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NBA Cup: Joel Embiid scores 13 in return as 76ers fall to Knicks

OG Anunoby scored 24 points and Josh Hart recorded a triple-double as the New York Knicks spoiled Joel Embiid’s season debut with a 111-99 road win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. In both teams’ first NBA Cup game this season — not to mention a rematch of last season’s first-round playoff series that New York won in six games — all five Knicks starters scored in double figures, as did Miles McBride with 15 points off the bench. Hart finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Jalen […]...

Keep on reading: NBA Cup: Joel Embiid scores 13 in return as 76ers fall to Knicks




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BIR to monitor online sellers' tax compliance during holiday season

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will closely monitor the tax compliance of online marketplaces and online sellers during the holiday season, Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. has said. In a statement Wednesday, Lumagui warned that online businesses violating tax laws would be blocked. Section 115 of the National Internal Revenue Code, as […]...

Keep on reading: BIR to monitor online sellers' tax compliance during holiday season




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The Beatles, 'BRAT' summer, and other 2025 Grammy nomination snubs, surprises

NEW YORK — It looks like the 2025 Grammy Awards may be a different kind of award show. Beyoncé leads the nods with 11, bringing her career total to a record-breaking 99 nominations. There’s an incredible diversity of genres represented across the major categories, and women continue to succeed. So… who didn’t make the cut? What were the best surprises of all? Let’s take a look. Country’s cool again… and it looks a little different. Country music has bled into other prominent genres and the Recording Academy has taken note. Country hybridists — like Beyoncé, Post Malone and first-time nominee […]...

Keep on reading: The Beatles, 'BRAT' summer, and other 2025 Grammy nomination snubs, surprises




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Police round up crypto-mining power thieves

Police and electricity authorities have raided buildings in Chachoengsao and Surat Thani provinces, arrested suspects and seized cryptocurrency mining machines that stole tens of millions of baht worth of electricity.




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Israelis in Thailand urged to be vigilant

Israeli authorities have advised their nationals in Thailand to remain vigilant following reports that they might be targeted during the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan this coming Friday, the Times of Israel reports.




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PM courts US cash on trip

Thai diplomats have been urged to take a proactive approach to attracting foreign investors following Donald Trump's US presidential election victory, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Tuesday.




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MoU on territorial dispute with Cambodia clarified

The 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Thailand and Cambodia regarding territory claimed by both sides in the Gulf of Thailand provides a framework for negotiations on two main subjects: maritime demarcation and economic benefits from the development of energy resources, said Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.




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Orphanage to lose licence over abuse

An orphanage foundation in Chiang Mai will have its licence revoked by the Social Development and Human Security Ministry (MSDHS) following a complaint alleging that its employees mistreated children between the ages of three and six, according to Minister Varawut Silpa-archa.




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Govt denies Kittiratt shoo-in for BoT chief

The government has brushed aside reports of former finance minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong making the cut as new chairman of the Bank of Thailand (BoT) board, saying nothing has been made official yet.




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Court to decide on taking Thaksin case by Nov 22

The attorney general has submitted documents to the Constitutional Court regarding the case in which former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is accused of asserting influence over the Pheu Thai Party.




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Bank of Thailand tempers anxiety about chair

Satit Limpongpan, chairman of the selection committee tasked with choosing the new board chairman of the Bank of Thailand, has confirmed the position will not have any influence on the central bank's monetary policy.




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Hoteliers decry use of illicit foreign entities

The widespread use of Thai nominees by foreign businesses in Thailand is a growing concern among hoteliers, who fear that low prices and quality could destroy the tourism reputation of the country, according to the Thai Hotels Association's (THA) monthly sentiment index.




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Chemical reaction

The situation of local fruit vendors has gone from bad to worse after the Thai Pesticide Alert Network (Thai-PAN) released its finding two weeks ago, revealing chemical contamination in popular Shine Muscat grapes.









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Trump era may boost Thai, Vietnamese stocks

Thailand and Vietnam will be among the "biggest beneficiaries" of Donald Trump's return to the White House, according to one of the largest fund managers in the region.




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Italy's 'cannabis light' trade may go up in smoke with law change

Italy's flourishing "cannabis light" industry is at risk, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni pushes a bill through parliament to deflower a crop that is legal across much of Europe. Her conservative coalition wants to ban the sale of hemp flower products, but those in the trade say it's economic suicide. - REUTERS




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Russia bans 'child-free propaganda' in bid to boost birth rate

Russia's lower house of parliament voted unanimously on Tuesday to ban what authorities cast as pernicious propaganda for a child-free way of life, hoping to boost a faltering birth rate. - REUTERS




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Bitcoin rally cools after over 30% jump

DELHI — A surge in Bitcoin has paused as traders assess the remaining market impact of United States President-elect Donald Trump's rhetorical support for crypto.




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What are Trump’s Day One plans for immigration enforcement?

Donald Trump is likely to take many executive actions on his first day as president to ramp up immigration enforcement and roll back signature Biden legal entry programs, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. - REUTERS




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This Polish chapel uses AI to teach about Catholicism

A Polish priest has created a small chapel in the city of Poznan, which besides an altar, lectern, chairs and crucifix, offers an AI-powered program allowing visitors to ask questions about Catholicism and faith. - REUTERS




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Illegally kept deer found at accused fengshui master’s house

CHIANG MAI - Police found an unregistered barking deer, a protected species, at the house of the fengshui consultant arrested for allegedly defrauding people of over 100 million baht.




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London's Kew Gardens opens annual festive light trail

Visitors to London's famous Kew Gardens this Christmas will get to walk a festive night-time trail that uses lights to bring the garden to life. - REUTERS




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Flights cancelled to and from Indonesia's Bali due to volcanic ash

DENPASAR — Several international airlines cancelled flights to and from Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Wednesday, after further eruptions of a volcano that has spewed ash clouds as high as 10 kilometres (32,808 feet) and forced thousands to evacuate.




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Finance Ministry eyes 2025 GDP growth of 3.5%, plans more stimulus

Thailand is targeting economic growth of 3.5% in 2025 after 2.7% growth seen this year, and the government will soon consider more stimulus measures and the rollout of phase two of its US$14 billion handout scheme, the finance minister said on Wednesday.




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Somalia President Appoints New Military Commanders

[Shabelle] Mogadishu -- In a strategic move to bolster Somalia's defense apparatus, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has made key changes in the military hierarchy, appointing General Sahal Abdullahi Omar as the new Commander of Land Forces and elevating Lt. Colonel Hassan Salah Abdi to the position of Commander of Special Forces.




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Somali Americans Gear Up for U.S. Elections

[VOA] Minneapolis, Mn -- Somali Americans in Minnesota last month took part in a town hall involving Democratic and Republican party representatives encouraging them to participate in the 2024 election, arguing the stakes are high for them and their grandchildren.




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Two Ministers Resign From Somalia's Government Amid Tensions

[Shabelle] Mogadishu -- In a significant political development, two ministers from Somalia's federal government resigned on Sunday, November 3, 2024, citing what they described as the government's plans to exacerbate tensions with regional administrations, particularly Jubbaland and Puntland.




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Somalia Moves to Relocate Ethiopian Embassy Amid Growing Diplomatic Tensions

[Radio Dalsan] In a move that has captured international attention, Somalia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, has announced plans to relocate the Ethiopian Embassy currently housed within the Somali presidential compound.




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Somalia Sends Four Planes of Humanitarian Aid to Baidoa Amid Looming Drought Crisis

[Radio Dalsan] Mogadishu -- The Federal Government of Somalia has dispatched four planes of humanitarian aid to Baidoa, the capital of the Southwest State, in response to escalating concerns over a severe drought expected to hit the region.




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Germany, Somalia Agree to Step Up Deportations

[Shabelle] Germany and Somalia are to cooperate on stepping up the deportation of migrants from the East African country.




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Turkish-Made Drone Crashes in Al-Shabaab-Controlled Farsooley, Somalia

[Radio Dalsan] A Turkish-made drone armed with missiles reportedly crashed on Tuesday in the Al-Shabaab-controlled village of Farsooley, located in Somalia's Lower Shabelle region, local sources have confirmed.




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Somalia's Deputy Minister of Ports Resigns

[Shabelle] Mogadishu -- In a move signaling deepening political discord, Somalia's Deputy Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, MP Saddam Mohamud Abdi, resigned on Tuesday, accusing the federal government of constitutional violations and politicizing development projects in his home region of Puntland.




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Somaliland Says Ready for Peaceful Elections, Calls for International Support Against Security Threats

[Addis Standard] Addis Abeba -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somaliland has announced progress in preparing for the upcoming presidential and party elections scheduled to take place on 13 November this year.




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EU Delivers Military Aid to Boost Somalia's Fight Against Insurgency

[Radio Dalsan] The European Union (EU) handed over a fleet of military vehicles and equipment to the Somali government on Tuesday, at the General Dhagabadan Training Camp in Mogadishu.




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U.S. Forgives $1.14 Billion Debt to Somalia's Economic Recovery

[Radio Dalsan] In a move to bolster Somalia's economic recovery and stability, the United States has forgiven $1.14 billion in debt owed by Somalia. The debt cancellation, announced by US Ambassador to Somalia Richard Riley in Mogadishu, is part of a larger $1.2 billion assistance package for Somalia this fiscal year.




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President Mohamud Congratulates Trump On Election Victory

[Radio Dalsan] Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has extended his congratulations to Donald Trump following provisional results indicating his victory in the U.S. presidential election.




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President Mohamud Vows to Reintegrate Somali Nationals As Germany Agrees On Deportation Plan

[Radio Dalsan] Somalia is prepared to welcome back its nationals from Germany, particularly those without legal residency, following a meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday.




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Somalia's Intelligence Agency Arrests Two Al-Shabaab Affiliates in Mogadishu

[Shabelle] Mogadishu, Somalia -- The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) of Somalia announced on Thursday the arrest of two men with ties to the militant group Al-Shabaab in the capital city of Mogadishu.




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Somalia Defense Minister Outlines New African Union Mission in Regional Tour

[Shabelle] Mogadishu, Somalia -- Somalia's Minister of Defense, Abdiqadir Mohamed Noor, has been actively engaging with troop-contributing countries for the forthcoming African Union mission, set to start in 2025.




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Somalia's Council of Ministers Steps Up Anti-Terrorism and Money Laundering Efforts

[Shabelle] Mogadishu, Somalia -- In its weekly session, Somalia's Council of Ministers, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre, delved into a comprehensive review of the nation's strategies and achievements in combating terrorism and financial crimes.




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New Somali Piracy Threats Require Partnerships and Holistic Responses

[ISS] Somalia's upcoming seat on the UN Security Council should allow it to shape international maritime security policies.




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11 Somali Soldiers Killed in Clash With Al-Shabab Militants

[VOA] At least 11 Somali regional and federal government forces were killed in fierce fighting on Wednesday in the south of the country, officials said.




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Egypt Hosts Launch of Major Somalia Urban Development Initiative

[Shabelle] Cairo, Egypt -- Somalia took a significant step towards addressing its internal displacement crisis with the launch of the "Saameynta: Scaling Solutions to Displacement through Financing Inclusive Urban Development" during the World Urban Forum in Cairo on Thursday.




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U.S. Military Reports Drone Crash in Somalia

[VOA] The U.S. military says it is investigating what caused an army drone to crash in southern Somalia this week.




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Jubaland Suspends Cooperation With Somali Federal Government

[Shabelle] Kismayo, Somalia -- The regional state of Jubaland has announced the suspension of all cooperation with the Federal Government of Somalia, escalating tensions over political and governance issues. The decision, made public early Sunday, marks a significant rift in the country's federal structure.




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Somalia's Cabinet Appoints Odowa Yusuf Raage to Lead National Army Against Al-Shabaab

[Shabelle] Mogadishu, Somalia -- In a decisive move to strengthen national security, Somalia's Cabinet of Ministers has officially endorsed General Odowa Yusuf Raage as the Commander of the Somali National Army, according to a statement released after an emergency meeting held on Sunday night.