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The Scottish government has confirmed Glasgow as the host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Australia's Victoria state withdrew due to rising costs. The event will feature a scaled-down format with 10 sports and will be funded primarily through compensation from Victoria, ensuring minimal public expenditure.
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The Rohingya minority in Myanmar is experiencing escalating violence, with reports of drone and artillery attacks by the Arakan Army. This comes as tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh mark the seventh anniversary of their exodus from Myanmar, demanding an end to violence and safe return to their homeland.
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Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara, was inaugurated on August 17, 2024, amid ongoing construction delays and funding issues. President Joko Widodo's ambitious project aims to alleviate Jakarta's congestion but faces skepticism regarding its viability and environmental impact. The future of the capital remains uncertain as the new administration prepares to take over.
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Former Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has been charged with sedition for allegedly insulting the previous king during a campaign speech. He pleaded not guilty and faces up to three years in prison if convicted. The charges stem from comments made on August 14, questioning the king's decision to appoint Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister.
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A Malaysian mine clearance diver, Leading Seaman I Arman San Hermansa, drowned while conducting salvage operations on the sunken navy vessel KD Pendekar off Johor's coast. The ship sank on August 25 after hitting an underwater object, but all 39 crew members were rescued safely.
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Since February, Chinese nationals have enjoyed visa-free access to Singapore, enhancing tourism in Southeast Asia. This arrangement has encouraged first-time travelers and prompted governments to relax immigration restrictions, benefiting local economies recovering from the pandemic.
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Malaysia Airlines is under scrutiny following a series of technical issues and flight cancellations, raising safety concerns among passengers. The airline's recent incidents include emergency landings and diversions, prompting government intervention and new consumer protection regulations aimed at enhancing passenger rights.
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As the Ukraine conflict escalates, China and Russia are deepening their partnership. President Xi Jinping is set to meet Vladimir Putin at the upcoming BRICS summit, while the U.S. considers allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russia. This shift could significantly impact the geopolitical landscape.
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Malaysia has asserted its right to continue oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, rejecting China's claims of territorial infringement. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that these activities are within Malaysian waters, despite China's diplomatic protests and a recent leak of a protest note demanding a halt to exploration.
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A Missouri resident has tested positive for H5N1 bird flu without known exposure to infected animals, raising concerns about potential undetected human-to-human transmission. This case marks the first instance in the U.S. of bird flu infection without direct animal contact. Health officials are investigating the source of the infection as the outbreak continues to spread among livestock in various states.
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Malaysian police have arrested 19 individuals, including the CEO of Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB), amid allegations of severe abuse at charity homes. This follows the rescue of 402 children from these facilities, where many reportedly suffered physical and sexual abuse. The case has raised significant concerns about child welfare in Malaysia.
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Pope Francis concluded his 12-day Asia tour in Singapore, where he addressed issues of economic disparity and migrant workers' rights. He emphasized the need for fair wages and conditions for foreign laborers, while also cautioning against the isolating effects of technology. His visit included a grand welcome and the unveiling of an orchid named in his honor.
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The Biden administration's proposed changes to the de minimis exemption for imports from China have drawn strong opposition from Beijing. China claims the new tariffs will harm international trade, while the US aims to curb the influx of low-cost goods that undermine local businesses.