A bill to introduce a regulatory framework for ride-hailing services in Hong Kong has passed its third and final reading in the legislature. Secretary for Transport Mable Chan welcomed the passage, saying the plan is to have the ride-hailing platforms up and running in around a year's time. Frank Yung has the details:

The chairman of Legco's transport panel, Chan Siu-hung, said he hopes the new legislation will resolve the long-standing dispute between the taxi trade and ride-hailing service providers. The election committee sector lawmaker added he believes taxis and ride-hailing vehicles can co-exist and complement each other as they cater to passengers with different needs. He spoke to Elvis Yu.

The taxi trade said it will continue to liaise with the government regarding the details of the new legislation. Under the new law, ride-hailing vehicles must be less than 12 years old to obtain or renew a licence. That's compared to the three-year requirement for fleet taxis upon first registration, and 10 years when renewing their licences. Peter Yung, the spokesman for the Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association, says taxis and ride-hailing operators should be bound by the same set of rules. He spoke to Elvis Yu:

Two men have been arrested for allegedly obtaining, and attempting to obtain property by deception. They are accused of taking high-quality counterfeit gold necklaces to pawnshops in Kowloon and New Territories on six occasions between July and September. Sophie Hui reports.

Hong Kong's first traditional Chinese medicine hospital will start operating in phases from December 11. Its operator says prices for services are benchmarked to those in the private sector. Charlie Chun has details.

The Consumer Council has raised concerns about the safety of certain dog toys, specifically those made of leather. Hailey Yip with the details.

The consumer watchdog is also advising cross-border shoppers to exercise caution when purchasing electrical and gas appliances on the mainland. It warned that different safety standards could pose significant risks, and highlighted Hong Kong's strict local regulations which are designed to ensure user safety. Chung Chi-yung, chairman of the committee on research and testing, said while the mainland's "3C" certification confirms a product's basic safety, it does not guarantee that it's suitable for use in Hong Kong. Mr Chung spoke to Hailey Yip:

A policy think tank said it's reasonable to put in place a booking quota for the Southbound Travel Scheme, which will allow some Guangdong vehicles to drive to Hong Kong. Starting in November, as many as 100 cars can cross the border into the SAR each day, and stay for up to three days. Ryan Ip, vice-president and executive director of Public Policy Institute at Our Hong Kong Foundation, told Elvis Yu that it's important to limit the number of incoming cars to make sure the city has the capacity to handle the extra traffic:

Sports minister Rosanna Law says cash incentives to reward top Hong Kong athletes competing at the National Games will be 50 percent more than previously earmarked. Ms Law made the announcement at a ceremony presenting the SAR flag to more than 600 Hong Kong athletes taking part in next month's games. She said she hopes people around the country can witness the "fighting spirit" of athletes from the SAR:

Separately, the sports minister also said she will talk to Kai Tak Sports Park officials about improving the pitch at the Kai Tak Stadium after several players slipped during a football match on Tuesday night. Francis Punia has the details.

A ceasefire in Gaza between Hamas and Israel is holding amid earlier signs that it might crumble. Tensions eased after the remains of more Israeli hostages were returned. But Hamas is now asking for more time and equipment to recover the rest of the deceased from the ruins of Gaza.
Israel, on the other hand, allowed the opening of a border crossing so that aid can reach starving Palestinians in the devastated enclave. Azam Khan reports.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a temporary ceasefire after an air-strike and ground fighting ramped-up tensions between the neighbours. Clashes have left more than a dozen civilians dead and a hundred wounded - as Jamie Clarke reports:

A fire engulfed a bus in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan, killing at least 20 people and injuring many more. An investigation is under way into the cause of Tuesday's blaze. Francis Punia has the details:

Levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have hit the highest ever recorded, potentially further warming the planet and leading to more extreme climate events. That's according to a new report by the United Nations weather agency. It's led to the agency calling on policymakers to take more steps to help reduce emissions. Jamie Clarke has more: