by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | air travel, air travel safety, flights, news, united airlines
A United Airlines flight heading to Shanghai had to be rerouted back.
California
Three hours into the journey, they had to halt due to the pilot realizing they had left their passport behind, as stated by an airline spokesperson.
UA Flight 198 left
Los Angeles
The international flight departed from Los Angeles International Airport at 1:44 pm PDT and was expected to arrive at Shanghai Pudong International approximately 14 hours later. However, the pilot uncovered a critical error during the journey.
The aircraft was rerouted back to California and touched down in San Francisco shortly after 5 pm, as recorded in the flight logs.
Flight Aware
.
The passengers aboard the Boeing 787-9 eventually departed for Shanghai at approximately 9 pm and landed shortly after midnight, around 12:30 am local time.
The airline organized a new team to transport the 257 passengers to Shanghai and offered them meal coupons along with compensation for the disruption, according to a statement from a media representative.
The aircraft finally touched down at its destination with a delay of six hours, affecting several travelers’ arrangements.
A traveler, who was airborne for work purposes, mentioned
CNN
, as a result of the considerable delay, they were forced to rearrange their Monday commitments.
A second traveler said they had to drive another two hours after landing in Shanghai, leaving them exhausted.
Yang Shuhan, who was also aboard the flight, mentioned that the pilot communicated his awkward error via the intercom and seemed to be ‘quite exasperated.’
Yang informed CNN that she was given two meal vouchers worth $30 in total to utilize for a dining experience at the San Francisco airport.
Shukor Yusof, the founder of Endau Analytics, which offers consultancy services for aviation, stated that it was ‘unacceptable’ for an airline such as United to commit such an error.
He pointed out that despite the detour being just a few hours away from the departure point, it indicated a degree of ‘absent-mindedness’ which probably resulted in significant losses for the airline. He further stated that such an error was ‘unacceptable.’
Online commentators were equally critical of the pilot for this error, with someone posting on X: “How can THE PILOT of all individuals overlook their passport?”
“How did the pilot even board the aircraft? Don’t they all have their passports verified?” someone else asked.
Other passengers were stunned that the airline only offered meal vouchers for such a considerable disruption.
‘A $15 voucher at SFO would have barely covered a glass of water and a single piece of bread,’ a commenter quipped.
‘Is this $15 for real? It’s amusing how the multi-billion-dollar corporation managed only to gather a small amount for passengers just to get some water and a partially consumed bag of chips,’ one user commented.
The awkward error adds yet another blot to the aviation sector, which has faced increased examination since the
deadly crash in Washington DC
that resulted in the deaths of 67 passengers on board an American Airlines flight.
Since the accident, airlines have come under close scrutiny from the public, with errors being more widely exposed.
United Airlines faced criticism recently when an actress
In January, Jones posted on Instagram
she received just $15 worth of food vouchers following a 16-hour delay in her flight.
She posted a screenshot of her significant delay and tagged the airline, asking them to ‘Step up.’
‘Couple of $15 food vouchers won’t be enough. Our 7:30 p.m. flight from last night still hasn’t taken off,’ she mentioned additionally.
United was similarly under examination early this week when a passenger alleged they faced an issue.
forcefully pulled out of an aircraft restroom
caught off guard by a pilot.
A passenger called Yisroel Liebb, aged 20, filed a complaint alleging that after being inside the restroom for 30 minutes, the pilot yelled at him to leave and then broke the lock before forcibly removing him.
According to
Flight Radar
,
One of the biggest airlines globally in terms of fleet size is United, ranking just below American Airlines.
Read more
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | automotive industry, autos, cars, commerce, news
Additionally, the FBI has issued an advisory for Tesla drivers, and China’s plans for rolling out Full Self-Driving technology have been put on hold.
It appears that the one thing even less predictable than Tesla’s share price this month is which way the U.S. might head regarding automotive tariffs. Just as things seem calm for the carmakers, suddenly new duties could come into play again. Honestly, it feels like we’re caught in an endless cycle of uncertainty, and frankly, it’s draining.
we’re
fed up with this situation, executives like Jim Farley and Mary Barra might be prepared to take action.
Welcome back to
Critical Materials
, your daily roundup for all things electric and tech in the automotive space. Today, it’s more tariff talk, plus the FBI and ATF have formed a joint task force to fight vandalism against Teslas. Also, Tesla has halted its FSD rollout in China. Let’s jump in.
30%: Auto Tariffs Are Still On The Way, Assures Trump
Photo by: InsideEVs
Remember yesterday when the
The automotive sector was anticipated to receive some relief.
From the wider tariffs that come into play on April 2nd? While this statement holds some truth—it’s important to note that automobiles will not completely avoid these substantial duties.
US President Donald Trump disclosed late Monday that tariffs targeting the automotive sector have not been taken off his trade-war arsenal. These levies will be implemented apart from the April 2nd duties and are being adjusted to offer specific preferential treatments—such as potential exemptions—for particular unnamed countries exporting cars to the United States.
Here’s what
Bloomberg
knows:
President Donald Trump stated that he plans to unveil tariffs on car imports soon and suggested that countries will be granted exemptions from the ” reciprocal” duties set to take effect next week.
Trump’s comments at the White House Monday sowed further confusion about his plans for a sweeping tariff announcement scheduled for April 2. The president told reporters he planned to proceed with long-threatened auto import tariffs “fairly soon, over the next few days” ahead of the broader package.
Trump said his tariff rollout next Wednesday would focus on so-called “reciprocal” tariffs, featuring rates on a country-by-country basis. The president twice on Monday signaled trading partners would receive possible exemptions or reductions.
Trump’s timeline for imposing tariffs on the auto industry is rather inconclusive, but based on the president’s wording, it would seem that the administration is prepared to announce it ahead of next week’s tariff extravaganza, which Trump declared to be named
Liberation Day
.
We’ll be addressing the automobile sector, something many of you have been aware of for quite some time,” stated Trump at a press conference. “We plan to make this announcement shortly, likely within the coming days. Then, on April 2nd, reciprocal tariffs will come into play.
Once again, this situation has auto manufacturers puzzled about what lies ahead. For instance, Toyota finds itself uncertain whether merely continuing operations and importing parts from beyond U.S. borders might lead to repercussions, despite its efforts.
five car manufacturing facilities in the United States
and
donating $1 million
to Trump’s reelection campaign last year.
Moreover, we shouldn’t overlook the component aspect. Constructing automobiles requires numerous materials sourced globally through an intricate network of suppliers across different countries. Should the automotive sector avoid direct taxes on imported goods, the frequent international transactions involved in obtaining various car parts might still lead to increased expenses for vehicles manufactured within the United States.
Regardless of whether you’re a supplier, factory manager, or
simply someone wishing your upcoming car doesn’t come with an additional $12,000 price tag
, the ongoing discussions about tariffs are raising more queries than providing solutions. For an sector reliant on decades of unrestricted commerce, slim profit margins, and efficient production methods, nothing disrupts operations as much as stringent regulations do.
one that keeps changing
.
60%: FBI Alerts Tesla Owners and Showrooms About Potential Acts of Violence and Vandalism
Photo by: YouTube
Tesla is currently facing some challenges, and we’re not referring to their car models here.
tanking stock
,
slipping sales
, or even the critique of its FSD software failing to identify a
Looney Tunes-style fake wall
. Indeed, we’ve reached a stage in our cultural discussion where people are breaking windows and burning electric vehicles due to the political maneuvers of what Tesla calls their ”
absent CEO
And now, the authorities are so vigilant that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a memo to caution the public.
In a security notice labeled as
People across the country target Tesla vehicles and dealerships with arson, gunfire, and vandalism.
, the FBI—which recently formed a joint task force with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to investigate the incidents—warns of attacks targeting Tesla vehicles, as well as Tesla-owned property (like dealerships and Supercharging stations).
Here’s more info
from the bulletin directly
:
The FBI is alerting the public about widespread events across the country aimed at Tesla electric cars (EVs), showrooms, parking areas, and recharge points since January 2025. In at least nine different states, attacks on Tesla EVs have taken place. Such acts include setting fires, shooting, and defacement with messages like graffiti that seem to target individuals perceived as racist, fascist, or political adversaries. The evidence suggests these illegal activities were carried out individually by single attackers, and every recorded incident happened after dark.
People might need minimal preparation to employ basic strategies like homemade fire bombs and guns, and they could view these assaults as harmless offenses against property rather than serious criminal acts.
The FBI advises people to stay alert and watch for unusual behavior in locations where Tesla dealerships or Tesla-associated organizations operate.
It could be said that Tesla underwent an unexpected cultural rebranding over the last year. The outspoken political stances of CEO Elon Musk have tarnished the company’s image, leading to a polarized customer base that is acting true to form—by dismissing brands whose values do not match their own political beliefs.
Activists have urged proprietors to divest their vehicles and shares as a form of protest against Tesla due to Musk’s ongoing engagement in international affairs. It appears the car owners heeded this call, as per industry statistics provided by Edmunds which indicate that
There has been an increase in Tesla trade-ins over the past few weeks.
Not only is an increasing number being traded in, but
Fewer purchasers are looking for pre-owned Teslas to acquire.
, causing used car prices to plummet.
For others, this is insufficient. Activists have assumed the responsibility of leveraging Musk’s political leanings as a pretext for carrying out harmful actions such as
torch setting fires at Tesla showrooms
or
damaging customer-owned Tesla vehicles
.
This entire scenario highlights the complexity surrounding electric vehicles (EVs), particularly Teslas. The discussion is no longer focused solely on software upgrades and charging infrastructure; instead, EVs have turned into highly personal and politically charged topics. As for Tesla, they’ve unfortunately become the central focus where much of this scrutiny is concentrated.
90%: Tesla Temporarily Suspends FSD Deployment in China
Photo by: InsideEVs
Tesla’s aggressive launch of its Full Self-Driving software in China has encountered an obstacle. Of course, not a literal one.
regardless of what you may believe
), but Tesla appears to have voluntarily halted the widespread rollout of its premium driver-assistance feature in China as of Monday.
The precise cause of the delay remains unclear. Although one could easily assume that the software is not yet prepared, it’s also feasible that recent guidelines from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) regarding remote software upgrades may be responsible.
Here’s the latest from
Automotive News
:
Tesla announced on March 24 that it plans to launch its advanced driving-assist function in China once it secures all necessary approvals from regulators. This comes after reports indicated that a temporary free-trial period for its Full Self-Driving service was halted due to some issues.
“All parties are diligently moving the related procedures forward, and once everything is set, we’ll promptly update you. We’re just as eager for this; your patience during this time would be greatly appreciated,” stated Tesla’s customer service on the social media platform Weibo.
The post appeared as a comment beneath the Weibo feed of Tesla Vice President Grace Tao.
Tesla states that it will restart delivering Full Self-Driving capabilities to clients after receiving approval from Chinese regulatory authorities.
Tesla’s deployment of Full Self-Driving in China has not gone smoothly. Users who tested the software discovered that the vehicle did not always adhere to local regulations. A Chinese automotive influencer succeeded in
accumulate seven distinct traffic offenses
on a single evening through unlawful lane switching, executing right turns from cycle paths, and committing various ticketable offenses.
This difficulty arises largely due to stringent Chinese data regulations, which pose significant challenges for training Tesla’s Full Self-Driving model within the local market. As CEO Elon Musk clarified earlier this year:
“We face certain challenges as the government does not permit us to export training videos from China, and the U.S. administration prevents us from conducting training within China itself. This creates quite a dilemma,” explained Musk during the firm’s recent quarterly earnings briefing. “To overcome this issue, we’ve been examining online footage of Chinese roads to grasp how they function. We use these public videos showcasing road signs and traffic regulations in China for our training purposes and integrate them into an extremely precise simulation.”
Chinese social media platforms displayed comparable problems, such as instances of vehicles running red lights and various other incidents that gained attention.
across global car blogs
.
Car News China
provides additional information about MIIT’s potential participation:
The potential causes for the suspension could involve the recent guidelines set forth by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). This inference stems from statements made by XPeng about postponing their scheduled March Over-The-Air (OTA) update for the P7 model. According to XPeng, this deferral was prompted by MIIT directives dated February 28th, mandating all significant upcoming software modifications to be pre-announced with sufficient notice before any filings can proceed post-publication.
It has likewise been suggested that the acceptance of Tesla’s FSD software
might serve as leverage for the Chinese government
As an approach in the continuing trade dispute between the U.S. and China.
Currently, Tesla hasn’t directly stated that the issues highlighted online led to halting the launch of the Chinese Full Self-Driving (FSD) test. Similarly, the Chinese authorities haven’t issued any official statements criticizing the software, so there’s no clear reason behind Tesla’s decision to suspend the roll-out. However, based on the phrasing used in Tao’s Weibo post, it appears that Tesla might believe the software isn’t quite “prepared” for what could be considered one of their key markets.
100%: What Will Become of All the Trade-in Teslas?
Last evening, I found myself endlessly scrolling through TikTok when someone shared an intriguing open-ended query regarding the numerous Teslas currently circulating. At present, the supply exceeds the demand, causing used car prices to drop significantly—a boon for potential purchasers.
if people really intended to purchase them
.
The journey down this path appears far from over. With Musk remaining politically engaged and steering Tesla, the decline seems set to continue. This leaves car dealers wondering about their next move: Should they offload vehicles at a loss? Opt for auctions instead? If enticing deals fail to draw customers, perhaps patience might prove to be their best strategy, waiting until conditions improve?
Share your opinions below in the comments section.
More Important Updates You Should Be Aware Of:
-
Hyundai Electric Vehicle Owners: Your Tesla NACS Adapters Will Be Available Shortly
-
Tesla Is Plunging in Europe Despite Rise in Electric Vehicle Sales in February
-
A Die-Hard Tesla Fan Switched to a Rivian. Here’s His Impression
-
Is Toyota Now Genuine About Electric Vehicles?
-
Public EV Charging Was Already Deteriorating. Then Trump Eliminated Federal Funding
-
How Tariffs and the Retreat from Electric Vehicles Affect All Americans
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | football clubs, news, soccer, soccer player transfers, sports
Having arrived in the 2023 summer meracato from Inter Milan, 30-year-old defender Milan Skriniar has not made the move to Paris Saint-Germain. His contract expires in June 2028 and he has been loaned out to Fenerbahçe for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season. This Tuesday,
Fanatik
Reports indicate that it’s virtually finalized between the clubs with a spoken understanding.
Based on information from Fanatik, Fenerbahçe has agreed verbally with Paris Saint-Germain regarding the transfer of Milan Skriniar!
Amount: 10 million euros!
The player’s worth is 15 million euros.”
We continue to stay cautious since nothing is officially confirmed yet. Specifically, we must pay close attention to statements regarding the numbers tied to a transfer that hasn’t been definitively sealed. Nonetheless, these assertions seem quite plausible, particularly considering the player’s low likelihood of making a comeback into the PSG team anyway. Moreover, his current form at the Turkish side appears promising, showing consistent good performance.
Let’s hold off and observe if these assertions get verified, even though there’s ample reason to be convinced.
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | consumer electronics, electric scooters, electronics, safety, scooters and mopeds
That’s likely the final thing you’d desire for your e-scooter to do.
E-mobility
Has seized control of the globe, and if you reside in an urban area, you’ve likely witnessed—or narrowly avoided being hit by—an electric scooter at least once. These vehicles are ubiquitous, and rightly so. They’re inexpensive to operate, simple to park, and transform brief journeys into effortless trips.
One of the major contenders in the competition is
Segway-Ninebot
, a firm that produces millions of electric scooters annually. Here’s an interesting tidbit: Ninebot is supported by the massive Chinese technology corporation Xiaomi, which also happens to be renowned for manufacturing smartphones, intelligent home devices, and virtually all types of technological products imaginable.
Now, when you’re producing e-scooters at this enormous scale, inevitably, issues will arise from time to time. When they do occur, they become significant matters. To illustrate, Segway recently issued a recall.
220,000 Ninebot Max G30P and Max G30LP Scooters
in the US because of a folding mechanism that can fail mid-ride. That’s right—your handlebars could suddenly decide they’ve had enough and fold like a cheap lawn chair while you’re cruising along.
It sounds enjoyable, doesn’t it? Nope? Exactly.
Photo by: Segway
Segway has received 68 complaints about this issue, resulting in 20 reported injuries varying from minor cuts and bruises to fractures. In severe cases, individuals may require unexpected dental procedures. These problematic scooters were distributed through major stores such as Best Buy, Walmart, Costco, Target, and Sam’s Club, along with online platforms including Segway and Amazon, during the period from January 2020 to February 2025. They had price tags ranging from $600 to $1,000.
If you have one of these scooters, consider this advice—cease using it right away. Segway is providing a complimentary maintenance kit that comes with tools and guidelines for inspecting and securing the folding mechanism to prevent it from becoming an unexpected ejection trigger. Considering the substantial number of these scooters sold globally, this problem may not be confined to just the United States. Therefore, if you possess one, it would be wise to contact Segway and take precautions to avoid potential regret.
In conclusion, electric mobility is great, but a scooter that chooses to self-destruct during a ride? Not ideal. Should you or anyone you know own one of these Segways, have it inspected, obtain the necessary repairs, and remain steady.
Avoid Sitting on These Recalls
-
BRP Is Recallling Certain Ski-Doo and Lynx Snowmobiles Due to Risk of Collision Hazards
-
Honda CB650R and CBR650R owners, your motorcycles have been issued a new recall.
Source:
CPSC
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | celebrity gossip, football players, kansas city chiefs, news, sports
-
READ MORE: Heiress Gracie Hunt, daughter of the chiefs, shares mysterious vacay post
Kansas
The City Chiefs’ player BJ Thompson turned 26 recently, having survived a severe accident during the previous summer.
In June 2024, the defensive lineman had to be admitted to hospital following a seizure at a team meeting, which led to him going into cardiac arrest.
In 2023, Thompson, who was selected in the fifth round from Stephen F. Austin, arrived at the meeting room prior to when the Chiefs had planned for their last optional off-season practice session.
He started having a seizure, and Kicker Harrison Butker promptly rushed to the trainer’s room to call for medical help.
The individual, who was 26 years old, was put on a ventilator and deeply sedated but recovered completely.
On Monday, for his birthday, he shared three photos along with this caption: ‘Nearly didn’t make it to 25… Grateful still to be celebrating my 26th.’
Although two images seemed to depict Thompson enjoying a holiday, the third one revealed the severity of his health crisis.
It depicts him resting in a hospital bed on a respirator, apparently right after his ordeal.
Thompson, who began the 2024 season on the non-football illness list, didn’t see any action with the Chiefs even though they reached the Super Bowl last year.
He might get an opportunity for a visit to the White House in the upcoming weeks, though.
President Donald Trump announced on Saturday evening that he would be hosting the Chiefs after welcoming the reigning Super Bowl winners, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Trump said to “Outkick the Show” podcast host Clay Travis that he was anticipating hosting the Chiefs after attending a White House event on April 28 honoring the Eagles, who had previously defeated the Chiefs 40-22 in New Orleans earlier that month.
Trump mentioned that the Chiefs’ upcoming visit would compensate for 2020 when they were unable to come following their Super Bowl victory because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he didn’t specify a date for this new meeting.
After clinching victory at Super Bowl LII in 2018, the Eagles decided against visiting the White House.
After discovering that numerous key participants intended not to attend, Trump, who was in his first term at the time, decided to cancel the event.
Read more
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | aston martin, automotive design, autos, car models, cars
![]()
The same amazing twin-turbo V-12 engine, now offering limitless headspace.
Based on whom you ask, taking off the roof of a performance vehicle can make it either better or worse. If we’re talking about a V-12 powered performance car, this debate becomes even more intriguing.
Aston Martin Vanquish
Honestly, we find it hard to identify any drawbacks. However, regardless of whether you favor an open-top or closed Grand Tourer, you can now opt for one equipped with a V-12 engine in the form of the Aston Martin Vanquish. Introducing the 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante.
Fortunately, the powertrain remains the same as the coupe’s. This includes a 5.2-liter, bi-turbo V12 engine generating 824 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, which drives the wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Notably, this makes it the mightiest front-engine production vehicle available, whether in coupé or convertible form. Additionally, it claims the title for being the quickest, boasting a maximum speed of 214 mph—the exact figure achieved by the solid-top variant of the Vanquish.
Photo by: Aston Martin
Photo by: Aston Martin
Photo by: Aston Martin
It indeed takes slightly more time to reach your destination. The Vanquish Volante officially accelerates from zero to 62 mph (100 kph) in 3.4 seconds. This timing is about two-tenths of a second slower than the coupe version, which can be attributed to the additional 209 pounds of the convertible model. Despite this increase in weight, Aston Martin describes it as minimal. Adding fluids would likely bring the overall curb weight of the open-top Vanquish close to around 4,300 pounds.
The advantage here is a strengthened frame that
Aston Martin
The claims are almost as firm as those of the coupe. While specific details about this setup aren’t provided, the suspension undergoes Volante-exclusive calibration alongside the Bilstein DTX shock absorbers. The vehicle comes equipped with six-piston carbon ceramic disc brakes upfront and four-piston discs at the back for braking power. It shares the same Pirelli P Zero 21-inch tires as seen on the coupe.
Just like expected, the inside remains identical, complete with two 10.25-inch digital screens; one for the driver and another within reach for managing the entertainment functions. The sole distinction lies in the presence of a control to retract the K-fold soft top, a process that completes in about 14 seconds and can even happen when moving at speeds up to 31 miles per hour. Elevating the roof takes slightly more time—around 16 seconds—but doing so means you won’t notice much sound from an available titanium exhaust option. Save yourself the hassle unless the weather turns really bad; otherwise, keep it open.
Photo by: Aston Martin
Aston Martin Volantes have been setting the standard for sophisticated, sporty convertibles for six decades,” stated Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark. “The Vanquish Volante elevates this concept with its breathtaking design and exceptional V-12 engine, which delivers more horsepower than any other front-engine production vehicle currently available.
Aston Martin hasn’t disclosed the pricing for the new Vanquish Volante, but it’s sure to
exceeds the $434,000 price of the coupe
Production starts in the third quarter of 2025; less than 1,000 units will be manufactured annually.
More On The Vanquish:
-
The Conquest and Its V-12 Will Resurrect Aston Martin: Initial Test Drive Review
-
Aston Martin Won’t Construct a Mid-Engine Vanquish
Source: Aston Martin
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | humanitarianism, islam, leadership, news, politics
KUALA LUMPUR – The Muslim community is experiencing growing divisions, which is particularly noticeable in Malaysia.
Amidst escalating political battles and self-serving agendas, Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub, the founder of Warisan Ummah Ikhlas Foundation (WUIF), has urged leaders to set aside their pride and focus on fostering unity instead.
Addressing the 10th anniversary of the World #QuranHour 2025 event today, he encouraged leaders to contemplate the messages from the Quran and collaborate for the collective well-being.
Alhamdulillah, today signifies ten years since the inception of World #QuranHour. Our aim is to elevate this endeavor, extending its influence onto a global stage.
“While engagement has expanded beyond Malaysia’s borders, it continues to predominantly be a national movement. It would be ideal if this idea achieves wider international acknowledgment,” he stated when approached following the event, today.
Even with its achievements, only a few nations like Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, and India have embraced this initiative.
Hussamuddin emphasized that the main objective was to bring together all segments of the Muslim world.
“We observe fellow Muslims involved in disputes, hurling insults at each other and circulating malicious gossip. By reciting and contemplating (tadabbur) Surah As-Saff, we are prompted to remember the critical importance of scholars and the broader Muslim community joining forces in harmony,” he further stated.
He appealed to Malay Islamic leaders in Malaysia to set aside their individual aspirations and political differences, encouraging them to focus instead on the collective well-being of the ummah.
He mentioned it was crucial to discover a method for cooperation, to step back from conflicts of power, and to gather around the same table for substantial conversations.
More than just arranging an yearly gathering, World #QuranHour is a movement crafted to ignite a greater understanding and appreciation of the Quran amongst Muslims globally.
The movement’s ultimate aim is to engage two billion Muslims, thereby laying the groundwork for the resurgence and empowerment of Islamic countries.
The event hosted at the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Mosque located within the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) campus in Gombak today, witnessed the attendance of Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.
At 11:55 am, Her Majesty reached the mosque premises alongside Bandar Tun Razak MP and the Prime Minister’s spouse, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. Other notable figures joining them included the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Religious Affairs, Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, among others of similar stature.
Hussamuddin mentioned that the organization has managed to maintain this effort for ten years despite being a modest NGO, yet he emphasized that for the movement to really thrive, it needed backing from the government.
He mentioned that if the authorities got involved, the initiative could expand even more.
He pointed out that by working together with the IIUM, which boasts more than 100 alumni chapters across the globe, along with utilizing governmental connections via institutions such as Wisma Putra, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, this initiative could genuinely make a worldwide difference.
He mentioned that Malaysia could potentially be acknowledged as the originator of this movement.
He similarly called upon the Prime Minister and pertinent ministries to earnestly back this initiative.
We encourage them to examine the program, grasp its intent, and acknowledge our progress up to this point.
“If the administration supplies the crucial ‘thrust’ for this campaign and IIUM serves as the launching pad, we can elevate this effort to extraordinary heights,” he stated.
After dedicating many years to this initiative, Hussamuddin realized that his tenure as leader could be coming to an end soon. That’s why he wished for genuine governmental backing of the movement.
“The backing we get at present is minimal, even though this is an international effort brimming with vast potential. The moment has come to bring World Quran Hour onto the world platform,” he further stated.
This year, World #QuranHour 2025 was themed around ‘Preserving the Ummah,’ highlighting the significance of solidarity in maintaining the faith of Allah SWT.
The 10th iteration of the World #QuranHour 2025 event gathered numerous attendees via their presence at the primary location, live TV transmissions, and online streaming.
Moreover, this year’s event saw registrations from 1,370 sites within the nation and 25 additional sites located in 19 different foreign countries.
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | business, commerce, money, news, Travel
Malaysian enterprises are seeing a notable increase in QR payments from tourists due to inter-country QR payment systems made possible through
DuitNow QR
. As Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (
PayNet
) and Ant International entered into a partnership with
cross-border payment acceptance agreement
When visitors travel to Malaysia, they can enjoy a smooth payment process since they have the ability to scan DuitNow QR codes with their personal e-wallet applications from abroad.
Alipay+ network
.
In marking the completion of their initial collaborative year, Paynet and Ant International revealed that the international QR partnerships facilitated significant economic prospects for Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). During this time, Alipay+ accounted for over 80% of cross-border incoming QR transactions through DuitNow. The partners also noted that from December 2024 onwards, revenues for local businesses surged sixfold relative to the corresponding timeframe in 2023.
Due to the cross-border arrangements facilitated by Alipay+, tourists from
10 countries and regions
can now use their personal payment applications for payments at over
2.5 million DuitNow QR access points established across Malaysia
By merely scanning the pink DuitNow QR code. It was mentioned that the volume of Alipay+ transactions via DuitNow QR has reportedly increased on average.
rose by 50% sequentially in 2024
, making Alipay+ the largest driver of cross-border inbound QR payments in Malaysia.
Currently, users of Alipay+ partner e-wallets and banking applications can make payments using the DuitNow QR code as follows:
-
Alipay (Chinese Mainland)
-
AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China)
-
MPay (Macao SAR, China)
-
TrueMoney (Thailand)
-
KBank (Thailand)
-
Changi Pay (Singapore)
-
Hipay (Mongolia)
-
HelloMoney (The Philippines)
-
GCash (The Philippines)
-
Tinaba (Italy)
-
Kaspi (Kazakhstan)
-
BigPay (Singapore)
-
BigPay (Thailand)
-
Kakao Pay (South Korea)
-
Naver Pay (South Korea)
-
Toss (South Korea)
Tourism Malaysia reports that more than 25 million tourists visited the nation in 2024, with ambitions to reach 35.6 million as part of the Visit Malaysia initiative set for 2026. The widespread adoption of DuitNow QR among merchants allows travelers to easily make payments through their preferred apps throughout the country. Additionally, the use of Alipay+-enabled applications surged fivefold during the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year. Key locations seeing high utilization rates encompass Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Kota Kinabalu.
Gary Yeoh, the Chief Marketing Officer at PayNet, stated, “Being Malaysia’s national payments network, PayNet is dedicated to developing an open and smooth payment environment that allows businesses to flourish.”
He stated, “The collaboration with Ant International has greatly improved cross-border payment options for our local businesses, enabling them to cater to the increasing number of tourists worldwide. Thanks to Alipay+, DuitNow QR is now giving small and medium-sized enterprises the ability to expand internationally, thereby strengthening Malaysia’s status as a top choice for both tourism and retail.”
In the meantime, Edward Yue, the Regional General Manager of Ant International for Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, stated, “Through Alipay+, we provide local enterprises with access to a worldwide customer base, fostering broader economic inclusion within their communities. PayNet has established both the necessary infrastructure and strategic alliances to facilitate these connections, and we’re thrilled to partner with them to integrate international users into this system. This is only the beginning; over the coming years, our collaboration could lead to significant advancements, cementing Malaysia’s status as a leading global travel destination and boosting prosperity among Malaysian companies.”
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | celebrities, celebrity gossip, entertainment, news, performing arts
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A former
Britain’s Got Talent
actor who instructed theStrictly judge
Anton Du Beke
How to Tap Dance passed away at the age of 34.
Chantel Bellew — who made it to the quarterfinals in Series 13 — died in the hospital due to a suspected overdose shortly after her birthday, following an extended battle with addiction.
depression
.
Her friends portrayed her as the one who brought life and joy to every gathering, mentioning how thrilled she was to advance far in Britain’s Got Talent in 2019.
Chantel was a skilled dancer who performed in many musicals, such as the one in Paris called 42nd Street.
On her website, Chantel portrayed herself as an ‘energetic, professional, and optimistic individual with extensive experience in dance and musical theater.’
She also took part in the UK tour of The Greatest Showman and regularly entertained audiences on cruise ships.
However, her dream moment came when she entered BGT and performed a military-themed dance routine for the hosts.
Ant and Dec
.
By the conclusion of the performance, her outfit was torn away by two male dancers, uncovering a Union Jack bodice that amused the Geordie pair immensely.
Her act wowed the judges, yet unfortunately, she didn’t manage to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Friends mentioned that she enjoyed ‘an incredible experience’ during her appearance on the well-known ITV talent program.
She shared the video on Facebook along with another picture showing her alongside Anton, where she commented: ‘Had a great time teaching Anton some tap dancing today.’
Chantel resided in Widnes, Cheshire, and had been involved in teaching dance and singing there recently. However, due to her declining mental health, she abandoned this career path to work at a local supermarket instead.
Chantel’s buddies have established
a GoFundMe page to assist with covering her funeral expenses
So they can provide her with the ‘showbiz farewell she deserves.’ Any leftover funds will be donated to the mental health charity Mind.
A long-time friend and co-performer, Katy Glover, honored her memory and mentioned, “She was like a tornado, full of energy—always the heartbeat of any gathering and so vibrantly alive.”
She immersed herself in glitz and entertainment, and she was an amazing tap dancer. She participated in several episodes of Britain’s Got Talent, which she adored, and she constantly shared this with everybody.
‘Chantel mentioned that she enjoyed herself immensely and considered it as yet another audition due to her professional attitude, along with her strong determination.’
She also instructed Anton Du Beke in tap dancing since tap was her passion; she was undoubtedly the finest tapper around. She was remarkable, singular in her brilliance, dazzling, and full of love and loyalty.
Katy, whom she encountered during their tenure at Celebrity Cruises, mentioned: “Chantel performed singing and dancing, but tapping was her forte, and she adored all the glitter and glamour.”
The 42nd Street musical was her favorite, and she was thrilled to be involved in it; it stood out as one of the pinnacle moments of her career. Performing was what gave her life.
Katy mentioned, “Her being down resonates with me because she performs nightly aboard cruise ships consistently for half a year, engaging in something she loves.”
‘However, when you return home, it’s challenging to secure your subsequent employment. The career path is extremely demanding with moments of great success followed by periods of deep disappointment. As time passes and you age, you begin contemplating what lies ahead.’
‘You cannot spend your entire life performing, and when it has encompassed your whole life, it becomes an extremely challenging situation to be in.’
Another buddy named Daniel McErlean mentioned: ‘She was an amazing friend, and we all adored her completely.’
She has always dreamed of being a performer, and her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. Throughout the northwestern region, she taught dance and theater.
She performed in a show during Christmas for her family, but when her grandmother passed away a few years back, it deeply affected her, marking the beginning of significant changes.
She was a gentle, affectionate, and fervent soul who spread happiness and mirth wherever she went. Chantel possessed unparalleled talents and lit up every gathering with her presence.
‘Chantel was always impeccably styled, attired in heels and skirts, and had a way of cheering up everyone around her.’
Stephen Mear, who directed 42nd Street, stated: “I am truly stunned. A wonderfully humorous individual with a generous spirit.”
‘Additionally, one of the finest tap dancers I have ever had the joy to collaborate with.’
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by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | donald trump, news, news media, politics, politics and law
Donald Trump
Prime Minister’s Cabinet is under scrutiny today as multiple high-ranking intelligence officers are scheduled to face intense questioning.
Congress
a day following a massive text message leak.
On Monday, the top editor at The Atlantic
mentioned he got included in a non-classified group chat
i
Involving multiple key cabinet members of Trump deliberating over strategies for the Yemen conflict.
Now
Democrats
are utilizing the position of Director of National Intelligence
Tulsi Gabbard
‘ previous remarks against her.
“Leaks driven by political motives erode our nation’s safety and the faith of the American citizens, and such actions will not be condoned,” she stated earlier on X.
‘Any unapproved disclosure of confidential information is against the law and will be dealt with accordingly.’
Read more
