New Audi R8 teased on Malaysian site

Has Audi Malaysia just teased us with the new Audi R8? It’s hard to say for sure, but it sure looks like the company is giving us a snippet of things to come in 2016.

Pictured in its well wishes of a Happy New Year is the second-generation Audi R8. The brand’s flagship sports car was revealed in February 2015, and it wouldn’t surprise us much if Audi Malaysia decided to unleash it here.

Specifically, the new R8 features a 5.2 litre naturally-aspirated V10 petrol engine, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The previous options of a V8 engine and manual transmission are no longer available, simply because of a lacking demand for it.

Still, the sole variant offers a cool 540 hp and 540 Nm of torque that sends the car flying from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. Opt of the R8 plus variant, and power is increased to 610 hp and 560 Nm of torque. The plus version performs the century sprint in 3.2 seconds, and has a 0-200 km/h time of 9.9 seconds.

The previous R8 5.2 TFSI quattro was listed at RM1,245,900, OTR without insurance. Should Audi Malaysia decide to bring the new one here, how would you feel about paying the same money for a car that competes directly with the similarly-priced Mercedes-AMG GT S and BMW i8?

Also, don’t forget to watch our final episode of the Driven Web Series 2015 and find out what we think about three of the hottest sports cars in the country at the moment.

- Source: paultan.org

Hentikan tanggapan serong perkahwinan saya - Adira

PENYANYI Adira Suhaimi

KOTA KINABALU: Penyanyi Adira Suhaimi, 25, yang sebelum ini mencetuskan kontroversi apabila bernikah dengan ahli perniagaan selepas dikatakan berkenalan tidak sampai sebulan, mahu semua pihak menghentikan spekulasi dan tanggapan negatif terhadap dirinya.

Adira berkata, beliau kini bahagia bersama Datuk Seri Adnan Abu, 37, biarpun dirinya berkongsi suami.

"Saya sedar sebagai isteri kedua, perlu banyak pengorbanan. Malah, suami boleh meluangkan lebih banyak masa bersama isteri pertama disebabkan mereka mempunyai anak-anak yang masih kecil serta perlu diberi perhatian," katanya kepada pemberita selepas membuat persembahan pada Konsert Aktif 7 anjuran rangkaian radio RTM di Kompleks Sukan Likas di sini, malam tadi.

Minggu lalu, Adira mengakui sudah bergelar isteri kedua kepada Adnan selepas melangsungkan pernikahan di Songkhla, Thailand, tiga minggu lalu.

Walaupun tidak sampai sebulan berkenalan, selain hanya berjumpa dua kali sepanjang tempoh itu, Adira dilaporkan nekad menerima lamaran selepas melihat keikhlasan dan kesungguhan ahli perniagaan itu.

Adira berkata, beliau berharap tiada lagi spekulasi baharu yang timbul berhubung pernikahannya itu.

"Saya harap selepas ini tiada lagi spekulasi baharu yang timbul dan keterbukaan berkongsi status diri sekarang diharap dapat menghentikan semua persoalan dan tanggapan negatif terhadap saya," katanya.

Adira berkata, Adnan tidak pernah mengehadkan aktiviti seni malah memberi sokongan untuk terus menyanyi.

"Daripada sudut kerjaya, sejak berkahwin, suami tidak pernah mengehadkan aktiviti seni malah sering memberi sokongan sepenuhnya. Manakala perancangan menimang cahaya mata pula kami terima jika ada rezeki dalam masa terdekat," katanya.

Adira berkata, beliau tidak mahu terus terpalit dengan kisah sensasi dan kontroversi, sebaliknya mahu lebih fokus kepada perancangan dunia seni sepanjang tahun baharu 2016.

Sebelum ini, desas-desus mengenai pernikahan penyanyi kelahiran Sabah itu menjadi perbualan selepas gambar yang dimuat naik oleh wanita yang mengaku sebagai madunya itu tersebar di sosial media.

Sebelum ini, Adira atau nama sebenarnya, Siti Adira Suhaimi bertunang dengan Presiden Gerakan Belia Gagasan 1Malaysia, Shahrul Nasrun Kamarudin pada Disember 2014 sebelum ikatan terlerai empat bulan kemudian.

- Sumber: BH Online 

Samsung dijangka keluarkan 5 juta Galaxy S7

TELEFON pintar Galaxy S7.

SEOUL: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, pengeluar telefon pintar terbesar dunia, bercadang membuat pengeluaran awal kira-kira lima juta telefon pintar Galaxy S7 baharu, demikian menurut laporan Electronic Times Korea Selatan hari ini.

Akhbar yang memetik sumber berkata, Samsung bercadang melancarkan dua versi telefon pintar baharu itu: versi skrin datar 5.2 inci dan versi skrin lengkung 5.5 inci yang akan dipanggil Galaxy S7 Edge.

Samsung bercadang mengeluarkan 3.3 juta peranti skrin datar itu dan sekitar 1.6 juta unit versi skrin lengkung Februari tahun depan.

Jurucakap Samsung Electronics bagaimanapun enggan mengulas laporan berkenaan. 

- Sumber: REUTERS

Neelofa jumpa Julianne Moore, Mariah Carey di New York

NEELOFA terserempak pelakon Hollywood, Julianne Moore ketika makan malam di sebuah restoran Itali.

KUALA LUMPUR: Sejak 'berkampung' di kota kosmopolitan New York, Amerika Syarikat (AS) hampir sebulan lalu, pelakon dan pengacara popular, Neelofa melalui pelbagai detik manis dan tidak kurang mengejutkan.

Terbaharu, Neelofa yang sedang mengikuti kursus pendek penjenamaan dan pemasaran di kota raya itu terserempak pelakon kelas A Hollywood, Julianne Moore ketika sedang menikmati makan malam di sebuah restoran Itali.

Insiden itu dikongsi Neelofa dalam laman Instagram, hari ini.

Menghubungi Neelofa, pengacara Meletop itu menceritakan pengalaman manis bertentang mata dengan Moore.

"Memang tak sangka dapat makan di sebelah meja Moore. Memang hari ini, Lofa merancang makan malam dengan kawan di restoran terbabit.

"Kebetulan ada teman Lofa mengesyorkan mencuba menu di restoran itu. Selepas membuat tempahan pada sebelah pagi, Lofa dan rakan sampai di restoran itu kira-kira jam 7 malam waktu tempatan," katanya.

Terus bercerita, Neelofa berkata, setibanya di premis berkenaan, dia tidak tahu ada pelakon hebat sedang menikmati juadah di situ.

"Selepas duduk dan meletakkan jaket di kerusi, Lofa tengok ke sebelah kiri, rupa-rupanya Moore sedang menikmati makanan bersama kawannya.

"Lofa sangat terkejut sebab minggu lalu, Lofa ada menonton filem lakonan Moore berjudul Still Alice... Tiba-tiba dapat tengok dia di depan mata," katanya.

Bagaimanapun, Neelofa memberitahu, dia tidak terlalu menunjukkan reaksi gembira keterlaluan. Ini kerana katanya, sudah menjadi kebiasaan penduduk New York tidak mengganggu privasi selebriti apabila terserempak di premis seperti itu.

"Di New York sudah menjadi kebiasaan orang awam apabila ternampak selebriti di restoran atau makan bersama keluarga, hak privasi mereka tidak akan diganggu. Lainlah kalau jumpa selebriti Hollywood di jalanan, itu boleh disapa.

"Jadi Lofa hanya mengambil gambar 'curi' Moore saja," katanya.

Neelofa juga berkongsi pengalaman menonton Konsert Mariah Carey di The Beacon Theatre, baru-baru ini. Menurut aktres jelita ini, segala-galanya berlaku tanpa dirancang. 

"Dua hari sebelum konsert, Lofa membeli tiket melalui talian. Lofa beli tiket tanpa boleh memilih tempat duduk.

"Lofa hanya boleh membeli tiket jenis kumpulan saja. Akhirnya, Lofa membeli tiket kumpulan orkestra. Pada hari konsert berlangsung, sebaik Lofa sampai, tiba-tiba pengajur mengiringi Lofa sampai ke depan pentas.

"Hendak dijadikan cerita, Lofa diberi duduk di tengah pentas dan barisan paling hadapan sekali," katanya.

Menceritakan malam itu berlalu dengan kenangan indah, Neelofa mengikuti setiap persembahan diva terkenal itu dengan khusyuk.

"Ia malam yang menyeronokkan. Suara Carey memang jelas didengari," katanya. 

Mengakhiri perbualan, Neelofa berkata, ramai selebriti Hollywood boleh ditemui di kota raya itu sepanjang sambutan Krismas dan tahun baharu.

"Memang selebriti Hollywood boleh ditemui dengan mudah di pusat beli-belah. Cuma kadang-kadang kita sendiri tak perasan atau kenal selebriti terbabit kerana mereka bergaya santai," katanya.

- Sumber: BH Online 

Presiden Sri Lanka kesal insiden 'baling baju dalam' ketika konsert Enrique Iglesias

Peminat Sri Lanka menjadi tidak terkawal ketika menyaksikan konsert Enrique Iglesias (gambar). -Foto fail/AFP

PRESIDEN Sri Lanka menegur rakyatnya yang disifatkan berkelakuan sangat tidak senonoh semasa menyaksikan konsert penyanyi antarabangsa Enrique Iglesias.

Bercakap dalam satu acara di sebuah sekolah di Ampara, Presiden Maithripala Sirisena berkata beliau tidak teragak-agak untuk mengharamkan hiburan seumpama itu di masa hadapan.

Sirisena merujuk kepada insiden di mana peminat wanita menjadi tidak terkawal, dipercayai berada di bawah pengaruh alkohol, membaling pakaian dalam dan berpusu-pusu naik ke pentas untuk mencium penyanyi Latin itu.

"Ia satu perlakuan tidak bermoral yang melampaui batas-batas budaya negara ini," kata Sirisena.

Beliau juga tidak menolak untuk menghukum penganjur dengan hukuman dipukul dengan stingray tails atau ekor ikan pari, yang biasa digunakan untuk menghukum pesalah jenayah berat.

Sri Lanka adalah antara negara Asia yang masih mengamalkan budaya konservatif, malah public display of affection dalam kalangan pasangan yang sudah berkahwin juga satu kesalahan dan boleh ditahan polis.

- Sumber: Astro Awani

ASNB umum dividen 6.10 sen untuk 2015

Dividen ASN 6.10 sen

KUALA LUMPUR: Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB), anak syarikat milik penuh Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), mengumumkan agihan pendapatan 6.10 sen seunit bagi skim Amanah Saham Nasional (ASN) untuk tahun kewangan berakhir 31 Disember 2015

Ia menurun berbanding 6.45 sen seunit pada 2014.

Pengerusi PNB Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid berkata agihan pendapatan itu membabitkan pembayaran sejumlah RM106.72 juta kepada 1.25 juta pemegang unit yang memiliki sejumlah 1.75 bilion unit ASN.

"ASN telah memperolehi pendapatan kasar sebanyak 126.27 juta ringgit. Pendapatan daripada keuntungan jualan saham menyumbang sebanyak 79.91 juta ringgit atau bersamaan 63.3 peratus daripada keseluruhan pendapatan kasar.

Sementara itu Ahmad Sarji memberitahu pengagihan dividen yang lebih rendah itu berikutan persekitaran ekonomi yang mencabar serta pasaran saham yang kurang memberangsangkan.

"Dari tempoh diantara 31 Disember 2014 sehingga 23 Disember 2015 Indeks FTSE Bursa Malaysia telah catat penurunan sebanyak 5.5 peratus dariapda 1,761.25 kepada 1,663.51 mata.

Tambahnya ketika ini kebanyakan harga komoditi mengalami penurunan yang berpanjangan.

Selain itu prestasi ekonomi China yang lemah turut melahirkan rasa bimbang berterusan kepada pelabur.

Bagaimanapun, menurut Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksutif PNB, Tan Sri Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman berkata agihan dividen ASN pada tahun hadapan diunjur lebih baik .

"Kita mengharapkan tahun depan menjadi lebih baik. Dari segi anggaran yang dibuat pihak broker menggambarkan prestasi pada tahun depan sedikit sebanyak menjadi lebih baik."

Katanya kapasiti pembayaran bagi 2015 adalah lebih 10.5 sen seunit namun disebabkan refleksi keadaan pasaran semasa ASNB memutuskan bayaran pada 6.10 en seunit.

Beliau berkata demikian pada pengumuman agihan pendapatan ASN di ibu negara pada Isnin.

Agihan pendapatan akan dilaburkan semula ke dalam unit tambahan ASN dan secara automatik dikreditkan ke dalam buku pelaburan pemegang unit berdasarkan nilai bersih setakat 31 Disember 2015.

Pemegang unit boleh mengemas kini akaun ASN mereka bermula 4 Januari 2016 di mana-mana pejabat ASNB atau ejennya di seluruh negara.

- Sumber: Astro Awani

Malaysia Airlines bans small lithium battery-powered vehicles on board

The small vehicles or personal movement devices, which include airwheel, solowheel, hoverboard, mini-segway, balance wheel and other self-balancing vehicles, are considered fire hazards.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines prohibits small lithium battery-powered vehicles in passenger checked and/or carry-on baggage from tomorrow.

In a statement today, Malaysia Airlines said the ban was recommended by the International Air Transport Association to all airlines (IATA) to ensure the safety of air travelers.

The small vehicles or personal movement devices, which include airwheel, solowheel, hoverboard, mini-segway, balance wheel and other self-balancing vehicles, are considered fire hazards.

"Therefore, Malaysia Airlines would like to remind passengers that it prohibits the carriage of all such devices, with or without batteries as checked or carry–on baggage," the airline said.

Malaysia Airlines said this measures would apply for its flights out of all airports, including charter operations and connecting passengers from other airlines.

The ban also applies at all Malaysia Airlines check-in points throughout the world.

- Source: Bernama |  December 18, 2015

Malindo Air prohibits hoverboards, personal movement devices

In a statement today, Malindo Air said the move to ban these devices, which are categorised as dangerous goods, complies with the directive of the DCAM and as recommended by the IATA.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malindo Air today officially announced the prohibition of all personal movement devices such as hoverboards, mini wheels, electric scooters, electric segways and electric bicycles.

In a statement today, Malindo Air said the move to ban these devices, which are categorised as dangerous goods, complies with the directive of the Department of Civil Aviation of Malaysia (DCAM) and as recommended by the International Air Transportation Association (IATA).

It said rechargeable battery packs and electronic devices such as laptops and digital cameras for personal use or related to medical electronic devices with lithium batteries of less than 100 watt-hour rating or with a lithium content of less than two-grammes are allowed in carry-on baggage only.

- Source: Bernama | December 28, 2015 

6 interesting things about the Peugeot 308 THP Active

After the successful launch of the Peugeot 308 THP in April, Nasim has decided to bring in another variant known as the Peugeot 308 THP Active. Nasim is calling this the more affordable and less sporty version of the 308 but we are calling it the 308 base variant.

The car is now open for booking but first here’s what the 308 THP Active is made up of:

The Active retains most of the 308 THP’s styling save for the front bumper and wears the smaller 17-inch wheels instead. You get halogen projector headlamps with levelling but the LED daytime running lights and fog lamps are transferred over to the 308 Active.

The same Aisin-made efficient AT6 with Quickshift Technology six-speed automatic gearbox from the normal 308 is also available in the Active. When paired together with the award winning Turbo High Pressure (THP) engine, the 308 Active churns out 148bhp and 240Nm of torque. 

Inside is where the differences are most noticeable, the i-Cockpit still retains the 9.7-inch HD Multifunction Touchscreen but you get premium Metax fabric seats to recline on instead of Alcantara. The Panoramic sunroof has also been removed from the Active but the dual-zone climate control and automatic electric parking brake is retained.

 

The Active also blasts music from six Arkamy speakers with multimedia capabilities to connect to devices.

Peugeot has transferred all the safety features in the previously introduced 308 to the 308 Active so there is you still get the entire suite of safety features like Anti-Skid Regulation (ASR) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to name a few. 

The 308 THP Active comes complete with five-year warranty with unlimited mileage together with Nasim’s 24-hour Peugeot Assistance service and complimentary access to the Peugeot Lounge at Subang Airport and Peugeot Privilege membership.

Nasim estimates the Peugeot 308 THP Active’s selling price at RM120,888, that’s almost RM12,000 difference with the normal 308 THP. Choose from a range of five colours: Artense Grey, Bianca White, Nera Black, Ruby Red and Mocha Brown.

- Source: Astro Publication 

Tiger and goat forge unlikely friendship in Russian zoo

Amur and Timur resting close to one another in an enclosure at the Primorye Safari-Park. - AFP Photo/Primorye Safari-Park/Dmitry Mezentsev

MOSCOW: A goat sent to a Russian safari park as live prey for a Siberian tiger has instead befriended the big cat and the two have become inseparable in a story that has captivated Russians.

Amur the tiger and Timur the goat now sleep in the same enclosure in the Primorsky safari park outside the Pacific port city of Vladivostok, and the pair eat and play together in the snow and this week even head-butted each other for fun.

The story of the unusual friendship has touched hearts in Russia with the safari park releasing regular updates on the pair and planning to install webcams in their enclosure.

Staff at the park say the male tiger, who has been given live animals to hunt and eat twice a week for three years, did not touch the billy goat when it entered the enclosure last month because the goat did not show any fear.

"No one had taught the goat to be afraid of tigers," the park said in a statement.

Zoo chief Dmitry Mezentsev, who studies tigers and leopards, described the unlikely bromance as nothing short of a miracle.

"This is a sign from above," Mezentsev told AFP on Thursday.

"People, take a look at yourselves. There are wars everywhere -- Ukraine, Syria. While such different animals can live together in peace."

Mezentsev said the staff realised the tiger would not touch the goat after the two had spent three days together.

Timur now sleeps inside the shelter where Amur previously slept, while the tiger spends the night on its roof.

They meet up in the morning to walk around the spacious enclosure, with the goat usually following the tiger. Over the past few days they have begun playing together and chasing each other.

On Wednesday, Timur challenged Amur, poking him with his horns.

"The tiger accepted the goat's challenge," the safari park said.

"He pushed his forehead against Timur's horns, the friends butted heads for five seconds without coming to blows, after which Amur calmly went to bask in the sun on the hill."

The tiger has also attempted to teach the goat how to catch prey and has recently taken a great interest in a block of salt given to Timur.

Amur is now being fed live rabbits for lunch, "out of respect for goats," said Mezentsev.

- Source: AFP

Walaupun Yahudi, pengasas Facebook janji tak pinggir umat Islam

Zuckerberg seolah-olah beri sindiran kepada Donald Trump.

PENGASAS Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg berjanji laman sosial berkenaan akan terus mengalu-alukan kehadiran pengguna beragama Islam.

Dalam satu kemaskini status, Zuckerberg yang beragama Yahudi berkata dia tidak akan sekali-kali membenarkan organisasi pimpinannya itu 'terjebak' dalam krisis yang timbul antara masyarakat Barat dan Islam.

Zuckerberg juga memberi jaminan bahawa Facebook akan sentiasa menjaga hak pengguna laman sosial paling popular itu, di samping akan terus memastikan suasana harmoni di kalangan pengguna dan aplikasi yang diperkenalkan Facebook juga tidak akan menyinggung mana-mana penganut agama dan kaum.

Biarpun tidak menyebut mana-mana nama, status yang dimuat naik Zuckerberg itu dianggap seolah-olah satu bentuk jawapan dan sindiran kepada calon presiden Amerika Syarikat, Donald Trump, yang mencadangkan agar umat Islam dihalang daripada memasuki negara tersebut.

Dalam perkembangan berasingan, Zuckerberg yang baharu sahaja bergelar bapa nampaknya sedang menikmati saat-saat indah itu. Ia jelas dapat dilihat melalui satu foto yang dikongsi di Facebook, yang memperlihatkan Zuckerberg berbaring di sebelah anak perempuannya, Max.

Max dilahirkan awal Disember lalu, dan serentak dengan kelahirannya, Zuckerberg dan isterinya mengumumkan menyumbang saham mereka sebanyak 99 peratus yang kini bernilai kira-kira RM190 bilion (US$45 bilion).

Sumbangan itu adalah bertujuan menangani penyakit, membaik pulih sistem pendidikan dan membina masyarakat yang lebih berkualiti.

- Sumber: Astro Awani

Pantun Pekan ke Pagoh rayu Najib, Muhyiddin berbaik

Mustafa (gambar) melihat kerjasama antara pemimpin kanan parti menjadi contoh kepada kepimpinan di peringkat akar umbi.

Menyatukan Presiden UMNO Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak dan Timbalan Presiden UMNO Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin menjadi isu utama dalam sesi perbahasan Ucapan Dasar Presiden hari ini.

Namun, bait-bait pantun Perwakilan UMNO Melaka, Mustafa Musa mencuri tumpuan perwakilan.

"Dari Pekan ke Teluk Cempedak,

Singgah di Pagoh Tan Sri menanti,

Bercerai kasih bertalak tidak,

Ibarat rambut bersimpul mati"

"Berdamailah, berdamailah dengan semangat UMNO dan Melayu. Berdamailah. Saya rayu pendamaian (akan) dapat direalisasikan," kata Mustafa sambil mendapat tepukan gemuruh perwakilan di dalam Dewan Merdeka, Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC) hari ini.

Jelas, menerusi pantun itu, perwakilan mahu hubungan antara Presiden dan Timbalan Presiden perlu diperkukuhkan semula dalam meneruskan kelangsungan UMNO.

Malah, dalam perbahasannya juga, Mustafa melihat kerjasama antara pemimpin kanan parti menjadi contoh kepada kepimpinan di peringkat akar umbi.

Justeru, beliau berharap selepas ini, antara Najib dan Muhyiddin tidak lagi wujud sebarang konflik serta adu domba yang akan mencemar imej UMNO sebagai sebuah parti yang memperjuangkan Melayu.

Selain Mustafa, beberapa perwakilan lain yang membahaskan Ucapan Dasar Presiden turut membahaskan isu berkenaan hubungan antara Najib dan Muhyiddin.

- Sumber: Astro Awani

Seniwati Momo Latif meninggal dunia

Antara filem lakonan Momo (gambar) yang cukup popular ialah filem 'Pendekar Bujang Lapok', di mana Allahyarhamah memegang watak isteri Pendekar Mustar.

KUALA LUMPUR: Seniwati filem Melayu klasik, Momo Latif meninggal dunia petang tadi pada usia 92 tahun di kediaman anaknya di Woodlands Ring Road, Singapura, lapor Berita Media Corp.

Allahyarhamah atau nama sebenarnya Marfuah Makarim menghembuskan nafasnya yang terakhir pada kira-kira 5.50 petang selepas berada dalam keadaan koma sehari semalam akibat darah tinggi.

Memetik laporan, Momo merupakan seorang penyanyi dan pelakon filem Melayu era 30-an hingga 70-an yang sering muncul dalam filem-filem arahan Allahyarham P. Ramlee, Mat Sentol dan Jamil Sulong.

Antara filem lakonannya yang cukup popular ialah filem 'Pendekar Bujang Lapok', di mana Momo memegang watak isteri Pendekar Mustar.

Selain itu, Allahyarhamah juga terkenal dengan nyanyian lagu-lagu seperti Merpati Dua Sejoli, Semenjak Berpisah, Tudung Periuk dan Jangan Main Mata.

Momo juga pernah menerima pingat penghormatan Johan Bintang Sarawak daripada Yang Dipertua Negeri Sarawak pada tahun 2007.

- Sumber: Astro Awani | Disember 10, 2015

Pelawak Tauke Jambu selamat bertunang

Tauke yang juga penyampai radio Era itu tampil sedondon bersama tunangnya dengan baju berwarna Merah Jambu.

PELAWAK Tauke Jambu, 39, selamat melangsungkan pertunangan dengan wanita pilihannya, Nadia pada petang Ahad. 

Berita pertunangan Tauke atau nama sebenarnya Zamatul Amri Bin Zakaria dikongsi menerusi laman Facebook Era FM.

“Tahniah @taukejambu yang dah selamat langsungkan pertunangan dengan gadis pilihannya, Nadia siang tadi,” dipetik menerusi kapsyen Facebook Era FM.

Tauke yang juga penyampai radio Era itu tampil sedondon bersama tunangnya dengan baju berwarna Merah Jambu.

Majlis tersebut dikhabarkan berlangsung di rumah pihak perempuan di Terengganu.

Namun sehingga kini, Tauke sendiri masih belum membuat sebarang kenyataan rasmi mengenai majlis pertunangannya melalui media mahupun laman media sosial miliknya.

Kami mengucapkan tahniah kepada Tauke dan pasangan dan semoga ikatan mereka kekal ke hingga akhir hayat.

- Sumber: Astro Gempak

Mazda Roadster is 2015 Car of the Year in Japan

It’s the time of the year again to rate the Car of the Year in Japan, last year it was huge news that the Mazda Demio, better known to us as the Mazda2 received the crown. This year, Mazda had kept up the momentum and once again take home the crown, only this time it is the Mazda Roadster (known to us as the MX-5) that received top honours.

The all-new Roadster was launched in last year and it was officially introduced to our country in October 2015. It is the sixth model in Mazda’s new generation vehicle line-up to come complete with the full range of Skyactiv Technology and Kodo-Soul of Motion design with the aim of pure Jinba ittai driving fun.

Lightweight, open-top two-seater front-engine rear-wheel drive configuration has garnered a lot of love from people all over the world. We’ve already spotted a few grazing our roads since the launch a few months ago. Congratulations to Mazda Co. We wonder what next for the company?

- Source: Astro Publication 

Fast facts on the late Tunku Jalil

The people-orienteds prince and loved by many. Tunku Jalil has always been an attention to the people of Johor.

HE was the people's prince and loved by so many. The late Tunku Laksamana of Johor, Tunku Abdul Jalil Iskandar Sultan Ibrahim had always warranted public attention, especially from the people of Johor.

Born on July 5, 1990 to the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Permaisuri of Johor, Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris, Tunku Jalil, as he was fondly known, was the fourth out of six siblings.

Those who personally knew him deemed kindness as his best trait.

Here are some key facts about the late Tunku Jalil:

1. He was an animal lover and volunteered at the Singapore Zoological Garden in Reptile and Veterinary Department for a year.

2. Subsequently, he applied to study Zoology at the Zoological Society of London for two years.

3. Upon his return from London, he became a volunteer at the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah.

4. Tunku Jalil was heavily involved in activities with charity organisations including the Johor Spastic Association, Malaysian Nature Society, the Orangutan Appeal UK and the Malaysian Red Crescent.

5. He was appointed as Vice Chairman of Community Services for the Malaysian Red Crescent at the age of 18. Among other activities, he helped the society provide for and distributed aid for flood victims across Johor.

6. Tunku Jalil made frequently visited patients at the Sultan Ismail Specialist Hospital and Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Bahru.

7. At the age of 21, he joined the Royal Malaysian Police and underwent Officer training for a year, and followed by Special Forces (UTK) training courses at a technical college in Muar.

8. Before his service with the police ended, he joined to become a "Pegawai Pemantau Pulapor" (Police Training Centre monitoring officer) in Kuala Lumpur.

9. Tunku Jalil is the first Johor prince to serve in the police force. He completed a nine-month training course to become an Inspector.

10. Unlike other royals, Tunku Jalil did not play polo due to an allergy to horse hair.

11. Tunku Jalil had been diagnosed with liver cancer late last year. He previously underwent a liver transplant at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangdong, southern China, on Dec 10, 2014.

12. Because of his son's illness, Sultan Ibrahim set up the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Foundation, which helps cancer patients in need of financial aid and treatment

- Source: Astro Awani | December 07, 2015

Microsoft's Gates to start multi-billion-dollar clean tech initiative

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates gestures as he meets with China's Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing, November 12, 2015. REUTERS/China Daily/Files

NEW YORK: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will launch a multi-billion-dollar clean energy research and development initiative with heads of state on Monday, the opening day of the U.N. climate change summit in Paris, the French government said Friday.

Gates and a group of developing and developed countries will launch the Clean Tech Initiative, in which countries will commit to doubling their clean energy technology research and development budgets by 2020 and private investors will boost their own investments in the sector.

Access to clean energy technology will play a key role in a global agreement to combat climate change. More than 190 countries will negotiate a new pact in Paris from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 at the 21st U.N. Conference of the Parties summit.

France, the United States, India, South Korea, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Canada and Norway have said they will join, a source close to the conference presidency told Reuters.

“Gates' announcement should prompt other countries to follow suit," the source said.

Gates will join Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. President Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande to announce the initiative on the opening day of the two-week summit, according to an agenda released Friday.

For India, the world's third largest greenhouse gas emitter, access to clean energy technology is at the core of its national strategy to combat climate change.

India has argued that developed countries need to help poorer countries gain access to renewable energy or zero-emission technologies by helping reduce costs and removing barriers such as intellectual property rights.

On the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in September, Gates attended a bilateral meeting focused on climate change between Hollande and Modi.

The French presidency source said India will be one of the founding beneficiaries of the new initiative.

“This is one of the main points of the negotiation: how to improve clean technologies and give the poorest countries access to these technologies," the source said.

This summer Gates pledged $2 billion of his personal wealth over the next five years to "bend the curve" on climate change.

In a blog post in July, he said more breakthrough technologies are needed to combat climate change and that current technologies reduce emissions at a cost that his “beyond astronomical."

- Source: Reuters | November 28, 2015

Pengebom wanita letupkan diri, 5 maut di Cameroon

YAOUNDE: Lima terbunuh dalam dua serangan pengebom nekad wanita di utara Cameroon, lapor pejabat gabenor wilayah hari ini.

"Dua wanita masing-masing meletupkan diri kira-kira jam 6 petang waktu tempatan di Pekan Dabanga," kata Gabenor Utara, Midjiyawa Bakary.

"Angka kematian awal ialah tujuh orang termasuk dua pengebom wanita," katanya.

Dua anggota tentera yang ditempatkan untuk memerangi Kumpulan Bola Haram di pekan itu juga parah.

Midjiyawa berkata, pengebom pertama meletupkan diri di dalam sebuah rumah manakala pengebom kedua berdekatan kedai kimpalan.

Ini adalah kali pertama pengebom berani mati menyerang Dabanga, pekan kecil yang terletak di antara jalan raya ke pos sempadan Kousseri yang dipisahkan oleh sungai dengan Nigeria.

Wilayah itu sering menjadi sasaran kumpulan Boko Haram, pejuang Sunni yang mahu menubuhkan negara Islam di timur laut Nigeria. 

- Sumber: AFP | 29 November 2015

Saya sekadar berkongsi bakal dapat anak kedua - Black

GAMBAR yang dimuat naik oleh Black di laman Instagram. - Foto ihsan Instagram Black

KUALA LUMPUR: Penyanyi, Black menjelaskan tindakan beliau memuat naik gambar ujian alat kehamilan isterinya, Naquia Yasirah sebagai berkongsi saat indah dalam hidupnya kepada umum.

Black atau nama sebenarnya, Hanifah Hanafiah, 28, berkata, beliau akan membawa isterinya berjumpa doktor bagi mendapatkan kepastian mengenai keputusan ujian alat kehamilan itu.

"Saya tahu pasti ada pihak yang mempertikaikan tindakan saya memuat naik gambar keputusan alat kehamilan itu kerana belum berjumpa doktor lagi. 

"Namun, kami sudah menjalani ujian kehamilan itu sebanyak dua kali dan yakin ia tepat," katanya kepada BH Online sebentar tadi.

Sesetengah peminat dikatakan kurang sedang dengan tindakan memuat naik gambar keputusan ujian kehamilan isterinya itu di media sosial yang disifatkan masih terlalu awal.

Menurut Black, mengikut pengiraan Naquia Yasirah atau dipanggil sebagai Cira, isterinya sedang hamil kira-kira sebulan lebih. 

"Saya memilih untuk memuat naik gambar itu kerana ingin orang ramai sama-sama mendoakan perkara baik buat kami sekeluarga dan supaya semuanya berjalan lancar.

"Bagi saya tiada apa yang ingin disorokkan. Benda baik harus dikongsi bersama umum kerana mereka akan turut sama bergembira dengan cerita saya bakal mendapat cahaya mata kedua. 

"Masih terlalu awal untuk meneka sama ada kandungan itu lelaki atau perempuan. Lebih manis sekiranya Cira mengandung bayi perempuan kerana saya akan mendapat sepasang cahaya mata. Namun pucuk pangkalnya, yang penting kandungan itu sihat," katanya.

Dalam perkembangan terkini, Black bakal berentap di pusingan Separuh Akhir Muzik Muzik mempertaruhkan lagu Mana Mungkin esok. Selain sibuk dengan latihan untuk bertanding esok, jadual kerjanya turut padat dengan komitmen untuk program Juara Parodi.

Pelantun lagu Teman Pengganti itu berkongsi, beliau terpilih sebagai mentor untuk rancangan baharu kelolaan TV3 berjudul Mentor Milenia. Selain Black, program itu turut menampilkan Hazama dan Akim Ahmad sebagai mentor untuk mendidik tiga orang protege.

"Saya baru saja dimaklumkan mengenai program Mentor Milenia itu. Buat masa ini fokus diberikan sepenuhnya terhadap Juara Parodi namun saya begitu teruja untuk berkongsi ilmu kepada anak-anak muda yang berbakat dan ingin menceburi bidang nyanyian.

"Mereka yang berminat untuk menjadi protege saya boleh menghadiri sesi uji bakat pada 26 Disember ini bertempat di Sri Pentas 2, Plaza Alam Sentral, Shah Alam bermula pada jam 10 pagi. Penyertaan terbuka kepada mereka yang berumur antara 17 hingga 21 tahun," kata Black.

- Sumber: BH Online 

Angelina tingkat minat buang payudara cegah kanser

Angelina Jolie. - Foto AP

MANCHESTER: Pengumuman aktres terkenal Angelina Jolie bahawa beliau sudah menjalankan pembedahan pembuangan payudara atau 'mastectomy' menarik perhatian media.

Aktres itu didapati membawa gen BRCA1 seperti ibunya yang maut akibat kanser payudara. 

Beliau melakukan pembedahan itu untuk menghapuskan 87 peratus risiko menghidap kanser payudara.

Keputusan Jolie menyaksikan pembaharuan dalam minat kajian genetik kanser. Sebuah klinik pencegahan kanser payudara di Hospital Universiti Manchester Selatan mengambil keputusan untuk melakukan siasatan. 

Dalam kajian mereka yang diterbitkan dalam jurnal Kanser Payudara pada 25 November lalu, pengkaji mengesahkan bahawa jumlah pembedahan mastectomy mereka meningkat sekali ganda.

Antara Januari 2014 hingga Jun 2015, sebanyak 83 pembedahan dilakukan berbanding hanya 29 pembedahan antara Januari 2011 hingga Jun 2012.

Walaupun individu yang melakukan prosedur itu tidak menyatakan sebab mempengaruhi mereka, profesor klinik genetik, Gareth dan pasukannya berkata "kesan Angelina Jolie" banyak mempengaruhi mereka. 

- Sumber:  AFP

Ferrari 488 Spider makes ASEAN debut - Malaysian pricing estimated at RM1.2 million

Two months after its 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show premiere, the Ferrari 488 Spider has made its ASEAN debut – the regional launch for the droptop version of the 488 GTB took place in Phuket earlier today.

The Spider, which was first revealed in July, was introduced at the event in Thailand in its new Blu Corsa finish. Visually, the exterior lines generally mirror its coupe sibling, though there are some design differences brought about by the exclusion of the roof.

Flying buttresses replace the conventional pillars of the coupe, and there’s a new engine cover as result of the restyling. The latter features longitudinal ribs for a three-dimensional effect, and new sculpted mesh grilles help evacuate heat from the engine bay.

Despite the omission of a fixed roof, the 488 Spider has the same torsional rigidity and beam stiffness figures as the coupe, and compared to its predecessor, the 458 Spider, the new car – claimed by the maker to be its most aerodynamic spider ever – is equipped with a chassis that is said to be 23% stiffer.

The car features a RHT (retractable hard top), which weighs 25 kg less than an equivalent soft-top setup. The folding unit stows away in two overlapping sections, with the entire assembly sandwiched between the mid-mounted engine and the seats in a small cavity, occupying only 100 litres of space when folded.

The entire operation to retract or deploy the RHT takes 14 seconds, and it can be opened or closed at speeds of up to 45 km/h.

Also unique to the Spider is a small rear window that offers three stages of operation when the top is lowered to reduce wind buffering – the electrically-operated wind stop can also be lowered with the top in place to obtain a louder soundtrack.

The 488 Spider is equipped with the same F154 CB mill as seen in the 488 Coupe – the 3,902 cc twin-turbo V8 is related to the 3,855 cc V8 in the California T, but the latter puts out less power, and there are mechanical differences.

Power output is identical to the coupe, with 670 PS at 8,000 rpm and 760 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. To recap, the blown CB’s output is a significant jump over that available rom the 4.5 litre normally-aspirated F136 F V8 in the 458 Speciale, which has 605 PS and 540 Nm.

Like the coupe, the Spider is only available with a Getrag seven-speed dual-clutch F1 gearbox, which is based on that seen in the 458 but revised for use here with slightly longer ratios and Variable Torque Management. Upshifts are 30% faster while downshifts are 40% quicker than that on the Italia. Response times are touted to be nine percent faster than the 458 Spider.

Performance figures largely mirrors that of the coupe, despite the Spider being a bit heavier at 1,525 kg (1,475 kg for the 488 GTB). The 0-100 km/h time identical at three seconds, though the droptop’s 0-200 km/h time is a shade slower at 8.7 seconds (8.3 seconds for the coupe) and top speed is five km/h less than the coupe at 325 km/h. 

Elsewhere, the architecture first seen on the 488 GTB gets carried over – driver assistance systems include a Side Slip Angle Control 2 (SSC2) system, which results in a 12% improvement in acceleration out of corners compared to the 458 Spider. There’s also E-Diff 3, F1-Trac as well as an ABS system with Ferrari Pre-Fill.

As standard, the 488 Spider comes equipped with a SCM 3 magnetorheological suspension control system and, like the coupe, rides on 20-inch wheels and staggered 245/35 front and 305/30 rear tyres.

The first Ferrari 488 Spider examples are set to begin arriving in the region sometime in the second quarter of next year (Malaysia, mid-year), and as you’d expect, Ferrari Far East says demand for the car has been high, with wait times now expected to be as long as that for the coupe.

Locally, a Naza Italia representative said that the entire allocation of the 488 GTB for 2016 has been spoken for, which means that of the Spider should soon follow suit (if it hasn’t already). Malaysian market pricing for the 488 Spider has yet to be finalised, but the indications are that it will command a 10% premium over its coupe sibling.

As an indicator, the 488 GTB was priced at an introductory RM1,068,800 (excluding import duty and options) when it made its local premiere in June, so the Spider should come in at close to the RM1.2 million mark sans duties and taxes. Like the coupe, it can be customised via the various trim options available in the automaker’s Tailor Made programme, adding to the final price.

- Source: paultan.org

Maria Farida kahwin buat kali kedua

MARIA Farida dijabkabulkan dengan usahawan yang dikenali sebagai Datuk Rahman.

KUALA LUMPUR: Pelakon, Maria Farida, 45, bergelar isteri buat kali kedua, selepas dijabkabulkan dengan usahawan yang dikenali sebagai Datuk Rahman, 62.

Majlis pernikahan bintang Datin Diaries yang diadakan di Kelab Golf Kuala Lumpur (KLGCC) selepas Zuhur itu turut dihadiri keluarga dan teman artis.

Maria mengenakan persalinan sedondon rona putih duduk di pelamin dan berkongsi saat indah itu di laman Instagram miliknya.

Antara rakan selebriti yang berkongsi berita dan gambar pernikahannya termasuk Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina serta Fasha Sandha yang turut menyertakan #kisahcintamariarahman.

Terdahulu, ibu kepada seorang anak tunggal berusia 18 tahun itu dituduh cuba merampas suami kepada rakan baiknya sendiri, Karen Rahman, yang juga pengasas produk kecantikan KR Beauty Care.

- Sumber: BH Online 

Perhimpunan UMNO: "Orang dah jemput, saya pergi lah" - Tun M

DR MAHATHIR: Sepatutnya tiada ahli yang dihalang untuk datang ke perhimpunan parti.

KUALA LUMPUR: Mantan presiden UMNO, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad memaklumkan bahawa beliau akan hadir dalam Perhimpunan Agung UMNO 2015 yang akan bermula 8 Disember ini.

"Orang dah jemput saya, saya pergi lah. Ini parti saya, dan juga parti untuk semua orang Melayu.

"Sepatutnya tiada siapa pun ahli yang dihalang untuk datang ke perhimpunan ini," katanya selepas menutup Kuala Lumpur Summit 2015 di sebuah hotel di sini hari ini.

Semalam, Naib Presiden UMNO Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi memberitahu bahawa Dr Mahathir dijemput untuk hadir ke perhimpunan terbabit kerana ahli-ahli parti masih menghormatinya.

- Sumber: Astro Awani | November 29, 2015

Bapa terkejut mesej WeChat dedah anak gadis lakukan hubungan seks

Seorang bapa kepada remaja 13 tahun membuat laporan polis susulan penemuan bukti anaknya melakukan hubungan seks dengan lelaki 23 tahun. -Gambar hiasan

KAMPAR: Seorang bapa kepada remaja perempuan berusia 13 tahun membuat laporan polis susulan penemuan bukti anaknya telah melakukan hubungan seks dengan seorang lelaki berusia 23 tahun.

Ketua Polis Daerah Kampar, Superintendan Ng Kong Soon berkata bapa mangsa terkejut apabila terbaca pesanan ringkas tentang kejadian tersebut melalui aplikasi WeChat di telefon bimbit milik anaknya. 

Bapa remaja bawah umur berkenaan kemudian membuat laporan polis yang menjurus kepada penangkapan suspek yang disyaki merogol anak perempuannya itu.

Menurut Ng, kejadian berlaku apabila suspek dan mangsa berkenalan pada 8 Nov lalu melalui aplikasi mudah alih berkenaan sebelum bersetuju untuk bertemu di Pekan Kampar enam hari kemudian.

"Selang beberapa hari, suspek dan mangsa kemudian berjumpa lagi pada 20 Nov dan suspek kemudian mengajak mangsa melakukan hubungan seks di Tandas Awam Plaza Kranji, Jalan Market.

"Walau pada awalnya mangsa menolak, dia akhirnya akur dengan kehendak suspek setelah suspek berjanji tidak akan meninggalkannya," katanya kepada Astro AWANI.

Tambah Ng, suspek mengulangi perlakuannya itu dua hari kemudian di tempat yang sama.

Menurutnya lagi, kejadian itu akhirnya terbongkar‎ apabila bapa mangsa terbaca mesej berkaitan di aplikasi WeChat anak perempuannya itu.

"Mangsa kemudian menceritakan kejadian sebenar kepada bapanya sebelum dibawa ke Balai Polis Malim Nawar untuk membuat laporan polis.

Mangsa kini dihantar ke unit pakar O&G di Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (HRPB) bagi tujuan pemeriksaan.

[UNDIAN] Patutkah ibu-bapa memantau sistem aplikasi pesanan anak-anak mereka?

Ya 91.89%  

Neutral  5.02%  

Tidak setuju 3.09%  

[UNDIAN] Jika anda seorang anak, adakah anda akan memberikan telefon bimbit anda diperiksa oleh ibu-bapa anda?

Ya 50.32%  

Tidak 30.11%  

Neutral  19.57%  

- Sumber: Astro Awani 

Tyson Fury beats Wladimir Klitschko to become world champion

Tyson Fury secured a unanimous points decision to become the new world heavyweight champion

Britain's Tyson Fury pulled off one of the great boxing upsets as he outpointed Wladimir Klitschko to become heavyweight champion of the world. 

It was a dour and often messy fight but Fury, courtesy of his superior boxing skills, fully deserved to be awarded a unanimous decision. 

Klitschko, whose nine-year reign as champion was brought to an end, simply could not work the challenger out and did not do enough to win.

Fury, who was awarded the fight 115-112, 115-112, 116-111 on the judges' scorecards, is now the WBA, IBF and WBO champion.

The 27-year-old Manchester fighter is only Britain's fifth bona fide heavyweight world champion after Bob Fitzsimmons, Lennox Lewis, Frank Bruno and David Haye.

Fun and games pay off for Fury

"You're a great champion Wlad, thanks very much for having me," said Fury, moments after his win was announced in Dusseldorf. 

The self-styled 'Gypsy King' had taunted his opponent ahead of the fight and even dressed as Batman at one news conference.

"It was all fun and games in the build-up, I just wanted to be confident, young and brash," said Fury, who had complained about the thickness of the foam under the ring canvas before the bout.

To the delight of British fans in the 50,000-capacity Esprit Arena, he burst into a rendition of Aerosmith's hit ballad I Don't Want To Miss A Thing, dedicating it to his wife and his fans in Ireland, the UK, the United States and Germany.

Confounding the doubters

Klitschko had not been beaten since 2004 and his second reign as champion included 19 successful defences.

This represented a big step up in class for Fury, whose biggest previous win was against fellow Briton Dereck Chisora (twice).

After a build-up which included Fury impersonating Bette Midler at a public workout, few expected the Englishman to make good on his promises and dethrone Klitschko.

But Fury's mobility and head movement, as well as his ability to switch between orthodox and southpaw, added up to a puzzle the 39-year-old champion simply could not work out

How the fight unfolded

Fury came charging out of his corner at the sound of the first bell but thereafter it was a cagey first round which the challenger probably won courtesy of a couple of ramrod jabs.

The second was another tight affair but with Klitschko unwilling to open up and unleash his fabled right cross, the more ambitious Fury - who looked remarkably relaxed given the circumstances - probably nicked it again.

Fury's switch to southpaw at the start of the third failed to draw Klitschko out of his shell and it was becoming apparent that the champion was finding his English rival more difficult to work out than perhaps he had anticipated.

After the fourth, during which Klitschko was again frustrated, there was a sense of disbelief among the German fans, that their hero was finding the task so onerous.

Klitschko did finally land with a big right hand in the fifth but Fury took it well and in the following round Fury openly taunted his rival, dropping his gloves and offering his chin, which Klitschko was still unable to locate.

Klitschko looks his age:

In the seventh, Fury went one stage further, crossing his arms behind his back, and at the end of the eighth there were plenty of concerned looks in Klitschko's corner. The cut champion, all of a sudden, looked every one of his 39 years. 

Both men showed more willingness to engage in the ninth, with Fury sending Klitschko staggering towards the ropes with a meaty overhand right, and by the 10th the champion was showing real signs of fatigue.

The fight became messier in the 11th, with American referee Tony Weeks frequently having to pull the boxers apart, and Fury was docked a point for punching the back of the head.

With the result in the balance, both men went at it in the final three minutes but neither of them was able to land a clean, knockout blow. Scientists 

Five facts about Tyson FuryBackground: Fury was born into a family of Irish travellers. His father, John Fury, was a bare-knuckle fighter in the 1980s, who was jailed in 2011 for gouging a man's eye out.

Lightweight to heavyweight: Tyson was born three months premature and weighed in at 1lb - doctors described his chances of survival as slim.

What's in a name? His father named him 'Tyson' as world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson was in his pomp when Fury was born in August 1988.

Father time: Fury and wife Paris have a five-year-old daughter called Venezuela and three-year old son Prince.

Sporting chance: Fury, a keen Manchester United fan, represented both Ireland and England at amateur level

Tyson Fury - champion of the world

Fury has won all 25 of hisfights, 18 of them by knockout

Unbeaten Fury, written off beforehand by many pundits, was clocking up his 25th straight win.

Before Saturday, Klitschko had 65 wins from 68 professional fights stretching back to 1996, and he can take some consolation from the fact he surpassed Joe Louis' previous record of 28 heavyweight world title fights.

There may yet be a rematch although victory over America's WBC champion Deontay Wilder, if that fight could be made, would make Fury the first undisputed world heavyweight champion since Britain's Lewis in 2000.

Scientists 

Other potential opponents include compatriot David Haye - who twice pulled out of a fight against Fury in 2013 and is making a comeback in January - and Britain's Olympic champion Anthony Joshua, who is currently unbeaten in 14 pro fights, all by knockout.

Joshua's next fight is against Dillian Whyte for the vacant British title on 12 December and while 2016 is probably too soon for a fight against Fury, it could happen the following year.

- Source: BBC

Johor negeri pertama haramkan penjualan vape

Sultan Johor beri masa sebulan untuk peniaga vape menutup operasi mereka.

KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, menitahkan penjualan rokok elektronik atau vape adalah diharamkan di negeri tersebut.

Laporan akhbar, The Star menyebut baginda memberi tempoh sebulan kepada semua peniaga vape di negeri itu untuk menutup premis perniagaan mereka bermula 1 Januari 2016.

"Ini adalah isu kesihatan dan bagaimana ia akan memberi kesan kepada generasi muda. Ia tidak ada kena-mengena dengan perniagaan dan sama sekali tidak ada kaitan dengan bangsa," titah baginda.

Kerajaan negeri juga diarahkan agar bersidang minggu hadapan untuk mempercepatkan proses tersebut.

Baginda juga mempersoalkan tindakan sesetengah ahli politik yang dilihat mengalah kepada kehendak dan permintaan peniaga vape.

"Beta mahu tahu jika peniaga vape akan membenarkan ahli keluarga atau anak-anak mereka menghisap vape, jika benar ia selamat seperti yang digembar-gemburkan," baginda bertitah.

Dengan perkembangan terbaharu ini telah menjadikan Johor negeri pertama yang mengharamkan penjualan vape.

Setakat ini, belum ada kajian saintifik yang membuktikan bahawa vape boleh membantu menghentikan ketagihan rokok, sebaliknya pakar percaya vape akan menyebabkan satu bentuk ketagihan baharu di kalangan golongan muda.

- Sumber: Astro Awani 

Lakes expanding 'dangerously' in Everest glacier

Scientists are warning that superglacial ponds like this one are expanding to form lakes

Lakes that have been forming near Mount Everest could threaten settlements downstream if they overflow.

Ponds on the surface of the Khumbu glacier in the Himalayas have expanded and joined together to form larger bodies of water.

Climbers need to cross the glacier, including the treacherous Khumbu Icefall, to climb the mighty peak.

The accelerated meltdown of glaciers in the region is causing concern against a backdrop of rising global temperatures.

Scientists say the warning is the first of its kind for Khumbu, although other glaciers in the Himalayas have seen an increase in the number of lakes formed.

Such newly formed glacial lakes can overflow causing flooding, and with it loss of life and damage downstream. 

Disintegrating glaciers

This is the first scientific team to visit the region after the devastating earthquake last April.

"A decade or so ago, there were individual ponds on the Khumbu glacier but in the past five years or so they have begun to get larger and join up," said Ann Rowan, who led the field study team from the universities of Sheffield and Leeds.

Dr Rowan's team has been studying the behaviour of debris-covered glaciers, focusing on Khumbu.

"Particularly, on the left hand side of the lower reaches of the glacier, there is a series of about seven or eight large ponds that are now starting to link and form a big chain," she told the BBC.

"There is water flowing from the upper part of the glacier through the series of these ponds and that is going to encourage them to join up. 

"At present, the glacier appears to be disintegrating, and may form a few large and potentially hazardous lakes on the glacier surface."

It is the first scientific expedition to assess the glacier since the earthquake in April. Image: C. Scott Watson, University of Leeds

Dr Rowan's team has studied satellite images of the Khumbu glacier dating back 15 years and has also conducted three ground surveys since 2009.

The scientists found that parts of the lower region of the debris-covered glacier have been shrinking because of loss of ice underneath. This has allowed the formation and expansion of water bodies.

The study says measurements for the past 15 years show that the surface of the debris-covered glacier has been declining at the rate of two metres per year.

Unlike the usually smooth-iced glaciers elsewhere, many in the Himalayan region are debris covered, meaning they are coated by a layer of sand, gravel and rock.

Scientists say since the upper parts of many Himalayan glaciers are losing ice mass due to rising temperatures. The supply of ice to the lower part of the glacier is therefore decreasing, causing the shrinkage.

Worrying pattern

Other experts on debris-covered glaciers in the region say they too have also noticed similar developments

"The surface lowering makes it difficult for the glacier to evacuate water from the surface past the large bounding moraines," said Lindsey Nicholson, from the University of Innsbruck.

"The level of the runoff stream that cuts across the terminal moraines sets a 'base level' for the glacier's internal water table and it seems that rapidly coalescing lakes are usually associated with this water table."

Hydrologist Jeffrey Kargel from the University of Arizona has been studying glacial lakes in the Himalayas for several years and said a pattern was developing. 

"The worrisome thing is that if the process continues, then there will be a new glacial lake to worry about in a populated and heavily used valley," he said.

The Dig Tsho glacial lake in the Khumbu valley burst in 1985, destroying a hydropower plant and other infrastructure downstream.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep), there have been at least 35 events of glacial lake outbursts in Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan and China over the past century.

Mountaineers seeking to scale Everest must pass through the Khumbu glacier. Image: C. Scott Watson, University of Leeds.

Records show ponds developed and drained on the Khumbu glacier in the past too but scientists say the rising temperatures and accelerated meltdown of glaciers in recent years is causing concern.

"As the glacier continues to lower down, it gets more and more disconnected with the Khumbu Icefall, which means mountaineers could find it increasingly hard to climb," said Cameron Watson, a researcher with the Leeds University. 

While some members of the Sherpa community that inhabits the Khumbu valley are concerned, others say they are not worried.

"We hear such alarmist reports every now and then," said Ang Kami Sherpa, the head of a Sherpa team known as ice fall doctors who fix the route on the Khumbu Icefall for climbers every year.

"The ponds will come and go but as long as we keep our gods on the mountains happy, we have nothing to fear."

- Source: BBC | 27 November 2015