by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | dating and relationships, events and festivals, food and drink, news, relationships
SHAH ALAM – The Iftar with Dates event proved highly successful, attracting 12 passionate attendees who were keen on forging significant bonds within a spiritually focused environment.
Organized by Sinar Daily, this event offered a rejuvenating substitute for conventional matchmaking. It merged Islamic principles with contemporary social engagement.
Through lively debates and structured exchanges, attendees were able to forge stronger connections while upholding the essence of Ramadan.
Organized alongside Karangsaf’s Iftar Ala Madinah at the Karangkraft Complex in Section 15, this event on March 24 provided a cozy and inviting environment for young adults between 20 to 35 years old who were single.
By offering a well-organized program featuring a tazkirah (Islamic reminder) about finding a suitable life partner, an elevator pitch segment, and a casual mingling time prior to breaking fast, the event created a welcoming environment conducive to meaningful interactions.
The massive turnout and encouraging comments from participants underscored its effectiveness in building genuine and enduring relationships.
For many, the event was a refreshing departure from traditional social gatherings.
Amir Hazmi Shadan, a 23-year-old college student, discovered the event to be enlightening, especially for gaining insights into the experiences of individuals who were already employed and involved in relationships.
He likewise valued the laid-back and cozy ambiance.
I had limited understanding of relationships, thus participating in this event provided me with insightful new viewpoints.
There weren’t too many people around, making it simpler to chat without feeling anxious.
He mentioned that one of the highlights was uncovering common hobbies with someone, which allowed the discussion to progress effortlessly.
Amir showed enthusiasm for joining more such gatherings in the future due to his pleasant encounter.
I believe it was an excellent spot for introverts as well because it didn’t seem overpowering.
“Meeting new individuals beyond these gatherings can occasionally be even more daunting,” he mentioned.
For Mohamed Hanif Mohd Hamzah, a 31-year-old project engineer, the event was notable due to its organized method for connecting with individuals.
With an open-minded attitude, Hanif welcomed the chance to engage with people from various backgrounds.
“Iftar with dates was unique because it was designed for speed dating. I felt connections with a few of the women I met, and even with some of the guys—it was just a good place to expand your social circle.
“I wasn’t particularly concerned about whether it was a faith-based event, as long as some limits were observed,” he stated.
He likewise showed enthusiasm about participating in comparable events down the line, contingent upon how his situation evolves.
Amir and Hanif both saw merit in the event, be it through acquiring new knowledge, building networks, or engaging in profound discussions.
Their experiences underscored how effectively structured social events can foster a warm and interactive environment for encountering new individuals.
Given the positive feedback and significant connections formed, ‘Iftar with Dates’ was deemed successful, demonstrating that faith-based dating events can foster real chances for enduring relationships.
As Ramadan carries on, Sinar Daily aims to encourage more gatherings that unite people in manners befitting both traditional values and contemporary connections.
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | news, palestine, palestinians, state of palestine, west bank
A Palestinian who won an Academy Award has been arrested in the occupied West Bank after clashes erupted between Israeli settlers and Palestinians, according to activists.
Hamdan Ballal, one of the four co-directors of No Other Land, found himself with his home encircled by settlers when an assault took place on Monday in the village of Susya. This information comes from five Jewish American activists.
Co-director Yuval Abraham stated that Mr. Ballal was assaulted and seized by soldiers while he was inside an ambulance, though this account has been challenged by Israeli authorities.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that three Palestinians and one Israeli were apprehended for allegedly throwing rocks at security personnel without specifically mentioning Mr. Ballal.
The five Jewish-American activists stated that roughly a dozen masked settlers launched an assault in Susiya around 18:00 (16:00 GMT).
The activists stated that they visited the village to record the event but were assaulted instead. Settlers broke their car windows and attacked them physically by punching, hitting them with sticks, and using violence against them.
It is said that Mr. Ballal’s residence was encircled by the settlers.
Yuval Abraham, the Israeli director who recently received an Oscar along with Mr. Ballal, mentioned that several individuals were harmed and multiple properties damaged during the assault.
An activist informed LIFEHACK that they had reported to the Israeli soldiers that they were being attacked. According to them, the army responded and the settlers withdrew.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their troops along with Israeli police forces were dispatched to calm down the situation.
It was reported that stones had been “thrown” at law enforcement officers.
The IDF stated that in reaction, the forces detained three Palestinians accused of throwing stones at them, along with an Israeli civilian who was part of the violent clash.
The prisoners were transferred for additional interrogation by the Israel Police. A local citizen sustained injuries during the event and was transported to obtain medical care.
No Other Land –
which won the award for Best Documentary at the 97th Academy Awards
– tracks the conflict surrounding Masafer Yatta, comprising roughly 20 villages, and explores the bond between Adra and Abraham.
Since 1967, Israel has been occupying the West Bank. The settlements established by Israelis in these territories are regarded as unlawful according to international law; however, Israel does not agree with this view.
Over the last 55 years, they have grown significantly, emerging as a key site for conflict and competing assertions about territory.
Following the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023, attacks on Palestinian citizens in the West Bank by settlers have increased dramatically.
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | entertainment, k pop, korean, news, technology
In the first half of this year, a surge of upcoming girl groups is dominating K-pop, as prominent and medium-sized entertainment companies debut promising newcomers. Supported by well-known producers, these emerging artists are spearheading a transformative change within the music scene.
This year, Kakao Entertainment has introduced two significant new girl groups through its affiliated companies. On February 24, SM Entertainment, now part of Kakao following its merger last May, unveiled its eight-member ensemble called Hearts2Hearts. Just a month later, on March 24, another affiliate—Starship Entertainment—introduced their five-member unit named KiiiKiii. Both acts made their debut within a span of approximately thirty days from each other.
Both groups are gaining attention as possible successors to their agencies’ top girl groups. Hearts2Hearts is SM’s first girl group in four years, following aespa. The octet stands out with sharp choreography reminiscent of their senior group. Their debut album “The Chase” features an R&B title track of the same name, praised for its dreamy harmonies. The group’s multinational lineup is also attracting attention, especially Carmen, the first Indonesian member to debut in a major agency’s girl group. Hearts2Hearts will launch a reality show, Chat Hearts2Hearts, on streaming platform Wavve on March 26.
On the contrary, KiiiKiii comprises solely Korean teenagers. This ensemble was conceived by Seo Hyun-joo, who also produced the teen-favorite group IVE. Their inaugural album titled “Uncut Gem” features six songs, including the lead track “I Do Me,” which infuses an energetic, festive atmosphere using dance-hip-hop rhythms.
Smaller agencies are also leveraging high-profile producers to make their mark. New agency Titan Content will debut its seven-member girl group AtHeart in July. The agency has been introducing its members while highlighting the production team, which includes former SM planner Kang Jung-ah and renowned choreographer Lia Kim.
Another mid-sized agency, Hi-Hat Entertainment, is set to debut its seven-member group Ifeye on April 8. The group is produced by choreographer Ryud, known for his work on “Queendom 2″ and “My Teenage Girl.”
Last year’s newcomers are also set to make a comeback. Izna, a seven-member girl band from WakeOne Entertainment—a subsidiary of CJ ENM—made their debut in November. They were backed by Teddy, the renowned producer known for his work with Blackpink. Another act, Say My Name, launched in October under iNKODE Entertainment and was crafted by Kim Jae-joong, who previously performed as part of TVXQ. These two ensembles will be reigniting their promotional activities later this month.
The competition to win over teen audiences is intensifying. Before dropping their first single, Hearts2Hearts partnered with the beloved children’s icon series “Catch! Teenieping.” Their strategy includes unveiling jointly branded products and music clips. Meanwhile, KiiiKiii has embraced a “Gen Z vibe,” incorporating nostalgic items such as pagers and karaoke scenes into their video content. Prior to making their official debut, this band managed to captivate younger followers through a playful theme centered around a jam factory, complete with an engaging, character-driven online platform and related merchandise.
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | business, korean, news, samsung, technology
On March 25, Samsung Electronics verified that Han Jong-hee, their vice chairman and CEO, had succumbed to a heart attack. It is reported that he fell ill on March 22 following his attendance at his daughter’s wedding celebration and was rushed to theSamsung Medical Center in Seoul, passing away subsequently.
Han headed the Device Experience (DX) sector—the principal segment among the firm’s two core divisions—where he significantly influenced the management of the Digital Appliances (DA) unit. He was born in 1962 and obtained an undergraduate degree in electronics engineering from Inha University before joining Samsung in 1988 with their TV development group. During his extensive 37-year career at Samsung, Han became well-known for his substantial contributions to the television market.
In November 2017, Han took over as the leader of the Visual Display Business at Samsung, earning praise for assisting the company in retaining its status as the global top producer of TVs for an uninterrupted period of fifteen years. His efforts were acknowledged when he was elevated to the positions of vice chairman and chief executive officer in 2021, overseeing the newly formed SET division that merges operations from both the IM and CE sectors.
During the 56th annual general meeting held on March 19, Han shared his perspective on Samsung’s upcoming trajectory. He stated, “Our aim is to establish a foundation for significant advancements within our current sectors through unparalleled technological superiority.” Additionally, he emphasized their commitment to exploring novel opportunities in various domains such as robotics, medical technologies, and advanced semiconductor solutions, all aimed at fostering sustainable expansion fueled by artificial intelligence innovations.
Initially, Han was slated to present the keynote speech at “Welcome to Bespoke AI,” Samsung’s premier annual event for home appliances, which was set for March 26. Nevertheless, on March 24, the firm declared a shift in speakers due to an unexpected medical emergency involving Han. Instead, executive members from the Development Division within the DA business will take over his speaking role.
In an internal communication, Samsung Electronics announced his demise, saying, “We grieve the loss of a individual who committed 37 years of service to our organization.” The firm further noted, “Under his leadership, our global TV operations reached the top spot and he exerted every effort as the chief of the SET division and DA business, despite difficult internal and external circumstances.”
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | business, manufacturing, news, technology, technology industry
The robotics start-up co-founded by former Huawei ‘Genius Youth’ recruits has an ambitious 5,000-unit production target, far exceeding 2024 output
Agibot, a robotics startup based in Shanghai co-founded by a former
Huawei Technologies
“Genius Youth” recruits, is targeting production of up to 5,000 robots this year, according to a senior executive, matching Elon Musk’s Optimus plans.
The company, also known as Zhiyuan Robotics, plans to deliver between 3,000 and 5,000 robots this year, a significant increase from the fewer than 1,000 units shipped last year, according to Yao Maoqing, a partner at Agibot and president of the company’s embodied intelligence unit. The production surge reflects the eagerness among Chinese robotics start-ups for expansion amid a domestic boom in the industry.
In the first two months of the year, industrial robot production in China saw a 27 percent increase compared to the previous year, reaching 91,088 units. Meanwhile, service robot output surged by 36 percent to hit approximately 1.5 million units, as reported by official statistics.
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Established in 2023, Agibot has quickly emerged as a prominent figure in Shanghai’s robotics industry, having set up operations in the Lingang New Area. The company intends to launch a new factory in the Pudong district aimed at boosting its monthly output to over 400 robots, Yao stated.
“This year, we aim to deploy new products in industrial scenarios, replacing humans in specific tasks to create tangible customer value,” Yao told the South China Morning Post.
It will probably be about another five years before households widely adopt humanoid robots, he mentioned.
Agibot was co-founded by Peng Zhihui, a former member of Huawei’s high-profile “Genius Youth” programme that recognises top young talent in China. Peng, along with entrepreneurs such as
Xingxing Wang from Unitree Robotics
He is considered pivotal in positioning China as a leading force in the field of robotics.
Yao, a veteran of the autonomous-driving industry with stints at
Google
‘s Waymo and Chinese electric vehicle maker
Nio
, said the country has advantages in humanoid robotics, including a comprehensive hardware supply chain and abundant
artificial intelligence
talent.
The field of human-like robots is still in its early stages, with numerous potential uses yet to be explored, and current manufacturing expenses are quite steep,” Yao stated. He anticipates that these costs will significantly drop as production increases, allowing the expense of essential parts like motors, gearboxes, and modules to be distributed over greater quantities, thus enhancing cost-efficiency through better yield rates.
Yao mentioned that broad acceptance will likely occur when the cost per unit drops to around 50,000 yuan (US$6,900).
Currently, Agibot manages three primary product lines: Yuanzheng, a two-legged human-like robot intended for business applications; Genie, an agile wheeled robot equipped with two arms; and Lingxi, a compact humanoid aimed at both developers and general consumers. Earlier this year, the company celebrated reaching their 1,000-unit production mark, comprising of 269 mobile models and 731 walking bots. Peng has taken charge of advancing the Lingxi line, which just released its newest iteration—the X2 version.
Agibot has successfully concluded at least eight financing rounds, drawing investments from notable venture capital firms including GL Ventures, Lanchi Ventures, HongShan Capital Group, and CAS Star, an entity supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The company also counts several industry leaders among its backers.
BYD
Beijing Automotive Group Company (BAIC) along with city-supported funds like Lingang’s Sci-Tech Fund have also invested, according to Chinese corporate database Tianyancha.
Yao mentioned that the start-up is presently estimated to be worth around 10 billion yuan.
Similar to other robotic companies, Agibot encounters difficulties due to limited data availability. In contrast to the extensive online textual information used for training big language models, robots necessitate multimodal models capable of interpreting their physical environments.
Agibot has established a data collection centre in Shanghai, where around 100 robots generate about 50,000 high-quality motion data records daily within a 2,000-square-metre facility. Each record contains tens of thousands of tokens.
“To attain general intelligence, robots need much larger datasets to confirm scaling laws and anticipate new abilities when data hits billions of tokens,” stated Yao. He highlighted Agibot’s dedication to utilizing open-source datasets, working together with industry colleagues and end-users, as well as generating additional data via simulations.
Earlier this month, Agibot introduced “Genie Operator-1”, a general-purpose embodied foundation model that it claimed can enhance robots’ multitasking abilities.
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by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | news, news media, politics, politics and government, politics and law
On Tuesday, March 25, the local newspapers addressed various subjects, with politics being prominently featured throughout their pages.
A newspaper highlighted potential hurdles that ex-Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i might encounter as he gets ready to officially announce his candidacy for president.
1. People Daily
The newspaper exposed the potential criminal and misdemeanor accusations that former Matiang’i might confront once he announces his run for presidency.
As reported by People Daily, certain officials within the present administration are displeased with the previous Interior Cabinet Secretary’s move to contest President William Ruto’s position in the 2027 election.
Matiang’i’s attempt received support from the Jubilee Party, with party members stating they would back him as their nominee.
Trusted sources informed The People Daily that initially, Matiang’i was expected to confront just five criminal charges during the first six months of 2023. However, this action was delayed following an intervention by prominent local politicians from his home region of Kisii, including ex-Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu.
His choice to run for president has infuriated key figures within Ruto’s administration, prompting them to decide to reassess the current charges and potentially bring additional ones.
According to People Daily, 14 charges have already been formulated against Matiang’i.
The severe accusations set to be imposed on the ex-CS encompass the substantial Ruaraka land scam where their name has frequently surfaced negatively, misuse of authority, embezzlement through an intermediary, and defiance of judicial directives, particularly concerning actions at the Immigration Department related to proceedings initiated by self-imposed exile dissident attorney Miguna Miguna, whose travel document was annulled under Matiang’i’s watch.
Other charges include allegations of sexual assaults and molestation involving a youth from the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Nairobi Central Church, accusations of money laundering, claims of defrauding KSh 10 billion intended for the unimplemented Huduma Number initiative, incidents of shooting civilians during COVID-19 enforcement activities, extrajudicial killings with subsequent disposal of bodies into rivers such as Yala, Tana River, and Isiolo, along with other locations within Kenya.
The files should be submitted to the courts located in Nairobi, Kisumu, Kisii, and Mombasa.
2. Taifa Leo
The newspaper highlighted the challenges faced by ex-Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu, who is presently incarcerated at Nairobi Remand and Allocation Prison.
The ex-county leader was found guilty of various offenses including fraud, misuse of authority, and conflicting interests in a KSh 588 million corruption case.
He received a prison sentence of 12 years; his spouse Susan Wangari faced a similar verdict and was given a year behind bars along with the choice to pay a fine of KSh 500,000 instead.
Speaking from prison, Watitu revealed that the experience there had left him traumatised and his dignity corrupted.
He disclosed that he has lost his appetite and several friendships because people avoid visiting him for fear of being asked to lend money.
“I’ve had traumatic experiences during my time here. I’ve lost both my appetite and my self-respect, and very few people visit me since they believe I’ll ask them for money to cover my fine after being sentenced to 12 years in jail,” Daily Nation reported his statement.
Waititu’s attempts to obtain a bond were thwarted by the judicial authorities.
3. Daily Nation
The newspaper covered the continuing procedure for choosing the new head of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) along with its commissioners.
A specially chosen committee of nine members appointed by President William Ruto commenced the interviews on Monday, March 24.
The initial group consists of 11 nominees who have been selected for the position of chairperson; they will undergo questioning up till March 26.
Following this, interviews with the 105 candidates shortlisted for the commissioner roles will continue through until late April.
The panel is overseen by Nelson Makanda.
On the opening day of the interviews, the participants included Charles Nyachae, Anne Amadi, Abdulqadir Lorot, and Edward Katama.
4. The Standard
The newspaper covered the turmoil that disrupted the FIFA World Cup qualifying game between Kenya and Gabon on Sunday, March 23.
The standout moment from the game occurred when Mumias East MP Peter Salasya was attacked, beaten up, and forced to flee from the stadium, which took place at Nyayo Stadium.
The assailants who attacked Salasya are thought to be supporters of ODM leader Raila Odinga, against whom the legislator has previously made derogatory remarks.
So far, no arrests have been made following the incident; the legislator connected the assault to his ongoing criticisms of poor governance.
