US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trumps-attitude-towards-india-unpredictable-unreliable-238560">Donald Trump</a> on Tuesday said he believes North Korean leader<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-calls-for-offensive-measures-as-nuclear-deadline-looms-271049"> Kim Jong Un</a> will stick to his commitments on denuclearization, even as the strongman threatened a "new strategic weapon."

"We did sign a contract, talking about denuclearization. That was the number one sentence, 'denuclearization', that was done in Singapore. I think he's a man of his word," a tuxedo-wearing Trump told reporters before heading into New Year festivities at his holiday retreat in Florida.

The president was referring to a 2018 historic summit he held with Kim in Singapore. The two adopted a vaguely worded statement on "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" and agreed to "establish new US-DPRK relations".

But the failure to reach an agreement over sanctions relief and what the North was willing to give up in return led to the collapse of the leaders' second summit in February in Hanoi.

The North had set a year-end deadline for Washington to offer fresh concessions on sanctions, but they failed to materialize.

On Wednesday, North Korea's state media reported that Kim had declared an end to moratoriums on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests and threatened a demonstration of a "new strategic weapon" soon.

In Florida Trump repeated his previous comments that he and Kim "like" each other and have a very good relationship.

"He is representing his country. We will do what we have to do," Trump said

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he believes North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will stick to his commitments on denuclearization, even as the strongman threatened a "new strategic weapon.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he believes North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will stick to his commitments on denuclearization, even as the strongman threatened a "new strategic weapon." "We did sign a contract, talking about denuclearization. That was the number one sentence, 'denuclearization', that was done in Singapore. I think he's a man of his word," a tuxedo-wearing Trump told reporters before heading into New Year festivities at his holiday retreat in Florida. The president was referring to a 2018 historic summit he held with Kim in Singapore. The two adopted a vaguely worded statement on "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" and agreed to "establish new US-DPRK relations". But the failure to reach an agreement over sanctions relief and what the North was willing to give up in return led to the collapse of the leaders' second summit in February in Hanoi. The North had set a year-end deadline for Washington to offer fresh concessions on sanctions, but they failed to materialize. On Wednesday, North Korea's state media reported that Kim had declared an end to moratoriums on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests and threatened a demonstration of a "new strategic weapon" soon. In Florida Trump repeated his previous comments that he and Kim "like" each other and have a very good relationship. "He is representing his country. We will do what we have to do," Trump said

Kim 'a man of his word' on denuclearisation: Donald Trump

Asian city-state&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;is well known for its strict rules: fines can be doled out for everything from feeding birds to forgetting to flush a public toilet.

But this week&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;police had to clarify that using a&nbsp;phone&nbsp;while crossing the road was not illegal after rumours circulated online that doing so could result in a S$1,000 ($733) fine under revised rules.

"There is a message circulating online which claims erroneously that pedestrians who use their mobile&nbsp;phones while crossing the roads may be fined up to $1,000 from December 1, 2019. This is false,"&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;police said in a statement on Facebook".

"However, we advise pedestrians to avoid using such devices when crossing the road, as such usage would distract them from the road conditions and the movement of vehicles around them."

All major domestic media outlets including broadcaster Channel NewsAsia and The Straits Times newspaper carried the police clarification.

But some people said such a&nbsp;law&nbsp;would be a good idea.

"Please make this an offence, simply because people who do this have no regards for other people's safety, and&nbsp;many&nbsp;a time at the traffic lights vehicles have to wait for them to finish crossing even when the lights are not in their favour," reader Alan Kiong commented on the Straits Times' Facebook page.

"Time to look into the matter. No to zombie world," said another Facebook user, I'sha Md Eusuff.

People in&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;spend more than 12 hours a day on gadgets such as mobile&nbsp;phones, tablets, computers and video game consoles, according to a 2017 study by consultancy Ernst &amp; Young.

Asian city-state Singapore is well known for its strict rules: fines can be doled out for everything from feeding birds to forgetting to flush a public toilet. But this week Singapore police had to clarify that using a phone while crossing the road was not illegal after rumours circulated online that doing so could result in a S$1,000 ($733) fine under revised rules.

Asian city-state Singapore is well known for its strict rules: fines can be doled out for everything from feeding birds to forgetting to flush a public toilet. But this week Singapore police had to clarify that using a phone while crossing the road was not illegal after rumours circulated online that doing so could result in a S$1,000 ($733) fine under revised rules. "There is a message circulating online which claims erroneously that pedestrians who use their mobile phones while crossing the roads may be fined up to $1,000 from December 1, 2019. This is false," Singapore police said in a statement on Facebook". "However, we advise pedestrians to avoid using such devices when crossing the road, as such usage would distract them from the road conditions and the movement of vehicles around them." All major domestic media outlets including broadcaster Channel NewsAsia and The Straits Times newspaper carried the police clarification. But some people said such a law would be a good idea. "Please make this an offence, simply because people who do this have no regards for other people's safety, and many a time at the traffic lights vehicles have to wait for them to finish crossing even when the lights are not in their favour," reader Alan Kiong commented on the Straits Times' Facebook page. "Time to look into the matter. No to zombie world," said another Facebook user, I'sha Md Eusuff. People in Singapore spend more than 12 hours a day on gadgets such as mobile phones, tablets, computers and video game consoles, according to a 2017 study by consultancy Ernst & Young.

Fake phone law dupes many in Singapore, but wins support too

Facebook said on Saturday it had issued a correction notice on a user's post at the request of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-tells-facebook-to-correct-users-post-under-new-fake-news-law-265168">Singapore government </a>but urged for a measured approach to the implementation of a new "fake news" law to protect freedom of speech.

"Facebook is legally required to tell you that the Singapore government says this post has false information," the notice, which could be seen by some users in Singapore, said.

The correction notice was embedded at the bottom of the original post without any alterations to the text, but it could not be seen by other users inside and outside the country.

The Singapore government said on Friday it had instructed Facebook to publish a correction notice on a Nov. 23 post.

"As required by Singapore law, Facebook applied a label to these posts, which were determined by the Singapore Government to contain false information," a spokesperson for Facebook said in an emailed statement.

"As it is early days of the law coming into effect, we hope the Singapore Government's assurances that it will not impact free expression will lead to a measured and transparent approach to implementation."

Facebook said on Saturday it had issued a correction notice on a user's post at the request of the Singapore government but urged for a measured approach to the implementation of a new "fake news" law to protect freedom of speech.

Facebook said on Saturday it had issued a correction notice on a user's post at the request of the Singapore government but urged for a measured approach to the implementation of a new "fake news" law to protect freedom of speech. "Facebook is legally required to tell you that the Singapore government says this post has false information," the notice, which could be seen by some users in Singapore, said. The correction notice was embedded at the bottom of the original post without any alterations to the text, but it could not be seen by other users inside and outside the country. The Singapore government said on Friday it had instructed Facebook to publish a correction notice on a Nov. 23 post. "As required by Singapore law, Facebook applied a label to these posts, which were determined by the Singapore Government to contain false information," a spokesperson for Facebook said in an emailed statement. "As it is early days of the law coming into effect, we hope the Singapore Government's assurances that it will not impact free expression will lead to a measured and transparent approach to implementation."

Facebook corrects user's post under new Singapore fake news law

Singapore said on Friday it had instructed Facebook to correct a post on its social media platform under a new 'fake news' law, after a user declined a government request to do so.

Singapore said on Friday it had instructed Facebook to correct a post on its social media platform under a new 'fake news' law, after a user declined a government request to do so. The move, coming as the Asian city-state gears up for an election, is the first real test of a measure that took effect last month, stoking fears it could stifle free speech and chill dissent. But government officials have rejected such concerns. On Thursday, Singapore ordered blogger Alex Tan to correct his post on the States Times Review Facebook page that made accusations of the arrest of a supposed whistleblower and election rigging, calling them "false" and "scurrilous". Tan, who does not live in Singapore and says he is an Australian citizen, said he would not comply with the request. On Friday, the office administering the law, known as the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), said it had directed Facebook to issue the correction after Tan's "non-compliance". The office had also "commenced investigations against Tan", it added, without giving details. Facebook declined to comment and Tan's post was unaltered at 12 noon (0400 GMT) on Friday. Facebook has previously said it was "concerned with aspects of the new law which grant broad powers to the Singapore executive branch to compel us to remove content they deem to be false and to push a government notification to users". Rights groups such as New York-based Human Rights Watch have also warned the law could undermine internet freedoms, not just in Singapore, but elsewhere in Southeast Asia. In the only other case under the law, which covers those both inside and out of Singapore who make false statements communicated in the country, opposition political figure Brad Bowyer swiftly complied with a correction request. The penalties prescribed range from prison terms of as much as 10 years or fines up to S$1 million ($735,000). Singapore, ruled by the People's Action Party since independence in 1965, is widely expected to hold a general election within months, though no official date has been set.

Singapore tells Facebook to correct user's post under new 'fake news' law

Singapore&nbsp;political figure Brad Bowyer on Monday corrected a&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;post&nbsp;questioning the independence of state investment firms following a government request, in the&nbsp;first&nbsp;use of the country's new "fake news"&nbsp;law.

Bowyer used "false and misleading" statements alleging the government influenced decisions made by state investors<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/singapores-temasek-reports-record-235-bn-portfolio-150518"> Temasek Holdings</a> and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bank-lic-gic-unions-to-protest-against-govt-policies-tomorrow-151379"> GIC</a>, according to a statement on the official government fact-checking website.

Bowyer said he had placed a correction notice with a link to the government statement above his&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;post&nbsp;following a request to do so under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA).

"I have no problem in following that request as I feel it is fair to have both points of view and clarifications and corrections of fact when necessary," Bowyer said in a statement on&nbsp;Facebook.

"In general, I caution all those who comment on our domestic politics and social issues to do so with due care and attention especially if you speak from any place of influence."

Bowyer, a naturalized&nbsp;Singaporean born in Britain, has been a member of the ruling party and opposition parties but has never stood for elected office.

A spokesman for the newly-created POFMA office said the correction requested by the minister for finance was the&nbsp;first&nbsp;case under the new&nbsp;law, which came into effect in October.

Rights groups have raised concerns the fake news&nbsp;law&nbsp;will be used to stifle free speech and chill dissent in the city-state, where the ruling party has comfortably won every election since independence in 1965.

Singapore&nbsp;says it is particularly vulnerable to fake news because of its position as a global financial hub, its mixed ethnic and religious population, and widespread internet access.

Singapore political figure Brad Bowyer on Monday corrected a Facebook post questioning the independence of state investment firms following a government request, in the first use of the country's new "fake news" law.

Singapore political figure Brad Bowyer on Monday corrected a Facebook post questioning the independence of state investment firms following a government request, in the first use of the country's new "fake news" law. Bowyer used "false and misleading" statements alleging the government influenced decisions made by state investors Temasek Holdings and GIC, according to a statement on the official government fact-checking website. Bowyer said he had placed a correction notice with a link to the government statement above his Facebook post following a request to do so under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA). "I have no problem in following that request as I feel it is fair to have both points of view and clarifications and corrections of fact when necessary," Bowyer said in a statement on Facebook. "In general, I caution all those who comment on our domestic politics and social issues to do so with due care and attention especially if you speak from any place of influence." Bowyer, a naturalized Singaporean born in Britain, has been a member of the ruling party and opposition parties but has never stood for elected office. A spokesman for the newly-created POFMA office said the correction requested by the minister for finance was the first case under the new law, which came into effect in October. Rights groups have raised concerns the fake news law will be used to stifle free speech and chill dissent in the city-state, where the ruling party has comfortably won every election since independence in 1965. Singapore says it is particularly vulnerable to fake news because of its position as a global financial hub, its mixed ethnic and religious population, and widespread internet access.

Singapore invokes 'fake news' law for first time over Facebook post

A Singaporean firm's director was given a jail term for nearly three years for supplying luxury goods worth millions to North Korea, which violates UN sanctions.&nbsp;

The court convicted Ng Kheng Wah for shipping $4.4 million items including wine, spirits and perfume to North Korea via Dalian in China for more than six years. As per the court documents, the firm T Specialist sent over Sg$6 million in goods that included musical instruments, watches, jewellery, and cosmetics, to a department store chain in North Korea.&nbsp;

"This sanctions regime will only be effective if every UN member state, including Singapore, uses its best efforts to ensure full compliance," said Judge Bala Reddy, while reading out the 34-month sentence. He also added that such "illicit"&nbsp;international trade also harms a country's reputation and raises questions of its commitment to the UN Security Council&nbsp;sanctions regime.

The United Nations have imposed sanctions in response to North Korea's ballistic and nuclear tests. Singapore introduced laws to enforce these sanctions and in 2017 ended trade ties with the North.&nbsp;

In recent years, a lot of companies and individuals were charged of supplying banned goods to North Korea. A Singaporean firm was accused of supplying wine and sprites worth nearly Sg$665,000 ($480,000) to North in August. Last year, two men were charged with supplying luxury goods, including watches 
and jewellery to Pyongyang.

(with inputs from AFP)

A Singaporean firm's director was given a jail term for nearly three years for supplying luxury goods worth millions to North Korea, which violates UN sanctions.

A Singaporean firm's director was given a jail term for nearly three years for supplying luxury goods worth millions to North Korea, which violates UN sanctions. The court convicted Ng Kheng Wah for shipping $4.4 million items including wine, spirits and perfume to North Korea via Dalian in China for more than six years. As per the court documents, the firm T Specialist sent over Sg$6 million in goods that included musical instruments, watches, jewellery, and cosmetics, to a department store chain in North Korea. "This sanctions regime will only be effective if every UN member state, including Singapore, uses its best efforts to ensure full compliance," said Judge Bala Reddy, while reading out the 34-month sentence. He also added that such "illicit" international trade also harms a country's reputation and raises questions of its commitment to the UN Security Council sanctions regime. The United Nations have imposed sanctions in response to North Korea's ballistic and nuclear tests. Singapore introduced laws to enforce these sanctions and in 2017 ended trade ties with the North. In recent years, a lot of companies and individuals were charged of supplying banned goods to North Korea. A Singaporean firm was accused of supplying wine and sprites worth nearly Sg$665,000 ($480,000) to North in August. Last year, two men were charged with supplying luxury goods, including watches and jewellery to Pyongyang. (with inputs from AFP)

Singapore: Man jailed for three years for supplying luxury goods to North Korea

Defence Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-holds-bilateral-meetings-with-japan-us-at-asean-defence-ministers-meeting-plus-in-bangkok-262693">Rajnath Singh</a> held wide-ranging talks with his Singapore counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-warships-take-part-in-international-maritime-defence-exhibition-in-singapore-218962">Ng Eng Hen</a> here on Wednesday during which the two sides reaffirmed commitment to support initiatives that would promote stability in the region. 
Singh and Hen co-chaired the 4th Singapore-India Defence Ministers' Dialogue (DMD) here today.&nbsp;

Lauding the growth in cooperation in the maritime domain between India and Singapore, the two ministers recalled the inaugural edition of the Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise (SITMEX) in the Andaman Sea that was conducted in September 2019 which underscored the shared responsibility of the countries to work together in keeping sea lines of communications open and strengthened interoperability between the three countries.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the deepening of defence ties between the two Asian countries. Hen also appreciated New Delhi's continued support for the training of the Singapore Armed Forces in India. Of note, in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Singapore Air Force-Indian Air Force Joint Military Training this year, the exercise was expanded to include an air-sea training component for the first time. 
Singh, meanwhile, reaffirmed India's full support and active participation in the regional security architecture, namely the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus) and its many initiatives.

The Singaporean counterpart expressed support for India's upcoming co-chairmanship of the ADMM Plus Experts' Working Group on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and welcomed India's deepening engagements with the other ASEAN States, both in bilateral and multilateral formats. In this regard, both sides welcomed the conclusion of a Letter of Intent to reaffirm a mutual commitment to exploring deepening HADR cooperation in areas such as information sharing and capacity building.

The ministers also commended the progress in defence technology collaboration. They witnessed the exchange of a Letter of Intent to register both sides' commitment to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the use of Chandipur Integrated Test Range by the Singapore defence establishment.

Singh also offered setting up of a Joint Test Facilities under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme of India to which Ng agreed in order to explore opportunities for joint collaboration.

The Ministers further agreed to explore cooperation in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Geo-Spatial Data Sharing, and Cyber Security. It was also agreed to hold the 5th DMD in India next year on mutually convenient dates. 
The DMD between India and Singapore had commenced in 2015 after both countries signed the revised Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) to further strengthen the long-standing bilateral defence relationship. Since then, the relationship has broadened and deepened to encompass military cooperation across all three Services of the Armed Forces of India and Singapore, defence technology cooperation as well as cooperation through multilateral engagements.

Earlier today, on the final day of his visit to Singapore, Singh visited the Kranji War Memorial and paid tributes to those who laid down their lives in the line of duty during the Second World War.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held wide-ranging talks with his Singapore counterpart Ng Eng Hen here on Wednesday during which the two sides reaffirmed commitment to support initiatives that would promote stability in the region.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held wide-ranging talks with his Singapore counterpart Ng Eng Hen here on Wednesday during which the two sides reaffirmed commitment to support initiatives that would promote stability in the region. Singh and Hen co-chaired the 4th Singapore-India Defence Ministers' Dialogue (DMD) here today. Lauding the growth in cooperation in the maritime domain between India and Singapore, the two ministers recalled the inaugural edition of the Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise (SITMEX) in the Andaman Sea that was conducted in September 2019 which underscored the shared responsibility of the countries to work together in keeping sea lines of communications open and strengthened interoperability between the three countries. Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the deepening of defence ties between the two Asian countries. Hen also appreciated New Delhi's continued support for the training of the Singapore Armed Forces in India. Of note, in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Singapore Air Force-Indian Air Force Joint Military Training this year, the exercise was expanded to include an air-sea training component for the first time. Singh, meanwhile, reaffirmed India's full support and active participation in the regional security architecture, namely the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus) and its many initiatives. The Singaporean counterpart expressed support for India's upcoming co-chairmanship of the ADMM Plus Experts' Working Group on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and welcomed India's deepening engagements with the other ASEAN States, both in bilateral and multilateral formats. In this regard, both sides welcomed the conclusion of a Letter of Intent to reaffirm a mutual commitment to exploring deepening HADR cooperation in areas such as information sharing and capacity building. The ministers also commended the progress in defence technology collaboration. They witnessed the exchange of a Letter of Intent to register both sides' commitment to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the use of Chandipur Integrated Test Range by the Singapore defence establishment. Singh also offered setting up of a Joint Test Facilities under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme of India to which Ng agreed in order to explore opportunities for joint collaboration. The Ministers further agreed to explore cooperation in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Geo-Spatial Data Sharing, and Cyber Security. It was also agreed to hold the 5th DMD in India next year on mutually convenient dates. The DMD between India and Singapore had commenced in 2015 after both countries signed the revised Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) to further strengthen the long-standing bilateral defence relationship. Since then, the relationship has broadened and deepened to encompass military cooperation across all three Services of the Armed Forces of India and Singapore, defence technology cooperation as well as cooperation through multilateral engagements. Earlier today, on the final day of his visit to Singapore, Singh visited the Kranji War Memorial and paid tributes to those who laid down their lives in the line of duty during the Second World War.

India, Singapore reaffirm partnership to promote regional stability

Singapore's top court on Wednesday heard the first legal challenges to its colonial-era gay sex law since similar legislation was scrapped in India last year, an issue that divides the socially-conservative city-state.

Three activists are arguing that Section 377A, a rarely-used law under which a man found to have committed an act of "gross indecency" with another man could be jailed for up to two years, was unconstitutional. The law does not apply to lesbians.

Previous efforts to repeal the law in 2014 failed, but activists have been emboldened by the landmark Indian ruling, polls suggesting attitudes towards homosexuals are changing, and a perceived softening in tone from establishment figures.

"Homosexual males are not lesser Singaporeans. They...deserve the same respect and legal protection under the Constitution. Section 377A...violates those fundamental constitutional protections," Brian Choong, one of the three, said in a written submission seen by Reuters.

Wednesday's hearings, the first of a number to be heard over the coming weeks, were not open to the public. The Attorney-General's Chambers, acting as defendant, did not respond to a request for comment.

India scrapped its gay sex ban in September 2018, a landmark judgement that prompted celebrations across India and elsewhere in South Asia, where activists hoped to push for similar reform.

Gay sex is criminalised in about 70 countries globally, according to International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has previously said that Singapore society "is not that liberal on these matters".

However, following the Indian decision, a prominent Singaporean diplomat called for challenges to the legislation while law minister K. Shanmugam said a "growing minority" wanted it repealed and that Singapore's laws should keep pace with societal change.

Recent surveys show there is growing acceptance of homosexuality. In a poll released in May by Singapore think-tank Institute of Policy Studies, opposition to gay marriage fell to 60%, down from 74 per cent&nbsp;in 2013.

In his submission filed by his lawyers, Choong also argues that recently declassified documents from the UK National Archives show that that original purpose of the law was to stamp out male prostitution and it should therefore not apply more broadly to all male homosexuals.

The ruling will be watched closely in neighbouring Malaysia where gay sex is also a crime and led to the conviction of prominent politician Anwar Ibrahim, who is now broadly seen as the country's prime minister-in-waiting.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Singapore's top court on Wednesday heard the first legal challenges to its colonial-era gay sex law since similar legislation was scrapped in India last year, an issue that divides the socially-conservative city-state.

Singapore's top court on Wednesday heard the first legal challenges to its colonial-era gay sex law since similar legislation was scrapped in India last year, an issue that divides the socially-conservative city-state. Three activists are arguing that Section 377A, a rarely-used law under which a man found to have committed an act of "gross indecency" with another man could be jailed for up to two years, was unconstitutional. The law does not apply to lesbians. Previous efforts to repeal the law in 2014 failed, but activists have been emboldened by the landmark Indian ruling, polls suggesting attitudes towards homosexuals are changing, and a perceived softening in tone from establishment figures. "Homosexual males are not lesser Singaporeans. They...deserve the same respect and legal protection under the Constitution. Section 377A...violates those fundamental constitutional protections," Brian Choong, one of the three, said in a written submission seen by Reuters. Wednesday's hearings, the first of a number to be heard over the coming weeks, were not open to the public. The Attorney-General's Chambers, acting as defendant, did not respond to a request for comment. India scrapped its gay sex ban in September 2018, a landmark judgement that prompted celebrations across India and elsewhere in South Asia, where activists hoped to push for similar reform. Gay sex is criminalised in about 70 countries globally, according to International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has previously said that Singapore society "is not that liberal on these matters". However, following the Indian decision, a prominent Singaporean diplomat called for challenges to the legislation while law minister K. Shanmugam said a "growing minority" wanted it repealed and that Singapore's laws should keep pace with societal change. Recent surveys show there is growing acceptance of homosexuality. In a poll released in May by Singapore think-tank Institute of Policy Studies, opposition to gay marriage fell to 60%, down from 74 per cent in 2013. In his submission filed by his lawyers, Choong also argues that recently declassified documents from the UK National Archives show that that original purpose of the law was to stamp out male prostitution and it should therefore not apply more broadly to all male homosexuals. The ruling will be watched closely in neighbouring Malaysia where gay sex is also a crime and led to the conviction of prominent politician Anwar Ibrahim, who is now broadly seen as the country's prime minister-in-waiting.

Singapore activists challenge gay sex ban in court after India ruling

A landmark trade deal between the EU and Singapore, a major hub for European businesses in Asia, will go into effect on November 21, a statement said on Friday.

Both sides have praised the deal as a strong rebuke to the rising protectionism that has been championed by US President Donald Trump in Washington.

Export powerhouse Singapore is by far the EU's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, with total bilateral trade in goods of over 53 billion euros&nbsp;and another 51 billion euros of trade in services.&nbsp;

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker hailed the deal as "a building block towards a closer relationship between Europe and one of the most dynamic regions in the world," a statement said.

S&nbsp;Iswaran, Singapore's trade minister, said the deal's entry into force "is a strong signal by two like-minded partners on the need to continue upholding open and rules-based trade," Bloomberg reported.

The parties have also agreed an investment protection agreement, but this is more controversial as it sets up a special court to decide business conflicts.

After a successful battle spearheaded by environmentalists in Europe, this aspect of the deal will need the national ratification by the EU's 28 member states before entering into effect. That process that could years.

The deal with Singapore came after the EU suspended efforts to strike a bloc deal with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2009 amid widespread disagreements, including European concerns over Myanmar's human rights record.

The EU has instead pursued deals with individual ASEAN countries and has concluded a pact with Vietnam.

A landmark trade deal between the EU and Singapore, a major hub for European businesses in Asia, will go into effect on November 21, a statement said on Friday. Both sides have praised the deal as a strong rebuke to the rising protectionism that has been championed by US President Donald Trump in Washington.

A landmark trade deal between the EU and Singapore, a major hub for European businesses in Asia, will go into effect on November 21, a statement said on Friday. Both sides have praised the deal as a strong rebuke to the rising protectionism that has been championed by US President Donald Trump in Washington. Export powerhouse Singapore is by far the EU's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, with total bilateral trade in goods of over 53 billion euros and another 51 billion euros of trade in services. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker hailed the deal as "a building block towards a closer relationship between Europe and one of the most dynamic regions in the world," a statement said. S Iswaran, Singapore's trade minister, said the deal's entry into force "is a strong signal by two like-minded partners on the need to continue upholding open and rules-based trade," Bloomberg reported. The parties have also agreed an investment protection agreement, but this is more controversial as it sets up a special court to decide business conflicts. After a successful battle spearheaded by environmentalists in Europe, this aspect of the deal will need the national ratification by the EU's 28 member states before entering into effect. That process that could years. The deal with Singapore came after the EU suspended efforts to strike a bloc deal with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2009 amid widespread disagreements, including European concerns over Myanmar's human rights record. The EU has instead pursued deals with individual ASEAN countries and has concluded a pact with Vietnam.

European Union-Singapore trade deal takes effect on November 21

Watch this video to find out: How five months of protests in Hong Kong take a toll on the economy? How Hong Kong's loss is Singapore's gain? Stay tuned with WION.

Hong Kong: Five months of protests take a toll on the economy

Singapore announced the addition of India to its&nbsp;Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) tech startup network, which will connect the island nation`s fledgeling tech companies as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to India`s technology ecosystem.

This collaboration was launched by S Iswaran, Singapore's Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations in Bangalore at 10th edition of TechSparks last week. Launched in 2017, GIA is an initiative led by three Singapore government bodies - the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), Ministry of Education (MOE) and Enterprise Singapore.

It aims to strengthen Singapore`s connections to major innovation hubs around the world, thereby creating an exchange of ideas and knowledge to promote innovation. Through this, it is envisaged that more opportunities will be available to students, entrepreneurs and businesses, to gain experience and to connect and collaborate with their overseas counterparts.

GIA further works with various in-market partners such as accelerators, incubators, co-working space providers and universities to set-up innovation launchpads overseas. Startups can expand their businesses to GIA cities by connecting to mentor networks and relevant ecosystem players.

With Bangalore onboard, the GIA network will cover 12 cities in nine countries - China (Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou), France (Paris), Germany (Berlin and Munich), India (Bengaluru), Indonesia (Jakarta), Japan (Tokyo), Thailand (Bangkok), Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) and the US (San Francisco).

TechSparks 2019 is a technology event organised by YourStory, India`s foremost media technology platform which brings together startups, entrepreneurs, policymakers, business leaders, innovators, investors and media houses to discuss and debate ideas. It is also an event rich with networking opportunities.

During the event, the Singapore Minister, S Iswaran said: "We hope that this will not only pave the way for more partnerships between enterprises from both countries but also drive the growth of our startup ecosystems to benefit both our economies."

Mr Iswaran also witnessed the signing of four memoranda of understanding (MOUs), three of which involve business partnerships Enterprise Singapore has with Indian platforms. One of them is with Indian speed scaling platform Anthill Ventures. Anthill Ventures which has offices in Singapore, Hyderabad and New York, specialises in helping early-growth stage startups with among other things connecting with industry experts, mentoring, market reach and finding investors.

In the agreement with Enterprise Singapore, they will facilitate the entry of Singapore-based startups into the Indian market through Bangalore. A programme, which begins in November, will include a three-day boot camp in Singapore and a two-week immersion programme in Bangalore where participants will meet Indian enterprises and participate in field trips.

Another partnership is with The Indus Entrepreneurs Global (TiE), a non-profit startup network founded in Silicon Valley by Indian-American businessmen Kanwal Rekhi. The TiE will connect Singapore startups to mentors and venture capitalists in the Indian startup scene. Its mission is to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs through mentoring, networking, education, funding and incubation.

Enterprise Singapore`s third MOU is with YourStory, the organisers of the event, with the aim to foster collaboration between the startups and entrepreneur communities of Singapore and India and to increase business opportunities.

The final MOU signed during the event was between Anthill Ventures and Singapore property giant CapitaLand's coworking space BRIDGE+ to provide a conducive environment for tech startups and companies to collaborate. The launchpad in CapitaLand`s International Tech Park Bengaluru&nbsp;is also where the GIA Acceleration Programme will be conducted.

Tan Soon Kim, assistant chief executive officer of Enterprise Singapore in comments to The Business Times of Singapore emphasised the bilateral nature of GIA adding that Indian startups are encouraged to come to Singapore and tap on Singapore`s rich ecosystem and thereafter to branch out into Southeast Asia.

According to a study by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia published recently, the digital economy of ASEAN is expected to grow by 6.4 times, from $31 billion in 2015 to $197 billion by 2025.

Bilateral trade between Singapore and India stood at $19.2 billion&nbsp;in 2018 according to Singapore`s Ministry of Trade and Industry figures. This is an increase of 15 per cent from 2015 where two-way trade stood at SGD 23.07 billion. Of this, about 65 per cent is of goods imported into India from Singapore.

Singapore was the largest foreign investor in India in the last Indian fiscal year with Singapore-based companies committing over $16.2 billion in investments.

Singapore Minister Iswaran added in a Facebook post, "The innovation ecosystems in Singapore and India have many synergies, and Bangalore has an established technology scene, along with a strong startup and innovation ecosystem. I`m encouraged that with the GIA, Singaporeans and Singapore companies will have more opportunities to collaborate with their counterparts in India to create innovative solutions."

Singapore announced the addition of India to its Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) tech startup network, which will connect the island nation`s fledgeling tech companies as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to India`s technology ecosystem.

Singapore announced the addition of India to its Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) tech startup network, which will connect the island nation`s fledgeling tech companies as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to India`s technology ecosystem. This collaboration was launched by S Iswaran, Singapore's Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations in Bangalore at 10th edition of TechSparks last week. Launched in 2017, GIA is an initiative led by three Singapore government bodies - the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), Ministry of Education (MOE) and Enterprise Singapore. It aims to strengthen Singapore`s connections to major innovation hubs around the world, thereby creating an exchange of ideas and knowledge to promote innovation. Through this, it is envisaged that more opportunities will be available to students, entrepreneurs and businesses, to gain experience and to connect and collaborate with their overseas counterparts. GIA further works with various in-market partners such as accelerators, incubators, co-working space providers and universities to set-up innovation launchpads overseas. Startups can expand their businesses to GIA cities by connecting to mentor networks and relevant ecosystem players. With Bangalore onboard, the GIA network will cover 12 cities in nine countries - China (Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou), France (Paris), Germany (Berlin and Munich), India (Bengaluru), Indonesia (Jakarta), Japan (Tokyo), Thailand (Bangkok), Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) and the US (San Francisco). TechSparks 2019 is a technology event organised by YourStory, India`s foremost media technology platform which brings together startups, entrepreneurs, policymakers, business leaders, innovators, investors and media houses to discuss and debate ideas. It is also an event rich with networking opportunities. During the event, the Singapore Minister, S Iswaran said: "We hope that this will not only pave the way for more partnerships between enterprises from both countries but also drive the growth of our startup ecosystems to benefit both our economies." Mr Iswaran also witnessed the signing of four memoranda of understanding (MOUs), three of which involve business partnerships Enterprise Singapore has with Indian platforms. One of them is with Indian speed scaling platform Anthill Ventures. Anthill Ventures which has offices in Singapore, Hyderabad and New York, specialises in helping early-growth stage startups with among other things connecting with industry experts, mentoring, market reach and finding investors. In the agreement with Enterprise Singapore, they will facilitate the entry of Singapore-based startups into the Indian market through Bangalore. A programme, which begins in November, will include a three-day boot camp in Singapore and a two-week immersion programme in Bangalore where participants will meet Indian enterprises and participate in field trips. Another partnership is with The Indus Entrepreneurs Global (TiE), a non-profit startup network founded in Silicon Valley by Indian-American businessmen Kanwal Rekhi. The TiE will connect Singapore startups to mentors and venture capitalists in the Indian startup scene. Its mission is to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs through mentoring, networking, education, funding and incubation. Enterprise Singapore`s third MOU is with YourStory, the organisers of the event, with the aim to foster collaboration between the startups and entrepreneur communities of Singapore and India and to increase business opportunities. The final MOU signed during the event was between Anthill Ventures and Singapore property giant CapitaLand's coworking space BRIDGE+ to provide a conducive environment for tech startups and companies to collaborate. The launchpad in CapitaLand`s International Tech Park Bengaluru is also where the GIA Acceleration Programme will be conducted. Tan Soon Kim, assistant chief executive officer of Enterprise Singapore in comments to The Business Times of Singapore emphasised the bilateral nature of GIA adding that Indian startups are encouraged to come to Singapore and tap on Singapore`s rich ecosystem and thereafter to branch out into Southeast Asia. According to a study by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia published recently, the digital economy of ASEAN is expected to grow by 6.4 times, from $31 billion in 2015 to $197 billion by 2025. Bilateral trade between Singapore and India stood at $19.2 billion in 2018 according to Singapore`s Ministry of Trade and Industry figures. This is an increase of 15 per cent from 2015 where two-way trade stood at SGD 23.07 billion. Of this, about 65 per cent is of goods imported into India from Singapore. Singapore was the largest foreign investor in India in the last Indian fiscal year with Singapore-based companies committing over $16.2 billion in investments. Singapore Minister Iswaran added in a Facebook post, "The innovation ecosystems in Singapore and India have many synergies, and Bangalore has an established technology scene, along with a strong startup and innovation ecosystem. I`m encouraged that with the GIA, Singaporeans and Singapore companies will have more opportunities to collaborate with their counterparts in India to create innovative solutions."

Singapore adds Bengaluru to its Global Innovation Alliance

In fight against diabetes, Singapore to ban ads for very sugary drinks

Is Diabetes taking lives today across the world than ever before? Watch this report to know in detail.

'Diabetes' taking lives today across the world than ever before

Office-sharing startup&nbsp;WeWork&nbsp;will&nbsp;open&nbsp;new&nbsp;locations in&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;and the Philippines this year, it said, even as it seeks a $1 billion lifeline from its biggest-backer Softbank Group&nbsp;Corp&nbsp;for a major restructuring.

The&nbsp;New&nbsp;York-based startup, which abandoned an initial public offering last week over investor&nbsp;concerns about its valuation and business model, will&nbsp;open&nbsp;two&nbsp;new&nbsp;offices for&nbsp;co-working&nbsp;in&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;and two in&nbsp;Manila.

It made the announcements on Wednesday and Thursday.

The plan to boost its footprint in the two Southeast Asian cities follows a reports that its parent, The We&nbsp;Company, was&nbsp;considering curbing expansion plans in China to&nbsp;control&nbsp;costs.

The loss-making start-up is looking to trim its workforce and slow expansion to preserve cash as it seeks alternative sources of funding, sources have told Reuters.

A&nbsp;WeWork&nbsp;spokeswoman said in an email on Thursday that the&nbsp;company was "strengthening&nbsp;WeWork's presence in the region".

WeWork&nbsp;now has 25 locations across Southeast Asia, 12 of them in&nbsp;Singapore.

Office-sharing startup WeWork will open new locations in Singapore and the Philippines this year, it said, even as it seeks a $1 billion lifeline from its biggest-backer Softbank Group Corp for a major restructuring.

Office-sharing startup WeWork will open new locations in Singapore and the Philippines this year, it said, even as it seeks a $1 billion lifeline from its biggest-backer Softbank Group Corp for a major restructuring. The New York-based startup, which abandoned an initial public offering last week over investor concerns about its valuation and business model, will open two new offices for co-working in Singapore and two in Manila. It made the announcements on Wednesday and Thursday. The plan to boost its footprint in the two Southeast Asian cities follows a reports that its parent, The We Company, was considering curbing expansion plans in China to control costs. The loss-making start-up is looking to trim its workforce and slow expansion to preserve cash as it seeks alternative sources of funding, sources have told Reuters. A WeWork spokeswoman said in an email on Thursday that the company was "strengthening WeWork's presence in the region". WeWork now has 25 locations across Southeast Asia, 12 of them in Singapore.

WeWork to open new co-working sites in Singapore and Manila

India slipped ten&nbsp;places to rank at 68th spot on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/can-india-realistically-become-us-5-trillion-economy-236846">Global Competitiveness Index</a>(GCI)&nbsp;while Singapore became the world's most competitive economy pushing the US to the second rank.

Launched in 1979, the GCI&nbsp;maps the competitiveness landscape of 141 economies through 103 indicators such as inflation, digital skills, life expectancy and&nbsp;trade tariffs.

India, which was ranked 58th in the annual Global Competitiveness Index compiled by Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF), is among the worst-performing BRICS nations along with Brazil which ranked even lower than India at 71st this year.

China was ranked&nbsp;at 28th spot&nbsp;same as last year&nbsp;but took the lead in terms of competitiveness among the BRICS economies.

Meanwhile, Singapore replaced the US as the world's most competitive economy. It scored for its superior public sector, labour force, diversity and infrastructure.

Hong Kong, Netherlands and Switzerland followed at third, fourth and fifth place&nbsp;respectively.

In the index, India was&nbsp;followed by some of its neighbours including Sri Lanka at 84th place, Bangladesh at 105th, Nepal at 108th and Pakistan at 110th place.

Here are the 10 most competitiveness economies of the world.

1. Singapore

2. United States

3. Hong Kong

4. Netherlands

5. Switzerland

6. Japan

7. Germany

8. Sweden

9. United Kingdom

10. Denmark

The report cautioned that the constantly changing geopolitical backdrop and escalating trade tensions have increased uncertainty in the global economy&nbsp;which could lead to an economic slowdown.

Watch: Cautious optimism about Indian economy

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The WEF reminded policymakers of the necessity to take a "holistic approach"&nbsp;on&nbsp;planning, focus on quality-centred development, and further balance the relationship among short-term factors, quarterly reports and electoral cycles.

"The international trading system is [not] perfect, it needs to be improved. There are some issues in the international trading system, but this rule-based system is the way to go. Increasing tariff is not helping at all. And yes, it's bad, this kind of protectionism is bad. It's the uncertainty that this tension creates that is affecting the business sentiment and could actually accelerate the downturn, that is for the global economy, there seems to be a downturn coming," said Thierry Geiger, head of analytics and quantitative research on&nbsp;global&nbsp;competitiveness&nbsp;and risks.

The report further stressed the importance of openness, with experts urging the importance of greater investment in education, skills training and a more balanced and inclusive development model that will contribute to the healthy development of the global economy.

(With inputs from agencies)

India slipped ten places to rank at 68th spot on the Global Competitiveness Index(GCI) while Singapore became the world's most competitive economy pushing the US to the second rank.

India slipped ten places to rank at 68th spot on the Global Competitiveness Index(GCI) while Singapore became the world's most competitive economy pushing the US to the second rank. Launched in 1979, the GCI maps the competitiveness landscape of 141 economies through 103 indicators such as inflation, digital skills, life expectancy and trade tariffs. India, which was ranked 58th in the annual Global Competitiveness Index compiled by Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF), is among the worst-performing BRICS nations along with Brazil which ranked even lower than India at 71st this year. China was ranked at 28th spot same as last year but took the lead in terms of competitiveness among the BRICS economies. Meanwhile, Singapore replaced the US as the world's most competitive economy. It scored for its superior public sector, labour force, diversity and infrastructure. Hong Kong, Netherlands and Switzerland followed at third, fourth and fifth place respectively. In the index, India was followed by some of its neighbours including Sri Lanka at 84th place, Bangladesh at 105th, Nepal at 108th and Pakistan at 110th place. Here are the 10 most competitiveness economies of the world. 1. Singapore 2. United States 3. Hong Kong 4. Netherlands 5. Switzerland 6. Japan 7. Germany 8. Sweden 9. United Kingdom 10. Denmark The report cautioned that the constantly changing geopolitical backdrop and escalating trade tensions have increased uncertainty in the global economy which could lead to an economic slowdown. Watch: Cautious optimism about Indian economy × The WEF reminded policymakers of the necessity to take a "holistic approach" on planning, focus on quality-centred development, and further balance the relationship among short-term factors, quarterly reports and electoral cycles. "The international trading system is [not] perfect, it needs to be improved. There are some issues in the international trading system, but this rule-based system is the way to go. Increasing tariff is not helping at all. And yes, it's bad, this kind of protectionism is bad. It's the uncertainty that this tension creates that is affecting the business sentiment and could actually accelerate the downturn, that is for the global economy, there seems to be a downturn coming," said Thierry Geiger, head of analytics and quantitative research on global competitiveness and risks. The report further stressed the importance of openness, with experts urging the importance of greater investment in education, skills training and a more balanced and inclusive development model that will contribute to the healthy development of the global economy. (With inputs from agencies)

Global Competitiveness Index: India slips 10 places to 68th; Singapore replaces US on top

Southeast Asia's Internet economy was forecast to grow 39 per cent this year to $100 billion as millions of people in the region went online to shop for the first time and ride-share firms grew in popularity, an industry report showed on Thursday.

The annual report by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-offers-incognito-mode-for-maps-in-privacy-push-253314">Google</a>, Singapore's state investor Temasek Holdings and global business consultants Bain &amp; Company also lifted its forecast for the region's growth through 2025 to $300 billion, from $240 billion previously.

The region's online industry has more than tripled in the past four years alone as young users turn to their phones to do everything from banking, playing games and purchasing plane tickets.

"This pace of growth has exceeded all expectations," the 64-page report, which was first produced in 2016, said. "Internet access is now affordable for large segments of the population and consumer trust in digital services has improved significantly."

More than $37 billion has been invested in Southeast Asian online companies over the last four years with the majority going into e-Commerce firms like Zilingo and ride-hailing Unicorns such as Grab and Gojek, the report found.

Ride-hailing alone was worth $13 billion, quadrupling in value since 2015, and expected to reach $40 billion by 2025 when food delivery will be worth as much as transport.

Southeast Asia's average growth rate of 5 per cent per year since 2014 puts it far ahead of the global average and makes it an attractive investment destination as the Chinese economy is hobbled by the Sino-United States trade war.

There are 360 million Internet users across the countries covered in the report - Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapores-fake-news-law-takes-effect-as-critics-sound-alarm-253218">Singapore</a>, and the Philippines - up from 260 million four years earlier.

Southeast Asia's Internet economy was forecast to grow 39 per cent this year to $100 billion as millions of people in the region went online to shop for the first time and ride-share firms grew in popularity, an industry report showed on Thursday.

Southeast Asia's Internet economy was forecast to grow 39 per cent this year to $100 billion as millions of people in the region went online to shop for the first time and ride-share firms grew in popularity, an industry report showed on Thursday. The annual report by Google, Singapore's state investor Temasek Holdings and global business consultants Bain & Company also lifted its forecast for the region's growth through 2025 to $300 billion, from $240 billion previously. The region's online industry has more than tripled in the past four years alone as young users turn to their phones to do everything from banking, playing games and purchasing plane tickets. "This pace of growth has exceeded all expectations," the 64-page report, which was first produced in 2016, said. "Internet access is now affordable for large segments of the population and consumer trust in digital services has improved significantly." More than $37 billion has been invested in Southeast Asian online companies over the last four years with the majority going into e-Commerce firms like Zilingo and ride-hailing Unicorns such as Grab and Gojek, the report found. Ride-hailing alone was worth $13 billion, quadrupling in value since 2015, and expected to reach $40 billion by 2025 when food delivery will be worth as much as transport. Southeast Asia's average growth rate of 5 per cent per year since 2014 puts it far ahead of the global average and makes it an attractive investment destination as the Chinese economy is hobbled by the Sino-United States trade war. There are 360 million Internet users across the countries covered in the report - Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines - up from 260 million four years earlier.

Southeast Asia's internet economy to hit $300 billion by 2025: Report

Singapore's new law to combat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-closes-thousands-of-accounts-worldwide-250847">"fake news"</a> came into effect today despite criticism from tech giants and activists, who labelled the tough rules a "chilling" attempt to stifle dissent.

The law gives government ministers powers to order social media sites to put warnings next to posts authorities deem to be false, and in extreme cases get them taken down.

Facebook, Twitter and Google -&nbsp;who have their Asian headquarters in Singapore - were given temporary exemptions from a handful of provisions in the act to give them time to adapt.

If an action is judged to be malicious and damaging to Singapore's interests, companies could be hit with fines of up to $720,000, while individuals could face jail terms of up to 10 years.

Authorities in the tightly controlled country - long criticised for restricting civil liberties - insist the measures are necessary to stop the circulation of falsehoods that could sow divisions in society and erode trust in institutions.

But the laws have sparked outrage from rights groups, who fear they could stifle online discussion, tech companies and media organisations.

Journalist and activist Kirsten Han, who is the Editor-in-Chief of independent media outlet New Naratif, said the legislation was "extremely worrying".&nbsp;

"It’s such a broad law that it's hard to predict how it's going to be applied. What's of immediate concern is the chilling effect and the further entrenchment of self-censorship," she told AFP.

After the law was passed in May, Google said it was concerned the legislation will "hurt innovation and the growth of the digital information ecosystem".

A group of nearly 100 academics worldwide also expressed concern over the law, warning earlier this year that it could threaten academic freedom.

Activists fear the law could be used to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-facebook-twitter-rapped-for-not-doing-enough-in-european-union-fake-news-fight-219412">crackdown on dissent</a> in the run-up to elections in Singapore, which are expected within months.

Singapore's new law to combat "fake news" came into effect today despite criticism from tech giants and activists, who labelled the tough rules a "chilling" attempt to stifle dissent.

Singapore's new law to combat "fake news" came into effect today despite criticism from tech giants and activists, who labelled the tough rules a "chilling" attempt to stifle dissent. The law gives government ministers powers to order social media sites to put warnings next to posts authorities deem to be false, and in extreme cases get them taken down. Facebook, Twitter and Google - who have their Asian headquarters in Singapore - were given temporary exemptions from a handful of provisions in the act to give them time to adapt. If an action is judged to be malicious and damaging to Singapore's interests, companies could be hit with fines of up to $720,000, while individuals could face jail terms of up to 10 years. Authorities in the tightly controlled country - long criticised for restricting civil liberties - insist the measures are necessary to stop the circulation of falsehoods that could sow divisions in society and erode trust in institutions. But the laws have sparked outrage from rights groups, who fear they could stifle online discussion, tech companies and media organisations. Journalist and activist Kirsten Han, who is the Editor-in-Chief of independent media outlet New Naratif, said the legislation was "extremely worrying". "It’s such a broad law that it's hard to predict how it's going to be applied. What's of immediate concern is the chilling effect and the further entrenchment of self-censorship," she told AFP. After the law was passed in May, Google said it was concerned the legislation will "hurt innovation and the growth of the digital information ecosystem". A group of nearly 100 academics worldwide also expressed concern over the law, warning earlier this year that it could threaten academic freedom. Activists fear the law could be used to crackdown on dissent in the run-up to elections in Singapore, which are expected within months.

Singapore's 'fake news' law takes effect as critics sound alarm

Despite Becoming Independent Around Or After The Time India Obtained Freedom, Countries Like Israel, China & Singapore Have Achieved Massive Economic Growth.

Wion Edit: What can India learn from countries like Israel, China & Singapore

India and Singapore have moved from competition to collaboration, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-has-great-expectations-from-india-tamil-still-resonates-in-the-us-pm-modi-at-iit-madras-252768">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> said at Singapore-India Hackathon&nbsp;at IIT-Madras on Monday. 
 
"Last year during my visit to Singapore, I was told that the focus of the hackathon was competition. This year, the emphasis is on collaboration and complementing each other's efforts. So it can be safely said that we have moved from competition to collaboration," Prime Minister Modi said. 
 
The event, an initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the first of its kind joint international hackathon between India and any other country. The 36-hour long event, which started on Saturday will conclude today. 
 
This year, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras hosted the hackathon, which focussed on three themes -- good health and well-being, quality education, and affordable and clean energy. 
 
The hackathon had 20 teams of three university students each from India and Singapore for exchange of culture and ideas. 
 
Calling the idea a grand success, the Prime Minister said that such events bring together government departments, industry people and all premier institutes like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). 
 
He also cited various programmes implemented by the central government such as Atal Innovation Mission, which promote innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. 
 
The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-can-become-a-major-tourism-destination-by-2022-pm-modi-252678">Prime Minister</a> said India is encouraging innovation and incubation for two big reasons -- one for easy solutions to solve India's problems to make life easier and another to find solutions for the whole world. 
 
He asserted that India's goal is to make "Indian solutions for global application". 
 
Prime Minister Modi further said that his government will propose a similar hackathon to those Asian countries, which are keen to participate to offer innovative solutions for reducing 'global warming and climate change'. 
 
Impressed with projects developed by the students during the hackathon, the Prime Minister said he particularly liked the system that detects the person paying attention. 
"I will talk to my Speaker in the Parliament. I am sure it will be very useful to Parliament", he said. 
 
Congratulating the Singapore Education Minister, organisers and students associated with the hackathon, he said, "today's hackathon is the start-up idea for tomorrow". 
 
Later, the Prime Minister visited the campus and reviewed the innovations and technology developed by the students.

India and Singapore have moved from competition to collaboration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at Singapore-India Hackathon at IIT-Madras on Monday. "Last year during my visit to Singapore, I was told that the focus of the hackathon was competition.

India and Singapore have moved from competition to collaboration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at Singapore-India Hackathon at IIT-Madras on Monday. "Last year during my visit to Singapore, I was told that the focus of the hackathon was competition. This year, the emphasis is on collaboration and complementing each other's efforts. So it can be safely said that we have moved from competition to collaboration," Prime Minister Modi said. The event, an initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the first of its kind joint international hackathon between India and any other country. The 36-hour long event, which started on Saturday will conclude today. This year, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras hosted the hackathon, which focussed on three themes -- good health and well-being, quality education, and affordable and clean energy. The hackathon had 20 teams of three university students each from India and Singapore for exchange of culture and ideas. Calling the idea a grand success, the Prime Minister said that such events bring together government departments, industry people and all premier institutes like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He also cited various programmes implemented by the central government such as Atal Innovation Mission, which promote innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. The Prime Minister said India is encouraging innovation and incubation for two big reasons -- one for easy solutions to solve India's problems to make life easier and another to find solutions for the whole world. He asserted that India's goal is to make "Indian solutions for global application". Prime Minister Modi further said that his government will propose a similar hackathon to those Asian countries, which are keen to participate to offer innovative solutions for reducing 'global warming and climate change'. Impressed with projects developed by the students during the hackathon, the Prime Minister said he particularly liked the system that detects the person paying attention. "I will talk to my Speaker in the Parliament. I am sure it will be very useful to Parliament", he said. Congratulating the Singapore Education Minister, organisers and students associated with the hackathon, he said, "today's hackathon is the start-up idea for tomorrow". Later, the Prime Minister visited the campus and reviewed the innovations and technology developed by the students.

India, Singapore moved from competition to collaboration, says Prime Minister Modi

Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to delay by another month a decision on whether to go ahead with a billion-dollar train project connecting the city-state with Malaysia's southern state of Johor, Malaysia said on Sunday.

The countries agreed to extend the deadline to decide on the RTS Link project by a month to October 31 without any additional cost, Malaysia's Ministry of Transport said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-turkey-malaysia-to-jointly-launch-english-channel-for-confronting-islamophobia-252222">Malaysia</a> will have to pay Singapore abortive costs if the Rapid Transit System Link is not taken forward.&nbsp;

The two countries first suspended the transit system in May as Malaysia's new government - hit with $259.7 billion&nbsp;of debt and liabilities as of end-2017 - reassessed projects announced by the previous administration.

It successfully persuaded China to cut the cost of another train project by nearly a third to about $11 billion.

The RTS Link, due to have been completed in 2026, is designed to carry up to 10,000 passengers every hour in each direction, more than 30 times more than the existing train service can accommodate.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-5g-plan-a-potential-boon-for-chinas-huawei-251771">Southeast Asian neighbours</a> last year also suspended a high-speed rail project linking Singapore to the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, which analysts estimated to cost around $17 billion.&nbsp;

Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to delay by another month a decision on whether to go ahead with a billion-dollar train project connecting the city-state with Malaysia's southern state of Johor, Malaysia said on Sunday.

Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to delay by another month a decision on whether to go ahead with a billion-dollar train project connecting the city-state with Malaysia's southern state of Johor, Malaysia said on Sunday. The countries agreed to extend the deadline to decide on the RTS Link project by a month to October 31 without any additional cost, Malaysia's Ministry of Transport said in a statement. Malaysia will have to pay Singapore abortive costs if the Rapid Transit System Link is not taken forward. The two countries first suspended the transit system in May as Malaysia's new government - hit with $259.7 billion of debt and liabilities as of end-2017 - reassessed projects announced by the previous administration. It successfully persuaded China to cut the cost of another train project by nearly a third to about $11 billion. The RTS Link, due to have been completed in 2026, is designed to carry up to 10,000 passengers every hour in each direction, more than 30 times more than the existing train service can accommodate. The Southeast Asian neighbours last year also suspended a high-speed rail project linking Singapore to the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, which analysts estimated to cost around $17 billion.

Debt-choked Malaysia dithers on $1 billion train project with Singapore

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday (local time) lauded the gradual growth in the Indian economy since liberalisation in the 1990s.

He made the statement while addressing the general debate of the 74th Session of the General Assembly.

Prime Minister Lee said, "India has grown steadily since the 1990s, with its economy gradually liberalised and becoming more enmeshed with its partners."

Prime Minister Loong was speaking on the topic of sustainable development of all countries across the globe.

"Sustainable development has become a priority for all countries," he said and added that everyone shares common challenges related to it such as creating jobs, raising standards of living, and eradicating poverty."But it is very difficult for any country to develop and progress on its own," he stressed.

Singapore Prime Minister also underlined that growth requires trade, investments and technologies.

The Prime Minister, at the same time, also referred to the overall economic development of the South Asian countries and reflected that China's accession to the World Trade Organisation in 2001 "presaged two decades of dramatic economic growth which lifted more than 850 million people out of poverty in the region."

Earlier in the day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had addressed the UNGA on a range of issues including climate change, development, and forming a united stand against terrorism.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday (local time) lauded the gradual growth in the Indian economy since liberalisation in the 1990s. He made the statement while addressing the general debate of the 74th Session of the General Assembly.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday (local time) lauded the gradual growth in the Indian economy since liberalisation in the 1990s. He made the statement while addressing the general debate of the 74th Session of the General Assembly. Prime Minister Lee said, "India has grown steadily since the 1990s, with its economy gradually liberalised and becoming more enmeshed with its partners." Prime Minister Loong was speaking on the topic of sustainable development of all countries across the globe. "Sustainable development has become a priority for all countries," he said and added that everyone shares common challenges related to it such as creating jobs, raising standards of living, and eradicating poverty."But it is very difficult for any country to develop and progress on its own," he stressed. Singapore Prime Minister also underlined that growth requires trade, investments and technologies. The Prime Minister, at the same time, also referred to the overall economic development of the South Asian countries and reflected that China's accession to the World Trade Organisation in 2001 "presaged two decades of dramatic economic growth which lifted more than 850 million people out of poverty in the region." Earlier in the day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had addressed the UNGA on a range of issues including climate change, development, and forming a united stand against terrorism.

Singapore PM lauds India's economic growth at United Nations

Facebook on Thursday introduced strict criteria for political ads on the social network in Singapore to prevent the spread of misinformation as the city-state gears up for elections.

Faced with criticism the site has been used to manipulate polls, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-takes-down-pro-trump-pages-with-reported-ukraine-links-2518">Facebook </a>has been tightening rules on such adverts around the world, from the United States to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-change-in-our-position-pakistan-needs-to-combat-terror-india-252143">India</a>.

Those advertising in Singapore about elections and politics on Facebook or its Instagram app will now have to first confirm their identity and location, and disclose who is responsible for the ad, the social network said.

They must also provide information such as a phone number, email or website, said Katie Harbath, Facebook's public policy director.

In addition, the new requirements will apply to those wanting to run ads related to social issues such as immigration and crime topics that are hotly debated by Singaporeans on Facebook.

"To enable healthy discourse in Singapore, we've taken steps to reduce the spread of misinformation, help prevent foreign interference in elections, and, more recently, to bring greater transparency and authenticity to advertising," she said.

Speculation has been mounting that Singaporeans could head to the polls soon after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong convened a committee to review electoral boundaries this month, typically the first step towards a vote.

Facebook came under fire from Singapore authorities earlier this year in the run-up to the passage of new legislation to combat "fake news", with the government accusing tech giants of being unable to police themselves.

The law requires social media platforms to carry corrections or remove content the government deems to be false, but activists have warned it could be used to silence critics ahead of the elections.

Facebook is a major investor in Singapore. The firm has its Asia headquarters in the city-state and last year announced plans to build a $1 billion data centre there, its first in the region.

The Singapore government has long been accused of clamping down on civil liberties and free speech, and targeting their political opponents.

The People's Action Party, which has ruled Singapore uninterrupted for more than five decades, is not seen as being at risk of losing power at the polls to a divided opposition.

Facebook on Thursday introduced strict criteria for political ads on the social network in Singapore to prevent the spread of misinformation as the city-state gears up for elections.

Facebook on Thursday introduced strict criteria for political ads on the social network in Singapore to prevent the spread of misinformation as the city-state gears up for elections. Faced with criticism the site has been used to manipulate polls, Facebook has been tightening rules on such adverts around the world, from the United States to India. Those advertising in Singapore about elections and politics on Facebook or its Instagram app will now have to first confirm their identity and location, and disclose who is responsible for the ad, the social network said. They must also provide information such as a phone number, email or website, said Katie Harbath, Facebook's public policy director. In addition, the new requirements will apply to those wanting to run ads related to social issues such as immigration and crime topics that are hotly debated by Singaporeans on Facebook. "To enable healthy discourse in Singapore, we've taken steps to reduce the spread of misinformation, help prevent foreign interference in elections, and, more recently, to bring greater transparency and authenticity to advertising," she said. Speculation has been mounting that Singaporeans could head to the polls soon after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong convened a committee to review electoral boundaries this month, typically the first step towards a vote. Facebook came under fire from Singapore authorities earlier this year in the run-up to the passage of new legislation to combat "fake news", with the government accusing tech giants of being unable to police themselves. The law requires social media platforms to carry corrections or remove content the government deems to be false, but activists have warned it could be used to silence critics ahead of the elections. Facebook is a major investor in Singapore. The firm has its Asia headquarters in the city-state and last year announced plans to build a $1 billion data centre there, its first in the region. The Singapore government has long been accused of clamping down on civil liberties and free speech, and targeting their political opponents. The People's Action Party, which has ruled Singapore uninterrupted for more than five decades, is not seen as being at risk of losing power at the polls to a divided opposition.

Facebook tightens political advert rules for Singapore

World champion Lewis Hamilton felt Mercedes had the car to win the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday but strategic errors in the middle of the race cost him a chance of victory as the championship leader had to settle for a fourth-place finish.

Hamilton started alongside pole-sitter Charles Leclerc on the front row with the second Ferrari of Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull's Max Verstappen behind him.&nbsp;

After fighting off Vettel to slot in behind Leclerc on the opening lap, Mercedes opted to keep Hamilton out for longer than his rivals rather than attempt an undercut to claim the lead, but the plan backfired when he emerged from his pit stop behind the Ferraris and the Red Bull.

"It's not been the weekend we wanted at all. I was all over Charles in the first stint and I think we had the pace to win the race today," Hamilton told reporters after the Grand Prix finished with a Vettel-Leclerc Ferrari one-two and Verstappen completing the podium.

"We discussed the possibility of the undercut in the strategy meeting this morning and I wanted to take the risk but then Ferrari decided to box (pit), so we did the opposite and I stayed out.&nbsp;

"I pushed hard and the tyres were feeling good, but after a few laps they started to drop off real quick. We made mistakes tonight, but in this team, we win and we lose together.

"We don't point the finger at people, that's always been our philosophy and that won't change because of one race.&nbsp;

"We're fighting a Ferrari team who are super hungry and pushing very hard," he added of the Italian outfit, who have now won the last three races.&nbsp;

"It's on each one of us to do a better job. I believe we're the best team, but we've got to push on. We'll debrief tonight, put our heads back in the scrum, and then come back fighting at the next race."&nbsp;

Team principal Toto Wolff felt Mercedes could have made better calls during the race.

"The undercut was more powerful than everyone expected and it would have been the right strategy call for us," he said of the decision to keep Hamilton out for seven laps longer than the other front runners.&nbsp;

"Once we had missed the chance for the undercut, we were hoping to create some opportunities later in the race by offsetting our tyres, but that plan didn't work," he added.&nbsp;

"I think we had a car capable for pole yesterday and we had an opportunity to win today, but we made too many mistakes. We're aware that we didn't deliver to the standards that we set ourselves this weekend, so we will review it and see where we can improve for Russia."&nbsp;

Despite the disappointing result, Hamilton still extended his lead over Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas, who was fifth, to 65 points with six rounds remaining.

World champion Lewis Hamilton felt Mercedes had the car to win the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday but strategic errors in the middle of the race cost him a chance of victory as the championship leader had to settle for a fourth-place finish.

World champion Lewis Hamilton felt Mercedes had the car to win the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday but strategic errors in the middle of the race cost him a chance of victory as the championship leader had to settle for a fourth-place finish. Hamilton started alongside pole-sitter Charles Leclerc on the front row with the second Ferrari of Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull's Max Verstappen behind him. After fighting off Vettel to slot in behind Leclerc on the opening lap, Mercedes opted to keep Hamilton out for longer than his rivals rather than attempt an undercut to claim the lead, but the plan backfired when he emerged from his pit stop behind the Ferraris and the Red Bull. "It's not been the weekend we wanted at all. I was all over Charles in the first stint and I think we had the pace to win the race today," Hamilton told reporters after the Grand Prix finished with a Vettel-Leclerc Ferrari one-two and Verstappen completing the podium. "We discussed the possibility of the undercut in the strategy meeting this morning and I wanted to take the risk but then Ferrari decided to box (pit), so we did the opposite and I stayed out. "I pushed hard and the tyres were feeling good, but after a few laps they started to drop off real quick. We made mistakes tonight, but in this team, we win and we lose together. "We don't point the finger at people, that's always been our philosophy and that won't change because of one race. "We're fighting a Ferrari team who are super hungry and pushing very hard," he added of the Italian outfit, who have now won the last three races. "It's on each one of us to do a better job. I believe we're the best team, but we've got to push on. We'll debrief tonight, put our heads back in the scrum, and then come back fighting at the next race." Team principal Toto Wolff felt Mercedes could have made better calls during the race. "The undercut was more powerful than everyone expected and it would have been the right strategy call for us," he said of the decision to keep Hamilton out for seven laps longer than the other front runners. "Once we had missed the chance for the undercut, we were hoping to create some opportunities later in the race by offsetting our tyres, but that plan didn't work," he added. "I think we had a car capable for pole yesterday and we had an opportunity to win today, but we made too many mistakes. We're aware that we didn't deliver to the standards that we set ourselves this weekend, so we will review it and see where we can improve for Russia." Despite the disappointing result, Hamilton still extended his lead over Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas, who was fifth, to 65 points with six rounds remaining.

Lewis Hamilton blames Mercedes strategy for Singapore result

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel ended his year-long drought without a win at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, mastering a hazy circuit to claim a record fifth triumph in the city-state.&nbsp;

The German was chased home by teammate Charles Leclerc, who started on pole but lost the lead to the four-time world champion after making his pit stop, and Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who finished third.

"It was a very late call on the pit stop and I just gave it everything on the out lap. I was surprised to come out ahead and it was difficult to manage the tyres but we controlled it to the end," Vettel told reporters.

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton finished fourth but extended his advantage over fellow Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas to 65 points, with six races remaining, after the Finn finished in fifth.

The race got off to a clean start with the top six retaining their grid positions despite Vettel putting immense pressure on second-placed Hamilton in the opening lap.

While a few drivers were shifting position further down the field, the frontrunners were maintaining a one-second gap between each other as Leclerc set a slow pace to make his soft tyres last as long as possible.

Ferrari and Red Bull were the first of the big teams to bring their cars in for pit stops as Vettel and Verstappen were fitted with the more durable hard tyres on lap 20, with Leclerc following suit on the next lap.

Leclerc, however, was dismayed to leave the pits behind Vettel.&nbsp;

Hamilton stayed out on track in the lead to set about forging a big enough gap to retain the lead when it was his turn to come in.

But Vettel, Leclerc and Verstappen were lapping much quicker than Hamilton and when the Briton finally stopped seven laps after his rivals, he emerged in a distant fourth place.

Hamilton's only hope of victory was to capitalise on his rivals' degraded tyres late in the race.&nbsp;

But three safety car periods -- when both George Russell and Sergio Perez stopped on the track, and when Daniil Kvyat collided with Kimi Raikkonen -- allowed the front three plenty of time to cool their rubber.

Ferrari will be delighted to have recorded a one-two finish at a circuit they were not expected to muster a podium finish.

But Leclerc was unhappy with the pit strategy that dashed his hopes of a hat-trick after wins in Belgium and Italy.

"I won't do anything stupid, I want us to finish one-two," Leclerc told Ferrari over the radio when he was behind the second safety car. "I just don't think it's fair."

Smog from forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia has shrouded Singapore over the past week, and on Sunday air quality dipped to unhealthy levels ahead of the race.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel ended his year-long drought without a win at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, mastering a hazy circuit to claim a record fifth triumph in the city-state.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel ended his year-long drought without a win at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, mastering a hazy circuit to claim a record fifth triumph in the city-state. The German was chased home by teammate Charles Leclerc, who started on pole but lost the lead to the four-time world champion after making his pit stop, and Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who finished third. "It was a very late call on the pit stop and I just gave it everything on the out lap. I was surprised to come out ahead and it was difficult to manage the tyres but we controlled it to the end," Vettel told reporters. Championship leader Lewis Hamilton finished fourth but extended his advantage over fellow Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas to 65 points, with six races remaining, after the Finn finished in fifth. The race got off to a clean start with the top six retaining their grid positions despite Vettel putting immense pressure on second-placed Hamilton in the opening lap. While a few drivers were shifting position further down the field, the frontrunners were maintaining a one-second gap between each other as Leclerc set a slow pace to make his soft tyres last as long as possible. Ferrari and Red Bull were the first of the big teams to bring their cars in for pit stops as Vettel and Verstappen were fitted with the more durable hard tyres on lap 20, with Leclerc following suit on the next lap. Leclerc, however, was dismayed to leave the pits behind Vettel. Hamilton stayed out on track in the lead to set about forging a big enough gap to retain the lead when it was his turn to come in. But Vettel, Leclerc and Verstappen were lapping much quicker than Hamilton and when the Briton finally stopped seven laps after his rivals, he emerged in a distant fourth place. Hamilton's only hope of victory was to capitalise on his rivals' degraded tyres late in the race. But three safety car periods -- when both George Russell and Sergio Perez stopped on the track, and when Daniil Kvyat collided with Kimi Raikkonen -- allowed the front three plenty of time to cool their rubber. Ferrari will be delighted to have recorded a one-two finish at a circuit they were not expected to muster a podium finish. But Leclerc was unhappy with the pit strategy that dashed his hopes of a hat-trick after wins in Belgium and Italy. "I won't do anything stupid, I want us to finish one-two," Leclerc told Ferrari over the radio when he was behind the second safety car. "I just don't think it's fair." Smog from forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia has shrouded Singapore over the past week, and on Sunday air quality dipped to unhealthy levels ahead of the race.

Sebastian Vettel ends long wait for victory with Singapore triumph

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took his third successive Formula One pole position on Saturday with Mercedes' world champion Lewis Hamilton joining the youngster on the front row for the Singapore Grand Prix.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who was fastest after the first flying laps in the final session of qualifying, made mistakes on his last effort and qualified third with Red Bull's Max Verstappen fourth.

Leclerc, 21, also started on pole in Belgium and Italy and won both races.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took his third successive Formula One pole position on Saturday with Mercedes' world champion Lewis Hamilton joining the youngster on the front row for the Singapore Grand Prix.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took his third successive Formula One pole position on Saturday with Mercedes' world champion Lewis Hamilton joining the youngster on the front row for the Singapore Grand Prix. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who was fastest after the first flying laps in the final session of qualifying, made mistakes on his last effort and qualified third with Red Bull's Max Verstappen fourth. Leclerc, 21, also started on pole in Belgium and Italy and won both races.

Charles Leclerc stuns with pole hat-trick in Singapore

Sebastian Vettel led Ferrari’s charge in practice for the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday but the German’s Formula One victory drought, already more than a year long, still looked set to continue.

The German, whose 52nd and last win came at the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix, was second and third fastest on the timesheets in Friday’s two sessions at the Marina Bay track.

Team mate Charles Leclerc, who eclipsed Vettel with successive wins in Belgium and Italy, was 19th in the first session after being sidelined by a gearbox failure and sixth in the second.

While Vettel was just 0.167 seconds off pace-setter Max Verstappen’s Red Bull over the first 90 minutes, he was nearly a second off the pace set by Mercedes' championship leader Lewis Hamilton in the floodlit night-time running.

Ferrari's car was aerodynamically well-suited to the flat-out blasts of the Spa-Francorchamps and Monza circuits but the twisty Marina Bay street track, with more corners than any other circuit, has shifted the balance away from the Italian team.

"I think Mercedes was very strong today," said Vettel. "Everybody could see that, not just on one lap and not just on the timing tables.

"I think overall they were a bit faster. On our side we can do better, we can improve the car so let's see."

Vettel has won four times in Singapore, the same as five-times world champion Hamilton with the pair the most successful drivers at the event.

His last win in the city state came in 2015, his first year with Ferrari.

The German heads into this weekend’s race off the back of a scrappy display at Monza, Ferrari's home race, where he spun off and was sanctioned by stewards for rejoining the track dangerously.

That was the latest in a series of mistakes going back to last year’s German Grand Prix and he is now 13 points behind Leclerc in the standings.

The German's current form has fuelled speculation, despite his statements to the contrary, that he might not see out his Ferrari contract which runs out at the end of 2020.

"Certainly not the best one right now,” said Vettel when asked if this was the worst point of his career. "But also it’s not the worst one either.&nbsp;

"I still love racing and I look forward to a lot of races this year to hopefully get in a better position and finish the season in the way we want.&nbsp;

"Then prepare for next year."

Sebastian Vettel led Ferrari’s charge in practice for the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday but the German’s Formula One victory drought, already more than a year long, still looked set to continue.

Sebastian Vettel led Ferrari’s charge in practice for the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday but the German’s Formula One victory drought, already more than a year long, still looked set to continue. The German, whose 52nd and last win came at the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix, was second and third fastest on the timesheets in Friday’s two sessions at the Marina Bay track. Team mate Charles Leclerc, who eclipsed Vettel with successive wins in Belgium and Italy, was 19th in the first session after being sidelined by a gearbox failure and sixth in the second. While Vettel was just 0.167 seconds off pace-setter Max Verstappen’s Red Bull over the first 90 minutes, he was nearly a second off the pace set by Mercedes' championship leader Lewis Hamilton in the floodlit night-time running. Ferrari's car was aerodynamically well-suited to the flat-out blasts of the Spa-Francorchamps and Monza circuits but the twisty Marina Bay street track, with more corners than any other circuit, has shifted the balance away from the Italian team. "I think Mercedes was very strong today," said Vettel. "Everybody could see that, not just on one lap and not just on the timing tables. "I think overall they were a bit faster. On our side we can do better, we can improve the car so let's see." Vettel has won four times in Singapore, the same as five-times world champion Hamilton with the pair the most successful drivers at the event. His last win in the city state came in 2015, his first year with Ferrari. The German heads into this weekend’s race off the back of a scrappy display at Monza, Ferrari's home race, where he spun off and was sanctioned by stewards for rejoining the track dangerously. That was the latest in a series of mistakes going back to last year’s German Grand Prix and he is now 13 points behind Leclerc in the standings. The German's current form has fuelled speculation, despite his statements to the contrary, that he might not see out his Ferrari contract which runs out at the end of 2020. "Certainly not the best one right now,” said Vettel when asked if this was the worst point of his career. "But also it’s not the worst one either. "I still love racing and I look forward to a lot of races this year to hopefully get in a better position and finish the season in the way we want. "Then prepare for next year."

Sebastian Vettel leads Ferrari's Singapore charge but Mercedes on top

Haze continued to blanket Singapore for a fifth consecutive day on Wednesday (September 18) as forest fires continued to rage in neighbouring countries.

Thick haze covers Singapore as neighbours continue to burn forests

Toxic haze from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesians-choked-by-forest-fire-haze-pray-for-rain-249464">Indonesian forest fires</a> closed schools and airports across the country and in neighbouring Malaysia Wednesday, while air quality worsened in Singapore just days before the city's Formula One motor race.

Illegal fires to clear land for agriculture are blazing out of control on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-shuts-schools-as-forest-fires-choke-borneo-sumatra-islands-250025">Sumatra and Borneo islands</a>, with Jakarta deploying thousands of security forces and water-bombing aircraft to tackle them.

Indonesian blazes belch smog across Southeast Asia annually, but this year's are the worst since 2015 and have added to concerns about wildfire outbreaks <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-forest-fires-surge-stoking-global-warming-fears-249212">worldwide exacerbating global warming</a>.

On Wednesday, air quality deteriorated to "very unhealthy" levels on an official index in many parts of peninsular Malaysia, to the east of Sumatra, with the Kuala Lumpur skyline shrouded by dense smog.

Nearly 1,500 schools were closed across Malaysia due to air pollution, with over one million pupils affected, according to the education ministry.

A growing number of Malaysians were suffering health problems due to the haze, with authorities saying there had been a sharp increase in outpatients at government hospitals many suffering dry and itchy eyes.

Indonesian authorities said hundreds of schools in hard-hit Riau province on Sumatra were shut, without providing a precise number, while about 1,300 were closed in Central Kalimantan province on Borneo.

Borneo is shared between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

Poor visibility closed seven airports in the Indonesian part of Borneo, the transport ministry in Jakarta said. Scores of flights have already been diverted and cancelled in the region in recent days due to the smog.

'Singapore smog race?'

Air quality in Singapore worsened to unhealthy levels and a white smog obscured the striking waterfront skyline, featuring the Marina Bay Sands casino resort with its three towers and boat-shaped top level.

The worsening pollution increased fears that this weekend's Formula One race may be affected. Organisers say the possibility of haze is one of the issues in their contingency plan for Sunday's showpiece night race, but have not given further details.

The city-state's tourism board said spectators would be able to buy masks as protection from the haze if conditions did not improve and assistance would be provided for those who feel unwell, the Today news portal reported.

The fires have sparked tensions between Indonesia and Malaysia.

Indonesia's environment minister initially suggested the haze was from Malaysian fires despite satellite data showing hundreds of blazes in Indonesia and only a handful in its neighbour, prompting anger from her Malaysian counterpart.

Indonesia later sealed off dozens of plantations where it said fires were blazing, including some owned by Malaysia-based firms, deepening the row.

But Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who has struck a diplomatic tone throughout the crisis, said Malaysia may pass legislation forcing its companies to tackle fires on plantations abroad.

Malaysia wants its firms with sites overseas to put out blazes contributing to the haze, he said, adding: "Of course, if we find they are unwilling to take action, we may have to pass a law to make them responsible."

The Indonesian government has insisted it is doing all it can to fight the blazes. But this year's fires have been worsened by dry weather and experts believe there is little chance of them being extinguished until the onset of the rainy season in October.

Indonesia's meteorology, climate and geophysics agency said Wednesday that over 1,000 hotspots areas of intense heat detected by satellite that indicate a likely fire had been sighted, most of them on Sumatra.

Toxic haze from Indonesian forest fires closed schools and airports across the country and in neighbouring Malaysia Wednesday, while air quality worsened in Singapore just days before the city's Formula One motor race.

Toxic haze from Indonesian forest fires closed schools and airports across the country and in neighbouring Malaysia Wednesday, while air quality worsened in Singapore just days before the city's Formula One motor race. Illegal fires to clear land for agriculture are blazing out of control on Sumatra and Borneo islands, with Jakarta deploying thousands of security forces and water-bombing aircraft to tackle them. Indonesian blazes belch smog across Southeast Asia annually, but this year's are the worst since 2015 and have added to concerns about wildfire outbreaks worldwide exacerbating global warming. On Wednesday, air quality deteriorated to "very unhealthy" levels on an official index in many parts of peninsular Malaysia, to the east of Sumatra, with the Kuala Lumpur skyline shrouded by dense smog. Nearly 1,500 schools were closed across Malaysia due to air pollution, with over one million pupils affected, according to the education ministry. A growing number of Malaysians were suffering health problems due to the haze, with authorities saying there had been a sharp increase in outpatients at government hospitals many suffering dry and itchy eyes. Indonesian authorities said hundreds of schools in hard-hit Riau province on Sumatra were shut, without providing a precise number, while about 1,300 were closed in Central Kalimantan province on Borneo. Borneo is shared between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Poor visibility closed seven airports in the Indonesian part of Borneo, the transport ministry in Jakarta said. Scores of flights have already been diverted and cancelled in the region in recent days due to the smog. 'Singapore smog race?' Air quality in Singapore worsened to unhealthy levels and a white smog obscured the striking waterfront skyline, featuring the Marina Bay Sands casino resort with its three towers and boat-shaped top level. The worsening pollution increased fears that this weekend's Formula One race may be affected. Organisers say the possibility of haze is one of the issues in their contingency plan for Sunday's showpiece night race, but have not given further details. The city-state's tourism board said spectators would be able to buy masks as protection from the haze if conditions did not improve and assistance would be provided for those who feel unwell, the Today news portal reported. The fires have sparked tensions between Indonesia and Malaysia. Indonesia's environment minister initially suggested the haze was from Malaysian fires despite satellite data showing hundreds of blazes in Indonesia and only a handful in its neighbour, prompting anger from her Malaysian counterpart. Indonesia later sealed off dozens of plantations where it said fires were blazing, including some owned by Malaysia-based firms, deepening the row. But Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who has struck a diplomatic tone throughout the crisis, said Malaysia may pass legislation forcing its companies to tackle fires on plantations abroad. Malaysia wants its firms with sites overseas to put out blazes contributing to the haze, he said, adding: "Of course, if we find they are unwilling to take action, we may have to pass a law to make them responsible." The Indonesian government has insisted it is doing all it can to fight the blazes. But this year's fires have been worsened by dry weather and experts believe there is little chance of them being extinguished until the onset of the rainy season in October. Indonesia's meteorology, climate and geophysics agency said Wednesday that over 1,000 hotspots areas of intense heat detected by satellite that indicate a likely fire had been sighted, most of them on Sumatra.

Schools, airports closed as Indonesia fires spark fears for Singapore F1

Zimbabwe gave <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mugabe-to-be-buried-in-a-month-at-zimbabwes-heroes-monument-249540">former leader Robert Mugabe</a> a state funeral on Saturday with African leaders paying tribute to a man lauded as a liberation hero but whose 37-year rule was defined by repression and economic turmoil.

Mugabe, who <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/body-of-zimbabwes-mugabe-to-leave-singapore-for-burial-at-home-248929">died</a>&nbsp;in Singapore <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-zimbabwe-president-robert-mugabe-passes-away-at-95-247895">aged 95</a>, left Zimbabwe deeply divided over his legacy with the southern African country still struggling with high inflation and shortages of goods after decades of mismanagement.

Mugabe died last week on an overseas medical trip almost two years after former army loyalists forced him out in 2017, following a power struggle over what was widely perceived as his bid to position his wife Grace to succeed him.

Former and current African leaders, including South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa and Kenya's Uhuru Kenyatta, arrived in crowds chanting and drumming liberation songs at the 60,000-capacity national stadium in Harare for Saturday's ceremony.

Mugabe's casket draped in the green, black, gold and red Zimbabwe flag was marched slowly into the stadium, accompanied by a military band and an escort of officers. His wife Grace, in a black veil, and family followed behind.

"Let us put aside our differences and come together as we remember the past and look to the future as one proud, independent and free nation," Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa said in a tweet.

Mugabe's body was returned from Singapore on Wednesday to a country he helped found as an anti-colonial guerrilla and pan-African leader who ended the white-minority rule and helped bring more education and healthcare to the poor black majority.

Later, Mugabe turned to repression and fear to crush dissidents and ruled for nearly four decades during which he becomes an international pariah for his takeover of white-owned farms.

"You can't talk about Zimbabwe without Bob. Zimbabwe is Bob. It took a man like Bob, his bravery, to get independence," said Norman Gombera, 57, a school principal in Harare. "Bob did his best under the circumstances. There is no country without a problem."

'Bitter legacy'

His final burial at a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-mugabes-family-agree-to-burial-in-heroes-monument-249523">national monument</a> will only happen after a new mausoleum is built in about 30 days. That decision was taken after his family ended a dispute with Mnangagwa, a former ally who turned against his rule in 2017.

Though lauded as an African icon, at home many Zimbabweans will remember Mugabe more for the economic mismanagement that forced millions to flee the country during decades of crisis.

Many are struggling to survive despite Mnangagwa's vows of more investment and jobs in the post-Mugabe era.

"The fruits of his tenure are the shortages. That is what we remember him for," said Steven, a consultant shopping nearby the stadium.

"He has made sure there is no opposition and he succeeded. There is no reason to go to his funeral."

Always divisive in life, Mugabe's funeral arrangements were also caught up in a dispute between Mnangagwa and the family over where and when the former leader should be buried.

The two parties on Friday finally agreed he should lie at National Heroes Acre. But the final ceremony would take place in about 30 days, once the new mausoleum was built for him there.

His family are still bitter over the role Mnangagwa played in his ouster and had pushed for Mugabe to be buried in his homestead of Zvimba, northwest of Harare.

A former guerrilla who fought alongside Mugabe against colonial forces, Mnangagwa was fired as first vice president by Mugabe in 2017. Mugabe had branded him a "traitor".

Soon after, protesters took to the streets and military officers pressured Mugabe to step down in what was widely seen as a struggle between Mnangagwa's faction and loyalists to Mugabe's wife Grace inside the ruling ZANU-PF party.

The "heroes" monument, where more than 130 national figures are buried in black marble tombs, sits on a hilltop overlooking Harare. Mugabe's first wife, Sally, is also buried there.

Zimbabwe gave former leader Robert Mugabe a state funeral on Saturday with African leaders paying tribute to a man lauded as a liberation hero but whose 37-year rule was defined by repression and economic turmoil.

Zimbabwe gave former leader Robert Mugabe a state funeral on Saturday with African leaders paying tribute to a man lauded as a liberation hero but whose 37-year rule was defined by repression and economic turmoil. Mugabe, who died in Singapore aged 95, left Zimbabwe deeply divided over his legacy with the southern African country still struggling with high inflation and shortages of goods after decades of mismanagement. Mugabe died last week on an overseas medical trip almost two years after former army loyalists forced him out in 2017, following a power struggle over what was widely perceived as his bid to position his wife Grace to succeed him. Former and current African leaders, including South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa and Kenya's Uhuru Kenyatta, arrived in crowds chanting and drumming liberation songs at the 60,000-capacity national stadium in Harare for Saturday's ceremony. Mugabe's casket draped in the green, black, gold and red Zimbabwe flag was marched slowly into the stadium, accompanied by a military band and an escort of officers. His wife Grace, in a black veil, and family followed behind. "Let us put aside our differences and come together as we remember the past and look to the future as one proud, independent and free nation," Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa said in a tweet. Mugabe's body was returned from Singapore on Wednesday to a country he helped found as an anti-colonial guerrilla and pan-African leader who ended the white-minority rule and helped bring more education and healthcare to the poor black majority. Later, Mugabe turned to repression and fear to crush dissidents and ruled for nearly four decades during which he becomes an international pariah for his takeover of white-owned farms. "You can't talk about Zimbabwe without Bob. Zimbabwe is Bob. It took a man like Bob, his bravery, to get independence," said Norman Gombera, 57, a school principal in Harare. "Bob did his best under the circumstances. There is no country without a problem." 'Bitter legacy' His final burial at a national monument will only happen after a new mausoleum is built in about 30 days. That decision was taken after his family ended a dispute with Mnangagwa, a former ally who turned against his rule in 2017. Though lauded as an African icon, at home many Zimbabweans will remember Mugabe more for the economic mismanagement that forced millions to flee the country during decades of crisis. Many are struggling to survive despite Mnangagwa's vows of more investment and jobs in the post-Mugabe era. "The fruits of his tenure are the shortages. That is what we remember him for," said Steven, a consultant shopping nearby the stadium. "He has made sure there is no opposition and he succeeded. There is no reason to go to his funeral." Always divisive in life, Mugabe's funeral arrangements were also caught up in a dispute between Mnangagwa and the family over where and when the former leader should be buried. The two parties on Friday finally agreed he should lie at National Heroes Acre. But the final ceremony would take place in about 30 days, once the new mausoleum was built for him there. His family are still bitter over the role Mnangagwa played in his ouster and had pushed for Mugabe to be buried in his homestead of Zvimba, northwest of Harare. A former guerrilla who fought alongside Mugabe against colonial forces, Mnangagwa was fired as first vice president by Mugabe in 2017. Mugabe had branded him a "traitor". Soon after, protesters took to the streets and military officers pressured Mugabe to step down in what was widely seen as a struggle between Mnangagwa's faction and loyalists to Mugabe's wife Grace inside the ruling ZANU-PF party. The "heroes" monument, where more than 130 national figures are buried in black marble tombs, sits on a hilltop overlooking Harare. Mugabe's first wife, Sally, is also buried there.

Divided Zimbabwe bids farewell to Robert Mugabe with state funeral

The body of Zimbabwe's former president Robert Mugabe will be flown home from Singapore on Wednesday, five days after he died in hospital in the city-state, according to an event schedule.

The body of Zimbabwe's former president Robert Mugabe will be flown home from Singapore on Wednesday, five days after he died in hospital in the city-state, according to an event schedule. A plane carrying Mugabe's body was due to leave Singapore at 8:50 a.m. (0040 GMT), the programme of events showed. Police motorbikes lined up outside the Singapore Casket, a funeral parlour where Mugabe's body was being held, in a sign that a dignitary would soon be departing. Mugabe's body was expected to arrive in Zimbabwe on Wednesday at 3 p.m. (1300 GMT), a family member told Reuters. Mugabe died on Friday aged 95 in Singapore, where he had long received medical treatment. He had dominated Zimbabwean politics for almost four decades from independence in 1980 until he was removed by his own army in a November 2017 coup. Revered by many as a liberator who freed his people from white minority rule, Mugabe was vilified by others for wrecking one of Africa's most promising economies and ruthlessly crushing his opponents. Mugabe's family is pushing back against the government's plan to bury him at the National Heroes Acre monument in the Zimbabwe capital Harare and wants him to be interred in his home village, relatives have told.

Body of Zimbabwe's Mugabe to leave Singapore for burial at home

Former Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe spent his final days in Singapore at one of Asia's best hospitals, more than 8,000 kilometres (5,000 miles) away from his homeland.

He died Friday aged 95 at Gleneagles Hospital, breathing his last while surrounded by family members, according to a relative.

Why would an African leader chose to seek medical treatment in faraway Singapore?

Why Singapore?&nbsp;

Singapore's reputation as a strictly-ruled country is conducive to privacy and lacks a paparazzi culture and aggressive media.

Its healthcare system is reputed to be among the best in the world, offering a whole range of services from health screenings to high-end surgical procedures.

A controversial figure like Mugabe could expect no protesters to hound him, as Singapore has strict rules against political gatherings.

Up until his death, no one would even officially confirm the hospital where Mugabe was being treated, sending journalists on a wild goose chase in the early hours after the announcement in Harare of his passing.

How long had he sought treatment in Singapore?

Local media said he first sought medical treatment for a cataract problem in 2011 and returned in 2014 for another procedure. Since then, his visits became more frequent.

AFP journalists saw Mugabe at Gleneagles Hospital in 2017. It was the first time he has been seen in public since he was forced to resign after a military takeover brought a sudden end to his authoritarian 37-year rule.

He was back in Singapore in April this year as his health deteriorated and a relative said he was in and out of the hospital while in the city-state.

Mugabe's nephew Adam Molai told reporters in Singapore the former leader was admitted at Gleneagles around a week before his death.

Molai said he died of afflictions related to old age.

Who was with Mugabe when he died?

Molai said the former leader "was surrounded by family" when he passed away and that he died "very peacefully".

Mugabe also "spoke about how he loves his family" in his final days, Molai added.

How much is a room at Gleneagles Hospital?

According to its website, suites are priced between Sg$1,158 and Sg$7,588 ($838 and $5,500) daily, while the cheapest admission is in a four-bed ward at Sg$259.

What are Mugabe's other Singapore connections?

Mugabe and his wife Grace travelled to Singapore to visit their daughter Bona, who studied in the city-state.

Both parents attended her graduation when she was awarded a masters degree in management, specialising in banking and finance.

Mugabe's wife, dubbed "Gucci Grace" in the media, is also known for her lavish shopping sprees around the world. She was reported to have spent 8,800 pounds ($10,700) on a handbag in a Singapore boutique.

Who else has sought treatment in Singapore?

Former Myanmar military leaders Soe Win and Than Shwe sought treatment in Singapore at various times.

Former Indonesian first lady Ani Yudhoyono died at Singapore's National University Hospital in June.

In 2003, 29-year-old conjoined Iranian twins Laleh and Ladan Bijani chose Singapore to have their separation surgery but both died after a marathon operation.

And in 2012, a student who was critically wounded after a gang-rape in New Delhi -- a case that sparked national outrage in India -- was brought to Singapore for treatment but succumbed to her injuries soon after her arrival.

Former Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe spent his final days in Singapore at one of Asia's best hospitals, more than 8,000 kilometres (5,000 miles) away from his homeland.

Former Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe spent his final days in Singapore at one of Asia's best hospitals, more than 8,000 kilometres (5,000 miles) away from his homeland. He died Friday aged 95 at Gleneagles Hospital, breathing his last while surrounded by family members, according to a relative. Why would an African leader chose to seek medical treatment in faraway Singapore? Why Singapore? Singapore's reputation as a strictly-ruled country is conducive to privacy and lacks a paparazzi culture and aggressive media. Its healthcare system is reputed to be among the best in the world, offering a whole range of services from health screenings to high-end surgical procedures. A controversial figure like Mugabe could expect no protesters to hound him, as Singapore has strict rules against political gatherings. Up until his death, no one would even officially confirm the hospital where Mugabe was being treated, sending journalists on a wild goose chase in the early hours after the announcement in Harare of his passing. How long had he sought treatment in Singapore? Local media said he first sought medical treatment for a cataract problem in 2011 and returned in 2014 for another procedure. Since then, his visits became more frequent. AFP journalists saw Mugabe at Gleneagles Hospital in 2017. It was the first time he has been seen in public since he was forced to resign after a military takeover brought a sudden end to his authoritarian 37-year rule. He was back in Singapore in April this year as his health deteriorated and a relative said he was in and out of the hospital while in the city-state. Mugabe's nephew Adam Molai told reporters in Singapore the former leader was admitted at Gleneagles around a week before his death. Molai said he died of afflictions related to old age. Who was with Mugabe when he died? Molai said the former leader "was surrounded by family" when he passed away and that he died "very peacefully". Mugabe also "spoke about how he loves his family" in his final days, Molai added. How much is a room at Gleneagles Hospital? According to its website, suites are priced between Sg$1,158 and Sg$7,588 ($838 and $5,500) daily, while the cheapest admission is in a four-bed ward at Sg$259. What are Mugabe's other Singapore connections? Mugabe and his wife Grace travelled to Singapore to visit their daughter Bona, who studied in the city-state. Both parents attended her graduation when she was awarded a masters degree in management, specialising in banking and finance. Mugabe's wife, dubbed "Gucci Grace" in the media, is also known for her lavish shopping sprees around the world. She was reported to have spent 8,800 pounds ($10,700) on a handbag in a Singapore boutique. Who else has sought treatment in Singapore? Former Myanmar military leaders Soe Win and Than Shwe sought treatment in Singapore at various times. Former Indonesian first lady Ani Yudhoyono died at Singapore's National University Hospital in June. In 2003, 29-year-old conjoined Iranian twins Laleh and Ladan Bijani chose Singapore to have their separation surgery but both died after a marathon operation. And in 2012, a student who was critically wounded after a gang-rape in New Delhi -- a case that sparked national outrage in India -- was brought to Singapore for treatment but succumbed to her injuries soon after her arrival.

Why did Zimbabwe's former President Robert Mugabe spend his last days in Singapore?

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