Latest from Balkan Insight
Ammon
a few seconds ago
- Climate
- Ammon
More than 30 killed in Beijing floods, tens of thousands evacuated
Ammon News - More than 30 people have been killed by heavy rain and flooding in Beijing and a neighbouring region, state media have reported, as tens of thousands more were evacuated from China's capital. State broadcaster CCTV said that as of midnight on Monday, 28 people had died in Beijing's hard-hit Miyun district and two others in Yanqing district as of midnight. Both are outlying parts of the sprawling city, far from the downtown. On Monday a landslide in neighbouring Hebei province killed four people, with eight other still missing. Heavy rain started over the weekend and intensified around Beijing and surrounding provinces on Monday, with the capital getting rainfall of up to 543.4mm in its northern districts, Xinhua said. Beijing relocated 80,322 residents as the rain hit, Xinhua reported. Roads and communication infrastructure were damaged, and 136 villages were left without power as of midnight Monday. The Guardian
Ammon
a few seconds ago
- Business
- Ammon
Oil import bill drops by 1.9% in first five months of 2025
Ammon News - Jordan saw a modest dip in its oil import bill during the first five months of 2025, reflecting a 1.9% decrease compared to the same period last year, according to foreign trade data from the Department of Statistics. Figures compiled by the Jordan News Agency (Petra) show that the Kingdom spent JD 1.121 billion on crude oil and petroleum derivatives by the end of May, down from JD 1.143 billion a year earlier, a decline of JD 22 million. The reduction in oil import bill by the end of May directly contributed to limiting the overall increase in the Kingdom's imports, with oil remaining the country's top import. Fuel and mineral oils made up the largest portion of oil-related imports, valued at JD 414 million. Crude oil followed with JD 333 million. Gasoline imports stood at JD 161 million, while diesel reached JD 193 million. Smaller shares included lubricants at JD 16 million and kerosene at JD 4 million. Petra
Ammon
a few seconds ago
- Business
- Ammon
Apple closes store in China for first time ever
Ammon News - In a significant move, Apple Inc. is set for its first-ever retail store closure in China, marking a pivotal moment in its operations within a crucial market. The company announced on Monday that its Parkland Mall store in the Zhongshan District of Dalian City will shut its doors on August 9, citing shifts in the shopping complex's environment. This decision comes as Apple continues to navigate a challenging landscape in China, where it currently operates around 56 stores, accounting for over 10% of its global retail footprint of more than 530 outlets. In its statement, Apple highlighted its commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience, both online and through its numerous physical locations in Greater China, adding that the decision to close the Parkland Mall store follows the departure of several other retailers from the complex, signalling a broader trend affecting retail dynamics in the region. Economic Times
The Star
a few seconds ago
- Business
- The Star
OCBC Bank named Private Wealth Bank of the Year at Asian Banking & Finance Awards 2025
OCBC Bank (M) Bhd managing director and head of consumer financial services Sammeer Sharma KUALA LUMPUR: OCBC Bank (M) Bhd has been named Malaysia's Private Wealth Bank of the Year at the Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2025. It also received the Branch Innovation of the Year award at the same event. The awards highlight OCBC's 18,000-square-foot Premier Private Client Centre in Bangsar, which combines luxury, privacy, and personalised wealth management in a tranquil, nature-inspired setting close to the city centre. Managing director and head of consumer financial services Sammeer Sharma said the awards reflect OCBC Group's standing as a major player across Asean and Greater China, with deep expertise in wealth management and a proven track record in serving affluent clients. 'In Malaysia, OCBC Bank is a leading bank in the affluent segment, with a strong foundation for continued growth. These awards affirm our commitment to redefining wealth management through innovation and client-centricity. 'The OCBC Premier Private Client Centre is a testament to our One Group approach, which integrates best-in-class financial solutions with bespoke experiences in a truly inspiring setting. With the strategic investments we are making and the immense growth opportunities within Malaysia, we are confident of doubling our affluent client base over the next five years,' he said in a statement. The centre serves as a strategic anchor for the Bank's high-net-worth offerings, tailored for individuals with assets under management of RM3mil and above. It offers a comprehensive range of wealth solutions across 11 major currencies, with over 80% of its product shelf linked to sustainability.
The Star
a few seconds ago
- Politics
- The Star
Appeals court dismisses ex-soldier's bid to challenge discharge for refusing Covid-19 vaccine
PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal has dismissed a former soldier's appeal to challenge his termination of service from the Malaysian Armed Forces for refusing Covid-19 vaccination. The three-man bench led by Justice Datuk Azimah Omar said on Tuesday (July 29) there was no illegality or procedural impropriety on the part of the respondents when dismissing Wan Ramli Wan Seman from service. ALSO READ: Former soldier loses legal challenge over Covid-19 vaccine refusal "The court is of the view that the appeal is without merit and therefore, dismissed,' she said. No order was made as to costs. Sitting with her were Justices Datuk Wong Kian Kheong and Datuk Ismail Brahim. Wan Ramli, 43, was appealing against the 2023 High Court dismissal of his judicial review to challenge the decision of the respondents. In his judicial review, Wan Ramli had named Lt Col Sharull Hesham Md Yasin, Lt Mohamad Azammunir Mohd Ashri, Army chief Gen Tan Sri Zamrose Mohd Zain, the Malaysian Armed Forces and the government as respondents. ALSO READ: Soldiers subject to disciplinary action for refusing Covid-19 vaccine, says army Wan Ramli sought a certiorari order to quash the termination letter dated Aug 4, 2021, discharging him from service, and a declaration that the letter of his discharge was null and void. He claimed that because of the dishonourable discharge from service, he had lost his right to pension under Article 147 of the Federal Constitution. ALSO READ: Army ready to reinstate soldier if he reverses vaccination decision, says chief The former soldier said his discharge was invalid on the grounds that the action by the respondents was disproportionate in all circumstances of the case, oppressive, irrational, unreasonable, amounted to unlawful discrimination, and took into account irrelevant considerations. The then High Court judge Justice Datuk Ahmad Kamal Md. Shahid (now a Court of Appeal judge) held that the decision made to discharge Wan Ramli was in accordance with the law and was not tainted with illegality, irrationality or procedural impropriety. – Bernama
