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HAIKOU, China, June 12, 2026 -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn The Hainan provincial government invited a group of 15 from Hong Kong — including media professionals, the city's Legislative Council members, cultural and tourism key opinion leaders and online content creators — to take part in a six-day in-depth media tour of the tropical province.         The media tour, formally titled "Chasing Aerospace Dreams, Embracing Hainan FTP: 2026 Hong Kong Media Talents Exchange & Interview Event", was launched at a ceremony in Haikou, capital of China's southernmost Hainan province on June 9. At the launch ceremony, the Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Film and Sports presented 10 participants with certificates that appointed them as 2026 Hainan International Tourism Promotion Ambassadors. They are expected to use their media platforms and influence to promote Hainan's tourism resources and showcase the island province's tremendous appeal to global audiences. In total, the 15 participants collectively reach an audience of over 1 million followers across platforms including Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and TikTok — making them an important channel connecting Hainan with Hong Kong and international visitors. The media group will visit Qionghai, Wanning, Wenchang, Lingshui and other destinations for firsthand exploration and experience of the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port, in a bid to present a panoramic view of the FTP's achievements through the lens of Hong Kong media influencers and to further promote cultural exchanges and cooperation between Hainan and Hong Kong.    -- PRNewswire -- Source: chinadaily.com.cn   

Hainan invites HK influencers on island-wide media tour

HAIKOU, China, June 12, 2026 — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn The Hainan provincial government invited a group of 15 from Hong Kong — including media professionals, the city’s Legislative .... read more

Iran Announces Closure Of Strait Of Hormuz To All Vessels Amid Renewed US Attacks

Iran Announces Closure Of Strait Of Hormuz To All Vessels Amid Renewed US Attacks

ISTANBUL, June 11 — Iran’s military headquarters announced early Thursday the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels amid escalating tensions and hostilities in the region, Anadolu .... read more

WASHINGTON, June 11 -- Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has said he intends to support the work of the US Congressional Committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein by giving evidence, reported German news agency dpa. In a brief statement before the hearing at the Capitol on Wednesday, Gates said he was glad to attend voluntarily to give evidence. The session in Washington is not open to the public. Gates said he hoped his testimony would be helpful to the committee’s work in achieving “justice for the victims.” He did not disclose any details of his testimony. Republican committee chairman James Comer also said before the questioning began that members of Congress wanted to learn about Gates’ relationship with Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. Comer emphasised that there were no allegations of misconduct against Gates. The Oversight Committee in the US House of Representatives is tasked with conducting a political inquiry into the abuse network run by Epstein, the financier and sex offender. Among the files that the US Department of Justice was required by law to publish is a draft email from 2013 that was stored in Epstein’s account and appears to be addressed to Gates. A mere mention of a name in the files does not imply criminal misconduct. A multimillionaire from New York, Epstein ran an abuse ring decades ago, to which many women and minors fell victim. Over several years, Epstein is also said to have abused minors himself, for example in New York and Florida. He died in prison in 2019 at the age of 66. Like many prominent figures from numerous countries, Gates had previously been in contact with Epstein. Months ago, Gates described meetings with Epstein as a mistake. He claimed he had never been to Epstein’s private island in the Caribbean, which is said to have been the hub of the abuse ring. The Microsoft co-founder emphasised that he had never met any women there. --BERNAMA-dpa

Bill Gates Says He Wants To Help By Testifying To Epstein Committee

WASHINGTON, June 11 — Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has said he intends to support the work of the US Congressional Committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein by giving evidence, reported German news .... read more

The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of one of its most influential filmmakers, Bharathiraja, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84 following health complications. Fondly known as "Iyakkunar Imayam" (Director Supreme), Bharathiraja's death was confirmed by the Tamil Film Producers Council. He reportedly breathed his last at his residence in Chennai after battling prolonged health issues, including lung infections and respiratory complications. His health had reportedly declined significantly over the past year, particularly following the death of his only son, Manoj Bharathiraja, who passed away from a heart attack at the age of 48. Born on July 17, 1941, Bharathiraja was widely regarded as a pioneering force in Tamil cinema. Over a career spanning nearly five decades, he transformed the industry's storytelling style by moving away from studio-bound productions and bringing authentic rural landscapes, cultures and characters to the forefront of Indian cinema. His groundbreaking directorial debut, 16 Vayathinile, released in 1977, revolutionised Tamil filmmaking and is still considered one of the most important films in Indian cinema history. The film introduced a new wave of realism that influenced generations of filmmakers. Bharathiraja's unique vision helped launch and shape the careers of numerous actors who later became icons of Indian cinema. Throughout his illustrious career, he worked with legendary stars such as Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Sivaji Ganesan. His emphasis on natural performances and realistic storytelling earned him widespread admiration from audiences and critics alike. Beyond directing, Bharathiraja also established himself as a respected actor in later years. His final screen appearance was in the Malayalam film Thudarum, while the unreleased film Pulavar is expected to be his last acting project. In recognition of his immense contribution to Indian arts and culture, Bharathiraja was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards. More than a filmmaker, Bharathiraja was a visionary who reshaped Tamil cinema by giving a voice to rural India and bringing authenticity to the silver screen. His films captured the emotions, struggles and aspirations of ordinary people, creating stories that resonated across generations. With his passing, Indian cinema loses not only a celebrated director but also a cultural icon whose influence will continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences for years to come. His remarkable body of work remains a timeless testament to his artistry, innovation and enduring impact on the world of cinema. -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

Tamil Cinema Legend Bharathiraja Dies at 84, Leaving Behind an Enduring Legacy

The Indian film industry is mourning the loss of one of its most influential filmmakers, Bharathiraja, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84 following health complications. Fondly .... read more

LONDON: Ireland's opposition party has urged the government to support a motion calling for the country to refuse to play in a football match against Israel, according to media reports on Tuesday, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. Sinn Fein sports spokeswoman Joanna Byrne told reporters in Dublin that the government and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) needed to "do the right thing" and "refuse to get involved", according to public broadcaster RTE. The move comes ahead of a Sinn Fein motion due to be debated later on Tuesday and a motion by the Social Democrats on Wednesday, amid public protests in Ireland over the country's upcoming international football match against Israel. The FAI said on Monday that its board of directors continued to meet to "discuss the operational aspects" of hosting the Nations League men's international football match scheduled to take place on Oct 4 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Meanwhile, Social Democrat MP Sinead Gibney said the proposal to move the Ireland-Israel match to a neutral venue would "put us in the most difficult position", as "all the pressure would be put on the players." "And that's something we wanted to avoid from day one," he said. Gibney said the government should “bar or exclude Israel from any international sporting competition” and that “tremendous” public sentiment was being expressed through the “Stop the Match campaign”. The Social Democratic Party politician said he considered the actions of government officials who said they would not attend any such matches to be "extremely hypocritical". People Before Profit-Solidarity MPs Richard Boyd Barrett, Ruth Coppinger and Paul Murphy also voiced similar concerns, with Barrett insisting that “simply moving it to neutral territory is not enough.” Commenting on leaked suggestions that the FAI was open to moving the match from Dublin to Hungary, he insisted: "Our message is clear, the match should be cancelled completely and should not take place at a neutral venue." Labour Party MP Duncan Smith also stated that the match should be boycotted. Aontu party leader Peadar Toibin said he did not think the match should continue and insisted his party would support the opposition motion. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

Irish government urged to support motion to boycott soccer match with Israel

LONDON: Ireland’s opposition party has urged the government to support a motion calling for the country to refuse to play in a football match against Israel, according to media reports .... read more

SINGAPORE, June 9 -- Singapore authorities will intensify enforcement operations against illegal gambling and football betting during the FIFA World Cup 2026, which runs from June 11 to July 19. Singapore’s Home Ministry said the Singapore Police Force (SPF) would conduct regular enforcement operations against illegal gambling operators, including those who assist gambling syndicates. “To combat illegal online gambling, SPF issues directions under the Online Criminal Harms Act requiring online service providers to restrict access to illegal online gambling services and advertisements, including illegal football betting,” it said in a statement on Tuesday. SPF would also work with stakeholders to terminate local phone numbers used to advertise illegal gambling services and block bank accounts and credit card payments linked to illegal online gambling, the ministry said. Under the Gambling Control Act, all gambling activities in Singapore are illegal unless authorised, licensed or exempted. According to the ministry, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) would intensify public education efforts during the World Cup season, while the National Crime Prevention Council would separately launch a public education campaign to raise awareness of the risks and penalties associated with illegal betting activities. The campaign will include advertisements and banners online and in physical spaces, as well as the distribution of anti-illegal betting collateral at community events. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and will feature 48 teams, the largest number in the prestigious tournament's history since it was first held in Uruguay in 1930. --BERNAMA

Singapore To Step Up Crackdown On Illegal Gambling During Fifa World Cup 2026

SINGAPORE, June 9 — Singapore authorities will intensify enforcement operations against illegal gambling and football betting during the FIFA World Cup 2026, which runs from June 11 to July 19. .... read more

MADRID: The United Nations (UN) Climate Secretariat on Monday warned of the dangers posed by extreme heat to players, officials and fans during the upcoming World Cup finals, Xinhua reported. The tournament will take place in Mexico, the United States (US) and Canada with some matches expected to take place in temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius and high humidity, thus posing challenges for all parties involved. At the start of the 10-day June Climate Summit in the German city of Bonn, the UN Climate Secretariat said in a statement: “The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the biggest tournament in football history, will take place at a time when extreme heat levels are increasing, driven by worsening climate change and affecting billions of people around the world.” "This extreme hot weather is expected to be part of the tournament journey, on the field, in the stands, around the stadium and in the host city," the statement said. The agency said one in four matches throughout the tournament was expected to take place in dangerously hot weather conditions, adding that while players were likely to receive immediate medical attention, the same might not be the case for fans. "The greatest danger is likely to occur outside the stadium. Supporter zones, waiting lines, transport routes, car parks and outdoor receptions can leave people exposed to dangerously hot weather for hours," the agency warned. The warning came just days after FIFA overturned a decision banning fans from bringing empty plastic water bottles into stadiums to be refilled at hydration stations. -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

UN warns of dangers of extreme heat during 2026 World Cup

MADRID: The United Nations (UN) Climate Secretariat on Monday warned of the dangers posed by extreme heat to players, officials and fans during the upcoming World Cup finals, Xinhua reported. .... read more

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the US would declare "total victory" over Iran within the next two weeks, just hours after Iran and Israel agreed to halt the worst escalation of violence since a ceasefire took effect in April, Anadolu Agency reported. "We are a very determined team, and I think we are winning the battle, but you will really win it in the next two weeks when we declare absolute victory," Trump said during a campaign teleconference with Senator Lindsey Graham, his close Republican ally. "It will be an absolute victory. It will happen soon, and oil prices will drop sharply," he said. Earlier on Monday, Iran announced an end to its attacks on Israel, but warned of retaliation if Israeli military operations in Lebanon continued. The Iranian military said Israel and its allies "should have learned a lesson" from Tehran's response. Regional tensions rose on Sunday when Israel bombed the Lebanese capital, Beirut, despite a ceasefire still in effect. The action prompted Iran to launch retaliatory missiles into northern Israel, triggering several waves of Israeli air strikes on Iranian targets. Trump intervened early Monday by posting on his Truth Social platform, urging Israel and Iran to stop the fighting "immediately". -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

US will declare “absolute victory” over Iran in two weeks – Trump

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the US would declare “total victory” over Iran within the next two weeks, just hours after Iran and Israel agreed to .... read more

MANILA: At least five people were reported dead after a 7.8-magnitude offshore earthquake struck the southern Philippines, according to a local disaster official, Xinhua reported. Agripino Dacera, disaster management chief in General Santos City, said authorities were still confirming the extent of the death toll and damage. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the tectonic earthquake struck at 7:37 a.m. local time at a depth of 33 kilometers (km) with its epicenter 32 km southwest of the coast of Maasim town in Sarangani Province on Mindanao Island, near General Santos, with a population of about 700,000. The institute said the highest waves recorded reached 1.4 meters. Local media reported several buildings collapsed and caused power outages. Tremors were also felt in neighboring regions. Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos ordered disaster response and monitoring efforts throughout the affected areas and urged residents to move to higher ground for evacuation. The Philippines experiences frequent seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a major tectonic plate boundary zone known for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

Mindanao earthquake: Five confirmed dead so far

MANILA: At least five people were reported dead after a 7.8-magnitude offshore earthquake struck the southern Philippines, according to a local disaster official, Xinhua reported. Agripino Dacera, disaster management chief .... read more

MANILA: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered all relevant agencies to mobilize relief and monitoring operations following a strong earthquake off the coast of Sarangani that triggered tsunami warnings in several coastal regions in Mindanao, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported. In a statement, Marcos said the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) are coordinating emergency response operations in affected areas. He also ordered the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to deploy aid supplies early and ensure that evacuation centers are ready to receive residents who may be affected by the disaster. In addition, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been instructed to be on standby to assess damage and clear roads, bridges and important routes needed for rescue operations and aid delivery. Marcos also announced the suspension of school sessions at all levels in affected areas in Mindanao until further notice. "The safety of our children is paramount," he said, adding that the Department of Education (DepEd) would coordinate the implementation of the directive with local authorities. He also urged residents in areas that received tsunami warnings to immediately move to higher ground and obey the authorities' instructions. "To our people in the affected areas, please heed the tsunami warning. Immediately move to higher ground. Don't wait. Your lives are more valuable than anything left behind," he said. Marcos also assured that the central government is working closely with local governments and provincial offices to ensure that all the needs of the affected residents can be addressed immediately. An earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale occurred at 7.37 am Monday off the coast of Sarangani province. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the epicenter was located 32 kilometers west of the town of Maasim at a depth of 33 kilometers. -- BERNAMA-PNA

Mindanao earthquake: Marcos directs immediate response

MANILA: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered all relevant agencies to mobilize relief and monitoring operations following a strong earthquake off the coast of Sarangani that triggered .... read more

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