual when you have a cold – all that mucus stuffing up your nose has to come from somewhere. It’s important that you replenish that by drinking more. Something like hot water with a touch of lemon and honey can be soothing if your throat is sore, and if you fancy a change with some fruit juice occasionally that’s fine too. Even tea or coffee in moderation is okay – whatever helps keep your pee a lovely pale yellow color.
If you have an appetite, eating some nutritious food won’t do you any harm when it comes to recovering from a cold. Many people throughout history have touted the benefits of chicken soup when you’re under the weather, and there’s a surprising amount of science to back that up. That said, a vegetarian or vegan alternative will also provide you with a lovely nutrient hit, and if you’re not a fan of soup at all there are plenty of other good options.
As registered nurse Brandi Jones wrote for VeryWell Health, foods that contain key vitamins and minerals, proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants can all help keep your energy levels up while you’re sick. The main thing is to try and keep your diet as balanced as possible, and let your immune system do its work.
And don’t overlook over-the-counter remedies. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with a headache or general aches and pains, and your pharmacist might also be able to recommend a cough medicine or throat lozenges.
Should you really “starve a fever”?
Fevers are not a common symptom of a cold, but it’s more likely that you’ll have a high temperature if you’ve come down with the flu.
According to BBC Science Focus, the idea of starving a fever dates back to the Ancient Greeks, but there’s no good scientific evidence that it’s necessary.
Eating may be the last thing on your mind when you’re running a temperature, but if you do feel hungry there’s no medical reason to deprive yourself of food. If you’ve been off your food for a while or are experiencing nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting, it might be best to start with bland foods like plain toast.
However, the advice about hydration applies more than ever.
“One of the main reasons why patients get admitted to the hospital in the setting of a flu or a virus infection is for dehydration,” epidemiologist David B. Banach told Vice.
Replenishing lost fluids is even more important if you’ve been sweating due to a fever, or if you’re unlucky enough to have some of the unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms that can sometimes accompany the flu. In those cases, you may even want to consider an electrolyte powder or drink. And again, there are numerous over-the-counter medications that can help with all your symptoms.
To eat or not to eat? While we shouldn't always be so quick to dismiss grandma's pearls of wisdom, this one pretty much comes down to how you feel. If your fave snack makes you feel a little better, go for it. If you don’t fancy any food for now, just be sure to keep that water bottle handy.
But either way, there’s nothing you can eat or drink that will have a miraculous effect on your recovery. All you can really do is prevent things from getting worse while you ride it out. Which, we appreciate, is probably not the news that those of you currently fighting off the dreaded lurgy were hoping for.
All “explainer” articles are confirmed by fact checkers to be correct at time of publishing. Text, images, and links may be edited, removed, or added to at a later date to keep information current.
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
|
https://www.iflscience.com/feed-a-cold-starve-a-fever-whats-the-science-behind-the-saying-72539
| 2024-01-19T19:46:29Z
|
blocked_url
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.