KYIV (Reuters) – Kyiv’s forces have made some headway against Russian forces in southern Ukraine but face new Russian attacks around the eastern town of Avdiivka, the Ukrainian military said on Thursday. In an update on Kyiv’s more than four-month-old counteroffensive in the south and east, military spokesperson Oleksandr Stupun …

LONDON (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia’s splurge on big name soccer signings has generated plenty of headlines but the Gulf kingdom has also been splashing the cash in show jumping’s equine transfer market ahead of deadline day for next year’s Paris Olympics. Harry Charles, who competed for Britain in the individual …

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has been urged to implement more proactive approaches in efforts to increase rice production and support local padi cultivation to ensure a continuous and sufficient supply of rice in the country. Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah) who raised the matter during the debate session for the Supply …

MADRID (Reuters) – Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal and fullback Alejandro Balde returned to training on Thursday as the injury-plagued LaLiga champions prepare to host Athletic Bilbao on Sunday with one eye on next week’s Clasico against Real Madrid. Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez will hope to recover a number of key …

KUALA LUMPUR: Women now hold 38.8% of decision-making positions in the public sector, according to Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. However, the Women, Family and Community Development Minister said the target of 30% of women holding such positions in the private and corporate sectors had not yet been achieved. Nancy said …

RIYADH: Malaysia will take the opportunity to strengthen relations and cooperation with Gulf countries at the inaugural Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit which will take place here on Friday (Oct 20). Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir (pic) said this includes finalising several trade agreements and enhancing cooperation …

PARIS (Reuters) – New Zealand coach Ian Foster reckons his side will have to scrap their way through Friday’s World Cup semi-final to overcome Argentina in what he predicted would be a similar battle to the one they had against Ireland last week. New Zealand staved off a late surge …

WASHINGTON: The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, suggesting another month of strong job growth as the labor market remains tight. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 13,000 to a seasonally adjusted 198,000 for the week ended Oct. 14, the Labor Department …

BINTULU: Potential candidates for the Jepak state by-election are advised to fill in the nomination form and do an initial check with the office of the returning officer or the state election office before the nomination day, this Saturday (Oct 21). Election Commission (EC) secretary Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak also advised …

KYIV (Reuters) – Ukraine’s parliament gave initial approval on Thursday for the 2024 budget, which will increase funding for the army and national defence because of the war with Russia. Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko said the government’s priorities next year included accumulating funds for defence and security, and securing social …