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As daylight saving time ended on November 3, 2024, experts warn of health risks linked to disrupted sleep patterns. Studies indicate increased heart attack and stroke rates following the time change, while seasonal affective disorder may affect mood as daylight hours shorten. The debate over the necessity of daylight saving time continues.
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Katie Boulter secured a spot in the final of the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open after defeating Yuan Yue 6-2, 5-7, 6-2. This victory guarantees her a rise to at least 23rd in the WTA rankings. Boulter aims to finish her season on a high note against either Leylah Fernandez or Diana Shnaider.
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UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy's recent visit to China aimed to reset diplomatic ties strained by human rights issues and geopolitical tensions. Meeting with Chinese officials, he emphasized the need for pragmatic engagement while addressing concerns over Hong Kong and Xinjiang. The visit included discussions on trade, climate change, and cooperation in various sectors.
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Giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao arrived at the Smithsonian National Zoo on October 15, 2024, after a long journey from China. They will undergo a 30-day quarantine before debuting to the public on January 24, 2025. This marks the return of pandas to the zoo after a year-long absence.
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Recent developments in New Orleans and Hong Kong highlight ongoing struggles with homelessness and substandard living conditions. In New Orleans, a judge has temporarily halted the relocation of unhoused individuals ahead of major events, while Hong Kong plans to regulate subdivided flats to improve living standards.
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Recent discussions in the UK highlight contrasting views on public order and NHS reforms. Conservative MP Neil O'Brien advocates for a more orderly society, while Labour's Wes Streeting seeks public input on NHS improvements. Both approaches reflect broader societal concerns about governance and public services.
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Mount Fuji has not seen snowfall as of October 31, 2024, marking the latest date for snowcap formation since records began in 1894. This delay is attributed to unusually warm temperatures, part of a broader climate trend affecting Japan and the world, with 2024 projected to be the hottest year on record.
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Starting January 2025, Labour will impose a 20% VAT on private school fees, aiming to fund state education. This policy has sparked concerns over potential school closures and increased fees for parents, particularly affecting smaller and specialist institutions. The government argues it will generate significant revenue for public education.
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The recent death of singer Liam Payne has highlighted the dangers of 'pink cocaine' and 'space oil,' two emerging drugs linked to serious health risks. Authorities in Canada and Hong Kong are responding with stricter regulations and public awareness campaigns as drug abuse among youth rises.
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HSBC's new CEO, Georges Elhedery, has announced a significant restructuring plan, dividing the bank into four key units and establishing geographical divisions to enhance efficiency and navigate geopolitical tensions. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2025, and include the appointment of Pam Kaur as the first female CFO.
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Driver does not see passenger trying to flag down vehicle at bus stop, is chased and verbally abused at red light 170m away.
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In response to declining birth rates, Hong Kong's government will introduce three days of annual childcare leave for civil servants starting April 2025. Meanwhile, the UK's Sure Start program shows significant benefits for children, reducing criminal convictions and improving educational outcomes, highlighting the importance of early intervention in family support.
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Kate Bush, in a recent interview, expressed her eagerness to create new music after a long hiatus. She discussed her new animated short film, 'Little Shrew,' inspired by the Ukraine conflict, which features her song 'Snowflake.' Bush is excited about returning to the creative space after years of archival work.
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The Narathiwat Provincial Court has allowed the statute of limitations to expire on the Tak Bai massacre case, preventing prosecution of seven soldiers and officials accused of murder. Victims' families continue to seek justice despite the legal setback, highlighting ongoing human rights concerns in Thailand as the 20-year anniversary approaches.
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As the 2024 election approaches, experts warn of rising mental health issues linked to political stress. Surveys indicate increased anxiety, particularly among younger voters, with significant physical health implications. The emotional toll of political events is prompting discussions on coping strategies and the need for mindfulness interventions.
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A 10-month-old girl in Hong Kong is recovering from a serious Covid-19 infection complicated by croup. Health experts emphasize the importance of vaccinations for children to prevent severe cases. The government continues to offer free vaccines to eligible children and high-risk groups.
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Stockholm has introduced the Nova, an electric hydrofoil ferry, marking a significant step in sustainable urban transport. The ferry reduces energy consumption by 80% compared to traditional vessels, aiming to encourage public transport use and decrease car dependency. Meanwhile, Hong Kong plans to install 200,000 EV chargers by 2027 to support electric vehicle adoption.
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HSBC's pre-tax profits rose to $8.5 billion in Q3 2024, exceeding expectations. This comes as new CEO Georges Elhedery announced a major restructuring, reducing geographical units and potentially cutting senior roles to streamline operations. The bank also plans a $3 billion stock buyback, reflecting confidence in its strategy.
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Canadian authorities discovered a drug lab in British Columbia linked to Mexican cartels, marking a significant escalation in transnational organized crime. The lab produced potent synthetic drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, raising concerns about the country's role in the global drug trade.
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As of October 31, 2024, Asian markets, particularly in India and Japan, are experiencing shifts in investor sentiment due to political instability and renewed interest in China's stock market following a stimulus package. This change raises concerns about the sustainability of previous market rallies.
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Hundreds of entities, some in Turkey and Switzerland, were hit in the latest crackdown on people and firms doing business with Moscow.
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Singapore has intensified its crackdown on illegal streaming devices, recently convicting a seller under new copyright laws. Despite this, experts warn that such devices remain widely available online, posing ongoing challenges for enforcement and consumer safety.