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The latest trading session saw Analog Devices (ADI - Free Report) ending at $194.74, denoting a -1.25% adjustment from its last day's close. The stock's change was less than the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.06%. Elsewhere, the Dow saw an upswing of 0.35%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq depreciated by 0.76%.
The the stock of semiconductor maker has fallen by 0.68% in the past month, lagging the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 6.36% and the S&P 500's gain of 3.36%.
Market participants will be closely following the financial results of Analog Devices in its upcoming release. The company's upcoming EPS is projected at $1.71, signifying a 37.82% drop compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Our most recent consensus estimate is calling for quarterly revenue of $2.5 billion, down 23.1% from the year-ago period.
In terms of the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $7.05 per share and a revenue of $10.05 billion, indicating changes of -30.13% and -18.37%, respectively, from the former year.
Any recent changes to analyst estimates for Analog Devices should also be noted by investors. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the company's business outlook.
Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, spanning from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), boasts an impressive track record of outperformance, audited externally, with #1 ranked stocks yielding an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has shifted 0.5% upward. Analog Devices is currently a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
Looking at valuation, Analog Devices is presently trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 27.96. Its industry sports an average Forward P/E of 28.11, so one might conclude that Analog Devices is trading at a discount comparatively.
It is also worth noting that ADI currently has a PEG ratio of 2.89. This popular metric is similar to the widely-known P/E ratio, with the difference being that the PEG ratio also takes into account the company's expected earnings growth rate. By the end of yesterday's trading, the Semiconductor - Analog and Mixed industry had an average PEG ratio of 2.89.
The Semiconductor - Analog and Mixed industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. Currently, this industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 222, positioning it in the bottom 12% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank is ordered from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
To follow ADI in the coming trading sessions, be sure to utilize Zacks.com.
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https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2218335/analog-devices-adi-falls-more-steeply-than-broader-market-what-investors-need-to-know
| 2024-01-31T00:18:11Z
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In the latest trading session, Dynatrace (DT - Free Report) closed at $59.35, marking a -0.8% move from the previous day. This change lagged the S&P 500's 0.06% loss on the day. Meanwhile, the Dow gained 0.35%, and the Nasdaq, a tech-heavy index, lost 0.76%.
Prior to today's trading, shares of the software intellegence company had gained 9.4% over the past month. This has outpaced the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 6.36% and the S&P 500's gain of 3.36% in that time.
Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of Dynatrace in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company's earnings report is set to be unveiled on February 8, 2024. The company is predicted to post an EPS of $0.28, indicating a 12% growth compared to the equivalent quarter last year. At the same time, our most recent consensus estimate is projecting a revenue of $357.64 million, reflecting a 20.23% rise from the equivalent quarter last year.
For the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $1.11 per share and a revenue of $1.42 billion, representing changes of +14.43% and +22.14%, respectively, from the prior year.
It's also important for investors to be aware of any recent modifications to analyst estimates for Dynatrace. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. Hence, positive alterations in estimates signify analyst optimism regarding the company's business and profitability.
Our research demonstrates that these adjustments in estimates directly associate with imminent stock price performance. To take advantage of this, we've established the Zacks Rank, an exclusive model that considers these estimated changes and delivers an operational rating system.
Ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), the Zacks Rank system has a proven, outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks returning an average of +25% annually since 1988. Over the past month, there's been a 0.25% rise in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. Dynatrace currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
Looking at its valuation, Dynatrace is holding a Forward P/E ratio of 53.84. This signifies a premium in comparison to the average Forward P/E of 27.63 for its industry.
Meanwhile, DT's PEG ratio is currently 4.14. The PEG ratio is akin to the commonly utilized P/E ratio, but this measure also incorporates the company's anticipated earnings growth rate. The Computers - IT Services industry currently had an average PEG ratio of 2.6 as of yesterday's close.
The Computers - IT Services industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 58, putting it in the top 24% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank evaluates the power of our distinct industry groups by determining the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks forming the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
You can find more information on all of these metrics, and much more, on Zacks.com.
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https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2218336/dynatrace-dt-falls-more-steeply-than-broader-market-what-investors-need-to-know
| 2024-01-31T00:18:17Z
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In the latest trading session, NXP Semiconductors (NXPI - Free Report) closed at $215.17, marking a -1.06% move from the previous day. This change lagged the S&P 500's 0.06% loss on the day. Meanwhile, the Dow gained 0.35%, and the Nasdaq, a tech-heavy index, lost 0.76%.
Prior to today's trading, shares of the chipmaker had lost 5.32% over the past month. This has lagged the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 6.36% and the S&P 500's gain of 3.36% in that time.
Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of NXP Semiconductors in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company's earnings report is set to be unveiled on February 5, 2024. The company is predicted to post an EPS of $3.64, indicating a 2.41% decline compared to the equivalent quarter last year. At the same time, our most recent consensus estimate is projecting a revenue of $3.4 billion, reflecting a 2.52% rise from the equivalent quarter last year.
Investors should also take note of any recent adjustments to analyst estimates for NXP Semiconductors. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. With this in mind, we can consider positive estimate revisions a sign of optimism about the company's business outlook.
Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, which varies between #1 (Strong Buy) and #5 (Strong Sell), carries an impressive track record of exceeding expectations, confirmed by external audits, with stocks at #1 delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 1.62% lower. NXP Semiconductors currently has a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell).
Investors should also note NXP Semiconductors's current valuation metrics, including its Forward P/E ratio of 15.13. This valuation marks a discount compared to its industry's average Forward P/E of 28.11.
Meanwhile, NXPI's PEG ratio is currently 0.91. The PEG ratio is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but this metric also takes the company's expected earnings growth rate into account. The Semiconductor - Analog and Mixed was holding an average PEG ratio of 2.89 at yesterday's closing price.
The Semiconductor - Analog and Mixed industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 222, finds itself in the bottom 12% echelons of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Ensure to harness Zacks.com to stay updated with all these stock-shifting metrics, among others, in the next trading sessions.
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https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2218337/nxp-semiconductors-nxpi-falls-more-steeply-than-broader-market-what-investors-need-to-know
| 2024-01-31T00:18:23Z
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In the latest market close, Emerson Electric (EMR - Free Report) reached $94.75, with a -0.27% movement compared to the previous day. The stock's performance was behind the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.06%. Elsewhere, the Dow gained 0.35%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 0.76%.
Heading into today, shares of the maker of process controls systems, valves and analytical instruments had lost 2.38% over the past month, lagging the Industrial Products sector's gain of 0.15% and the S&P 500's gain of 3.36% in that time.
The investment community will be paying close attention to the earnings performance of Emerson Electric in its upcoming release. The company is slated to reveal its earnings on February 7, 2024. On that day, Emerson Electric is projected to report earnings of $1.04 per share, which would represent year-over-year growth of 33.33%. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $3.89 billion, up 15.4% from the prior-year quarter.
For the annual period, the Zacks Consensus Estimates anticipate earnings of $5.29 per share and a revenue of $17.32 billion, signifying shifts of +19.14% and +14.23%, respectively, from the last year.
Investors should also pay attention to any latest changes in analyst estimates for Emerson Electric. Such recent modifications usually signify the changing landscape of near-term business trends. As such, positive estimate revisions reflect analyst optimism about the company's business and profitability.
Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, running from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), holds an admirable track record of superior performance, independently audited, with #1 stocks contributing an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 0.08% lower. Emerson Electric is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
Valuation is also important, so investors should note that Emerson Electric has a Forward P/E ratio of 17.97 right now. This indicates a discount in contrast to its industry's Forward P/E of 20.85.
We can also see that EMR currently has a PEG ratio of 1.76. The PEG ratio is akin to the commonly utilized P/E ratio, but this measure also incorporates the company's anticipated earnings growth rate. By the end of yesterday's trading, the Manufacturing - Electronics industry had an average PEG ratio of 1.93.
The Manufacturing - Electronics industry is part of the Industrial Products sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 11, finds itself in the top 5% echelons of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank evaluates the power of our distinct industry groups by determining the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks forming the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Make sure to utilize Zacks.com to follow all of these stock-moving metrics, and more, in the coming trading sessions.
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https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2218338/emerson-electric-emr-suffers-a-larger-drop-than-the-general-market-key-insights
| 2024-01-31T00:18:29Z
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Star Bulk Carriers (SBLK - Free Report) closed at $21.74 in the latest trading session, marking a +0.69% move from the prior day. The stock's change was more than the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.06%. At the same time, the Dow added 0.35%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 0.76%.
Coming into today, shares of the shipping company had gained 1.55% in the past month. In that same time, the Transportation sector lost 0.37%, while the S&P 500 gained 3.36%.
Market participants will be closely following the financial results of Star Bulk Carriers in its upcoming release. The company plans to announce its earnings on February 15, 2024. In that report, analysts expect Star Bulk Carriers to post earnings of $0.60 per share. This would mark a year-over-year decline of 33.33%. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projecting net sales of $236.4 million, down 19.81% from the year-ago period.
Furthermore, it would be beneficial for investors to monitor any recent shifts in analyst projections for Star Bulk Carriers. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the company's business outlook.
Based on our research, we believe these estimate revisions are directly related to near-team stock moves. To exploit this, we've formed the Zacks Rank, a quantitative model that includes these estimate changes and presents a viable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, spanning from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), boasts an impressive track record of outperformance, audited externally, with #1 ranked stocks yielding an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has shifted 6.64% downward. Star Bulk Carriers currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
Looking at valuation, Star Bulk Carriers is presently trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 6.82. For comparison, its industry has an average Forward P/E of 7.63, which means Star Bulk Carriers is trading at a discount to the group.
The Transportation - Shipping industry is part of the Transportation sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 78, finds itself in the top 31% echelons of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank is ordered from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Remember to apply Zacks.com to follow these and more stock-moving metrics during the upcoming trading sessions.
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https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2218339/star-bulk-carriers-sblk-advances-while-market-declines-some-information-for-investors
| 2024-01-31T00:18:36Z
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Canopy Growth Corporation (CGC - Free Report) closed at $4.79 in the latest trading session, marking a -0.83% move from the prior day. The stock's performance was behind the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.06%. Elsewhere, the Dow saw an upswing of 0.35%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq depreciated by 0.76%.
Coming into today, shares of the company had lost 5.48% in the past month. In that same time, the Medical sector gained 1.65%, while the S&P 500 gained 3.36%.
The investment community will be closely monitoring the performance of Canopy Growth Corporation in its forthcoming earnings report. The company is scheduled to release its earnings on February 9, 2024. It is anticipated that the company will report an EPS of -$0.45, marking an 87.14% rise compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Simultaneously, our latest consensus estimate expects the revenue to be $53.25 million, showing a 28.58% drop compared to the year-ago quarter.
For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates project earnings of -$3.27 per share and a revenue of $236.95 million, demonstrating changes of +93.89% and -25%, respectively, from the preceding year.
Investors should also take note of any recent adjustments to analyst estimates for Canopy Growth Corporation. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the company's business outlook.
Empirical research indicates that these revisions in estimates have a direct correlation with impending stock price performance. To take advantage of this, we've established the Zacks Rank, an exclusive model that considers these estimated changes and delivers an operational rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, spanning from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), boasts an impressive track record of outperformance, audited externally, with #1 ranked stocks yielding an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate remained stagnant. As of now, Canopy Growth Corporation holds a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell).
The Medical - Products industry is part of the Medical sector. At present, this industry carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 170, placing it within the bottom 33% of over 250 industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the vigor of our specific industry groups by computing the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks incorporated in the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Keep in mind to rely on Zacks.com to watch all these stock-impacting metrics, and more, in the succeeding trading sessions.
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https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2218340/canopy-growth-corporation-cgc-sees-a-more-significant-dip-than-broader-market-some-facts-to-know
| 2024-01-31T00:18:42Z
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PennantPark (PNNT - Free Report) closed the most recent trading day at $7.19, making no change from the previous trading session. This change was narrower than the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.06%. At the same time, the Dow added 0.35%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 0.76%.
The business development company's shares have seen an increase of 4.05% over the last month, surpassing the Finance sector's loss of 1.67% and the S&P 500's gain of 3.36%.
Market participants will be closely following the financial results of PennantPark in its upcoming release. The company plans to announce its earnings on February 7, 2024. The company's upcoming EPS is projected at $0.23, signifying a 43.75% increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year. At the same time, our most recent consensus estimate is projecting a revenue of $32.46 million, reflecting an 8.33% rise from the equivalent quarter last year.
In terms of the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $0.92 per share and a revenue of $134.31 million, indicating changes of -8% and -7.6%, respectively, from the former year.
It is also important to note the recent changes to analyst estimates for PennantPark. These recent revisions tend to reflect the evolving nature of short-term business trends. Consequently, upward revisions in estimates express analysts' positivity towards the company's business operations and its ability to generate profits.
Our research suggests that these changes in estimates have a direct relationship with upcoming stock price performance. To capitalize on this, we've crafted the Zacks Rank, a unique model that incorporates these estimate changes and offers a practical rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, which varies between #1 (Strong Buy) and #5 (Strong Sell), carries an impressive track record of exceeding expectations, confirmed by external audits, with stocks at #1 delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate remained stagnant within the past month. PennantPark is holding a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) right now.
Digging into valuation, PennantPark currently has a Forward P/E ratio of 7.84. This expresses a premium compared to the average Forward P/E of 7.78 of its industry.
The Financial - SBIC & Commercial Industry industry is part of the Finance sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 187, which puts it in the bottom 26% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank is ordered from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Keep in mind to rely on Zacks.com to watch all these stock-impacting metrics, and more, in the succeeding trading sessions.
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https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2218341/pennantpark-pnnt-flat-as-market-sinks-what-you-should-know
| 2024-01-31T00:18:48Z
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The most recent trading session ended with EQT Corporation (EQT - Free Report) standing at $36.15, reflecting a +0.92% shift from the previouse trading day's closing. The stock's performance was ahead of the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.06%. On the other hand, the Dow registered a gain of 0.35%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq decreased by 0.76%.
Coming into today, shares of the company had lost 7.35% in the past month. In that same time, the Oils-Energy sector lost 1.02%, while the S&P 500 gained 3.36%.
Market participants will be closely following the financial results of EQT Corporation in its upcoming release. The company plans to announce its earnings on February 13, 2024. The company is expected to report EPS of $0.51, up 21.43% from the prior-year quarter. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projecting net sales of $1.56 billion, up 18.5% from the year-ago period.
Investors should also note any recent changes to analyst estimates for EQT Corporation. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. Hence, positive alterations in estimates signify analyst optimism regarding the company's business and profitability.
Based on our research, we believe these estimate revisions are directly related to near-team stock moves. To take advantage of this, we've established the Zacks Rank, an exclusive model that considers these estimated changes and delivers an operational rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), possesses a remarkable history of outdoing, externally audited, with #1 stocks returning an average annual gain of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 18.35% lower. EQT Corporation is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #5 (Strong Sell).
Looking at its valuation, EQT Corporation is holding a Forward P/E ratio of 12.56. Its industry sports an average Forward P/E of 8.47, so one might conclude that EQT Corporation is trading at a premium comparatively.
We can additionally observe that EQT currently boasts a PEG ratio of 0.79. The PEG ratio is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but this metric also takes the company's expected earnings growth rate into account. The Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States was holding an average PEG ratio of 0.66 at yesterday's closing price.
The Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States industry is part of the Oils-Energy sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 249, finds itself in the bottom 2% echelons of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank evaluates the power of our distinct industry groups by determining the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks forming the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Ensure to harness Zacks.com to stay updated with all these stock-shifting metrics, among others, in the next trading sessions.
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https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2218342/eqt-corporation-eqt-increases-despite-market-slip-heres-what-you-need-to-know
| 2024-01-31T00:18:54Z
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Fidelity National Information Services (FIS - Free Report) ended the recent trading session at $63.15, demonstrating a -0.55% swing from the preceding day's closing price. This change lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.06%. Meanwhile, the Dow experienced a rise of 0.35%, and the technology-dominated Nasdaq saw a decrease of 0.76%.
Coming into today, shares of the banking and payment technologies company had gained 5.71% in the past month. In that same time, the Business Services sector gained 1.8%, while the S&P 500 gained 3.36%.
Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of Fidelity National Information Services in its upcoming earnings disclosure. It is anticipated that the company will report an EPS of $0.95, marking a 44.44% fall compared to the same quarter of the previous year. In the meantime, our current consensus estimate forecasts the revenue to be $2.52 billion, indicating a 32.16% decline compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year.
Investors should also note any recent changes to analyst estimates for Fidelity National Information Services. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. Therefore, positive revisions in estimates convey analysts' confidence in the company's business performance and profit potential.
Based on our research, we believe these estimate revisions are directly related to near-team stock moves. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, which varies between #1 (Strong Buy) and #5 (Strong Sell), carries an impressive track record of exceeding expectations, confirmed by external audits, with stocks at #1 delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 3.78% higher within the past month. Fidelity National Information Services is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
Valuation is also important, so investors should note that Fidelity National Information Services has a Forward P/E ratio of 14.68 right now. This represents a premium compared to its industry's average Forward P/E of 13.28.
We can additionally observe that FIS currently boasts a PEG ratio of 1.05. The PEG ratio is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but this metric also takes the company's expected earnings growth rate into account. The Financial Transaction Services was holding an average PEG ratio of 1.16 at yesterday's closing price.
The Financial Transaction Services industry is part of the Business Services sector. Currently, this industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 96, positioning it in the top 39% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Ensure to harness Zacks.com to stay updated with all these stock-shifting metrics, among others, in the next trading sessions.
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https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2218343/why-fidelity-national-information-services-fis-dipped-more-than-broader-market-today
| 2024-01-31T00:19:01Z
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AvidXchange Holdings, Inc. (AVDX - Free Report) closed at $11.26 in the latest trading session, marking a -1.57% move from the prior day. The stock fell short of the S&P 500, which registered a loss of 0.06% for the day. Elsewhere, the Dow gained 0.35%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 0.76%.
Shares of the company have depreciated by 7.67% over the course of the past month, underperforming the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 6.36% and the S&P 500's gain of 3.36%.
Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of AvidXchange Holdings, Inc. in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company's earnings report is set to be unveiled on February 28, 2024. It is anticipated that the company will report an EPS of $0, marking a 100% rise compared to the same quarter of the previous year. In the meantime, our current consensus estimate forecasts the revenue to be $98.64 million, indicating a 14.45% growth compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year.
Any recent changes to analyst estimates for AvidXchange Holdings, Inc. should also be noted by investors. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. Therefore, positive revisions in estimates convey analysts' confidence in the company's business performance and profit potential.
Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. To capitalize on this, we've crafted the Zacks Rank, a unique model that incorporates these estimate changes and offers a practical rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, spanning from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), boasts an impressive track record of outperformance, audited externally, with #1 ranked stocks yielding an average annual return of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate remained stagnant within the past month. At present, AvidXchange Holdings, Inc. boasts a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).
Looking at its valuation, AvidXchange Holdings, Inc. is holding a Forward P/E ratio of 93.39. Its industry sports an average Forward P/E of 34.36, so one might conclude that AvidXchange Holdings, Inc. is trading at a premium comparatively.
The Internet - Software industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. With its current Zacks Industry Rank of 66, this industry ranks in the top 27% of all industries, numbering over 250.
The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the vigor of our specific industry groups by computing the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks incorporated in the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Make sure to utilize Zacks.com to follow all of these stock-moving metrics, and more, in the coming trading sessions.
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https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2218344/avidxchange-holdings-inc-avdx-declines-more-than-market-some-information-for-investors
| 2024-01-31T00:19:07Z
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Workday (WDAY - Free Report) closed at $294.86 in the latest trading session, marking a -0.63% move from the prior day. The stock fell short of the S&P 500, which registered a loss of 0.06% for the day. Elsewhere, the Dow gained 0.35%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 0.76%.
Shares of the maker of human resources software have appreciated by 7.49% over the course of the past month, outperforming the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 6.36% and the S&P 500's gain of 3.36%.
Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of Workday in its upcoming earnings disclosure. It is anticipated that the company will report an EPS of $1.44, marking a 45.45% rise compared to the same quarter of the previous year. In the meantime, our current consensus estimate forecasts the revenue to be $1.91 billion, indicating a 16.12% growth compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year.
For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $5.71 per share and revenue of $7.24 billion, which would represent changes of +56.87% and +16.54%, respectively, from the prior year.
It is also important to note the recent changes to analyst estimates for Workday. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. Therefore, positive revisions in estimates convey analysts' confidence in the company's business performance and profit potential.
Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. To capitalize on this, we've crafted the Zacks Rank, a unique model that incorporates these estimate changes and offers a practical rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, stretching from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has a noteworthy track record of outperforming, validated by third-party audits, with stocks rated #1 producing an average annual return of +25% since the year 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 0.13% lower. Workday currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
From a valuation perspective, Workday is currently exchanging hands at a Forward P/E ratio of 51.94. This signifies a premium in comparison to the average Forward P/E of 34.36 for its industry.
We can also see that WDAY currently has a PEG ratio of 1.96. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock's expected earnings growth rate. Internet - Software stocks are, on average, holding a PEG ratio of 1.73 based on yesterday's closing prices.
The Internet - Software industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. With its current Zacks Industry Rank of 66, this industry ranks in the top 27% of all industries, numbering over 250.
The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our individual industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Be sure to use Zacks.com to monitor all these stock-influencing metrics, and more, throughout the forthcoming trading sessions.
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https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2218345/workday-wday-declines-more-than-market-some-information-for-investors
| 2024-01-31T00:19:13Z
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The most recent trading session ended with Marathon Oil (MRO - Free Report) standing at $23.54, reflecting a +1.51% shift from the previouse trading day's closing. The stock outpaced the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.06%. On the other hand, the Dow registered a gain of 0.35%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq decreased by 0.76%.
Heading into today, shares of the energy company had lost 4.01% over the past month, lagging the Oils-Energy sector's loss of 1.02% and the S&P 500's gain of 3.36% in that time.
The investment community will be closely monitoring the performance of Marathon Oil in its forthcoming earnings report. The company is scheduled to release its earnings on February 21, 2024. The company's upcoming EPS is projected at $0.62, signifying a 29.55% drop compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projecting net sales of $1.66 billion, down 4.29% from the year-ago period.
Investors should also take note of any recent adjustments to analyst estimates for Marathon Oil. These recent revisions tend to reflect the evolving nature of short-term business trends. As such, positive estimate revisions reflect analyst optimism about the company's business and profitability.
Our research suggests that these changes in estimates have a direct relationship with upcoming stock price performance. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, there's been a 25.62% fall in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. Marathon Oil is holding a Zacks Rank of #5 (Strong Sell) right now.
Looking at its valuation, Marathon Oil is holding a Forward P/E ratio of 8.89. This expresses a discount compared to the average Forward P/E of 12.85 of its industry.
We can additionally observe that MRO currently boasts a PEG ratio of 0.45. The PEG ratio is akin to the commonly utilized P/E ratio, but this measure also incorporates the company's anticipated earnings growth rate. The Oil and Gas - Integrated - United States industry had an average PEG ratio of 0.52 as trading concluded yesterday.
The Oil and Gas - Integrated - United States industry is part of the Oils-Energy sector. At present, this industry carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 234, placing it within the bottom 8% of over 250 industries.
The strength of our individual industry groups is measured by the Zacks Industry Rank, which is calculated based on the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within these groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Make sure to utilize Zacks.com to follow all of these stock-moving metrics, and more, in the coming trading sessions.
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https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2218346/marathon-oil-mro-gains-as-market-dips-what-you-should-know
| 2024-01-31T00:19:19Z
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The most recent trading session ended with Advance Auto Parts (AAP - Free Report) standing at $67.25, reflecting a +0.43% shift from the previouse trading day's closing. The stock outperformed the S&P 500, which registered a daily loss of 0.06%. On the other hand, the Dow registered a gain of 0.35%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq decreased by 0.76%.
The auto parts retailer's shares have seen an increase of 9.72% over the last month, surpassing the Retail-Wholesale sector's gain of 1.86% and the S&P 500's gain of 3.36%.
The investment community will be closely monitoring the performance of Advance Auto Parts in its forthcoming earnings report. The company is expected to report EPS of $0.24, down 91.67% from the prior-year quarter. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $2.47 billion, down 0.2% from the prior-year quarter.
It's also important for investors to be aware of any recent modifications to analyst estimates for Advance Auto Parts. These revisions help to show the ever-changing nature of near-term business trends. As a result, upbeat changes in estimates indicate analysts' favorable outlook on the company's business health and profitability.
Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, spanning from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), boasts an impressive track record of outperformance, audited externally, with #1 ranked stocks yielding an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 0.08% lower. At present, Advance Auto Parts boasts a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
From a valuation perspective, Advance Auto Parts is currently exchanging hands at a Forward P/E ratio of 17.3. This denotes a discount relative to the industry's average Forward P/E of 24.32.
It's also important to note that AAP currently trades at a PEG ratio of 1.24. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock's expected earnings growth rate. The Automotive - Retail and Wholesale - Parts industry had an average PEG ratio of 1.54 as trading concluded yesterday.
The Automotive - Retail and Wholesale - Parts industry is part of the Retail-Wholesale sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 68, which puts it in the top 27% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Remember to apply Zacks.com to follow these and more stock-moving metrics during the upcoming trading sessions.
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https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2218347/advance-auto-parts-aap-ascends-while-market-falls-some-facts-to-note
| 2024-01-31T00:19:26Z
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The most recent trading session ended with CleanSpark (CLSK - Free Report) standing at $8.42, reflecting a -1.29% shift from the previouse trading day's closing. The stock fell short of the S&P 500, which registered a loss of 0.06% for the day. Meanwhile, the Dow gained 0.35%, and the Nasdaq, a tech-heavy index, lost 0.76%.
The company's shares have seen a decrease of 22.67% over the last month, not keeping up with the Finance sector's loss of 1.67% and the S&P 500's gain of 3.36%.
Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of CleanSpark in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company's earnings report is set to be unveiled on February 8, 2024. The company's upcoming EPS is projected at -$0.28, signifying a 39.13% increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Simultaneously, our latest consensus estimate expects the revenue to be $64.42 million, showing a 131.54% escalation compared to the year-ago quarter.
For the annual period, the Zacks Consensus Estimates anticipate earnings of -$0.98 per share and a revenue of $350.03 million, signifying shifts of +24.03% and +116.86%, respectively, from the last year.
It is also important to note the recent changes to analyst estimates for CleanSpark. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. As such, positive estimate revisions reflect analyst optimism about the company's business and profitability.
Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, there's been no change in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. CleanSpark is currently a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
The Financial - Miscellaneous Services industry is part of the Finance sector. With its current Zacks Industry Rank of 170, this industry ranks in the bottom 33% of all industries, numbering over 250.
The strength of our individual industry groups is measured by the Zacks Industry Rank, which is calculated based on the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within these groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Don't forget to use Zacks.com to keep track of all these stock-moving metrics, and others, in the upcoming trading sessions.
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https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2218348/cleanspark-clsk-suffers-a-larger-drop-than-the-general-market-key-insights
| 2024-01-31T00:19:32Z
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Ashland (ASH - Free Report) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.45 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.21 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.97 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.
This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 114.29%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this chemical company would post earnings of $0.47 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.41, delivering a surprise of -12.77%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates just once.
Ashland
The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.
Ashland shares have lost about 4.2% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 3.3%.
What's Next for Ashland?
While Ashland has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?
There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Ashland: mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $1.06 on $563.9 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $3.92 on $2.14 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.
Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Chemical - Specialty is currently in the bottom 23% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
Orion (OEC - Free Report) , another stock in the same industry, has yet to report results for the quarter ended December 2023. The results are expected to be released on February 14.
This producer of the chemcial additive carbon black is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.38 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +46.2%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
Orion's revenues are expected to be $437.71 million, down 5.3% from the year-ago quarter.
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https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2218349/ashland-ash-q1-earnings-surpass-estimates
| 2024-01-31T00:19:38Z
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First Commonwealth Financial (FCF - Free Report) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.44 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.39 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.39 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.
This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 12.82%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this financial holding company would post earnings of $0.40 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.39, delivering a surprise of -2.50%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times.
First Commonwealth Financial
The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.
First Commonwealth Financial shares have lost about 2.5% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 3.3%.
What's Next for First Commonwealth Financial?
While First Commonwealth Financial has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?
There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for First Commonwealth Financial: unfavorable. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to underperform the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $0.37 on $122.74 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $1.54 on $496 million in revenues for the current fiscal year.
Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Banks - Northeast is currently in the top 38% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
Another stock from the same industry, Evans Bancorp (EVBN - Free Report) , has yet to report results for the quarter ended December 2023. The results are expected to be released on February 1.
This bank is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.44 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -60%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
Evans Bancorp's revenues are expected to be $17.62 million, down 25.6% from the year-ago quarter.
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https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2218350/first-commonwealth-financial-fcf-q4-earnings-top-estimates
| 2024-01-31T00:19:44Z
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Chubb (CB - Free Report) came out with quarterly earnings of $8.30 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.07 per share. This compares to earnings of $4.05 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.
This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 63.71%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this insurer would post earnings of $4.21 per share when it actually produced earnings of $4.95, delivering a surprise of 17.58%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times.
Chubb
The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.
Chubb shares have added about 7.4% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 3.3%.
What's Next for Chubb?
While Chubb has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?
There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Chubb: mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $5.20 on $12.59 billion in revenues for the coming quarter and $20.64 on $54.4 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.
Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Insurance - Property and Casualty is currently in the top 42% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
Another stock from the same industry, Donegal Group (DGICA - Free Report) , has yet to report results for the quarter ended December 2023.
This insurance holding company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.23 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +155.6%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
Donegal Group's revenues are expected to be $234.1 million, up 5.1% from the year-ago quarter.
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https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2218351/chubb-cb-q4-earnings-and-revenues-beat-estimates
| 2024-01-31T00:19:51Z
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Teradyne (TER - Free Report) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.79 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.72 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.92 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.
This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 9.72%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this maker of wireless products, data storage and equipment to test semiconductors would post earnings of $0.72 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.80, delivering a surprise of 11.11%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times.
Teradyne
The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.
Teradyne shares have lost about 2.3% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 3.3%.
What's Next for Teradyne?
While Teradyne has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?
There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Teradyne: unfavorable. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to underperform the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $0.54 on $624.42 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $3.63 on $2.95 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.
Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Electronics - Testing Equipment is currently in the top 10% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
Another stock from the same industry, Fortive (FTV - Free Report) , has yet to report results for the quarter ended December 2023. The results are expected to be released on January 31.
This industrial conglomerate is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.93 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +5.7%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
Fortive's revenues are expected to be $1.57 billion, up 2.5% from the year-ago quarter.
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https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2218354/teradyne-ter-q4-earnings-top-estimates
| 2024-01-31T00:19:57Z
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Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick have announced special news as they are set to reunite on the silver screen after two decades in the eagerly anticipated film Connescence.
In a statement to Deadline, the couple shared their excitement: “We are so excited to work together on screen again for the first time in 20 years in such a funny, moving, and original script.”
This enthusiasm reflects not only their passion for their craft but also the joy of rekindling their on-screen chemistry.
Crafted by Michael J. Weithorn, the mastermind behind The King of Queens, this project is a milestone for the couple, blending their formidable talents in a narrative rich with humor and emotional depth.
The production, under the banner of Fibonacci Films, has recently commenced principal photography, promising a captivating experience for audiences.
The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Brittany O’Grady from White Lotus and the Oscar-nominated Judd Hirsch of The Fabelmans.
In a twist of fate, Kevin portrays Stan Olszewski, a sharp-witted yet underachieving security guard, who fortuitously thwarts a robbery at the residence of Cynthia Rand, played by Kyra, a successful urologist.
This incident sparks an unexpected and electric friendship, blossoming through late-night texts and revealing conversations that eventually rock the foundations of their lives.
This collaboration is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time Kevin and Kyra have shared the screen since 2004, when they appeared in Cavedweller and The Woodsman.
Their off-screen partnership, which began in 1988 and includes raising two children, has been a testament to both their personal and professional synergy.
Over the years, they have directed each other in various projects, with Kevin at the helm of Loverboy and Kyra directing Space Oddity, while individually earning accolades for roles in productions like The Closer and Taking Chance.
The duo's commitment to family-oriented filmmaking is further highlighted in Kyra's recent directorial venture, Space Oddity, where Kevin stars and their son, a talented musician, contributes to the film's score.
In a candid interview with HELLO! magazine, they discussed the significance of involving their family in their creative endeavors. Despite facing scrutiny over the advantages of Hollywood nepotism, Kyra and Kevin view working with their children as an invaluable experience.
Kyra explained to HELLO!, "It's a little nepotism, but it's always worth it." She praises her children's skills and their deep understanding of her vision, stating, "They're amazing at what they do, and they know my brain. So it's nice."
Reflecting on directing her husband in Space Oddity, Kyra described the process as seamless, attributing it to Kevin's exceptional acting prowess and the minimal direction he requires.
This dynamic not only showcases their individual talents but also underscores the strength of their collaborative spirit.
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/512398/kevin-bacon-and-kyra-sedgewick-announce-special-news/
| 2024-01-31T00:24:52Z
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Rihanna is a doting mom to two young children, and it's clear she is taking to motherhood like a natural following the arrival of her firstborn, RZA, in May 2022.
The Umbrella hitmaker is notoriously private about her personal life, especially since becoming a parent, but a lot can be observed from the small glimpses she has shared with fans.
Just a few days ago, the award-winning singer was pictured out in Paris during Fashion Week, with long-term partner A$AP Rocky and their boys, RZA, one, and baby Riot Rose, five months.
Rihanna's parenting style has been observed by several experts, with Pip Davies, midwife at The Baby Show, and known to many as Midwife Pip, told HELLO! that it's clear the tsar is a very "nurturing" parent.
"From the photos we have seen Rihanna seems to be a very nurturing and well attached mother balancing her public and private life demands," she said.
On the way the Fenty Beauty founder balances motherhood with her career in the spotlight, she said: "Everyone feels comfortable parenting in a different way and for someone in the spotlight as much as Rihanna it must be a difficult balance between her public and private life.
"I think it is inspiring to see her fulfilling her career whilst raising her children in the way she feels is right for her family. Motherhood is very much a full on job and Rihanna has a physically and psychologically demanding career alongside within her private space I hope she also has support to look after herself too, often the mum gets forgotten about amongst all the other demands."
Rihanna has previously opened up about wanting a large family, meaning it might well be that she chooses to have another child in the future.
Back in 2020, she told British Vogue: "I'll have kids. Three or four of 'em." During another interview with the publication following her second pregnancy reveal in February, she once again expressed her hopes for more children. "Listen, I'm down for whatever," she said.
"My wish would be I would like to have more kids but whatever God wants for me, I'm here. I'm open [to whatever baby sex next]. Girl, boy. Whatever."
She loves motherhood too, telling British Vogue: "Oh, my God, it's legendary. It's everything. You really don't remember life before, that's the craziest thing ever. "You literally try to remember it – and there are photos of my life before – but the feeling, the desires, the things that you enjoy, everything, you just don't identify with it because you don't even allow yourself mentally to get that far, because…Because it doesn't matter."
Read more HELLO! US stories here
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/512389/rihanna-parenting-style-revealed-new-photos-sons-rza-riot-rose/
| 2024-01-31T00:24:58Z
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Brian Wilson, the legendary Beach Boys artist, announced the heartbreaking news of his wife Melinda Ledbetter's passing at the age of 77.
Brian, 81, shared this deeply personal and tragic news on Instagram Tuesday, along with a poignant pair of images, expressing his profound grief over the loss of his spouse, whom he married in 1995.
"My heart is broken," Brian stated. "Melinda, my beloved wife of 28 years, passed away this morning. Our five children and I are just in tears. We are lost. Melinda was more than my wife. She was my savior."
He opened up about their close bond, highlighting how Melinda provided him with the emotional security necessary to continue his illustrious career and encouraged him to create music that resonated deeply with him.
"She was my anchor. She was everything for us. Please say a prayer for her," he concluded, signing off with "Love and Mercy Brian."
The couple, parents to five adopted children—Dakota Rose, Daria Rose, Delanie Rose, Dylan, and Dash—shared a deep commitment to their family.
A statement from Brian and Melinda's children accompanied Wilson's announcement, describing their late mother as "a force of nature and one of the strongest women you could come by."
They expressed their profound loss, saying, "It is with a heavy heart that we let everyone know that our mom, Melinda Kay Ledbetter Wilson passed away peacefully this morning at home."
They remembered her as not just a mother and a model, but as a woman empowered by her spirit, with a mission to better everyone she touched.
The children's tribute to Melinda reflected on the invaluable life lessons she imparted, teaching them to care for others without expecting anything in return, to find beauty in dark places, and to live life authentically.
They ended their message with a poignant farewell: "We love you mom. Give Grandma Rose and Pa our love."
Rolling Stone reported that the cause of Melinda's death was unknown. The story of Brian and Melinda's relationship began in 1986, when they first met as she sold him a Cadillac. Their on-and-off relationship, which started in 1989, rekindled in 1992 in Los Angeles, leading to their marriage three years later. In a 1998 interview with People, Brian described Melinda as 'a partner who's also a best friend', a sentiment he had never experienced before.
Melinda opened up about Brian's challenges in dealing with 'the world's insanity', while paradoxically calling him 'probably the most sane person' she knew. Their love story and Brian's struggles, including his battles with mental illness and his controversial relationship with his late therapist and legal guardian Dr. Eugene Landy, were captured in the 2014 biopic Love & Mercy. Paul Dano and John Cusack portrayed Brian, while Elizabeth Banks played Melinda in the film.
Melinda played a crucial role in helping Brian distance himself from Dr. Landy, who was barred from any contact with Brian in 1992 following a lawsuit from Wilson's family, accusing Landy of having 'undue influence' over the musician.
Reflecting on this period, Melinda said in a 2004 Larry King interview that initially, Landy did help Brian with his physical health, but over time, the relationship turned controlling, effectively making Brian a prisoner.
In a 1998 conversation with The Chicago Tribune, Melinda spoke about Brian rebuilding his life post-Landy and his troubled upbringing. She observed that Brian's growth in love and family marked a significant shift from his past, filled with abuse and neglect. She wondered how different his music might have been had he experienced a supportive, loving family from the beginning.
In 2015, speaking to ABC News about the film adaptation of their story, Melinda admitted the challenge of watching their life portrayed on screen. Recalling their experience watching Love & Mercy, she shared Brian's reaction, indicating that reality had been much harsher than its cinematic depiction.Before her foray into auto sales, Melinda was a native of Whittier, California, and had a 16-year career as a model.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/512400/beach-boys-star-brian-wilson-reveals-wife-melinda-has-died-aged-77-in-heartbreaking-post/
| 2024-01-31T01:26:14Z
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Halle Berry recently showcased her timeless beauty and fit figure in a new photoshoot, stirring admiration and awe among her fans and followers.
Taking to social media, the 57-year-old actress posted a striking black and white photograph on her women's wellness brand Rē-Spin's official Instagram page, where she appeared remarkably youthful, defying her age.
The captivating image featured Halle in a bold and minimalist style, sitting pretzel-style on the floor, going completely braless and wearing only a pair of high-waisted white pants.
Artfully covering herself, she exuded confidence and elegance, while her hair, partially concealing her face, added an air of mystique.
The post was accompanied by a reflective caption: "As we navigate the shifts between seasons, we are reminded of the ever-present change surrounding us.
However, these transitions provide us with an opportunity to expand and develop. By adjusting our routines to be more aligned with our spiritual beings, we unlock boundless possibilities for personal growth and transformation."
Fans quickly took to the comments section to express their admiration. "This is so very absolutely heart-stopping," one fan exclaimed, while another chimed in, "Beautiful, always stunning."
Halle's ability to inspire and captivate her audience was evident in the overwhelming positive response. Halle's engagement with her fans extends beyond her captivating images.
She recently discussed her boyfriend, musician Van Hunt, and his career on her Instagram page, where she promoted his latest music.
Accompanying an artistic music video, Halle wrote, "About damn time, Van! You're so deserving of your own label and I'm so proud of your music and your journey."
She continued, "You continue to do it your way and sometimes that can be a lonely road." Halle's heartfelt words reveal the deep connection and support within their relationship.
In a playful exchange with her fans, Halle responded to a suggestion that she should gift Van a helicopter to celebrate. Her witty reply was both humorous and suggestive: "Oh, I don't know about a helicopter but I will give him my chopper a little later." This exchange highlights Halle's spirited and fun-loving personality.
Halle's social media presence often includes glimpses into her personal life. Earlier this month, she shared a photo of her toned legs as she lounged in a bathtub, alongside a candid caption: "Sometimes all I need is a bath and for everyone to shut the hell up!" While many fans praised the sultry snap, others expressed concern over a "demonic" statue of a naked boy positioned in the corner, leading to speculation and questions about its origin and significance.
Beyond her striking looks and engaging social media presence, Halle's commitment to health and wellness is a major aspect of her life.
She works closely with celebrity trainer Peter Lee Thomas and has co-founded the health and wellness platform rē•spin, offering nutritious recipes, workouts, and affordable fitness products.
Discussing her varied workout routine, Halle told InStyle, "It always varies! Over the past few years, I went from training for John Wick 3 to my upcoming film and directorial debut Bruised. Some days I'd work on strength and cardio and others I'd do yoga and stretching, all while I did a few hours of martial arts training each day. For me, it's been important not to overstress my body."
In addition to her fitness regimen, Halle maintains a strict diet, especially after being diagnosed with diabetes at 22.
She transitioned to a keto diet, cutting out sugar and refined carbs. "After my diagnosis, though, it was like a switch flipped," she shared with Women's Health.
"My health was on the line, so I went cold turkey on my sugar-filled ways. Out the window went the candy, the desserts, and even super-sweet fruit." She now satisfies her sweet cravings with healthier options like blueberries and raspberries, while also avoiding bread, rice, and pasta.
Halle's diet primarily consists of 75 percent fats, 20 percent proteins, and five percent carbohydrates, incorporating foods like steak, lamb, chicken, dark leafy greens, eggs, avocado, zucchini noodles, and bone broth.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/celebrity-style/512399/halle-berry-57-looks-incredibly-youthful-as-she-goes-shirtless-in-new-racy-photo/
| 2024-01-31T01:26:20Z
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SEOUL - North Korea said on Jan 31 that it successfully test-fired a strategic cruise missile, part of a selection of recently launched weapons that analysts warn could be destined for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The North’s state-run news agency KCNA said the missile – a “Hwasal-2” – was fired into the West Sea on Jan 30.
The launch was first noted by Seoul’s military, which said it had detected several cruise missiles.
KCNA said the drill was meant to check the army’s “rapid counter-attack posture” as well as improve “its strategic striking capability”.
It added that the launch had “no adverse effect on the security” of neighbouring countries.
In January, Pyongyang conducted tests of what it called an “underwater nuclear weapon system”, a solid-fuelled hypersonic ballistic missile, and a new generation of strategic cruise missiles.
The Hwasal-2 strategic cruise missile has been test-fired before by the North.
Unlike their ballistic counterparts, the testing of cruise missiles is not banned under current United Nations sanctions on Pyongyang.
Cruise missiles tend to be jet-propelled and fly at a lower altitude than more sophisticated ballistic missiles, making them harder to detect and intercept.
Already, on Jan 29, North Korea launched from a submarine two Pulhwasal-3-31s, a type of new strategic cruise missile, during a test overseen by leader Kim Jong Un.
Despite rafts of UN sanctions, Seoul and Washington say Mr Kim has been shipping weapons to Russia, possibly in exchange for Moscow’s technical assistance in Pyongyang’s budding spy satellite programme.
Mr Kim made a rare overseas trip to Russia last September to meet President Vladimir Putin at a cosmodrome, with Mr Putin now set to pay a visit to Pyongyang in return.
The North successfully put its first spy satellite into orbit in November.
“It is believed that North Korea has commenced mass production of cruise missiles ordered by Russia,” Dr Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP.
The test launches also come as relations between the two Koreas have sharply deteriorated, with Mr Kim declaring Seoul his principal enemy.
In recent weeks, he has additionally jettisoned agencies dedicated to reunification and outreach with the South, and threatened war over “even 0.001 mm” of territorial infringement.
Pyongyang’s latest launch comes after South Korea conducted a 10-day special forces infiltration drill off the country’s east coast, “in (the) light of serious security situations” with the North, which ended on Jan 25. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/north-korea-says-it-test-fired-strategic-cruise-missile
| 2024-01-31T01:36:13Z
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A former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer says he believes he has found the wreckage of Amelia Earhart's plane, which disappeared nine decades ago, on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean using sonar data from a deep-sea drone.
Hoping to solve an 87-year-old mystery, explorer Tony Romeo plans to launch a mission later this year or next to find the long-lost plane, which a massive U.S. search failed to do in 1937.
"She's America's most famous missing person, right? As long as she's missing, there's always going to be somebody out there searching," Romeo said. "If we can help bring closure to this story and bring Amelia home, we'd be super excited."
Earhart, an American aviator, became the first woman and second person ever to fly solo and nonstop across the Atlantic in 1932, five years after Charles Lindbergh accomplished the feat. Along with navigator Fred Noonan, she was attempting to fly around the world when their plane went missing over the Pacific. If she succeeded, she would have become the first female pilot to do so.
Romeo, chief executive of the private exploration company Deep Sea Vision, believes the wreckage of Earhart's plane lies on the ocean floor more than 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) beneath the surface, about 160 km (100 miles) from Howland Island, roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia.
Blurry sonar images from the deep-sea drone show a plane-like shape on the flat, sandy ocean bottom, he said.
Deep Sea Vision's 16-member crew searched more than 13,400 square km (5,200 square miles) over 100 days at the end of last year.
Romeo said the images showed what appeared to be a plane matching the size of Earhart's Lockheed Model 10-E Electra. The image, he said, appeared to show a distinguishing characteristic of the plane: its twin vertical stabilizers on the tail.
Romeo supposes Earhart ran out of fuel and landed the plane on the ocean surface and that the craft later sank to the bottom, where it would have lay ever since, little disturbed by the light currents.
"The first step is to confirm it," he said. "The next step would be, if it's possible, to raise it to the surface and restore it," Romeo said, adding that the process could take years. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/explorer-may-have-found-wreckage-of-amelia-earharts-plane-in-pacific
| 2024-01-31T01:36:23Z
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TAIPEI - Taiwan’s government has expressed anger after China “unilaterally” changed a flight path close to the sensitive median line in the Taiwan Strait, saying it appeared to be a deliberate attempt to change the status quo for possible military means.
China’s civil aviation administration said in a short statement late on Jan 30 that from Feb 1, it was cancelling an “offset measure” for the south-bound operation of the M503 flight route, which is just west of the strait’s median line.
The median line had for years served as an unofficial barrier between Chinese-claimed Taiwan and China, but China says it does not recognise its existence and Chinese warplanes now regularly fly over it as Beijing seeks to pressure Taipei to accept its sovereignty claims.
China also said it was opening routes from west to east – in other words, in the direction of Taiwan – on two flight paths from China’s Xiamen and Fuzhou cities, which are close to the Taiwanese-controlled island groups of Kinmen and Matsu.
Taiwan’s civil aviation administration and China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council both labelled the moves as “unilateral” and that they strongly protested it.
The Mainland Affairs Council said China was ignoring flight safety, disrespecting Taiwan, and trying to “package” civil aviation for political or military considerations to potentially change the status quo in the strait.
“If the mainland side clings obstinately to its course, it must bear any serious consequences affecting cross-strait relations,” it said.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office described the changes as “routine” and to help alleviate pressure on airspace.
“It is also conducive to improving cross-strait flight operations and further facilitating cross-strait people-to-people exchanges, which are in line with the common interests of compatriots on both sides of the strait,” it said in a statement. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/taiwan-angered-at-unilateral-china-change-to-taiwan-strait-flight-path
| 2024-01-31T01:36:34Z
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BANGKOK - A Thai court will on Jan 31 rule on whether an opposition party plan to amend a law against insulting the monarchy is unconstitutional, in what could set a precedent for future moves to change one of the world's strictest lese majeste laws.
Move Forward, the biggest party in Parliament, won the 2023 election on a progressive platform that included a once unthinkable proposal to amend the lese majeste law, which carries penalties of up to 15 years in jail for each perceived insult of Thailand’s powerful crown.
In a country where reverence for the monarch has for decades been promoted as central to national identity, the law, under which at least 260 people have been prosecuted in the past few years, is seen by many royalists as sacrosanct.
Move Forward’s plan outraged conservatives and saw the party’s attempt to form a government torpedoed by lawmakers allied with and appointed by the royalist military.
A case was also lodged with the Constitutional Count to decide if the party’s plan was tantamount to an attempt to “overthrow the democratic regime of government with the king as a head of state”.
The ruling will be the court’s second involving Move Forward in a week, in what the party’s supporters fear is the start of a campaign to stifle a hugely popular, anti-establishment movement pursuing bold reforms to upend the status quo.
The court last week cleared its leader Pita Limjaroenrat, 43, of breaking election laws, but the charismatic former prime ministerial hopeful is also implicated in the second case, in which Move Forward could be compelled to abandon its quest to change the royal insults law.
Activists say Article 112, as the law is known, has been abused by conservative politicians to sideline and smear liberal opponents. Move Forward argues that changing it would strengthen the constitutional monarchy and stop the law being misused.
Though Jan 31’s court ruling will not prescribe punishments for Mr Pita or his party, some politicians have suggested it could pave the way for an effort to seek its dissolution and political bans for its leaders.
The verdict could have repercussions that go far beyond Move Forward, according to Dr Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political analyst at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University.
“It could set precedent for future efforts to amend Article 112,” he said.
“It is also about sovereignty... whether the people’s representatives are allowed to amend or revise laws.” REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/thai-court-to-rule-on-election-winners-bid-to-change-royal-insults-law
| 2024-01-31T01:36:44Z
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WELLINGTON - New Zealand will start talks on Wednesday with Australia about cooperating with the AUKUS trilateral defence partnership between Australia, Britain and the U.S., Foreign Minister Winston Peters said, adding Washington needed to do more in the Pacific to counter other political influences there.
Peters heads to Australia on Wednesday for an inaugural joint meeting of New Zealand and Australian foreign and defence ministers, and said the talks would also canvas what joining an expanded AUKUS grouping would mean for Wellington.
“Pillar two (of AUKUS) is the examination we're going to look at beginning tonight and tomorrow and going forward," he told Reuters in an interview.
"Pillar two" of the AUKUS pact is separate from the first pillar designed to deliver nuclear-powered attack submarines to Australia, but what any new agreement would entail is not yet public. New Zealand has had a nuclear free policy since the 1980s and there has been no indication this will change.
Peters also said the U.S. had neglected the Pacific since the Second World War, and that had created a vacuum that others had filled.
"They've have certainly upped their game, but they need to work with greater intensity on the immediate problems at the ground level of many of the island nations,” he said.
Peters did not mention China by name, but jostling between Washington and Beijing for influence in the Pacific has increased in recent years over issues including security, defence, aid and infrastructure.
Peters, who held the role of foreign minister from 2005 to 2008 and again from 2017 to 2020, returned to the role in late 2023 when a new conservative coalition government was elected.
In 2017, Peters launched a “Pacific Reset” pouring aid and boosting engagement with the region in an effort to woo neighbouring countries at a time when China was dramatically increasing its presence in the region. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/us-needs-to-work-with-greater-intensity-in-the-pacific-nz-for-min
| 2024-01-31T01:36:56Z
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SAN FRANCISCO – Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) gave a weak revenue forecast even as the chipmaker predicted that new artificial intelligence processors would generate more money than expected this year.
First-quarter revenue will be about US$5.4 billion (S$7.2 billion), the company said on Jan 30. That was well short of the US$5.77 billion analysts had estimated and echoed rival Intel’s downbeat view of the PC and data centre chip markets. AMD shares fell more than 6 per cent in extended trading following the announcement.
The outlook renewed concerns that customers are holding off on purchases in AMD’s core markets: PCs, servers, game consoles and programmable processors.
Though the company is pushing into AI accelerators – a lucrative area where Nvidia dominates – it is still early in that expansion.
The company unveiled a line of AI accelerators in December called the MI300. Such chips help companies develop AI models by bombarding them with data, and they are in high demand.
AMD predicted sales of more than US$3.5 billion for the MI300 in 2024, up from an earlier forecast of US$2 billion.
But Wall Street has been predicting numbers as high as US$8 billion, according to Wolfe Research analyst Chris Caso.
AMD’s stock had been one of the favourite picks of investors looking for ways to bet on AI computing. Its shares have been the second-best performing stock on the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Semiconductor Index in 2024, after a similar performance in 2023.
The big question is whether AMD’s MI300 processors can challenge the dominance of Nvidia and its H100. That company’s revenue doubled in the latest fiscal year, according to estimates.
Intel, meanwhile, has suffered tepid demand in the market for programmable processors, an area where it also competes with AMD.
Those chips can have their function changed or updated even after they have been installed in electronic devices.
In its quarterly report last week, Intel said the lucrative market for data centre processors is weakening as well.
Three months ago, AMD had warned investors that demand for game console and embedded processors was slower. It reiterated that idea on Jan 30, saying that those markets will remain sluggish in 2024.
AMD is the second-largest maker of chips that go onto add-in graphics cards, which turn PCs into gaming machines. And it provides chips to both Sony Group and Microsoft for their consoles. Nvidia leads the market for PC add-in card chips.
AMD is also Intel’s largest rival in computer processors, the main component of laptops, desktops and server machines. BLOOMBERG
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/amd-s-weak-forecast-overshadows-prospects-for-ai-chips
| 2024-01-31T01:37:06Z
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SINGAPORE - CapitaLand Investment (CLI) is divesting a 95 per cent stake in Capital Square Beijing to AIA Life Insurance through a 2.4 billion yuan (S$447 million) joint venture set up with the Hong Kong-based insurance group.
Under the partnership, CLI will retain a 5 per cent interest in Capital Square Beijing, while providing asset management services for the joint venture.
This is expected to contribute to CLI’s recurring fee income, said the real estate investment manager on Jan 31.
Puah Tze Shyang, CLI’s chief executive for China, noted that the transaction marks the second time CLI has partnered AIA in China. AIA had invested in one of its yuan-denominated funds in 2022.
“We remain focused on being asset light and capital efficient, while continuing to scale up our fund management business,” he added.
Capital Square Beijing is a Grade A office building located in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, with a total above-ground gross floor area of 44,759 square metres.
It was acquired by CLI in October 2022 through a court auction. Subsequently, it underwent an asset enhancement initiative to upgrade the building’s facilities, revitalise its tenant mix and improve its operational efficiencies.
Shares of CLI ended two cents or 0.7 per cent higher at $2.97 on Jan 30. THE BUSINESS TIMES
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| 2024-01-31T01:37:16Z
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SAN FRANCISCO – Microsoft and Google delivered solid corporate earnings on Jan 30 as the tech giants said demand for artificial intelligence services stoked revenue.
The tech titans have made big bets on generative AI, with their cloud computing divisions seeing a boost in demand as clients seek the hefty – and more expensive – computing power that drives the technology.
Microsoft has moved the fastest and furthest into the AI space, investing in ChatGPT maker OpenAI and pushing AI across products while others chose to move more carefully.
The company said sales leaped to US$62 billion (S$83 billion) for the October to December period, up 18 per cent year on year and above the US$61.1 billion projected by analysts.
The AI revolution has helped propel Microsoft past Apple as the world’s biggest company by market capitalisation at more than US$3 trillion dollars in value. The company’s share price is up a staggering 70 per cent from a year ago.
“We’ve moved from talking about AI to applying AI at scale,” said Microsoft chairman and chief executive Satya Nadella.
Crucially, revenue for Microsoft’s Azure cloud services jumped by 30 per cent in the period, driven by the bigger computing needs that come with the adoption of AI.
Overall, Microsoft’s cloud services sales were up by 24 per cent, the company said.
“By infusing AI across every layer of our tech stack, we’re winning new customers and helping drive new benefits and productivity gains across every sector,” Mr Nadella said.
Google also credited AI for boosting its profit in the same quarter.
Alphabet reported a profit of US$20.7 billion on revenue of US$86.3 billion, with strong contributions from video-sharing platform YouTube and its cloud computing unit.
Still mainly driven by ads, full-year revenue at Google reached US$307.4 billion, up 8.7 per cent from the previous 12 months.
Ads brought in a total of US$65.5 billion in the quarter, compared with US$59 billion in the same period the prior year.
While better than last year, this was lower than some market expectations and Google’s share price was sharply lower in after hours trading on Wall Street.
But sales in Google’s cloud-computing business climbed 26 per cent, supporting the company’s argument that it too is a major AI provider.
Google trails Microsoft and Amazon’s AWS, which are the world’s top providers of cloud computing services.
The search engine juggernaut has for years discreetly developed AI powers but was caught off guard when OpenAI in late 2022 released ChatGPT and teamed up with Microsoft to make its capabilities available to users worldwide.
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai told an analyst call that his company’s newly developed Gemini AI model would deliver new capabilities across all products for the company.
Matching moves by Microsoft with its office tools, Google has already infused its Google search engine as well as GMail and other tools with AI’s powers. AFP
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| 2024-01-31T01:37:28Z
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SEOUL - Samsung Electronics flagged a continued recovery in memory chips and tech demand in 2024, after reporting a 34 per cent year-on-year drop in fourth-quarter profit despite a memory price rebound, as consumer demand remained weak in many businesses.
The world’s biggest maker of memory chips said it expected mobile and PC makers to place more and better chips in devices as use of artificial intelligence expands, while the need to replace older servers would also aid a gradual recovery in demand.
“In 2024, the memory business expects the market to continue to recover despite various potential obstacles, including interest rate policies and geopolitical issues,” Samsung said in a statement.
Samsung said operating profit fell to 2.8 trillion won (S$2.8 billion) in October-December, versus 4.3 trillion won a year earlier, and in line with Samsung’s own estimate of 2.8 trillion won flagged earlier this month.
For the full year, its chip business swung to a record loss of 14.9 trillion won in 2023 from a 23.8 trillion won profit a year earlier.
However, fourth-quarter profit improved from every other quarterly profit in 2023, when an unprecedented memory chip downturn caused by weak demand for gadgets that use chips caused billions of dollars in operating losses for Samsung’s historical cash cow business, chips.
Losses in the memory chip business shrank to 2.18 trillion won in the fourth quarter, versus a 3.75 trillion won loss in the third quarter, as memory chip prices have rebounded.
Chinese PC and mobile makers began to restock memory chips during the quarter, after using up their own stocks for so long.
Fourth-quarter revenue fell 4% to 67.8 trillion won. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/samsung-sees-tech-devices-demand-recovering-in-2024-after-q4-profit-drop
| 2024-01-31T01:37:38Z
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SINGAPORE – Singtel is not exploring transactions that involve the enterprise business of its Australian unit Optus, the telco said in response to a report by the Australian Financial Review (AFR).
“No transaction relating to the Optus enterprise business is currently being contemplated,” Singtel said in a bourse filing late on Jan 30.
Earlier in the day, the AFR published a report titled Singtel Weighs Options For Optus; Eyes On Enterprise Division.
The article said, citing sources, that Optus executives have considered divestments over the past two years to help Singtel take some money off the table, and that one option is divesting Optus’ enterprise and business division.
Addressing the article, Singtel said that it views its stake in Optus as “strategic” and believes in the long-term outlook of the business.
“Consistent with our strategic reset, Singtel regularly explores and reviews business opportunities, projects and proposals relating to its business and investments from time to time, and there is no certainty any of these will lead to a definitive or binding transaction,” the telco added.
Singtel said it will make relevant disclosures, if any, at the appropriate time.
Singtel wholly owns Sydney-based Optus, which in November drew public ire after a 12-hour network blackout affected over 10 million Australians. Optus is also facing a class action lawsuit over a massive 2022 data hack.
Singtel shares ended on Jan 30 at $2.42, up two cents, or 0.8 per cent. THE BUSINESS TIMES
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| 2024-01-31T01:37:48Z
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LTA mulls over leasing out land under MRT viaducts for commercial, community use
A tender has been called to assess open-market rental rates at the Yishun and Choa Chu Kang sites.
High Court rejects bids by two King’s Counsel to act for 4 drug traffickers on death row
Judge said incongruous to admit foreign lawyers when local counsel have said challenge has no merit.
Girl, 12, killed in accident in Taman Jurong; driver arrested
I was prepared to become a hostage: ISD officer recounts 1974 Laju hijacking
Former ISD officer Saraj Din speaks about his role in the Laju incident, 50 years on.
askST: What do I need to know about the Indonesian election and how it affects Singapore?
On Feb 14, Indonesians will head to the ballot box to elect the country's next president and vice-president.
UOB seeks $92 million in losses from developer over inflated home loans
The housing loans, disbursed between Dec 2011 and Sept 2013, were for the purchase of 38 units in Marina Collection.
Shanghai eyes Singapore as it chases foreign investments amid slowing economy
An investment promotion event was launched on Jan 29 touting Shanghai as an attractive destination.
S’poreans reminded to be wary of scam e-mails claiming to offer tax refunds from Iras
Iras said taxpayers should use relevant forms and digital services in myTax Portal secured by Singpass login.
Are you defined by the success you find at work?
The phenomenon of quiet quitting shows many are not too invested in their jobs, says the writer.
Sign language and interactive vests: S’pore deaf community members praise inclusive Coldplay concerts
The band's six-night shows at the National Stadium house a special zone for fans from the deaf community.
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| 2024-01-31T01:37:59Z
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Arsenal closed the gap on leaders Liverpool with a 2-1 Premier League victory at Nottingham Forest to kick off the midweek fixtures on Tuesday, while Luton Town moved out of the relegation zone with a 4-0 rout of Brighton & Hove Albion.
Fourth-placed Aston Villa suffered a 3-1 home defeat by Newcastle United, Crystal Palace came from behind to beat visiting Sheffield United 3-2 and struggling pair Fulham and Everton fought out a 0-0 draw at Craven Cottage.
Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus scored and then set up Bukayo Saka's goal seven minutes later at the City Ground and despite conceding late on the Gunners survived a nervy finish to move up to second place and within two points of leaders Liverpool.
They are on 46 points after 22 matches and climbed above Manchester City, who have 43 from 20. Liverpool play their game in hand of Arsenal at home to Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday.
Despite having 74% possession and 19 shots, Mikel Arteta's Gunners side did not break the deadlock until the 65th minute when Jesus, who played despite struggling with fluid on his knee in the build-up to the match, scored from a very tight angle.
"We have to do what we have to do," Arteta told BeIN Sports. "Perform the way that we were doing last year and start of this year, because performances were there, results not. Results are going our way now. We have some momentum, let's go for it."
Forest's relegation fears grew with Nuno Espirito Santo's side in 16th with 20 points, two points above the drop zone.
ADEBAYO TREBLE
Luton's Elijah Adebayo scored a hat-trick and the Hatters went two goals up against Brighton inside the first three minutes to the delight of a raucous Kenilworth Road crowd.
Adebayo opened his tally with a header from close range after 18 seconds before speedy winger Chiedozie Ogbene made it 2-0 after two minutes and 17 seconds.
"It's a wonderful feeling ... we said we needed to start sharp and two goals in two minutes was the right way to start," Adebayo told Sky Sports.
"We just kept our foot on the gas. When you come here it's tough, especially under the lights and the fans make it a fortress for us."
Luton climbed to 17th on 19 points after 21 games and their victory coupled with Everton's draw at Craven Cottage took the Merseysiders back into the drop zone with 18 points from 22.
A pair of first-half goals from defender Fabian Schar set Newcastle on track for victory at Villa, ending a run of five successive away defeats in the Premier League for the Magpies.
"Set pieces, it's normal to go forward and today I was in the right position and there was a bit of luck to be there," a delighted Schar told TNT Sport. "Obviously it was great to help the team with the goals and get the win."
Villa's loss kept them fourth in the table on 43 points, while Newcastle climbed above Brighton into seventh with 32.
DAZZLING DISPLAY
Palace's Eberechi Eze and the returning Michael Olise put on a dazzling attacking display in a come-from-behind victory over bottom side Sheffield United that took the Eagles up to 14th on 24 points, relieving some pressure on manager Roy Hodgson.
Eze netted both equalisers while Olise scored the winner after a frantic first half hour saw Sheffield United take the lead twice with goals from Ben Brereton Diaz and James McAtee.
"I say it all the time. I enjoy playing with him because he's a top player," Eze said of Olise.
Everton were lucky to escape with a point at Fulham after being under constant pressure in an action-packed second half.
"I thought the game was a bit flat," Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said. "Both teams had to create our own energy and tempo and we could have been on the front foot a bit more, but it's a great point.
"We've had to change a lot, everyone is ready to put on the shirt, put on the badge for the club and do our best, just give 100% and we will get points." REUTERS
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| 2024-01-31T01:38:09Z
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Morocco coach Walid Regragui said he took full responsibility for the team's surprise Africa Cup of Nations exit after a last-16 loss to South Africa, lamenting their lack of cutting edge in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat.
The Atlas Lions, one of the pre-tournament favourites, became the latest high-profile team to bid farewell to the tournament as they spurned a few goal-scoring chances and were punished by South Africa at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro.
Evidence Makgopa scored against the run of play in the 57th minute before Teboho Mokoena wrapped up the win in stoppage time, curling home a free kick awarded for a last-man foul that led to the dismissal of Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.
"We could have maybe settled the game in the first half but, at this level, you get immediately punished for any chance you waste," Regragui told beIN Sports.
Morocco had a golden chance to draw level with five minutes remaining when they were awarded a penalty for a handball but Achraf Hakimi blasted his effort against the crossbar.
"The penalty hurt us a lot, and surely we didn't do everything that is required but I take full responsibility," Regragui added.
Morocco were hoping to win their first Cup of Nations title since 1976, having made history at the 2022 World Cup after becoming the first African team to reach the semi-final.
However, their displays have been far from convincing in the Ivory Coast, and they were affected by the absence of some key players against South Africa, including injured duo Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal.
"We will learn from this unexpected stumble ... this is a disappointment for our fans who supported us a lot," Regragui said. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-31T01:38:20Z
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The “Atesh” underground movement in Crimea claims to have uncovered a military depot in Sevastopol, where occupiers are reportedly storing Kalibr missiles used to target Ukraine.
The 3M54-1 Kalibr, a cruise missile, is frequently launched from ships and submarines of the Black Sea Fleet of Russia’s Navy. Its maximum flying range is 2,600 kilometers, which covers all of Ukraine. The 450-kilogram mass of Kalibr’s warhead is enough to destroy a residential building or other object.
“Our agents conducted reconnaissance north of the Sukharna Bay and discovered warehouses with ammunition. Kalibr-type missiles and other types of weapons are likely stored in the mentioned warehouses,” said the Atesh.
The partisans have also spotted several cargo vehicles.
“Atesh agents have scouted hundreds of objects in occupied Crimea and are continuing their work. We provide the Defense Forces of Ukraine with the information we receive, and, as a result, the discovered objects become targets for missile strikes,” the movement added.
Earlier, Atesh detected a secret military depot of Russian troops at an abandoned vegetable warehouse near occupied Simferopol.
The movement was created in September 2022 after the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
They claim to have developed a network of saboteurs inside the Russian military and have created a course instructing Russian soldiers how to wreck their own equipment. In February 2023, they claimed 4,000 Russian soldiers were learning in their online course.
In September 2023, Atesh recruited a Russian soldier in the occupied town of Henichesk in the Kherson oblast, who blew up two trucks with Russians onboard.
Read also:
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/31/crimean-partisans-allegedly-find-sevastopol-depot-with-kalibr-missiles-used-by-russia-to-strike-ukraine/
| 2024-01-31T02:06:08Z
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Rumors have swirled for months about rising tensions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces. Those rumors exploded on 30 January 2024, when several outlets reported Zelenskyy had met privately with Zaluzhnyi and asked him to resign. While no formal dismissal announcement ever came, the incident has spotlighted the growing rift between Ukraine’s civilian and military leadership.
How did the rumors about Zaluzhnyi’s dismissal spread?
On the evening of 29 January, information about President Volodymyr Zelenskyy allegedly dismissing Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi started circulating on social media, starting from anonymous Telegram channels associated with the President’s Office. The information was immediately confirmed by various politicians and journalists from pro- and anti-Zelenskyy camps.
At 19:41 on 30 January, after 1.5 hours of silence from officials, during which chaos and tension flooded the Ukrainian media landscape, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense came out with a cryptic statement that “this is not true.”
Then at 20:05, President Zelenskyy’s spokesperson Serhiy Nykyforov informed Ukrainska Pravda that “the president definitely did not fire the commander-in-chief.”
Finally, at 20:20 Zelenskyy released his daily address with no mention of either the meeting with the commander-in-chief or his dismissal, seeming to debunk the rumors.
This all prompted outrage about the irresponsible official communication, as well as sparked speculations about the real cause of the rumors.
Thus far, these hypotheses exist (in no particular order of trustworthiness):
- It was the President’s Office testing the waters on Zaluzhnyi’s dismissal, discovering that this step would be widely unpopular with Ukrainians, and deciding to roll back;
- It was simply a leak of information from a closed meeting, with Zelenskyy rolling back the decision after the uproar;
- It was the President’s Office priming public opinion for the eventual dismissal of Zaluzhnyi by creating “information waves” about this possibility;
- It was an information operation by Zaluzhnyi’s fans who sought to prevent his dismissal by creating a public uproar.
From these, hypothesis #1 thus far makes the most sense, as the information originated from various unrelated sources. However, if negative publicity is an issue for Zelenskyy, it is hard to imagine he could not foresee that a decision to sack Zaluzhnyi would be castigated: after all, 88% of Ukrainians said they trusted Zaluzhnyi compared with 62% who said they trusted Zelenskyy, a sociological poll by the Kyiv International Institute for Sociology from December 2023 found.
What happened at the closed meeting between Zaluzhnyi and Zelenskyy?
Here is the picture we were able to piece out from reports of various medias citing unnamed sources (the anonymity of sources is not surprising because few want to talk about a conflict that Ukraine desperately wants to hide).
As per the BBC, in the afternoon of Monday, 30 January, General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi was summoned to see President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy purportedly wanted to discuss the situation on the frontlines with the commander-in-chief.
Zaluzhnyi immediately departed for Bankova Street. The meeting promised to be unusual – despite regularly gathering for commander-in-chief briefings, Zelenskyy and Zaluzhnyi had not spoken privately in some time. That day, presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak was away in Uzhhorod negotiating with the Hungarian foreign minister.
Per BBC sources, the Bankova meeting involved three individuals – Zelenskyy, Zaluzhnyi, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Eyewitnesses told the BBC the discussion proceeded calmly at first. But soon Zelenskyy came to the main point: he had decided to dismiss Zaluzhnyi as commander-in-chief. Zelenskyy added the firing decree would be signed shortly.
After 18:00, rumors of Zaluzhny’s dismissal began circulating rapidly online.
As Dzerkalo Tyzhnia reported, Zelenskyy did formally offer to make Zaluzhnyi an advisor or assistant, which the latter rejected. The general refused to write a resignation letter himself, saying appointing commanders was the president’s role. The outlet also writes that Zaluzhnyi’s potential resignation “is only the first link in a chain of personnel changes in the Armed Forces command and the country’s political leadership.”
The Economist says that Zaluzhnyi was offered the position of National Security Council Secretary. BBC confirms, adding that the general was also offered the position of ambassador to one of the European countries, which he declined.
The Financial Times said that Zelenskyy offered Zaluzhnyi the position of defense advisor but the general refused.
When did the conflict between Zaluzhnyi and Zelenskyy start?
Tensions between President Zelenskyy and Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhnyi have been escalating for months, with strategic and political rifts eroding their relationship.
According to Simon Shuster’s book “The Showman,” before Russia’s February 2022 invasion, Zelenskyy spurned border defense advice over panic concerns. This forced Zaluzhnyi to secretly ready forces, even hiding preparations from Zelenskyy.
Ukrainska Pravda reports that the first signs of future tensions between Zelenskyy and Zaluzhnyi emerged in the spring of 2022, when Russian forces had not yet retreated from the capital Kyiv.
Back in March 2022, polls showed that while 93% of Ukrainians trusted Zelenskyy, 98% trusted the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Zelenskyy’s team was concerned that the public personified the military not with the president but with Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhnyi.
“Andrey Yermak was the first person last spring to be worried about Zaluzhnyi’s potential ambitions,” a member of the presidential team who had access to the secure presidential facility told Ukrainska Pravda. “Andrey brought up Valera (short for Valeriy) every day, saying he has a foundation, he is very media-savvy, his team is full of ‘Porokhobots’ (supporters of former president Poroshenko, Zelenskyy’s bitter rival), and more.”
The first source of friction was Zaluzhnyi starting a charitable foundation named after himself. The president’s office suspected the foundation could grow into a political party over time.
After unpleasant tensions with the political leadership, Zaluzhnyi consciously stayed away from the media spotlight, giving only a couple of interviews about the war over two years, exclusively to foreign outlets.
But this did not help alleviate the president’s office concerns about potential political competition from the commander-in-chief. Zelenskyy penetrated Zaluzhnyi’s military domain by establishing direct lines of communication with various service commanders, bypassing Zaluzhnyi in the chain of command, Ukrainska Pravda wrote. Meanwhile, Zaluzhnyi unintentionally entered the political domain.
Polskie Radio writes that the next fissures emerged in the summer of 2022 over military strategy. Zelenskyy pushed Zaluzhnyi for fast counteroffensives to retake occupied areas like Kherson. But Zaluzhnyi advocated a gradual approach to avoid casualties, angering Zelenskyy.
While Ukraine’s army was having successes in 2022, with the Kherson and Kharkiv counteroffensives, the Zelenskyy-Zaluzhnyi conflict was kept at bay. However, the tensions grew after the Ukrainian summer 2023 counteroffensive in the south stalled, falling short of expectations set by optimistic rhetoric from the president’s office.
In November 2023, their divide widened again after Zaluzhnyi’s Economist article called the war a “stalemate” and said Ukraine needed a “technological breakthrough” to avoid deadlock. Zelenskyy publicly rejected this as defeatist and, in an interview with The Sun, warned militarymen against entering politics.
Another example of clashes over military strategy is the issue of mobilization. “The general has publicly pressed Mr. Zelenskyy to launch a large-scale mobilization of men; the president has resisted this, knowing it would be unpopular,” Economist notes.
Political tensions drive the distrust.
Ukrainska Pravda cites unpublished polling data from the Rating group showing Zelenskyy receiving around 47% of votes in a hypothetical first round of a presidential election among those who have made up their minds.
The most striking graph in the unpublished poll shows Zelenskyy in a hypothetical run-off with General Zaluzhnyi, which the president could lose. Zelenskyy has no other real political competitors, so his words in an interview with The Sun warning military officials against politics were aimed primarily at Zaluzhnyi, Ukrainska Pravda notes.
Though Zaluzhnyi eschews politics and has no party or movement, his image as a defiant hero makes him an gravitational counterweight to Zelenskyy in the public mind.
This perceived challenge to Zelenskyy’s political dominance from an unelected figure is compounded by griping within Zaluzhnyi’s camp about excessive presidential interference in military affairs.
In sum, strategic disagreements, security blunders, and Zelenskyy’s paranoia about Zaluzhnyi’s political capital have driven an ever-widening rift between Ukraine’s civilian leadership and military command. This erosion of trust now jeopardizes Ukraine’s wartime unity.
Why was Zaluzhnyi not fired on 29 January?
It appears there are two reasons.
1. Finding a suitable replacement poses a major challenge.
The two most commonly named candidates are Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, and Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander of the ground forces.
However, sources tell BBC that neither general is eager to occupy Zaluzhnyi’s hot seat.
Any new commander-in-chief would be inevitably measured against Zaluzhnyi, who enjoys immense public admiration for battlefield exploits in Kharkiv and Kherson.
A recent poll by KMIS shows Zaluzhnyi with 92% public trust compared to just 60% for Budanov and 33% for Syrskyi.
It also found that 72% of Ukrainians oppose a possible dismissal of Zaluzhnyi.
This makes the role unappealing, as any successor would risk being seen as a political puppet rather than earning respect on merit.
Syrskyi boasts successes in Kyiv’s defense and the Kharkiv counteroffensive. But the general’s reputation for high casualties also makes him an uneasy choice to replace the revered Zaluzhnyi.
Ousting such a wildly popular wartime commander would create instant backlash. And with no standout successor, Zelenskyy lacks an obvious replacement who can match Zaluzhnyi’s clout with troops and citizens.
2. Ukraine’s Western partners interfered
As per BBC, Kyiv’s Western partners intervened in the situation, expressing their strong disapproval of Zaluzhnyi’s resignation. It would have undermined critically important multi-billion financial aid tranches slated to be decided on in the nearest days. “The West appears to have sufficient leverage to insist on its position on this issue,” BBC writes.
What’s next for Zaluznyi?
Despite Zaluzhnyi’s reported refusal to resign on January 30, most experts believe his eventual dismissal remains likely given Zelenskyy’s evident mistrust.
As per Financial Times, Zelenskyy told Zaluzhnyi he would be removed regardless of whether he accepts a minor position.
Financial Times’ four sources said that “while a decision had been made in Zelenskyy’s office to dismiss Zaluzhnyi, he may not be ousted for some time after reports of the plans appeared in Ukrainian media.
Defense experts questioned by BBC also say the Commander-in-Chief’s dismissal appears imminent:
“The number of disagreements between Zelensky and Zaluzhny has reached a critical point. And it seems that it’s no longer just about views on the war and its future, but about purely personal differences between these, to be honest, completely different people, and the lack of trust between them, which is essential to avoid losing the war unleashed by Russia,” BBC writes.
But ejecting the popular Zaluzhnyi mid-war also entails serious risks of triggering troop/public backlash.
Many analysts caution that firing Zaluzhnyi, revered by troops for victories in Kharkiv and Kherson, risks damaging morale and unity at a precarious point in the war. It could also unsettle Ukraine’s Western backers when Kyiv desperately requires expanded military aid.
Yet keeping Zaluzhnyi while tensions fester may also undermine the coordination between the military and Zelenskyy’s office needed to go forward with the war.
Ironically, many Ukrainian experts believe that if Zaluzhnyi resigns, he will automatically become a political heavyweight, and a favorite for any election, whenever it is scheduled, meaning that the politically paranoid Zelenskyy would shoot himself in the foot.
With Russia poised to launch a new eastern offensive, Ukraine can ill afford power struggles among top brass. Zelenskyy and Zaluzhnyi face intense pressure to resolve differences and preserve Ukraine’s fragile wartime unity.
Related:
- Ukraine moves to plug loopholes, demand equal sacrifice in mobilization
- Zelenskyy announces change in strategy after the article by Ukraine’s top general Zaluzhnyi, where he described key challenges – Published on Nov 5, 2023
- Zelenskyy responds to Zaluzhnyi’s article: No stalemate situation
- Top Ukrainian general says Ukraine already hit occupied Crimea with ATACMS missiles
- Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief reveals his strategy to defeat Russia
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https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/01/31/does-zelenskyy-want-to-fire-top-general-zaluzhnyi-everything-we-know/
| 2024-01-31T02:06:48Z
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JOHOR BAHRU - Road users in Johor Bahru’s city centre should brace for more traffic congestion in the second and third quarter of the year as the construction of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link reaches its peak, said Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman.
He said many roads are expected to be closed from April until September to make way for the ongoing cross border rail construction project that will link Johor Bahru and Singapore when it is completed by end-2026.
“This will no doubt affect the already heavy traffic congestion, but it cannot be avoided. Rest assured, we are looking at ways to address the situation,” he said after launching a residential project in Ulu Tiram on Jan 30.
Traffic snarls on roads such as Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim, Jalan Tebrau and Jalan Wong Ah Fook by City Square in downtown JB are common these days due to the ongoing construction and high vehicle volume.
Mr Noorazam added that the council is also in talks with KTM to improve connectivity once the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double Track (EDT) project is completed by 2025.
“Similar to the RTS Link, we want to provide passengers with good connectivity after arriving at the station; to bring people to the sub-urban areas and vice versa using public transport and park and ride facilities,” he added.
The Gemas-JB EDT will link JB Sentral to the Electrified Train Service station in Gemas, shortening train journeys between Johor and Kuala Lumpur Sentral to 3½ hours. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/road-congestion-cannot-be-avoided-with-rts-link-construction-says-jb-mayor
| 2024-01-31T03:08:43Z
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JOHOR BAHRU - Thousands gathered in front of the Senai International Airport Mosque in Johor from as early as 7am on Jan 31 to send off Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar as he made his way to Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur to take his oath as Malaysia’s 17th King.
The royal entourage arrived at the last checkpoint in front of the Senai International Airport Mosque at 8.30am greeted by loud cheers of “Daulat Tuanku” from the crowds that had gathered along the side of the road.
More than 2,000 people gathered in front of the mosque, one of 15 locations for the public to show their support from Istana Bukit Serene all the way to the Royal Hangar at Senai Airport.
The crowd had started to build right after the dawn prayer with some arriving as early as 5am to avoid being stuck in traffic.
Around 30,000 people, including school students, state civil servants and the public, observed Sultan Ibrahim’s departure along a 35km stretch of roads closed from his Johor residence, Istana Bukit Serene, to the Royal Hangar, Bernama reported.
The royal entourage left Istana Bukit Serene at around 7.45am and took around 30 minutes to reach the Royal Hangar.
Sultan Ibrahim departed for Kuala Lumpur using his private plane at 9am and was accompanied by Malaysia’s Defence Minister Khaled Nordin and Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The ceremony of taking the oath of office and signing the instrument of office will be held at the 264th (Special) Meeting of the Conference of Rulers at Balairung Seri (throne room), Istana Negara.
At the ceremony, the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, will be sworn in as Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the same period.
In the presence of the other Malay Rulers, members of the Royal family and dignitaries, Sultan Ibrahim will sign the instruments of proclamation of office, the content of which will be read out by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/thousands-gather-to-send-off-johor-sultan-on-journey-to-ascend-federal-throne
| 2024-01-31T03:08:54Z
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SINGAPORE - Keppel Infrastructure Trust (KIT) posted a 123 per cent higher distribution per unit (DPU) at 4.26 cents for the half-year period ended December, compared with 1.91 cents in the year-ago period.
This included 2.33 cents of special distributions paid out in November, on the back of the crystalisation of $131.2 million in capital optimisation at its Australian chemical firm Ixom, said the trust manager on Jan 31.
Excluding the special distributions, DPU for the period would stand at 1.93 cents, 1 per cent higher than the half-year DPU in financial year 2022.
Gross revenue was down 8.2 per cent to $972.3 million, from $1.1 billion a year ago. This was attributed to lower revenue from Ixom and waste-to-energy concession plants.
“The decrease in revenue from Ixom was due to lower contract manufacturing volumes, slowdown in consumer discretionary spending and weaker Australian dollars’ exchange rates used to translate Ixom’s Australian-dollar denominated revenue.
“The lower revenue from waste-to-energy concession plants were due to lower finance lease income in the second half of 2023,” said the manager.
Distributable income for the half year grew 36.3 per cent to $183.9 million.
The distribution of 9.6 cents will be paid on Feb 15 after the record date on Feb 7.
For the full financial year, DPU stood at 6.19 cents including the special distributions.
This is 62 per cent higher than in financial year 2022. Excluding the special distributions, the full-year DPU would be 1 per cent higher.
Distributable income for the year rose 42.4 per cent to $316.8 million.
The group revenue grew 1.5 per cent to $2 billion, largely driven by higher contributions from City Energy and distribution income from Aramco Gas Pipelines Company.
This was on top of the contribution of revenue from EMK, an integrated waste platform in South Korea acquired in October 2022, said the manager.
KIT units were trading unchnaged at 50.5 cents as at 9.15am on Jan 31. THE BUSINESS TIMES
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/keppel-infrastructure-trust-second-half-dpu-jumps-123-on-special-distributions
| 2024-01-31T03:09:04Z
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SINGAPORE - Three Singaporeans were arrested on Jan 29 for allegedly trafficking drugs with an estimated worth of about $470,000.
The drugs seized include 2,602g of cannabis and 842g of Ice, which can feed the addiction of about 850 abusers for a week, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), said in a statement on Jan 31.
The suspected drug traffickers – two men and one woman – were arrested in two separate operations.
In the late afternoon of Jan 29, CNB officers searched a car in Havelock Road and found 955g of cannabis, 166g of Ecstasy, 138g of Ice, 24g of ketamine, 160 Erimin-5 tablets, 107 LSD stamps and five bottles of liquid suspected to contain GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate).
The estimated value of these seized drugs is around $118,000 and the driver, a 35-year-old man, was arrested.
In another operation on the same day, officers raided a residential unit in the area of Bedok Reservoir Road and arrested a 35-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman.
About 1,647g of cannabis, 704g of Ice, 346 tablets and 332g of Ecstasy, 22g of ketamine and 11g of cocaine were seized from the unit, and they were estimated to be worth about $352,000.
It is an offence for a person – on his or her own behalf, or on behalf of any other person, whether or not that other person is in Singapore – to traffic in a controlled drug, offer to traffic in a controlled drug, CNB said.
It is also an offence to carry out or to offer to perform any act preparatory to or for the purpose of trafficking in a controlled drug.
A person found guilty of trafficking more than 250g of Ice or 500g of cannabis faces the mandatory death penalty.
Investigations into all arrested suspects are ongoing.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/three-singaporeans-arrested-for-allegedly-trafficking-drugs-worth-about-470000
| 2024-01-31T03:09:15Z
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LONDON - France and Ireland, both still hurting after their quarter-final exits from the Rugby World Cup, get back to their day jobs on Friday when they kick off the Six Nations Championship with an evening showdown in Marseille.
By the time Italy host England and Wales play Scotland on Saturday, the destination of this year's title will, for many people, already have been decided, such is the superiority of the continent's current two heavyweights.
However, as both found to their cost last October, form and "favourite" status does not always win out, and the enduring appeal of the world's oldest national rugby competition is that an upset or two is almost guaranteed.
Ireland beat France 32-19 in a classic encounter in Dublin last February, setting themselves up for their Grand Slam triumph, and another great game is in prospect at the Velodrome as France play their home games around the country while the Stade de France is prepared for the Olympics.
Both teams are without their driving forces of 2023, with Ireland flyhalf Johnny Sexton retired and France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont temporarily switching to Sevens duty for the Olympics.
However, both remain packed with talent and if Friday's match is a patch on last year's, then the tournament really will start with a bang.
England have lost their opening game in the last four Six Nations - three of them to Scotland - but they should end that run when they kick off in Rome on Saturday having never lost to Italy.
Coach Steve Borthwick has promised that he will be giving the championship his full commitment, accepting that England's dire recent record of two wins in each of the last three seasons is nowhere near good enough as focus was wandering towards the World Cup.
His team will look markedly different to that which reached the semi-finals in France, due to retirements, sabbaticals, defections to France and injuries.
Hooker Jamie George is the new captain in place of the absent Owen Farrell but it is the backline where Borthwick has the most questions to answer.
At the World Cup England's backs functioned primarily as defenders and kick chasers, and fans are desperate to see more from them as an attacking force.
The absence of Marcus Smith due to injury may open the door for 21-year-old Fin Smith to make his debut, though the ever-pragmatic Borthwick is likely to start with experienced George Ford at 10.
Italy showed a huge amount of promise without getting any wins in last year's tournament but a humiliating World Cup spelled the end for coach Kieran Crowley and he has been replaced by former Argentina flyhalf Gonzalo Quesada.
A victory in Cardiff in 2022 remains their sole success in eight years, an astonishing 41 defeats from 42 games, and yet another last-placed finish looks very much on the cards.
Wales and Scotland, who meet in Cardiff on Saturday, had contrasting fortunes in 2023, making their meeting a tough one to call.
Wales had a terrible Six Nations, managing only one win against Italy as returning coach Warren Gatland tried to rush in some new blood, but then found their way at the World Cup and really should have beaten Argentina in the quarter-finals.
Scotland had a flying start, including a 35-7 thrashing of Wales, to spark talk of "the best Scottish team ever", only to fall away and then see it all go horribly wrong at the World Cup.
Both teams have lost 100-plus cap stalwarts in the shape of Scotland's Stuart Hogg and Wales's Alun Wyn Jones and Dan Biggar, and though there is plenty of fresh blood, the fixture still very much has the feel of a mid-table scrap. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/france-and-ireland-set-for-blockbuster-six-nations-opening-night
| 2024-01-31T03:09:25Z
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Pierce Brosnan and Dame Joan Collins exuded timeless elegance and charm at The Prince's Trust event in Los Angeles this Tuesday.
The affair, hosted at The Maybourne Beverly Hills hotel by Dame Joan, Trust Ambassador and iconic actress, was a splendid gathering celebrating the remarkable work of The Prince’s Trust, which is set to transition into The King’s Trust under the patronage of His Majesty the King.
Pierce, 70, a seasoned Prince's Trust ambassador himself, made a striking figure in a sharp blue suit, while Dame Joan, at 90, looked eternally graceful in a floral dress complemented by a vibrant pink jacket.
The duo's presence was a testament to their enduring commitment to philanthropy and the empowerment of youth.
In a heartfelt speech, Dame Joan expressed her delight, “I am delighted to bring together so many friends today to celebrate the work of The Prince’s Trust.
“I have supported this vital work for over two decades and I am delighted that The Trust will transition to be The King’s Trust, cementing a legacy of His Majesty’s vision all those years ago to help young people to succeed. I hope we can support many more in the years ahead.”
Pierce, aligning with the sentiment, added his voice to the chorus of support, “Over the years I have met so many young people whose lives have been impacted by the work of The Prince’s Trust.
The work of the organization leads to tangible differences in the lives of the young people and their communities.
To see this work grow from its success in the UK to more than 20 countries around the world, and now here in the USA, is fantastic. I cannot wait to meet many more young people who have been given the chance to succeed against the odds.”
The Prince’s Trust, soon to be The King’s Trust, was established in 1976 by His Majesty The King, then His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. Its aim has always been to assist underserved young people in finding pathways into employment, education, and training.
Since its inception, the Trust has positively affected the lives of over 1.2 million young people across the UK and in 22 countries globally, aiding individuals like Idris Elba OBE and David Oyelowo in the commencement of their illustrious careers.
In an era where young people are confronting unprecedented challenges exacerbated by a global pandemic and economic uncertainties, the Trust's mission has never been more critical.
With an estimated 70 million young people unemployed worldwide in 2023, The Prince’s Trust provides essential skills for entrepreneurship, job attainment, and educational persistence, thereby fostering a future skilled workforce.
The Trust's expansion into the USA has been marked by the launch of new initiatives in New York City, Chicago, and Detroit.
These projects, in collaboration with local organizations, are designed to nurture entrepreneurial skills among the youth. Every May, the Trust hosts a Global Gala in New York, backed by Global Ambassadors Lionel Richie and Edward Enninful OBE, underscoring the global reach and influence of its mission.
As The Trust continues to broaden its horizons across the United States, including a focus on Los Angeles, its core mission remains steadfast: to enable more young people to engage with education, kickstart their careers, and embark on entrepreneurial ventures.
Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S. Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox.
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According to Paul Burrell, a former butler to Princess Diana, King Charles is likely to abdicate the throne in favour of Prince William within the next decade.
Paul, who served Diana from 1987 until her tragic passing in 1997, shared his insights with the New York Post suggesting that Charles, at 75, might be planning to step down as monarch, emulating the precedent set by Queen Margrethe of Denmark.
"I think it will happen in this country. I think the king and queen have given this job 10 years, I think this is a 10-year plan," Paul remarked, highlighting a potential timeframe for this significant royal transition.
He further speculated that Charles is "buying time" with a "10-year plan" that will eventually lead to his “abdication”.
The I’m A Celebrity star expressed his belief that the notion of a monarch relinquishing the throne to their heir is becoming more acceptable across Europe, and he anticipates Charles will follow suit.
"I don't think he will want to continue being king when crowned heads of Europe have found that they can hand over to their heirs and see them become monarch and enjoy it," he explained.
Unlike Queen Elizabeth II, who was dedicated to serving as monarch for her entire life, the suggests Charles might choose a different path.
"The queen would never have done that because she came from a different generation, her entire life was molded around being a monarch. But the king will know exactly what to do and take a page out of Prince Philip's book and say, 'I've done enough' and want to do things he wants to do."
Paul also touched on the significance of Prince William's eventual ascension to the throne, noting it would "complete the circle" that Princess Diana's son would become king, which he believes the country will embrace.
The discussion of royal abdication was sparked by Queen Margrethe's announcement during her New Year's Eve address in 2023, where she revealed her plans to step down, paving the way for King Frederik and Queen Mary to become the new heads of the Danish monarchy on January 14.
At 83, Margrethe's decision was influenced by her health issues, including back surgery, highlighting the physical demands of royal duties.
King Charles, currently dealing with health concerns of his own, including an enlarged prostate, is reportedly taking a brief hiatus from public engagements, though it is believed he has resumed his duties.
LISTEN: Why King Charles is the ‘happiest’ he has been despite royal dramas
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/512402/king-charles-75-will-abdicate-to-make-way-for-prince-william-41-within-next-decade/
| 2024-01-31T04:08:22Z
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BEIJING - China has indisputable sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal and its adjacent waters, and has always resolutely countered infringements by the Philippines, a spokesperson for China Coast Guard said in a statement released late Tuesday.
The spokesperson said four Philippine personnel illegally intruded in certain areas on Jan. 28, and the Coast Guard warned them to leave in accordance with the law. The interaction was "professional and standardised", according to the statement.
Accusations and runs-in have occurred frequently between the two countries over the past year over disputed territorial areas of the South China Sea.
China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, which has angered neighbouring countries that dispute some boundaries they say cut into their exclusive economic zones.
"China's Coast Guard will, as always, defend and enforce" the law in waters under the country's jurisdiction, the statement said, citing the spokesperson.
China routinely conducts patrols of the South China Sea even as tensions simmer between it and the Philippines, which recently had its own joint military patrol in the region with its ally - the United States - drawing the ire of China.
The spokesperson said the Coast Guard will firmly safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-31T04:40:46Z
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BEIJING - China's government on Wednesday dismissed repeated complaints by Taiwan about Chinese balloons flying over or near the island, saying they are for meteorological purposes and should not be hyped up for political reasons.
Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has complained since last month about the balloons, which have flown over the sensitive Taiwan Strait. Some of the balloons crossed over the island itself before vanishing.
China's defence ministry has so far declined to comment on the balloons.
But speaking at a regular news briefing in Beijing, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, gave the longest official response yet to Taiwan's balloon complaints given "Taiwan compatriots have doubts".
Most balloons are launched by private companies and hundreds of thousands like them fly around the world every day, he said, adding that they were "not the kind of balloons that are hung for weddings and at shopping malls".
"The floating balloons are mostly used for people's livelihood purposes such as meteorological monitoring. They have a long history and are nothing new," Chen said.
"The Democratic Progressive Party authorities are advised not to politically hype up such issues and incite cross-strait antagonism and confrontation," he added, referring to Taiwan's ruling party.
The potential for China to use balloons for spying became a global issue last February when the United States shot down what it said was a Chinese surveillance balloon. China said the balloon was a civilian craft that accidentally drifted astray.
Earlier this month, Taiwan's government accused China of threatening aviation safety and waging psychological warfare on its people with the balloons, which were launched days before Taiwan's Jan. 13 elections.
Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying only the island's people can decide their future. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-31T04:40:56Z
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SEOUL - An American F-16 fighter jet experienced an “in-flight emergency” over the West Sea off South Korea and crashed early on Jan 31, the United States military said, adding that the pilot had been rescued.
“An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing here experienced an in-flight emergency over the West Sea and crashed at approximately 8.41am (11.41pm GMT) today,” the military said in a statement.
“The pilot ejected safely and was recovered at around 9.30am. He is conscious and was transported to a medical facility for assessment.”
The statement hailed the close cooperation with South Korea during the rescue operation.
“We are very thankful to the Republic of Korea rescue forces and all of our teammates who made the swift recovery of our pilot possible,” said Colonel Matthew C. Gaetke, 8th Fighter Wing commander.
“Now we will shift our focus to search and recovery of the aircraft,” he added.
The statement said: “Information on the cause of the in-flight emergency will not be made available until the conclusion of thorough safety and accident investigations.”
The Korea Coast Guard told AFP that the fighter jet crashed near Mokdeok island, which is off South Korea’s west coast.
This is the third crash of an American F-16 fighter jet in South Korea since May 2023.
A US F-16 jet crashed in December during a routine training exercise after experiencing what the US military said was “an in-flight emergency”. That pilot was also rescued.
Earlier, in May 2023, an F-16 jet crashed during a routine training exercise in a farming area south of Seoul. The pilot ejected safely and the accident caused no other casualties.
Washington is Seoul’s most important security ally and stations about 28,500 troops in South Korea to help protect it from the nuclear-armed North.
In neighbouring Japan, the US military announced late in 2023 that it was grounding its fleet of V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft following a deadly crash that killed eight US airmen. AFP
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| 2024-01-31T04:41:07Z
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KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's Sultan Ibrahim from the southern state of Johor was sworn in as the country's new king on Wednesday, taking the oath of office in a ceremony at the national palace in Kuala Lumpur.
The monarchy plays a mostly ceremonial role in Malaysia, but its influence has grown in recent years, prompting the king to wield rarely-used discretionary powers to quell political instability.
Under a unique system of monarchy, the heads of Malaysia's nine royal families take turns to be the King, known as the "Yang di-Pertuan Agong" every five years.
Sultan Ibrahim, 65, succeeds Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who is returning to lead his home state of Pahang after completing his five-year tenure as king.
While the monarchy is largely seen as above politics, Sultan Ibrahim has been noted for his forthrightness and outsized personality, often weighing in on the country's political issues.
Known for his large collection of luxury cars and motorbikes, Sultan Ibrahim has wide-ranging business interests from real estate to mining, including a stake in Forest City - a $100-billion China-backed land reclamation and development project off Johor. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-31T04:41:17Z
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SYDNEY - Pacific Islands nations that want to connect to U.S.-funded undersea cables will need to secure their digital ecosystems to guard against data risks from China, a senior U.S. State Department official said.
The United States pledged last year to jointly fund two undersea cables, to be built by Google, connecting the U.S. territory of Guam with hubs in Fiji and French Polynesia, and further branching out across remote Pacific Islands.
The proposed intra-Pacific cable project has offered to branch out to Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tuvalu, Fiji, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Cook Islands, Wallis and Futuna and the Federated States of Micronesia.
The U.S. Department of State’s ambassador at large for cyberspace and digital policy, Nathaniel Fick, visited Fiji this week as Washington prioritises which islands will have the opportunity to plug in.
The digital ecosystems in countries connecting to the cables need to be secured "from end to end", which excluded what he called "untrusted" Chinese-built datacentres or phone towers, he told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday.
"Investing a lot of money in these nodes is going to require these states to behave in some ways that mitigate the risk, to the greatest possible extent," he said.
"It's going to be in their interests to do that if they want to be trusted nodes for the long haul and attract continued investment."
China and the U.S. are jostling for influence in the Pacific Islands with competing offers for infrastructure. The Solomon Islands, which struck a security pact with Beijing, is rolling out a Chinese-funded mobile network built by Chinese telecommunications company Huawei.
Australian telecommunications company Telstra, a partner in the new U.S.-backed project, said in a statement this month the cables will "dramatically improve the diversity of paths between Guam to Australia via Fiji and other Pacific islands, and between the US mainland and Australia".
Guam is home to U.S. military facilities that would be key to responding to any conflict in the Asia-Pacific region, and Microsoft warned last year it had been targeted by a Chinese hacker group, Volt Typhoon, seeking to disrupt critical communications infrastructure between the U.S. and Asia in any future crisis. China said the hacking allegations were disinformation. REUTERS
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| 2024-01-31T04:41:28Z
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KUALA LUMPUR – Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar was sworn in as Malaysia’s new king at Istana Negara on Jan 31, becoming the second ruler from the southern state to ascend the national throne.
Sultan Ibrahim, who will reign for five years, is the country’s 17th king. He takes on the role about four decades after his late father, Sultan Mahmud Iskandar, became king from 1984 to 1989.
Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah will continue in his previous role as deputy king for the next five years.
The ceremony was witnessed by other Malay rulers, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Ministers Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof, as well as other government officials and dignitaries.
The 65-year-old King, who was elected last October by his fellow royal rulers, succeeds Pahang’s Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah. The previous king ascended to the post in 2019 following the historic abdication by his predecessor, Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan, after just three years on the throne.
Malaysia’s nine royal houses take turns to become king for a five-year term, under a unique rotation system in place since the country’s independence in 1957.
In an interview with The Straits Times in November 2023, Sultan Ibrahim said his priorities as king include stamping out corruption, proposing that the anti-graft agency should report directly to the king.
The monarch also hopes to revive stalled plans for a high-speed rail project between Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, which was cancelled in 2021. Malaysia is still reviewing fresh proposals from the private sector on the project, after conducting a request-for-information exercise. Singapore has said it is open to discussions on a new proposal “starting from a clean slate”.
Sultan Ibrahim has spoken warmly of the close ties between Johor and Singapore, describing them as a “special relationship”.
Known as one of the most colourful and outspoken of Malaysia’s sovereigns, the royal intends to make his presence felt in Kuala Lumpur. He has also suggested that judicial appointments must be made independently, separate from the executive, and that state oil firm Petronas report directly to the king.
However, his powers as king as set out in the federal Constitution are largely confined to matters pertaining to Islam and the culture of the Malay majority, and the dissolution of Parliament. Executive power is held by ruling politicians and the civil service.
Nevertheless, Malaysia’s monarchy saw its influence grow during the reign of the previous king, Sultan Abdullah, who used his discretionary powers during a period of political instability to pick three prime ministers between 2020 and 2022.
In an interview with selected media on Jan 3, Sultan Abdullah said he hoped that Datuk Seri Anwar’s administration would last its full five-year term, calling for political stability in the country.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/outspoken-johor-ruler-sultan-ibrahim-sworn-in-as-malaysia-s-17th-king
| 2024-01-31T04:41:38Z
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URUMQI – Xinjiang will ramp up its energy production in 2024, as trade disruption in the Red Sea and a drive to lift its sputtering economy put pressure on China’s energy needs.
The north-western autonomous region, which has rich resources in oil, natural gas, coal and minerals, plans to build large-scale oil and gas production, processing and storage bases, and tap more oil and gas fields. It will also speed up coal production while also increasing its reserves of oil and gas.
These plans were set out by the region’s govenor Erkin Tuniyaz in his work report on Jan 30 as he opened Xinjiang’s annual parliamentary meetings in the capital city of Urumqi.
In a first, the Xinjiang government allowed some foreign diplomats and journalists to attend the opening ceremonies of the two meetings, which will go on for four days and will be attended by more than 1,000 legislators and delegates.
Xinjiang is one of the last of the 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions to hold their yearly legislative session ahead of the national conclave in Beijing in March known as the Two Sessions. The meetings on the local and national levels bring together leaders, lawmakers and advisors to chart the year’s economic and social agenda, pass legislation and present proposals.
The far-flung region grew by 6.8 per cent in 2023, just within range of the target of “around 7 per cent” set at 2023’s parliamentary session.
Agriculture and energy took priority as the country doubled down on its efforts for food and energy security.
Its crude oil, natural gas and coal production went up, with coal increasing by 10 per cent. New energy capacity was also boosted by a third to reach 64.431 million kilowatt-hours (kWh), making up nearly half of the region’s total power generation capacity.
International trade has been severely disrupted by the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, a vital route linking ships between China and Europe. Analysts say the crisis has not affected oil flows into China significantly, but it has likely given pause to Beijing, which has already been diversifying its energy imports to minimise being caught up in vulnerable supply chains and price hikes.
China is the largest consumer and importer of energy in the world.
Dr Dong Jinyue, senior economist at BBVA Research in Hong Kong, said Xinjiang’s growth in 2023 was hampered by the overall lacklustre recovery of consumption in the country after Covid-19 restrictions were lifted at the end of 2022.
That could have had some adverse impact on Xinjiang’s tourism, goods and commodity demand, she said.
Xinjiang’s 6.8 per cent growth had come off a low base of a 3.2 per cent expansion the year before, when China’s punishing zero-Covid policy was still in place. It had managed growth of between 7.6 and 10 per cent from 2014 to 2017, before slipping to 6.1 and 6.2 per cent in 2018 and 2019, just as international controversy erupted over its anti-terror re-education camps.
A free-trade zone, established in November 2023, offers hope to officials of more significant cross-border trade, especially with neighbouring countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and give President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative a boost.
Xinjiang will aim for more modest growth in 2024 at around 6.5 per cent, said Mr Tuniyaz.
This is in line with the anticipated national target, which Dr Dong anticipates to be 4.5 to 5 per cent, lower than 2023’s target of “around 5 per cent”.
“Setting a lower growth target reflects the economic challenges of Xinjiang, such as decelerating consumption demand, the housing market crash, the weak external demand in 2024 and the economic slowdown expectation,” she said.
On the other hand, it provides the Xinjiang government with more time and room to deal with structural reforms locally, said Dr Dong.
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| 2024-01-31T04:41:48Z
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BEIJING - China’s factory activity contracted for a fourth straight month in January as new orders shrank, suggesting weak demand continues to hamper the economy ahead of the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday.
The official manufacturing purchasing managers index reached 49.2 this month, the National Bureau of Statistics said in a statement on Jan 31 - above December’s reading but still below the 50 mark that separates expansion from contraction. The number was slightly worse than what economists had expected.
A gauge of non-manufacturing activity - which measures the construction and services sectors - was 50.7, up from last month and marginally better than projections from economists. A sub-index of services activity rebounded to 50.1, the first expansion since October, though growth in construction eased to a three-month low.
“There is no signal of a turning point here,” said Galvin Chia, an emerging market strategist at NatWest Markets in Singapore. “The surprises are too small to change what is already a very entrenched bearish view on the outlook.”
Market reaction to the PMIs was muted, with the onshore benchmark CSI 300 Index down slightly in morning trade. A gauge of China stocks listed in Hong Kong lost as much as 1.1 per cent. Both indexes are very close to wiping out gains from last week, which had been spurred by hopes of stronger government support.
The offshore yuan was little changed, while China’s 10-year government bond yield dropped to 2.43 per cent, the lowest since 2002. The Australian dollar - which is risk-sensitive and seen as a proxy for China - declined 0.6 per cent.
The world’s second-largest economy has been trying to regain momentum this year after the government introduced some stimulus. That’s included measures to unleash more long-term cash for banks, tighten rules on the lending of shares for short selling and broaden developer access to loans. Authorities ramped up rhetoric last week in a bid to stem a rout that has wiped out some US$6 trillion (S$8 trillion) in value in stock markets.
While still in contraction, the slight rise in the manufacturing gauge “suggests sentiment in the economy has had some improvement,” said NBS analyst Zhao Qinghe in a statement accompanying the PMI release. Mr Zhao pointed to some positive signs for foreign demand, given the increase in a sub-gauge of new export orders to 47.2 - still well in contraction, though the best reading in four months.
The start of the year is generally a slower season for manufacturers in the lead-up to the Lunar New Year, a week-long holiday that will take place next month during which time factory activity comes to a standstill. Even so, the underperformance of the headline manufacturing gauge suggests underlying weakness in the economy, according to Bruce Pang, chief economist at Jones Lang Lasalle.
“Seasonality alone cannot fully explain the sluggishness of the manufacturing PMI,” he said. “Policy support is still needed to boost the effective demand in the society to maintain a sustainable recovery.”
Economists expect Beijing to announce a fairly ambitious growth goal for 2024 when the national legislature meets in March. The economy hit an official government growth goal of around 5 per cent last year, but maintaining a similar rate of expansion in 2024 may be challenging.
The base of comparison will be higher, and the economy no longer has the benefit of a boost from the release of pent-up demand immediately post-pandemic. Main drags on growth also remain, with the real estate slump showing no signs of ending and price drops continuing. Trade tensions with major partners are intensifying over key exports including electric cars, adding to the downside risks facing the economy. BLOOMBERG
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| 2024-01-31T04:41:59Z
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SINGAPORE - Retrenchments in Singapore doubled in 2023 from the previous year to 14,320, even as overall unemployment rates fell slightly.
Total employment growth here for the full year of 2023 slowed amid weaker economic conditions, following a sharp, post-pandemic rebound in 2022.
According to preliminary estimates released by the Ministry of Manpower on Jan 31, the more muted pace of growth was seen for both residents and non-residents.
On a quarterly basis, while the increase in total employment, excluding migrant domestic workers, moderated significantly, it continued to grow for the ninth consecutive quarter, expanding by 8,400 in the last quarter of 2023.
The ministry said: “This moderation was not unexpected as weaker hiring expectations and declining job vacancies from previous quarters indicated cooling labour demand.”
Business reorganisation or restructuring remained the top reason for retrenchments in 2023, due in part to the impact of global economic headwinds on outward-oriented sectors such as wholesale trade, IT services and electronics manufacturing.
However, on a quarterly basis, the number of retrenchments in the fourth quarter of 2023 fell to 3,200 compared to 4,110 in the third quarter, which was marked by a surge in wholesale trade retrenchments.
MOM added: “While retrenchments rose in electronics manufacturing, the number of retrenchments in other sectors remained broadly stable or declined.”
For the full year of 2023, the overall unemployment rate dipped slightly to 1.9 per cent, from 2.1 per cent in 2022. The rate for Singaporeans was 2.9 per cent in 2023, down from 3 per cent, while the rate for Singaporeans and permanent residents combined was 2.7 per cent, down from 2.9 per cent.
On a monthly, seasonally-adjusted basis, the unemployment rates in December 2023 were the same as that in November. The overall rate was 2 per cent.
The ministry added that based on its surveys, it expects improved business expectations in 2024, with the Ministry of Trade and Industry also indicating expectations of improved economic growth prospects.
The MOM said the proportion of firms which indicated an intention to hire in the next three months rose from 42.8 per cent in the previous quarter to 47.7 per cent in 4Q 2023. Likewise, the proportion of firms with an intention to raise wages rose from 18 per cent to 32.6 per cent over the corresponding periods.
While employment prospects might be looking up, the MOM cautions that as downside risks in the global economy remain, business reorganisation or restructuring will continue and may lead to further retrenchments.
The ministry said: “The Government strongly encourages employers and workers to make full use of available programmes to remain competitive and resilient amidst economic uncertainty. Employers should press on with business transformation and equip their workers for expanded or redesigned job roles. Workers are encouraged to continue to upskill and be open to new opportunities.”
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/retrenchments-in-singapore-doubled-in-2023-even-as-unemployment-dipped-slightly
| 2024-01-31T04:42:09Z
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SINGAPORE - Singtel’s data-centre subsidiary, Digital InfraCo moved to solidify its ambition to become the region’s leading infrastructure provider, especially in the rapidly growing area of artificial intelligence computing, by inking agreements with key industry players.
On Jan 31, the company signed four memoranda of understanding with a slew of partners who are vital to the ecosystem of the data centre business.
These include chipmaker Nvidia, whose powerful graphics processing units (GPUs) enable machine learning and other data-intensive processes; regional suppliers of renewable energy to aid in the company’s push towards Net Zero; technology businesses that will help create a test bed for improving power and water efficiency; and five institutes of higher learning that will produce a pipeline of talent for the industry.
On the agreements signed, Digital InfraCo chief executive Bill Chang said: “As we build out our data centre business, we are putting in place a purpose-driven, fully aligned group of ecosystem partners with distinctive capabilities and unique platforms that will help us grow this digital infrastructure in an AI world – sustainably and responsibly.”
Singtel on Jan 31 also launched the Nxera brand for its entire data centre business, which was previously known as RDC, or Regional Data Centres.
Speaking at the brand launch at Singtel headquarters in Comcentre, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said that the digital economy in Asean is projected to more than triple to US$1 trillion (S$1.3 trillion) by 2030, up from about US$300 billion today.
He said this figure could further double if the region is able to achieve digital integration and harmonisation through the proposed Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which is slated to be the world’s first for a regional grouping.
On the company’s collaboration with Nvidia, Singtel Digital InfraCo will become the chipmaker’s cloud partner in the region.
The aim is to provide access to AI for both large and small businesses through the company’s data centres that will host Nvidia’s GPU clusters, said Mr Chang.
Although Mr Chang, who is also Nxera’s CEO, declined to put a value on its planned investment in Nvidia chips for the AI segment, recent developments provide some clues.
For one, Malaysian conglomerate YTL announced in December it is partnering Nvidia to develop AI infrastructure in the nation in a US$4.3 billion investment deal.
For Digital InfraCo, Mr Chang expects its investment in GPU chips to be organic, rising in step with demand from end users.
When asked if the branding exercise was in preparation for a listing, Mr Chang told The Straits Times that “Nxera’s shareholders are the ones to make such a decision”.
He said: “It’s only been less than a year since the RDC unit was spun off as a separate business line, with (private equity firm) KKR investing $1.1 billion for a 20 per cent stake in the company in September 2023.”
Mr Chang also shared that at this stage, “we currently have only two data centres operational at 60MW, as the older and less energy efficient ones will be phased out”.
Meanwhile, other new and sustainable AI data centres are still being built in Singapore and across the region, said Mr Chang.
When these are completed over the next few years, they will raise Nxera’s capacity beyond 200MW, he said.
“For now – all I can say is: Watch this space,” he added.
Mr Chang elaborated on some of the targets that Nxera will need to meet in the interim.
“For one, we are committed to reducing our carbon emissions to meet our operational net-zero target in emissions by 2028 and to do this, we aim to make all our data centres the most sustainable and energy efficient in the region to power the AI revolution.”
A data centre is perfectly efficient if its PUE (power usage effectiveness) is exactly 1, such that the only power being used is for the computing equipment, while nothing is wasted on any other uses.
“We will leverage our experience with DC Tuas, which is expected to have a full-load PUE of 1.23, and replicate that across all our data centres,” Mr Chang said.
On the talent front, a Regional Sustainable Data Centre Academy will be formed by mid-2024 with the Singapore Institute of Technology and the Nanyang, Singapore and Temasek polytechnics, as well as the Institute of Technical Education, as Nxera’s initial partners.
“While all five institutions have existing data centre-related course work, we want to help shape the curriculum and support everyone from undergrads to those undertaking continuing education – from our own employees to those of our partners and suppliers,” said Mr Chang.
“The goal is to produce at least 150 professionals annually – from skilled technicians, all the way through to those doing their master’s degree.”
Mr Chang said the company will not only jointly develop curriculum and training programmes with these institutions, but will also provide opportunities for the students to gain hands-on experience through internships.
Commenting on the hype surrounding AI at the moment, Mr Chang said he believes that the industry is still at an early stage.
He likened it to the “Palm Pilot moment”, just before smartphones took the world by storm.
“We will probably see AI become mainstream in under five years,” he said.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/singtel-data-centre-unit-solidifies-aim-to-be-leading-player-in-region-with-key-deals
| 2024-01-31T04:42:20Z
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Singapore Chamber Music Festival 2024
Aoi Trio
Ning An & Friends
Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Concert Hall
Jan 27 and 30, 7.30pm
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/concert-review-chamber-music-festival-s-successful-return-with-aoi-trio-and-pianist-ning-an
| 2024-01-31T04:42:30Z
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Money No Enough 3 (PG13)
137 minutes, opens on Feb 1
1 star
The story: Director-cum-co-writer Jack Neo reunites with Mark Lee and Henry Thia to play three lifelong friends muddling through the perennial problem of their blockbuster franchise title.
The 1998 smash Money No Enough grossed a record $5.8 million in a milestone for Singapore cinema. The local satire on greed and materialism was especially close to home in the wake of the Asian financial crisis.
Twenty-six years on and the new gig economy in Money No Enough 3 is being no kinder to Lee’s deliveryman character Ah Huang.
Desperate debts again push him into ruinous get-rich-quick schemes with money borrowed from his now middle-aged kampung brudders, Neo’s Grab driver Ah Qiang and Thia’s Teochew porridge stall owner Ah Hui.
Will he never learn? Sadder still, can the comedy series ever progress past mawkish moralising, toilet humour, sitcom skits and coffee-shop talk?
From the foreign worker levy to the ageing hawker trade to the unmotivated Gen Z, every popular social woe is checked off and then trivialised for callous laughs. Charity scams are a hoot. Crypto bankruptcy is a gag.
Workplace sexual harassment cues the atrocious punning of “prostitute” and “positude” – as in “positive attitude”.
And how hilarious, organ failure from dodgy health supplements which was already a plot device in the previous film Money No Enough 2 (2008).
This third instalment is a lazy remix of the earlier two, right down to the bathetic climax involving not one, but two, dying kin.
In an ensemble of Mediacorp veterans where even Xiang Yun and Patricia Mok think the shoutier the acting, the more convincing, Regina Lim in the role of Ah Huang’s adult daughter and Braven Yeo in his movie debut as Ah Hui’s son impress for their grounded performances.
Hot take: Words are no enough to describe this grating watch.
Badland Hunters (M18)
107 minutes, available on Netflix
3 stars
The story: K-cinema action hero Don Lee headlines as a fearless huntsman, scouring a lawless post-apocalyptic wasteland for a teen girl abducted by a mad doctor.
Lee has captured a monster crocodile by the tail, decapitated it, and seen off a band of marauders before his character is even formally introduced in Badland Hunters. It may be end times in what was once the South Korean capital of Seoul, three years after a cataclysmic earthquake, but all will be well with Lee around.
This dystopian drama directed by Heo Myeong-haeng, the stunt coordinator on Lee’s The Roundup hit crime series (2017 to 2023), continues the mythologisation of the hugely popular bruiser.
The 90kg actor is also plain huge.
His gruff but soft-hearted Nam San is a survivor in a dusty outpost, the only person – along with his archer protege (Lee Jun-young) plus a special forces sergeant (Ahn Ji-hye) – who can rescue young neighbour Su-na (Roh Jeong-eui) when she is lured away by a cult promising food and water.
Su-na finds herself in an apartment complex, although this Netflix production is not a spin-off of Concrete Utopia (2023) as widely speculated: A scientist (Lee Hee-jun) is experimenting on brainwashed juveniles to bioengineer a new human race for the devastated world.
This landscape is the usual computer-generated expanse of dirt and crumbling concrete, and Nam will flatten the mutant guards with punishing blows, shotgun and machete.
But for a good 30 minutes mid-movie, as Su-na comes to realise the heinous fate awaiting her, the serviceable action-adventure is a suspenseful and sinister sci-fi horror.
Hot take: Don Lee is true to form, pummelling bad guys in an adequate if unsurprising star vehicle.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/at-the-movies-money-no-enough-3-a-grating-watch-don-lee-pummels-baddies-in-badland-hunters
| 2024-01-31T04:42:41Z
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SINGAPORE – Two days after he was handed seven new charges, Su Wenqiang, one of the 10 accused in Singapore’s largest money laundering case, was given two more charges on Jan 31.
According to one of the new charges, Su Wenqiang, 31, had allegedly made a false statement to the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) Controller of Work Passes on Feb 28, 2022, by signing and declaring in an employment pass application that he would be employed as a sales director at Fleur Business Service (FBS) when he had no intention of being hired by the organisation.
The second new charge accuses him of engaging with one “Wen Wen” in February 2022 to make a false statement to the Controller of Work Passes to obtain a work pass for his wife, Su Yanping.
The charge adds that under Su Wenqiang’s alleged instruction, Wen Wen had applied for an employment pass on Su Yanping’s behalf and declared she would be employed as a director of Ju You Family Office (JYFO) even when Su Wenqiang had no plans for Su Yanping to work there.
FBS and JYFO were both registered in 2021 and are described as companies providing management consultancy services, according to Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority records.
Su Wenqiang is not listed on FBS’ business profile but Su Yanping is listed as having been JYFO’s director since February 2022.
Su Wenqiang, who is originally from China and holds passports from Cambodia and Vanuatu, now faces 11 charges in total.
Eight of his charges fall under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes Act (CDSA).
One of them alleges he had $601,706 in criminal benefits from operating an unlawful remote gambling service based in the Philippines that targets people in China.
His remaining seven CDSA charges accuse him of using around $976,700 in illicit proceeds to pay for a Mercedes-Benz AMG C63S car, bags, jewellery and alcohol, and to pay rent for a landed property and condominium.
He also faces one count of allegedly having a forged marriage certificate from China that stated he had registered his marriage with Su Yanping on May 20, 2018, when no such registration had been made.
The charge adds that he had intended to pass off the certificate as genuine in his dependant’s pass application to MOM.
Su Wenqiang was one of 10 foreigners arrested on Aug 15, 2023, in an anti-money laundering probe that has now seen more than $3 billion in assets seized.
He was denied bail on Nov 2.
According to past court hearings, he came to Singapore in 2021 with his wife and children, aged five and six, as he wanted his children to be educated here.
Senior investigation officer (SIO) Francis Lim of the Criminal Investigation Department said in an affidavit that Su Wenqiang has been wanted by the Chinese authorities for illegal online gambling activities since 2017.
SIO Lim added that Su Wenqiang was recruited to be an executive at a remote lottery business operating from the Philippines and Cambodia. He was paid in cash.
He and his accomplices would communicate via WhatsApp and Telegram group chats to discuss their operations, including moving funds from remote gambling websites across borders, said SIO Lim.
In denying Su Wenqiang bail then, District Judge Brenda Tan said he has no deep roots in Singapore as he is neither a Singapore citizen nor a permanent resident here. His family members are foreigners.
She noted he was a flight risk, as he has accomplices at large who may help him abscond.
The police have seized two vehicles with an estimated value of at least $584,000 in Su Yanping’s name and more than $2 million parked in her bank account.
Su Wenqiang also has substantial wealth overseas, including a house in Xiamen worth around $1.9 million that is registered to Su Yanping.
He will return to court for a pre-trial conference on Feb 1.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/more-charges-for-money-laundering-accused-who-allegedly-misled-mom-to-obtain-work-passes
| 2024-01-31T04:42:52Z
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SINGAPORE - There were 1,451 electric vans registered in 2023, representing 52.6 per cent of all registrations of light goods vehicles in the year.
Chinese brands dominated the registrations in 2023, making up seven out of the 10 best-selling brands. The rest were European or Japanese.
These electric vans have a maximum laden weight of up to 3.5 tonnes.
In 2023, electric van registrations formed 43.4 per cent of the total population of electric commercial vehicles in Singapore, which includes goods-cum-passenger vehicles, heavy vehicles and buses.
Chinese manufacturer BYD topped the chart with 310 registrations, accounting for 21.3 per cent of electric van registrations in 2023. It is represented by ST Engineering and sold through a network of dealers.
Trailing behind with 218 units was Shineray, another Chinese producer brought in by EVCo, a joint venture between SMRT subsidiary Strides Holdings and Chinese electric vehicle (EV) firm Dishangtie Green Technology (Hong Kong).
With 156 registrations, France’s Citroen was the best-performing non-Chinese brand for electric vans.
It was 20 units ahead of German brand Opel (136), which was fourth overall.
DFSK, a Chinese manufacturer, came in fifth with 118 registrations, followed closely by the parallel-imported Toyota (117).
There were 17 brands of electric vans available in Singapore in 2023.
The data published by the Land Transport Authority showed that monthly registrations dipped after the first quarter of 2023.
This coincided with a change in emissions-testing regulations and a halving of tax incentives that kicked in from April.
Commercial vehicles not registered before the switchover required a permit under the new testing regime to be allowed for sale. Tax rebates for electric vans were halved from $30,000 to $15,000.
Of the 1,343 electric vans registered by the top 10 brands in 2023, 875 were registered in the first three months of the year, and 468 registrations were spread over the remaining nine months.
Corresponding to the rush to register vehicles ahead of the switchover, certificate of entitlement (COE) prices for commercial vehicles hit an all-time high of $91,101 in the first tender exercise of March 2023 – a significant increase from $48,999 in March 2022.
The COE premium fell after the switchover. At the latest tender exercise in January 2024, it was priced at $68,001.
After the deluge of registrations, The Straits Times reported in August 2023 that there were more than 70 units of practically new registered electric vans listed for sale on an online used-vehicle portal.
More recent checks on the Sgcarmart portal on Jan 30 showed 25 electric vans registered in 2023 with less than 1,000km on the odometers listed for sale. This suggests there are still pre-registered vehicles on the market that have yet to be sold.
The market for electric vans is expected to get even more crowded in 2024.
French brands Peugeot and Renault started promoting their electric vans in late 2023. In January, motor dealer Hong Seh EVolution, which already carries DFSK vehicles, launched SRM, another Chinese EV brand. SRM also manufactures Shineray.
As at January, there are more than 2,400 charging points in over 700 Housing Board carparks across all 26 towns.
The Government aims to have at least 12,000 chargers in about 2,000 HDB carparks by 2025.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/more-than-half-of-van-registrations-in-2023-were-electric-chinese-ev-brands-most-popular
| 2024-01-31T04:43:02Z
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“Dada, we have a match today. We can do this.”
It’s the Saturday morning of the Australian Open men’s doubles final and Tridha, who’s four, and who’s heard her mother say this, utters these lines to her father.
His name is Rohan Bopanna and he’s been waiting to do this. His cartilage in his knees has worn out and his beard is turning white and he’s waiting for his first men’s doubles Grand Slam title. There are guys in the locker room who he’s beaten but they have Slam titles and he’s still waiting. He’s played 60 Grand Slams, stayed in the Top 50 since 2010, won 25 men’s doubles titles, lost in two US Open finals and three Wimbledon semi-finals, and he’s still waiting.
But now it’s Sunday afternoon and there’s a shine to Bopanna’s face. Tridha didn’t sleep till 4am, refusing to let go of the Australian Open men’s doubles trophy. It’s the one which her Dada won. At 43. Oldest man ever.
“Amazing, amazing,” he murmurs.
Amazing when you consider the waiting.
“It’s extremely difficult,” he explains. “You go through so many emotional moments. Especially when (Aisam-Ul-Haq) Qureshi and me had that breakthrough year (2010). Suddenly the first year you decide to play doubles you make a final of a Grand Slam (US Open), and you’re like, OK, this is it, next year, boom, boom, boom, everything’s gonna fall in place. ... Little do you know that 13 years later (US Open, 2023) is when the next Grand Slam final even came about. That is tough.”
Tennis isn’t written into his family history, it’s just chance. In Coorg, among the coffee plantations in southern India, his father was hanging out with his pals and his grandad told them, here’s a piece of land, build a court. They did and a club was born.
“They taught each other tennis,” says Bopanna. “They taught their wives tennis. Then the kids started playing.” One of them goes so far that the club now has a Rohan Bopanna Pavilion. As he talks about this, he’s emotional, especially when he says that for the Open final they set up a screen at the club and members came to watch their boy play.
They’ve been waiting, too.
India has a long history in tennis but lately it’s been a lean one. The singles games demands tall men with exceptional movement and India’s tennis system is too comatose to find them. Yet in doubles, all geometry and dexterity, as hockey once was, Indians shine.
Leander Paes has eight men’s doubles (and 10 mixed) titles at Grand Slams, Mahesh Bhupathi four men’s doubles (eight mixed), Sania Mirza three women’s doubles (three mixed). In the 124-year history of the Davis Cup, Paes has more doubles wins than anyone and he and Bhupathi have a winning streak – 24 matches – that is unrivalled.
All three get to world No.1, setting a standard, starting almost a doubles cult. And it’s what Bopanna is measured against. He has a mixed doubles Slam but the men’s field is deeper, the trophy weightier, the waiting crueller.
Everyone becomes prisoners of targets. By 20 you should do this, by 30 that. “So that is when more pressure is added,” says Bopanna, “and you’re trying to force it to happen ... and then when you come to a Grand Slam, there’s so much of pressure already, and you’re putting more pressure, trying to say OK, I have to win this and you don’t end up enjoying playing tennis.”
A boy’s wish had turned into a dream and a dream into an ache. Maybe this is kismet. But no, he doesn’t think like that but he keeps hearing what he hasn’t done. “People don’t let you forget,” he laughs.
There’s supposed to be joy in the athletic process, but it’s never quite like that. “It’s extremely difficult. When you’re constantly out there playing, it’s lonely.” You’re staying by yourself, he says, eating by yourself, wearing defeat by yourself. In Estoril in 2021, beaten in the first round, his seventh straight first-round loss with only one set won, he sends his wife a video.
“I think I’m done.”
But the irony is that just expressing this idea releases him. “It got me in a better place.” His wife, Supriya Annaiah, a psychologist, told him not to look at his age and his limitations, but to see it differently. He was still competing, he still had opportunity. He altered his game, not serving and volleying as he did in 2010 but staying back and adapting his game as he slowed down. He did yoga and his knees started complaining less and instead of two-three painkillers a day they became occasional.
And he started to enjoy himself.
He got to the US Open final last year and now here, in Melbourne, he and Matthew Ebden win six matches and all seven tie-breaks they play. His prime minister tweets about him. The Athletic interviews him. History embraces him. A computer rates him.
No.1 doubles player in the whole damn world.
Persistence has paid. Bravery has found reward. For Dada the waiting is over.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/dad-you-can-do-this-at-43-a-father-wins-his-first-men-s-grand-slam-title
| 2024-01-31T04:43:13Z
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Three-times Grand Slam champion Andy Murray hit back at suggestions he could "damage his legacy" if he continues his career after the 36-year-old Scot suffered a third straight first-round exit to start the season.
Murray breathed new life into his career after having hip-resurfacing surgery in 2019 but has struggled to reach the latter stages of the top events. He has failed to go beyond the third round of a Grand Slam since reaching the Wimbledon quarters in 2017.
After first-round exits at Brisbane and Melbourne Park, Murray's defeat by Frenchman Benoit Paire in Montpellier on Tuesday prompted a BBC reporter to ask the question: "At what point does bravely soldiering on start to damage his legacy?"
"Tarnishing my legacy? Do me a favour," Murray responded on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
"I'm in a terrible moment right now I'll give you that.
"Most people would quit and give up in my situation right now. But I'm not most people and my mind works differently," the former world number one and two-time Olympic champion added.
"I won't quit. I will keep fighting and working to produce the performances I know I'm capable of."
Former U.S. Open champion Andy Roddick railed at the report and said nothing could detract from Murray's achievements.
"Can't take legacy away. Accomplishment lives forever," he posted on X. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/do-me-a-favour-murray-hits-back-after-legacy-questioned
| 2024-01-31T04:43:23Z
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Here’s another reason why you really don’t want to get herpes: New research shows that the virus infects and kills the neurons of the colon, leading to an apocalyptic-sounding condition called toxic megacolon. Essentially, this means that the muscles of the digestive tract can no longer contract in order to squidge food along and out of the posterior porthole (that’s a fancy term for butthole).
Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is normally contracted via the mucosal epithelial cells of the mouth or genitals, from where it infects the neurons of the peripheral sensory nervous system. Exactly how it spreads beyond this point in order to produce the many nasty symptoms associated with the disease is still pretty poorly understood.
One such symptom is constipation, with many herpes sufferers reporting difficulties in the bathroom. To investigate why this is the case, researchers vaginally infected mice with HSV-1, noting that roughly one-third of their subjects soon began to show signs of toxic megacolon.
After analyzing the neurons in the mice’s enteric nervous system (ENS), which regulates the gastrointestinal system, the researchers discovered that the virus had indeed spread to these neurons in those mice that had become constipated.
Reporting their findings in the journal Cell Host and Microbe, the study authors explain that this infection activated a number of genes that normally function to protect the body from pathogens by recruiting a type of white blood cell called neutrophils to destroy the offending invader. However, in this case, it seems that the neutrophils actually destroyed the neurons of the ENS, rather than the virus itself.
To confirm this, they repeated the experiment using mice that had been genetically engineered to lack neutrophils, and found that these mice did not develop toxic megacolon.
Exactly how the virus spreads from the genitals to the colon is not yet known, although the study authors propose that it may travel along certain nerve cells that connect the genitourinary and intestinal tissues.
Sadly for the mice, the destruction of the neurons in their colons was permanent, making life pretty uncomfortable for them. However, the researchers did at least find that treating them with a strong laxative helped to restore their motions, enabling them to do their business without the need for a functioning ENS.
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https://www.iflscience.com/herpes-kills-your-butthole-neurons-and-makes-you-constipated-36207
| 2024-01-31T04:58:16Z
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The transition into menopause is often accompanied by a range of symptoms, one of which is weight gain.
This specific challenge has led to an increasing number of menopausal women turning to weight loss solutions, including the use of 'skinny jabs' offered by online pharmacies.
Juniper, an online pharmacy, reports that a significant portion of its clientele in the UK, particularly women over 45, are seeking these solutions.
The National Health Service (NHS) recognises weight gain as a common menopausal symptom, alongside hot flushes, sleep difficulties, headaches, reduced libido, and mood changes.
Menopause, defined by the cessation of periods due to lower hormone levels, typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.
The hormonal upheaval during menopause can impact thyroid function, which in turn may slow metabolism and make weight loss more challenging.
Fluctuating blood sugar levels can induce cravings for sugar and carbohydrates, potentially leading to overeating. Additionally, stress and anxiety during this period can disrupt carbohydrate metabolism, resulting in fat being stored around the abdomen.
Fatigue and a reduced motivation to exercise can also contribute to a decreased daily calorie burn.
So, can weight loss alleviate menopause symptoms? The answer is yes. Weight gain during menopause can exacerbate symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, digestive issues, bloating, decreased confidence, and reduced libido.
Losing weight can help reverse these effects, making exercise easier, reducing joint pressure, improving digestion and nutrient intake, and boosting self-confidence.
Before considering weight loss jabs, which are emerging as a popular option, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional.
These treatments can have side effects and should be administered under medical supervision, not purchased online without appropriate oversight.
Improving diet is a safer, more cost-effective approach to managing weight during menopause, offering additional nutritional benefits.
A balanced diet during menopause should include an increased intake of protein, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and extra virgin olive oil.
Regular meals can help stabilise blood sugar levels and reduce cravings and binge eating. Incorporating whole grains, brown rice, and pulses, while avoiding processed carbs, is also beneficial.
In terms of exercise, regular moderate activity is crucial for weight control, heart health, and muscle mass maintenance. Daily activities, even brief ones like a brisk 15-minute walk, can be more effective than intense workouts done sporadically.
Incorporating exercises such as 15-minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) sessions two to three times a week, along with yoga, Pilates, or tai chi, can significantly benefit balance, core strength, and flexibility.
While menopause brings challenges like weight gain, there are effective and sustainable ways to manage these changes. Weight loss can indeed alleviate many menopausal symptoms, but it should be approached holistically, emphasising a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Caution should be exercised with quick-fix solutions like weight loss jabs, and any new regimen should be undertaken under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Adopting a healthy lifestyle not only aids in weight management during menopause but also contributes to overall long-term health and well-being.
Faye James is an accredited nutritionist, member of the Australian Menopause Society and author of The Menopause Diet
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/health-and-fitness/512403/can-weightloss-alleviate-menopause-symptoms-a-nutritionist-explains/
| 2024-01-31T05:31:36Z
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DUBAI - Iran’s envoy to the United Nations warned that Teheran would respond decisively to any attack on its territory, its interests, or Iranian nationals outside its borders, state media reported on Jan 31.
The comment from Mr Amir Saeid Iravani comes a day after United States President Joe Biden announced he has decided how to respond to a drone attack by Iran-aligned Iraqi groups that killed three US service members in Jordan, without elaborating.
Several Iranian Revolutionary Guards have been killed following Israeli strikes in Syria, with five members dying on Jan 20 and another two on Dec 25.
On Jan 29, another Israeli strike hit what Iran’s Tasnim news agency described as an “Iranian military advisory centre” in Syria, killing two, but Iran’s envoy to Syria denied the details on the target and said the casualties were not Iranian.
On Jan 15, Iran attacked what it says was an Israeli "spy headquarter" in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/iran-warns-of-decisive-response-to-any-type-of-attack
| 2024-01-31T06:13:10Z
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ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi have been sentenced to 14 years in jail in a case related to illegal selling of state gifts, the Dawn newspaper reported on Jan 31.
The sentencing by an anti-graft court in Islamabad comes a day after Khan was handed a 10-year jail term in another case in which he was convicted of revealing state secrets, and a week before national elections.
Khan was also handed a three-year prison sentence in August 2023 by another court for selling gifts worth more than 140 million rupees ($670,000) in state possession and received during his 2018-2022 premiership.
The sentence was later suspended but Khan remains behind bars in connection with other cases. He has said that he legally purchased the items.
Government officials have alleged Khan’s aides sold the gifts in Dubai. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/pakistan-ex-pm-imran-khan-sentenced-to-14-years-in-state-gifts-case-dawn
| 2024-01-31T06:13:20Z
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MANILA - Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said there was no rift between him and his Vice President Sara Duterte after both her brother and father strongly criticised him.
On Sunday, Duterte's brother, who is the mayor of Davao city, urged Marcos to resign over his supposed failings to address crime and a foreign policy that "endangers the lives of innocent Filipinos", while her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, called the incumbent president a "drug addict".
Speaking to reporters while on a state visit to Vietnam, Marcos said his relationship with the vice president is "exactly the same", adding his "Uniteam" with Duterte was intact.
Marcos and Duterte ran under the "Uniteam" ticket in the 2022 election, both winning a landslide victory.
"Uniteam is not just one party of two parties or three parties. It's the unification of all political, hopefully all political forces in the Philippines to come together for the good country," Marcos said late on Tuesday.
"That is still there. It is still vibrant," he said.
Duterte, whom Marcos appointed as education secretary, said on Monday her brother's remarks must have come "from a place of brotherly love", but said she would "stay true" to her work at the education ministry, despite calls from some politicians for her to leave.
There is no indication so far that the row between Marcos and the Dutertes would escalate, but the economic planning minister on Wednesday cautioned that political instability was not good for business. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/philippines-marcos-says-no-rift-with-the-vice-president
| 2024-01-31T06:13:31Z
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Asian Insider: Malaysia Edition helps you connect the dots on the biggest stories playing out in Malaysia every week. Sign up here to get the newsletter in your inbox.
All eyes are on the Istana Negara this week, and not just because a new king, Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, ascended the throne today.
Talk of a royal pardon for imprisoned former prime minister Najib Razak has resurfaced, after Cabinet minister Zaliha Mustafa, who sits on the Pardons Board, told reporters on Jan 30 that the board had met at the national palace and that they should wait for its official statement.
Elsewhere, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s crackdown on graft continues, with former finance minister Daim Zainuddin being charged for failing to declare his assets. The dragnet has also widened to include businessman Mokhzani Mahathir, the second of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad’s sons to be questioned by the anti-graft agency.
Shifting gears to the environment, residents of Batu Arang, Selangor, are protesting against a waste incinerator plant that’s set to be built close to where they live. Experts say such plants are necessary as Malaysia runs out of landfill sites to bury its rubbish.
Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments and thank you for reading The Straits Times.
Outspoken Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim sworn in as Malaysia’s 17th king
He plans to tackle corruption, revive the KL-Singapore high-speed rail during his reign.
Pardons Board reportedly discusses jailed former PM Najib’s case
‘Let’s move on’: Sultan Abdullah calls for political stability at the end of five-year reign as King
He said it was important to have a stable country and government to attract foreign investors.
Waste incinerator plan sparks protests, highlights Malaysia’s landfill shortage
Malaysia’s royal inquiry into Pedra Branca an ‘internal matter’: S’pore MFA
“We do not see this affecting the good bilateral relations between Singapore and Malaysia,” MFA says.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-edition-sultan-of-johor-sworn-in-as-king-speculation-mounts-on-najib-pardon
| 2024-01-31T06:13:41Z
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SEOUL - South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol warned on Wednesday that North Korea could stage provocations such as armed actions near the shared border, drone intrusions, cyber attacks or spreading fake news in a bid to interfere in an election in April.
Yoon made the remarks as he convened an annual meeting of the central integrated defence council that brings together the military, government and civil defence entities.
In recent weeks, Pyongyang has ramped up tensions on the Korean peninsula with missile tests and verbal threats against Seoul and Washington, while scrapping its decades-long goal of a peaceful reunification and redefining the South as a separate, enemy state.
Yoon warned that North Korea could stage "numerous provocations" to intervene in the upcoming election and called for a tighter security posture.
South Korea is set to elect new members of parliament on April 10, with 300 seats up for grab.
"The North Korean regime is going through fire and water solely for the sake of maintaining its hereditary totalitarian regime, while blatantly ignoring international law and U.N. Security Council resolutions by trading arms with Russia," Yoon told the meeting.
Russia and North Korea have overseen a series of high-level exchanges since last year amid growing criticism of Pyongyang's role in the Ukraine war by allegedly shipping artillery and missiles to Russia.
Both North Korea and Russia deny the accusation and also the charge that Pyongyang has been receiving advanced technology for developing strategic military capability from Moscow in return.
Yoon called for greater cooperation between his country's military, government, police and private actors, as well as additional measures to prevent possible cyber attacks on national infrastructure, and attempts to disseminate false propaganda.
"Cyber attacks can paralyse national functions and people's daily lives in an instant. Fake news and false propaganda may also cause great chaos in society," he said.
Seoul's defence council meeting this year was specifically designed to examine practical ways of responding under various scenarios to North Korean provocations, including long-range artillery and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks, Yoon's office said. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-koreas-yoon-warns-north-korea-may-try-to-disrupt-april-poll
| 2024-01-31T06:13:52Z
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TAIPEI - Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has written to Pope Francis offering support for his concerns over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and pledging deeper cooperation with the island's sole European ally.
Taipei has watched with concern as Pope Francis has moved to improve relations with China. The democratically governed island has formal ties with only 12 countries, largely due to Chinese pressure.
The letter was sent in response to the pope's World Day Of Peace message on Jan. 1, where he said algorithms must not be allowed to replace human values and warned of a "technological dictatorship" threatening human existence.
False information has become one of the most difficult challenges democracies like Taiwan face, Tsai wrote, according to a copy of the letter released by her office on Wednesday.
"We have a deep recognition of the Holy See's calls for human rights not to be determined by algorithms," Tsai wrote.
Taiwan will lead the development of AI with a "human heart and a technological brain" and join with like-minded partners to reduce the possible impact of AI, and deepen cooperation with the Vatican in all fields, she added.
Chip powerhouse Taiwan is home to the world's largest contract chip maker TSMC, a major supplier of semiconductors used by companies like Nvidia for AI applications. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/taiwan-president-tells-pope-francis-she-supports-his-ai-concerns
| 2024-01-31T06:14:02Z
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SINGAPORE - More local manufacturers are optimistic about business conditions in the first half of this year, while sentiment among services firms moderated though they remained positive, separate surveys showed on Jan 31.
A net weighted balance of 10 per cent of manufacturing firms anticipate an improved business situation for the January to July period, according to a poll by the Economic Development Board (EDB). This is higher than the 7 per cent figure in its previous quarterly survey.
EDB said the recovering global semiconductor industry is expected to lend a boost to demand, even amid continued geopolitical and economic challenges.
For the services sector, a net weighted balance of 5 per cent of firms expect a more favourable business outlook, down from the 9 per cent in the previous survey, the survey by the Singapore Department of Statistics (Singstat) showed.
Among manufacturers, the electronics cluster emerged as the most optimistic.
“This positive sentiment is largely led by the semiconductors segment, which anticipates a gradual recovery in demand as inventory levels in the end markets normalise alongside robust demand for AI-related chips,” EDB said.
The transport engineering cluster had a net weighted balance of 14 per cent of firms predicting positive business conditions to continue, led by the marine and offshore engineering segment, which continues to see robust orders from the oil and gas and renewable energy industries.
Firms in the aerospace segment also expect sustained demand for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul activities on the back of strong global and regional air travel demand, EDB said.
In the precision engineering cluster, a net weighted balance of 8 per cent of firms were upbeat. Firms expect improved orders for semiconductor-related equipment and bonding wires.
But when it comes to output, a net weighted balance of 6 per cent of manufacturers expect lower output in the first quarter of 2024, compared with the fourth quarter of 2023. All clusters except transport engineering and chemicals project a lower level of production, EDB noted.
In the electronics industry, semiconductor makers expect a seasonally weak first quarter, while firms in the computer peripherals and data storage segment project lower output amidst continued weakness in consumer electronics demand.
Firms in the biomedical manufacturing industry also expect output to contract. The pharmaceutical and medical technology segments project a sequential decline due to a different product-mix and lower export orders.
Conversely, in the transport engineering industry, aerospace segment anticipates more aircraft engine repair jobs from commercial airlines, while the marine and offshore engineering segment foresees a higher level of activity in the shipyards.
In addition, the specialties segment in the chemicals industry expects higher output due in part to increased capacity, while the other chemicals segment anticipates higher output of flavours and fragrances to meet regional demand.
In the general manufacturing industry, firms in the printing and miscellaneous industries segments are concerned about higher operating costs, with printing companies expecting fewer print jobs due to digitalisation and those in miscellaneous industries projecting lower output in batteries and paperboard containers and boxes.
As for manpower, a majority of companies in the manufacturing sector expect employment levels in the first quarter of 2024 to remain similar to the fourth quarter of 2023, with the biomedical industry the most optimistic and the precision engineering the least.
When it comes to export orders, most firms reported no limiting factors that would affect their obtaining of export orders in the first quarter of 2024.
The top two issues that they thought could be challenges are price competition from overseas competitors and political or economic conditions abroad, such as geopolitical tensions or conflicts and inflationary pressures, EDB said.
Over in the services sector, hoteliers expect an increase in tourist arrivals for leisure and business purposes, and the expected growth in the number of meeting, conference and exhibition events and concerts contributed to the positive sentiments of firms within the industry, Singstat said.
Retailers are also positive, with the anticipated increase in shopping activities during the Chinese New Year period as well as the disbursement of a larger amount of Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers in January.
The finance and insurance industry expects a pick-up in their businesses as payment service providers attributed their positive sentiments to the rise in e-commerce spending.
However, the transportation and storage industry expects business conditions to be challenging for the next six months. Water transport firms highlight reduced market demand amid economic uncertainties, while food and beverage operators are less optimistic for the first six months of 2024, compared with the last six months of 2023, which coincided with the year-end holiday and the festive season.
Overall, the majority of the industries in the services sector still foresee higher revenue for the first quarter of 2024.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/singapore-manufacturing-services-firms-remain-hopeful-for-first-half-of-2024-surveys
| 2024-01-31T06:14:12Z
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True Detective: Night Country
HBO and HBO Go
4 stars
This is how you do a prestige crime drama.
First, make sure the main characters – the cops – carry defects of character caused by a horrific event in their past. Better yet, give the entire community trauma, a pain that unites them and keeps their lips sealed.
Throw in mutterings about curses and ghosts and include shots that show a landscape heavy with foreboding. Whip back and forth between two or three timelines in every episode and finish with terse, allusive dialogue.
Since the first season of True Detective (2014), this formula has earned it a clutch of Emmy and Critics’ Choice awards and nominations. But the acclaim has cooled off somewhat since the high of Season 1, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as the cops of the title.
Now, three episodes into the anthology series’ fourth season – new episodes air every Monday – it feels as if part of the old magic is back.
Mexican director Issa Lopez made the acclaimed fantasy-horror film Tigers Are Not Afraid (2017) and knows how to create an atmosphere heavy with evil.
Here is why Night Country is worthy of a binge.
1. Great cop characters
Each season opens with a fresh crime, cast and setting. Perhaps unfairly, the new cops are always compared with the magnificent first season’s sleuths, the haunted duo played by McConaughey and Harrelson.
As if to make sure viewers forget the male angst that weighed heavy in the first three seasons (Season 2 was headlined by Colin Farrell and Rachel McAdams, and Season 3 by Mahershala Ali and Stephen Dorff), the fourth features a pair of women crime-solvers: Jodie Foster, in a rare television appearance, is paired with relative newcomer Kali Reis, a title-winning boxer-turned-actress.
Foster’s police chief Liz Danvers is ultra-competent, but faces misogynistic pushback from the largely blue-collar white community of the mining town of Ennis, Alaska.
From the native Inupiat people, she gets hostility for raising an adopted Inupiat daughter free of what she considers superstitious native mumbo-jumbo.
Reis’ Evangeline Navarro is a part-Inupiat state trooper caught between two worlds, one that requires her to enforce white laws, and another that calls for her to respect her indigenous heritage.
2. An icy hell
Lopez has cited the influence of the classic horror work The Thing (1982), and the arctic wastes of Ennis evoke the film’s claustrophobic atmosphere.
Every crime-solving step has to be weighed against the facts of the killing climate – corpses need a thawing-out before samples can be taken; forensic pathologists fly in only when the weather permits; and evidence is conveniently preserved when the outdoors is a giant freezer.
The cold outside is matched by the iciness of the human relationships.
There is a lack of trust between the whites, who run everything, and the native Inupiat, who see themselves as displaced and forgotten by the system, especially by the corporation that operates the mine that is poisoning their water.
The murders of indigenous women get scant attention from the authorities.
3. A properly spooky mystery
A group of men from a research station has gone missing and, without giving too much away, the crime can be described as one of gruesome beauty.
The mystery is drenched in religious-mystical trappings, in a nod to the killings of the first season, where the corpses of women were found dressed and posed in attitudes of worship.
With only three episodes aired, it is hard to see if the tone of supernatural horror will be developed further into something concrete or if it will turn out only to be the product of scared minds seeing things in the Arctic dark.
This season, the police procedural is easier to follow because the non-linear storytelling that marked the first season and made the third season tough to follow has been damped down. There are occasional flashbacks, but otherwise everything takes place in the here and now.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/binge-worthy-in-the-arctic-freeze-women-seek-justice-in-true-detective-night-country
| 2024-01-31T06:14:23Z
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MONTREAL - Pop megastar Celine Dion, who is suffering from a rare neurological disorder, is hoping to raise awareness about her condition with a new documentary that will soon stream on Amazon Prime Video.
I Am: Celine Dion, a feature-length film from Amazon MGM Studios, will offer a “snapshot” of the Canadian singer’s life and career as she battles Stiff-Person Syndrome (SPS), Amazon said in a statement on Jan 30.
The studio did not give a release date for the documentary, which will be available in more than 240 countries and territories.
Dion, 55, first disclosed her condition in December 2022. In May 2023, she was forced to cancel a string of shows scheduled for 2023 and 2024, saying she was not strong enough to tour.
“This last couple of years has been such a challenge for me, the journey from discovering my condition to learning how to live with and manage it, but not to let it define me,” Dion said in the statement which was shared on her social media accounts.
“As the road to resuming my performing career continues, I have realised how much I have missed it, of being able to see my fans.”
The Grammy-winning singer of hits such as Because You Loved Me (1996) and My Heart Will Go On (1997) added: “During this absence, I decided I wanted to document this part of my life, to try to raise awareness of this little-known condition, to help others who share this diagnosis.”
Those with SPS experience stiff muscles in the torso, arms and legs, with noise or emotional distress known to trigger spasms. Other symptoms can include slurred speech and double vision.
There is no cure for the progressive disorder, but treatment can help control symptoms. According to the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH), SPS affects twice as many women as men.
The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be the result of an autoimmune response gone awry in the brain and spinal cord, according to NIH.
The documentary, directed by Irene Taylor, features footage from more than a year of filming.
Amazon MGM Studios head Jennifer Salke called the film a “raw, intimate portrayal of a pivotal time in her personal life and career, pulling back the curtain on her journey as she overcomes an unthinkable diagnosis”.
Dion has sold more than 250 million albums during her decades-long career. The Quebec-born star’s Courage World Tour began in 2019, and she had completed 52 shows before the Covid-19 pandemic put the remainder on hold.
The singer appeared in the 2023 rom-com film Love Again and recorded several new songs for the soundtrack. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/celine-dion-documentary-to-explore-her-rare-illness
| 2024-01-31T06:14:33Z
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SINGAPORE – The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has awarded a $480 million civil contract for the design and construction of Maju station under Phase 2 of the Cross Island Line (CRL), the country’s eighth MRT line.
Construction work for the underground station, located beneath Clementi Road, will begin in the second quarter of 2024, with passenger service targeted to start in 2032.
The contract was awarded to KTC Civil Engineering and Construction, said LTA in a statement on Jan 31.
The authority added that the local firm had constructed Tampines interchange station on the Downtown Line and Orchard Boulevard station on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL), which are both underground stations.
The company is also currently in the finishing stage of construction for Sungei Bedok station on the TEL, said LTA.
Commuting between Maju station in the west and Hougang station in the north-east will take only 35 minutes, instead of one hour and five minutes currently via a transfer from a bus ride to an MRT journey via the North East Line.
Travelling between Maju station and Jurong Lake District station on the CRL will take 20 minutes, instead of 40 minutes now through a combination of a bus ride and an MRT journey from Clementi station to Jurong East station on the East-West Line, according to LTA.
As Maju station is an underground station located near residential developments and educational institutions, LTA noted that the works are expected to be challenging, given the undulating terrain and mixed ground conditions.
The authority added that earth-retaining and stabilising structures will be implemented before excavation and construction works for station structures begin, to ensure safety and ground stability.
After an environmental impact study on the works for CRL Phase 2 was conducted, initial plans to build Maju station within the boundaries of Clementi Forest were scrapped and changed to the location under Clementi Road. This was to reduce the amount of forested land used for this phase of works.
In addition, the tunnels connecting Maju station and King Albert Park station on the CRL were realigned to limit the impact on the ecologically important area teeming with wildlife.
CRL construction sites close to ecologically sensitive areas, such as Clementi Forest and forests near the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, would also be reduced in size or relocated, according to the study.
But even with these mitigation strategies, the study found that CRL Phase 2 could still create a major environmental impact on forested areas near Eng Neo Avenue Forest, Clementi Forest and Windsor due to irreversible habitat loss.
LTA said it would continue to engage nature groups and other stakeholders to keep them informed of the construction progress and mitigation measures – including the establishment of a flora and fauna management programme, as well as regular inspections of earth-control measures.
The authority will also continue to engage various stakeholders, including nature groups, during construction.
Constructed in three phases, CRL will be the nation’s longest fully underground line spanning more than 50km long. It will serve existing and future developments in the eastern, western and north-eastern corridors, connecting major hubs such as Jurong Lake District, Punggol Digital District and the Changi region.
Construction has commenced for the 29km CRL Phase 1, which includes 12 stations from Aviation Park to Bright Hill, and is targeted to be completed by 2030.
When ready, the 15km CRL Phase 2, consisting of six stations from Turf City to Jurong Lake District, will improve connections to the western part of Singapore.
Engineering studies for CRL Phase 3 are still in progress.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/construction-for-cross-island-line-s-maju-station-to-start-in-q2-2024-passenger-service-to-begin-in-2032
| 2024-01-31T06:14:44Z
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LONDON – Erik ten Hag believes that he is set to finally pick his strongest Manchester United team against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Feb 1 as a host of stars return from injury.
The Red Devils return to English Premier League action at Molineux buoyed by Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw featuring in the 4-2 FA Cup fourth-round win at minnows Newport County on Jan 28.
Hampered by injuries, it was the first time the trio – who will provide defensive stability – had started together since the second game of the season at Tottenham Hotspur in August.
Centre-back Harry Maguire also made a late cameo from the bench in the victory for his first appearance since Dec 12 following a groin problem.
Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana could be available against Wolves as well after returning from international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Asked if the game could be the first time he played his strongest team, ten Hag said: “It could be, potentially yeah.
“Maybe for the first time as long as I was manager that we can pick a team from a squad that is probably the strongest.”
But whether Marcus Rashford will feature after missing the Newport tie remains to be seen.
The England forward said he was ill on Jan 26 after reportedly spending the previous evening at a Belfast nightclub, with ten Hag declaring the issue an “internal matter” that he would deal with.
The 26-year-old could face a fine of up to £650,000 (S$1.1 million), while there were reports that his teammates are growing tired of his antics as well.
United are languishing in mid-table in the league and were dumped out of the Champions League in the group stage.
The FA Cup – in which they will face either Bristol City or Nottingham Forest in the fifth round – is probably the only silverware they can win this season, while also fighting for a place in the league’s top four.
On the importance of the return of his key players, the under-fire ten Hag added: “I believe it is very important. Now they have to step up to match fitness 100 per cent.
“The (Newport) game definitely helped, but we know also when we go into the Premier League the intensity is higher and they are forced to high levels.
“They had minutes in the week against Burnley (in a closed-doors friendly). Now they have more minutes. This game was very helpful to make the next step and to be ready for Thursday.”
After a difficult season marred by poor form and off-the-field issues, United winger Antony set up Bruno Fernandes for the opener in Newport before ending his 31-game scoreless streak stretching back to last April.
Ten Hag hopes Antony – whom he knows very well from their time at Ajax Amsterdam – can use his performance as a springboard for a successful run in the second half of the season.
“Antony had the assist on the first goal for Bruno and a goal. So (there is) end product, that is what we demand from him,” the United boss said.
“The rest of his job should also be proper and that was the case.”
The return of key players is a positive, and United will be hoping to improve on their form – they have won just once in their previous six league matches.
The Red Devils played Wolves in their opening Premier League match of the season and secured a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, but pundit Chris Sutton believes that the home side can spring a surprise this time.
“This is a tough game for United and Wolves will still feel hard done by after creating so many chances at Old Trafford in August, when they were the better team and still losing the game,” the former Chelsea and Aston Villa striker wrote in his column for the BBC. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/erik-ten-hag-ready-to-select-strongest-man-unoted-team-as-stars-return
| 2024-01-31T06:14:54Z
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Rory McIlroy concedes he has "changed his tune" on the issue of LIV golfers returning to play on the PGA Tour, with the four-time major champion now saying they should be able to come back without being punished.
The Northern Irishman has been a vocal critic of the breakaway tour since it launched in 2022 and signed up a host of big names, causing a rift that threatened to tear golf apart.
McIlroy previously accused some of those who jumped ship as being duplicitous and that he would rather retire than join the Saudi Arabia-backed breakaway circuit.
However, with negotiations on a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf ongoing, and McIlroy's Ryder Cup team mates Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton making the switch to LIV, the 34-year-old has recently softened his position on the rival tour.
"I think life is about choices. Guys made choices to go and play LIV, guys made choices to stay here," he told reporters on Tuesday ahead of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am tournament.
"I think it's hard to punish people. I don't think there should be a punishment.
"If people still have eligibility on this tour and they want to come back and play or you want to try and do something, let them come back.
"Obviously, I've changed my tune on that because I see where golf is and I see that having a diminished PGA Tour and having a diminished LIV Tour or anything else is bad for both parties," McIlroy added.
Englishman Hatton is the latest big name to join LIV, the world number 16 set to be part of an expansion team captained by Masters champion Rahm.
"I had a long talk with Tyrrell on Sunday, completely understood where he was coming from," McIlroy said.
"It got to the point where they negotiated and got to a place he was comfortable with and he has to do what he feels is right for him. I'm not going to stand in anyone's way from making money and if what they deem life-changing money." REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/golf/liv-players-returning-to-pga-tour-should-not-be-punished-mcilroy
| 2024-01-31T06:15:04Z
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Rory McIlroy, formerly one of the PGA Tour's hardline supporters in the face of the challenge presented by LIV Golf, is viewing the players who jumped to the Saudi-backed circuit differently.
The four-time major champion from Northern Ireland no longer wants to see the PGA Tour sanction players who return after joining LIV.
McIlroy said Tuesday in Pebble Beach, Calif., "I think life is about choices. Guys made choices to go and play LIV, guys made choices to stay here. If people still have eligibility on this tour and they want to come back and play or you want to try and do something, let them come back.
"I think it's hard to punish people. I don't think there should be a punishment.
"Obviously I've changed my tune on that because I see where golf is and I see that having a diminished PGA Tour and having a diminished LIV Tour or anything else is bad for both parties. It would be much better being together and moving forward together for the good of the game. That's my opinion of it. So to me, the faster that we can all get back together and start to play and start to have the strongest fields possible I think is great for golf."
Last year, McIlroy declared there should be "consequences to actions" because those who left the PGA Tour for LIV "irreparably harmed this tour."
The latest player to switch to the new tour was England's Tyrrell Hatton, who reportedly received more than $60 million from LIV.
McIlroy said of Hatton, "I've talked to him quite a bit about it over the past month. It got to the point where they negotiated and got to a place where he was comfortable with, and he has to do what he feels is right for him. So I'm not going to stand in anyone's way from making ... what they deem life-changing money."
The PGA Tour, Strategic Sports Group and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, which bankroll LIV, reportedly are close to reaching a working agreement that would dictate the future of professional men's golf.
McIlroy, a former PGA Tour board member, said, "I feel like this thing could have been over and done with months ago. I think just for all of our sakes that the sooner that we sort of get out of it and we have a path forward, the better."
--Field Level Media REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/golf/rory-mcilroy-pga-tour-shouldnt-sanction-ex-liv-players
| 2024-01-31T06:15:15Z
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SAN FRANCISCO – Rory McIlroy says PGA Tour triumphs at venues such as Pebble Beach and Riviera will be devalued in the absence of two-time Major winner Jon Rahm and other stars following their defection to LIV Golf.
As such, the four-time Major champion – who has long been a vocal critic of LIV since its inception in 2022 – also feels it is more important to complete a merger between LIV and PGA Tour than it is to sort out punishments for defectors to the Saudi-backed upstart circuit.
Speaking ahead of the Feb 1 start of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the Northern Irishman was asked if wins at the California venues were cheapened without Rahm, Dustin Johnson and other top players who jumped to LIV.
“Yeah,” he said. “I’d like to win here and stand up with a trophy on 18 green and know that I’ve beaten all of the best players in the world, so yeah.”
McIlroy, who spoke of conversations with 2023 Ryder Cup teammates Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton before they signed with LIV, said golf needs to reunite top players even if it delays sorting out any punishment for players who went to LIV but want to play future PGA Tour events.
“Life is about choices. Guys made choices to go and play LIV, guys made choices to stay here. If people still have eligibility on this tour and they want to come back and play, let them come back,” he said.
“It’s hard to punish people. I don’t think there should be a punishment – obviously I’ve changed my tune on that because I see where golf is and I see that having a diminished PGA Tour and a diminished LIV Tour or anything else is bad for both parties.”
Talks on a framework merger agreement between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV’s Saudi backers, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), have extended beyond a Dec 31 deadline in order to sort out a deal to please all sides.
“It would be much better being together and moving forward together for the good of the game,” McIlroy added.
“The faster we can all get back together and start to have the strongest fields possible, I think is great for golf. We’re potentially about to do a deal with PIF, and hopefully seeing things come back together here at some point.”
McIlroy removed himself from the PGA Tour Policy Board in 2023, saying that he needed to focus on his game and his family instead of working on a merger deal.
“I just didn’t feel like I could influence things the way I wanted to,” he said. “I felt like I was just banging my head against the wall.”
But there is at least some progress as it was reported that a deal is near between the PGA Tour and Strategic Sports Group (SSG) that would see a US$3 billion (S$4 billion) investment in the tour.
“I just hope they get it done,” McIlroy said. “They were supposed to vote on it Sunday night and there was a delay. They were supposed to vote on it last night and there was a delay.
“I feel like this thing could have been over and done with months ago. For all our sakes the sooner we sort of get out of it and have a path forward, the better.”
While all these are going on, world No. 16 Hatton was the latest to jump to LIV, after talks with McIlroy about the move.
“Everyone needs to do with what’s right for them,” McIlroy said. “I had a long talk with Tyrrell on Sunday, completely understood where he was coming from.
“I’ve talked to him quite a bit about it. It got to the point where... he has to do what he feels is right for him.
“I’m not going to stand in anyone’s way from making money and if what they deem life-changing money. If that’s what they feel is the best decision for them, then I’m going to be supportive of that decision.” AFP, REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/golf/rory-mcilroy-sees-pga-wins-as-cheapened-without-jon-rahm
| 2024-01-31T06:15:25Z
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Former U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem said this season is his "last chance" to get back to playing at a level he expects of himself and climb back up the world rankings after dropping down the order due to injuries.
The 30-year-old former world number three struggled to get back to top form after suffering a wrist injury in 2021, which sidelined him for months, and the Austrian fell out of the top 300 in 2022.
The twice French Open finalist finished 2023 ranked 98th in the world, and while he hoped to continue his rise with a decent run at the Australian Open, he bowed out in the first round.
"I see this as my last chance. If I make it, it can happen quickly," Thiem told Austrian daily Der Standard on Tuesday.
"I've been back for two years now since the injury, and I finished 2022 on 100 or so and last year on 98. If I finish the year on 100 again, you have to think about whether it's still worth it.
"I've been in rankings for two years now that I don't want to be in. Of course that weighs on me ... I've been chasing the feeling of really being able to play tennis in a match again for a long time. And the way I expect myself to."
Thiem also said he had parted ways with long-time coach Benjamin Ebrahimzadeh. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/thiem-sees-2024-as-last-chance-to-climb-the-rankings
| 2024-01-31T06:15:36Z
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SINGAPORE – Injuries have hampered Alistair Brownlee’s career over the past few years, but the two-time triathlon Olympic champion is raring to go again ahead of the 2024 season.
With the revamped T100 Triathlon World Tour season, which has a total prize pool of more than US$7 million (S$9.4 million), kicking off in March, Brownlee’s comeback could include the April 12-14 Singapore T100.
He said: “I’m really excited at the prospect of racing the Singapore T100. It will be my first time in Singapore and I have heard many good things about the city.
“From what I saw from last year, it will be a tough race with the heat and humidity but a great environment to race in that has so many beautiful sights along the route, while allowing you to hear spectators cheering right next to you.”
Having returned to competitive action towards the end of 2023 after an ankle issue kept him out for most of the season, the 35-year-old is hoping to stay injury-free this season. Before that, a stress fracture in his femur and illness had affected his 2022 season.
He said: “My aim for the first half of the season is to be fit and healthy and to train consistently. I then aim to build on this during the second part of the season.”
The inaugural Singapore T100 in 2023, previously known as the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) Asian Open, was won by Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Kristian Blummenfelt and PTO women’s world No. 1 Ashleigh Gentle.
The Singapore leg in 2024 is part of the eight-event T100 Triathlon World Tour, jointly launched by the PTO and governing body World Triathlon. It features races comprising a 2km swim, 80km bike and 18km run.
Each race offers US$250,000 in prizemoney, with the winner taking home US$25,000. The overall men’s and women’s winners will receive US$210,000.
Brownlee also voiced his support for the PTO’s rebrand, saying: “I want to see more people watching top-level long-distance triathlon and being inspired by seeing the top athletes racing… It’s tough to create something new but ultimately, it will benefit every triathlete.
“So having the PTO work closely with World Triathlon to put on these great races in great locations that allow athletes to flourish and race to the best of their ability, while broadcasting it around the world in the right manner, has got to be the way to go to bring in new fans and people who want to engage in the sport in a new way.”
Gentle could also return to the Republic. The Australian, 32, said: “Singapore was my favourite race in 2023 and I’m looking forward to racing there again… I would love to be able to retain at least one PTO title. It’ll be harder than ever but that’s always a goal.
“I’ve been quite successful on the PTO Tour so I’d love to be able to keep standing on those podiums and be competitive at the top end of the sport. I also want to keep enjoying myself and loving training and racing.”
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/two-time-triathlon-olympic-champion-alistair-brownlee-could-race-in-singapore-in-april
| 2024-01-31T06:15:46Z
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WASHINGTON - Universal Music Group warned on Jan 30 that it would pull its songs from TikTok, after a breakdown in talks with the social media platform over issues including the compensation of artists and songwriters.
In an open letter, Universal accused TikTok of “trying to build a music-based business, without paying fair value for the music”.
Both sides have been discussing the terms of a new agreement, with their existing contract set to expire on Jan 31.
But their deal has not been renewed.
Among the issues raised in talks were “appropriate compensation” for artists and songwriters, online safety for users, as well as the protection of artists from the harms of artificial intelligence, the letter added.
But as negotiations proceeded, Universal said: “TikTok attempted to bully us into accepting a deal worth less than the previous deal, far less than fair market value and not reflective of their exponential growth.”
Major music companies earn royalty payments from streaming and social media platforms.
Universal said, however, that TikTok proposed paying “a rate that is a fraction of the rate that similarly situated major social platforms pay”.
In a statement, TikTok said it was “sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put their own greed above the interests of their artists”.
Calling Universal’s characterisations “false”, the social media giant said the label had “chosen to walk away from the powerful support of a platform with well over a billion users that serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their talent”.
Despite TikTok’s large user base, it accounts for just about 1 per cent of Universal’s total revenue, the label said.
Universal noted other problems such as large amounts of AI-generated recordings on the platform, alongside what it called a lack of effort to deal with infringements on artists’ music.
Artists on Universal’s labels include Taylor Swift and The Weeknd.
Owned by Chinese company ByteDance, TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms globally, with more than one billion users. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/universal-music-warns-it-will-pull-songs-from-tiktok
| 2024-01-31T06:15:56Z
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A man was arrested in the United States hours after he appeared in a video with a severed head that he claimed was his father’s. He was suspected of murdering his father and he had made a political rant against the US authorities in the video.
The man was detained on Jan 30 in Fort Indiantown Gap in central Pennsylvania, approximately two hours away from his home in Levittown where the police found a body with a missing head in his bathroom.
Fort Indiantown Gap is a training facility for Pennsylvania National Guard and the suspect is not part of the guard.
The police said they received a call at around 7pm on Jan 30 to investigate a death. The body belonged to a man in his 60s, the police said.
A 33-year-old man was arrested just after 9pm, Middletown Township police chief Joseph Bartorilla confirmed. Officers had arrived at the Levittown home and found his father dead, he added.
The Pennsylvania authorities told local media a man identified as Justin Mohn was connected to the death. The YouTube video in which a man holds up a decapitated head was uploaded by a person with the same name.
The video has been taken down for violating the site’s policy on violent and graphic content.
At the start of the video titled Call To Arms For American Patriots, Mohn picks up what appears to be a human head and said: “This is the head of Mike Mohn, a federal employee of over 20 years and my father. He is now in hell for eternity as a traitor to his country.”
Mohn went on to direct the brunt of his tirade at the US federal authorities and called for violence against federal officials.
Apart from declaring himself as the “commander of America’s national network of militia”, Mohn also called for the arrest of US President Joe Biden and “issued bounties” for public officers including Federal Bureau of Investigation chief Christopher Wray and US Attorney General Merrick Garland.
Middletown Township police said the authorities are investigating what they refer to as a “suspicious death”.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/us-man-allegedly-beheads-father-calls-for-violence-against-federal-employees-on-youtube
| 2024-01-31T06:16:07Z
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But it's understood that both Carole and her husband, Michael, have been supporting their daughter Kate and Prince William and their children during this time.
"The Middletons are a really close family and Carole is a very hands-on grandmother, and I'm sure she will be at the helm. She often picks the kids up," Ingrid Seward, editor in chief of Majesty magazine, previously told HELLO!.
Speaking on Giovanna Fletcher's podcast, Happy Mum, Happy Baby, in 2020, the Princess said: "I had a very happy childhood. It was great fun, I'm very lucky, I've come from a very strong family - my parents were hugely dedicated to us, my siblings. I really appreciate now as a parent how much they sacrificed for us.
"They would come to every sports match - I was very keen on sport - they came to every sports match, they'd be the ones on the side-line shouting, and we'd always have our family holidays together."
Carole and Michael are grandparents to William and Kate's three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as well as Pippa and James Matthews' little ones, Arthur, Grace and Rose.
They welcomed their seventh grandchild when James Middleton and Alizee Thevenet had baby Inigo last year.
As Carole celebrates her birthday, take a look at some of her sweetest mother-daughter moments with Kate over the years…
New Year's church service 2020
Carole and Michael joined William, Kate and their friends at a church service on the Sandringham estate in January 2020. Their outing took place just days before Kate's 38th birthday.
Christmas concert 2021
Mum Carole showed her support for her daughter as she and husband Michael, and their two youngest children, Pippa and James, attended Kate's Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey in December 2021.
Photographers captured this moment of the then Duchess looking over at her family as they proudly watched.
The Middletons were also among the guests at the carol concert last year and in 2022.
King's Cup Regatta 2019
Carole was on hand to look after George, Charlotte and Louis as William and Kate took part in a sailing competition on the Isle of Wight.
The Princess and her daughter were spotted making funny faces at Kate's father Michael in the crowd, as an amused Carole looked on.
Mother and daughter looked lovely as they attended Royal Ascot together in June 2017.
Kate wore a white lace dress by Alexander McQueen, while Carole looked chic in a dove blue outfit by Goat with a matching hat.
Christmas Day 2016
William and Kate joined the Middletons in Bucklebury for Christmas, attending the church service with their two eldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Carole beamed proudly as her toddling granddaughter made her way down the steps, holding her mum's hand and a candy cane.
Royal wedding 2011
Carole and Michael proudly joined the royals on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after William and Kate's wedding at Westminster Abbey in April 2011.
Eve of the royal wedding 2011
The royal bride-to-be stayed at the luxury Goring Hotel the night before her wedding.
Kate, Carole and Pippa smiled and waved at the huge crowd that had gathered to greet them, as they made their way inside.
Carole Middleton's birthday 2008
The mother-daughter duo looked so chic after the Middleton family celebrated Carole's 53rd birthday at a restaurant in London in 2008.
Kate wore a camel jacket by Joseph, which she later wore when she was pregnant with Prince George.
Prince William's passing-out parade 2006
Kate and her parents attended the Sovereign's Parade at Sandhurst Military Academy to watch William's passing-out parade in 2006.
Christmas shopping 2005
Carole and Kate had a girls' day out while Christmas shopping in London in 2005.
Prince William and his then girlfriend had just graduated from the University of St Andrews.
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https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/512382/kate-middleton-carole-middleton-sweetest-mother-daughter-moments/
| 2024-01-31T06:32:58Z
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SUZU, Japan - A month on from a huge earthquake that struck Japan’s west coast, survivors are battling freezing and unsanitary conditions while tens of thousands of homes remain without running water.
Some areas in the isolated Noto peninsula may not have water restored for another two months, the government of Ishikawa prefecture said, adding to risks for those living in cramped evacuation centres where the authorities say respiratory infections and gastroenteritis have been detected.
“There’s no water, so we can’t wash our clothes or bathe,” said Mr Yoshio Binsaki, a 68-year-old resident of the battered coastal town of Suzu, as he prepared to haul a 20-litre water tank to his car to take home.
More than 230 people died in the 7.6-magnitude quake, Japan’s deadliest in eight years, which also left 44,000 homes fully or partially destroyed while 40,000 have no running water. More than 13,000 residents are living in evacuation centres, according to the Ishikawa government.
Ms Chisa Terashita, a mother of three who evacuated from her wrecked home in Suzu, and her husband said that immediately after the quake, they drank as little water as possible to conserve what they had, and still face tough decisions on how to ration water to keep the family healthy.
“The one non-negotiable I have is washing and sanitising our hands after going to the toilet, given it’s the season when infections can spread quickly,” she added.
Bitter cold is also posing a challenge, especially for scores of residents who are sleeping in their cars after their homes were wrecked. The area was hit by heavy snow over the past week and the authorities have warned of a risk of landslides.
“This life is becoming the norm – I think we can get through it,” Ms Terashita said. “Well, we have no other choice.”
More than 900 deaths from the devastating Kobe earthquake of 1995 happened after the quake, due in part to the spread of influenza and lack of medical care at evacuation centres, according to public health experts.
The authorities in Ishikawa prefecture are set to begin vaccinating evacuees for influenza on Feb 1.
Around mid-afternoon on Jan 30 at a primary school in Suzu, where around 4,800 houses still have no water, children played on the swings while locals gathered around a communal water tank that has become a lifeline for many.
As evening fell, residents gathered to bathe in a makeshift public bath set up at the school by soldiers sent in to help with relief work – an improvement from immediately after the quake, when people would queue for an hour in the rain for five litres of water. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japan-quake-survivors-battling-unsanitary-conditions-with-no-running-water
| 2024-01-31T07:45:15Z
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BEIJING - The story of a university student from Chongqing who flew 1,600km to pick up her mother and take her back home for the upcoming Chinese New Year has gone viral in China, People’s Daily reported.
According to a video posted by Ms Li Qiushuang, her parents went to work in Fujian province over 20 years ago. Every year before the Spring Festival, they would return to Chongqing together.
However in 2024, due to her grandmother’s illness, Ms Li’s father returned to their home town early, leaving her mother alone in Jinjiang, Fujian, where she works at a shoe factory.
Over a video call, Ms Li’s mother told her daughter that she would not be coming home for the festive period this year. On the one hand, her mother wanted to earn more money, and on the other hand, it might be difficult for her to travel alone as she was not familiar with public transport.
Thinking about her mother spending the Spring Festival alone away from home, Ms Li immediately bought a plane ticket bound for Jinjiang to bring her mother home.
“Someone asked me why I had to go and pick her up myself. Why not just buy her a ticket so she could come home by herself?” Ms Li said in the video.
“Because my mother rarely goes out while working away from home. For over 20 years, she has been working in the village. She doesn’t know how to take a taxi, ride a bus, or use navigation. As her daughter, I feel it is my responsibility to personally go and bring her back. How could I let her spend the Spring Festival alone in another place?”
Ms Li kept the trip home a secret from her mother, hoping to surprise her. During the journey, she could not contain her excitement.
“The moment the plane took off, I seemed to understand the meaning of growing up. Although I can’t yet provide a better life for my parents, when my mother needs me, I will immediately rush to her side,” Ms Li said.
On the evening of Jan 20, Ms Li got off the plane and went directly to her mother’s home.
Standing quietly outside, she made a video call and found that her mother was eating dinner. After hanging up the phone, Ms Li nervously knocked on the door. When her mother opened the door, she first looked surprised, then laughed before bursting into tears.
Many netizens have been deeply moved by the video.
Some netizens said: “I must go home this Spring Festival to visit my parents.”
Others made online “agreements” that if they encounter someone else’s parents in need while working away from home, they would lend a helping hand. CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/woman-in-china-travels-1600km-to-pick-up-mother-for-chinese-new-year-reunion
| 2024-01-31T07:45:25Z
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JAKARTA – Indonesia issued a presidential regulation on carbon capture and storage (CCS) that will allow CCS operators to set aside 30 per cent of their storage capacity for imported carbon dioxide (CO2), the document showed on Jan 31.
The regulation, which took effect on Tuesday, said oil and gas contractors could utilise depleted reservoirs or aquifers in their blocks for CCS operations, which the government has said could potentially store more than 400 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent.
The Indonesian government would collect royalties from storage fees charged by the CCS operators.
CO2 stored for the CCS operations could come from emissions by upstream oil and gas activities, refineries, power plants and by industrial activities from Indonesia and overseas.
Companies that operate CCS could allocate 30 per cent of their total carbon storage capacity for storage of carbon originating from abroad, the regulation added.
To store carbon from abroad, Indonesia would allow only emitters that have invested in the country, or are affiliated with companies that have done so, and the government must have a bilateral agreement with the government where the emission originated from.
BP in November 2023 launched construction of a carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) project in West Papua province.
Indonesia’s state energy firm Pertamina has agreed with US oil majors Exxon Mobil and Chevron to discuss investment of CCS projects in Indonesia.
Energy Ministry data shows there are 15 CCS and CCUS projects in various stages of preparation in the country with a combined investment of nearly US$8 billion (S$10.7 billion), including BP’s project.
CCS projects, though, remain controversial. Critics say they are unproven at such a large scale to reliably store large amounts of CO2 for the long-term and would need constant monitoring to ensure the CO2 does not leak back into the atmosphere.
There are also concerns that capturing and storing CO2 delays the shift away from polluting fossil fuels, the burning of which is the main cause of climate change. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/indonesia-issues-ccs-rules-allowing-30-pct-carbon-storage-from-overseas
| 2024-01-31T07:45:36Z
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In mid-January, at a small gathering in a cantonment town in Myanmar, hard line pro-military monk Pauk Kotaw suggested that the country's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing step down and his deputy take over. The crowd cheered in agreement, according to videos of the event posted on social media.
Online, pro-military journalists and bloggers have been similarly direct. "He should resign as commander-in-chief," Ko Maung Maung, a pro-military Youtuber said in a post.
Such public utterances against Myanmar's powerful junta leader and the chief of its armed forces would have been unthinkable just a few months ago.
But after seizing power in a dawn coup d'etat on Feb. 1, 2021, Min Aung Hlaing finds himself in his weakest position since deposing the democratically elected government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
Questions about the 67-year-old's leadership are being asked after a series of battlefield defeats for the military in a sweeping offensive by rebel groups that started in October, dubbed Operation 1027.
So far, the junta has lost control of at least 35 towns, according to the media collective Myanmar Peace Monitor, although a Beijing-mediated ceasefire has halted clashes near the Chinese border. In other parts, fighting continues.
The junta, which has not addressed specifics about battlefield defeats, has previously acknowledged some loss of control of territory.
"There is deep frustration within the military, which extends to Min Aung Hlaing personally," a diplomat in Southeast Asia told Reuters, asking not to be named. "Some would certainly love to see him go."
The military is also struggling to recruit soldiers and forcing non-combat personnel to the frontline - all causing blowback for Min Aung Hlaing, the diplomat said.
A junta spokesman did not respond to calls from Reuters seeking comment.
To be sure, the army's losses on the battlefield may not lead to a collapse and it is unclear if or how Min Aung Hlaing could be pushed out or who may replace him, including his current deputy Soe Win.
However, the events have damaged both Min Aung Hlaing's standing and that of the Myanmar military, known as the Tatmadaw, which the U.N. has accused of conducting systematic human rights violations in the country.
"Its poor showing on the battlefield is seen as shameful by nationalists and other military supporters who have launched unprecedented public criticism of Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing's leadership," said Richard Horsey, the Crisis Group's Senior Myanmar Adviser.
Those asking hard questions of the regime and its leader include pro-junta journalists, according to a Reuters review of multiple social media posts in recent weeks.
Moe Hein, who runs the pro-junta news platform Thuriya Nay Wun and often appears on state television, raised doubts about the military's senior leadership after the fall of Laukkai town during Operation 1027 in early January.
"A win or loss in a battle depends on everyone from the commander in chief to the troop commanders," he said on Facebook.
Scot Marciel, a former U.S. ambassador to Myanmar, said the military was "being pressured on multiple fronts, has lost substantial territory and control of a number of towns, and appears to be suffering from low morale and poor leadership".
DIFFICULT TO PREDICT
In a roadmap announced after the coup, the junta pledged to hold elections by August 2023.
But popular unrest spiralled out of control soon after, which the military attempted to violently put down, triggering nationwide armed uprisings that have now combined with decades-old rebel groups to fight the junta.
Alongside, Myanmar's economy - already weakened following decades of military-dominated rule - has taken a battering, with foreign investment drying up since the coup and Western sanctions taking hold.
Power outages, frequent supply shocks of key commodities including fuel and sky-rocketing prices are hitting ordinary families, thereby further eroding support for the junta, said a financial analyst.
"People from all walks of life have started feeling the sting," said the analyst, asking not to be named citing safety concerns.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the National Unity Government (NUG), which comprises of people from Suu Kyi's party, along with three rebel groups allied with it said they were open to negotiations with the military if it met six conditions.
These include bringing the armed forces under the control of a civilian government and ending military involvement in politics.
The NUG and other groups seek to establish a federal democratic union, the statement added.
There was no immediate junta response to the NUG statement.
The opposition has limited time before fighting grinds to a halt in many parts when the monsoon rains arrive around June.
Still, said former ambassador Marciel, the resistance "now has a very real chance to defeat the military, at least in terms of forcing the military to surrender substantial political power".
"But it is difficult to predict how long this might take." REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/three-years-after-coup-myanmar-junta-chief-under-unprecedented-pressure
| 2024-01-31T07:45:46Z
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SYDNEY - China Evergrande’s offshore dollar bond holders stand to receive a potentially tiny payout in a complicated process that could take years to play out after the property giant was placed in liquidation, according to S&P Global Ratings.
A new report published on Jan 31 by the ratings agency said in-court cash recovery rates were around 2.8 per cent, on average, in offshore default cases of Chinese developers.
The agency said the recovery rate for onshore defaults for the same issuer type is 8.3 per cent.
Evergrande, which has more than US$300 billion (S$402 billion) in liabilities, was placed into liquidation by a Hong Kong court on Jan 29.
“We assume offshore bond holders will get a few cents on the dollar once the liquidation plays out,” said S&P Global Ratings’ China corporates specialist Chang Li.
“They will likely yet have to wait years even for this thin payout.”
Evergrande did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. The future of Evergrande’s liquidation process also hinges on the Hong Kong court decision being recognised in mainland China.
Evergrande stock and corporate bond trading remains suspended in Hong Kong.
S&P Global said Evergrande, as the offshore entity and a shareholder of the broader group, would only be paid after onshore creditors if its onshore entities were liquidated.
In its court arguments, Evergrande cited a Deloitte analysis in July that estimated a recovery rate of 3.4 per cent if the developer were liquidated.
However, after Evergrande said in September its flagship unit and its chairman Hui Ka Yan were being investigated by the authorities for unspecified crimes, creditors now expect a recovery rate of less than 3 per cent.
“The offshore parent, which is being liquidated, can get repaid only by extracting cash flow from the onshore entities, such as though dividends, the repayment of shareholder loans, or by selling equity,” the S&P report said.
“This is a moot point as the company is in financial deficit.”
Alvarez & Marsal has been appointed as Evergrande liquidator’s and said in a statement to Reuters it would start meeting with Evergrande’s staff to begin a process. REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/business/evergrande-bondholders-could-wait-years-for-little-payout-ratings-agency
| 2024-01-31T07:45:56Z
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SINGAPORE – With Chinese New Year round the corner, Esplanade’s Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts is the best place to usher in the Year of the Dragon with music, theatre and dance performances from Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.
For singles dreading questions about marriage this Chinese New Year, Taiwanese singer Hung Pei-yu has a pro tip: “If your face radiates happiness, others are less likely to ask when you’re getting married.”
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/huayi-2024-celebration-of-chinese-music-theatre-and-dance
| 2024-01-31T07:46:17Z
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SINGAPORE – Ask Wutiaoren frontmen Renke, 37, and Maotao, 44, about their impressions of Singapore and they wax lyrical about Hainanese chicken rice.
But that is not the only reason the counterculture folk rockers think of Singapore as a potential “paradise” for their first South-east Asia concert. The duo, who won over the Chinese Internet in 2020 with a televised stunt on reality show The Big Band that saw them go off-script and sing in their local Haifeng language, have another reason.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/huayi-2024-china-s-folk-rockers-wutiaoren-say-singapore-could-be-their-paradise
| 2024-01-31T07:46:28Z
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SINGAPORE – For singles dreading questions about marriage this Chinese New Year, Taiwanese singer Hung Pei-yu has a pro tip: “If your face radiates happiness, others are less likely to ask when you’re getting married.”
Since her hit album Silver Lining’s release in 2022, the Mandopop star has kept her singlehood anthem Unconventional Mornings – written by Singaporean singer Tanya Chua – on standby to deflect nosy questions with its chorus: “Don’t ask when I’m getting married/Don’t insist one needs a partner to be complete.”
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/huayi-2024-singer-hung-pei-yu-thanks-tanya-chua-xiaohan-for-her-music-career
| 2024-01-31T07:46:38Z
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SINGAPORE – In keeping with the season, there is a theatrical reunion at Esplanade’s Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts on Feb 16 and 17.
Everything For You, written and directed by Nelson Chia of Nine Years Theatre (NYT), is a sequel to his previous Huayi commission, Between You And Me (2022). It picks up the story of three sisters – Shi Qi (Jean Ng), Shi Lin (Sharon Au) and Shi Jie (Mia Chee) – as they gather at their aunt’s house on the first day of Chinese New Year.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/huayi-2024-tv-actor-rayson-tan-makes-stage-debut-in-everything-for-you
| 2024-01-31T07:46:48Z
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SINGAPORE – Home-grown Vedic metal band Rudra, comprising four Indian musicians, are tackling the challenges of singing in Chinese in Transplant, The Finger Players’ (TFP) new show for the Esplanade’s Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts.
Written and directed by TFP’s artistic director Oliver Chong, 47, Transplant is on at the Singtel Waterfront Theatre on Feb 23 and 24.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/huayi-2024-vedic-metal-band-rudra-take-on-chinese-language-in-puppetry-show-transplant
| 2024-01-31T07:46:59Z
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SINGAPORE – With Chinese New Year round the corner, Esplanade’s Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts is the best place to usher in the Year of the Dragon with music, theatre and dance performances from Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.
In addition to shows by Golden Melody Award-winning Taiwanese singer Hung Pei-yu, Guangdong-based indie rock band Wutiaoren and home-grown theatre productions by Nine Years Theatre and The Finger Players, here are three other shows to catch at the festival.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/huayi-2024-what-to-watch-from-mandopop-to-cantonese-opera
| 2024-01-31T07:47:09Z
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SINGAPORE – The Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT) is now officially the Singapore Theatre Company (STC). The name change comes on the heels of the company celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023.
Artistic director Gaurav Kripalani says the company had been “mulling” dropping “repertory” from its name for a year.
“No one knows what it means. We’ve never been a repertory company,” he says.
A repertory company comprises a group of full-time actors on payroll who perform works from an accepted canon of works.
Mr Kripalani points out that even in the West where the term originated, very few contemporary theatre companies can afford to keep a full complement of actors and repertory has become an old-fashioned term.
He says: “We have ambitions to go international. To be the Singapore Theatre Company will help us fly the flag better.”
While acknowledging the “brand equity” built up by the SRT name over the years, he explains: “We really feel that going forward, we need to refresh. This is the correct step to position Singapore and the Singapore Theatre Company.”
STC’s managing director Charlotte Nors adds that the name change will also better reflect the company’s offstage enterprises, which include corporate courses as well as educational programmes for the young.
All these will be consolidated under a new Centre for Creative Learning and Ms Nors says they want to be “the partner for theatre-related learning programmes”.
Beyond the name change, the company remains at 20 Merbau Road, where it has been based since 2001. The Kewalram Chanrai Group has renewed its sponsorship of the KC Arts Centre, which includes a 380-seat theatre.
STC has announced its 2024 season, which kicks off with a triple bill of one-man shows: Grounded in March, Taha in April and Paradise Or The Impermanence Of Ice Cream in May.
But the blockbuster show will be the award-winning The Lehman Trilogy, which tells the story of the family behind the 163-year-old financial services firm that collapsed spectacularly in 2008.
The National Theatre production, directed by Oscar-winning English film-maker Sam Mendes, will be presented in partnership with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay in November.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/singapore-repertory-theatre-changes-name-to-singapore-theatre-company
| 2024-01-31T07:47:20Z
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LONDON – British MPs on Jan 30 called on the music industry to clean up its act, as it laid bare a catalogue of misogyny, discrimination and sexual abuse in a damning report.
“The music industry has always prided itself on being a vehicle for social change,” parliament’s Women and Equalities Committee said.
“When it comes to discrimination, and the harassment and sexual abuse of women, it has a lot of work to do.”
The 74-page report, Misogyny In Music, looked at the entire music sector, from radio stations and recording studios to festivals and orchestras.
The industry “is still routinely described as a ‘boys’ club’”, with predominantly white men in key roles, the MPs said.
“Women seeking careers in music continue to face unjustifiable limitations in opportunity, a lack of support, gender discrimination and sexual harassment as well as the ‘persistent issue of equal pay’ in a sector dominated by self-employment,” they added.
“These issues are intensified for artistes faced with intersectional barriers” such as ethnic minorities or the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community, it added.
The year 2023 saw women rise to the top of British music sales charts like never before, with seven of the top 10 most streamed tracks coming from female artistes.
But their success masks a darker reality, the MPs said, as women still represented only less than a third of top-selling artistes and 14 per cent of songwriters.
Female under-representation is everywhere, particularly in positions of power but also among artistes signing with major record labels, in radio or streaming broadcasts, festival headliners or performers selected for the most prestigious awards.
2023’s Glastonbury Festival – the country’s biggest and best known – was criticised for having only male headliners.
In the last 20 years, only five female stars have earned top billing.
In 2024, Glastonbury co-organiser Emily Eavis raised the prospect of having two female headliners, sparking media speculation of potential appearances by Dua Lipa and Madonna.
Ms Eavis told the committee during evidence sessions: “We’re trying our best so the pipeline needs to be developed.
“This starts way back with the record companies, radio. I can shout as loud as I like, but we need to get everyone on board.”
The report, based on individual interviews and in-person hearings, throws up complaints about salary inequalities and systematic belittling of women, as well as a focus on their physical appearance.
“Despite increases in representation, discrimination and misogyny remain endemic,” it added. AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/misogyny-and-sexual-assault-rife-in-music-industry-british-mps
| 2024-01-31T07:47:30Z
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NEW YORK – The spy comedy-thriller Argylle has a star-studded cast that includes Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, John Cena and Samuel L. Jackson.
But the breakout star is Chip, a tomcat belonging to English director Matthew Vaughn, his German supermodel wife Claudia Schiffer and their daughter Clementine, who freely admit their family pet is a “nepo kitty”, or beneficiary of Hollywood nepotism.
Chip features prominently in the film, which opens in Singapore cinemas on Feb 1. It follows the reclusive Elly Conway (Howard), the best-selling author of a book series about a secret agent named Argylle (Cavill) and his nemesis Legrange (played by English pop singer Dua Lipa in her first major film role).
When Elly’s novels begin mirroring the activities of a real-life underground syndicate, she and her beloved cat Alfie (Chip) find themselves swept up in a world of espionage and embarking on a life-and-death race around the globe.
Vaughn, the 52-year-old film-maker behind the Kingsman spy comedies (2014 to 2021) and superhero movies X-Men: First Class (2011) and Kick-A** (2010), had no problems assembling a human cast for Argylle.
But he hit a speed bump when it came to finding the right feline.
“On the first day of filming, we had a very expensive and terrible cat actor and it really annoyed me,” Vaughn says after previewing a clip of the film at an event in New York in late 2023.
“So I fired the cat, went to my daughter and just grabbed Chip and said, ‘I’m borrowing Chip for three months’,” he says, referring to 19-year-old Clementine, one of his three children with Schiffer, 53.
Vaughn knew he needed a charismatic kitty for the part.
“The cat’s a big character in the movie – it’s in it all the way through. Cats are quite divisive, and this cat wins over dog lovers,” he says.
Chip is a male Scottish Fold, a photogenic breed with large eyes, a rounded face and folded ears.
Clementine had begged her parents for one after seeing singer-songwriter Taylor Swift’s two Scottish Folds, Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson, in Miss Americana, the 2020 documentary film about the American pop star.
And Chip is now a star in his own right.
He recently unveiled his first novel, Blue Chip: Confessions Of Claudia Schiffer’s Cat, and has a fast-growing Instagram following (19,000 followers and counting) at @chipthecat, where his bio describes him as an “author, model, entrepreneur, influencer and nepo kitty”.
Chip is also a natural in front of the camera and seemed to enjoy being on the Argylle set, although Vaughn admits it was a bigger hassle than he had anticipated.
“I didn’t think it through – driving to work every day with a cat and then having the cat in my trailer.
“And the only person the cat wanted to be handled by was me, so I spent half the day directing, half the day being a cat handler,” he recalls.
At Argylle’s world premiere in London last week, Chip stole the show on the red carpet, carried by Schiffer in the same argyle-print backpack he travels in in the film.
Gesturing at a giant movie poster of Chip above his head at Leicester Square, Vaughn says: “It is surreal seeing my cat up there.”
The movie itself is a meta, tongue-in-cheek take on the spy genre. Co-produced by Apple Studios, it will also be available to stream on Apple TV+ later in 2024.
Cavill, 40, says his fictional secret agent is “the idealised version of a spy, with all the spy tropes but turned up to 11”.
“Clearly, the character is not to be taken too seriously even though he takes himself seriously, and it all ties with the tone of the movie,” says the English actor, who appeared in spy movies such as Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015), and played Superman in Man Of Steel (2013) and other DC Extended Universe films.
Vaughn describes the plot as the equivalent of “what would happen if a wizard went to (Harry Potter author) J.K. Rowling and said, ‘Wizards are real, Hogwarts is real, I’m going to show you what it’s really like’, and they go on an adventure”.
“And we thought, ‘We’ll do that with spies’.”
Vaughn also wanted to poke fun at his own Kingsman movies (2014’s Kingsman: The Secret Service and its 2017 sequel The Golden Circle, and the 2021 prequel The King’s Man), a modern take on espionage thrillers that blended action and comedy.
“We were guilty of a lot of tropes in Kingsman that we’re now destroying in this film,” the director says.
- Argylle opens in Singapore cinemas on Feb 1.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/nepo-kitty-director-matthew-vaughn-cast-his-cat-in-argylle-who-becomes-the-movie-s-breakout-star
| 2024-01-31T07:47:40Z
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Today in Pictures, Jan 31, 2024
Firemen extinguishing a massive fire in Nairobi, displaced Palestinians fleeing from southern Gaza, and other photos from around the world in Today in Pictures.
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Firemen and bystanders extinguish a fire in the Makadara area of Nairobi on Jan 30. At least two people have been severely injured and big areas of property destroyed according to Kenya Red Cross.
PHOTO : AFP
An Israeli battle tank is deployed to guard a position as displaced Palestinians flee from Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Jan 30, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
PHOTO : AFP
Guizer Jarl Richard Moar (L) poses with members of the Up Helly Aa 'Jarl Squad' onboard their Galley ship 'Ethena', before parading through the streets of in Lerwick, Shetland Islands on Jan 31 before the Up Helly Aa festival later in the day.
PHOTO : AFP
A Burkina Faso's supporter, costumed, gestures ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 round of 16 football match between Mali and Burkina Faso at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo on Jan 30.
PHOTO : AFP
Indian school children throws rose flower petals over a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi to pay their tribute on the death anniversary of the Indian founding father, in Chennai on Jan 30. The death anniversary of Gandhi, who is widely known in India as Bapu (father), is also observed as Martyrs' Day in the country.
PHOTO : AFP
Rescuers retrieve the carcass of a stranded fin whale in Christchurch on Jan 29. The whale, which had been stranded off the coast of Moncks Bay on Jan 28, died in the early morning.
PHOTO : AFP
South Korea players celebrate after winning the penalty shootout against Saudi Arabia in the AFC Asian Cup - Round of 16 match in Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar on Jan 30.
PHOTO : REUTERS
A dancer waits backstage before performing her classical variation during a run through on stage during the first day of the 52nd Prix de Lausanne at the Theatre de Beaulieu, in Lausanne, Switzerland on Jan 29. Launched in 1973, the Prix de Lausanne is an international dance competition for young dancers aged 15 to 18.
PHOTO : EPA-EFE
Members of the Paraiso do Tuiuti samba school perform during the street rehearsal ahead of the 2024 traditional Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Jan 30.
PHOTO ; AFP
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https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/photos/today-in-pictures-jan-31-2024
| 2024-01-31T07:47:51Z
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SINGAPORE – Vang Shuiming, one of the 10 accused in Singapore’s largest money laundering case, was handed 11 more charges on Jan 31.
Vang, 42, also known as Wang Shuiming, allegedly submitted forged financial statements from three companies – Xiamen Mingxin Guarantee, Xiamen Yetian Trading, and Xiamen Likanghang Trading – to UOB Kay Hian on June 28, 2022 as supporting documentation.
The financial statements were from 2015 to 2021.
His new charges do not elaborate on what the fake financial statements were for.
Vang, who is listed as a Turkish national in his charge sheets, now faces 16 charges in total.
During the Jan 31 hearing, Vang’s lawyer, Mr Andrew Chua from Drew & Napier, asked to speak to his client for five to 10 minutes over video-link. District Judge Brenda Tan granted his request.
When Mr Chua asked if Vang will face more charges, the police prosecutor said he did not have the information.
Vang was among nine men and one woman arrested by the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) on Aug 15 and charged the next day. The value of assets seized or frozen by the authorities now stands at over $3 billion.
According to past court hearings, cryptocurrency worth more than $3.8 million was withdrawn from Vang’s Binance account on Aug 17. The CAD did not know about these assets until it was told by the foreign authorities.
Vang was previously charged with one count of using a forged document and four counts of money laundering.
He had allegedly submitted a forged bank statement to Citibank Singapore in March 2021 as supporting documentation.
The money laundering charges relate to about $2.4 million held in four bank accounts. The sums are purportedly benefits from an unlicensed moneylending business in China.
Vang’s brother, Wang Shuiting, is one of eight fugitives wanted by the Singapore police in connection with the case. The two brothers are on China’s wanted list for illegal gambling activities.
High Court judge Vincent Hoong had refused bail for Vang on Oct 12, 2023, saying his offer to be placed under 24-hour surveillance did not satisfactorily address the significant flight risk he posed.
Judge Hoong added that Vang had obtained passports from Turkey, Vanuatu and Cambodia by making donations and financial contributions to those countries.
This amplifies the risk of Vang being able to abscond, whether by using the Cambodian passport – which, at the time, had not been found – or by procuring a new passport through similar methods, the judge said.
Deputy Public Prosecutor David Koh mentioned in a previous hearing that assets worth more than $240 million in the name of Vang and his wife had been seized or subject to prohibition orders in Singapore.
The DPP added that Vang also had more than $35.5 million in assets overseas.
Vang will return to court for a pre-trial conference on Feb 1.
Separately, Rainbow Centre, the operator of three special education schools, had acknowledged in October 2023 that it received donations from Vang and two of the 10 charged.
According to its annual report, Vang donated $30,000.
It also received $25,350 from Cypriot national Su Haijin, 40, who faces one charge of money laundering and another for resisting arrest, and $17,100 from Chinese national Zhang Ruijin, 44, who faces a total of three forgery charges.
The donations were made between 2020 and 2023.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/11-new-charges-for-money-laundering-accused-who-allegedly-gave-forged-statements-to-uob-kay-hian
| 2024-01-31T07:48:01Z
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SINGAPORE - There was a 79 per cent increase in reported cases of animal cruelty and welfare issues in 2023 – the highest in 11 years.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), in a report on Jan 31, said it investigated a total of 915 cases in 2023.
In 2022, it investigated 511 animal cruelty and welfare cases.
Cases of welfare and neglect made up 61.2 per cent or 558 cases - out of which two-third were linked to dissatisfactory living conditions.
Cases of abuse and cruelty made the remaining 38.8 per cent - and included six cases involving youth.
The report said SPCA in 2023 dealt with 137 abandonment cases involving 285 animals - double the number of abandonment cases in 2022.
The number of animals abandoned in previous years was about 70 on average.
Cats made up the largest group, comprising 45 per cent of the animals abandoned, while hamsters came in second at 27 per cent.
Half of the abandonment cases involved small animals, such as hamsters and rabbits. For instance, guinea pigs were left inside thermal food bags, rabbits were found in cramped, unhygienic conditions, and hamsters were abandoned without access to food or water.
There were 31 cases of abuse involving pet businesses, such as pony rides at the 2023 Geylang Serai Ramadan bazaar, which drew complaints from people. Another case involved a dog trainer who repeatedly hit and threatened a dog.
Accidents involving pets falling from windows or balconies - which SPCA said were due to lack of proper safety measures like gates and meshes - happened four to six times a week on average.
“More often than not, these cases are preventable,” said SPCA.
SPCA also dealt with 30 hoarding cases, which involved about 480 animals. In the first half of 2023 alone, rescuers dealt with than 400 cats linked to pet hoarding.
“Beyond safeguarding animal welfare, SPCA also recognises that behind every needy animal could be a struggling human. If you can no longer care for your pets, please seek help immediately,” the report said.
Anyone who witnesses cases of animal abuse or neglect can lodge a report by calling the SPCA hotline at 6287-5355 ext 9 or online at www.spca.org.sg/report.
“While SCPA does not have enforcement powers, we will collate all evidence and follow up closely with the authorities,” the report added.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/animal-cruelty-and-welfare-cases-surge-79-in-2023-highest-in-11-years-spca
| 2024-01-31T07:48:12Z
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SINGAPORE - Four men, including two who were working for the People’s Association (PA) at the time, were charged in court on Jan 31 over their alleged roles in a procurement fraud case linked to the Our Tampines Hub (OTH) development project.
Vincent Chang Yew Teck, 63, was a deputy director of facilities management at PA while Lee Kian Wee, 51, was a senior facilities manager of contracts at the agency.
The Straits Times has contacted PA to find out more about their current employment status with it.
The third man, Seet Thong Kok, 67, was a facilities manager of a contractor that PA had engaged for minor building works.
A search with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority reveals that Seet is the owner of a terminated firm called Caspian Electrical Sub-Contractor. The company’s name was not mentioned in court documents.
The fourth man, Soh Chun Kang, 42, was at the time of the alleged offences a senior key account manager of a managing agent engaged by PA, the police said in a statement on Jan 31.
Court documents did not disclose details about the agent.
Seet, who was charged with three counts of forgery on Jan 31, is accused of committing the offences in 2017 and 2019.
The police said in the statement: “He allegedly instigated the... contractor’s administrative staff to forge 18 quotations purportedly issued by (other firms), intending to deceive PA that the contractor’s quotation was the lowest-priced of three quotations for building works requested by PA.”
According to court documents, the three firms were SK Furniture Construction, K&T Building Construction and KJS Construction.
Seet’s case has been adjourned to Feb 28.
For each count of forgery, an offender can be jailed for up to four years and fined.
On Jan 31, Soh, Lee and Chang were each charged with four counts of giving false information to a public servant.
The police said the trio had allegedly engaged in a conspiracy to furnish backdated procurement documents to the Auditor-General’s Office (AGO) between December 2020 and February 2021.
These acts purportedly took place during the AGO’s audit of the OTH development project.
A total of 142 allegedly backdated procurement documents were submitted to the AGO, the police added.
The trio’s cases will be mentioned again in court on March 4.
For each count of giving false information to a public servant, an offender can be jailed for up to six months and fined.
PA states on its website that OTH is Singapore’s largest integrated community and lifestyle hub, serving over 250,000 residents and about 80,000 households. Residents can take part in activities such as sports and shopping there.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/4-men-charged-over-alleged-roles-in-fraud-linked-to-our-tampines-hub-project
| 2024-01-31T07:48:22Z
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NEW YORK – It is only natural that a team will rely on their offence to win games, but the Boston Celtics took another approach on Jan 30 – being defensively solid.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) Eastern Conference leaders held off a ferocious second-half rally to defeat the Indiana Pacers 129-124 at their TD Garden home.
“You have to be able to win games with your defence,” coach Joe Mazzulla said on ESPN, adding that a win like this will allow his team to learn how not to lean too heavily on their offence.
“It’s a tough balance for us because we always talk about how the game’s connected. You can’t have one without the other. But there’s moments when they both have to be elite.
“We had really good defence down the stretch and made some winning plays.”
The Celtics cruised into a 20-point first-half lead against a Pacers line-up bolstered by the return of Tyrese Haliburton.
But Indiana came to life in the third quarter, outscoring Boston 37-25 to briefly edge into the lead before the Celtics regained control of the contest and closed out victory in the fourth.
“Credit to Indiana, they played really, really fast. They tried to wear us out but we found a way to win,” said Celtics star Jaylen Brown, who finished with 25 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Jayson Tatum led the Boston scoring with 30 points but it was the power forward’s defensive prowess that helped seal the team’s league-best 37th win of the season.
He came up with two big blocks to deny Indiana down the stretch just when the Pacers were threatening to tie it up.
“Each and every night, we try to keep our standard, and our defence is a part of that,” Brown said of Boston’s defensive display.
All five Boston starters finished in double figures, with Derrick White scoring 24 points while Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday added 17 points apiece.
“We’ve got to be able to fight through everything,” Holiday added.
“Fight through expectations. Fight through being up 20 and somebody having a great third quarter and finishing games. If it was easy the whole time, what’s the fun in that?”
Aaron Nesmith led Indiana’s scoring with 26 points while Pascal Siakam chipped in with 23. Haliburton returned to the line-up after recovering from injury to score 13 points with 10 assists and three rebounds.
Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Lakers slumped to an emphatic loss, going down 138-122 on the road in Atlanta.
The Lakers, beaten 135-119 in Houston on Jan 29, were given a torrid working-over for a second straight night by the Hawks’ potent offence.
Trae Young finished with 26 points, including six three-pointers, while Dejounte Murray scored 24. Bogdan Bogdanovic provided a shooting clinic from the bench with 18 points, including four-of-nine from three-point range.
Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 28 points while LeBron James scored 20 points.
The Lakers, missing the injured Anthony Davis, dropped to 24-25 after the loss and are ninth in the Western Conference table.
Lakers star James could not hide his frustration after his team’s latest blowout defeat.
“We can on any given night beat any team in the NBA – and then on any given night we can get our ass kicked by any team in the NBA,” he lamented. “That’s where we are.”
In another game, Stephen Curry conjured a 37-point masterclass as the Golden State Warriors sent the Philadelphia 76ers spinning to a fourth straight defeat with a 119-107 home victory.
The Sixers were left sweating on an injury to reigning Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid, who limped off in the fourth quarter after Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga fell heavily on his left knee. AFP, REUTERS
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https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/basketball/boston-celtics-hold-off-indiana-pacers-rally-los-angeles-lakers-slump-again
| 2024-01-31T07:48:32Z
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