Merry Gel Sigui
A multimedia journalist focused on producing articles about controversial global issues specifically on business, economy, politics, and technology. A strong believer in freedom of the press and exposing the wrong. only through engagement and communications can we as humans evolve.
An accredited member of a leading local broadcast media organization.
US-Iran tensions put world market on edge
US-Iran tensions have sparked market volatility as stocks fall and oil prices surge. Following a US drone strike that killed top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, fears of potential military escalation are driving market uncertainty. Crude oil prices responded quickly, with markets on edge awaiting potential retaliatory actions.
UK gov’t denies claims about overpriced HS2 railways
Lord Berkeley claims HS2 project costs could exceed £108bn, far beyond the official £88bn budget. Government rejects these allegations, backed by support from northern business and political leaders who see the project as crucial infrastructure development.
UK’s Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks hit due to customers’ wage delays
Customers of Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks are experiencing significant disruption as salary payments are delayed. Many account holders, including parents like Libby Horbury, report no funds entering their accounts after Christmas, raising concerns about financial stability and bank responsiveness.
Emirati app ‘Totok’ returns to Google Play Store after spying charges
After being removed from app stores due to spying accusations, the Emirati messaging app Totok has been reinstated on the Google Play Store. The app, which offers free international calls and text messaging, was previously reported by The New York Times to potentially be a surveillance tool for the UAE government.
Amazon employees warned of being fired for speaking out environmental issues
Amazon employees claim they were warned about speaking out on environmental issues. Climate activists within the company request zero emissions by 2030 and demand the company limit fossil fuel collaborations and stop supporting anti-environment politicians.- EXCERPT: Summarizes the main points within 100 words, focusing on the core issue and employee demands
China’s Ant Financial applies for banking license in Singapore, joining Grab...
China's Ant Financial, the world's highest-valued FinTech company, has applied for a digital wholesale banking license in Singapore. This move follows similar bids by Grab and Razer, as Singapore offers five virtual licenses to encourage banking innovation and create new digital lenders in the global financial center.
Volkswagen eyes settlement with customers over ‘dieselgate’ scandal
Volkswagen is in talks with consumer organizations to settle a class action lawsuit involving 446,000 German diesel car owners. The "dieselgate" scandal, which emerged in 2015, revealed emissions cheating devices in vehicles from Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, and Skoda.
Microsoft claims mimic websites from North Korean hack group
Microsoft has successfully taken control of 50 websites operated by the North Korean hacking group Thallium after winning a lawsuit. The group used sophisticated phishing techniques to gather personal information and create deceptive websites designed to steal sensitive data from unsuspecting users.
Smart tech maker Wyze admits leak of customer data
Smart home tech company Wyze Labs admits significant data leak affecting 2.4 million customers. Cybersecurity firm Twelve Security reported that production databases were left exposed online, potentially revealing user names, email addresses, and camera feed access tokens.
25 dead in India’s Citizenship Law protests
Massive protests against India's Citizenship Amendment Act have led to widespread violence in Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. At least 25 people have been killed, and over 260 police personnel injured as demonstrators challenge the law that offers fast-tracked citizenship to non-Muslim immigrants.
