The government's anti-smoking campaign moves up a gear, with officials announcing that conventional smoking products must start adopting plain packaging from March, followed by a grace period of nine months. The restrictions on the physical features, colours and logos of tobacco products are aimed at ensuring that packets have no brand elements and design to enhance their appeal. Janice Lo has details.

The government says conventional smoking products in Hong Kong will adopt plain packaging starting from March next year, with a nine-month transition period. Under the move, the physical features, colours and brand logos of tobacco products will be restricted, to ensure the packaging has no brand elements and design to enhance its appeal. The Head of the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, Manny Lam, told Janice Lo that similar moves by other countries and regions have proven effective.

The Hong Kong and Shenzhen governments have signed a memorandum of understanding and several bilateral agreements covering areas such as finance, innovation and technology, and support services for enterprises going global. Elvis Yu reports.

The head of the International Organisation for Mediation, or IOMed, says the body's membership has grown by nearly 30 percent, to 47 signatory states, compared to 37 at its inauguration in October. Janice Lo reports.

Hong Kong offers competitive legal and mediation support for mainland firms undertaking major projects in Belt and Road regions. That's according to David Blumental, a lawyer who specialises in acquisitions and mergers. The partner at law firm Simmons and Simmons said that having legal backup is key these days, as the "force majeure" clause could be triggered in certain Middle East projects, amid the region's ongoing conflict. He spoke to Chloe Feng.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan says Hong Kong stands ready to be the "partner of choice" that connects global capital with Chinese biotech innovation. Wendy Wong has the story.

Islamabad has reaffirmed its commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative. Pakistan's commerce minister says the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has transformed his country into a major regional connectivity hub, linking landlocked Central Asia and western China to warm-water ports. Altis Wong reports.

A suicide research centre has expanded its reporting recommendations to cover social media. To mark World Suicide Prevention Day, the University of Hong Kong's Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention has published its 2026 report. The recommendations are aimed at minimising harm and encouraging responsible sharing, especially among young people. The move follows a two-year joint study with the Hong Kong Press Council. The council's chairman Melissa Pang spoke to Hailey Yip.

A hospitality expert is calling on the authorities to step up inspections and enforcement against rogue tour agencies and guides, including those forcing tourists to shop. The call, ahead of the Golden Week holiday, comes after the Travel Industry Authority revoked the licences of two travel agencies and a tour guide for coercing mainland visitors into making purchases. Dennis Wong, Head of the Department of Hospitality at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, told RTHK's Backchat programme that tougher action is needed to protect the industry's reputation.

The government is launching a new round of recruitment for administrative officers and executive officers. Wendy Wong has more.

August has been declared the hottest month ever, globally. That's according to the European Union's climate monitor. The Copernicus Climate Change Service said the global average air temperature last month was 16.96 degrees Celsius. That seems like a comfortable level, but when applied globally, the reading has alarmed scientists, who are worried about the consequences. Raymond Yeung reports.

Apple has unveiled its latest generation of iPhones, including a widely anticipated foldable version called Duo. The company's new CEO, John Ternus , who took over from Tim Cook on September 1, introduced the latest line-up at the company's Cupertino, California headquarters. The phone opens to a 7.6 inch display that's 80 percent larger than the newest iPhone 18 Pro. Our Silicon Valley correspondent Mark Niu tells Todd Harding that the event was a chance for Ternus to make his product reveal debut.

Yemen’s Houthis have seized control of a strategic Red Sea port, with witnesses describing seeing fighters marching on the area chanting “death to America, death to Israel.” Jamie Clarke has the details.

Britain has announced a controversial plan to allow mayors in England to impose a levy on paid overnight stays. Supporters of the tourist tax say it’ll generate funds for local investment, while the hospitality industry has warned of higher holiday costs and potential job losses. Jamie Clarke reports.

London’s Bayeux Tapestry exhibition has opened to a British public gripped by “mania” over the medieval artwork. It’s on display outside France for the first time - as Jamie Clarke reports.

Bayern Munich have opened their Champions League campaign with a bang, cruising to a 5-0 win over Norwegian side Bodo Glimt. Manchester United, meanwhile, made a triumphant return to Europe's top-tier competition by beating the champions of Azerbaijan. Nazvi Careem has more.