TIBÚ (AFP) – Colombia vowed “war” against left-wing guerrillas, declaring a state of emergency and deploying thousands of soldiers to contain violence that killed at least 100 people and threatens to scupper the country’s fragile peace process.
In just five days, bloodshed has been reported across three Colombian departments – from the remote Amazon jungle in the south to the mountainous northeastern border with Venezuela, where fighting has displaced almost 20,000 people.
Analysts said the spasm of violence was caused by a turf war between rival militias, who see the faltering peace process as a threat to their unity and their profits from the ultra-lucrative cocaine trade.
President Gustavo Petro, who until now had staked his political fortunes on a strategy of de-escalation and dialogue, signaled the crisis would cause a shift in policy.
On Monday, he issued a defiant warning to leaders of the National Liberation Army, or ELN, which is said to have been behind border region attacks on rival leftist groups, killing 80 people.
“The ELN has chosen the path of war, and war they shall have,” said Petro, before declaring a localised state of “internal unrest” and “economic emergency”.
The declarations give local authorities the ability to restrict movement of people, among other measures.
Some 5,000 troops are already deploying to the border area, hoping to contain some of the worst violence Colombia has seen in years.
AFP reporters in the town of Tibu witnessed rows of heavily armed soldiers amassing in barracks and receiving orders from superior officers.
They have yet to engage guerrilla fighters directly or deploy to the most critical zones, where senior officers say violence is still raging.
Colombia has enjoyed almost a decade of relative peace, but pockets of the country are still controlled by assorted left-wing guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries and drug cartels.
Over the weekend, terrified residents carried backpacks and belongings on overladen motorcycles and boats, or crammed onto the backs of open trucks to flee the border region.
Colombian military General Erik Rodriguez said more than 19,800 people have now amassed at shelters in Tibu and other towns.
Others crossed the border to Venezuela – for some a return to a country from where they had fled economic and political upheaval.
Police officers patrol the streets, after recent clashes between rival left-wing guerrillas, in Tibu, Norte de Santander province, Colombia. PHOTO: AFP
WASHINGTON (AP) – The Keke Palmer buddy comedy One of Them Days opened in first place on the North American box office charts on a particularly slow Martin Luther King Jr holiday weekend.
The Sony release earned USD11.6 million from 2,675 theatres, according to studio estimates on Sunday, beating Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King by a hair. By the end of Monday’s holiday, Mufasa had the edge, however.
One of Them Days cost only USD14 million to produce.
The very well-reviewed buddy comedy stars Palmer and SZA as friends and roommates scrambling to get money for rent before their landlord evicts them.
Notably it’s the first Black female-led theatrical comedy since Girls Trip came out in 2017 and it currently carries a stellar 96 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
But the marketplace was also quite weak overall.
The total box office for Friday, Saturday and Sunday will add up to less than USD80 million, according to data from Comscore, making it one of the worst Martin Luther King Jr holiday weekends since 1997.
“For an individual film like One of Them Days this was a great weekend,” said senior media analyst for Comscore Paul Dergarabedian.
Keke Palmer and SZA in a scene from ‘One of them Days’. PHOTO: APA scene from the movie ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’. PHOTO: APABOVE & BELOW: Photos show scenes from ‘The Brutalist’; and ‘Wolf Man’. PHOTO: APPHOTO: AP
“You can still find success stories within what is overall a low grossing weekend for movie theatres.”
The Walt Disney Co’s Mufasa was close by in second place with USD11.5 million from the weekend, its fifth playing in theatres.
Globally, the Barry Jenkins-directed prequel has made USD588 million. It even beat a brand-new offering, the Blumhouse horror Wolf Man, which debuted in third place with USD10.6 million from 3,354 North American theatres.
Writer-director Leigh Whannell’s monster tale starring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner did not enter theatres with great reviews. It currently carries a 53 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes.
Reviews don’t generally affect the success of horror movies in their first weekend, but audiences also gave it a lackluster C- CinemaScore in exit polls.
The Blumhouse production and Universal Pictures release cost a reported USD25 million to make and reached USD12 million by the close of Monday’s holiday.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was in fourth place with USD8.6 million and Den of Thieves 2 rounded out the top five with USD6.6 million.
In specialty releases, Brady Corbert’s 215-minute post-war epic The Brutalist expanded to 388 screens where it made nearly USD2 million over the weekend.
A24 reported that it sold out various 70mm and IMAX showings. The studio also re-released its Colman Domingo drama Sing Sing in theatres and prisons, where over one million incarcerated people in 46 states were able to view the film.
The Martin Luther King Jr holiday weekend has seen major successes in the past.
Dergarabedian noted Bad Boys for Life, which had a three-day opening of USD62.5 million in 2020, and American Sniper, which earned USD89.3 in its first weekend in wide release in 2016.
“This is a year that’s going to get a big boost starting with Captain America: Brave NewWorld and Paddington in Peru in February,” Dergarabedian said. – Lindsey Bahr
Serving as a meaningful dialogue with oneself, journaling goes past just simple note-taking as it offers a haven for thoughts and a platform for one’s creative exploration. For many, the excitement of a new journal often fades when faced with the blank pages.
Yet, developing a journaling habit can be a rewarding endeavour, enhancing emotional clarity and personal growth. This guide provides insights tailored to those ready to begin their journaling journey with purpose and ease.
WHY JOURNAL?
It acts as a mental outlet, helping to organise thoughts, reduce stress and enhance self-awareness. It serves diverse purposes, from documenting life events to brainstorming ideas or processing emotions.
The inherent versatility of journaling makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of writing skill or artistic ability. It’s a space where perfection is irrelevant; the focus is on authenticity and self-expression, especially for those who find difficulty in confiding in another person.
The practice is also deeply personal. Whether your entries take the form of meticulous prose, fragmented thoughts, or visual sketches, the essence of journaling lies in its ability to adapt to your needs.
Developing a consistent journaling habit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Choosing the right journal and writing instruments can set the tone for your practice. Opt for a notebook that appeals to you – whether a sophisticated leather-bound journal or a minimalist spiral notebook.
Similarly, select a pen that feels comfortable and enjoyable to use, as small details can influence your enthusiasm. For those inclined towards technology, consider digital options like journaling apps, which often include prompts and organisation features.
Designate a quiet, inviting space for journaling. A corner with soft lighting, a warm drink or a candle can help create an atmosphere conducive to reflection. Treat this time as a ritual – an intentional pause in your day.
Set achievable expectations, such as writing for five minutes daily. Starting small reduces pressure and allows the habit to develop organically. Remember, the quality of your entries matters far more than their length.
PHOTO: ENVATOPHOTO: ENVATOPHOTO: ENVATO
IDEAS TO INSPIRE YOUR WRITING
If faced with a blank page, consider the following prompts to ignite your creativity:
Gratitude List: Document three things you are thankful for each day to foster positivity.
Daily Reflection: Capture a memorable moment from your day and its significance.
Stream of Consciousness: Write freely without worrying about structure or coherence.
Dream Log: Record your dreams immediately upon waking to uncover subconscious patterns.
Goal Articulation: Outline your aspirations and break them into actionable steps.
Mood Mapping: Use words, colours, or symbols to depict your emotional state.
BUILDING CONSISTENCY
Consistency underpins a successful journaling practice. It is the foundation of a successful journaling practice. To make journaling a seamless part of your routine, identify a time that aligns with your daily rhythm. Morning journaling can be an excellent way to set focus and intention for the day ahead, while evening journaling provides an opportunity to unwind and reflect on the day’s events.
Using prompts is another effective strategy for building consistency. Prompts eliminate the intimidation of a blank page, offering a clear starting point for your thoughts. Over time, as journaling becomes more natural, you may find inspiration comes to you without the need for prompts.
It is essential to prioritise feasibility when incorporating journaling into your life. Rather than committing to lengthy sessions, aim to write a few sentences each day. This approach is more sustainable and reduces the pressure that can lead to procrastination. Small, consistent efforts are often more impactful than sporadic but lengthy writing sessions.
Reviewing past entries can also reinforce your journaling habit. Reflecting on your earlier writings can be both motivating and enlightening, as it allows you to track your growth and recognise your achievements. This practice offers a tangible sense of progress and reinforces the value of journaling in your life.
ADDRESSING COMMON MYTHS
Several misconceptions deter people from journaling. One common belief is, “I’m not a skilled writer.” However, journaling isn’t about literary prowess but about self-expression.
Mistakes, informal language, and even incomplete thoughts are entirely welcome. Another misconception is, “I lack time”.
Journaling does not require hours of your day; even a few minutes can make a meaningful difference. The act is more about presence than duration.
Lastly, some may think, “My life isn’t noteworthy.” Journaling, however, captures the beauty of ordinary moments, encouraging mindfulness and appreciation for the small but significant aspects of life.
Beyond its primary purposes, journaling often delivers unexpected benefits. It provides emotional catharsis by offering a safe outlet for processing complex feelings. The act of writing can also enhance problem-solving skills, as articulating challenges often leads to clearer solutions.
Increased self-awareness is another advantage, as patterns in thoughts and behaviours become more evident over time.
Finally, your journal evolves into a chronicle of growth, reflecting your journey and milestones along the way. These benefits underscore the richness journaling can bring to your personal development.
EXPERIMENTATION AND EXPLORATION
Journaling is highly adaptable, so experiment to discover what resonates with you. Alternate between structured formats and freeform writing. Some days may call for detailed entries, while others may inspire abstract sketches or brief notes. Let your journaling practice evolve naturally alongside you.
Journaling is a gateway to self-discovery, creativity, and mindfulness. It provides a private space to reflect, dream, and grow. Starting is simple: pick up your journal and write whatever comes to mind. With time, your practice will deepen, and your journal will become a treasured companion. – Features Desk
JERUSALEM (AFP) – The Israel-Hamas ceasefire entered a third day yesterday, while United States (US) President Donald Trump said he doubted the fragile deal would hold.
Desperately needed humanitarian aid has begun to flow into war-battered Gaza after Israel and Hamas conducted the first exchange of hostages for prisoners agreed under the terms of the ceasefire.
Gazans displaced by more than 15 months of war have been walking through an apocalyptic landscape to return to whatever remains of their homes, while rescuers trawl the rubble for bodies.
“Gaza is like a massive demolition site,” Trump said as he signed a flurry of executive orders following his inauguration.
Asked whether he believed the two sides would maintain the truce, Trump said, “That’s not our war; it’s their war. But I’m not confident.”
Trump had claimed credit for the three-phase ceasefire agreement announced ahead of his return to the White House by Qatar and the US, following months of fruitless negotiations under his predecessor Joe Biden.
Trump has made clear he would support Israel, and in one of his first acts as president, he revoked sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank imposed by the Biden administration over attacks against Palestinians.
A Palestinian man sits next to a destroyed house in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah. PHOTO: AFP
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas both congratulated Trump on his return.
“I look forward to working with you to return the remaining hostages, to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities and end its political rule in Gaza, and to ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel,” Netanyahu said.
Displaced Gazan Ghadeer Abdul Rabbo, 30, told AFP she hopes that “with or without Trump”, the ceasefire will hold and world governments will help “maintain this calm, because we are afraid”.
If all goes to plan, during the initial, 42-day phase of the truce that began on Sunday, a total of 33 hostages are to be returned from Gaza in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinians.
Over those six weeks, the parties are meant to negotiate a permanent ceasefire.
In Rafah, in southern Gaza, Ismail Madi said that “we have endured immense hardships, but we will stay here. We will rebuild this place.”
Three Israeli hostages, all women, were reunited with their families on Sunday after more than 15 months in captivity.
Hours later, 90 Palestinian prisoners were released from an Israeli jail.
In Israel, there was elation as Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher returned home and appeared to be in good health.
“In Emily’s own words, she is the happiest girl in the world; she has her life back,” Damari’s mother Mandy said on Monday, adding that her daughter was “doing much better than any of us could have expected” even after losing two fingers.
The first group of Palestinians released under the deal left Ofer prison in the West Bank on Monday, with jubilant crowds celebrating their arrival in the nearby town of Beitunia.
Another, Khalida Jarrar of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine said prison conditions were harsh and that she had been kept “in solitary confinement for six months”.
The next hostage-prisoner swap should take place on Saturday, a senior Hamas official told AFP.
KUALA LUMPUR (XINHUA) – Analysts have stayed cautious on Malaysia’s trade outlook amid global trade uncertainties.
Maybank Investment Bank said in a note yesterday that Malaysia’s trade outlook for 2025 is clouded by uncertainties and fluid news flows over United States (US) trade and tariff policies.
The research house has forecast slower exports and imports growth for Malaysia this year at 4.5 per cent and 6.3 per cent and lower trade surplus of MYR120 billion (USD26.81 billion).
According to Maybank, Malaysia’s exports and imports jumped 16.9 per cent and 11.9 per cent year-on-year in December last year, likely on front-loading ahead of ‘Trump 2.0’ amid the US trade policy uncertainties.
Meanwhile, MIDF Research recently stated that it remained cautious that Malaysia’s external trade outlook may be adversely impacted by the escalation in geopolitical conflicts, weaker final demand from major markets and slowdown in global production and trade activities.
The intensification of trade tensions and introduction of tighter trade rules could pose downside risks to global trade activity this year, according to the research house.
It forecasts Malaysia’s external trade to continue growing but at a slower pace next year, with exports and imports to grow at 4.9 per cent and 4.5 per cent.
“We foresee growing demand for electrical and electronics (E&E) products and other non-E&E commodities to support export growth in the coming months, while imports to increase further underpinned by growing domestic demand and increased business activities.”
Hong Leong Investment Bank also said in a note that the global trade outlook remains clouded by rising economic uncertainty, particularly in light of possible shifts in trade policy.
Nevertheless, the research house opined that Malaysia’s export performance is expected to be partly cushioned by its neutral stance, diversified exports structure and potential trade diversions amid a renewed trade war.
Following this, it maintained Malaysia’s 2025 gross domestic product growth forecast at 4.9 per cent year-on-year.
KUALA LUMPUR (BERNAMA) – Malaysia’s e-commerce market is poised for significant growth in 2025, building on the rapid expansion seen in 2023 and 2024, according to Ninja Van’s cross-border regional vice president Jeremy Hong.
He attributed the surge to evolving consumption behaviours driven by the rise of social media and live-selling platforms in the post-COVID-19 era.
“E-commerce experienced a boom during that period, followed by some normalisation post-COVID. However, we subsequently observed tremendous growth on the cross-border side of things.
“Several factors contribute to this, including the availability of information, particularly on social media platforms such as TikTok,” he said.
Hong spoke to reporters after delivering a discussion titled ‘Expanding Horizons, One Parcel at a Time’, which explored strategies for navigating cross-border e-commerce challenges and unlocking growth opportunities in Southeast Asia.
Hong further noted that the shift in consumption behaviours had significantly expanded the market.
“With social media and live-selling platforms, products are marketed directly to consumers even when they are not actively searching for them,” he added.
At the same event, Ninja Van launched its e-guide or white paper titled From Malaysia to Southeast Asia: A Practical Guide for E-commerce Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) Expanding Beyond Borders. The guide aims to assist Malaysian businesses in tapping into Southeast Asia’s dynamic e-commerce landscape.
In a separate statement, Ninja Van said the e-guide was developed in collaboration with market research firm Milieu Insight, based on a survey of 1,200 shoppers from six Southeast Asian countries – Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia – conducted in November 2024.
One key finding from the survey revealed that Malaysian brands stand out as trusted choices among Southeast Asian e-commerce shoppers.
The survey also highlighted that the top cross-border shopping categories across these six countries include fashion and accessories (68 per cent), health and beauty (46 per cent), and food and beverages (27 per cent).
Ninja Van’s head of cross-border, Denise Wong, said these findings underscore Malaysian businesses’ competitive advantage in the regional e-commerce market.
“With Malaysia’s strong brand presence and its strategic location at the heart of Southeast Asia, local businesses are well-positioned to leverage the country’s advanced logistics network for seamless cross-border expansion into neighbouring markets,” she added.
Head of Growth at Milieu Insight Marcus Lim, Chief Relationship Officer of EasyStore Yienyee Soh, and Client Solution Manager of CPXI Asia Sam Zhang were also present during the discussion.
File photo shows a Ninja Van truck. PHOTO: BERNAMA
MADRID (AFP) – Just when it seemed the pressure of a lifelong dream switch to Real Madrid might prove too great for Kylian Mbappe to overcome, the French superstar silenced his doubters.
After a troubled start to life at Madrid, Mbappe finally seems at home and ready to wreak havoc both in Spain and in Europe.
Mbappe’s rediscovered elan comes at the perfect time for Real Madrid with two crucial Champions League (CL) matches ahead, starting with RB Salzburg’s visit to the Santiago Bernabeu tomorrow.
Madrid then face Brest on the road next week, aiming to secure progress to the next phase of the competition.
It would be unthinkable for the holders and record 15-time European champions to suffer an early knock-out, but after a poor start they are presently 20th in the 36-team group, with the bottom 12 teams eliminated.
Madrid lost at Liverpool, with Mbappe missing a penalty, as well as against AC Milan at home and away at Lille.
Shortly after the defeat at Anfield, Mbappe missed another spot kick in a La Liga defeat by Athletic Bilbao and it proved a turning point for the France captain.
“A big mistake in a match where every detail counts, I take full responsibility for it,” said Mbappe in a post on social media platform Instagram.
“It’s the best time to change this situation and show who I am.”
Since pledging to turn things around, Mbappe has scored eight goals in 10 games for Madrid across all competitions, including a stunning solo effort against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Mbappe also struck as Madrid won the Intercontinental Cup against Pachuca in December, but beyond the goals, he now looks every part the devastating, world-beating talent president Florentino Perez hoped for.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has been patient with Mbappe, often defending the forward and insisting he needed time to adapt to life in the Spanish capital and gel with his new team-mates.
LONDON (AFP) – Britain’s unemployment rate rose slightly at the end of last year, official data showed yesterday, adding to unease over the stalling the United Kingdom (UK) economy.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) also revealed that wage growth increased, though analysts said that was unlikely to prevent the Bank of England from cutting its main interest rate next month.
Unemployment rose to 4.4 per cent in the three months to the end of November from 4.3 per cent in the three months to the end of October, the ONS said in a statement.
“While rising wages reignite inflation concerns, softening unemployment figures and expectations of a downward trend in pay from here suggest the Bank of England is still on track to cut rates in February,” said senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown Matt Britzman.
Average regular pay growth jumped to 5.6 per cent in the latest reporting period, markedly above the overall UK annual inflation rate.
People at Oxford Street in London, Britain. PHOTO: XINHUA
ANN/VIETNAMNEWS – Vietnamese exporters have been proactively diversifying their markets since the beginning of the year to mitigate risks amid potential global tax hikes, according to industry insiders and experts.
Chairman of the members’ council at Saigon Industry Corporation (CNS) Nguyen Phi Long stated that CNS has prepared for a scenario involving higher tariffs. The company’s export portfolio, which includes high-quality plastic products and molds, is primarily destined for Europe and the United States (US).
“Trade defence investigation, however, has become a real concern,” Long said.
In 2024 alone, the US initiated 11 trade defence cases against Vietnamese exports, accounting for roughly one-third of the 32 cases across 12 other markets.
Investigated goods included solar panels, shrimp, corrosion-resistant steel, moulded fibre trays and paper plates. Investigations into cross-border subsidies further complicate matters. Meanwhile, other products, including plywood, wooden cabinets, hot-rolled steel and truck tyres, have been flagged for potential trade defence actions.
He said Vietnamese exporters must seek strategies to enhance product quality and diversify export markets as a countermeasure for global trade uncertainties.
According to a Ministry of Industry and Trade report, Vietnam has established trade relations with over 200 countries and territories. In 2024, the 10 largest export markets for Vietnam were led by the US, with an export turnover of USD119.6 billion, followed by China (USD50.8 billion), the European Union (USD42.3 billion), South Korea (USD21 billion), and Japan (USD20.1 billion).
“To increase exports to the US, domestic businesses should collaborate with local importers and distributors to select products of clear origin,” said Vietnam’s trade counsellor in the US Do Ngoc Hung.
He advised exporters to import raw materials from the US to help balance trade.
Strengthening understanding and compliance with trade defence regulations is a proven way to help businesses minimise risks and ensure smooth operations.
General Director of ABC Bakery Kao Sieu Luc said that Vietnamese businesses should develop market share for premium products when they are capable.
In 2024, ABC Bakery’s export orders increased by 40 per cent compared to the previous year, thanks to investments in producing products for export to Japan. The company has secured orders to produce up to June 2025, with 60 containers per month heading for Japan.
While exporting to nearby markets has significantly reduced logistics risks, businesses must align their production and materials with new market segments to stay competitive.
Economists advised businesses to adapt to new trade flows by continuously improving product quality, seeking technological solutions to optimise costs, enhancing automation through high-tech applications and artificial intelligence (AI) and accelerating digital transformation and green initiatives to meet global sustainability standards.
In addition, researching and using new raw materials to reduce dependence on imports and lower production costs is also essential. Strengthening direct and indirect export channels while securing positions in global supply chains will help mitigate risks in strict markets.
A rice shipment being readied for transport in the Mekong Delta Dong Thap province, Vietnam. PHOTO: VIETNAMNEWS
AFP – Aryna Sabalenka kept a historic Australian Open hat-trick on track yesterday as she battled past Russian 27th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 in the quarter-finals.
The world number one will face Spain’s Paula Badosa for a place in the Melbourne final after the Spanish 11th seed stunned Coco Gauff in straight sets.
It was the Belarusian’s 19th win in a row at Melbourne Park but turned into a battle for survival in increasingly windy conditions during a match that had both players struggling to hold serve in the third set.
“Honestly I was just praying, trying to put the ball back in these tough conditions,” said Sabalenka, the champion in Melbourne for the past two years.
“We both were, it was difficult to play. I’m just super happy I was able to somehow magically win this match.”
The quarter-final opened in nervy fashion with few baseline exchanges and Sabalenka broke early to grab a 3-1 lead.
She did not face a break point in the opener and clinched the set in 31 minutes with a rocket forehand crosscourt winner.
The stiffening breeze and falling temperatures resulted in staccato tennis for the purists.
Only eight of 50 rallies in the first set lasted longer than four shots and only one went beyond nine as winners were peppered with errors.
Pavlyuchenkova turned the match on its head in the second set as a brilliant forehand down the line gave her a break, and then she held for a 3-1 lead.
Pavlyuchenkova found another gear and began to extend the rallies, breaking again to lead 4-1.
An exchange of breaks took the Russian to a 5-2 lead and she served out to love to level the match. Another Sabalenka unforced error, her 19th, saw her broken again at the start of the third set.
Both players were struggling badly by now to keep the ball in court and the first four games went against serve.
In the eighth game Sabalenka made the decisive move, breaking for 5-3 and going on to clinch the match in 1 hour 53 minutes.
Standing in Sabalenka’s path to the final will be Badosa, who almost quit the sport last year because of a chronic back condition.
Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka. PHOTO: APBelarus’ Aryna Sabalenka celebrates after defeating Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in their quarter-final match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. PHOTO: AP
