Lee Kuan Yew's youngest son says the UK has granted him asylum from persecution in Singapore
Read full article: Lee Kuan Yew's youngest son says the UK has granted him asylum from persecution in SingaporeLee Hsien Yang, the estranged brother of former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, says he is now a “political refugee” after the British government granted him asylum from what he described as persecution at home.
Pope ends Asia trip with same message at the start: Interfaith tolerance to heal troubled world
Read full article: Pope ends Asia trip with same message at the start: Interfaith tolerance to heal troubled worldPope Francis is concluding his visit to Singapore by praising its tradition of interfaith harmony.
Pope marvels at Singapore's skyscrapers and asks that the lowest migrant workers not be forgotten
Read full article: Pope marvels at Singapore's skyscrapers and asks that the lowest migrant workers not be forgottenPope Francis has praised Singapore’s economic development as a testament to human ingenuity.
Analysis: Olympics with a short field delivers stars on the podium and compelling golf
Read full article: Analysis: Olympics with a short field delivers stars on the podium and compelling golfGolf has been part of the Olympics for the last three Summer Games and continues to deliver big stars to the podium and memorable outcomes.
US suspends $95 million in aid to Georgia after passage of foreign agent law that sparked protests
Read full article: US suspends $95 million in aid to Georgia after passage of foreign agent law that sparked protestsThe Biden administration is suspending $95 million in U.S. assistance to Georgia after its parliament adopted legislation related to foreign agents that critics say was inspired by a Russian law used to crack down on political dissent.
Indonesia won't pay an $8 million ransom after a cyberattack compromised its national data center
Read full article: Indonesia won't pay an $8 million ransom after a cyberattack compromised its national data centerIndonesia’s national data center has been compromised by a hacking group asking for a $8 million ransom that the government says it won’t pay.
Indonesia says a cyberattack has compromised its data center but it won't pay the $8 million ransom
Read full article: Indonesia says a cyberattack has compromised its data center but it won't pay the $8 million ransomAuthorities say Indonesia’s national data center has been compromised by a hacking group asking for a $8 million ransom that the government won’t pay.
Singapore Airlines offers compensation to passengers on flight that hit extreme turbulence
Read full article: Singapore Airlines offers compensation to passengers on flight that hit extreme turbulenceSingapore Airlines has offered compensation to passengers of a flight that hit extreme turbulence last month.
Zelenskyy accuses China of pressuring other countries not to attend upcoming Ukraine peace talks
Read full article: Zelenskyy accuses China of pressuring other countries not to attend upcoming Ukraine peace talksUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused China of helping Russia to disrupt a Swiss-organized peace conference on the war in Ukraine.
Pentagon chief extends deployment of aircraft carrier, ships in the Red Sea as Houthi attacks go on
Read full article: Pentagon chief extends deployment of aircraft carrier, ships in the Red Sea as Houthi attacks go onU.S. officials say the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike group that for months has launched crucial strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen to protect military and commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden will remain in the region for at least another month.
'Sheer terror': Passengers describe turbulence-hit flight that put 20 in intensive care
Read full article: 'Sheer terror': Passengers describe turbulence-hit flight that put 20 in intensive carePassengers on the Singapore Airlines flight that descended sharply after hitting severe turbulence have described the “sheer terror” of the aircraft shuddering, loose items flying and people wrenched so badly that 20 remain in intensive care.
Severe turbulence during Singapore Airlines flight leaves several people badly injured. One man died
Read full article: Severe turbulence during Singapore Airlines flight leaves several people badly injured. One man diedSingapore Airlines says one of its flights hit severe turbulence over the Indian Ocean and descended 6,000 feet in about three minutes.
Singapore's new prime minister vows to 'lead in our own way' as Lee dynasty ends after half-century
Read full article: Singapore's new prime minister vows to 'lead in our own way' as Lee dynasty ends after half-centurySingapore’s new prime minister has vowed to make “tomorrow better than today” as he took his oath of office in a carefully planned political succession designed to ensure stability in the Asian financial hub.
Singapore PM Lee to step down on May 15 and hand power to his deputy
Read full article: Singapore PM Lee to step down on May 15 and hand power to his deputySingapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong says he will step down on May 15 after two decades at the helm and hand power to his deputy Lawrence Wong.
Pope will travel to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore in longest trip of papacy
Read full article: Pope will travel to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore in longest trip of papacyThe Vatican says Pope Francis will visit Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Singapore in September.
What to know about the cargo ship Dali, a mid-sized ocean monster that took down a Baltimore bridge
Read full article: What to know about the cargo ship Dali, a mid-sized ocean monster that took down a Baltimore bridgeHere’s what to know about the cargo ship that crashed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to collapse and leaving six construction workers presumed dead.
Singapore Airshow kicks off with aerial displays; Boeing and China's COMAC announce new orders
Read full article: Singapore Airshow kicks off with aerial displays; Boeing and China's COMAC announce new ordersThe Singapore Airshow – Asia's largest – kicks off Tuesday with an array of aerial displays including some by China’s COMAC C919 narrow-body airliner.
Singaporeans bemoan U.S. Senator's 'ignorant' grilling of TikTok CEO
Read full article: Singaporeans bemoan U.S. Senator's 'ignorant' grilling of TikTok CEOAfter a U.S. senator grilled Singaporean TikTok CEO about his nationality and affiliation with the Chinese Communist Party, Singaporeans are complaining about ignorant — or even racist — views of their country.
Prince William awards the Earthshot Prize to 5 winners and credits the finalists for giving hope
Read full article: Prince William awards the Earthshot Prize to 5 winners and credits the finalists for giving hopeAn Indian maker of solar-powered dryers, a soil carbon marketplace and groups that work to make electric car batteries cleaner, restore Andean forests and deter illegal fishing were awarded the Earthshot Prize at a ceremony in Singapore.
Prince William says deeper global cooperation can win the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking
Read full article: Prince William says deeper global cooperation can win the fight against illegal wildlife traffickingBritain’s Prince William says seven countries _ Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, Britain and the United States _ have committed at a wildlife summit to deepen their intelligence-sharing and other cooperation to combat money laundering by international gangs engaged in the illegal wildlife trade.
Prince William to travel to Singapore for Earthshot Prize announcement on climate projects
Read full article: Prince William to travel to Singapore for Earthshot Prize announcement on climate projectsPrince William will travel to Singapore next month to name the winners of his Earthshot Prize, a global competition to find solutions to the challenges of climate change.
Carín León and Formula One's Sergio Pérez discuss their musical collaboration, 'Por La Familia'
Read full article: Carín León and Formula One's Sergio Pérez discuss their musical collaboration, 'Por La Familia'In the music video for “Por La Familia,” a new track from Carín León and BorderKid, León is whisked away into a surrealist landscape inspired by Mexico.
911 call shows bizarre circumstances of F-35 ejection: 'Not sure where the airplane is,' pilot says
Read full article: 911 call shows bizarre circumstances of F-35 ejection: 'Not sure where the airplane is,' pilot saysA military pilot whose advanced fighter jet went temporarily missing over the weekend is heard repeatedly requesting an ambulance in a perplexing 911 call from the South Carolina home where he had parachuted to safety.
Gold, watches and other luxury items totaling $1.75B seized in Singapore money laundering scheme
Read full article: Gold, watches and other luxury items totaling $1.75B seized in Singapore money laundering schemeSingapore police say they have uncovered more luxury watches, gold bars and other assets from a massive money laundering scheme that was busted last month, bringing the total amount of assets seized or frozen to $1.75 billion.
Hamilton and Sainz warn that Red Bull still has the advantage despite a dismal weekend in Singapore
Read full article: Hamilton and Sainz warn that Red Bull still has the advantage despite a dismal weekend in SingaporeThe Singapore Grand Prix had a dramatic finish as four cars from three teams fought for the podium.
Sainz wins thrilling Singapore Grand Prix as Verstappen and Red Bull's streaks end
Read full article: Sainz wins thrilling Singapore Grand Prix as Verstappen and Red Bull's streaks endCarlos Sainz Jr. has won the Singapore Grand Prix for Ferrari as Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s historic win streaks in Formula One came to an end.
Singapore solar company plans major US manufacturing plant in New Mexico, pending federal loan
Read full article: Singapore solar company plans major US manufacturing plant in New Mexico, pending federal loanSingapore-based Maxeon Solar Technologies plans to build a major solar panel manufacturing plant in Albuquerque, pending approval of a loan application with the U.S. Department of Energy.
A car-carrying ship that burned for a week on the North Sea is towed to a Dutch port for salvaging
Read full article: A car-carrying ship that burned for a week on the North Sea is towed to a Dutch port for salvagingA freight ship carrying thousands of cars that burned for a week on the North Sea has been towed to a Dutch port for salvage.
G20 finance chiefs meeting in India address global challenges like climate change and rising debt
Read full article: G20 finance chiefs meeting in India address global challenges like climate change and rising debtFinance ministers from the Group of 20 nations meeting in India are set to address critical global economic challenges, including the threat posed by climate change and rising debt among low-income countries.
Blinken stresses need for better US-Chinese communications as he heads to Beijing
Read full article: Blinken stresses need for better US-Chinese communications as he heads to BeijingShortly before setting out for Beijing, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is emphasizing the importance of the U.S. and China establishing better lines of communication.
Malaysia, Singapore slam comedian for 'offensive' joke over MH370 plane disappearance
Read full article: Malaysia, Singapore slam comedian for 'offensive' joke over MH370 plane disappearanceMalaysia has condemned a Singapore-born comedian who made fun of the 2014 disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 during a skit in the United States.
UN expert: Myanmar military imported $1 billion in weapons since 2021 coup
Read full article: UN expert: Myanmar military imported $1 billion in weapons since 2021 coupA new U.N. report says Myanmar’s military has imported at least $1 billion worth of weapons and related material from Russia, China and other countries since its February 2021 coup, which it has used to carry out atrocities against civilians.
Gooch claims back-to-back LIV Golf titles with Singapore win
Read full article: Gooch claims back-to-back LIV Golf titles with Singapore winTalor Gooch became the first player to win back-to-back LIV Golf titles after a playoff hole victory against Sergio Garcia at the LIV Singapore tournament at Sentosa Golf Club.
Black box from Nepal plane crash to be sent to Singapore
Read full article: Black box from Nepal plane crash to be sent to SingaporeThe flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorders recovered from the Jan. 15 plane crash in Nepal are being sent to Singapore for analysis to identify the cause of the crash that killed all 72 people on board.
Protest-backing soccer star's family kept from leaving Iran
Read full article: Protest-backing soccer star's family kept from leaving IranA prominent former soccer player in Iran who has expressed support for anti-government protests says his wife and daughter were prevented from leaving the country.
SE Asia urges US, China to avoid provocation over Taiwan
Read full article: SE Asia urges US, China to avoid provocation over TaiwanThe Association of Southeast Asian Nations is calling for calm in the Taiwan Strait, urging against any “provocative action” in the wake of a visit to Taipei by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that has infuriated Beijing.
Singapore executes Malaysian despite pleas he was disabled
Read full article: Singapore executes Malaysian despite pleas he was disabledSingapore has executed a Malaysian man convicted of drug smuggling after a court dismissed a last-minute challenge from his mother and international pleas to spare him on grounds he was mentally disabled.
Biden is skeptical Russia is scaling back operations in Kyiv
Read full article: Biden is skeptical Russia is scaling back operations in KyivPresident Joe Biden says he's not yet convinced that Russia’s announcement that it will scale back military operations near the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv will lead to a fundamental shift in the war.
Jin Young Ko wins on return to LPGA Tour after 3-month break
Read full article: Jin Young Ko wins on return to LPGA Tour after 3-month breakWorld No. 1 Jin Young Ko birdied the 18th hole for a 6-under 66 to win the LPGA Tour’s HSBC Women’s World Championship by two strokes over fellow South Korean player In Gee Chun and Australian Minjee Lee.
Airbus delivers more planes last year to post record income
Read full article: Airbus delivers more planes last year to post record incomeAirbus has reported record net income of $4.8 billion last year as the aircraft maker delivered more planes to an economy rebounding from the coronavirus pandemic.
Singapore air show subdued 2 years into pandemic
Read full article: Singapore air show subdued 2 years into pandemicSingapore’s biennial air show opened Tuesday on a smaller scale than before the pandemic, even as the aviation sector gears up for a recovery two years after coronavirus outbreaks nearly paralyzed air travel.
Grab goes public in $40B SPAC deal, slides in market debut
Read full article: Grab goes public in $40B SPAC deal, slides in market debutSoutheast Asia’s largest ride-hailing company Grab tumbled in its market debut Thursday, following a $40 billion merger in a special purpose acquisition company deal.
Joyful reunions as Malaysia-Singapore land border reopens
Read full article: Joyful reunions as Malaysia-Singapore land border reopensMalaysians working in Singapore are holding joyful reunions with their loved ones after returning to their homeland following the partial reopening of a land border that has been shuttered for nearly two years due to the pandemic.
Singapore strategy of living with COVID raises concern, hope
Read full article: Singapore strategy of living with COVID raises concern, hopeAs the island nation of Singapore pursues a strategy of “living with COVID” and a gradual relaxation of pandemic restrictions, daily cases are skyrocketing and residents are growing increasingly anxious.
US VP Harris: Focus must stay on Afghan evacuation
Read full article: US VP Harris: Focus must stay on Afghan evacuationVice President Kamala Harris says the U.S. must maintain its focus on evacuating Americans and vulnerable Afghans and shouldn’t get distracted by questions over what went wrong in the chaotic U.S. exit from Afghanistan.
Harris meets with Singapore officials to begin Asia visit
Read full article: Harris meets with Singapore officials to begin Asia visitThe White House on Monday announced a series of new agreements with Singapore aimed at combating cyber threats, tackling climate change, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and alleviating supply chain issues.
Harris to focus on security, economic ties on SE Asia trip
Read full article: Harris to focus on security, economic ties on SE Asia tripVice President Kamala Harris will visit Southeast Asia later this month aiming to bolster U.S. engagement in the region in an effort to counter China’s growing influence globally.
US defense secretary visits Vietnam, vows support for region
Read full article: US defense secretary visits Vietnam, vows support for regionU.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is seeking to bolster ties with Vietnam, one of the Southeast Asian nations embroiled in a territorial rift with China, during a two-day visit.
Asian stocks mixed after Taiwan, Singapore anti-virus curbs
Read full article: Asian stocks mixed after Taiwan, Singapore anti-virus curbsAsian stock markets are mixed after Taiwan and Singapore tightened anti-coronavirus restrictions and Wall Street turned in its biggest weekly decline in three months.
One Good Thing: A Singapore skyline view for migrant workers
Read full article: One Good Thing: A Singapore skyline view for migrant workersMigrant worker Natarajan Pandiarajan, right, enjoys the view on board the Singapore Flyer attraction in Singapore on March 7, 2021. He is among at least 20,000 migrant workers who will be treated to rides by members of the public and businesses. Migrant workers are getting a bird's eye view of Singapore, with the public's help. But the migrant workers riding the Singapore Flyer attraction did not mind. Migrant workers have accounted for most of Singapore's 60,000 reported cases.
Vaccinations start without rush in Australia, parts of Asia
Read full article: Vaccinations start without rush in Australia, parts of AsiaElsewhere in Asia, Thailand, which has seen only 83 virus deaths, has yet to start vaccinations. That is part of the Thai government’s plan that has so far secured 2 million doses from Sinovac and 61 million doses from AstraZeneca. AdVietnam, which has recorded 35 deaths, announced last week that it will receive 5 million vaccine doses by the end of February and hopes to start inoculations as early as the beginning of March. Cambodia, which has yet to report any virus deaths, received its first shipment of 600,000 vaccine doses from China on Feb. 7, part of 1 million doses Beijing donated. In Singapore, which has reported 29 virus deaths, some 250,000 residents, including healthcare workers and other front-line workers, had been vaccinated as of last week, according to health officials.
The Latest: 2 Chinese cities urge people to stay at home
Read full article: The Latest: 2 Chinese cities urge people to stay at homeLaura Kelly said Thursday that inmates will be vaccinated after health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities. The governor warned Friday that initially, the supply of vaccines available to people other than health care workers and nursing home patients will be very limited. The announcement came as many local officials argued it was time to distribute the vaccine beyond health care workers. The governor’s plan came as the state’s new COVID-19 cases continue to rise and ICU beds are nearly full. Shots also are still being given to health care workers, first responders and staff and residents at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
One company's quest for an antibody drug to fight COVID-19
Read full article: One company's quest for an antibody drug to fight COVID-19(Regeneron via AP)On a Saturday afternoon in March as COVID-19 was bearing down on New York City, a dozen scientists anxiously crowded around a computer in a suburban drug company’s lab. This was the start of a drug that would, eventually, go into the arms of a U.S. president and others fighting off COVID-19. Unlike chemicals that are simply mixed in a lab, antibodies are coaxed from living cells. Regeneron’s two-antibody drug is unique: One came from a COVID-19 survivor in Singapore and the other from the company’s genetically modified mice. Blood from the mice and patients contains B cells, and each makes a specific antibody that’s carried on its surface.
'External source' causes oil tanker blast off Saudi Arabia
Read full article: 'External source' causes oil tanker blast off Saudi ArabiaThe apparent attack on the oil tanker marks the fourth assault targeting Saudi energy infrastructure in a month. The attack on the Singapore-flagged BW Rhine, which had been contracted by the trading arm of the kingdom's massive Saudi Arabian Oil Co., marks the fourth assault targeting Saudi energy infrastructure in a month. The explosion comes after a mine exploded and damaged a ship off Saudi Arabia last month. Saudi Arabia recently accused the Houthis of dumping mines into the southern Red Sea, which could be carried toward Jiddah. A stepped-up campaign of drone-boat attacks deeper into the Red Sea likely would do the same.
Asian stocks rise ahead of US economic data amid virus fears
Read full article: Asian stocks rise ahead of US economic data amid virus fearsBEIJING – Asian stocks rose Monday as investors looked ahead to quarterly U.S. economic data amid unease about anti-coronavirus curbs on business and wrangling over the American presidential election. Investors looked ahead to third-quarter U.S. economic growth data due out Wednesday after Wall Street’s benchmark S&P 500 index ended last week down as rising infection numbers collided with optimism about a possible vaccine. He noted U.S. economic data are “beginning to wobble a bit.”The Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.6% to 3,397.32 while the Hang Seng in Hong Kong lost 0.2% to 26,388.89. Those hopes have been tempered by the reality of the weeks or months required to test, produce and distribute a possible vaccine even if it is successful. Also Monday, Singapore revised up its third-quarter economic growth to a contraction of 5.8% over a year earlier, an improvement from the previous estimate of a 7% drop.
Spike in cases delays Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble
Read full article: Spike in cases delays Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubbleHONG KONG – Singapore and Hong Kong on Saturday postponed the start of an air travel bubble meant to boost tourism for both cities, citing a spike in infections in the Chinese territory as a “sober reminder” of risks to public health. Hong Kong reported 43 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, including 13 untraceable local infections. Hong Kong has confirmed a total of 5,561 cases, including 108 deaths. Originally, only people landing in Hong Kong were to be required to be tested. But we think it is better to defer from a public health standpoint,” he wrote.
Volunteers spend Sundays to help Singapore's less fortunate
Read full article: Volunteers spend Sundays to help Singapore's less fortunateMembers of the volunteer group conduct weekend door-to-door visits to deliver goods or provide services to people in need. Singapore's partial lockdown as the coronavirus was spreading in April left her fretting over how the blind, bedridden and elderly living alone would cope. Her core team of volunteers met urgent needs — plumbers, handymen and people who could dispense medicine or tap on government resources. The informal network she founded, Keeping Hope Alive, has toiled tirelessly for over two decades to reach Singapore’s less fortunate in different neighborhoods. Once the residents' most-pressing needs were identified, the volunteers acted immediately — installing bicycle bells on wheelchairs, trimming nails, cleaning bed bug-infested homes, and checking if household items need replacement.
Asia Today: Hong Kong, Singapore OK quarantine-free travel
Read full article: Asia Today: Hong Kong, Singapore OK quarantine-free travelSecretary for Food and Health, Sophia Chan, left, and other officials attend a press conference in Hong Kong Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020. Hong Kong and Singapore will launch an air travel bubble at the end of the month, allowing travelers in both cities to visit the other without having to serve quarantine. The bubble will be suspended for two weeks if either Hong Kong or Singapore reports a seven-day moving average of more than five untraceable coronavirus infections, according to the Hong Kong government. “Hong Kong and Singapore are similar in terms of epidemic control. However, the exemption from quarantine is only one-way, and Hong Kong residents travelling to the mainland must still serve 14 days of quarantine on arrival.
Asia Today: SKorea reports 110 cases, half in Busan hospital
Read full article: Asia Today: SKorea reports 110 cases, half in Busan hospitalSouth Korea reported on Thursday more than 100 new cases of the coronavirus, half of them linked to a hospital in Busan. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)SEOUL – South Korea has reported 110 new cases of the coronavirus, half of them linked to a hospital in Busan. — Australia’s prime minister says his government is giving priority to reopening air services to Japan, Singapore and South Korea. He described Japan and South Korea as “two countries that have done particularly well” in dealing with the pandemic. Both Hong Kong and Singapore closed their borders earlier this year, banning short-term visitors from entering as they fought to reduce coronavirus infections.
Asia Today: September was India's worst month of pandemic
Read full article: Asia Today: September was India's worst month of pandemicIndia is expected to become the coronavirus pandemic's worst-hit country within weeks, surpassing the United States. (AP Photo/R S Iyer)NEW DELHI – India on Thursday reported 86,821 new coronaviruses cases and another 1,181 fatalities, making September its worst month of the pandemic. India is expected to become the pandemic’s worst-hit country within weeks, surpassing the United States, where more than 7.2 million people have been infected. The government also said India's 28 states can decide on reopening of schools and coaching institutions gradually after Oct. 15. However, evacuation flights will continue to and from the United States, Britain, Australia, Canada, France, Japan and several other countries.
The Latest: US extends ban on cruise ships through October
Read full article: The Latest: US extends ban on cruise ships through October(AP Photo/YK Chan)WASHINGTON — Federal health officials are extending the U.S. ban on cruise ships through the end of October amid reports of recent outbreaks of the new coronavirus on ships overseas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday that it was extending a no-sail order on cruise ships with the capacity to carry at least 250 passengers. In the 24 hours since 10 a.m. Tuesday, the state reported 1,048 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 88,555. Oklahoma is in the red zone for virus cases, meaning 101 or more new cases per 100,000 population, with a rate of 201 new cases per 100,000. The number of reported coronavirus cases in the state increased by 980 on Wednesday and there were 13 additional deaths due to COVID-19, the health department said.
Police in one country are using drones to enforce social distancing
Read full article: Police in one country are using drones to enforce social distancingPolice in Singapore have taken an extraordinary step to ensure people are following social distancing rules. In a 3 1/2-month trial, police have used 22-pound pilotless drones, developed by Israel’s Airobotics, as a way to enforce social distancing and contain the spread of COVID-19, according to Reuters. Airobotics CEO Ran Krauss told Reuters the company is simply helping police maintain normal operations, specifically related to COVID-19. “The pandemic created a situation where it might be difficult for police to maintain,” Krauss said. The trial continues on in the social distancing aspect, according to Airobotics, and Krauss said the company is in talks with other cities to deploy drones.
Pakistan warns TikTok video service, blocks Bigo Live app
Read full article: Pakistan warns TikTok video service, blocks Bigo Live appISLAMABAD Pakistan has threatened China's TikTok and blocked the Singapore-based Bigo Live streaming platform, citing what the regulating authority called widespread complaints about immoral, obscene and vulgar content on the apps. The move was promptly decried by Pakistani rights activists who saw it as a potential precursor to an even greater censorship in this conservative Muslim nation. In a statement, the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority said the content on the two platforms could have extremely negative effects on the society in general and youth in particular, without elaborating. TikTok has especially grown in popularity among the country's young, which make up nearly 70% of the 220 million population, Ahmad said. The regulating authority insists the move is about content deemed offensive.
On summit anniversary, North Korea vows to build up military
Read full article: On summit anniversary, North Korea vows to build up militaryFILE - In this June 12, 2018, file photo, U.S. President Donald Trump, right, meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Sentosa Island, in Singapore. On the two-year anniversary of the leaders first summit, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Son Gwon said the North would never again gift Trump with high-profile meetings and concessions he could boast as foreign policy achievements unless it gets something substantial in return. But negotiations faltered after the United States rejected North Korean demands for broad sanctions relief in exchange for a partial surrender of the Norths nuclear capabilities at Kims second summit with Trump in Vietnam in February 2019. The North in recent months conducted short-range missile tests while also dialing up pressure on South Korea. North Korea has suspended virtually all cooperation with South Korea in recent months while pressuring Seoul to defy U.S.-led international sanctions and restart inter-Korean economic projects that would breathe life into the Norths struggling economy.
The Latest: 3 more F1 races canceled because of virus
Read full article: The Latest: 3 more F1 races canceled because of virusThe Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___Formula One races in Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japan have been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers say the long lead times required to construct street circuits in Singapore and Azerbaijan made it impossible to host those races during a period of uncertainty. The Japanese Grand Prix in October was canceled because of ongoing travel restrictions. F1 had already announced a revamped schedule that confirmed the first eight races of the 2020 season. It is planning to have from 15-18 races in total.
Singapore sentences drug suspect to death at Zoom hearing
Read full article: Singapore sentences drug suspect to death at Zoom hearingKUALA LUMPUR Singapore sentenced a drug suspect to death at a court hearing held on the videoconferencing app Zoom because of the city-state's coronavirus lockdown, in a decision slammed by a human rights group as callous and inhumane. The Singapore court ruled that Genasan, 37, was involved in drug trafficking in October 2011. Singapore applies the death penalty to a range of offenses including drug trafficking, murder, kidnapping, waging war against the government and use of firearms. Human Rights Watch said the death penalty is already cruel and inhumane, and the use of Zoom to announce it made it worse. Its death penalty adviser, Chiara Sangiorgio, said Singapore is only one of four countries that currently execute people for drug offenses.
Singapore threatens 6 months in jail for breaking social distancing laws
Read full article: Singapore threatens 6 months in jail for breaking social distancing lawsSingapore has introduced new laws governing social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak that could see offenders serve six months in jail. Such notices have been issued to certain inbound travelers as well as people with respiratory conditions flagged by medical practitioners. On Wednesday, Singapore reported 73 new cases of coronavirus, its largest one-day increase in cases. Since Monday borders have been closed to all short-term visitors and travelers transiting though the city. The only exception is for Malaysians with Singapore work permits, who have been able to continue working in Singapore.
ISIS preys on domestic workers in Hong Kong, Singapore
Read full article: ISIS preys on domestic workers in Hong Kong, SingaporeISIS Propaganda via CNN(CNN) - For six days a week, the three women worked as domestic workers in homes across Singapore. Often, it is a two-way street: the domestic workers might take the first step by reaching out to militants. Other radicalized domestic workers take on a more active role, becoming financiers, recruiters and coordinators. Of the 50 radicalized domestic workers identified by IPAC, at least 12 had attempted to reach Syria via Hong Kong, as of June 2017. Keeping a close watchThe recruitment of domestic workers in Hong Kong and Singapore has not gone unnoticed.
Singapore joins France in banning e-scooters on sidewalks
Read full article: Singapore joins France in banning e-scooters on sidewalksScooters have popped up on sidewalks all over the country, but staying safe takes more than just wearing a helmet. SINGAPORE (CNN) - Singapore has banned the riding of e-scooters on sidewalks in the city-state from Monday, November 4 after a growing number of accidents involving the motorized devices, including at least one fatality. The move came shortly after the death of a 65-year-old woman who collided with an e-scooter while riding her bike in late September. Singapore is not alone in banning the motorized scooters from its sidewalks. The devices are no longer allowed on sidewalks in France, after thousands of e-scooters began to cause tensions with residents.
Singapore overtakes US as world's most competitive economy
Read full article: Singapore overtakes US as world's most competitive economySINGAPORE - Singapore has knocked the United States out of the top spot in the World Economic Forum's annual competitiveness report. Singapore pushed the world's largest economy down to second place this year, with the Asian city state scoring top marks for its infrastructure, health, labor market and financial system. And while the United States lost out to Singapore overall, "it remains an innovation powerhouse," the report said. Singapore and Vietnam put up strong performances this year partly thanks to the US-China trade war. The report noted that the two Asian economies "appear to be benefiting from global trade tensions through trade diversion."
The world's best bar for 2019 revealed
Read full article: The world's best bar for 2019 revealedNew York's Dante in Greenwich Village has been named the world's top bar. NEW YORK - New York real estate may be plummeting, but there's one spot in Greenwich Village where space remains at a premium: Dante, a 104-year-old hostelry that's just been voted top of the World's 50 Best Bar list for 2019. "We could not be more honored to be named #1 World's Best Bar at the most prestigious of awards ceremony here in London," Linden Pride, owner of Dante, told CNN Travel. Masa Urushido's Katana Kitten, a Japanese-style bar in the West Village, helmed by Masa Urushido, was awarded Best New Opening. Singapore led the way in Asia, with six entries in all, including Atlas, named Best Bar in Asia.
Sebastian Vettel's win leaves Ferrari teammate frustrated
Read full article: Sebastian Vettel's win leaves Ferrari teammate frustratedThe German, who had started in third, benefited from a strange Ferrari strategy which saw him leapfrog teammate Charles Leclerc, who had begun in pole position. First of all big congratulations to the team," said Vettel, who said he was surprised to come out ahead of the field. Ferrari tensionDespite the race doing no favors for team cohesion, Ferrari can enjoy its first one-two since 2017. There were, however, no huge celebrations between its two drivers after the race with Leclerc still visibly frustrated with how it ended. Leclerc and Verstappen are both tied on points in third, 32 points further adrift.
Thick smog from Indonesian forest fires reaches hazardous levels
Read full article: Thick smog from Indonesian forest fires reaches hazardous levelsHe added that "99% of the forest and land fires occurred due to human factors." Singapore and Malaysia have both choked in a dense haze all week as a result of the fires, with air quality reaching unhealthy levels. Schools in parts of Indonesia's smog-hit Sumatra and Borneo islands have also shut, with air quality considered "hazardous" to health in several areas. Hazardous levels of pollutionDuring Jokowi's visit to Pelalawan, air pollution exceeded 300 micrograms per cubic meter -- levels considered hazardous on the Air Quality Index (AQI), according to the country's Antara news agency. The unusually high AQI levels in the region have been linked to smoke from the Indonesian fires, according to the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC).
Top ten safest cities to visit in 2019
Read full article: Top ten safest cities to visit in 2019The Economist Intelligence Unit's 2019 Safe Cities Index (SCI) has ranked 60 destinations across the world in terms of their digital security, health security, infrastructure and personal safety. No big shocks there, these cities also made up the top three in the two previous SCI rankings, conducted in 2015 and 2017. While analyzing a city's resilience, the Safe Cities Index looked at the emergency services available in the city, transport facilities, catastrophe insurance, disaster-risk development and cyber-security preparedness. Cities don't have to be rich to be safe, the report says, although it acknowledges that cities in developing countries tend to appear lower down the list. The world's safest cities for 2019, according to SCI:1.
5 of the world's biggest economies at risk of recession
Read full article: 5 of the world's biggest economies at risk of recessionCNNNEW YORK - Five big economies are at risk of recession. "The common feature is the weak global backdrop," said Neil Shearing, group chief economist at Capital Economics. The International Monetary Fund last month cut its forecast for global growth this year to 3.2%, the weakest rate of expansion since 2009. The bond market is flashing warning signs and more than a third of asset managers surveyed by Bank of America expect a global recession in the next 12 months. "All of this is consistent with our view that global growth is slowing rather than collapsing.
Singapore seizes tusks from 300 elephants
Read full article: Singapore seizes tusks from 300 elephantsThe ivory seizure is the largest ever made in Singapore. (CNN) - Singapore stopped a shipment of almost 9 tonnes (9.9 US tons) of ivory, the largest seizure of its kind in the nation's history. There were also 11.9 tonnes (13.1 US tons) of pangolin scales among the illicit cargo, the third such shipment to be intercepted in Singapore this year. Authorities say the ivory, with tusks from nearly 300 elephants, is worth $12.9 million; the pangolin scales, estimated to have been taken from around 2,000 Giant Ground Pangolins, would fetch around $35.7 million. The seizure takes the total weight of pangolin scales stopped in Singapore to 37.5 tonnes (41.3 US tons) in 2019 alone.