Law firms are under increasing pressure to leverage AI tools, but the legal sector needs better transparency between firms and their clients to move beyond the hype.
‘Redevelopment defence’ to telco Code rights fails
A telecoms company has failed to prevent a rival from obtaining enhanced rights to operate telecoms infrastructure on land it owns in England in a case that explored when a claimed intention to redevelop on that land can prevent such rights from being imposed.
Philippines’ Marcos ‘the main casualty’ of political issues as ratings fall
President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s sharp decline in public trust and approval, set against Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s steadier numbers, underscores the shifting balance of power between two of the most influential political dynasties in the Philippines.
While both leaders remain broadly popular, analysts say the latest figures suggest Duterte-Carpio’s camp may be regaining momentum as Marcos grapples with scandals, governance missteps and waning confidence in his leadership – deepening a…
Iris Hsieh’s death in Malaysia: publicist mourns ‘gentle yet strong’ friend
The publicist of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh, who was found dead in a Kuala Lumpur hotel room shared with Malaysian rapper Namewee, has paid tribute to his friend, hitting back at a cascade of “outrageous” rumours about the former nurse that have filled the information gap left by Kuala Lumpur police.
Hsieh, 31, who shot to fame over TikTok and OnlyFans, was found dead in a bathroom of the Banyan Tree Hotel on October 22. She had arrived two days earlier in Malaysia to reportedly work on a…
Deadly Typhoon Kalmaegi in Philippines raises more disaster readiness questions
The latest deadly typhoon to tear through the Philippines has killed more than 100 people, raising fears among experts that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, and harder to prepare for.
Typhoon Kalmaegi – the most recent in a string of late-season cyclones to batter the country in recent years – left a trail of devastation across the central Visayas region this week.
The storm follows a worrying pattern of high-impact tropical cyclones that have struck the Philippines…
UK restructuring: is the CVA staging a comeback?
The use of company voluntary arrangements (CVAs) by companies in financial distress has fallen out of favour since the introduction of restructuring plans in 2020. However, for some companies and practitioners, they offer a straightforward and well-tested route to restructuring.
Mali licence change sparks more uncertainty for African mining industry
A decision by the Mali government to revoke more than 90 mining licences will create further uncertainty for international firms looking to invest in the region, experts have warned.
Malaysia to appeal against damages ruling for families of abducted activists
The Malaysian government will appeal against landmark high court rulings ordering authorities to pay millions of ringgit in damages to the families of missing activists Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat.
In two statements on Thursday, the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) said it would challenge rulings that found the government and police liable for the enforced disappearances of Koh and Amri, two notorious cases which campaigners claim reflect Malaysia’s embedded culture of impunity.
Koh, a…
‘Badhai!’ In India, a celebration for Mamdani’s New York mayoral win
Indians lit up social media on Wednesday to celebrate Zohran Mamdani’s election win as New York mayor after he thanked his Indian-born parents, quoted a historic speech by India’s first prime minister and turned the victory rally into a Bollywood-style street party.
“We are proud of him. He has done a great job,” Mamdani’s maternal uncle Vikram Nair said. He said he was flooded with requests from friends and family to throw celebratory parties.
“We will plan it soon,” he said, adding that the…
UK seizes US$15 million in dinosaur bones from Chinese money-laundering suspect
British police have seized more than £12 million (US$15.6 million) of dinosaur skeletons after agreeing to a settlement with a Chinese national suspected of being part of a huge money-laundering scandal.
Su Binghai agreed to forfeit three complete fossilised skeletons, along with nine London apartments, bought for around £15 million, but he will be able to keep 25 per cent of all the sale proceeds, a lawyer for the National Crime Agency said at a court hearing on Tuesday.
Su was previously…