World

Ukrainian drones hit warehouse of Russian online retailer Ozon in overnight strikes

Aug 22 (Reuters) - The ⁠governor of Russia's Samara region ⁠said on Saturday that Ukrainian drones had ‌hit an industrial facility, as well as a warehouse belonging to Ozon, a major Russian online ​retailer, in strikes overnight.

Pakistan

Imran’s sister files contempt plea over alleged violation of SC order on hospital transfer

ISLAMABAD: Dr Uzma Khan, the sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, approached the Supreme Court (SC) on Saturday seeking to initiate contempt proceedings against those responsible for violating its Aug 18 order for shifting the incarcerated premier to a private hospital in the federal capital.

True Or Not

QuickCheck: Is food developed using nuclear technology radioactive?

NUCLEAR technology conjures images of reactors, fallout and glowing materials, so it is perhaps unsurprising that food developed using nuclear techniques raises alarm bells for many consumers.

Nepal

Nepal, India agree to use modern technology for border surveillance

KATHMANDU: Nepal and India have agreed to use modern technology, including closed-circuit television (CCTV) and other equipment, to strengthen security surveillance in sensitive areas along the border.

Nation

Haze: 11 areas in S'wak record unhealthy API readings as of 3pm

PETALING JAYA: Eleven areas recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 3pm on Saturday (Aug 22), according to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS).

Indonesia

Chinese Foreign Minister calls for stronger all-round cooperation with Indonesia to tackle risks, challenges

JAKARTA: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday (Aug 21) called on China and Indonesia to strengthen all-round cooperation and pool greater development synergy to jointly tackle risks and challenges.

Philippines

Philippines-Japan defence logistics pact enters into force

MANILA: A defence logistics agreement between the Philippines and Japan entered into force on Saturday (Aug 22). Establishing a framework for the reciprocal provision of supplies and services between their armed forces as the two countries deepen defence cooperation.

Brunei

Brunei records 14 days of excessive hot weather

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei Darussalam has experienced 14 consecutive days of excessive hot weather this month, with temperatures reaching as high as 38.2 degrees Celsius at several automatic weather stations, according to the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department (BDMD)

Nation

Childcare centres in Sarawak to close immediately if API reaches 200

KUCHING: Childcare centres (taska) in Sarawak will be closed immediately if the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaches 200, in line with the decision previously made by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).

Laos

Laos' Clean Energy Day 2026 to promote nation’s energy transition

VIENTIANE: Policymakers, industry leaders and development partners will gather in Vientiane on Sept 3 for Clean Energy Day 2026, an event aimed at promoting dialogue and cooperation on the future of clean energy in Laos.

Beauty

Lilac is now the new black, and it’s set to become makeup’s hottest hue

From head-turning red carpet sightings to the swelling buzz on the product launch grapevine, lilac eye makeup will soon be all the rage.

Animals

Web of cuteness: Tiny jumping spiders are now social media’s unlikeliest stars

Jumping spiders are a common variety of spider that lives on every continent except Antarctica and includes at least 6,000 species.

Vietnam

Vietnam proposes 30 per cent income tax cut for individuals, businesses

HANOI: The Vietnamese government has proposed a 30-per cent reduction in personal and corporate income taxes for eligible individuals and enterprises in 2026 and 2027, the Vietnam News Agency reported Friday (Aug 21).

Cambodia

Guarantees sought that corrupt officials will not receive leniency for damaging Cambodia’s reputation

PHNOM PENH: Social commentators have applauded action taken against officials involved in online scam offenses, but expressed concerns that the officials in question may receive lenient punishment, such as "duty reassignment." They urged that appointed officials who damage the Kingdom's reputation face severe consequences.

Indonesia

Haze: All flights cancelled at Singkawang Airport

JAKARTA: (Bernama) All flights at Singkawang Airport in Indonesia's West Kalimantan province were cancelled on Saturday due to haze, as authorities continued efforts to tackle forest and land fires across Kalimantan.

Nation

Car destroyed in fire after crash near Mid Valley

KUALA LUMPUR: A car was destroyed after catching fire following a road accident near Mid Valley on Saturday (Aug 22).

South Korea

South Korea to send first container ship through Arctic route

BUSAN NEW PORT, (South Korea): South Korea was set Saturday (Aug 22) to send its first trial container through the Arctic, as the Middle East war rattles global shipping, while environmental groups warned the route could accelerate polar ice melt.

Arts

Queen champions cultural heritage at KL's Merdeka Textile Museum launch

The museum, which houses the Puan Azah Aziz Collection, aims to preserve and celebrate the rich textile heritage of the Malay world

Philippines

Leptospirosis cases rise in Philippine capital amid floods

MANILA: (Bernama-Xinhua) Leptospirosis cases at a major infectious disease hospital in the Philippine capital have reached 50, with two deaths, following widespread flooding caused by persistent heavy rains, according to local media on Saturday (Aug 22), reported Xinhua.

Nation

Veteran lawyer Chew Swee Yoke, pioneer of KL legal aid, passed away at 81

KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran lawyer Chew Swee Yoke, who was instrumental in advancing legal aid in Malaysia and represented Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in proceedings stemming from his infamous black-eye incident, has passed away at 81.