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BANGKOK: Thailand has tightened flight security measures and screening of airline crew following the arrest of a Thai national in Australia on drug smuggling charges. Deputy Government Spokesperson, Lalida Persvivatana said the government led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had instructed the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to cooperate with relevant agencies to strengthen preventive measures and prevent similar incidents from recurring. He said the crew was on duty operating a flight from Thailand to Melbourne on June 25 when Australian authorities found drugs hidden in their luggage during a check upon arrival. "The crew is now facing legal proceedings in Australia," he said in a statement on Thursday. Lalida stressed that the case involved allegations of individual misconduct and did not reflect the Thai aviation industry. He said airline crews are subject to the same international security screening standards as passengers, although they use special routes to facilitate their duties. To tighten controls, he said CAAT had been instructed to work with Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT), airlines, the Customs Department and anti-narcotics agencies to implement stricter measures. This includes stricter checks on crews carrying goods on behalf of others, enhanced intelligence sharing and strengthened inter-agency coordination to improve risk detection capabilities. On Tuesday, media reported that a 26-year-old female crew member was arrested after one kilogram of heroin was found hidden in her luggage upon arrival at Melbourne Airport last Thursday. According to the Australian Federal Police, the suspect was carrying 12 carry-on bags, with the heroin hidden in the inner lining of the bags. -- BERNAMA

Thailand tightens flight safety following crew detention in Australia

BANGKOK: Thailand has tightened flight security measures and screening of airline crew following the arrest of a Thai national in Australia on drug smuggling charges. Deputy Government Spokesperson, Lalida Persvivatana .... read more

LONDON: "Lethal Weapon" actor Danny Glover has revealed that he has been suffering from Alzheimer's disease for the past few years, reported PA Media/dpa. The 79-year-old actor announced the matter in an interview with The Today Show, produced by the American broadcaster (US), NBC. He said the diagnosis came shortly after receiving an honorary Oscar Award in 2022. "I am still able to continue living. I am sure that as this disease progresses, many things will change," he said, adding that his movement, speech and memory are slowing down. However, he said the support of his family, who was always by his side, helped him a lot in facing the challenge. In the same interview, his daughter Mandisa said it was "very important" for her father to share his own health condition. "And the time is now. There is no more appropriate time than now for him to speak on his own behalf." "It's important because people often ask questions and I don't want to be dishonest by saying everything is fine," he said. Glover also shared about the diagnosis in an interview with "People" magazine, admitting that he still has not fully accepted the reality of his illness. "There are moments that remind me that I am still able to remember things. And there are memories that I will never forget," he said. However, he stressed that the disease was not the end of his life. "I don't feel like this is the end of my life. There's still a lot to do. "I still have my daughter and friends. I just want to say that life goes on," he said. Over nearly 40 years in the entertainment industry, Glover has starred in over 170 films and television programs. He began his acting career in the film "Escape From Alcatraz" in 1979 before making a name for himself in the 1980s with his role as Roger Murtaugh in the "Lethal Weapon" film series alongside Mel Gibson who played the role of Martin Riggs. He also starred in the films "Places in the Heart", "The Colour Purple" and "Predator 2". Throughout his career, Glover has won five Emmy Awards and four Grammy Awards. He served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) from 1998 to 2004, focusing on global campaigns to eradicate poverty, disease and combat HIV/AIDS in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2004, he was also appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Meanwhile, Alzheimer's Society CEO Michelle Dyson said her party sympathized with Glover following the announcement about his illness. "Personal sharing like this helps raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, and we really appreciate Danny's openness in sharing his diagnosis." "Receiving a diagnosis can be scary, but we believe it's better to know," he said. -- BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa

‘Lethal Weapon’ star Danny Glover reveals he has Alzheimer’s

LONDON: “Lethal Weapon” actor Danny Glover has revealed that he has been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for the past few years, reported PA Media/dpa. The 79-year-old actor announced the matter .... read more

BEIJING: An earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale shook Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China's Qinghai Province at 7:44 a.m. Wednesday (Beijing time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC), Xinhua reported . The epicenter was detected at 37.83 degrees north and 95.43 degrees east, while the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the center. -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Qinghai in northwest China.

BEIJING: An earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale shook Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China’s Qinghai Province at 7:44 a.m. Wednesday (Beijing time), according to the .... read more

CARACAS: Jun 30 -- The death toll from two earthquakes that struck Venezuela last Wednesday has risen to 1,719, with more than 5,000 people injured, Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said on Monday, Xinhua reported. Providing the latest information, Rodriguez said 1,719 people were confirmed dead while 5,034 others were injured and 15,866 people were affected by the disaster.   -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

Venezuela earthquake: Death toll rises to 1,719

CARACAS: Jun 30 — The death toll from two earthquakes that struck Venezuela last Wednesday has risen to 1,719, with more than 5,000 people injured, Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge .... read more

HAMILTON (CANADA): United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the latest hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan that have resulted in civilian casualties, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. His spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a press conference that the UN chief "urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians." Urging Afghanistan and Pakistan to "resolve their differences through diplomacy", Dujarric said: "We continue to urge all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and continue to insist that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times." Dujarric also referred to a statement from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) which confirmed that "many civilians were killed and injured in airstrikes launched by Pakistan in Paktya, Paktika and Kunar provinces, all of which took place last night." "Our humanitarian partners also reported that the latest attacks are believed to have triggered displacement, while humanitarian partners on the ground are assessing needs and preparing to deliver emergency assistance," Dujarric added. Pakistan on Monday said it was targeting hideouts of armed groups in Afghanistan following several "terrorist" incidents in its territory, while Kabul claimed the latest attacks had killed dozens of civilians. The attack came after a group of gunmen stormed a security facility in the southern Pakistani port city of Karachi on Saturday, killing three paramilitary personnel and three attackers. Another attacker was captured and injured. Relations between the two neighboring countries remain tense following a series of attacks by armed groups in Pakistan in recent years, which have sparked several clashes in the border area. Islamabad accuses Kabul of allowing its territory to be used by militant groups, but Afghanistan denies the allegations. -- BERNAMA-ANATOLIA

UN concerned about latest Afghan, Pakistan hostilities

HAMILTON (CANADA): United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the latest hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan that have resulted in civilian casualties, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. His .... read more

CHENGDU, CHINA: A total of 13 people were slightly injured as of 3.30 am Monday after an earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale struck Gaoxian County in Yibin City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Xinhua reported, citing local authorities. All the injured victims were sent to hospital for treatment, while another 196 residents were evacuated to a safe location. According to the Yibin earthquake relief operation headquarters, relief and recovery efforts are being carried out in an orderly manner. The earthquake occurred at 12.12 midnight Monday Beijing time. According to the China Earthquake Networks Center, the epicenter was detected at a position of 28.50 degrees north and 104.69 degrees east, with a depth of six kilometers. The China Earthquake Administration also activated a Level III emergency response following the incident. -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

13 injured in a 5.5 magnitude earthquake in Sichuan

CHENGDU, CHINA: A total of 13 people were slightly injured as of 3.30 am Monday after an earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale struck Gaoxian County in Yibin City, .... read more

NEW YORK, June 25 -- The United Nations (UN) is mobilising assistance and working closely with the government and aid partners in response to the Venezuela earthquake emergency, UN humanitarians said on Thursday, reported Xinhua. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that it is orchestrating the deployment of urban search-and-rescue teams arriving from several countries. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said in a statement that the UN and its humanitarian partners are fully mobilised to support the people of Venezuela. UN agencies in Venezuela are mobilising assistance and will deliver support as quickly as possible, he said, adding that the UN team is in close contact with Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez and relevant national authorities. Fletcher said that even before the earthquakes, nearly eight million people in Venezuela were in need of humanitarian support. “This disaster risks deepening existing vulnerabilities.” Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency, while international support is rapidly mobilising multiple offers of assistance from across the region and beyond. A central coordination hub has been established in Caracas, and the UN is supporting efforts to ensure that assistance reaches those most in need as quickly and effectively as possible, he said. The spokesman said that reports indicated significant destruction across several states, including in the capital Caracas, reportedly killing and injuring many people, while others remain trapped or are still missing. Critical infrastructure has been damaged, and basic services have been disrupted. The secretary-general welcomed the offers of solidarity and support from UN member states. “The secretary-general expresses his solidarity with the people and Government of Venezuela,” Dujarric said. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said that the effects of the earthquake are likely to exacerbate existing protection risks, particularly for returnees, displaced people and communities already facing barriers to services. “These risks include heightened risks of gender-based violence and unsafe or inadequate housing, and reduced access to health care, water, education and livelihoods, among others,” UNHCR said. -- BERNAMA-XINHUA  

UN Mobilising, Coordinating Relief In Response To Venezuela Quakes

NEW YORK, June 26 — The United Nations (UN) is mobilising assistance and working closely with the government and aid partners in response to the Venezuela earthquake emergency, UN humanitarians .... read more

CARACAS, June 26 -- The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday has risen to 188, with 1,520 injured, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said on Thursday, reported Xinhua. Speaking on Venezuelan state television, Rodriguez said that the country is racing against time to save the injured and the trapped, adding that the figures will be updated in the coming hours. About 200 people were trapped under rubble and 157 others remained missing, he said. Venezuela had recorded 138 aftershocks as of Thursday noon, said Rodriguez. Because of continuing aftershocks, the Venezuelan government declared several areas, including La Guaira state, disaster zones. At least 346 buildings were damaged, including eight hospitals, some of which had been evacuated, he said. Rodriguez said international rescue teams from several countries had arrived in Venezuela to help with relief operations. He also called on the public to donate emergency supplies at collection points across the country. Rescue workers were still searching for survivors in collapsed buildings, while heavy machinery had begun arriving at disaster sites as rescue operations continued. Because of continuing aftershocks, many Venezuelans began spending the night in the streets or inside cars early Thursday. -- BERNAMA-XINHUA

Venezuela Earthquakes Leave 188 Dead, 1,520 Injured

CARACAS, June 26 — The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday has risen to 188, with 1,520 injured, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said .... read more

ISTANBUL,JUNE 25 -- About 20 million barrels of crude oil have left the Strait of Hormuz in the last 24 hours on 72 ships, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Wednesday, Anadolu Agency reported . Washington will ensure oil flows through the key waterway even without a deal with Iran, Wright told the Reuters Global Energy Forum in New York. "We have normal flow today," Wright said, adding that the amount was similar to recent flow levels following the initial US-Iran deal to end the conflict. "Iran will not have the ability to close the Strait of Hormuz in the future. That is the important thing, that is their main advantage, and we are taking that leverage away from them," he said, adding that the Iranian military is gone. He said many ships exiting the strait avoid the main shipping lanes due to mine-related risks and instead sail near the Iranian coast or along the southern route near Oman with military escorts. The number of ships remains lower than usual, but most are larger vessels, helping to keep crude oil flows close to pre-war levels, he added. A full return to normal navigation will still take several weeks, Wright said, noting that mine clearance efforts are needed in the strait. Tanker movements across the strategic waterway have shown signs of recovery following the interim US-Iran peace deal, easing concerns about possible supply disruptions from the Persian Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important oil routes, with crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports from Gulf producers passing through the narrow waterway. Latest maritime data shows commercial and energy-related ship traffic through the strait remains active, while more tankers are entering the Persian Gulf to pick up cargo as exporters seek to restore flows. Oil prices fell this week as traffic in the strait improved, reducing the geopolitical risk premium that had pushed crude prices higher during the conflict. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

20 million barrels of crude oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz in 24 hours – US Energy Information Administration

ISTANBUL,JUNE 25 — About 20 million barrels of crude oil have left the Strait of Hormuz in the last 24 hours on 72 ships, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said .... read more

MOSCOW, June 24 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal has granted permission for consumer advocacy group Which? to sue US tech giant Apple for £3 billion (US$3.95 billion) in damages over its iCloud cloud storage service, the group said, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti. "Which? believes that Apple has breached UK competition law by failing to provide consumers with a choice of cloud storage providers and steering customers towards its iCloud service by not clearly informing them of available alternatives and how they can be used on iOS devices. The court has granted Which? a Collective Proceedings Order," the organisation said in a statement on Tuesday. Which? initially announced the lawsuit in late 2024, but has only now received permission from the tribunal for the case to proceed. The group alleges that Apple stifled competition and overcharged millions of customers. It said users paid more for monthly iCloud subscriptions and received less free storage than users of other cloud storage providers. Which? estimates that the company may owe each customer an average of £77 pounds in compensation for the overpayments. -- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI

UK Tribunal Allows £3 Billion Lawsuit Against Apple Over iCloud Storage

MOSCOW, June 24 — The UK Competition Appeal Tribunal has granted permission for consumer advocacy group Which? to sue US tech giant Apple for £3 billion (US$3.95 billion) in damages .... read more

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