Hong Kong Today
Description:
RTHK's morning news programme. Weekdays 6:30 - 8:00
Presenter:
Ben Tse and Janice Lo2025-01-16
Thursday
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Israel and Hamas reach deal to end war in Gaza Listen
Negotiators have reached an agreement to end the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. The complex deal will be implemented in phases, including an initial six-week ceasefire. While a Hamas official has said the group has approved the draft from mediators, the Israeli prime minister's office has said there are several unresolved clauses – but that it hopes details can be finalised soon. Should the Israeli cabinet approve the deal, it would come into effect on Sunday. Jamie Clarke has more.
'Both Biden and Trump can share credit for ceasefire' Listen
The announcement of the ceasefire deal comes just days before US President Joe Biden is due to step down after four years in the White House. Ben Tse spoke to RTHK's Washington correspondent, Simon Marks, who believes the timing was purely coincidental. He also expects Mr Biden's successor, Donald Trump, to claim credit for the deal.
Woman arrested for luring people to Southeast Asian scam farms Listen
Police in Hong Kong say a woman has been arrested and charged after two people from the SAR were lured to Southeast Asia. There, they were forced to take part in scams, and were only freed after their family members agreed to pay a ransom. Jacqueline Guico reports.
People can realise the gravity of matter through govt action: lawmaker Listen
Lawmaker Johnny Ng believes the importance attached to the scam farms by both the Hong Kong and Thai governments will help everyone realise the seriousness of the matter, and prevent more people from falling for fake job ads used by syndicates to lure them into the trap. He spoke to Janice Lo.
HK visitor arrivals up 31pc in 2024 Listen
Hong Kong received 45 million inbound visitors last year, a 31 percent jump from 2023. Authorities attributed the rise to Beijing's relaxation of visa rules for Shenzhen residents who wish to visit the SAR. Damon Pang reports.
Boost Halal options to attract Muslim tourists: official Listen
Hong Kong may need to import Halal food in its bid to attract Muslim tourists. Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk said this could make the SAR even more Muslim-friendly, as Vanessa Cheng reports.
Scheme for low-income divorce applicants processes 40 cases Listen
A pilot scheme which helps separating or divorcing couples from low-income families handle spouse maintenance has processed nearly 40 cases in the first two months since its introduction. As Frank Yung reports, it took less than a month on average to close a file.
EV charging firms need to step up their game: watchdog Listen
As electric vehicles, or EVs, become more popular in Hong Kong, the number of complaints regarding charging services also rise. The Consumer Council has urged service providers to be more transparent about their fees. The call comes after the watchdog received 179 complaints last year on issues such as an unstable supply of power, insufficient charging spots and fee disputes. Jack Poon, the convenor of the council's advisory group on digital economy and information technology, spoke to Kelly Yu about the issue.
Tumblers hold less than they actually claim Listen
Some brands of tumblers and travel mugs have a lower capacity than claimed, according to the Consumer Council. As Sophie Hui reports, the watchdog also found that plastic mugs are not as effective in keeping drinks hot or cold.
SK President Yoon says he wants to avoid bloodshed in surrender Listen
South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol has been detained in a massive law enforcement operation at his presidential compound. Mr Yoon insisted the anti-graft agency didn't have the authority to investigate his actions, but said he complied to avoid bloodshed. Todd Harding reports.
Xiaohongshu downloads spike in US, but expert foresees uphill battle Listen
An economist says Xiaohongshu has the chance to rebrand itself and expand overseas, as Americans turn to the Chinese app. But Nick Marro, Principal Economist at The Economist Intelligence Unit, said it will be an uphill battle as the American social media landscape is already competitive. He also noted increasing uncertainties if TikTok sells its US business to X owner, Elon Musk, despite a denial by TikTok. Mr Marro spoke to Chloe Feng.
China and Sri Lanka reach historical juncture: Xi Listen
President Xi Jinping says relations between China and Sri Lanka face a "historical opportunity" to foster ties. As Aaron Tam reports, he made the remarks in talks with the island nation's president in Beijing yesterday.
Rock samples could unlock mysteries of the moon Listen
Rock samples collected from the moon's far side by the nation's Chang'e-6 lunar probe which were brought back to Earth in the middle of last year have provided groundbreaking insights into the evolution of the moon's magnetic field...as Aaron Tam reports.
Arsenal back in title race with win over Spurs Listen
Arsenal reignited their Premier League title challenge after fighting back to beat Tottenham 2-1 in the north London derby. Meanwhile, Aston Villa spoiled David Moyes' return as Everton manager with a 1-0 victory at Goodison Park. For more, here's Azam Khan.
HK draw against Guangdong in first leg of regional cup Listen
The SAR’s footballers had to settle for a 1-all draw against Guangdong in the first leg of the Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup yesterday evening. Elvis Yu has more.
Meta is revoking its fact-checking programme. How will it affect users? Listen
A surprise decision by social media giant Meta last week to scrap its fact-checking programme has split public opinion. Its CEO Mark Zuckerberg says the change is all about prioritising free speech... that fact-checking was too politically-biased and led to too much censorship. But critics say fact-checkers were being unfairly maligned for Meta's own problems, and the change could boost the spread of fake news, hate speech and bogus conspiracy theories. So, how will this change affect what you see on your Facebook and Instagram feeds? Vanessa Cheng and Tony Sabine find out more in this edition of Fact Focus.