Author: News Desk

Singapore: Singapore’s largest bank, DBS, has announced plans to reduce 4,000 roles over the next three years as artificial intelligence (AI) takes on tasks currently performed by humans. A DBS spokesperson told that the reduction will occur through natural attrition as temporary and contract roles phase out, ensuring that permanent staff remain unaffected. Meanwhile, the bank plans to create around 1,000 new AI-related positions. DBS is among the first major banks to disclose AI’s impact on its workforce. However, it did not specify which roles would be affected or how many job cuts would take place in Singapore. The bank…

Wellington:  New Zealand’s Commerce Minister, Andrew Bayly, has resigned from his ministerial positions after admitting to “overbearing” behavior towards a staff member. The incident, which took place on February 18, involved Bayly placing a hand on the staff member’s upper arm during what he described as an “animated discussion.” In a statement announcing his resignation, Bayly expressed deep regret, acknowledging that while the discussion was not an argument, he had taken it too far. He confirmed that a complaint had been filed but did not elaborate further. Despite stepping down from his ministerial roles, he will continue serving as a…

New Delhi, India: India and the United Kingdom are set to restart free trade negotiations, nearly a year after discussions were paused due to general elections in both nations. UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is in Delhi to meet his Indian counterpart, Piyush Goyal, for two days of talks aimed at reviving discussions that began in 2022 but have yet to result in an agreement. Reynolds described the trade deal as a “no-brainer”, emphasizing that India is projected to become the world’s third-largest economy and securing a deal is a top priority for the UK’s new Labour government.…

Washington DC: President Donald Trump has dismissed General CQ Brown, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as part of a sweeping military leadership shake-up. Gen Brown, the second Black officer in US history to hold the position, was removed along with five other top-ranking officials. In a social media post, Trump thanked Gen Brown for his over 40 years of service and confirmed further removals, including Chief of Naval Operations Adm Lisa Franchetti—the first woman to lead the Navy—and Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen Jim Slife. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who had previously criticized…

London: Apple has taken the unprecedented step of removing its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature from UK customers following government demands for access to encrypted user data. ADP offers end-to-end encryption for iCloud storage, ensuring that only account holders can access their files, including photos and documents. The move follows a request from the UK Home Office under the Investigatory Powers Act, which compels companies to provide law enforcement with access to encrypted user data. Apple, warned that removing ADP would increase the risk of data breaches and privacy threats. It also noted that, without ADP, user data stored in…

London: Spanish photographer Alvaro Herrero has been named Underwater Photographer of the Year 2025 for his stunning image of a humpback whale and her newborn calf in French Polynesia. His photograph was chosen from over 6,750 entries for its emotional depth and striking composition. The competition’s organizers praised Herrero’s image for capturing ‘Radiant Bond’ while showcasing the beauty and fragility of marine life. Judge Peter Rowlands described the winning shot as a “delicate yet powerful study of a mother and calf’s bond,” emphasizing the progress in whale conservation, with humpback populations increasing worldwide. The annual Underwater Photographer of the Year…

Sydney: Australian soap Neighbours has been cancelled once again, two years after being revived by Amazon MGM Studios. Without citing a specific reason, Amazon confirmed that the long-running series will end at the close of 2025, marking 40 years and more than 9,000 episodes since its debut. Amazon spokesperson said that, “Forty years is an incredible milestone and we are proud that Amazon MGM Studios was able to have a small part of bringing further episodes to Freevee and Prime Video customers over the last two years, spanning over 400 episodes.” Originally axed by Channel 5 in 2022, the show…

Sydney, Australia: Google and Meta will not be sponsoring the 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, with event organizers stating that the companies no longer meet the festival’s partnership requirements. The two tech giants, both former sponsors, have scaled back their financial and public support amid broader reductions in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, particularly in the US. At the 47th annual Mardi Gras parade on Oxford Street next Saturday, 22nd Feb, the absence of Google and Meta will be notable. Meta had previously participated in the 2023 World Pride event in Sydney with a float and was…

Washington DC: The Trump administration has moved to revoke New York City’s congestion pricing program, arguing that it unfairly burdens working-class commuters while benefiting the city’s transit system. The program, which launched last month, imposes a $9 (£7.15) toll on vehicles entering Manhattan’s congestion zone between 60th Street and the southern tip of the island during peak hours. President Trump announced the decision on social media, declaring, “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!” The administration contends that the federal government has jurisdiction over highways leading into the city and is…

Plano: KFC, the fast-food chain originally known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is moving its US corporate headquarters from Louisville, Kentucky, to Plano, Texas, according to an announcement from its parent company, Yum Brands. The relocation will impact approximately 100 corporate employees and several remote workers, all of whom will receive relocation support. The move is part of Yum Brands’ broader restructuring plan, which will see KFC and Pizza Hut headquartered in Plano, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill remain in Irvine, California. In recent years, Texas has attracted numerous corporate relocations due to its lower taxes and business-friendly…