Hong Kong taxi drivers, known for their gruff demeanor and cash-only transactions, face pressure to modernize. Government initiatives aim to improve driver behavior and mandate digital payment systems and surveillance cameras by 2026. Many drivers resist these changes, citing concerns over constant monitoring and financial pressures in an increasingly expensive city.
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NASA scientists have discovered a tilted black hole in galaxy NGC 5084, a finding made possible by a new image analysis technique called SAUNAS. This black hole, whose unusual orientation was hidden in old data, is surrounded by four plumes of hot gas, a rare phenomenon.
The besieged Congolese city of Goma was rocked by heavy artillery fire on Monday as France warned the regional capital was on the brink of falling to militia fighters and Rwandan troops. M23 fighters and 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers had been laying siege to Goma for several days, according to the United Nations and security sources.
Iceland's minister for children, Ãsthildur Lóa Thórsdóttir, resigned after disclosing a past relationship with a 16-year-old boy that resulted in a child. As a 22-year-old church counsellor, she became involved with EirÃk Ãsmundsson, who paid child support for 18 years. The revelation led to her resignation, with Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir urging discretion regarding the matter’s personal nature.
Donald Trump launched a new cryptocurrency token called $TRUMP, which saw a rapid surge of 300% within hours. The token, launched by CIC Digital LLC, aims to support Trump's ideals and beliefs. While the venture is not intended as an investment opportunity, it has sparked controversy and speculation, including comments from former aide Anthony Scaramucci.
Cyprus will receive portable desalination plants from the UAE to address water shortages exacerbated by a fire at a static plant and low reservoir levels. The UAE's donation will provide 15,000 cubic meters of potable water daily, crucial for the peak tourism season. Cyprus is also planning long-term solutions, including new desalination plants and subsidies for private hotel plants.
A widespread power outage in Chile led to a state of emergency and an overnight curfew as officials worked to restore electricity. The blackout, caused by a failed high-voltage transmission line, disrupted daily life, stranded transport, and halted copper mining operations, affecting millions of residents.
In Honolulu, a large New Year's firework tipped over and caused an explosion, killing three people and injuring over 20 others. Authorities are investigating the incident and urging residents to stop using fireworks. Governor Josh Green and other officials emphasize the severe dangers of fireworks, with new penalties being considered to prevent future tragedies.
The White House appoints veteran FBI agent Brian Driscoll as acting director after deputy director Paul Abbate steps down, with Trump's nominee Kash Patel set for Senate confirmation hearings. Driscoll aims to maintain stability during the transition after Christopher Wray's retirement.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a vital trade agreement between the US and sub-Saharan Africa, faces uncertainty as its expiration looms. Trump administration's trade decisions, including tariffs, threaten AGOA's future, potentially impacting jobs and economies. Experts urge Africa to strengthen intra-continental trade and negotiate collectively to mitigate potential losses and secure its economic future, regardless of AGOA's renewal.
Last year, Srinivasan was arrested at the entrance to Columbia's campus the same day that pro-Palestinian protesters occupied the university's Hamilton Hall, the New York Times reported. Srinivasan said she was not part of the protest and was only caught amid the crowd as she was returning to her apartment after a picnic with her friends.