News & Events

The 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City made history by lifting the age limit of 28 and allowing older contestants to compete. Malta’s Beatrice Njoya, a 40-year-old single mother and domestic violence survivor, became the oldest finalist in the competition’s history.

This groundbreaking change also highlighted the inclusion of over 25 contestants above the previous age restriction among the 120 finalists. Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark ultimately claimed the Miss Universe crown, marking her the first Danish winner in history.

Read the original article here: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/denmark-s-victoria-kjaer-theilvig-crowned-miss-universe-2024/story

Sri Lanka’s central bank has introduced a new single policy rate of 8% to support the country’s ongoing economic recovery from a severe financial crisis. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) announced the move to simplify its interest rate mechanism by replacing the existing rate corridor with an overnight policy rate.

This change effectively reduces the policy interest rate by 50 basis points from the current Average Weighted Call Money Rate (AWCMR), the bank’s operating target under the Flexible Inflation Targeting framework. Previously, CBSL maintained two key rates, the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR), which will no longer serve as policy rates.

The policy adjustment comes as Sri Lanka continues its economic revival, bolstered by a $2.9 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme secured in March 2023. The country also initiated a critical $12.55 billion bond restructuring process this week, with bondholders given until December 12 to vote on the proposal to exchange existing bonds for new ones.

Read the original article here: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/sri-lanka-eases-monetary-policy-sets-new-single-key-rate/ar-AA1uORV6?ocid=BingNewsVerp

Hong Kong residents can now experience cultured meat, also known as lab-grown meat, as Australian food-tech start-up Vow launches its innovative products in the city. The Aubrey, a Japanese bar at the Mandarin Oriental, has introduced two dishes featuring Vow’s cultured Japanese quail. Following its debut in Singapore in April, Hong Kong is the second market globally to access this cutting-edge offering.

Cultured meat, created by cultivating animal cells instead of raising and slaughtering animals, is real animal tissue and a sustainable alternative to traditional meat. The process aligns with growing global efforts to reduce environmental impact while meeting food demands. Vow, established in 2019, received approval from the Singapore Food Agency in March 2024, positioning itself among leading food-tech innovators like Upside Foods and Eat Just. CEO George Peppou expressed confidence in Hong Kong’s regulatory system to support the safe adoption of cultured meat, marking an exciting step forward for the city’s culinary landscape.

Read the original article here: https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/11/20/lab-grown-meat-lands-on-hong-kong-plates-as-australian-start-up-vow-begins-sales