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Monday, Aug 15, 2022

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Business & Finance

China unexpectedly cuts 2 key rates, withdraws cash from banking system

China unexpectedly cuts 2 key rates, withdraws cash from banking system

China's central bank unexpectedly cut a key interest rate for the second time this year and withdrew some cash from the banking system on Monday, to try to revive credit demand to support the COVID-hit economy.

Malaysia ex-PM Najib begins final bid to set aside 1MDB conviction

Malaysia ex-PM Najib begins final bid to set aside 1MDB conviction

Malaysian former Prime Minister Najib Razak starts his final attempt on Monday to set aside his conviction in a corruption case linked to the multi-billion dollar 1MDB financial scandal.

Taiwan prepares for life underground amid China threat – in pictures

Taiwan prepares for life underground amid China threat – in pictures

Taiwan is preparing air-raid shelters in underground spaces such as basement car parks, the subway system and subterranean shopping centres as fears of a Chinese attack increase. The capital, Taipei, has more than 4,600 such shelters tha...

Extent of Instagram and Facebook tracking exposed

Extent of Instagram and Facebook tracking exposed

Meta apps inject a tracking code into websites when people are viewing them

HK's economy in the second quarter is worrying

HK's economy in the second quarter is worrying

Hong Kong's economy sees negative growth in the second quarter, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po says as he hoped eased quarantine restrictions and consumption vouchers could have a boosting effect.

Ukraine in default according to Fitch and S&P

Ukraine in default according to Fitch and S&P

Global rating agencies S&P and Fitch on Friday lowered Ukraine's foreign currency ratings to selective default and restricted default as they consider the country's debt restructuring as distressed.

Former security chief Ambrose Lee died in sleep

Former security chief Ambrose Lee died in sleep

Former Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee Siu-kwong, 73, was reported dying in his sleep today morning.

YouTube plans to launch streaming video service, WSJ reports

YouTube plans to launch streaming video service, WSJ reports

Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O) YouTube is planning to launch an online store for streaming video services, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

Seventy percent citizens believe family background determines success

Seventy percent citizens believe family background determines success

Around 70 percent of people in favor that family background affects one’s life and chances, says a survey.

What to wear in a heatwave, according to a celebrity stylist

What to wear in a heatwave, according to a celebrity stylist

It’s hot, but you can still look cool

30pc youths 'don't identify as Chinese'

30pc youths 'don't identify as Chinese'

Some 30 percent of youngsters in Hong Kong do not think they are Chinese, a survey by the youth wing of the largest political party in Hong Kong has found.

Quote of the Day

The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.
Ronald Reagan

Three-month-old baby full of bruises suspected to be murdered

Three-month-old baby full of bruises suspected to be murdered

A three-month-old infant boy was found dead with his body full of bruises in Tai Kok Tsui on Saturday. A couple who foster cared for the infant were arrested on suspicion of murder. The parents said the duo are their friends and never fo...

51 Home Library Designs That Will Have Book Lovers Lost For Hours

51 Home Library Designs That Will Have Book Lovers Lost For Hours

Inspiration for home library designs, including bespoke bookcases, double-height libraries, mezzanine libraries, librarian ladders, and cosy reading nooks.

Some 300 workers claimed failed to be covered by govt anti-epidemic subsidy

Some 300 workers claimed failed to be covered by govt anti-epidemic subsidy

Around 300 workers including cleaners and security guards said they were not able to apply for the anti-epidemic subsidy, said the Cleaning Workers Union of the Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association.

Quarantine cut and vouchers key for Chan

Quarantine cut and vouchers key for Chan

The shortened quarantine arrangement for inbound travelers and the distribution of consumption vouchers can boost the weak local economy, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said.

When the project is not ready, but the client wants a demo

When the project is not ready, but the client wants a demo

Power shift on cards for virus strain

Power shift on cards for virus strain

More than one in five Covid-19 patients contract the highly infectious Omicron subvariants BA.4 or BA.5 - which may soon become the SAR's dominant strains - while 1 percent of daily cases are reinfections, authorities said.

Is water the new gold?

Is water the new gold?

Climate change is causing temperatures to rise. Extreme weather events and droughts are increasing. Springs and wells are drying up. And everyone needs more water. The battles for control over precious water reserves have begun.

Apps turning restaurant leftovers into cheap meals take off in Asia

Apps turning restaurant leftovers into cheap meals take off in Asia

With a tantalizing array of satay chicken, wok-fried mud crab and chilled tiger prawns, the dinner buffet at Singapore’s Grand Hyatt hotel typically sets diners back about $70. Those on a tighter budget and with an eye on sustainability ...

Inflation explained: What is it, what causes it and how do we deal with it now?

Inflation explained: What is it, what causes it and how do we deal with it now?

What is inflation, where does it come from and how to handle its fluctuation? Here’s everything you need to know about it.

Security head emphasizes HK speech freedom under security law

Security head emphasizes HK speech freedom under security law

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said Hong Kong citizens have the freedom to criticize the government while speech with seditious intention may offend the law.

Going bananas: Biden’s America is fast regressing

Going bananas: Biden’s America is fast regressing

It’s hardly surprising that China feels emboldened. Xi Jinping must look at America and see not just a superpower in decline but a gerontocracy that has lost its marbles.

Kai Fung No.2 sinks after years of disrepair

Kai Fung No.2 sinks after years of disrepair

Kai Fung No.2, which had sailed to Diaoyu Islands to proclaim Chinese sovereignty over the territorial right, sank at Shau Kei Wan typhoon shelter due to stormy weather and dilapidation.

Lockdowns, Hotspots And Millions Stranded: Covid Surges Again In China

Lockdowns, Hotspots And Millions Stranded: Covid Surges Again In China

Covid In China: People in new Covid areas are worried about Shanghai-styled long-duration lockdowns, which can impact their jobs, basic freedom and mental health.

Driver lauded after helping out bus stragglers

Driver lauded after helping out bus stragglers

A father and his two young daughters chased a bus for over a block in Taikoo Shing before finally managing to board it thanks to a private car driver who made a pit stop just to inform the bus driver to wait for the family at the stop.

WHO Announces New Names For Monkeypox Variants To Avoid Causing Offence

WHO Announces New Names For Monkeypox Variants To Avoid Causing Offence

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced new names to avoid causing any cultural or social offence.

Employers shall not withhold paid leave from amber-coded employees

Employers shall not withhold paid leave from amber-coded employees

If employees with amber health codes are considered as not suitable for work, the employers should pay their salaries for that day but not require them to take sick leave or deduct paid leave, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Y...

South Korea pardons Samsung's Jay Y Lee in bid to revive the economy

South Korea pardons Samsung's Jay Y Lee in bid to revive the economy

The de facto leader of Samsung, Lee Jae-yong, was pardoned by South Korea's president on Friday for crimes including bribery, allowing him greater freedom to run the smartphone and semiconductor giant.

Some 12,000 households live in sub-divided units in industrial buildings

Some 12,000 households live in sub-divided units in industrial buildings

The Society for Community Organization (SoCo) suggests the government suspend removal orders for industrial buildings without safety risks as more than 10,000 households are living in sub-divided units in industrial buildings.

How Abercrombie, Victoria's Secret and Vitamin Shoppe use smell to get you to spend more

How Abercrombie, Victoria's Secret and Vitamin Shoppe use smell to get you to spend more

Have you ever stepped into an Abercrombie, Victoria's Secret, Vitamin Shoppe or another store and wondered: "What's that smell?"

BA.4 or BA.5 cases mount up as the city counts 4,979 Covid cases

BA.4 or BA.5 cases mount up as the city counts 4,979 Covid cases

Health authorities observed a further rise in suspected BA.4 or BA.5 cases, as Hong Kong reported 4,979 new cases on Sunday.

WhatsApp is going to stop letting everyone see when you're online

WhatsApp is going to stop letting everyone see when you're online

WhatsApp announced several new privacy updates on Tuesday, including the ability for users to check their messages without other people knowing.

Injured mirror dancer 'has started communicating'

Injured mirror dancer 'has started communicating'

The father of boy group Mirror backup dancer Mo Lee Kai-yin, critically injured in a concert, said family and friends have learned how to communicate with him.

Snapchat rolls out option to let parents see who their teens are messaging

Snapchat rolls out option to let parents see who their teens are messaging

Snapchat on Tuesday introduced its first parental control center, nearly 10 months after an executive from the company told Congress it was developing tools aimed at helping parents keep their teens safe.

City to increase fine for littering as officials inspecting streets

City to increase fine for littering as officials inspecting streets

Hong Kong streets may see more video surveillance installed to counter illegal fly-tipping with the penalty for littering to be raised, said Warner Cheuk Wing-hing, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration.

Amazon, eBay and AliExpress found to be selling illegal weapons

Amazon, eBay and AliExpress found to be selling illegal weapons

Amazon, eBay, Wish and AliExpress are under fire after an investigation found illegal weapons such as knives, swords and batons were being sold on the online platforms.

Criticism of Hong Kong government ‘defects’ welcome, security chief says

Criticism of Hong Kong government ‘defects’ welcome, security chief says

Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang says officials don’t see criticisms as problems, ‘if they can let us know about our defects and make us perform better’.

Can a career move help with the rising cost of living?

Can a career move help with the rising cost of living?

Whether it’s through the news or in your pocket, it’s difficult to escape the rise in inflation and the increase in the cost of living at the moment.

Hong Kong officials expect surge in imported Covid cases after travel rules eased

Hong Kong officials expect surge in imported Covid cases after travel rules eased

‘I noticed that the relevant arrangements [have been] welcomed by various groups both locally and overseas,’ Paul Chan said on his blog.

How can countries protect themselves against cyber warfare?

How can countries protect themselves against cyber warfare?

Cybersecurity has become a top priority for governments, businesses and critical infrastructure operators, especially since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which has been marked by sophisticated cyber attacks.

Hong Kong can rise to the challenge of telling its story well

Hong Kong can rise to the challenge of telling its story well

Hong Kong’s spokespersons must counter both accusations of suppression of freedoms and the narrative that the economy is withering under the weight of Covid-19 restrictions. But our political and business elite are experienced at promoti...

Why being a vegetarian woman may be bad for your health later in life

Why being a vegetarian woman may be bad for your health later in life

A plant-based diet might be good for your general health, as well as the planet - but scientists are warning that vegetarian women are more susceptible to hip fractures later in life than those who regularly eat meat and fish.

Hong Kong couple charged with murder over death of 3-month-old boy

Hong Kong couple charged with murder over death of 3-month-old boy

Investigators lay joint murder charge on 35-year-old man and his 24-year-old wife.

Is dark chocolate really good for you?

Is dark chocolate really good for you?

We've long been told that chocolate isn't good for us. But the darker the bar, the more surprisingly good it could be for health.

Hong Kong airport left far behind as Singapore Changi takes No 1 spot

Hong Kong airport left far behind as Singapore Changi takes No 1 spot

Easing of hotel quarantine rules not enough to safeguard city’s aviation hub status, experts warn.

Tropical Storm Meari hammers Japan with heavy rainfall, wind

Tropical Storm Meari hammers Japan with heavy rainfall, wind

Tropical Storm Meari unleashed heavy rains on Japan’s main Honshu island as it headed northward Saturday toward the capital, Tokyo, according to Japanese weather officials.

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