Netflix to buy Warner Bros Discovery for $83bn
Netflix has agreed to buy Warner Bros Discovery’s TV and film studios and streaming division for $83 billion, a deal that would hand control of one of Hollywood’s oldest and most prized assets to the streaming pioneer that has upended the media industry.

EU fines X $140m, risking US pushback
BRUSSELS - The European Union has fined X, the social media platform owned by billionaire Elon MUsk, 120 million euros ($140 million) for breaking its digital rules, in a move that risks a clash with the administration of US President Donald Trump.

Actress Nana’s husband accused of stock scam
Just days after his actress wife was arrested on fraud charges, Thai hip-hop star Prinya “Way” Intachai has been accused of duping an investor into a bogus stock trading scheme, resulting in losses exceeding 50 million baht.

Thailand links UN credibility to solving landmine problems
Thailand has lobbied the UN anti-landmine agency to pay serious attention on the spread of landmines along the border with Cambodia as the issue will test the credibility of the office and the convention banning the devices.

Military steps up Sumatra flood relief efforts
JAKARTA - Indonesia’s military stepped up its relief efforts in three provinces on Sumatra island that have been devastated by deadly floods and landslides, and the country’s vice president apologised for shortcomings in the response to last week’s disaster.

Cloud Dancer crowned Pantone Colour of the Year 2026
The colour of the year for 2026 is a versatile shade of white known as Cloud Dancer, according to Pantone, the American developer of a standardised colour matching system used in graphic and fashion design and countless industries worldwide.

Phuket City sounds alarm over mounting waste
PHUKET - Officials in Phuket City are alarmed by the increasing amount of waste that now exceeds its capacity to handle, urging other local administrations to abandon their complacency and join the fight against garbage.

Europe’s first dolphin sanctuary to open in Italy
ROME - The Mediterranean’s first sanctuary for dolphins that have lived in captivity will open off Italy next year, as demand for re-homing rises with the closure of marine parks across Europe.

Swiss seek Unesco listing for yodelling
LUCERNE, Switzerland - Switzerland hopes to have yodelling recognised by the United Nations this month to help protect the ancestral sing-song tradition of the Alpine nation's herders and shepherds.

India rolls out red carpet for Vladimir Putin
NEW DELHI - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit on Friday, with defence and trade ties centre stage as New Delhi faces heavy US pressure to stop buying Moscow’s oil.