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ISTANBUL: A three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine proposed by US President Donald Trump ended at 2100 GMT on Monday, Anadolu Agency reported. Trump on Friday said Moscow and Kyiv had agreed to implement a ceasefire from May 9 to 11, as well as a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner swap, which he described as a potential step toward ending the war. "It is hoped that this will be the beginning of the end of a very long, bloody and intense war." "Negotiations to end this great conflict, the largest since World War II, are still ongoing and we are getting closer to a solution every day," Trump said. The statement was made after US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner met with Ukraine's chief negotiator Rustem Umerov in Miami to discuss enhanced diplomatic efforts and coordinate further steps towards peace. On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a third country, but only to finalize a peace agreement to end the more than four-year war. Zelenskyy later said Kyiv had discussed with the United States a possible format for talks with Putin "at the leadership level to end the Russian war" during Umerov's visit to Miami. Before Trump's proposal, Moscow on Monday announced a unilateral ceasefire for May 8-9 to mark the anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II and warned Ukraine of a "massive" missile response if Victory Day celebrations were disrupted. Kyiv later announced that it would abide by the ceasefire starting at midnight on May 6. Both sides subsequently accused each other of violating the ceasefire agreement.

Three-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire ends amid peace efforts

ISTANBUL: A three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine proposed by US President Donald Trump ended at 2100 GMT on Monday, Anadolu Agency reported. Trump on Friday said Moscow and Kyiv .... read more

Malaysia, May 11 — As Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay officially assumed office on Sunday, one of the most talked-about appointments in his newly formed cabinet was that of 29-year-old S. Keerthana, who has emerged as the youngest and only woman minister in the nine-member cabinet. Keerthana was sworn in alongside eight other ministers during the oath-taking ceremony held at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, marking a significant moment in the state’s political transition under the new Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government. Representing Sivakasi, widely known as India’s fireworks capital, Keerthana made electoral history by becoming the first woman MLA ever elected from the constituency, ending nearly 70 years of uninterrupted male representation. In the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election, she secured victory by defeating Congress candidate Ashokan G with a margin of 11,670 votes. Keerthana has also drawn national attention for her fluency in multiple languages, particularly Hindi, a notable point in Tamil Nadu’s politically sensitive language landscape. Her Hindi speeches during the campaign gained traction online, with Keerthana explaining that she chose to address audiences in Hindi to help people across India better understand and connect with TVK’s political vision. Coming from a middle-class background, Keerthana studied in a Tamil-medium government school before earning a B.Sc. in Mathematics and an M.Sc. in Statistics from Pondicherry University. Before entering electoral politics, she worked as a political consultant and campaign strategist with organisations including Indian Political Action Committee (IPAC) and Showtime Consulting. Supporters have highlighted her academic credentials and ability to speak five languages, including Tamil, English, Hindi and Telugu, as qualities that reflect a new generation of political leadership. Speaking after her appointment, Keerthana said TVK has created opportunities for individuals without political lineage or financial influence, provided they are committed to public service. Her elevation is widely seen as part of Chief Minister Vijay’s effort to project a cabinet focused on youth representation, transparency, women’s safety and social justice as his government begins its first term in office.

29-Year-Old S. Keerthana Becomes Tamil Nadu’s Youngest Woman Minister in Vijay’s First Cabinet

Malaysia, May 11 — As Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay officially assumed office on Sunday, one of the most talked-about appointments in his newly formed cabinet was that of 29-year-old .... read more

TVK chief Joseph Vijay starts a historic journey as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

CHENNAI | May 10, 2026 | 2:00 PM–C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday at a grand ceremony held at the Jawaharlal .... read more

Hantavirus-Hit Ship Expected In Canaries On Sunday: Spanish Health Minister

MADRID, May 9 2026 – Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia said on Saturday that the cruise ship MV Hondius is expected to arrive at the port of Granadilla on the .... read more

Singer Bonnie Tyler In Induced Coma After Emergency Surgery

BARCELONA, May 9 2026 — British singer Bonnie Tyler is in an induced coma as she recovers from emergency surgery for a perforated intestine in Portugal, reported German news agency .... read more

LONDON: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday said its air defense system was responding to a "missile threat", Anadolu Agency (AA) reported. "Air defense systems are currently responding to the missile threat," the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) said via X. NCEMA urged residents to "remain in safe locations and follow official channels for the latest updates." The notice was issued a few hours after the exchange of fire between the United States (US) and Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz.

UAE air defenses respond to ‘missile threat’

LONDON: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday said its air defense system was responding to a “missile threat”, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported. “Air defense systems are currently responding to .... read more

LONDON: United States (US) President Donald Trump said on Friday that his official visit to Beijing would go ahead as planned, expecting a "great" meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump said China had provided his administration with great economic benefits. "We will have a meeting with President Xi. "I think it will be a pretty great meeting. He's my friend. I've had a really good relationship with him for a long time," he said. Trump is scheduled to visit China on May 14-15 to attend a summit with Xi, following the two leaders' meeting in South Korea last year.

China visit continues as planned, Trump expects ‘great’ meeting with Xi

LONDON: United States (US) President Donald Trump said on Friday that his official visit to Beijing would go ahead as planned, expecting a “great” meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi .... read more

HYDERABAD: Although Malaysia has secured the broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, football fans in India and China are still unsure when a deal will be signed to allow them to watch the tournament. Co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the World Cup is just over a month away, but broadcasting deals have yet to be finalized in the world's two most populous countries. The tournament will begin with Mexico's match against South Africa on June 11 at the Azteca Stadium while the first match in the United States will take place in Inglewood on June 12. Indian online video streaming platform JioHotstar is reportedly in further negotiations to secure broadcasting rights with world football's governing body, FIFA, after two meetings were held last week, according to Indian media reports. FIFA is reportedly keen to seal a deal this week for around US$20 million after significantly reducing the original asking price as time for negotiations is running out. The Malaysian government allocated RM24 million for the World Cup broadcasting rights deal. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and Unifi TV will be the official broadcasters of the World Cup in Malaysia. FIFA had previously wanted to sell broadcasting rights in India for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups for US$100 million but lowered the price to US$35 million after failing to find a buyer, the report said. Viacom18, which became part of JioStar after the merger in 2024, reportedly paid around US$60 million for the broadcast rights to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The match time, which takes place after midnight in India, makes the tournament in North America less commercially profitable for Indian bidders and advertisers. Potential advertising revenue for broadcast rights holders in India may also be affected by conflicts in West Asia. In China, FIFA is negotiating with China Central Television (CCTV) for a broadcasting agreement. FIFA initially requested between US$250 million and US$300 million from CCTV, while CCTV's budget was only around US$60 million to US$80 million, according to Chinese media reports. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is optimistic that the stalemate in India will end soon, according to a report on the India Today website on Thursday. "Either FIFA needs to lower the price a little more, or the bidding broadcasters need to raise their bids a little. I don't think anyone will ignore a big market like India," said AIFF Deputy General Secretary M. Satyanarayan. A total of 48 teams will compete in next month's tournament compared to 32 teams in the edition in Qatar. The total number of matches to be played is 104 compared to 64 matches in the previous tournament.

Malaysia gets FIFA World Cup broadcast rights, TV access in India and China is still uncertain

HYDERABAD: Although Malaysia has secured the broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, football fans in India and China are still unsure when a deal will be signed to .... read more

ISTANBUL, May 8 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- US President Donald Trump warned the European Union (EU) on Thursday that it must eliminate its tariffs by the 250th anniversary of American independence or face significantly higher trade barriers, Anadolu Ajansi reported. “I’ve been waiting patiently for the EU to fulfil their side of the historic trade deal we agreed in Turnberry, Scotland, the largest trade deal ever,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social after speaking to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the phone. He asserted that a promise was made to reduce tariffs to zero in the trade deal the two signed in the UK last year, a commitment he said remains unfulfilled. The president noted he has granted European leaders until July 4, 2026, to comply with the agreement. Should the 27-member bloc fail to meet the deadline, Trump threatened to escalate US tariffs to "much higher levels." The Turnberry deal, negotiated on July 27, 2025, establishes a 15 per cent rate on most European exports to the US in exchange for zero tariffs on key American industrial and agricultural goods entering the EU. Although the EU Parliament approved the implementing legislation in March with a 417-154 vote, member states continue to negotiate the finalisation of the framework due to attached conditions. Von der Leyen confirmed the "very good" call with Trump and stated on X that both sides "remain fully committed" to the deal's execution, asserting that "good progress is being made towards tariff reduction by early July." Politico, citing one person familiar with the meeting, reported on Thursday that talks between EU lawmakers and governments on implementing the US deal ended Wednesday night without a deal. Trump said last week that Washington would raise tariffs to 25 per cent on cars and trucks imported from the EU, saying ​the bloc had not complied with the trade deal. Beyond trade, the US president said he and von der Leyen discussed the Iran war.

Trump Gives EU July 4 Deadline To Comply With Trade Deal

ISTANBUL, May 8 (Bernama-Anadolu) — US President Donald Trump warned the European Union (EU) on Thursday that it must eliminate its tariffs by the 250th anniversary of American independence or .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Anwar Ibrahim and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone have reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral friendship and strategic cooperation for the benefit of both nations and the wider ASEAN region. During a meeting between the two leaders yesterday, both sides expressed their determination to expand collaboration in key sectors including trade, investment, renewable energy, higher education, defence, telecommunications and regional connectivity. Anwar said Malaysia remains committed to deepening cooperation with Lao PDR in line with the shared aspiration of promoting sustainable growth, regional stability and inclusive prosperity within ASEAN. The Prime Minister also voiced Malaysia’s support for efforts to strengthen ASEAN economic and logistics integration, particularly through the ASEAN Express railway network linking Malaysia, Thailand, Lao PDR and China. In addition, both leaders discussed the importance of enhancing regional energy cooperation through initiatives such as the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project (LTMS-PIP), aimed at improving cross-border electricity connectivity and advancing renewable energy development in the region. Anwar stressed that under the spirit of Malaysia MADANI and ASEAN solidarity, sustainable development, mutual respect and shared prosperity remain essential pillars in ensuring long-term regional stability and progress. “We believe that stronger regional cooperation and people-centred development will pave the way for a more resilient and prosperous ASEAN for future generations,” he said. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE:FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

PM Anwar Ibrahim, Lao PM Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen Strategic Cooperation and ASEAN Connectivity

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Anwar Ibrahim and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone have reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral friendship and strategic cooperation for the benefit of .... read more

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SEPANG: The operation of Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) which connects Shah Alam, Selangor with surrounding areas is expected to begin at the end of this month, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook. He said the start date of operations would be announced in two weeks and the project was currently in the final phase of trial operations. "After various tests have been carried out and trial operations have been finalised, we are confident that operations (LRT3) can commence," he told reporters after chairing the 62nd Annual General Meeting of the Road Safety Council here today. Meanwhile, Loke said the Bill (RUU) establishing the Malaysian Transport Safety Board (MTSB) will not be tabled in the Parliament session which begins next week. "MTSB has received Cabinet approval, but we are now discussing with the Public Service Department to look at staffing and so on." "This bill will be brought to the next sitting because at this sitting, there is one bill, namely the amendment to the Road Transport Act, which we are giving priority," he said. Loke said the Ministry of Transport (MOT) has also identified individuals to be appointed to the MTSB, which will be finalized in the near future. In another development, Loke said the MOT would hold discussions with e-hailing operators on the possibility of implementing additional safety measures to protect the safety of their drivers. Among the suggestions raised is the installation of dashboard cameras ( dashcams ) in e-hailing vehicles, but this needs to take into account passenger privacy concerns. "In terms of safety measures, we will discuss further with the operator to see what other actions they can take to protect drivers." "In terms of safety, drivers and passengers are equally important. So we have to ensure a balance between the two," he said. -- BERNAMA

LRT3 expected to start operating by the end of June – Loke

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 15 -- About 7,000 to 8,000 Rohingya were sent to third countries each year through intergovernmental cooperation, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail. However, he said the process has now stalled due to various constraints faced by the countries involved. He said the Rohingya ethnic issue was an international issue stemming from the political and security situation in Myanmar, causing Malaysia to accept their presence on humanitarian grounds. "Malaysia has government-to-government (G2G) cooperation with several countries that allows Rohingya refugees to be temporarily housed before being sent to third countries that need their labor or professional services. "Recently, the process of resettling Rohingyas to third countries has faced several constraints, causing their movement to the country to be halted, thus raising various issues that require the attention of all parties," he told reporters after the launch of the Fight Against Scam: Two Teams, One Goal, here, today. Mohd Khalid said that apart from that, Malaysia also took into account the humanitarian aspect in dealing with the issue, in addition to ensuring that national security continues to be maintained. "Everyone who comes to this country must follow the laws and regulations that have been set. These people are subject to our laws. If they commit an offence, we will take action just like we do against anyone else who comes to our country," he said. He said about 215,000 Rohingya are registered with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) while local authorities also have their records in collaboration with the Immigration Department to facilitate monitoring. "We know where they are and what their jobs are. So if any crime occurs involving them, it will be easy for us to take action when we know their location and so on," he said. Commenting on crime trends involving the community, Mohd Khalid said the involvement of the Rohingya ethnic group in crime was low, with 89 individuals recorded as being involved in criminal cases for the period 2024 to this year, which is 0.02 percent of the overall crime statistics in the country. In this regard, he reminded the public not to make statements that could affect public safety and order, while stressing that enforcement action would be taken against any individual who violates the law regardless of nationality. The media last Saturday reported that Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that the rate of resettlement to third countries by the UNHCR was too low for refugees, including the Rohingya, which was one of the reasons why the group remained in the midst of local communities for a long time. Meanwhile, Selangor Police Chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the state recorded 192 cases involving 300 arrests of Rohingya between 2025 and May 2026 involving violent and property crimes. He said the police always take consistent and continuous enforcement action and are not based on current sentiment. "The police always work closely with strategic agency partners, for example the Immigration Department and Local Authorities (PBT), we work together to exchange information and carry out integrated operations," he said at a press conference by the Selangor Commercial Crime Investigation Department, here, today. Shazeli said last year six integrated operations were carried out throughout the state of Selangor to address the issue. Commenting on the issue of demolition of illegal settlements, he said discussions on the matter were being held with the local authorities involved so that further, more constructive action could be taken in line with legal provisions. – BERNAMA

Deportation of thousands of Rohingya to third countries every year has stopped – IGP

KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 — Communications Minister and Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has welcomed the successful launch of the Dengue-Free Community (KomBeD) Programme and Mega Anti-Aedes Gotong-Royong initiative, describing it as an important step towards strengthening community involvement in dengue prevention and control efforts. The programme, organised by the Lembah Pantai Health Office in collaboration with the Lembah Pantai parliamentary constituency, was held on Sunday (June 14) and brought together government agencies, strategic partners and local residents in a united effort to combat the spread of dengue fever. The event also featured the National Healthy Malaysia Agenda (ANMS) Roadshow for Lembah Pantai, aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle practices and enhancing public awareness of health-related issues within the community. Fahmi said the initiative reflects the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining a clean, safe and healthy environment, while encouraging greater public participation in efforts to eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding grounds. "Community engagement remains a key component in the fight against dengue. Through programmes such as KomBeD and the Mega Anti-Aedes Gotong-Royong, residents are empowered to take proactive measures in protecting their neighbourhoods and families from dengue outbreaks," he said. He expressed hope that the programme would serve as a catalyst for building a more aware, proactive and committed community capable of sustaining a cleaner, healthier and dengue-free environment. Fahmi also extended his appreciation to all participating agencies, strategic partners and members of the local community for their cooperation and dedication in ensuring the success of the programme. "The commitment shown by all stakeholders demonstrates that effective public health initiatives require strong collaboration between the government, community leaders and residents. Together, we can create healthier communities and reduce the threat posed by dengue," he added. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB FAHMI FADZIL

Datuk Fahmi Commends Community Participation in Dengue-Free Community Launch and Mega Anti-Aedes Campaign

KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today described the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bukit Kiara Permanent Housing Project as a historic milestone that reflects the MADANI Government's commitment to justice, dignity and the welfare of the people. Speaking at the ceremony, Anwar said the project marks the end of a 44-year struggle for residents of Rumah Panjang Bukit Kiara, who have lived in temporary settlements under challenging conditions while awaiting a permanent housing solution. "This is a meaningful and joyous moment, not only for the residents of Rumah Panjang Bukit Kiara, but also proof that an administration guided by MADANI values will always place justice, courtesy and the dignity of the people at the forefront," he said. The Prime Minister noted that the project represents a concrete step towards resolving a long-standing issue that has affected generations of residents and demonstrates the government's determination to ensure citizens receive their rightful access to proper housing. He said the process of addressing the matter required careful consideration and collaboration among various stakeholders to identify the best possible solution while safeguarding the interests of the affected community. Anwar also expressed appreciation to all parties involved in making the project a reality, stressing that the experience underscored the importance of respecting legislative processes and upholding the role of national institutions. "The rights and welfare of those in need must continue to be protected, with justice enjoyed by all citizens regardless of race, religion or background," he said. He added that the government's efforts to uplift the urban poor would remain a priority, in line with its commitment to ensuring that no segment of society is left behind in the nation's development agenda. According to Anwar, development must be inclusive and benefit all levels of society, as true national progress can only be achieved when every citizen is able to participate in and benefit from economic and social advancement. During the ceremony, the Prime Minister also announced a RM1 million grant to assist longhouse residents transitioning into their new homes. The allocation will be used to provide residential maintenance subsidies for a period of three years and will be managed by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). He said the initiative forms part of the MADANI Government's ongoing commitment to preserving the welfare and quality of life of residents after they relocate to their new permanent housing units. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

Bukit Kiara Permanent Housing Project Ends 44-Year Wait for Longhouse Residents – PM Anwar

LONDON, 15 June  -- AI is rapidly reshaping the skills employers want most from workers – increasing the emphasis on human skills such as judgement, creativity and leadership – as companies most able to use AI continue to expand hiring faster than their peers, according to PwC's 2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer, released today.  The Barometer, which analysed more than one billion job ads across six continents, also finds that AI is driving a 'two-track' global labour market in which 'professionalised' roles – in which AI automates routine tasks so human judgement and expertise are emphasized – are growing faster than roles 'democratised' by AI – in which AI makes the role itself easier for non-experts to perform. 'Professionalised' roles (such as radiologists or recruiters) are seeing twice the growth in available jobs and 42% faster salary growth than those categorised as 'democratised' (such as IT service managers or medical secretaries). At the entry level, AI appears to be increasing demand for more 'senior' skills from junior workers. Based on 2.4 million entry-level jobs analysed in the US, entry-level roles most exposed to AI are now seven times more likely to require traditionally senior-level 'human-intensive' skills like leadership, creativity or face-to-face interactions. Job openings for these 'seniorised' entry-level roles have grown 35% since 2019, while other entry-level roles shrank 10%. Joe Atkinson, Global Chief AI Officer, PwC, said: "Across the global economy, we're beginning to see a new divide emerge between different models for talent and value creation. The companies seeing the greatest returns on AI are using it to amplify human expertise, accelerate innovation and create entirely new sources of value. As a result, they are pulling further ahead on productivity and growth than companies that focus primarily on automation." AI is driving a productivity boom – and "super-star" companies most able to use AI are pulling ahead significantly The report finds widening divergence between companies most and least exposed to AI. Companies operating in the most AI-exposed sectors recorded 34% productivity growth in 2025 relative to 2018, compared to 24% for the companies least able to use AI. Within this group, a pronounced "super-star" effect is emerging. The top 20% of the most AI-exposed companies achieved average labour productivity growth of 163% relative to 2018 – nearly five times higher than the most AI-exposed companies overall. Perhaps most surprisingly, headcount growth at the most AI-exposed companies is outpacing growth at the least AI-exposed companies – 52% relative to 36% in 2025, based on 2018 baseline levels. Average wage premium for AI skills hits 62% as AI job postings eclipse broader labour market growth As companies continue to boost productivity with AI, the average wage premium for workers with AI skills continued to surge higher – hitting 62%, up from 57% last year. The wage premium varies by industry: as high as 118% in some sectors, such as consumer markets, and 16% in government and public sector work. Jobs requiring specific AI skills – such as prompt engineering or machine learning – have also soared, growing roughly eight times (69%) as fast as the overall jobs market, at 9%. The number of AI jobs is almost twice as high as 2024, with growth in AI jobs outpacing all jobs since 2015.  Sectors including technology, media and telecommunications (11%) and professional services (6%) sectors saw the highest share in AI job growth – with health at the lowest end (less than 1%) Pete Brown, Global Workforce Leader, PwC, said: "The traditional relationship between experience and expertise is changing. AI is removing some of the routine work that once acted as an apprenticeship, while increasing demand for judgement, leadership and adaptability much earlier in careers. Organisations need to rethink how they develop talent if they want people to thrive in this new environment." Notes to Editors About PwC 2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer  PwC's 2026 AI Jobs Barometer analysed more than one billion jobs advertisements in 27 countries and territories. The Barometer combines large-scale labour market, company financial and occupational task data to understand how AI is reshaping jobs, skills, wages and productivity across the global economy. Additionally, this year's Barometer includes targeted analysis of entry-level roles, including how the skill requirements of early-career jobs are changing in highly AI-exposed occupations. You can read the full report and learn more about the methodology and key takeaways at www.pwc.com. About PwC  At PwC, we help clients build trust and reinvent so they can turn complexity into competitive advantage. We're a tech-forward, people-empowered network with more than 364,000 people in 136 countries and 137 territories. Across audit and assurance, tax and legal, deals and consulting, we help clients build, accelerate, and sustain momentum. Find out more at www.pwc.com. --  PRNewswire -- Source: PwC

AI reshapes global labour market into two distinct paths, rewarding human skills: PwC 2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer