Bills push inflation to highest in more than a year

The founding chairman of the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Gan Khai Choon, is stepping into a new senior role—one that’s less hands-on—after leading the organization since 2014. He sees the shift as a way to breathe fresh energy into the group and remains upbeat about Hong Kong’s future, despite broader economic and geopolitical challenges.

Editor’s Note: Leadership changes in business groups like this often signal renewal or strategic shifts. Gan’s optimism about Hong Kong’s resilience is noteworthy, especially as the city navigates post-pandemic recovery and global uncertainties. For the Malaysian business community in Hong Kong, this transition could mean new directions or priorities—something to watch if you’re plugged into regional trade or diaspora networks.

Former President Trump took to social media to criticize Dmitry Medvedev’s nuclear threats, calling them reckless, while also warning that rising oil prices would benefit adversaries. Meanwhile, uncertainty lingers over whether recent U.S. strikes on Iran actually achieved their intended goals.

Editor’s Note: Trump’s comments add another layer of tension to an already volatile situation in the Middle East, where U.S. military actions and global energy markets are deeply intertwined. His remarks—especially about oil—highlight how geopolitical conflicts can ripple into everyday issues like gas prices, while doubts about the effectiveness of U.S. strikes raise questions about what comes next.

The UK has started evacuating British nationals from Israel, with the first flight already departed and more expected in the coming days, according to Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Meanwhile, the government also quietly released its Modern Industrial Strategy document today, backed by key business groups—though it’s getting far less attention than the evacuation news.

Editor’s Note: While the evacuation is a critical move for Brits caught in a volatile situation, the simultaneous release of the industrial strategy—buried in the same update—shows how fast-moving political priorities can overshadow policy announcements. The real story here is the scramble to get citizens to safety, but the industrial strategy could have longer-term implications for the UK’s economic direction.

It's day four of the thrilling first Test between England and India at Headingley, and the match is shaping up to be a nail-biter. While the game itself is delivering high-quality cricket, India might be kicking themselves for missed opportunities. Follow along for live updates, or check out other cricket coverage if you're craving more action.

Editor’s Note: Test cricket is all about momentum, and this match is no exception. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just tuning in, the back-and-forth drama makes it worth watching—especially with India under pressure to turn things around. Plus, it’s a great excuse to procrastinate on a Monday.

The UK government is officially banning Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian activist group, following what the home secretary described as a "disgraceful attack" on an RAF base. The announcement coincides with ongoing protests in central London, signaling a crackdown on the group's activities.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one protest—it’s part of a broader tension over how governments handle activism related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Banning a group is a big move, raising questions about free speech, security, and where the line gets drawn between protest and extremism. It’ll likely fuel more debate, especially as demonstrations continue.