VIENTIANE, Laos — The test of Asean's unity lies in how the bloc deals with internal challenges such as the situation in Myanmar, as well as key regional issues, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Wednesday (Oct 9). This is even as the 10-member grouping faces an increasingly «troubled and turbulent» external environment, he said, addressing fellow Asean leaders at the 44th and 45th Asean Summits and related meetings held in Vientiane, Laos. PM Wong, who delivered three speeches on Oct 9, also urged Asean leaders to remain united in purpose despite its diverse grouping and member states' own positions on regional and global issues. The annual regional gathering is being held against the backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions, as well as concerns over rising military conflict in the Middle East, maritime disputes in the South China Sea, the broader US-China rivalry, and the continued civil unrest in Myanmar since the 2021 military coup.

A massive missile attack on the city of Kiryat Shmona near the border killed two locals

According to US ex-President, «there is nothing to debate»

According to Siluanov, the dollar will still be able to maintain its popularity as a payment unit in the coming years, but BRICS nations are already expanding the use of national currencies

The attack was followed by fire

Europe would have faced an environmental and humanitarian disaster, acting head of the Russian delegation to the Vienna Yulia Zhdanova said

A 34-year-old construction worker has been charged for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl while  working at her home in St Andrew. Richard Bryan, of Harley Road, Kingston 11, is charged with rape and grievous sexual assault. The...

Jamaica and the Republic of India have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration between the nations in digital technology. Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Holness, in providing details in the House of Representatives on...

[New Times] The World Health Organisation (WHO) is seeking US$ 7.7 million from October to December 2024 to support the Government of Rwanda in controlling the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak.

[New Times] DR Congo decades long security problems, which are driven by more than 200 armed groups operating in the country's east, cannot be blamed on Rwanda, says Rwandan Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

[New Times] The Director General of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, on Wednesday, October 9, said that the decision by the US to issue a travel notice to Rwanda due to the Marburg outbreak is unfair and unacceptable.

Jennifer Johnson, Lacombe-Ponoka legislature member, has been welcomed back into the United Conservative Party (UCP).

The body of Mr Harry Tan Eng Kwang, who died after he slipped and fell while hiking in the Everest region of Nepal about two weeks ago, arrived in Singapore on Oct 9. His family is holding a three-day wake at The Garden of Remembrance in Old Choa Chu Kang Road and the cremation will be held on Oct 12. Mr Tan, 76, reportedly went missing on Sept 26 near the 5,500m-high Kongma La Pass in Nepal, which is south of Everest Base Camp. His body was found on Oct 4 after a search-and-rescue operation that lasted more than a week. Speaking to The Straits Times at a packed funeral wake, his wife, Dr Jessie Png, said her prayers were answered when his body was found, as bad weather conditions had hampered rescue efforts.

Motorists will pay more for gas when they go to the pumps on Thursday. The state-owned oil refinery, Petrojam, says E-10 87 is to move up by $2.94 to sell for $166.84 per litre and a litre of E-10 90 will go up by $2.94 to sell for $175.86....

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is warning members of the public of false messages being circulated about a 'National Assistance Fund' via text messages. It says the messages have been encouraging persons to apply online to the...

The US was close to a nuclear deal with Russia and China that would later be expanded, the former president has claimed Read Full Article at RT.com

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico has threatened to establish a national media watchdog and qualification exams for journalists Read Full Article at RT.com

American actor and environmental activist Mark Ruffalo is weighing in on British Columbia politics, lauding the B.C. Green Party's stance on fossil fuels ahead of the Oct. 19 election.

PM Narendra Modi criticized Congress for exploiting caste issues among Hindus to cause divisions while ignoring caste distinctions within the Muslim community. He accused the opposition of fostering fear among Muslims for electoral gain and emphasized Congress's approach as a betrayal of national unity.

Six of seven independent MLAs in J&K are likely to support NC, enabling the party to form a government without Congress or CPM. NC, with 42 seats, would reach a majority with independents' backing. Omar Abdullah acknowledges PM Modi's message and anticipates NC's Supreme Court challenge against MLA nominations.

Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi addressed the unexpected Haryana poll results, promising continued advocacy for justice and voter voices. He expressed gratitude to Haryana's people and party workers, and a Congress delegation submitted complaints to the EC. Additionally, Gandhi celebrated the NC-Congress alliance's win in J&K as a constitutional victory.

Ratan Tata's leadership during India's economic liberalisation transformed Tata Group through strategic divestments, global partnerships, and key acquisitions like Jaguar-Land Rover. He improved corporate governance, solidified control, and took TCS public, raising $1.2 billion. Despite crises, including a financial scandal and terrorist attack, Tata’s legacy endures, leaving a monumental impact on Indian business.

Ratan Tata strategically used retirement policies to consolidate power and modernize Tata Group starting in 1992. He mandated directors retire at 75, forcing several senior leaders out. The policy evolved over the years, reflecting his evolving strategy and maintaining his influence.

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has approved the renaming of Ashoka Road in Waterhouse as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Drive. Councillor for the Waterhouse Division, Byron Clarke, moved the resolution during Tuesday's...

Caribbean Cement Company Limited says further measures have been implemented to enhance the flow of cement inventory across its depots. As such, it says the public can expect further improvements in cement delivery over the coming week. The company...

Ukraine has a chance to take “decisive action” to end the hostilities against Russia no later than 2025, Vladimir Zelensky has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Russia will continue expanding participation in the ITER reactor project and supplying it with high-tech equipment, according to Rosatom Read Full Article at RT.com

The Central Intelligence Agency is having a #MeToo moment amid multiple claims of inappropriate sexual behavior among its ranks Read Full Article at RT.com

Trump’s supposed to be anti-war and anti-interventionist but keeps making a glaring exception for Israel, and it could cost him the election Read Full Article at RT.com

The EU’s economic powerhouse Germany has been struggling with structural problems and wider global challenges, says its economy ministry Read Full Article at RT.com

The IDF reprisal for Tehran’s missile barrage will be “deadly, pinpoint accurate, and surprising,” per Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Read Full Article at RT.com