Hong Kong to grant 3 property sites to sweeten East Kowloon transit project tender

News - South China Morning Post June 12, 2026 at 4:37 PM

Three property sites will be handed over to the future operator of the planned green transit system in Hong Kong’s East Kowloon to boost the project’s financial viability under arrangements approved by the government. The project, which will link Choi Hung and Yau Tong, will be put to tender next month with the goal of opening the 7km (4.3 mile) rail line by 2033. Similar to the arrangements for the transit system in Kai Tak, the successful bidder for the East Kowloon project will be responsible...

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Kazakhstan Economy Shows Resilience Despite Oil Production Challenges, IMF Says

The Astana Times June 12, 2026 at 4:36 PM

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA —The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has highlighted Kazakhstan’s economic resilience and progress in reducing inflationary pressures, despite challenges linked to lower oil production, during a meeting between Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and newly appointed IMF Mission Chief for Kazakhstan Amina Lahreche on June 12. Bektenov emphasized the importance of Kazakhstan’s long-standing cooperation with the IMF and the role of the institution’s analytical and technical support in shaping economic policy. Photo credit: prime minister.kz According to the Prime Minister’s press service, the discussions focused on preliminary findings from an IMF mission reviewing recent economic developments, ongoing reforms and Kazakhstan’s medium-term growth prospects. According to the IMF, growth in manufacturing, services, transport and construction has helped offset declines in oil production, supporting overal…

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Opening season of Afghanistan Premier League set to start on December 27

Tajikistan News June 12, 2026 at 4:33 PM

New Delhi [India], June 12 (ANI): The Afghanistan Premier League (APL) is scheduled to begin on December 27 this year, with the tournament marking one of the most intriguing investment opportunities in modern cricket.At a time when franchise cricket continues to expand across the world, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is introducing a competition built around one of the sport's most passionate fan bases, som

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Opening season of Afghanistan Premier League set to start on December 27

Turkmenistan News June 12, 2026 at 4:33 PM

New Delhi [India], June 12 (ANI): The Afghanistan Premier League (APL) is scheduled to begin on December 27 this year, with the tournament marking one of the most intriguing investment opportunities in modern cricket.At a time when franchise cricket continues to expand across the world, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is introducing a competition built around one of the sport's most passionate fan bases, som

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Opening season of Afghanistan Premier League set to start on December 27

Kyrgyzstan News June 12, 2026 at 4:33 PM

New Delhi [India], June 12 (ANI): The Afghanistan Premier League (APL) is scheduled to begin on December 27 this year, with the tournament marking one of the most intriguing investment opportunities in modern cricket.At a time when franchise cricket continues to expand across the world, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is introducing a competition built around one of the sport's most passionate fan bases, som

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Facing US chip curbs, China launches photonics lab to power AI with light

News - South China Morning Post June 12, 2026 at 4:30 PM

China has established a top-level laboratory in Shanghai dedicated to photonic computing as the country strives to bypass the power constraints and US technology curbs hobbling its ambitions in artificial intelligence development. The Shanghai Key Laboratory of Integrated Photonic Computing Chips and Systems, launched on Wednesday, was China’s first industry-academia platform dedicated to the field, Shanghai’s Jiefang Daily reported on Thursday. Zou Weiwen, director of the new laboratory and a...

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Can Singapore-linked growth deliver votes for Johor’s ruling party?

News - South China Morning Post June 12, 2026 at 4:19 PM

The state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, scheduled for July 11 and August 1, have opened two battlegrounds where economic issues take precedence over the political wrangling of Malaysia’s coalition parties. The ballot will also test whether Singapore-linked rail projects, economic zones and a data centre investment push have translated into support among Johor’s 2.73 million voters grappling with higher living costs. Nominations to fill 56 seats in the Johor state assembly will begin on...

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CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-MILU DEER-POPULATION (CN)

Tajikistan News June 12, 2026 at 4:19 PM

(260612) -- HOHHOT, June 12, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Milu deer are seen at the Daqingshan National Nature Reserve in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, June 12, 2026. The population of milu deer in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has been growing steadily, reaching 74 after the first batch of 27 deer was introduced in 2021, according to the regional forestry and grassland bureau. This

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CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-MILU DEER-POPULATION (CN)

Turkmenistan News June 12, 2026 at 4:19 PM

(260612) -- HOHHOT, June 12, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Milu deer are seen at the Daqingshan National Nature Reserve in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, June 12, 2026. The population of milu deer in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has been growing steadily, reaching 74 after the first batch of 27 deer was introduced in 2021, according to the regional forestry and grassland bureau. This

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CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-MILU DEER-POPULATION (CN)

Kyrgyzstan News June 12, 2026 at 4:19 PM

(260612) -- HOHHOT, June 12, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Milu deer are seen at the Daqingshan National Nature Reserve in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, June 12, 2026. The population of milu deer in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has been growing steadily, reaching 74 after the first batch of 27 deer was introduced in 2021, according to the regional forestry and grassland bureau. This

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District councillor linked to Tai Po fire resigns as adviser to second estate

News - South China Morning Post June 12, 2026 at 4:13 PM

A Hong Kong district councillor criticised for her links to the former owners’ committee of the fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court has resigned from her advisory role for another housing estate in Tai Po, following the announcement of a petition. A notice from the incorporated owners of Plover Cove Garden, seen by the South China Morning Post, announced on Friday that Peggy Wong Pik-kiu had resigned from her honorary adviser role with the housing estate’s incorporated owners’ committee. The...

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Beijing pushes Taiwan exchanges at Straits Forum despite tightened restrictions

News - South China Morning Post June 12, 2026 at 4:04 PM

Beijing is seeking to expand people-to-people exchanges with Taiwan as it hosts hundreds from the island for an annual event, despite the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) banning Taiwanese officials from taking part. The Straits Forum, now in its 18th edition since 2009, is Beijing’s key platform for cross-strait people-to-people engagement, promoting exchanges in fields from culture to economics as part of its broader push for cross-strait integration. The main forum takes place on...

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Paw patrol: Hong Kong airport dog unit to cover reopened Terminal 2

News - South China Morning Post June 12, 2026 at 3:55 PM

Hong Kong airport’s security contractor has expanded its canine patrol unit to the newly relaunched Terminal 2, deploying its 20 dogs and their handlers to cover the upgraded facility as needed. Jacob Cheung Tat-keung, executive director of the Aviation Security Company (Avseco), said on Friday that operations at Terminal 2 had been generally smooth, although passenger numbers had increased as 15 airlines had moved in over the past few weeks. Cheung said the deployment of the dogs would depend...

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China’s chip design software firms back Huawei’s new scaling law. But can they catch US rivals?

News - South China Morning Post June 12, 2026 at 3:54 PM

China’s chip design software industry is rallying behind Huawei Technologies’ ambitious new architecture aimed at producing chips that can rival leading global products, but analysts warn a steep uphill climb remains before local players can break the market stranglehold of US rivals. Empyrean Technology, a major Chinese electronic design automation (EDA) provider, became the latest supporter of the new chipmaking methodology. The company recently unveiled Argus, a new physical verification...

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Kick Off Your Summer Weekend With These Events

The Astana Times June 12, 2026 at 3:52 PM

The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – After a busy workweek, the weekend offers a chance to unwind and recharge. From inspiring concerts and thought-provoking exhibitions to captivating performances, there is something for every taste. The Astana Times editorial team has selected a range of events to enjoy with friends and family. Almaty. Photo credit: Shutterstock Astana Aqbozat Open Air Fest, June 13 Aqbozat Open Air Fest brings together live music, outdoor entertainment and summer leisure in a vibrant open-air setting. Featuring performances by popular artists, the festival combines energetic concerts, relaxation zones and family-friendly activities. The public can enjoy a swimming pool, food courts, master classes and evening entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere for a memorable summer weekend. Photo credit: Orda Venue: 82 Astana-Karagandy Highway. Tickets are available here. “Carmen Suite” and “Arcana of Fate” ballets,…

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Balochistan sinks into poverty as Pakistan's policies leave province behind

Turkmenistan News June 12, 2026 at 3:33 PM

Balochistan [Pakistan], June 12 (ANI): Balochistan has recorded the highest poverty rate in Pakistan, with nearly half of its population now living below the poverty line, according to findings presented in the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26.The figures have renewed criticism of Pakistan's economic policies and their impact on the country's largest but most underdeveloped province, as reported by The Balochist

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Balochistan sinks into poverty as Pakistan's policies leave province behind

Kyrgyzstan News June 12, 2026 at 3:33 PM

Balochistan [Pakistan], June 12 (ANI): Balochistan has recorded the highest poverty rate in Pakistan, with nearly half of its population now living below the poverty line, according to findings presented in the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26.The figures have renewed criticism of Pakistan's economic policies and their impact on the country's largest but most underdeveloped province, as reported by The Balochist

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Balochistan sinks into poverty as Pakistan's policies leave province behind

Tajikistan News June 12, 2026 at 3:33 PM

Balochistan [Pakistan], June 12 (ANI): Balochistan has recorded the highest poverty rate in Pakistan, with nearly half of its population now living below the poverty line, according to findings presented in the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26.The figures have renewed criticism of Pakistan's economic policies and their impact on the country's largest but most underdeveloped province, as reported by The Balochist

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