Rattan is all the rage in the home decor space. From partitions to wardrobe shutters and seating, it provides a subtle statement that is both organic and elegant. Sourced from over 600 species of palms native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa and Australasia
Tushar, Mannat share lead at AM Green IGPL Invitational CongoTushar, Mannat share lead at AM Green IGPL Invitational Congo Published on: Apr 21, 2026 2:19 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Lubumbashi , Young golfers Tushar Pannu and Mannat Brar turned in a matching six-under 67 to share the lead after
Apple will have been planning this succession for a long time. Rumours were circulating for a while that 65-year-old Tim Cook was thinking about stepping down, and while a few potential replacements popped up, the name which stuck was the firm's vice president of hardware, 51-year-old John Ternus
Apple has announced a major leadership change. On April 20, the company named John Ternus as its next CEO, with Tim Cook set to move into the role of executive chairman from September 1. This marks a big shift, as a long-time insider prepares to take charge during an important phase for the company
A simple shoulder cloth, the melthundu, has a rich history in Tamil Nadu. It began as a gesture of respect, was later used to challenge caste norms, and became a symbol of equality. Dravidian leaders adopted it as part of their identity. Today
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak sentenced to 15 years, hefty fine in 1MDB corruption trial
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak sentenced to 15 years, hefty fine in 1MDB corruption trial
Imprisoned former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was sentenced to 15 years and a hefty 13.5 billion ringgit ($2.8 billion) in fines after being convicted on Friday (December 26, 2025) in his biggest corruption trial tied to the multibillion-dollar looting of the 1MDB state investment fund.
The nation's High Court found Mr. Najib, 72, guilty on four counts of abuse of power and 21 charges of money laundering related to more than $700 million channelled into his personal bank accounts from the 1MDB fund.
Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah sentenced Najib to 15 years in prison for each charge of abuse of power, and five years for each of the money laundering charges.
The sentences are to run concurrently which means he will face another 15 years in prison. The new sentence will run after his current term for an earlier 1MDB case ends, the judge said.
He also imposed a fine of 13.5 million ringgit. If Najib fails to pay, he faces another 10 years in prison.
Mr. Najib's lawyer said they plan to appeal the verdict. Dressed in blue suit, Najib stood up and was calm when the sentencing was announced, slumping later back in his chair in the dock.
The ruling marked a major milestone in one of the world's largest financial scandals, which rippled across global markets and triggered investigations in the United States and other nations.
Mr. Najib denied any wrongdoing and maintained the funds were a political donation from Saudi Arabia and that he had been misled by rogue financiers led by Low Taek Jho. Low, thought to be the scandal's mastermind, remains at large.
Sequerah said Mr. Najib's claim of a Saudi donation was “incapable of belief.” Four letters purportedly from the Saudi donor were forged and evidence clearly showed the funds originated from 1MDB, he said.
He rejected defence arguments that Najib was an unwitting victim, duped by former 1MDB officials and Low. Witness testimonies had pointed to an “unmistakable bond” between Najib and Low, who had played a pivotal role in the scandal and operated as “the proxy, the conduit, the intermediary and the facilitator” for Najib in 1MDB, the judge said.
The judge noted that Najib failed to take steps to verify the origin of the massive funds nor took action against Low. Instead, Najib used the money despite its suspicious origins and took steps to protect his position, including by removing the then-attorney general and anti-corruption chief investigating the case, he said.
While Mr. Najib returned most of the funds to an offshore account where they came from, he said this was clearly staged to conceal the illicit origin of the funds.
“The accused was no country bumpkin,” said Sequerah, who took five hours to read the ruling. “Any attempt to paint the accused as an ignoramus who was hopelessly unaware of the misdeeds going around him must therefore, fail miserably.” Najib, who served as prime minister from 2009 to 2018, currently is serving a prison sentence after being convicted in an earlier case linked to the 1MDB scandal, which led to his government's defeat in 2018.
He was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2020 for abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving 42 million ringgit ($10.3 million) channelled into his accounts from SRC International, a former unit of 1MDB.
He began his sentence in August 2022 after losing a final appeal, becoming Malaysia's first former leader to be imprisoned. The Pardons Board, a body that advises rulers on granting clemency, halved his sentence and sharply reduced his fine in 2024.
Najib set up the 1MDB development fund shortly after taking office in 2009. He chaired 1MDB's advisory board and held veto power as finance minister while serving as prime minister.
Between 2009 and 2014, top executives and associates of Mr. Najib looted over $4.5 billion from the fund, laundering it through countries including the US, Singapore and Switzerland, according to the US Justice Department.
Authorities alleged the funds were used to finance Hollywood films and extravagant purchases including hotels, a luxury yacht, art and jewellery. Jeff Sessions, the US attorney general at the time, called it “kleptocracy at its worst.” The scandal also hit Wall Street, with Goldman Sachs facing billions in fines for its role in raising money for 1MDB.
The scion of a prominent political family, Najib was long seen as untouchable until public anger over 1MDB led to the 2018 election defeat of his ruling party, which had governed Malaysia since the country gained independence from Britain in 1957.
Earlier this week, Mr. Najib failed in his bid to serve his graft sentence under house arrest. Malaysia's High Court ruled Monday that a rare royal order for home arrest issued by the nation's former king was invalid because it was not made in accordance with constitutional requirements. Najib's lawyer has said they plan to appeal.
Originally due for release in August 2028 after his sentence reduction, Najib now faces a longer stretch behind bars.
Mr. Najib's wife, Rosmah Mansor, also was sentenced to 10 years in prison and a massive fine in 2022 in a separate graft case. She has been released on bail pending an appeal.
Published - December 26, 2025 02:14 pm IST
Malaysia / corruption & bribery
Source: TheHindu
Related Posts: Former Malaysia PM Najib Razak found guilty in state funds scandal Ex-Malaysia PM Najib Razak given 15-year jail term over state funds scandal Wrongfully imprisoned for more than 40 years Pakistan army labels imprisoned ex-leader Imran Khan Malaysia's Ex-PM Razak Hopes For Relief In 1MDB Saga PM Modi Mourns Passing Of Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga Khaleda Zia, former Bangladesh prime minister and BNP chief, dies at 80 Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda admitted to Bengaluru hospital due to infection Man who assassinated former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gets life in prison Former Pakistan spy chief Faiz Hameed sentenced to 14 years in prison
Over 700 citizens, including former civil servants, academics, activists, and journalists, have written to the Election Commission of India alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the nation on April 18.Over 700 citizens
3 hours ago
President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he considered visits by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow but not Kyiv "disrespectful". The pair visited the Russian capital late last year as ceasefire talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine gained pace, and again in January
3 hours ago
'World-class buildings, third-class roads': Mohandas Pai on Bengaluru and Mumbai infrastructureIn a post on X, Mohandas Pai called out glaring gaps between “world-class” private developments and crumbling public spaces in cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai. Updated on: Apr 21
3 hours ago
Artist Nalini Malani to reflect on patriarchal violence of wars at Venice BiennaleArtist Nalini Malani to reflect on patriarchal violence of wars at Venice Biennale Published on: Apr 21, 2026 4:56 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link New Delhi, In her latest body of mixed media work
3 hours ago
Apple's leadership change is the start of a new phase for the iPhone maker, in which the focus will be on whether its deep hardware heritage can be successfully fused with AI to sustain growth in a fast-evolving tech landscape, Wall Street analysts said
3 hours ago
Indian opener Shafali Verma has risen to sixth in the ICC Women's T20I Batting Rankings. Her half-century against South Africa boosted her position. Smriti Mandhana has dropped to fourth. Harmanpreet Kaur is now eleventh. Jemimah Rodrigues has fallen to fourteenth
3 hours ago
In a rare call, China’s President Xi Jinping spoke on the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to urge the restoration of transit through the vital waterway. He also pushed for an end to hostilities in the Middle East.In a rare call
3 hours ago
A viral post on X revealing a kindergarten fee of more than Rs 2.5 lakh a year has sparked fresh outrage online, with many questioning why parents are being asked to pay such a huge amount for pre-primary education. The post, shared by a user named Sakshi, drew widespread attention after she wrote
3 hours ago
Eleven persons were injured in a clash in a gurdwara in Germany on Sunday following disagreements about the management and financial affairs of the institution, India Today reported. The dispute involves the election of a new board to manage the institution and the administration of community
3 hours ago
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday supplied a quick clarification soon after the BJP went into a complete uproar over his “terrorist" charge against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kharge said all he meant is that Prime Minister Modi, who he said “always threatens"
3 hours ago
The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) has released the third round of lottery results for Balvatika and Class 1 admissions for the 2026-27 academic session. Parents who submitted online applications between March 20 and April 2 can now check their child’s selection status on the official KVS
3 hours ago
Madhav Viradiya has emerged as the Maharashtra topper in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2026, securing 100 percentile in both sessions 1 and 2. The National Testing Agency (NTA) declared the results late on Monday evening, with 26 students achieving a perfect 100 percentile
3 hours ago
The Indian Premier League isn’t just cricket, it’s theatre. It’s swagger, strategy, last-over drama, and personalities that feel larger than life. And much like a well-crafted cocktail, every team brings its own blend of intensity, flair, and character to the field
3 hours ago
Dyson unveils travel-friendly ‘Supersonic’ hair dryer for users on the moveDyson has introduced a new, compact hairdryer designed for travel that claims to offer consistent styling performance in a smaller, lighter design. Published on: Apr 21
3 hours ago
The Gauhati High Court on Tuesday granted four more weeks to the Assam government and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to respond to petitions seeking action against him for alleged hate speech against Muslims, Live Law reported. During the hearing
3 hours ago
19 Tamil Nadu fishermen return home following release from Sri LankaThe returnees were greeted with emotional reunions after being caught in the crosshairs of maritime boundary disputes. Updated on: Apr 21, 2026 5:02 PM IST ANI Share via Copy link A group of 19 fishermen from Thangachimadam
3 hours ago
Are your vitamin D levels low? Experts explain its function beyond bone strength; share why deficiency is commonDespite being a country with ample sunlight, vitamin D deficiency is very common in India. Experts explain why you shouldn't ignore it. Published on: Apr 21
3 hours ago
'Iran has violated ceasefire': Donald Trump reiterates amid peace talks deadlockDonald Trump has been offering mixed messages about the path ahead for the Iran war as the ceasefire deadline approches. Published on: Apr 21, 2026 5:24 PM IST By Shivam Pratap Singh Share via Copy link US President
3 hours ago
Apple on Monday (April 20, 2026) named insider John Ternus as its next CEO, tasking the long-time hardware chief to steer the company after Tim Cook as the iPhone maker gears up for an industry change spurred by artificial intelligence. Mr. Ternus, who joined Apple in 2001
3 hours ago
iPhone-maker Apple has announced a top-deck transition with CEO Tim Cook set to step down and hand over the reins to longtime hardware chief -- a 'reboot' that marks the end of Cook's decade-and-a-half long tenure defined by quiet leadership style and sustained growth
3 hours ago
US Republican leader Nikki Haley on Tuesday alleged that a vessel recently intercepted by the United States amid a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz was en route from China to Iran, carrying chemicals linked to missile development. Taking to X, Haley wrote
3 hours ago
Daadi Ki Shaadi trailer: Kapil Sharma’s wedding plans go haywire as Neetu Kapoor’s 'savage daadi’ decides to marryKapil Sharma returns with family comedy Daadi Ki Shaadi, featuring Neetu Kapoor, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and Sadia Khateeb. Apr 21, 2026
3 hours ago
This 43-year-old actor is the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Star 2026’; has a big release aheadA Hollywood star has been named People magazine’s ‘World’s Most Beautiful Star 2026’, with a big upcoming release adding to the excitement around her career. Apr 21, 2026
3 hours ago
Madonna has offered a reward for the return of the outfit she wore on stage at Coachella last weekend, after several of her vintage costume pieces went missing following the festival. "These aren't just clothes, they are part of my history," the Queen of Pop wrote on Instagram
3 hours ago
Indian travel plans for the summer are being quietly but decisively redrawn. As tensions in the due to the Iran war disrupt flight routes and raise costs as well as safety concerns, many travellers are stepping back from long-haul trips to Europe and the US. Instead
3 hours ago
The Skoda Slavia Sportline offers a sportier design with blacked-out styling, sitting between mid and top variants. Priced from Rs 13.49 lakh, it comes with two petrol engine options, strong safety features, and practical space. It balances style, performance
3 hours ago
Amid the World Athletics’ (WA) decision to designate India as country with “extremely high" risk of doping, the government says it remains firmly committed to the promotion of clean sport and the protection of athlete integrity through a robust and evolving anti-doping framework
3 hours ago
