Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy former Hong Kong media mogul and outspoken critic of Beijing, was convicted in a national security trial in the city’s court on Monday, which could send him to prison for the rest of his life. Three government-vetted judges found Lai, 78, guilty of the charges.. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. Lai, was arrested in August 2020 under a Beijing-imposed national security law that was implemented after anti-government protests in 2019. The founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily was convicted on two counts of conspiracy to commit collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security, in addition to one count of conspiracy to distribute seditious publications. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 December,2025 07:47 AM IST | Hong Kong | AgenciesFloods triggered by torrential rains have killed at least 37 people in the Moroccan coastal city of Safi, the Interior Ministry said on Monday. Authorities said heavy rain and flash floods overnight inundated about 70 homes and businesses and swept away 10 vehicles. Rains also caused flooding and damage elsewhere throughout Morocco, including the northern city of Tetouan and the mountain town of Tinghir. Safi, a city on Morocco’s Atlantic shore more than 320 km from the capital Rabat, is a hub for the country’s fishing and mining industries. Both employ thousands to catch, mine and process the commodities for export. The city, with a population of over 300,000 people, is home to a major phosphate processing plant. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 December,2025 07:42 AM IST | Casablanca | AgenciesTesla is now testing its robotaxi fleet in Austin without human safety monitors inside the vehicles, Elon Musk said. The announcement followed a video posted on X on Sunday that appeared to show a Tesla Model Y driving through Austin’s streets with no occupants. Musk, Tesla’s CEO, quickly confirmed the buzz. “Testing is underway with no occupants in the car,” he wrote in response to the viral video. However, this appears to be for testing purposes and not yet available for paying customers. Since launching its robotaxi service in Austin in June, every driverless Tesla has included a human safety monitor in the passenger seat — ready to intervene as required. Musk has consistently reiterated his promise to remove safety monitors from Tesla’s Austin Robotaxis. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 December,2025 07:39 AM IST | Texas | AgenciesChina’s Unitree Robotics has revealed what it describes as the world’s first humanoid robot app store. At the core of the new platform is a smartphone-based interface that lets users control humanoid robots remotely. Users can guide movements and trigger preloaded demonstrations. The concept focuses on sharing and reuse. Users can upload, download, and adapt training datasets and action sequences. These can then be integrated into the company’s humanoid robots, allowing skills to spread quickly across machines. The firm has encouraged users to “develop and share together”. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 December,2025 07:38 AM IST | Beijing | AgenciesScientists have created a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool that can find genetic mutations that cause disease and predict what kinds of illnesses those mutations are likely to lead to. The method, called V2P (Variant to Phenotype), is intended to speed up genetic testing and support the search for new treatments for complex and rare conditions. Most current genetic analysis tools can tell whether a mutation appears harmful, but they usually cannot identify the specific type of disease it may cause. V2P addresses this limitation by using advanced machine learning to connect genetic variants with their likely phenotypic outcomes — that is, the diseases or traits a mutation might cause — effectively forecasting how a person’s DNA could shape their health. The approach helps pinpoint genetic changes that are most relevant to a patient’s condition. By determining whether a variant is pathogenic and also the type of disease it is likely to cause, both the speed and accuracy of genetic interpretation and diagnostics can be greatly improved. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 December,2025 07:29 AM IST | New York | AgenciesLauding Jordan and King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein's strong stance on countering terrorism, extremism, and radicalisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that Amman and New Delhi share a common, clear stance against terrorism. "We share a common and clear stance against terrorism. Under your leadership, Jordan has sent a strong and strategic message to all of humanity against terrorism, extremism, and radicalisation. During our restricted discussions, we discussed further enhancing cooperation on this matter," PM Modi said in his remarks during the delegation-level meeting with King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. PM Modi praised King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein's efforts to promote moderation, recalling his first meeting with the leader 10 years ago. "I recall that our first meeting also took place on the sidelines of the UN in 2015, at an event focused on countering violent extremism. Even then, you delivered inspirational remarks on this subject. Your efforts to promote moderation are extremely important not only for regional peace but also for global peace. We will continue to move forward concretely in this direction together. We will further strengthen all other dimensions of our mutual cooperation," he said in his remarks. This is Prime Minister Modi's first full-fledged bilateral visit to Jordan - he had earlier transited through Jordan in February 2018 while on his way to the State of Palestine. "I express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation. You have shared very positive ideas for taking India-Jordan relations to new heights. I sincerely thank you for your friendship and your deep commitment to India," said PM Modi during his meeting with King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. "This year, we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. This milestone will continue to inspire us to move forward with renewed energy for many years to come. I am confident that today's meeting will give a new impetus and depth to our relations. We will cooperate in areas such as trade, fertilisers, digital technology, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jordan's Amman Monday afternoon as he kicked off his three-nation tour which will also include visits to Ethiopia and the Sultanate of Oman - all countries with which India shares both age-old civilizational ties, as well as extensive contemporary bilateral relations. In a special gesture, Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the airport as he arrived in the country on a two-day visit at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. In his remarks, the King of Jordan spoke about further advancing Jordan-India ties and opening new avenues for collaboration. "I believe that this visit reflects decades of friendship, mutual respect and productive cooperation between our two nations. Our nations enjoy a strong partnership and a shared desire to advance prosperity for our peoples. And over the years, our collaboration has expanded across multiple sectors. Your visit today provides an important opportunity to chart new paths of economic cooperation across industry, ICT, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, and many more promising fields of mutual benefits for our people," he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 December,2025 10:37 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSThe much-anticipated deportation of Luthra brothers, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, from Thailand to India is now in its final stage, with top sources indicating they are likely to be sent back to India soon. The brothers are expected to land in Delhi following the deportation. Indian authorities have furnished all required documentation to the Thai side, including the necessary Emergency Certificates (ECs) issued after the brothers' passports were cancelled. Sources confirm that procedural bottlenecks have been largely resolved. Thai immigration authorities are coordinating closely with Indian officials and are preparing to present the case before a local Bangkok court. This court appearance is understood to be the final, mandatory legal requirement under Thai law before a formal deportation order can be executed. Sources close to the matter says,"Relevant documentation is submitted. The matter now moves for its last legal review by a local Bangkok court." Earlier in the day, a legal team representing the Luthra brothers met them in Thai custody for approximately 30 minutes. Thai Police had detained the brothers from a resort in Phuket on Thursday after India had moved to suspend their passports, reported local media. Local police say the detention followed a request from Indian law enforcement. According to Thai authorities, an Indian law enforcement team is also coordinating formalities for the brother's return. This is possible due to an extradition treaty between two countries that is in force since 2015. Thai officials stressed that due process will be followed while cooperation continues between the two countries. Authorities say they will work with their Indian counterparts to ensure a prompt lawful handover. The Embassy of India in Bangkok is also actively coordinating with the Thai authorities regarding the ongoing case. The swift developments signal a breakthrough after earlier reports suggested the case was headed for a prolonged legal battle in Bangkok due to competing claims and human rights issues stemming from the cancellation of their travel documents. On December 6, late at night at 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, a devastating blaze claimed 25 lives, including five tourists and 20 staff members. Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra own the restaurant. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
15 December,2025 06:19 PM IST | Bangkok [Thailand] | ANIWaste management in Pakistan's major cities is reportedly in crisis, as both Islamabad and Karachi struggle to maintain cleanliness, Dawn reported. Streets, roads, and open spaces across urban and rural areas are littered with garbage, leaving residents exposed to foul odours, dust, and toxic air. In Islamabad, Dawn reported, rural areas have been particularly neglected. With no formal system in place, residents dispose of garbage in nullahs and open grounds. "Secondary collection by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is irregular, and rural waste management contracts that expired a year ago have not been renewed, leaving services inconsistent. Urban areas receive temporary coverage through CDA staff, ex-contractor workers, and machinery, but repeated efforts to outsource waste management across the city were cancelled several times this year," Dawn said. According to report, several bids submitted in response to a November tender are currently under evaluation. In Karachi, Dawn highlighted, waste collection remains a major challenge across both formal and informal settlements. Overflowing bins, unattended garbage along main roads, and open dumping along riverbanks and nullahs have created similar health and environmental hazards. Residents of areas near the Malir River in Karachi reportedly endure stench, dust, and toxic gases, Dawn said, with air pollution and unhygienic conditions disrupting daily life and increasing disease risks. Dawn further reported that in both cities, large numbers of birds and flies circle dump sites, adding to the unsanitary conditions. Citing World Health Organisation and UN-Habitat guidelines, Dawn noted that transfer stations should only provide temporary, covered storage of waste. Without sealed containers or proper facilities, Dawn warned, these sites effectively become dumping grounds, threatening public health and urban living in Pakistan's two major cities. Pakistan's major cities reveal a total collapse in waste management. Islamabad's rural areas and Karachi's urban settlements suffer from uncollected garbage, open dumping, and overflowing bins, creating toxic, unhygienic environments. Failed contracts, inconsistent services, and inadequate infrastructure show that authorities have been unable to maintain basic sanitation. The situation exposes residents to severe health risks, highlighting that Pakistan has utterly failed to manage urban waste, putting public health and city life in grave jeopardy. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
15 December,2025 06:19 PM IST | Islamabad [Pakistan] | ANIPrime Minister (PM) Anthony Albanese on Monday said the issue of tougher gun laws would be taken up at a meeting of the National Cabinet, signalling a possible tightening of Australia’s already strict firearms regulations following the deadly anti-Semitic terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, news agency ANI reported. Speaking to the media ahead of the National Cabinet meeting scheduled for 4 pm local time, Albanese said stricter gun controls—including limits on the number of firearms licensed to individuals and periodic reviews of licences—would be placed on the agenda. “This afternoon, at four o’clock, I will put on the agenda of the National Cabinet tougher gun laws, including limits on the number of guns that can be used or licensed by individuals, a review of licences over a period of time,” he stated. Stressing the need for continuous oversight, PM Albanese added, “People’s circumstances change. People can be radicalised over a period of time. Licences should not be in perpetuity.” Albanese said the federal government would present a proposal aimed at strengthening monitoring mechanisms. “The Australian government will take to National Cabinet this afternoon a proposal to empower agencies to examine what can be done in this area,” he said. Australia mass shooting: 24-year-old attacker undergoing treatment in hospital Later in the day, Albanese convened the National Cabinet in response to what he described as an act of terror and antisemitism at Bondi Beach, ANI reported. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Today I convened National Cabinet to respond to the act of terror and antisemitism in Bondi last night. We stand with Jewish Australians and we stand against hatred and violence. Australia is stronger than those who try to divide us and we will come through this together.” The attack targeted members of the Jewish community who had gathered at Bondi Beach to mark Hanukkah celebrations, according to CNN. Authorities have declared the incident a terrorist attack. As per the latest update from New South Wales Health, 27 people remain hospitalised across Sydney after being injured in the mass shooting, CNN reported. Investigators said the attack was carried out by a father-son duo. Police shot and killed the father at the scene, while the 24-year-old son is undergoing treatment in hospital, ANI reported. Officials said the son, who was born in Australia, had previously been assessed by the country’s domestic intelligence agency, ASIO, which at the time found no indication that he posed a threat of engaging in violence. The father, who arrived in Australia in 1998, held a recreational hunting licence and was a member of a gun club, CNN reported. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has vowed an “overwhelming” response to the attack, as security remains heightened across the country. Australia already enforces some of the world’s toughest gun laws, introduced nearly three decades ago after a mass shooting in Tasmania that killed 35 people. The incident prompted sweeping reforms within weeks, sharply restricting gun ownership and introducing strict licensing rules, according to CNN. Official data from the Australian Institute of Criminology shows that between July 2023 and June 2024, Australia recorded 31 gun-related murders, translating to a homicide rate of 0.09 per 100,000 people. (With ANI inputs)
15 December,2025 03:03 PM IST | Sydney | mid-day online correspondentA child is one of at least 16 people killed in an attack in Australia at one of the world's most famous beaches, officials said Monday. Hundreds of people had gathered at Bondi Beach in Sydney for an event to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah, when gunmen opened fire. At least 16 people are dead and 38 others injured in a terrorist attack authorities say was designed to target the Jewish community. New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park said the death toll had risen from 12 to 16 overnight, including a 12-year-old child. Three other children are being treated in hospital, he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 December,2025 08:15 AM IST | Sydney | APA Turkish roll-on-roll-off (RoRo) commercial ship was reportedly hit by a Russian drone on Ukrainian ports on Friday, while the vessel was moored at the port city of Odesa. The ship, called the Cenk T, was reportedly carrying food supplies (fruit, vegetables, and other consumables), and not any military equipment. According to sources, another two Turkish ships were also hit and damaged. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 December,2025 06:52 AM IST | Kyiv | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
