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Australia's government is set to introduce legislation banning social media access for children under 16, citing mental health concerns. The bill, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, will hold platforms accountable for enforcing the age limit and is expected to pass by the end of the year.
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As vaping popularity surges in Malaysia, local authorities are tightening regulations. Terengganu's Chief Minister announced a ban on vape sales, while the Health Ministry warns of rising healthcare costs linked to vaping-related lung injuries. Meanwhile, Imperial Brands reports significant growth in e-cigarette sales amid increasing regulatory scrutiny in the UK.
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As fraud cases surge, particularly in the UK, new regulations mandate banks to reimburse victims of authorised push payment (APP) fraud up to £85,000 within five days. Despite a slight decrease in total losses, the number of reported fraud cases has increased significantly, prompting calls for enhanced consumer protection measures.
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Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are increasingly investing in nuclear energy to meet the rising electricity demands of AI technologies. Amazon has signed agreements to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) and purchase nuclear power, while Google has partnered with Kairos Power for a groundbreaking energy deal. Microsoft is reviving the Three Mile Island reactor.
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Lee Hsien Yang, brother of former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, has been granted asylum in the UK, citing fears of persecution from the Singaporean government. This follows a long-standing family feud over their father's estate, particularly the fate of their family home, 38 Oxley Road.
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Malaysia's government is set to implement a two-tier pricing system for RON95 petrol, targeting the wealthiest 15% to pay market rates. This move aims to save 8 billion ringgit annually while managing inflation concerns. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration is balancing fiscal health with public sentiment amid ongoing economic reforms.
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A group of Rohingya refugees has been stranded off the coast of Aceh, Indonesia, after a perilous journey from Bangladesh. Local residents have provided some assistance, but authorities are hesitant to allow them onshore due to past disturbances linked to refugee arrivals. The situation highlights ongoing challenges faced by the Rohingya community.
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On October 24, 2024, Indonesia's Maritime Security Agency expelled a Chinese coast guard vessel disrupting seismic surveys by PT Pertamina in the North Natuna Sea. This incident highlights ongoing tensions over territorial claims in the resource-rich South China Sea, where both nations assert competing rights.
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Jia Xin Teo, a 22-year-old Malaysian student, was convicted of murdering her newborn baby after concealing her pregnancy. The baby was discovered in a suitcase, having been placed in a cereal box shortly after birth on March 4. Teo was sentenced to a minimum of 17 years in prison.
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On her 27th birthday, singer Raye revealed her car was stolen, containing notebooks for her upcoming album. Fans expressed sympathy and humorously pledged to help find the vehicle. Raye's recent success includes multiple Brit Awards and a performance with Taylor Swift, but this incident has delayed her new music.
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On October 26, 2024, Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian military sites in retaliation for a missile barrage from Iran earlier in the month. The U.S. has urged both nations to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation in the region. Iran's response remains uncertain as tensions continue to rise.
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The Philippines has commenced military exercises involving over 3,000 personnel to bolster readiness against external threats, particularly from China. The drills, which simulate reclaiming territory in the South China Sea, occur amid rising tensions and territorial disputes in the region, with China closely monitoring the activities.
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Thomas Wei Huang, a 17-year-old from Malaysia, was sentenced to life detention with a minimum term of 12 years for attempting to murder two students and a teacher at Blundell's School in Devon. The attack occurred in June 2023 while the victims were asleep, and Huang claimed he was sleepwalking during the incident.
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Colombia's economy grew 2% in Q3 2024, below expectations, prompting President Gustavo Petro to advocate for deeper interest rate cuts. This follows a trend of mixed economic performance across various countries, including Malaysia's robust growth and concerns over trade tensions under a potential Trump administration.
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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.
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Recent healthcare reforms in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia are raising concerns about access to medical services for the underprivileged. Critics argue that proposed changes may exacerbate inequalities, while officials emphasize the need for efficiency and targeted support for vulnerable populations.
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During his first overseas trip, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized collaboration with China, aiming to deepen ties across various sectors. The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation, including a joint meeting of foreign and defense ministers in 2025, amidst Indonesia's non-aligned stance in global politics.
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Following Donald Trump's re-election, he has pledged to impose significant tariffs on imports, particularly targeting China. This has prompted global companies to reconsider their supply chains, with many seeking alternatives to Chinese manufacturing. The potential economic repercussions are being felt across various sectors, especially in Southeast Asia.
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The Philippines is enhancing its defense cooperation with the US amid concerns over China's assertiveness in the South China Sea. Recent agreements, including the General Security of Military Information Agreement, aim to bolster military capabilities and intelligence sharing, ensuring a robust alliance as Donald Trump returns to the presidency.