A dispute over the origins of SARS-CoV-2 has escalated with 12 scientists favoring the zoonosis hypothesis accusing Rutgers University faculty members Richard Ebright and Bryce Nickels of online aggression, which they deny. The accusers, including Angela Rasmussen and Stuart Neil, have themselves been accused of harassment. Ebright and Nickels, part of NGO Biosafety Now, have challenged the zoonosis narrative, leading to a complaint to Rutgers and a contentious article by Jocelyn Kaiser in Science. New research by Xin Chen and colleagues suggests an unnatural origin of SARS-CoV-2 is plausible, while Jeffrey Sachs calls for urgent actions including an independent investigation and a halt on gain-of-function research.

The World Health Organisation's VigiBase has recorded 5,311,875 adverse event reports following Covid vaccination, including 26,238 deaths. The database also details reports of sudden and cardiac deaths, as well as disorders related to the cardiac, vascular, and blood and lymphatic systems. Reproductive system and breast disorders, pregnancy-related conditions, and various forms of paralysis and myocarditis are also reported. The data was last updated on March 17, 2024, and WHO updates the VigiBase data weekly.

The World Health Organisation's VigiBase has recorded 5,286,822 reports of adverse events following Covid vaccination, including 26,109 deaths. The database also lists numerous reports of cardiac, vascular, and blood disorders, as well as reproductive system issues. Updated statistics are provided weekly, with the latest update on January 14, 2024. Additional details and data from other adverse event databases are available on the Changing Times website.

At the 2023 Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, AI expert Toby Walsh and journalist Antony Loewenstein discussed the societal, economic, and personal impacts of AI, including ethics and privacy. Walsh criticized tech companies for 'ethics washing' and highlighted the rapid wealth generation by OpenAI. He also addressed the potential for AI in warfare, the existential risks posed by AI compared to the climate emergency, and the misuse of copyrighted material in AI training. Walsh emphasized the unique human characteristics that AI cannot replicate, such as emotions and empathy. The discussion also touched on AI's role in geopolitics, with China's advancements in AI and its implications for global power dynamics.

EudraVigilance has recorded 2,295,435 adverse reaction cases following Covid-19 vaccinations in Europe as of December 10, 2023. The database details individual cases for various vaccines, with the highest numbers reported in Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The European Medicines Agency reported nearly 1.7 million suspected side effects and nearly 12,000 fatal outcomes in the EU and EEA, with 768 million vaccine doses administered by the end of May 2023. EudraVigilance does not provide total death figures post-vaccination; these must be calculated by aggregating individual reaction categories. Additional statistics are available on the Changing Times website and from other adverse event databases, including the World Health Organisation's VigiBase.

The World Health Organisation's VigiBase has recorded 5,243,266 reports of adverse events following Covid vaccination, including 25,889 deaths. The database also lists numerous reports of cardiac, vascular, and blood disorders, as well as reproductive system issues and various forms of paralysis. The WHO updates VigiBase data weekly, while EudraVigilance and VAERS databases have different update schedules.

Peter Daszak, president of EcoHealth Alliance, was interviewed by US Congress members investigating the origins of SARS-CoV-2 and the use of American funds for gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The interview highlighted concerns over NIH funding and oversight, with accusations against NIH leaders of misleading Congress and the public. Amendments to cut NIH funding for gain-of-function research were unanimously voted in favor by the House. Allegations also emerged of CIA analysts being incentivized to change their stance on COVID-19 origins. The article details the controversy surrounding gain-of-function research, Daszak's role, and the political and scientific implications of the investigations.

Peter Daszak, president of EcoHealth Alliance, was interviewed by Republican members of the US Congress investigating the origins of SARS-CoV-2 and the potential misuse of American taxpayer funds for gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The interview lasted nine and a half hours, and Daszak was asked to provide documents and records. The National Institutes of Health has funded EcoHealth Alliance's research, which has come under scrutiny. The House voted unanimously to cut NIH funding for gain-of-function experiments and to prohibit funding for two active grants to EcoHealth Alliance. Allegations have been made against Daszak for withholding information and misleading public opinion. The House adjourned without a final vote on bill H.R. 5894, passing a stopgap spending measure instead.

The illegal wildlife trade, valued at over $20 billion annually, is being combated through the Species Victim Impact Statements (SVIS) initiative, led by law professor Amanda Whitfort and collaborators at the University of Hong Kong. The project aims to educate judges and prosecutors in Hong Kong about the severe impacts of wildlife trafficking, leading to harsher sentences for offenders. Since its inception in 2015, the SVIS has contributed to a 2000% increase in penalties for wildlife crimes, including a landmark case where animal cruelty was factored into the sentencing. The initiative has also gained traction in Nigeria, aiding in the fight against wildlife crime.

The World Health Organisation's VigiBase has recorded over 5.2 million reports of adverse events following Covid vaccination, including 25,796 deaths. The database also lists numerous reports of cardiac disorders, vascular disorders, blood and lymphatic system disorders, reproductive system and breast disorders, and various conditions such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and myocarditis. The CDC has shifted from weekly to monthly updates of VAERS data, aligning with pre-pandemic practices, without a public announcement.

The 2023 Asia for Animals conference in Kuching focused on the issue of animal cruelty content on social media. Speakers from the Social Media Animal Cruelty Coalition (SMACC) discussed the prevalence of such content, its negative impact, and the insufficient actions taken by social media companies to regulate it. They highlighted the challenges of identifying and reporting animal cruelty, the deceptive nature of fake rescue videos, and the need for continuous policy refinement. The panelists also emphasized the importance of not engaging with cruelty content to prevent its spread and monetization. The SMACC is working with platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Meta to improve the use of AI for content moderation and to protect animals online.

The World Health Organisation's VigiBase has recorded 5,192,490 reports of adverse events following Covid vaccination, including 25,770 deaths. The database also lists numerous reports of cardiac, vascular, and blood disorders, as well as reproductive system issues. Updated statistics were provided as of October 8, with WHO updating VigiBase data weekly. Additional details and data from other adverse event databases are available on the Changing Times website.

The World Health Organisation's VigiBase has recorded 5,153,928 reports of adverse events following Covid vaccination, including 25,695 deaths. The database also lists numerous reports of cardiac, vascular, and blood disorders, as well as reproductive system issues and various forms of paralysis. The latest update was on August 27, and the WHO updates this data weekly.

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) in the US lists 1,589,970 adverse event reports after Covid vaccination, including 36,080 deaths, as of August 25, 2023. The data includes reports after administration of bivalent boosters. VAERS has a separate category for these boosters, with 37,487 reports of adverse reactions. The CDC has ceased updating vaccination statistics on its 'COVID-19 Vaccinations in the United States' web page and directs adverse event reports to VAERS. The CDC is also developing a new version of v-safe for post-vaccination experiences with new vaccines.

The World Health Organisation's VigiBase has recorded 5,145,819 reports of adverse events following Covid vaccination, including 25,646 deaths. The database also lists numerous reports of cardiac, vascular, and blood disorders, as well as reproductive system issues and various forms of paralysis. The data is updated weekly, with additional details available on the Changing Times website.

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) in the US now includes over 1.54 million reports of adverse events following Covid vaccination, with 35,646 deaths reported. The data, updated to July 21, 2023, also covers reactions to bivalent boosters. VAERS has introduced a new category for these boosters, with 36,230 adverse reaction reports. The CDC has ceased updating its 'COVID-19 Vaccinations in the United States' web page as of May 11, 2023, and will provide updated vaccination data on a new page starting June 15, 2023. VAERS data also shows a total of 67,121 reported adverse reactions resulting in permanent disability and details various other adverse events, including myocarditis, pericarditis, and anaphylactic reactions.

The World Health Organisation's VigiBase lists 5,115,884 reports of adverse events following Covid vaccination, including 25,495 deaths. EudraVigilance reports 2,251,877 adverse reaction cases in Europe, with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine having the most individual cases. The European Medicines Agency notes nearly 1.7 million suspected side effects and nearly 12,000 fatal outcomes reported, with 768 million doses administered in the EU and EEA by the end of May 2023.

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) in the US lists 1,572,923 adverse event reports after Covid vaccination, including 35,596 deaths, as of July 7, 2023. The data includes reports after administration of bivalent boosters, with a separate category 'COVID19-2' for these. The CDC's final update of vaccination statistics was on May 11, with future updates to be displayed on a new page. VAERS has made changes to comply with European regulations, removing certain data fields from foreign reports. The VAERS data includes detailed statistics on various adverse events, including permanent disability, seizures, and myocarditis, among others. As of May 10, 2023, 56.4 million people in the US had received a bivalent booster dose, and 676,728,782 Covid vaccine doses had been administered in total.

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) in the US lists 1,571,361 adverse event reports after Covid vaccination as of June 30, 2023, including 35,549 deaths. The data includes reports after administration of bivalent boosters, with a separate category 'COVID19-2' for these boosters. The CDC's final update of vaccination statistics was on May 11, with a new page expected on June 15, 2023. VAERS data also includes reports of adverse reactions resulting in permanent disability, seizures, thrombosis, myocarditis, pericarditis, and anaphylactic reactions. The CDC has administered 676,728,782 Covid vaccine doses in the US as of May 10, 2023. Additional details and data from other adverse event databases are available on the Changing Times website.

The EudraVigilance database has been updated to include 2,247,650 adverse reaction cases reported after Covid vaccinations in Europe as of June 26, 2023. The update includes data for the Janssen Biotech vaccine, which had been missing due to technical issues. The database lists individual cases for various vaccines, with the majority of reports coming from Germany, France, and the Netherlands. EudraVigilance does not provide a total number of deaths, which can only be calculated by selecting specific reaction group categories. Additional details and data from other adverse event databases are available on the Changing Times website.

The World Health Organisation's VigiBase and the European database EudraVigilance have reported over 5 million and 2.2 million adverse events after Covid vaccination, respectively. The reports include various categories of adverse events, such as cardiac disorders, vascular disorders, and reproductive system disorders. The data includes detailed statistics on adverse reactions for different Covid vaccines and booster shots, with most cases reported from Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The WHO updates its data weekly, while EudraVigilance updates are typically on Mondays.

The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has authorised the SKYCovion Covid-19 vaccine, developed by SK bioscience with GlaxoSmithKline and the University of Washington School of Medicine. The vaccine is authorised for primary vaccination in adults despite the lack of efficacy evaluation in clinical trials. It is based on immunogenicity data and has shown a strong immune response with common mild side effects. The vaccine has been funded in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and is the 8th Covid-19 vaccine authorised by the MHRA.

Relatives of the passengers and crew from the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 gathered in Kuala Lumpur to mark the fifth anniversary of the plane's disappearance and to urge the continuation of the search. The family support group Voice370 organized the event, emphasizing the importance of finding the plane for future aviation safety. Ocean Infinity, an American private seabed exploration company, expressed their intention to resume the search on a 'no cure, no fee' basis, highlighting improvements in their technology. Malaysia's transport minister, Anthony Loke, stated the government's openness to new proposals but emphasized the need for credible leads. Debris from the plane was displayed at the event, and various tributes and presentations were made, including a technical video presentation and a dance performance. The next of kin also planted a sapling and lit candles in memory of those lost.

The article discusses the ongoing debate over the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, focusing on the zoonosis theory and the possibility of a synthetic or research-related origin. It highlights a report challenging the zoonosis theory, which suggests that SARS-CoV-2 did not emerge from the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan. The article also covers the controversy surrounding new funding for EcoHealth Alliance, which has been criticized for its lack of transparency and potential conflicts of interest. Furthermore, it mentions two new preprints that suggest a synthetic origin of SARS-CoV-2 and a US Senate committee report that considers a research-related incident as a likely cause of the pandemic. The article also touches on the scientific community's response to these theories and the importance of an unbiased and transparent investigation into the virus's origins.

The article discusses a report by Global Witness titled 'Decade of Defiance', which reveals that over 1,700 land and environmental defenders have been killed in the past decade, with 200 killed in 2021 alone. The report highlights that these killings are part of a broader pattern of violence, intimidation, and criminalization targeting defenders, particularly in Latin America and the Philippines. Indigenous communities face a disproportionate level of attacks. The article provides specific examples from Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, India, and Honduras, detailing the struggles and dangers faced by environmental defenders. It also mentions legal victories and the need for governments and businesses to be held accountable for violence against defenders and to create a safe environment for civic engagement.

The article covers the 15th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) 2022, which was a hybrid event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights various speakers and their topics, including the opioid crisis with Patrick Radden Keefe discussing his book 'Empire of Pain', Elif Shafak on her novel 'The Island of Missing Trees', Meghna Pant on her experience with domestic abuse and her novel 'Boys Don't Cry', Louis-Philippe Dalembert on his book 'The Mediterranean Wall', Arundhathi Subramaniam on 'Women Who Wear Only Themselves', DBC Pierre on his writing process and views on big-tech companies, and a panel on climate solutions featuring Simon Mundy, Durga Shakti Nagpal, and Mridula Ramesh. The festival showcased a range of topics from literature and music to politics, human rights, and environmental issues.

Eight years after the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, Ocean Infinity, an American seabed exploration company, has committed to a new search for the missing plane. The company's CEO, Oliver Plunkett, announced plans to use new robotic ships for the search, which may begin in early 2023. Previous searches have not located the plane or its recorders, despite extensive efforts. Independent investigator Richard Godfrey has proposed a new search area based on Weak Signal Propagation Reporter (WSPR) data analysis. Malaysian Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong has stated that new credible evidence is needed before launching another search. The article also discusses various theories about the plane's disappearance and the ongoing impact on the families of those on board. French journalist Florence de Changy challenges the official narrative, suggesting a covert interception attempt gone wrong. The next of kin continue to call for the search to resume, emphasizing the importance for aviation safety.

The DRASTIC investigative team released documents concerning gain-of-function coronavirus research, highlighting the involvement of EcoHealth Alliance and its potential non-compliance with NIH grant terms. The documents suggest that EcoHealth Alliance, with subcontracts to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, conducted research that could be classified as gain-of-function, despite denials. The NIH and other signatories are criticized for inadequate oversight and transparency. The controversy extends to the origins of SARS-CoV-2, with calls for a thorough investigation into all possible sources, including a lab leak hypothesis. The article also discusses the re-evaluation of competing interests by authors of a key statement in The Lancet and the broader scientific and political implications of the research.

The article discusses the increasing calls for a comprehensive and independent investigation into the origins of SARS-CoV-2. Scientists, members of the US Congress, various national governments, and the European Union are urging for a new investigation, with the WHO Director-General expressing readiness to deploy experts for additional missions. An international group, known as the 'Paris Group', has published open letters calling for a fresh investigation. A significant development includes a letter published in Science magazine by 18 scientists from the US, Canada, the UK, and Switzerland, advocating for more investigation to determine the origin of the Covid-19 pandemic. US President Joe Biden has called for a full investigation by US Intelligence. The WHO-China team's assessment that a laboratory leak is the least likely hypothesis has been met with skepticism, and the WHO Director-General has emphasized the need for further investigation. China has rejected the WHO's plan for a second phase of studies into the origins of SARS-CoV-2, calling it disrespectful to science. The article also covers the establishment of a permanent international Scientific Advisory Group for Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) by the WHO.

A Malaysian court has set aside the coroner's ruling of misadventure in the death of Nóra Quoirin, a Franco-Irish teenager, and replaced it with an open verdict. Nóra disappeared from the Dusun resort in August 2019, and her body was found 10 days later. Her parents believe she was abducted, citing her learning difficulties and physical disabilities as reasons she would not have wandered off. The High Court judge stated that given Nóra's challenges, it was improbable she navigated the difficult terrain and remained undetected. The coroner had previously ruled out third-party involvement, but the parents dispute this, suggesting their daughter's body was placed where it was found. The police found no evidence of foul play and attributed her death to complications from an ulcer, exacerbated by prolonged hunger and stress.

The article discusses the ongoing mystery of the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which vanished seven years ago with 239 people on board. The next of kin, who gathered via Zoom due to the Covid-19 pandemic, expressed their frustration at the lack of answers and the halted search efforts. They continue to seek the revival of the search and demand the release of military radar records and other information that could shed light on the plane's disappearance. The Malaysian government has expressed openness to new search proposals on a 'no cure no fee' basis. Various individuals and groups, including family members of the passengers, independent investigators, and an American amateur investigator, have provided insights, theories, and recommendations for new search areas based on debris analysis and drift studies. The article also references a new book by investigative journalist Florence de Changy, which challenges the official narrative and suggests alternative theories about the plane's fate.

The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) has successfully released ten rehabilitated orangutans into the wild in Indonesia, marking the first such event since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The BOSF, in collaboration with the Central Kalimantan BKSDA, released seven orangutans into the Bukit Batikap Protection Forest and, in partnership with the East Kalimantan BKSDA, released three orangutans into the Kehje Sewen Forest. The releases were conducted under strict new protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The orangutans, which included individuals named Deijo, Disha, and Nenuah, were transported by car and helicopter to minimize contact with human settlements. The BOSF has released a total of 478 orangutans since 2012, with the latest releases bringing the population in Bukit Batikap to 190 and in Kehje Sewen to 121.

Children's Health Defense (CHD), an organization critical of public health institutions and vaccine safety, was deplatformed from Facebook and Instagram, which are owned by Meta. CHD claims this is part of orchestrated censorship, especially during heightened criticism of public health institutions. The deplatforming coincides with CHD's ongoing lawsuit against Meta, alleging censorship. CDC documents provided to Facebook, titled 'CovidVaccine Misinformation: Hot Topics', asked tech companies to monitor misinformation topics. Kennedy, a prominent figure in CHD, argues that his posts, which were removed from Instagram, were factual and sourced from credible information. The article also discusses the 'Disinformation Dozen', a term coined by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) for individuals allegedly responsible for the majority of anti-vaccine content on Facebook. The article covers the spread of Covid-19 variants, vaccine efficacy against these variants, and the response of vaccine manufacturers to adapt to new strains.

The Tapanuli orangutan, the world's rarest great ape species found in Sumatra, Indonesia, is facing a greater risk of extinction than previously believed. Researchers, including lead author Erik Meijaard, have found that the species now occupies only 2.5% of its historical range from 130 years ago. Habitat fragmentation and unsustainable hunting have driven this decline. The current population is under 800, and the species is classified as critically endangered by the IUCN. The new study, published in Plos One, highlights the need for urgent conservation efforts, including law enforcement to prevent habitat destruction and hunting. The researchers also emphasize the importance of historical data in informing conservation strategies. The Batang Toru forest, the orangutan's habitat, is threatened by a hydropower plant project, which is currently delayed. The Tapanuli orangutan is one of three distinct orangutan species and was only identified as a separate species in 2017.

Indian researchers Monali C. Rahalkar and Rahul A. Bahulikar published a preliminary abstract and a full peer-reviewed article in Frontiers in Public Health discussing the origins of SARS-CoV-2. They highlighted the similarities between Covid-19 and a severe pneumonia-like illness that affected miners in Mojiang, Yunnan, in 2012, suggesting the mineshaft where RaTG13 (the closest relative to SARS-CoV-2) was found could provide clues to the virus's origins. They detailed the miners' illness, treatments, and the remote monitoring by a prominent pulmonologist in China. The researchers questioned why the severe pneumonia cases were not reported earlier and why the WIV had not disclosed more information about their samples from the miners. They also critiqued an addendum by WIV researchers in Nature, which admitted the miners had severe respiratory disease and that RaTG13 was collected from the same mineshaft. Rahalkar issued a critique of the addendum, questioning the delay in providing this information and the lack of transparency from WIV.

Alba, the only known albino orangutan in the world, is reportedly thriving in the wild after being released over a year ago in Indonesia's Central Kalimantan. She was spotted by a monitoring team from the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) in the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park. Alba had been rehabilitated at the BOS Foundation's Nyaru Menteng centre and released in December 2018. She was initially rescued in 2017, suffering from stress and health issues, but recovered well in the rehabilitation centre. The BOSF, in collaboration with various Indonesian conservation agencies, has been actively releasing rehabilitated orangutans into the wild, with 171 released in the area since 2016. The Bornean orangutan species is classified as critically endangered due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and other factors. The article also mentions the efforts of the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry and its provincial agency in orangutan conservation.

The article discusses the international day of action organized by the Ape Alliance to save the Tapanuli orangutan from extinction due to a proposed hydroelectric dam in their habitat. The Batang Toru dam in Sumatra, Indonesia, threatens to fragment the habitat of the critically endangered Tapanuli orangutan, of which fewer than 800 remain. Protests are targeting Jardine Matheson, owner of the Mandarin Oriental hotel chain, for their involvement in the habitat destruction through their mining company United Tractors. The Bank of China, initially funding the dam, is reconsidering its decision after global protests and petitions. The article also highlights alternative renewable energy sources, such as geothermal plants, and the legal challenges by environmental groups against the dam. The dam's construction would not only affect the orangutans but also local communities and other endangered species. The article includes details about the Tapanuli orangutan's recent identification as a distinct species and the conservation efforts to protect it.

An orangutan named Hope, who was found with 74 air rifle wounds and other injuries in an Indonesian oil palm plantation, underwent surgery to repair her collarbone. The surgery was performed by the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme's team and a Swiss specialist, Andreas Messikommer. Despite the successful surgery, Hope, who is now blind, will not be able to return to the wild and will be cared for at the SOCP's Orangutan Haven. The article also discusses the broader issue of orangutan poaching and the legal consequences in Indonesia. It highlights the ongoing conservation efforts and the challenges faced by conservationists, including the need for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws.

The Jaipur Literature Festival, held at Diggi Palace, brought together over 500 speakers from 35 countries, discussing a wide range of topics including science, literature, climate change, and social issues. Keynote speaker Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, a Nobel laureate, emphasized the importance of science in society. Nigerian author Ben Okri and Canadian author Yann Martel shared their insights on literature and creativity. Actress Manisha Koirala spoke about her battle with cancer, while poet and director Gulzar and his daughter Meghna discussed filmmaking. The festival also addressed serious issues like acid attacks, with survivor Reshma Qureshi sharing her story, and violence against women, with Germaine Greer providing her perspective. The event highlighted the power of literature and storytelling, with authors like Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni presenting new works that reinterpret historical epics. The festival also touched on political topics, with Shashi Tharoor discussing freedom of speech under the Modi government and the Sabarimala temple controversy. Environmental concerns were raised by Darryl Jones and Maja Lunde, while young voices like Anoushka Sabnis, Mehul Jangir, and Ritwij Shandilya showcased the next generation of writers.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding the HPV vaccines, particularly Gardasil and Gardasil 9, produced by Merck, and Cervarix by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). It highlights the lack of evidence that HPV vaccination is reducing cervical cancer rates and reports of over 85,000 adverse effects worldwide, including nearly 500 deaths. The article questions the safety and efficacy of the vaccines, citing increases in cervical cancer rates in countries with high HPV vaccination coverage and the use of potentially misleading placebos in clinical trials. It also covers the suspension of proactive HPV vaccine recommendation in Japan and the global campaign by victims' support groups calling for investigation and support for those affected by vaccine injuries. The article suggests that health authorities and the media may be underestimating the risks associated with HPV vaccines and overestimating their benefits.

Malaysia's former prime minister Najib Razak pleaded not guilty to three new charges of money laundering at a High Court hearing in Kuala Lumpur. These charges are in addition to earlier charges of criminal breach of trust and abuse of power related to SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of the sovereign wealth fund 1MDB. The charges allege that Najib received 42 million Malaysian ringgit from SRC International into his personal bank account. The case is being presided over by Judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali after the previous judge was transferred. Najib's defence team, led by Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, expressed concerns about the transfer of judges and the potential impact on Najib's right to a fair trial. The prosecution is led by Attorney-General Tommy Thomas. The case has garnered international attention, with investigations into 1MDB-related corruption ongoing in several countries.

The article discusses the release of a new report on the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which vanished in 2014 with 239 people on board. The report, presented by lead investigator Kok Soo Chon, fails to determine the cause of the disappearance. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia's chairman, Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, resigned following the report's findings on procedural failures by air traffic control. Families of the victims expressed frustration over unanswered questions and the limited scope of the investigation. The report does not blame the pilots and suggests the aircraft's diversion was due to manual manipulation of the systems. The report also highlights issues with Emergency Locator Transmitters and procedural failures by air traffic control. Debris from the aircraft has been found, but the main wreckage remains undiscovered. The article includes updates on briefings for next of kin and statements from the family support group Voice 370, which urges the Malaysian government to continue the search for MH370.

The article discusses the reinstatement of Nestlé to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) following its suspension for not adhering to RSPO's statutes and code of conduct. Nestlé failed to submit a required report and a time-bound plan for sustainable palm oil use, and its membership payment was overdue. After submitting an action plan to achieve 100% RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil by 2023, Nestlé's membership and certification were reinstated. The article also touches on criticism from NGOs like the Rainforest Action Network and Greenpeace Southeast Asia, who argue that the RSPO and its members, including Nestlé, need to do more to ensure truly sustainable and ethical palm oil production, addressing issues like deforestation, peatland protection, and labor rights.

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Canada has ruled that a financial disclosure case involving alleged money laundering by relatives of Abdul Taib Mahmud, former chief minister and current governor of Sarawak, will be public. The case is brought by the Bruno Manser Fund (BMF) against Sakto Corporation, a multinational real estate firm founded by Taib's family, and targets three Canadian banks and Deloitte for financial information disclosure. The BMF alleges that Taib's family has invested millions of dollars of illegally acquired money in Canada. Despite previous alerts to Canadian authorities and financial bodies, no action has been taken against Sakto or the Taib family. The BMF has compiled extensive evidence, including a report titled 'Safe Haven Canada', which details the Taib family's investments and the alleged criminal methods used to amass wealth. Sakto Corporation denies the allegations, claiming they are a reputable Canadian company. The case will set a precedent for financial disclosure in private prosecutions in Canada.

The article discusses the impact of the coal mining industry in Australia's Hunter Valley, particularly on local villages, Aboriginal heritage, and the environment. Three activists, Bev Smiles, Bruce Hughes, and Stephanie Luke, face potential seven-year jail sentences under New South Wales' new anti-protest legislation for campaigning against mine expansion. The local ecosystem has been damaged by mines like Wilpinjong, owned by Peabody Energy, leading to health issues and community displacement. The article covers the legal challenges against the mining operations, the government's role in facilitating the industry, and the shift towards renewable energy. It also highlights the case of Wendy Bowman, a Goldman Environmental Prize winner, for her stand against coal mining in the region.

The article discusses International Orangutan Day, highlighting the critical endangerment of Bornean and Sumatran orangutans due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and fires, primarily caused by logging and oil palm plantations. It details the efforts of various conservation groups and researchers to protect orangutans and their habitats, including the Orangutan Land Trust, the International Institute for Environmental Development, and the Orangutan Information Centre. The article also covers the challenges of law enforcement in protecting these primates and the importance of sustainable palm oil production. It mentions the establishment of the world's first palm oil free certification trademark and the ongoing struggle to save the Leuser Ecosystem, a key orangutan habitat. The article concludes with recent rescues of baby orangutans and the arrest of a man involved in illegal wildlife trafficking.

The Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP), led by Steven Wise, is awaiting a ruling from the New York County Supreme Court on the habeas corpus appeal for two captive chimpanzees, Tommy and Kiko. The NhRP argues that chimpanzees, being autonomous and cognitively complex, deserve legal personhood and the right to bodily liberty. The appeal includes affidavits from experts like Jane Goodall, asserting that chimps have duties and responsibilities within their communities. Previous rulings have denied personhood to chimpanzees, citing their inability to bear legal duties and responsibilities. The NhRP seeks to transfer Tommy and Kiko to a sanctuary in Florida, challenging the notion that habeas corpus can only lead to absolute freedom. The case draws parallels to historical legal battles for the rights of slaves, women, and children, and references international precedents like the legal personhood of the Whanganui River in New Zealand. The outcome of the appeal could have significant implications for the legal status of nonhuman animals.

The article discusses the various threats to koalas in Australia, including habitat clearance, disease, dog attacks, car hits, and climate change. It highlights the discussions from a national conference organized by the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, which focused on the survival challenges faced by koalas. Success stories such as the increase in koala populations in the Southern Highlands and positive collaborations in Ipswich are mentioned, but the overall trend is a decline due to habitat loss and other factors. The conference emphasized the need for habitat protection as a priority for koala survival. The article also covers the efforts of various organizations and researchers in addressing koala conservation issues, such as disease management, population monitoring, and the impact of climate change on koala habitats. It calls for action from the government and the public to protect koalas and their environment.

The article commemorates World Parkinson’s Day and the 200th anniversary of James Parkinson’s seminal work. It highlights the #UniteForParkinsons campaign by the European Parkinson’s Disease Association and Parkinson’s UK. The story of Meng Chuo Wong, a Parkinson’s patient and activist from Malaysia, is detailed, including his founding of the Sibu Parkinson Society. The article explains Parkinson’s disease, its symptoms, diagnosis challenges, and treatments like levodopa and dopamine agonists. It also covers the importance of social interaction, exercise, and innovative solutions like the “Path Finder” for managing Parkinson’s. The piece discusses the role of the Michael J. Fox Foundation in research and advocacy, and the personal experiences of other individuals with Parkinson’s, including Tom Isaacs and Brian Grant. It touches on the therapeutic effects of activities like dancing, boxing, and cycling, and the potential of cannabis therapy. The article ends with a note on the passing of Fam Qian Bao, a Parkinson’s patient mentioned in the story.

A consortium of NGOs, including HAkA, SOS, OIC, and YEL, has submitted a report to UNESCO urging immediate action to protect the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (TRHS), a World Heritage Site in danger due to ecosystem destruction. The Leuser Ecosystem within TRHS, rich in biodiversity and the last habitat for several endangered species, faces threats from industrial projects like hydropower dams and a geothermal power plant proposed by PT Hitay Panas Energi. Despite the Indonesian government's commitment to conservation, NGOs highlight contradictions and omissions in its reports and the lack of law enforcement against illegal activities. The NGOs criticize the spatial plan for Aceh, which could remove protections and lead to further ecological damage. They call for maintaining the TRHS on the World Heritage in Danger List and for the government to reject destructive projects and uphold moratoriums on oil palm cultivation and mining.

A new research paper emphasizes the importance of trees in cooling the environment and influencing rainfall, suggesting a shift from the carbon-centric model of climate change mitigation to one that prioritizes the hydrologic and climate-cooling effects of trees and forests. The paper, with 22 co-authors from various countries, was published in the journal Global Environmental Change. It argues that forests and trees are crucial for food security and climate change adaptation due to their role in water cycles and temperature regulation. The findings were discussed at a virtual symposium organized by CIFOR and ICRAF on the International Day of Forests and World Water Day. The research indicates that the functions of forests in water, energy, and carbon cycles are undervalued in decision-making, which could hinder efforts to protect the climate and sustain life. The paper calls for integrated strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation, emphasizing the need for healthy forests to maintain water access and moderate temperatures to prevent mass migrations and social conflict.

Relatives of the passengers and crew from the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which disappeared in 2014, gathered in Kuala Lumpur to remember their loved ones and to launch an initiative to fund a new search for the plane. They believe finding MH370 is crucial for aviation safety. The previous search led by Australia was suspended after covering 120,000 square kilometers without finding the black box. Oceanographer Charitha Pattiaratchi suggested searching north of the previously prioritized zone, based on drift modeling. Malaysia's transport minister, Liow Tiong Lai, announced that a final report on the investigation would be released and that the government remains committed to finding the plane. An American amateur investigator, Blaine Alan Gibson, who has found plane debris, called for a new search based on new evidence. A lawsuit has been filed in the United States against Boeing, alleging electrical and other failures led to the plane's disappearance.

The article discusses the conflict between the Wangan and Jagalingou Traditional Owners Council and the Indian mining conglomerate Adani over the proposed Carmichael coal mine in Australia's Galilee Basin. The mine would be on traditional lands, and the owners claim it would destroy their heritage. The Australian government, particularly Attorney-General George Brandis, is accused of amending the Native Title Act to favor mining interests following a Federal Court decision. The amendments are seen as a way to circumvent the traditional owners' objections and facilitate the mine's approval. Environmental concerns are also raised, including the mine's potential impact on the Great Barrier Reef and carbon emissions. The article includes allegations of Adani's past environmental and legal violations in India and concerns about the financial viability and economic benefits of the mine.

The Jaipur Literature Festival, the world's largest free literary festival, featured a diverse range of topics and speakers, including writers, politicians, and activists. Key highlights included a performance by poet Kate Tempest, a debate on post-truth, and an appearance by exiled author Taslima Nasreen. Nasreen spoke about her life in exile and the need for secular education and women's rights. Controversy arose over the inclusion of RSS members and a session sponsored by Nestlé. Discussions also covered the plight of women, with speakers like Ruchira Gupta and Nandana Sen addressing issues such as child trafficking and nutrition. The festival also delved into topics like climate change, authoritarian leaders, and the power of poetry and performance. Additionally, the festival featured debates on Brexit and the impact of British colonization in India. Spiritual discussions and sessions on healing traditions were also part of the event.

The article discusses the severe impacts of coal seam gas (CSG) exploitation on the health, environment, and livelihoods of residents in the Darling Downs region of Australia. It highlights the struggles of several families, including the Benders, Jenkyns, Nothdurfts, and others, who have faced harassment from CSG companies, health issues, and even suicide due to the stress caused by the industry. The article also covers the legal and regulatory framework, the lack of government action, and the community's fight against the CSG industry. It mentions the role of organizations like Property Rights Australia and the Western Downs Alliance in supporting affected landowners. The article also touches on the broader implications of CSG exploitation, including its impact on indigenous heritage sites and the environment.