With a focus on enhanced engagement with ASEAN, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar is in Singapore after concluding the 3-day visit to Indonesia where he met his counterpart the Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

During his meet with Indonesia FM Marsudi, both sides adopted of the Terms of Reference of the Joint Task Force meeting on Andaman- Aceh connectivity. The first meeting of the Joint Task Force will take place in Indonesia in November.

Last year PM Modi had visited Indonesia and during his meet with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, both sides discussed connectivity between India's Andaman Islands and Indonesia's Aceh province included cruise ship connectivity.

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Pleasure to meet my Indonesian counterpart <a href="https://twitter.com/Menlu_RI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Menlu_RI</a>. My 1st bilat’l visit as EAM to ASEAN.Drawing on historical linkages to fashion a modern partnership.Agreed to address common challenges&amp;explore shared opportunities.Our talks highlightd mutual support for territorial integrity <a href="https://t.co/5R4Iw0wlDt">pic.twitter.com/5R4Iw0wlDt</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1169524618828206081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Indo Pacific was one of the key focus between Jaishankar-Marsudi meet. Remember Indonesia had played a crucial role in the adoption of ‘ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific'.

"Our Shared Vision of Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific agreed during Prime Minister’s visit last year, is a recognition that India and Indonesia, as two major economies in this region need to develop synergies to harness the potential and meet the challenges that the region faces." EAM Jaishanker said at the press statements after him meet with Indonesian FM.

Adding, "We have the commonality of interest in working together on Indo-Pacific concept within EAS and I underline to the Minister that we see ASEAN Centrality as a prominent feature of our approach to the Indo-Pacific."

India has also joined Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand-Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) as the first Dialogue Partner as the invitation of Jakarta.

In Singapore, where is he from 6th to 10th, he will be co-chairing the 6th Meeting of Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) &nbsp;Foreign Minister of Singapore Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.

He will also call on Singapore’s Prime Minister &amp; Deputy Prime Minister.

"The two sides will review the whole range of bilateral issues and provide the direction for further deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries", a ministry of external affairs release said.

PM Modi has visited Singapore 4 times, 2 times in 2015 and 2 times in 2018. It is interesting to note that Singapore was the first country in the world to join the RuPay card, which is an Indian payment gateway like visa or MasterCard.

With a focus on enhanced engagement with ASEAN, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar is in Singapore after concluding the 3-day visit to Indonesia where he met his counterpart the Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

With a focus on enhanced engagement with ASEAN, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar is in Singapore after concluding the 3-day visit to Indonesia where he met his counterpart the Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. During his meet with Indonesia FM Marsudi, both sides adopted of the Terms of Reference of the Joint Task Force meeting on Andaman- Aceh connectivity. The first meeting of the Joint Task Force will take place in Indonesia in November. Last year PM Modi had visited Indonesia and during his meet with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, both sides discussed connectivity between India's Andaman Islands and Indonesia's Aceh province included cruise ship connectivity. Pleasure to meet my Indonesian counterpart @Menlu_RI. My 1st bilat’l visit as EAM to ASEAN.Drawing on historical linkages to fashion a modern partnership.Agreed to address common challenges&explore shared opportunities.Our talks highlightd mutual support for territorial integrity pic.twitter.com/5R4Iw0wlDt — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 5, 2019 × Indo Pacific was one of the key focus between Jaishankar-Marsudi meet. Remember Indonesia had played a crucial role in the adoption of ‘ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific'. "Our Shared Vision of Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific agreed during Prime Minister’s visit last year, is a recognition that India and Indonesia, as two major economies in this region need to develop synergies to harness the potential and meet the challenges that the region faces." EAM Jaishanker said at the press statements after him meet with Indonesian FM. Adding, "We have the commonality of interest in working together on Indo-Pacific concept within EAS and I underline to the Minister that we see ASEAN Centrality as a prominent feature of our approach to the Indo-Pacific." India has also joined Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand-Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) as the first Dialogue Partner as the invitation of Jakarta. In Singapore, where is he from 6th to 10th, he will be co-chairing the 6th Meeting of Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) Foreign Minister of Singapore Dr Vivian Balakrishnan. He will also call on Singapore’s Prime Minister & Deputy Prime Minister. "The two sides will review the whole range of bilateral issues and provide the direction for further deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries", a ministry of external affairs release said. PM Modi has visited Singapore 4 times, 2 times in 2015 and 2 times in 2018. It is interesting to note that Singapore was the first country in the world to join the RuPay card, which is an Indian payment gateway like visa or MasterCard.

With ASEAN in focus, EAM talks connectivity in Indonesia, strategic partnership in Singapore

By day, the unforgiving sun glares off the road beside Ipah's wooden home with blinding brightness as a passing motorbike stirs a swirl of dust. By night, the beams of an occasional truck carrying coal or palm fruits pierce the darkness.

 
This remote corner of Indonesia is set to be transformed from a forest backwater on the island of Borneo to a global city&nbsp;a new capital of a country whose 260 million people make it the world's fourth most populous.

 
At her stall serving ice tea and instant noodles, Ipah, an 18-year-old single mother, worries about what the change will bring.

 
"Cities in Kalimantan are peaceful and safe," said Ipoh, who like many Indonesians uses only one name, referring to the Indonesian part of Borneo island. "The capital is a city that never sleeps. Too much smoke, too much fuss."

 
The capital Jakarta's reputation as a crowded, polluted megacity of more than 10 million people one that is slowly sinking into the sea is partly why Indonesia plans to move government offices to a "Forest City" in East Kalimantan province.

 
The logic of the plan, first mooted nearly 70 years ago, is also to escape Java's earthquake risk and to swing Indonesia's political centre nearer the middle of the archipelago and away from the politically dominant island.

 
"Within five years, we think there will be 200,000 to 300,000 people. Within 10 years, maybe the population will reach 1 million. And then after that 1.5 million," Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro told Reuters in Jakarta. "We will manage the growth of the city so that it doesn't wildly expand out of control," he said.

 
The vision set out in glossy presentations for a $33 billion city is inspired by the good management of Seoul, the greenness of Singapore and Washington's separation of administration from a business, he said. The site of the new capital is about 1,300 km (800 miles) northeast of Jakarta.

 
Reuters reporters travelled more than 280 km (175 miles) across the designated area, the thinly populated forested region of North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara, between the existing cities of Balikpapan and Samarinda.

LONG-STANDING DREAM

 
By identifying the site for the yet-to-be-named capital last week, President Joko Widodo is known&nbsp;as Jokowi got closer than ever to realising a move now set to start in 2024.

 
"Our people are grateful, Alhamdulilah (praise be to God)," said Abdul Gafur Mas'ud, regent of North Penajam Paser. "This regency has been considered undeveloped."

 
The congratulatory bouquets arrayed at his office are as bright as the mood in town since the decision. Many residents spoke of their hopes for better schools and paved roads, for clean, piped water and reliable electricity.

 
But after initial celebrations, worries are also surfacing that land speculation will drive up prices, and over an influx of outsiders competing for jobs and over environmental destruction.

 
The potential for massive corruption is also not lost on Indonesians has given experiences with new capitals everywhere from Brazil's Brasilia to Myanmar's Naypyidaw with its vast projects and still largely empty highways.

 
"Our people must prepare quickly," said Awang Yacoub Luthman, secretary of the Kutai Kartanegara Ing Martadipura Sultanate, who has migration at the top of his list of worries.

 
East Kalimantan touts its openness to religions other than Islam as well as its welcome for outsiders. In fact, many residents are descendants of Javanese settlers who came to the coal mining and palm oil growing region in the 1970s. But the new planned relocation is on a different scale.

 
LAND WORRIES

 
The region's Tribun Kaltim newspaper said asking prices for land surged four times after the announcement.

 
That said, Bagus Susetyo, local chairman of the Real Estate Indonesia property association, told Reuters major property companies were not acquiring land because they had large land banks in nearby Balikpapan.

 
While some would gain from the rise in land prices, many Indonesians don't own the land they live on. Among them is Ipah, who is already resigned to losing her dwelling, protected against bad luck by two diamond-shaped charms woven from young coconut leaves.

 
"Mr Jokowi, can you give me free land, even just a square metre or a free house?" she asked. It is not only human homes at risk.&nbsp;

 
East Kalimantan is known for forests inhabited by orangutans, sun bears, and long-nosed monkeys.There will be no building in a protected forest and the government plans to reforest abandoned mines and illegal palm oil plantations, Planning Minister Brodjonegoro said.

 
He floated the idea of an orangutan conservation centre similar to one for giant pandas in the Chinese city of Chengdu.

 
The fate of the apes is particularly sensitive in Indonesia given that they have become symbols for campaigners targeting the world's biggest palm oil industry over the destruction of forests for plantations.

 
Conservationists said they were far from convinced that there would be no spillover effects from moving the capital to East Kalimantan.

 
"The city centre might be located quite far away," said Aldrianto Priadjati, an executive of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, which is based in Kutai Kartanegara. "But the development will be everywhere, just like - sorry to say it - Jakarta." 
($1 = 14,210.0000 rupiah)

By day, the unforgiving sun glares off the road beside Ipah's wooden home with blinding brightness as a passing motorbike stirs a swirl of dust. By night, the beams of an occasional truck carrying coal or palm fruits pierce the darkness.

By day, the unforgiving sun glares off the road beside Ipah's wooden home with blinding brightness as a passing motorbike stirs a swirl of dust. By night, the beams of an occasional truck carrying coal or palm fruits pierce the darkness. This remote corner of Indonesia is set to be transformed from a forest backwater on the island of Borneo to a global city a new capital of a country whose 260 million people make it the world's fourth most populous. At her stall serving ice tea and instant noodles, Ipah, an 18-year-old single mother, worries about what the change will bring. "Cities in Kalimantan are peaceful and safe," said Ipoh, who like many Indonesians uses only one name, referring to the Indonesian part of Borneo island. "The capital is a city that never sleeps. Too much smoke, too much fuss." The capital Jakarta's reputation as a crowded, polluted megacity of more than 10 million people one that is slowly sinking into the sea is partly why Indonesia plans to move government offices to a "Forest City" in East Kalimantan province. The logic of the plan, first mooted nearly 70 years ago, is also to escape Java's earthquake risk and to swing Indonesia's political centre nearer the middle of the archipelago and away from the politically dominant island. "Within five years, we think there will be 200,000 to 300,000 people. Within 10 years, maybe the population will reach 1 million. And then after that 1.5 million," Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro told Reuters in Jakarta. "We will manage the growth of the city so that it doesn't wildly expand out of control," he said. The vision set out in glossy presentations for a $33 billion city is inspired by the good management of Seoul, the greenness of Singapore and Washington's separation of administration from a business, he said. The site of the new capital is about 1,300 km (800 miles) northeast of Jakarta. Reuters reporters travelled more than 280 km (175 miles) across the designated area, the thinly populated forested region of North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara, between the existing cities of Balikpapan and Samarinda. LONG-STANDING DREAM By identifying the site for the yet-to-be-named capital last week, President Joko Widodo is known as Jokowi got closer than ever to realising a move now set to start in 2024. "Our people are grateful, Alhamdulilah (praise be to God)," said Abdul Gafur Mas'ud, regent of North Penajam Paser. "This regency has been considered undeveloped." The congratulatory bouquets arrayed at his office are as bright as the mood in town since the decision. Many residents spoke of their hopes for better schools and paved roads, for clean, piped water and reliable electricity. But after initial celebrations, worries are also surfacing that land speculation will drive up prices, and over an influx of outsiders competing for jobs and over environmental destruction. The potential for massive corruption is also not lost on Indonesians has given experiences with new capitals everywhere from Brazil's Brasilia to Myanmar's Naypyidaw with its vast projects and still largely empty highways. "Our people must prepare quickly," said Awang Yacoub Luthman, secretary of the Kutai Kartanegara Ing Martadipura Sultanate, who has migration at the top of his list of worries. East Kalimantan touts its openness to religions other than Islam as well as its welcome for outsiders. In fact, many residents are descendants of Javanese settlers who came to the coal mining and palm oil growing region in the 1970s. But the new planned relocation is on a different scale. LAND WORRIES The region's Tribun Kaltim newspaper said asking prices for land surged four times after the announcement. That said, Bagus Susetyo, local chairman of the Real Estate Indonesia property association, told Reuters major property companies were not acquiring land because they had large land banks in nearby Balikpapan. While some would gain from the rise in land prices, many Indonesians don't own the land they live on. Among them is Ipah, who is already resigned to losing her dwelling, protected against bad luck by two diamond-shaped charms woven from young coconut leaves. "Mr Jokowi, can you give me free land, even just a square metre or a free house?" she asked. It is not only human homes at risk. East Kalimantan is known for forests inhabited by orangutans, sun bears, and long-nosed monkeys.There will be no building in a protected forest and the government plans to reforest abandoned mines and illegal palm oil plantations, Planning Minister Brodjonegoro said. He floated the idea of an orangutan conservation centre similar to one for giant pandas in the Chinese city of Chengdu. The fate of the apes is particularly sensitive in Indonesia given that they have become symbols for campaigners targeting the world's biggest palm oil industry over the destruction of forests for plantations. Conservationists said they were far from convinced that there would be no spillover effects from moving the capital to East Kalimantan. "The city centre might be located quite far away," said Aldrianto Priadjati, an executive of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, which is based in Kutai Kartanegara. "But the development will be everywhere, just like - sorry to say it - Jakarta." ($1 = 14,210.0000 rupiah)

Sleepy to sleepless? Indonesia's future capital in the forest

WION speaks exclusively to K. Shanmugam, Singapore's Minister for Home Affairs and Law. In conversation with WION's Molly Gambhir, the Minister speaks on a host of issues ranging from the India-ASEAN relationship, the Hong Kong unrest and Singapore's legislation to combat misinformation to US-China tensions, the war against terror and opportunities for deepening ties between India and Singapore.

WION speaks exclusively to Singapore Home Minister K. Shanmugam

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-to-raise-retirement-age-to-65-years-prime-minister-243941">Singapore</a>'s core inflation eased to its slowest pace in more than three years in July, data showed on Friday, prompting authorities to downgrade their full-year forecast amid firming bets for monetary policy easing.

The core inflation gauge rose 0.8 per cent from a year earlier, the slowest rate since April 2016, weighed down by declines in utilities and retail prices.

That was lower than a 1.0 per cent forecast in a Reuters poll and a 1.2 per cent&nbsp;increase in the previous month.

Authorities said they expected core inflation - the preferred price gauge of the central bank which is due to meet in October - to be in the lower half of their 1 per cent-2 per cent&nbsp;forecast for 2019, having previously said it would come in the middle.

The 1 per cent-2 per cent&nbsp;forecast range remains in place.

"This is further evidence of the weakened condition of the economy," said Steve Cochrane, chief APAC economist at Moody's Analytics.

"This will likely raise expectations of monetary policy easing... Particularly as many central banks in the region have already begun to ease monetary policy."

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said last week, after the city-state slashed its full-year growth forecast, that it was not considering an out-of-cycle policy move.

The Singapore dollar weakened after the data release and was down around 0.2 per cent&nbsp;against the US dollar on the day.

The headline consumer price index in July rose 0.4 per cent&nbsp;year-on-year, matching January's figures, the lowest so far in 2019. The poll had called for a 0.55 per cent&nbsp;rise, compared with a 0.6 per cent&nbsp;increase a month earlier.

Singapore's headline rate is expected to average 0.5 per cent-1.5 per cent&nbsp;for the full year, MAS and Singapore's trade ministry said in a joint statement on Friday.

"An acceleration in inflationary pressures is unlikely against the backdrop of slower GDP growth, uncertainties in the global economy, as well as the continuing restraining effects of MAS' monetary policy tightening in 2018," the authorities said.

Singapore's core inflation eased to its slowest pace in more than three years in July, data showed on Friday, prompting authorities to downgrade their full-year forecast amid firming bets for monetary policy easing.

Singapore's core inflation eased to its slowest pace in more than three years in July, data showed on Friday, prompting authorities to downgrade their full-year forecast amid firming bets for monetary policy easing. The core inflation gauge rose 0.8 per cent from a year earlier, the slowest rate since April 2016, weighed down by declines in utilities and retail prices. That was lower than a 1.0 per cent forecast in a Reuters poll and a 1.2 per cent increase in the previous month. Authorities said they expected core inflation - the preferred price gauge of the central bank which is due to meet in October - to be in the lower half of their 1 per cent-2 per cent forecast for 2019, having previously said it would come in the middle. The 1 per cent-2 per cent forecast range remains in place. "This is further evidence of the weakened condition of the economy," said Steve Cochrane, chief APAC economist at Moody's Analytics. "This will likely raise expectations of monetary policy easing... Particularly as many central banks in the region have already begun to ease monetary policy." The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said last week, after the city-state slashed its full-year growth forecast, that it was not considering an out-of-cycle policy move. The Singapore dollar weakened after the data release and was down around 0.2 per cent against the US dollar on the day. The headline consumer price index in July rose 0.4 per cent year-on-year, matching January's figures, the lowest so far in 2019. The poll had called for a 0.55 per cent rise, compared with a 0.6 per cent increase a month earlier. Singapore's headline rate is expected to average 0.5 per cent-1.5 per cent for the full year, MAS and Singapore's trade ministry said in a joint statement on Friday. "An acceleration in inflationary pressures is unlikely against the backdrop of slower GDP growth, uncertainties in the global economy, as well as the continuing restraining effects of MAS' monetary policy tightening in 2018," the authorities said.

Singapore cuts 2019 core inflation forecast as prices hit a 3-year low

The retirement age will rise to 63 in 2022 from the current retirement age of 62 and to 65 by 2030, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said.

Singapore, which has the longest life expectancy at birth in the world, is growing more dependent on its older residents as birth rates fall and foreign labour is restricted.

"Most seniors in fact don't want to stop working," the prime minister said. "We are healthy for longer and living longer, but we don't want to spend more years in retirement."

"Also many of us want to build up a bigger nest egg for when we eventually retire."

Singapore will also raise its so-called re-employment age from 67 to 70 by 2030. Under the re-employment law, companies in Singapore are required to offer eligible employees the option of continuing to work until they are 67.

Lee said the public service will raise its retirement and re-employment ages one year earlier in 2021.

The prime minister made the announcement in his annual National Day rally speech, in which he laid out policies and priorities for the government.

Singapore is facing slowing growth prospects this year. It cut its full-year economic growth forecast last week amid fears of a recession in the city-state that has been hit hard by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-china-trade-war-in-10-dates-241155">China-US&nbsp;trade war.</a>

Lee said should US-China relations continue to deteriorate, it was bad news for Singapore.

He said that while the current situation did not warrant immediate stimulus measures, the government would respond with appropriate interventions if the situation got much worse.

The retirement age will rise to 63 in 2022 from the current retirement age of 62 and to 65 by 2030, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said. Singapore, which has the longest life expectancy at birth in the world, is growing more dependent on its older residents as birth rates fall and foreign labour is restricted.

The retirement age will rise to 63 in 2022 from the current retirement age of 62 and to 65 by 2030, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said. Singapore, which has the longest life expectancy at birth in the world, is growing more dependent on its older residents as birth rates fall and foreign labour is restricted. "Most seniors in fact don't want to stop working," the prime minister said. "We are healthy for longer and living longer, but we don't want to spend more years in retirement." "Also many of us want to build up a bigger nest egg for when we eventually retire." Singapore will also raise its so-called re-employment age from 67 to 70 by 2030. Under the re-employment law, companies in Singapore are required to offer eligible employees the option of continuing to work until they are 67. Lee said the public service will raise its retirement and re-employment ages one year earlier in 2021. The prime minister made the announcement in his annual National Day rally speech, in which he laid out policies and priorities for the government. Singapore is facing slowing growth prospects this year. It cut its full-year economic growth forecast last week amid fears of a recession in the city-state that has been hit hard by the China-US trade war. Lee said should US-China relations continue to deteriorate, it was bad news for Singapore. He said that while the current situation did not warrant immediate stimulus measures, the government would respond with appropriate interventions if the situation got much worse.

Singapore to raise retirement age to 65 years: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

Singapore said Monday it will impose a blanket ban on the domestic sale of elephant ivory and products from 2021 as the government tightens its campaign against illegal wildlife trade.

The announcement on World Elephant Day followed two years of consultations with non-government groups, ivory retailers and the public.

Authorities in the city-state made their largest ever seizure of smuggled ivory last month, impounding a haul of nearly nine tonnes of contraband tusks from an estimated 300 African elephants valued at $12.9 million.

The illegal cargo was discovered in a container from the Democratic Republic of the Congo being shipped to Vietnam via Singapore and also included a huge stash of pangolin scales.

Singapore has banned international trade in all forms of elephant ivory products since 1990.

Such items could be sold domestically if traders could prove they were imported before that year or acquired prior to the inclusion of the relevant elephant species in an international convention protecting endangered species.

In a statement Monday, Singapore's National Parks Board banned the sale of elephant ivory and products with effect from September 1, 2021.

Violators face a jail term of up to one year and fines on conviction.

Traders can donate their ivory stocks to institutions or keep them after the ban takes effect, the board said.

Public consultation by the government last year showed that 99 per cent of those who responded were in favour of a total ban.

Elephant ivory is coveted because it can be fashioned into items like combs, pendants and other jewellery.

The global trade in elephant ivory, with rare exceptions, has been outlawed since 1989 after the population of the African giants dropped from millions in the mid-20th century to around 600,000 by the end of the 1980s.

Singapore said Monday it will impose a blanket ban on the domestic sale of elephant ivory and products from 2021 as the government tightens its campaign against illegal wildlife trade.

Singapore said Monday it will impose a blanket ban on the domestic sale of elephant ivory and products from 2021 as the government tightens its campaign against illegal wildlife trade. The announcement on World Elephant Day followed two years of consultations with non-government groups, ivory retailers and the public. Authorities in the city-state made their largest ever seizure of smuggled ivory last month, impounding a haul of nearly nine tonnes of contraband tusks from an estimated 300 African elephants valued at $12.9 million. The illegal cargo was discovered in a container from the Democratic Republic of the Congo being shipped to Vietnam via Singapore and also included a huge stash of pangolin scales. Singapore has banned international trade in all forms of elephant ivory products since 1990. Such items could be sold domestically if traders could prove they were imported before that year or acquired prior to the inclusion of the relevant elephant species in an international convention protecting endangered species. In a statement Monday, Singapore's National Parks Board banned the sale of elephant ivory and products with effect from September 1, 2021. Violators face a jail term of up to one year and fines on conviction. Traders can donate their ivory stocks to institutions or keep them after the ban takes effect, the board said. Public consultation by the government last year showed that 99 per cent of those who responded were in favour of a total ban. Elephant ivory is coveted because it can be fashioned into items like combs, pendants and other jewellery. The global trade in elephant ivory, with rare exceptions, has been outlawed since 1989 after the population of the African giants dropped from millions in the mid-20th century to around 600,000 by the end of the 1980s.

Singapore to ban sale of elephant ivory from 2021

A new opposition party backed by the estranged brother of Singapore's prime minister was launched Saturday in a fresh challenge to the government as speculation mounts elections could be called soon.

The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) aiming to contest an election due by 2021 but widely expected earlier is led by Tan Cheng Bock, a medical doctor and former government stalwart who once ran for president and nearly defeated the establishment candidate.

The group has received the support of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's brother, the latest sign of a bitter falling out within the city state's first family over their father's legacy.

The rare row within <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-pm-lee-hsien-loongs-brother-backs-new-opposition-party-239046">Singapore's</a> elite erupted following the 2015 death of the men's father, revered founding leader Lee Kuan Yew, who led the country for three decades.

Under his People's Action Party (PAP), Singapore transformed from a gritty port into one of Asia's most advanced economies although authorities also faced criticism for curtailing civil liberties and free speech.

Speaking to hundreds of supporters at a hotel ballroom and live on social media, the 79 year old Tan decried what he said was a climate of fear preventing people from speaking up.

He also claimed there was an "erosion of trust" between the government and citizens due to lack of transparency, independence, and accountability.

Beneath Singapore's gleaming skyscrapers "is an underlying tale of disquiet," he said, adding, "we cannot allow this current style of managing the country to go unchallenged".

The group joins a handful of other parties seeking to take on the dominant PAP, but the fractious opposition which has just six out of 89 elected seats in parliament is not viewed as a serious threat.

However, backing from the premier's sibling, Lee Hsien Yang could provide a boost to Tan.

In January, a 62 year old business executive Lee, who did not attend the PSP launch, said in a Facebook post that Tan was "the leader Singapore deserves".

In a separate post, he wrote PAP had lost its way and was no longer the party of his father.

During a press conference last week, Tan said he may be willing to take Lee into the party formally.

Lee's&nbsp;association with the party can boost Tan's profile as "one of the 'nice' people to have represented the PAP during its glory days," said Michael Barr, a Singapore politics specialist at Flinders University in Australia.

"The presence of the prime minister's brother in, or at least on the fringes of an opposition party, is a reminder that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is not his father... and that this family is fractured over Lee Kuan Yew's legacy," Barr told AFP.

A Lee Hsien Yang candidacy under the PSP would be a "game changer" as it would "do immense damage to the brand of Lee Hsien Loong's branch of the family".

However, Singapore Management University law lecturer Eugene Tan said Lee Hsien Yang's support for the party is a "double-edged sword" as it could overshadow the PSP's agenda and focus attention on the family feud.

"The vision that Dr. Tan may have will become a sideshow. So it is a card that needs to be played very, very carefully," political analyst Tan told AFP.

The Lee family row centers on allegations made by the premier's siblings that he is seeking to block the demolition of a family bungalow to capitalize on their father's legacy something he has denied.

A new opposition party backed by the estranged brother of Singapore's prime minister was launched Saturday in a fresh challenge to the government as speculation mounts elections could be called soon.

A new opposition party backed by the estranged brother of Singapore's prime minister was launched Saturday in a fresh challenge to the government as speculation mounts elections could be called soon. The Progress Singapore Party (PSP) aiming to contest an election due by 2021 but widely expected earlier is led by Tan Cheng Bock, a medical doctor and former government stalwart who once ran for president and nearly defeated the establishment candidate. The group has received the support of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's brother, the latest sign of a bitter falling out within the city state's first family over their father's legacy. The rare row within Singapore's elite erupted following the 2015 death of the men's father, revered founding leader Lee Kuan Yew, who led the country for three decades. Under his People's Action Party (PAP), Singapore transformed from a gritty port into one of Asia's most advanced economies although authorities also faced criticism for curtailing civil liberties and free speech. Speaking to hundreds of supporters at a hotel ballroom and live on social media, the 79 year old Tan decried what he said was a climate of fear preventing people from speaking up. He also claimed there was an "erosion of trust" between the government and citizens due to lack of transparency, independence, and accountability. Beneath Singapore's gleaming skyscrapers "is an underlying tale of disquiet," he said, adding, "we cannot allow this current style of managing the country to go unchallenged". The group joins a handful of other parties seeking to take on the dominant PAP, but the fractious opposition which has just six out of 89 elected seats in parliament is not viewed as a serious threat. However, backing from the premier's sibling, Lee Hsien Yang could provide a boost to Tan. In January, a 62 year old business executive Lee, who did not attend the PSP launch, said in a Facebook post that Tan was "the leader Singapore deserves". In a separate post, he wrote PAP had lost its way and was no longer the party of his father. During a press conference last week, Tan said he may be willing to take Lee into the party formally. Lee's association with the party can boost Tan's profile as "one of the 'nice' people to have represented the PAP during its glory days," said Michael Barr, a Singapore politics specialist at Flinders University in Australia. "The presence of the prime minister's brother in, or at least on the fringes of an opposition party, is a reminder that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is not his father... and that this family is fractured over Lee Kuan Yew's legacy," Barr told AFP. A Lee Hsien Yang candidacy under the PSP would be a "game changer" as it would "do immense damage to the brand of Lee Hsien Loong's branch of the family". However, Singapore Management University law lecturer Eugene Tan said Lee Hsien Yang's support for the party is a "double-edged sword" as it could overshadow the PSP's agenda and focus attention on the family feud. "The vision that Dr. Tan may have will become a sideshow. So it is a card that needs to be played very, very carefully," political analyst Tan told AFP. The Lee family row centers on allegations made by the premier's siblings that he is seeking to block the demolition of a family bungalow to capitalize on their father's legacy something he has denied.

New Singapore opposition party launched as polls loom

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-&amp;-economy/gold-prices-rise-to-one-week-high-as-softer-us-dollar-supports-buying-148880">Gold prices</a> held steady on Wednesday as investors waited on the outcome of the Federal Reserve`s meeting later in the day when policymakers are expected to cut interest rates for the first time since the financial crisis.

Spot gold was flat at $1,430.69 per ounce as of 0723 GMT.

US gold futures edged 0.1 per cent higher to $1,443.60 an ounce. "Most of the people are staying on the sidelines due to the Fed meeting. If the Fed does reduce rates, gold may come down a little as a 25 basis point cut is already priced-in," said Brian Lan, managing director at dealer GoldSilver Central in Singapore.

"We are also looking at whether there will be further rate cuts. Over the longer term, we are still bullish on gold but in the short-term, we might see a bit of correction before it continues to move higher," Lan added.

Fed funds rate futures are now fully pricing in a 25 basis point rate cut on Wednesday and another 25 basis point reduction by September.

Markets will be watching out for guidance on whether the Federal Open Market Committee`s expected move is a one-time cut or the beginning of a rate-cutting cycle.

Cementing expectations of Fed rate cuts, US consumer spending and prices rose moderately in June, pointing to slower economic growth and benign inflation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-tears-into-china-on-twitter-as-trade-talks-resume-239492">US President Donald Trump</a>, meanwhile, reiterated his call for the Fed to make a large interest rate cut, saying he was disappointed in the US&nbsp;

The central bank and that it had put him at a disadvantage by not acting sooner.

"Gold will look for direction in the tone of the Fed Chief`s rhetoric. More dovish could lead to a weaker dollar and a higher price for gold," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/crude-oil-prices-fall-1-on-fears-for-global-economy-233148">Alfonso Esparza</a>, a senior market analyst at OANDA, said in a note.

The dollar index was relatively unchanged against a basket of major currencies on Wednesday after hitting a two-month high in the previous session.

In financial markets, fresh trade concerns following threats by Trump to Beijing sent Asian shares to a six-week trough on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Trump warned China against waiting out his presidency before finalising a trade deal, saying if he wins re-election in November 2020, the outcome could be no agreement or a harsher one.

On the technical front, Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao said a bullish target at $1,452 per ounce has been established for spot gold, as it has pierced above resistance at $1,427.

Among other precious metals, silver slipped 0.7 per cent to $16.46 per ounce.

Platinum jumped 1.2 per cent to $876.11 an ounce and palladium rose 1 per cent to $1,529.20.

Gold prices held steady on Wednesday as investors waited on the outcome of the Federal Reserve`s meeting later in the day when policymakers are expected to cut interest rates for the first time since the financial crisis.

Gold prices held steady on Wednesday as investors waited on the outcome of the Federal Reserve`s meeting later in the day when policymakers are expected to cut interest rates for the first time since the financial crisis. Spot gold was flat at $1,430.69 per ounce as of 0723 GMT. US gold futures edged 0.1 per cent higher to $1,443.60 an ounce. "Most of the people are staying on the sidelines due to the Fed meeting. If the Fed does reduce rates, gold may come down a little as a 25 basis point cut is already priced-in," said Brian Lan, managing director at dealer GoldSilver Central in Singapore. "We are also looking at whether there will be further rate cuts. Over the longer term, we are still bullish on gold but in the short-term, we might see a bit of correction before it continues to move higher," Lan added. Fed funds rate futures are now fully pricing in a 25 basis point rate cut on Wednesday and another 25 basis point reduction by September. Markets will be watching out for guidance on whether the Federal Open Market Committee`s expected move is a one-time cut or the beginning of a rate-cutting cycle. Cementing expectations of Fed rate cuts, US consumer spending and prices rose moderately in June, pointing to slower economic growth and benign inflation. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, reiterated his call for the Fed to make a large interest rate cut, saying he was disappointed in the US The central bank and that it had put him at a disadvantage by not acting sooner. "Gold will look for direction in the tone of the Fed Chief`s rhetoric. More dovish could lead to a weaker dollar and a higher price for gold," Alfonso Esparza, a senior market analyst at OANDA, said in a note. The dollar index was relatively unchanged against a basket of major currencies on Wednesday after hitting a two-month high in the previous session. In financial markets, fresh trade concerns following threats by Trump to Beijing sent Asian shares to a six-week trough on Wednesday. Trump warned China against waiting out his presidency before finalising a trade deal, saying if he wins re-election in November 2020, the outcome could be no agreement or a harsher one. On the technical front, Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao said a bullish target at $1,452 per ounce has been established for spot gold, as it has pierced above resistance at $1,427. Among other precious metals, silver slipped 0.7 per cent to $16.46 per ounce. Platinum jumped 1.2 per cent to $876.11 an ounce and palladium rose 1 per cent to $1,529.20.

Gold prices hold steady ahead of Fed verdict

Several hundred protesters calling for democracy and some chanting "free Hong Kong" converged on the Chinese-ruled city's airport on Friday as neighbouring Singapore advised its citizens to avoid parts of the territory.

Airport authorities said operations wouldn't be affected, but advised passengers to arrive early given the risk of disruption.

The former British colony of Hong Kong, which returned to China in 1997, is embroiled in its worst political crisis for decades after two months of increasingly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-official-urged-hong-kong-villagers-to-drive-off-protesters-before-violence-at-train-station-238563">violent protests that have posed</a> one of the gravest populist challenges to China's leader Xi Jinping since he took office.

The demonstrations, mushrooming up almost daily, saw the defacement of China's main representative office last weekend, triggering warnings from Beijing this was an attack on China's sovereignty.

What started as an angry response to a now-suspended extradition bill, which would have allowed defendants to be sent to the mainland for trial, now includes demands for greater democracy, the resignation of Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, and even keeping mainland Chinese tourists out of Hong Kong.

Some protesters, dressed in helmets and seated on the ground of the arrivals hall, held up signs calling on the government to withdraw the extradition bill completely, while chants of "Free Hong Kong" reverberated around the building.

"The world has been watching us in the past few weeks," said Jeremy Tam, a former pilot and lawmaker who helped organise the protest with other aviation sector employees.

"We simply believe that the airport is the most direct way for all tourists to explain what is happening in Hong Kong."

Singapore urged its citizens in a travel advisory on Friday to avoid parts of Hong Kong where protests may be taking place, noting the airport demonstration.

Watch:&nbsp;Anti-government protests intensify in Hong Kong

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-anti-government-protests-intensify-237788/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"If you are already in Hong Kong, you should take all necessary precautions to ensure your personal safety," it read.

"Protests which are meant to be peaceful may still have the potential to turn violent with little or no notice."

Some protesters handed out flyers explaining the city's crisis to tourists.

Others condemned the failure of police to protect citizens and protesters from a frenzied attack by armed men at a train station last Sunday that shocked the city. Police sources say some of these men had triad backgrounds.

Members of the public, tourists and pilots, flight attendants and other aviation workers signed a petition urging the Hong Kong government to prosecute the attackers.

The Flight Attendants' Union for Hong Kong's main carrier Cathay Pacific had earlier urged its members to "stand up for our human rights and be connected with the rest of the HongKongers" on its Facebook page.

"United Hong Kong Stands!" it added.

An investment banker at a US bank told Reuters he had rescheduled his flight from Hong Kong to Beijing to another day, over concerns flights possibly being grounded should the protest escalate. 
&nbsp;

Several hundred protesters calling for democracy and some chanting "free Hong Kong" converged on the Chinese-ruled city's airport on Friday as neighbouring Singapore advised its citizens to avoid parts of the territory.

Several hundred protesters calling for democracy and some chanting "free Hong Kong" converged on the Chinese-ruled city's airport on Friday as neighbouring Singapore advised its citizens to avoid parts of the territory. Airport authorities said operations wouldn't be affected, but advised passengers to arrive early given the risk of disruption. The former British colony of Hong Kong, which returned to China in 1997, is embroiled in its worst political crisis for decades after two months of increasingly violent protests that have posed one of the gravest populist challenges to China's leader Xi Jinping since he took office. The demonstrations, mushrooming up almost daily, saw the defacement of China's main representative office last weekend, triggering warnings from Beijing this was an attack on China's sovereignty. What started as an angry response to a now-suspended extradition bill, which would have allowed defendants to be sent to the mainland for trial, now includes demands for greater democracy, the resignation of Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, and even keeping mainland Chinese tourists out of Hong Kong. Some protesters, dressed in helmets and seated on the ground of the arrivals hall, held up signs calling on the government to withdraw the extradition bill completely, while chants of "Free Hong Kong" reverberated around the building. "The world has been watching us in the past few weeks," said Jeremy Tam, a former pilot and lawmaker who helped organise the protest with other aviation sector employees. "We simply believe that the airport is the most direct way for all tourists to explain what is happening in Hong Kong." Singapore urged its citizens in a travel advisory on Friday to avoid parts of Hong Kong where protests may be taking place, noting the airport demonstration. Watch: Anti-government protests intensify in Hong Kong "If you are already in Hong Kong, you should take all necessary precautions to ensure your personal safety," it read. "Protests which are meant to be peaceful may still have the potential to turn violent with little or no notice." Some protesters handed out flyers explaining the city's crisis to tourists. Others condemned the failure of police to protect citizens and protesters from a frenzied attack by armed men at a train station last Sunday that shocked the city. Police sources say some of these men had triad backgrounds. Members of the public, tourists and pilots, flight attendants and other aviation workers signed a petition urging the Hong Kong government to prosecute the attackers. The Flight Attendants' Union for Hong Kong's main carrier Cathay Pacific had earlier urged its members to "stand up for our human rights and be connected with the rest of the HongKongers" on its Facebook page. "United Hong Kong Stands!" it added. An investment banker at a US bank told Reuters he had rescheduled his flight from Hong Kong to Beijing to another day, over concerns flights possibly being grounded should the protest escalate.

Hundred of protesters chanting 'free Hong Kong' converge on the Chinese-ruled city's airport

Nine people subject to a police probe over fundraising for a rebel group fighting Myanmar's military in restive Rakhine state were remanded in custody Friday, including several recently deported from Singapore.

Among the deportees is Aung Myat Kyaw, who is believed to be the brother of Brigadier General Tun Myat Naing, the chief of the Arakan Army (AA).

Myanmar's army has deployed thousands of troops across Rakhine to try and crush the AA, which claims to be fighting for more autonomy for the state's ethnic Rakhine Buddhists.

Scores have died -- including civilians -- in shootings, ambushes and military strikes, although the conflict area is under strict lockdown making independent reporting impossible.

On July 10, Singaporean authorities said they had detained "several" Myanmar nationals -- including one with a "direct relationship with a key AA leader" -- for coordinating the "AA's fundraising efforts" among the Rakhine expatriate community.

Tens of thousands of Myanmar migrants work in the city-state, mainly in construction.

On Friday Yangon deputy district judge, Min Thant said the nine were being investigated by police under the Counterterrorism Law.

"We have issued an order to remand them from today to August 9 in police custody," Min Thant told reporters.

The nine are being investigated for financing terrorism and three -- Aung Myat Kyaw, Tun Aye and Hein Zaw -- over an extra charge of involvement with the AA.

If charged and found guilty, the maximum sentence is seven years in prison.

Min Thant did not clarify if they were all detained in Singapore and declined to say where the group was being held in Yangon.

The father of the only female suspect Aye Myat Mon, who works as an engineer in Singapore, told AFP he was worried about the lack of information over his daughter's whereabouts.

"We worry about injustices happening," Kyaw Maung said from the Rakhine capital Sittwe. "The authorities should let us know."

The AA could not be reached for comment on Friday.&nbsp;

Violence between the military and the rebel group has forced more than 30,000 people from their homes in recent months.

The rebellion, which has simmered since the group's formation in 2009, has widespread support from ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, who have felt marginalised for decades in one of the country's poorest states.

Little is known about how the AA raises funds, though "diasporas are often targeted for offshore revenue-raising", said independent analyst David Mathieson

Nine people subject to a police probe over fundraising for a rebel group fighting Myanmar's military in restive Rakhine state were remanded in custody Friday, including several recently deported from Singapore.

Nine people subject to a police probe over fundraising for a rebel group fighting Myanmar's military in restive Rakhine state were remanded in custody Friday, including several recently deported from Singapore. Among the deportees is Aung Myat Kyaw, who is believed to be the brother of Brigadier General Tun Myat Naing, the chief of the Arakan Army (AA). Myanmar's army has deployed thousands of troops across Rakhine to try and crush the AA, which claims to be fighting for more autonomy for the state's ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. Scores have died -- including civilians -- in shootings, ambushes and military strikes, although the conflict area is under strict lockdown making independent reporting impossible. On July 10, Singaporean authorities said they had detained "several" Myanmar nationals -- including one with a "direct relationship with a key AA leader" -- for coordinating the "AA's fundraising efforts" among the Rakhine expatriate community. Tens of thousands of Myanmar migrants work in the city-state, mainly in construction. On Friday Yangon deputy district judge, Min Thant said the nine were being investigated by police under the Counterterrorism Law. "We have issued an order to remand them from today to August 9 in police custody," Min Thant told reporters. The nine are being investigated for financing terrorism and three -- Aung Myat Kyaw, Tun Aye and Hein Zaw -- over an extra charge of involvement with the AA. If charged and found guilty, the maximum sentence is seven years in prison. Min Thant did not clarify if they were all detained in Singapore and declined to say where the group was being held in Yangon. The father of the only female suspect Aye Myat Mon, who works as an engineer in Singapore, told AFP he was worried about the lack of information over his daughter's whereabouts. "We worry about injustices happening," Kyaw Maung said from the Rakhine capital Sittwe. "The authorities should let us know." The AA could not be reached for comment on Friday. Violence between the military and the rebel group has forced more than 30,000 people from their homes in recent months. The rebellion, which has simmered since the group's formation in 2009, has widespread support from ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, who have felt marginalised for decades in one of the country's poorest states. Little is known about how the AA raises funds, though "diasporas are often targeted for offshore revenue-raising", said independent analyst David Mathieson

Nine held in Myanmar in Rakhine rebel fundraising probe

Six Myanmar nationals deported from Singapore over alleged links to an ethnic minority insurgent group were remanded in custody in Yangon on Friday, a court spokesman said, as relatives of the accused said they were being held incommunicado.

"We issued another remand this morning for them," Min Thant, an information officer at the Western District Court in the commercial capital of Yangon, told Reuters by telephone, without giving further details.

The five men and one woman were arrested in Singapore in early July and later deported to Myanmar, where they were arrested shortly after arriving.

They are being held in an undisclosed location along with two other people including a driver, according to relatives and a lawyer.

Authorities in Myanmar have declined to provide details about the case or give the whereabouts of the detainees.

Singapore’s home ministry said the group, members of the Rakhine Buddhist minority, had "organised and mobilised" some members of the Myanmar community in Singapore to support the Arakan Army (AA), an insurgent group fighting for greater autonomy in Rakhine and Chin states, and its political wing, the United League of Arakan.

Rakhine State, also known as Arakan, came to global attention after about 730,000 Rohingya Muslims crossed from there into Bangladesh, fleeing a military crackdown in response to Rohingya militant attacks in 2017.

More recently, civilians there have been caught up in clashes between the military and the AA, which recruits mostly from Rakhine Buddhists, the majority community in Rakhine State.

The latest clashes have displaced more than 35,000 people this year according to the United Nations.

Yanghee Lee, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, said last month that both sides may be committing war crimes during the conflict, citing reports of deaths during interrogations.

'Very sad'

Myo Thu Soe, a spokesman for the Myanmar police, did not answer calls seeking comment about the detained group.

Previously, he told Reuters he did not know why authorities in Singapore had detained them.

Their relatives and the lawyer said they had been unable to meet them since they were taken into custody. On Friday, family members were waiting with journalists at one court, only to hear later the suspects had appeared briefly at another one.

"The accused have rights including the right to prove they are innocent and for a fair trial," said the lawyer, Kyaw Myo Tun.

Ohn Thin, the mother of one of the detained men, said the last she had heard from him was a phone call in which he said, "Mom, I am coming back."

"I didn’t get a chance to meet him, at the airport or up to now," she said. "The officials haven’t told us anything about them. I feel very sad as a mother."

Myanmar nationals demonstrated outside the Singapore embassies in Tokyo and Washington last week protesting against the deportations. Some carried placards accusing Singapore of "selling Arakanese to the Myanmar army".

Singapore said at the time people involved in "activities of security concern" would be deported.

The Myanmar army has battled various autonomy-seeking ethnic minority insurgent groups for decades but several have agreed to peace in recent years.

But fighting has flared in Kachin State in the north and in Rakhine State.

Six Myanmar nationals deported from Singapore over alleged links to an ethnic minority insurgent group were remanded in custody in Yangon on Friday, a court spokesman said, as relatives of the accused said they were being held incommunicado.

Six Myanmar nationals deported from Singapore over alleged links to an ethnic minority insurgent group were remanded in custody in Yangon on Friday, a court spokesman said, as relatives of the accused said they were being held incommunicado. "We issued another remand this morning for them," Min Thant, an information officer at the Western District Court in the commercial capital of Yangon, told Reuters by telephone, without giving further details. The five men and one woman were arrested in Singapore in early July and later deported to Myanmar, where they were arrested shortly after arriving. They are being held in an undisclosed location along with two other people including a driver, according to relatives and a lawyer. Authorities in Myanmar have declined to provide details about the case or give the whereabouts of the detainees. Singapore’s home ministry said the group, members of the Rakhine Buddhist minority, had "organised and mobilised" some members of the Myanmar community in Singapore to support the Arakan Army (AA), an insurgent group fighting for greater autonomy in Rakhine and Chin states, and its political wing, the United League of Arakan. Rakhine State, also known as Arakan, came to global attention after about 730,000 Rohingya Muslims crossed from there into Bangladesh, fleeing a military crackdown in response to Rohingya militant attacks in 2017. More recently, civilians there have been caught up in clashes between the military and the AA, which recruits mostly from Rakhine Buddhists, the majority community in Rakhine State. The latest clashes have displaced more than 35,000 people this year according to the United Nations. Yanghee Lee, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, said last month that both sides may be committing war crimes during the conflict, citing reports of deaths during interrogations. 'Very sad' Myo Thu Soe, a spokesman for the Myanmar police, did not answer calls seeking comment about the detained group. Previously, he told Reuters he did not know why authorities in Singapore had detained them. Their relatives and the lawyer said they had been unable to meet them since they were taken into custody. On Friday, family members were waiting with journalists at one court, only to hear later the suspects had appeared briefly at another one. "The accused have rights including the right to prove they are innocent and for a fair trial," said the lawyer, Kyaw Myo Tun. Ohn Thin, the mother of one of the detained men, said the last she had heard from him was a phone call in which he said, "Mom, I am coming back." "I didn’t get a chance to meet him, at the airport or up to now," she said. "The officials haven’t told us anything about them. I feel very sad as a mother." Myanmar nationals demonstrated outside the Singapore embassies in Tokyo and Washington last week protesting against the deportations. Some carried placards accusing Singapore of "selling Arakanese to the Myanmar army". Singapore said at the time people involved in "activities of security concern" would be deported. The Myanmar army has battled various autonomy-seeking ethnic minority insurgent groups for decades but several have agreed to peace in recent years. But fighting has flared in Kachin State in the north and in Rakhine State.

Myanmar citizens deported from Singapore over alleged insurgent ties remanded in custody

Singapore said on Tuesday it had seized 8.8 tonnes of elephant ivory, a record haul by authorities in the city-state, which conservation groups say is a transit point for the illegal wildlife trade.

The elephant ivory, estimated to be worth $12.9 million, came from nearly 300 African elephants and was heading to Vietnam through Singapore from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The haul also contained the third major seizure of pangolin scales in Singapore this year.

The pangolin, a scaly anteater, is one of the most trafficked mammals in the world. Its meat is considered a delicacy in Vietnam and China, and the scales are used in traditional Chinese medicine, though the benefits are disputed by medical scientists.

"The seized pangolin scales and elephant ivory will be destroyed to prevent them from re-entering the market," the Singapore Customs, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and the National Parks Board said, adding that the July 21 seizure came after a tip-off from China's customs department.

The ivory haul falls just short of 9.1 tonnes seizure in Vietnam in March, which non-government organisation Environmental Investigation Agency said was thought to be the largest ever globally.

There has been a flurry of seizures, including rhino horns, in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam in recent months.

"Singapore has always been inadvertently implicated in the global ivory trade for two reasons: its global connectivity, as well as the presence of a small domestic market where pre-1990s ivory can be legally sold," said Kim Stengert, chief communications officer for WWF Singapore.&nbsp;

"The consistency of these large-scale seizures is strong evidence of organised crime behind illegal wildlife trade coming through or into Singapore."

Singapore authorities said the latest seizure also contained 11.9 tonnes of pangolin scales, worth about $35.7 million and equivalent to close to 2,000 pangolins.

Singapore has seized a total of 37.5 tonnes of pangolin scales since April, including one raid which was the biggest of its kind worldwide in five years.

The city-state is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and says it is committed to the global effort to curb the illegal wildlife trade.

Singapore said on Tuesday it had seized 8.8 tonnes of elephant ivory, a record haul by authorities in the city-state, which conservation groups say is a transit point for the illegal wildlife trade.

Singapore said on Tuesday it had seized 8.8 tonnes of elephant ivory, a record haul by authorities in the city-state, which conservation groups say is a transit point for the illegal wildlife trade. The elephant ivory, estimated to be worth $12.9 million, came from nearly 300 African elephants and was heading to Vietnam through Singapore from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The haul also contained the third major seizure of pangolin scales in Singapore this year. The pangolin, a scaly anteater, is one of the most trafficked mammals in the world. Its meat is considered a delicacy in Vietnam and China, and the scales are used in traditional Chinese medicine, though the benefits are disputed by medical scientists. "The seized pangolin scales and elephant ivory will be destroyed to prevent them from re-entering the market," the Singapore Customs, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and the National Parks Board said, adding that the July 21 seizure came after a tip-off from China's customs department. The ivory haul falls just short of 9.1 tonnes seizure in Vietnam in March, which non-government organisation Environmental Investigation Agency said was thought to be the largest ever globally. There has been a flurry of seizures, including rhino horns, in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam in recent months. "Singapore has always been inadvertently implicated in the global ivory trade for two reasons: its global connectivity, as well as the presence of a small domestic market where pre-1990s ivory can be legally sold," said Kim Stengert, chief communications officer for WWF Singapore. "The consistency of these large-scale seizures is strong evidence of organised crime behind illegal wildlife trade coming through or into Singapore." Singapore authorities said the latest seizure also contained 11.9 tonnes of pangolin scales, worth about $35.7 million and equivalent to close to 2,000 pangolins. Singapore has seized a total of 37.5 tonnes of pangolin scales since April, including one raid which was the biggest of its kind worldwide in five years. The city-state is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and says it is committed to the global effort to curb the illegal wildlife trade.

Singapore seizes ivory from nearly 300 elephants in record haul

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-entrepreneur-dyson-backs-exit-from-eu-368">British billionaire James Dyson</a>, the inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner, has bought Singapore's most expensive penthouse, official records show.

The three-story penthouse - once valued at S$100 million ($73.44 million) - sits on the 62nd-64th floor, is equipped with a private pool and located in the heart of the city-state's financial district.

Dyson, a Brexit supporter, announced in January he is moving his head office from Britain to Singapore to be closer to its fastest-growing markets. His eponymous firm - which also makes bladeless fans, air purifiers and hair dryers - plans to build its first electric car in the city-state.

Wallich Residence's penthouse sits in the tallest building in Singapore, built by developer GuocoLand Ltd.

Before its unveiling in 2017, the highest asking price for the "bungalow in the sky" reached a dizzying S$100 million, making it Singapore's most expensive.

Official title records seen by Reuters show Dyson and his wife became tenants of the 99-year leasehold property on June 20. The records did not state the price paid but Business Times reported that Dyson bought the property for S$73.8 million ($54.17 million).

"Given the decision to locate the headquarters in Singapore and the growing focus of the company's business in the region, of course, James Dyson has bought a property there," a Dyson spokesman said, without giving further details of the purchase.

The 72-year-old has become one of Britain's best-known entrepreneurs, creating a multibillion-dollar company from an insight that a cyclone could collect household dust better than a clogged-up bag.

Singapore is an island of well-heeled stability that attracts the super-rich from its less-developed Southeast Asian neighbours, as well as multi-millionaires from mainland China.

To cool its property market, the Singapore government intensified property curbs last year after a 9.1% annual increase in home prices and as developers paid record amounts to buy land.

Foreigners now have to pay levies of over 20% to buy property in the city-state under the new rules.

($1 = 1.3623 Singapore dollars)

British billionaire James Dyson, the inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner, has bought Singapore's most expensive penthouse, official records show. The three-story penthouse - once valued at S$100 million ($73.

British billionaire James Dyson, the inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner, has bought Singapore's most expensive penthouse, official records show. The three-story penthouse - once valued at S$100 million ($73.44 million) - sits on the 62nd-64th floor, is equipped with a private pool and located in the heart of the city-state's financial district. Dyson, a Brexit supporter, announced in January he is moving his head office from Britain to Singapore to be closer to its fastest-growing markets. His eponymous firm - which also makes bladeless fans, air purifiers and hair dryers - plans to build its first electric car in the city-state. Wallich Residence's penthouse sits in the tallest building in Singapore, built by developer GuocoLand Ltd. Before its unveiling in 2017, the highest asking price for the "bungalow in the sky" reached a dizzying S$100 million, making it Singapore's most expensive. Official title records seen by Reuters show Dyson and his wife became tenants of the 99-year leasehold property on June 20. The records did not state the price paid but Business Times reported that Dyson bought the property for S$73.8 million ($54.17 million). "Given the decision to locate the headquarters in Singapore and the growing focus of the company's business in the region, of course, James Dyson has bought a property there," a Dyson spokesman said, without giving further details of the purchase. The 72-year-old has become one of Britain's best-known entrepreneurs, creating a multibillion-dollar company from an insight that a cyclone could collect household dust better than a clogged-up bag. Singapore is an island of well-heeled stability that attracts the super-rich from its less-developed Southeast Asian neighbours, as well as multi-millionaires from mainland China. To cool its property market, the Singapore government intensified property curbs last year after a 9.1% annual increase in home prices and as developers paid record amounts to buy land. Foreigners now have to pay levies of over 20% to buy property in the city-state under the new rules. ($1 = 1.3623 Singapore dollars)

British billionaire James Dyson buys Singapore's priciest penthouse

Just after dawn on Sunday (June 24), about 150 zebra doves, called 'merbok' locally, were hoisted up in their cages onto tall poles on a large field in Singapore for a competition that will pitch their songs against each other.

'Like a human singer': Inside the world of birdsong competition in Singapore

Drone sightings have disrupted flights at Singapore's main airport for the second time in a week, authorities said, as the devices increasingly cause havoc for air traffic worldwide.

About 18 arrivals and departures were delayed and seven flights diverted at Changi Airport late Monday "due to bad weather and unauthorised drone activities", the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore said.

The disruption lasted about an hour, it said.

Last week Changi, one of Asia's busiest hubs, closed one of its runways for short periods due to unauthorised drone flying, disrupting dozens of flights.&nbsp;

It is against the law in Singapore to fly a drone within five kilometres (three miles) of an airport without a permit.&nbsp;

Drones are increasingly disrupting flights at airports around the world. London's Gatwick was paralysed for 36 hours in December following repeated drone sightings, with tens of thousands of passengers affected.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Drone sightings have disrupted flights at Singapore's main airport for the second time in a week, authorities said, as the devices increasingly cause havoc for air traffic worldwide.

Drone sightings have disrupted flights at Singapore's main airport for the second time in a week, authorities said, as the devices increasingly cause havoc for air traffic worldwide. About 18 arrivals and departures were delayed and seven flights diverted at Changi Airport late Monday "due to bad weather and unauthorised drone activities", the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore said. The disruption lasted about an hour, it said. Last week Changi, one of Asia's busiest hubs, closed one of its runways for short periods due to unauthorised drone flying, disrupting dozens of flights. It is against the law in Singapore to fly a drone within five kilometres (three miles) of an airport without a permit. Drones are increasingly disrupting flights at airports around the world. London's Gatwick was paralysed for 36 hours in December following repeated drone sightings, with tens of thousands of passengers affected.

Drone sightings disrupt Singapore flights for second time

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-may-use-iran-threat-to-sell-bombs-to-saudis-without-congress-approval-senator-220787">The Trump administration</a> has moved ahead with a&nbsp;surveillance&nbsp;drone sale to four US&nbsp;allies in the&nbsp;South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea&nbsp;region as acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Washington will no longer "tiptoe" around Chinese behaviour in Asia.

The&nbsp;drones&nbsp;would afford greater intelligence gathering capabilities potentially curbing Chinese activity in the region.

Shanahan did not directly name&nbsp;China&nbsp;when making accusations of "actors" destabilising the region in a speech at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-warships-take-part-in-international-maritime-defence-exhibition-in-singapore-218962">Singapore</a> on Saturday but went on to say the United States would not ignore Chinese behaviour.

The Pentagon had announced on Friday it would&nbsp;sell&nbsp;34&nbsp;ScanEagle&nbsp;drones, made by Boeing Co. to the governments of Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam for a total of $47 million.

China&nbsp;claims almost all of the strategic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-in-disputed-south-china-sea-amid-trade-tensions-220018">South&nbsp;China&nbsp;Sea</a>&nbsp;and frequently lambastes the United States and its allies over naval operations near Chinese occupied islands. Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing claims.

The Pentagon had said on Friday's sales included spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools, training and technical services and work on the equipment was expected to be completed by March 2022.

As many as 12 unarmed&nbsp;drones&nbsp;and equipment would go to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-picks-up-58-malaysia-bound-rohingya-at-sea-223039">Malaysia</a> for about $19 million. Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country would buy eight&nbsp;drones, the Philippines eight, and Vietnam six.

In 2018, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's administration rolled out a long-awaited overhaul of US arms export policy aimed at expanding sales to allies, saying it would bolster the American defence industry and create jobs at home.

That initiative eased rules for exporting some types of lethal as well as non-lethal US made&nbsp;drones&nbsp;to potentially dozens more allies and partners.

There is no armed version of the ScanEagle, but Insitu, the division of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/medium-haul-737-aircraft-including-737-max-8-could-have-defective-wing-part-boeing-223745">Boeing</a> that makes the drone, also makes the RQ-21A Blackjack which is an optionally armed drone&nbsp;used by US&nbsp;Navy and Marine Corps.

The Trump administration has moved ahead with a surveillance drone sale to four US allies in the South China Sea region as acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Washington will no longer "tiptoe" around Chinese behaviour in Asia.

The Trump administration has moved ahead with a surveillance drone sale to four US allies in the South China Sea region as acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Washington will no longer "tiptoe" around Chinese behaviour in Asia. The drones would afford greater intelligence gathering capabilities potentially curbing Chinese activity in the region. Shanahan did not directly name China when making accusations of "actors" destabilising the region in a speech at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday but went on to say the United States would not ignore Chinese behaviour. The Pentagon had announced on Friday it would sell 34 ScanEagle drones, made by Boeing Co. to the governments of Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam for a total of $47 million. China claims almost all of the strategic South China Sea and frequently lambastes the United States and its allies over naval operations near Chinese occupied islands. Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing claims. The Pentagon had said on Friday's sales included spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools, training and technical services and work on the equipment was expected to be completed by March 2022. As many as 12 unarmed drones and equipment would go to Malaysia for about $19 million. Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country would buy eight drones, the Philippines eight, and Vietnam six. In 2018, US President Donald Trump's administration rolled out a long-awaited overhaul of US arms export policy aimed at expanding sales to allies, saying it would bolster the American defence industry and create jobs at home. That initiative eased rules for exporting some types of lethal as well as non-lethal US made drones to potentially dozens more allies and partners. There is no armed version of the ScanEagle, but Insitu, the division of Boeing that makes the drone, also makes the RQ-21A Blackjack which is an optionally armed drone used by US Navy and Marine Corps.

US to sell 34 surveillance drones to allies in South China Sea region

China is ready to fight the US on trade but the door is still open for talks, the country's defence minister said Sunday.

"On the trade friction started by the US: if the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-us-china-trade-war-risks-something-worse-167430">US wants to talk</a>, we will keep the door open. If they want to fight, we are ready," General Wei Fenghe told an international security dialogue in Singapore.

Beijing and Washington have been locked in a bruising tit-for-tat trade war, exchanging tariffs on $360 billion in two-way trade so far.

Wei is the first Chinese defence minister to attend the forum known as the Shangri-La Dialogue since 2011.

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Washington and Beijing have been vying for influence in the Asia-Pacific region, which hosts potential flashpoints such as the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Strait.

Washington has been pushing back against<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/get-ready-for-difficult-times-chinas-xi-warns-during-trade-war-220625"> Beijing's aggressive</a> militarisation of the South China Sea, where China has staked "indisputable" ownership over almost the whole area and rejects partial claims by Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Beijing is also regularly angered by US and other warships transiting through the Taiwan Strait, which it considers part of its territorial waters.

China is ready to fight the US on trade but the door is still open for talks, the country's defence minister said Sunday. "On the trade friction started by the US: if the US wants to talk, we will keep the door open.

China is ready to fight the US on trade but the door is still open for talks, the country's defence minister said Sunday. "On the trade friction started by the US: if the US wants to talk, we will keep the door open. If they want to fight, we are ready," General Wei Fenghe told an international security dialogue in Singapore. Beijing and Washington have been locked in a bruising tit-for-tat trade war, exchanging tariffs on $360 billion in two-way trade so far. Wei is the first Chinese defence minister to attend the forum known as the Shangri-La Dialogue since 2011. × Washington and Beijing have been vying for influence in the Asia-Pacific region, which hosts potential flashpoints such as the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Strait. Washington has been pushing back against Beijing's aggressive militarisation of the South China Sea, where China has staked "indisputable" ownership over almost the whole area and rejects partial claims by Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Beijing is also regularly angered by US and other warships transiting through the Taiwan Strait, which it considers part of its territorial waters.

Ready to fight US on trade but door open for talks: Chinese defence minister

The United States warned China on Saturday against threatening its neighbours' sovereignty and said Washington was investing in new military technology in the next five years to keep Asia stable.

Washington and Beijing have been vying for influence in the region, which hosts potential flashpoints such as the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Strait.

Ties between the two powers are once again taking centre stage at the weekend Singapore conference known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, which gathers defence ministers and top military officials from around the world.

While the forum is purely on security, the discussions are also being held against a backdrop of Sino-US trade tensions and high-tech rivalry.

"China can and should have a cooperative relationship with the rest of the region ... But behaviour that erodes other nations' sovereignty and sows distrust of China's intentions must end," acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan told the forum.

"Until it does, we stand against a myopic, narrow, and parochial vision of the future, and we stand for the free and open order that has benefitted us all, including China."

Washington has been pushing back against Beijing's militarisation of the South China Sea, where China has built installations to enforce blanket sovereignty, pitting it against partial claims by Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Beijing is also regularly angered by US warships transiting through the Taiwan Strait, which it considers part of its territorial waters.

For the first time since 2011, China has sent its defence minister, General Wei Fenghe, to the Singapore gathering. Wei is scheduled to speak on Sunday during which he is expected to respond to Shanahan's remarks.

'Indo-Pacific is our priority'&nbsp; 
Shanahan said the United States was investing heavily in the Indo-Pacific region to maintain its military superiority and capability to defend its Asian allies.

"North Korea remains an extraordinary threat and requires continued vigilance," Shanahan said.&nbsp;

"Indo-Pacific is our priority theatre. We are where we belong. We are investing in the region," he added.

"When we talk about preparedness, we mean having the right capabilities in the right places to respond to crises, and to compete with and deter high-end adversaries," the Pentagon chief said.

While the United States does not seek conflict, it knows that having the capability to win wars is the best deterrence.

"We want to ensure no adversary believes it can successfully achieve political objectives through military force," he said.

He said the Pentagon has requested $104 billion globally -- its most ever -- for research and development in the next fiscal year and $125 billion in operational readiness.

On Friday, Beijing warned that the US should not underestimate China's military during a meeting between Shanahan and Wei on the sidelines of the conference.

Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said both had "reached some consensus" on issues of common concern, adding that Wei "particularly emphasised the Taiwan issue".

China sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, despite the two sides having been ruled separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949.

"He (Defence minister Wei) pointed out that the US has recently had a series of negative words and actions on this issue", Wu said, adding that Beijing was "firmly opposed" to this.

"On the issue of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the US should not underestimate the determination, will and ability of the Chinese military."&nbsp;

The United States warned China on Saturday against threatening its neighbours' sovereignty and said Washington was investing in new military technology in the next five years to keep Asia stable.

The United States warned China on Saturday against threatening its neighbours' sovereignty and said Washington was investing in new military technology in the next five years to keep Asia stable. Washington and Beijing have been vying for influence in the region, which hosts potential flashpoints such as the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Strait. Ties between the two powers are once again taking centre stage at the weekend Singapore conference known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, which gathers defence ministers and top military officials from around the world. While the forum is purely on security, the discussions are also being held against a backdrop of Sino-US trade tensions and high-tech rivalry. "China can and should have a cooperative relationship with the rest of the region ... But behaviour that erodes other nations' sovereignty and sows distrust of China's intentions must end," acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan told the forum. "Until it does, we stand against a myopic, narrow, and parochial vision of the future, and we stand for the free and open order that has benefitted us all, including China." Washington has been pushing back against Beijing's militarisation of the South China Sea, where China has built installations to enforce blanket sovereignty, pitting it against partial claims by Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Beijing is also regularly angered by US warships transiting through the Taiwan Strait, which it considers part of its territorial waters. For the first time since 2011, China has sent its defence minister, General Wei Fenghe, to the Singapore gathering. Wei is scheduled to speak on Sunday during which he is expected to respond to Shanahan's remarks. 'Indo-Pacific is our priority' Shanahan said the United States was investing heavily in the Indo-Pacific region to maintain its military superiority and capability to defend its Asian allies. "North Korea remains an extraordinary threat and requires continued vigilance," Shanahan said. "Indo-Pacific is our priority theatre. We are where we belong. We are investing in the region," he added. "When we talk about preparedness, we mean having the right capabilities in the right places to respond to crises, and to compete with and deter high-end adversaries," the Pentagon chief said. While the United States does not seek conflict, it knows that having the capability to win wars is the best deterrence. "We want to ensure no adversary believes it can successfully achieve political objectives through military force," he said. He said the Pentagon has requested $104 billion globally -- its most ever -- for research and development in the next fiscal year and $125 billion in operational readiness. On Friday, Beijing warned that the US should not underestimate China's military during a meeting between Shanahan and Wei on the sidelines of the conference. Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said both had "reached some consensus" on issues of common concern, adding that Wei "particularly emphasised the Taiwan issue". China sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, despite the two sides having been ruled separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949. "He (Defence minister Wei) pointed out that the US has recently had a series of negative words and actions on this issue", Wu said, adding that Beijing was "firmly opposed" to this. "On the issue of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the US should not underestimate the determination, will and ability of the Chinese military."

China must stop eroding neighbours' sovereignty: US

When news broke that Google suspended business with Huawei, the world's second-biggest phone maker, possibly affecting future apps, Singapore Eugene Teo saw an opportunity to get his dream phone, the Huawei P30, for cheap.

Singapore Huawei fan pounce on phone fears to buy on the cheap

Two warships of the Indian Navy--INS Kolkata and INS Shakti--are participating in a three-day Singapore naval and maritime event being held here, according to an official statement.&nbsp;

The International Maritime Defence Exhibition Asia (IMDEX Asia-2019) commenced on May 14 and will also witness the participation of some of India's leading engineering and shipbuilding firms, including Larsen &amp; Toubro and BrahMos, which makes the state-of-the-art air, sea and ground-launch cruise missiles.

"Vice-Admiral M S Pawar, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff led the delegation to the Asia Pacific gathering of naval and maritime event," the Indian High Commission here said in a statement. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

INS Kolkata is an advanced stealth destroyer capable of engaging multiple threats from the air, sea and underwater and has been designed and built in India.

INS Shakti is a fleet support ship to provide fuel, provisions and munitions to warships at sea.

Following IMDEX, Indian Naval ships together with an Indian Navy surveillance aircraft P8I will participate in the 26th edition of Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) scheduled from May 16 to 22, 2019.&nbsp;

SIMBEX is the longest uninterrupted naval exercise that India has with any other country, the statement said.

Regular participation by the Indian Navy in the IMDEX and SIMBEX reflects the importance India attaches to the exercises and the broader strategic partnership with Singapore and it also reaffirms our Act East Policy, it said.

The 26th SIMBEX is taking place 6 months after the last edition that took place in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal from November 11 to 21 last year.&nbsp;

It involved live weapon firings and complex military manoeuvres, including those of aircraft and submarines.&nbsp;

The 25th SIMBEX was witnessed by Singapore's Minister of Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen.

Earlier in October 2018, India's Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Singapore to participate in the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus.

The Indian Army and the Singapore Army recently held their 12th edition of the annual exercise Bold Kurukshetra, an annual joint training exercise for Armoured Units from April 8 to 12, 2019, at the Indian Army training facility at Babina in Uttar Pradesh, the statement said.

Likewise, Air Forces of both countries will exercise together later this year in India, it said.

India and Singapore share a strong and rapidly growing defence relation which is the key pillar of India Singapore strategic partnership based on deep mutual trust and goodwill and shared interest in rules-based order, maritime security and an open, inclusive and peaceful Indo-Pacific region.

Our defence relation includes annual ministerial dialogue, Secretary level defence policy dialogue, Staff talks between the three wings of the armed forces, mutual logistics support, regular exercises and exchange of ship visits, the statement said.&nbsp;

Two warships of the Indian Navy--INS Kolkata and INS Shakti--are participating in a three-day Singapore naval and maritime event being held here, according to an official statement.

Two warships of the Indian Navy--INS Kolkata and INS Shakti--are participating in a three-day Singapore naval and maritime event being held here, according to an official statement. The International Maritime Defence Exhibition Asia (IMDEX Asia-2019) commenced on May 14 and will also witness the participation of some of India's leading engineering and shipbuilding firms, including Larsen & Toubro and BrahMos, which makes the state-of-the-art air, sea and ground-launch cruise missiles. "Vice-Admiral M S Pawar, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff led the delegation to the Asia Pacific gathering of naval and maritime event," the Indian High Commission here said in a statement. INS Kolkata is an advanced stealth destroyer capable of engaging multiple threats from the air, sea and underwater and has been designed and built in India. INS Shakti is a fleet support ship to provide fuel, provisions and munitions to warships at sea. Following IMDEX, Indian Naval ships together with an Indian Navy surveillance aircraft P8I will participate in the 26th edition of Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) scheduled from May 16 to 22, 2019. SIMBEX is the longest uninterrupted naval exercise that India has with any other country, the statement said. Regular participation by the Indian Navy in the IMDEX and SIMBEX reflects the importance India attaches to the exercises and the broader strategic partnership with Singapore and it also reaffirms our Act East Policy, it said. The 26th SIMBEX is taking place 6 months after the last edition that took place in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal from November 11 to 21 last year. It involved live weapon firings and complex military manoeuvres, including those of aircraft and submarines. The 25th SIMBEX was witnessed by Singapore's Minister of Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen. Earlier in October 2018, India's Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Singapore to participate in the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus. The Indian Army and the Singapore Army recently held their 12th edition of the annual exercise Bold Kurukshetra, an annual joint training exercise for Armoured Units from April 8 to 12, 2019, at the Indian Army training facility at Babina in Uttar Pradesh, the statement said. Likewise, Air Forces of both countries will exercise together later this year in India, it said. India and Singapore share a strong and rapidly growing defence relation which is the key pillar of India Singapore strategic partnership based on deep mutual trust and goodwill and shared interest in rules-based order, maritime security and an open, inclusive and peaceful Indo-Pacific region. Our defence relation includes annual ministerial dialogue, Secretary level defence policy dialogue, Staff talks between the three wings of the armed forces, mutual logistics support, regular exercises and exchange of ship visits, the statement said.

Indian warships take part in international maritime defence exhibition in Singapore

Singapore's parliament Wednesday passed laws to combat "fake news" that will allow authorities to order the removal of content despite fierce criticism from tech giants, the media and rights groups.

They give government ministers powers to order social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to put warnings next to posts authorities deem to be false and in extreme cases get them taken down.

If an action is judged to be malicious and damaging to Singapore's interests, companies could be hit with fines of up to Sg$1 million ($735,000).&nbsp;

Individuals could face jail terms of up to 10 years.

Authorities in the tightly-controlled country -- long criticised for&nbsp;restricting civil liberties -- insist the measures are necessary to stop the circulation of falsehoods which 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 with major bases in the financial hub and journalists' organisations.

The legislation "gives the Singapore authorities unchecked powers to clamp down on online views of which it disapproves," said Nicholas Bequelin, Amnesty International’s regional director for East and Southeast Asia.

"It criminalises free speech and allows the government almost unfettered power to censor dissent. It doesn’t even provide any real definition of what is true or false or, even more worrying, 'misleading.'"

The measures were debated for two days in parliament, which is dominated by the ruling People's Action Party, before being passed late Wednesday.&nbsp;

The city-state's small opposition Workers' Party -- with only six elected members in the 89-seat chamber -- opposed the measures.

The Asia Internet Coalition, an industry association whose members include Facebook, Google and Twitter, has described it as the "most far-reaching legislation of its kind to date".

But addressing parliament on the issue Tuesday, law and home affairs minister K. Shanmugam said that tech companies could not be relied upon to regulate themselves.

"This is serious business. Tech companies will say many things to try and advocate their position," he said. "We have to show them we are fair, but also firm."

The government stresses the laws target false statements, not opinions, and that ordering "corrections" to be placed alongside falsehoods will be the primary response rather than fines or jail terms.

Any government decision can be appealed to the courts -- although critics say there are few people who would have the resources or will to take on the authorities. 
&nbsp;

Singapore's parliament Wednesday passed laws to combat "fake news" that will allow authorities to order the removal of content despite fierce criticism from tech giants, the media and rights groups.

Singapore's parliament Wednesday passed laws to combat "fake news" that will allow authorities to order the removal of content despite fierce criticism from tech giants, the media and rights groups. They give government ministers powers to order social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to put warnings next to posts authorities deem to be false and in extreme cases get them taken down. If an action is judged to be malicious and damaging to Singapore's interests, companies could be hit with fines of up to Sg$1 million ($735,000). 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 which 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 with major bases in the financial hub and journalists' organisations. The legislation "gives the Singapore authorities unchecked powers to clamp down on online views of which it disapproves," said Nicholas Bequelin, Amnesty International’s regional director for East and Southeast Asia. "It criminalises free speech and allows the government almost unfettered power to censor dissent. It doesn’t even provide any real definition of what is true or false or, even more worrying, 'misleading.'" The measures were debated for two days in parliament, which is dominated by the ruling People's Action Party, before being passed late Wednesday. The city-state's small opposition Workers' Party -- with only six elected members in the 89-seat chamber -- opposed the measures. The Asia Internet Coalition, an industry association whose members include Facebook, Google and Twitter, has described it as the "most far-reaching legislation of its kind to date". But addressing parliament on the issue Tuesday, law and home affairs minister K. Shanmugam said that tech companies could not be relied upon to regulate themselves. "This is serious business. Tech companies will say many things to try and advocate their position," he said. "We have to show them we are fair, but also firm." The government stresses the laws target false statements, not opinions, and that ordering "corrections" to be placed alongside falsehoods will be the primary response rather than fines or jail terms. Any government decision can be appealed to the courts -- although critics say there are few people who would have the resources or will to take on the authorities.

Singapore passes 'fake news' law despite fierce criticism

Singapore is using insects to tackle its problem of food wastage

About 500 people were evacuated Wednesday after a fire at a luxury hotel in downtown Singapore but there were no injuries, emergency services officials said.

Television footage showed thick black smoke billowing from the Grand Hyatt Hotel near the Orchard Road shopping district, but the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said the fire was quickly put out.

The blaze involved a kitchen stove and an exhaust duct in a restaurant on the second floor, the SCDF said, adding it was extinguished by water sprinklers before firefighters arrived.

"There were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation," it said.

"The smoke was really terrible ... it got into my throat. I think it was quite thick," Nadiah Yayoh, 40, who works at a boutique in the hotel, told AFP.

"Usually we have fire drills and normal evacuations, as well as fire practice ... This is a lesson learnt not to take it lightly."

An AFP reporter on the scene said guests were still checking in around two hours after the blaze, but a burning smell lingered at the lobby and the second floor was dark.

It was the second luxury hotel fire in Singapore this year.

About 1,000 guests were evacuated due to a fire at the downtown Carlton Hotel on February 14, but no injuries were also reported.

About 500 people were evacuated Wednesday after a fire at a luxury hotel in downtown Singapore but there were no injuries, emergency services officials said. Television footage showed thick black smoke billowing from the Grand Hyatt Hotel near the Orchard Road shopping district, but the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said the fire was quickly put out.

About 500 people were evacuated Wednesday after a fire at a luxury hotel in downtown Singapore but there were no injuries, emergency services officials said. Television footage showed thick black smoke billowing from the Grand Hyatt Hotel near the Orchard Road shopping district, but the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said the fire was quickly put out. The blaze involved a kitchen stove and an exhaust duct in a restaurant on the second floor, the SCDF said, adding it was extinguished by water sprinklers before firefighters arrived. "There were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation," it said. "The smoke was really terrible ... it got into my throat. I think it was quite thick," Nadiah Yayoh, 40, who works at a boutique in the hotel, told AFP. "Usually we have fire drills and normal evacuations, as well as fire practice ... This is a lesson learnt not to take it lightly." An AFP reporter on the scene said guests were still checking in around two hours after the blaze, but a burning smell lingered at the lobby and the second floor was dark. It was the second luxury hotel fire in Singapore this year. About 1,000 guests were evacuated due to a fire at the downtown Carlton Hotel on February 14, but no injuries were also reported.

500 evacuated as fire hits hotel in Singapore, no injuries

A Singapore Airlines flight carrying 263 passengers landed safely at the Changi International Airport here on Tuesday, after the pilot had raised a bomb threat alert, which later turned out to be a hoax.

SQ Flight 423 had taken off at around 11:35 pm (local time) on Monday from Mumbai. Shortly after it took off, the airline received a call claiming that there was a bomb on the plane, The Straits Times reported.

The flight was safely escorted back to Changi Airport by Singapore's air force and made an emergency landing at about 8 am (local time).

All the passengers were disembarked safely and had to undergo a security check before they could leave. However, authorities have detained a woman and a child and are being questioned by the police.

"Singapore Airlines confirms there was a bomb threat concerning SQ423 operating from Mumbai to Singapore. The aircraft arrived in Singapore on 26 March 2019 at about 0800hrs (local time). There were 263 passengers on board. We are assisting the authorities with their investigations and regret that we are unable to provide further details," said a spokesperson for the airline.

Further details in the matter are awaited.

A Singapore Airlines flight carrying 263 passengers landed safely at the Changi International Airport here on Tuesday, after the pilot had raised a bomb threat alert, which later turned out to be a hoax.

A Singapore Airlines flight carrying 263 passengers landed safely at the Changi International Airport here on Tuesday, after the pilot had raised a bomb threat alert, which later turned out to be a hoax. SQ Flight 423 had taken off at around 11:35 pm (local time) on Monday from Mumbai. Shortly after it took off, the airline received a call claiming that there was a bomb on the plane, The Straits Times reported. The flight was safely escorted back to Changi Airport by Singapore's air force and made an emergency landing at about 8 am (local time). All the passengers were disembarked safely and had to undergo a security check before they could leave. However, authorities have detained a woman and a child and are being questioned by the police. "Singapore Airlines confirms there was a bomb threat concerning SQ423 operating from Mumbai to Singapore. The aircraft arrived in Singapore on 26 March 2019 at about 0800hrs (local time). There were 263 passengers on board. We are assisting the authorities with their investigations and regret that we are unable to provide further details," said a spokesperson for the airline. Further details in the matter are awaited.

Mid-air bomb hoax on Mumbai to Singapore-bound Singapore Airlines flight

Singapore's aviation regulator Tuesday banned the use of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-to-upgrade-software-in-737-max-8-fleet-in-weeks-202738">Boeing 737 MAX aircraft </a>in the country's airspace following a deadly Ethiopia plane crash at the weekend.

The Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 went down minutes into a flight to Nairobi Sunday, killing all 157 people on board, months after a Lion Air jet of the same model crashed in Indonesia killing 189.&nbsp;

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said in a statement it was "temporarily suspending operation of all variants of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into and out of Singapore in light of two fatal accidents involving Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in less than five months."

It comes as airlines around the world remove the model from their schedules, while US regulators have ordered Boeing to make urgent improvements to the jet. 
Singapore's suspension will take effect from 2:00 pm (0600 GMT) Tuesday, the authority said.

It said that SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, operates six Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

Other airlines operating the planes to Singapore are China Southern Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Shandong Airlines and Thai Lion Air.&nbsp;

The regulator said it was working with the city-state's Changi Airport -- a major global hub -- and affected airlines to minimise any impact on passengers.

"During the temporary suspension, CAAS will gather more information and review the safety risk associated with the continued operation of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into and out of Singapore," it said.

"The suspension will be reviewed as relevant safety information becomes available."

Singapore's aviation regulator Tuesday banned the use of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in the country's airspace following a deadly Ethiopia plane crash at the weekend.

Singapore's aviation regulator Tuesday banned the use of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in the country's airspace following a deadly Ethiopia plane crash at the weekend. The Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 went down minutes into a flight to Nairobi Sunday, killing all 157 people on board, months after a Lion Air jet of the same model crashed in Indonesia killing 189. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said in a statement it was "temporarily suspending operation of all variants of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into and out of Singapore in light of two fatal accidents involving Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in less than five months." It comes as airlines around the world remove the model from their schedules, while US regulators have ordered Boeing to make urgent improvements to the jet. Singapore's suspension will take effect from 2:00 pm (0600 GMT) Tuesday, the authority said. It said that SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, operates six Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Other airlines operating the planes to Singapore are China Southern Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Shandong Airlines and Thai Lion Air. The regulator said it was working with the city-state's Changi Airport -- a major global hub -- and affected airlines to minimise any impact on passengers. "During the temporary suspension, CAAS will gather more information and review the safety risk associated with the continued operation of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into and out of Singapore," it said. "The suspension will be reviewed as relevant safety information becomes available."

Singapore bans use of Boeing 737 MAX in its airspace

Their first meeting in Singapore was a blockbuster piece of diplomatic theatre criticised as light on substance.&nbsp;

For the sequel, set in Hanoi this week, US President Donald Trump and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-sets-off-by-train-to-vietnam-for-summit-with-trump-report-199156">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un</a> will have to contend with harder questions.

Here is a look at what was exactly agreed in Singapore last year and what has transpired since then.

What did the Singapore statement say?

The inaugural summit between the leaders of two countries that never signed a peace treaty after the 1950-53 Korean War was brief -- from 9 am to 2 pm.

In a short pronouncement, they pledged to seek a "lasting and stable peace regime", with Kim committing "to work toward complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula".

There were no specific details, and disagreement over its interpretation has caused follow-up negotiations to stall.

Even South Korea's dovish President Moon Jae-in, who seized on last year's Winter Olympics to broker talks between rivals who had been trading personal insults and threats of war, has since described the text as "somewhat vague".

What does Washington say?

In the months since Singapore, Washington has pushed to maintain sanctions against the North until it's "final, fully verified denuclearisation" and has repeatedly referred to "the denuclearisation of North Korea as agreed to by Chairman Kim".

But that is not what the words in the statement say, and throughout the process with Trump Pyongyang has never made a public commitment to give up its weapons, rather than denuclearising the peninsula as a whole.

Diplomats say Washington's phrasing could be a negotiating ploy by the Trump administration, effectively daring Pyongyang to come out and deny it.

At the same time, Trump said last week: "I'm in no rush. There's no testing. As long as there's not testing, I'm in no rush."

What is Pyongyang's view?

The North has condemned US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's insistence on its nuclear disarmament as "gangster-like".

It has long understood the denuclearisation of "the peninsula" as taking in issues such as the US military presence in South Korea and Washington's nuclear umbrella over Seoul, and a lengthy commentary carried by the official KCNA news agency in December urged the US to "study geography".

"When we talk about the Korean Peninsula, it includes the territory of our republic and also the entire region of (South Korea) where the United States has placed its invasive force," it said.

Pyongyang says it has already taken substantive measures by stopping missile and nuclear testing and the time has come for the US to respond with moves of its own, such as lifting sanctions.

And in his New Year's Speech, North Korean leader Kim said Pyongyang is committed to denuclearisation of the peninsula - but only if Washington drops economic sanctions.

Is there a way through?

Stephen Biegun, the US Special Representative for North Korea, has stressed that Washington has no intention of easing its US or United Nations sanctions on Pyongyang.

But, he has said, "we are prepared to explore (a) number of other things that could build trust".

Earlier this month he told a Stanford University audience: "I have this perfect outcome moment where the last nuclear weapon leaves North Korea, the sanctions are lifted, the flag goes up in the embassy and the treaty is signed in the same hour.

"Now that's an ideal, I know, and these things are going to move haltingly along different courses."

How do Trump and Kim get on?

In 2017, as missiles flew and North Korean ground shook to the blast of a nuclear test, they called each other "dotard" and "Rocket Man".

But the Singapore meeting began with a one-on-one meeting, with only their translators present.

Trump has since hailed his "great chemistry" with Kim and says he has "gotten to know him &amp; fully understand how capable he is", dangling the prospect of the impoverished, sanctions-hit North becoming a "great Economic Powerhouse" under Kim.

"He wrote me beautiful letters," the US president told a rally in October. "And they're great letters. We fell in love."

Their first meeting in Singapore was a blockbuster piece of diplomatic theatre criticised as light on substance. For the sequel, set in Hanoi this week, US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will have to contend with harder questions.

Their first meeting in Singapore was a blockbuster piece of diplomatic theatre criticised as light on substance. For the sequel, set in Hanoi this week, US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will have to contend with harder questions. Here is a look at what was exactly agreed in Singapore last year and what has transpired since then. What did the Singapore statement say? The inaugural summit between the leaders of two countries that never signed a peace treaty after the 1950-53 Korean War was brief -- from 9 am to 2 pm. In a short pronouncement, they pledged to seek a "lasting and stable peace regime", with Kim committing "to work toward complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula". There were no specific details, and disagreement over its interpretation has caused follow-up negotiations to stall. Even South Korea's dovish President Moon Jae-in, who seized on last year's Winter Olympics to broker talks between rivals who had been trading personal insults and threats of war, has since described the text as "somewhat vague". What does Washington say? In the months since Singapore, Washington has pushed to maintain sanctions against the North until it's "final, fully verified denuclearisation" and has repeatedly referred to "the denuclearisation of North Korea as agreed to by Chairman Kim". But that is not what the words in the statement say, and throughout the process with Trump Pyongyang has never made a public commitment to give up its weapons, rather than denuclearising the peninsula as a whole. Diplomats say Washington's phrasing could be a negotiating ploy by the Trump administration, effectively daring Pyongyang to come out and deny it. At the same time, Trump said last week: "I'm in no rush. There's no testing. As long as there's not testing, I'm in no rush." What is Pyongyang's view? The North has condemned US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's insistence on its nuclear disarmament as "gangster-like". It has long understood the denuclearisation of "the peninsula" as taking in issues such as the US military presence in South Korea and Washington's nuclear umbrella over Seoul, and a lengthy commentary carried by the official KCNA news agency in December urged the US to "study geography". "When we talk about the Korean Peninsula, it includes the territory of our republic and also the entire region of (South Korea) where the United States has placed its invasive force," it said. Pyongyang says it has already taken substantive measures by stopping missile and nuclear testing and the time has come for the US to respond with moves of its own, such as lifting sanctions. And in his New Year's Speech, North Korean leader Kim said Pyongyang is committed to denuclearisation of the peninsula - but only if Washington drops economic sanctions. Is there a way through? Stephen Biegun, the US Special Representative for North Korea, has stressed that Washington has no intention of easing its US or United Nations sanctions on Pyongyang. But, he has said, "we are prepared to explore (a) number of other things that could build trust". Earlier this month he told a Stanford University audience: "I have this perfect outcome moment where the last nuclear weapon leaves North Korea, the sanctions are lifted, the flag goes up in the embassy and the treaty is signed in the same hour. "Now that's an ideal, I know, and these things are going to move haltingly along different courses." How do Trump and Kim get on? In 2017, as missiles flew and North Korean ground shook to the blast of a nuclear test, they called each other "dotard" and "Rocket Man". But the Singapore meeting began with a one-on-one meeting, with only their translators present. Trump has since hailed his "great chemistry" with Kim and says he has "gotten to know him & fully understand how capable he is", dangling the prospect of the impoverished, sanctions-hit North becoming a "great Economic Powerhouse" under Kim. "He wrote me beautiful letters," the US president told a rally in October. "And they're great letters. We fell in love."

Trump-Kim II: The summit, the script, and the sequel

Exuding confidence ahead of his high-profile meeting with Kim Jong-un later this month, US President Donald Trump has said the <a href="North Korea officials en-route to Vietnam ahead of Trump-Kim summit">second summit</a> will be a "very successful one" as he has established a "very good" relationship with the North Korean leader.

President Trump and Chairman Kim are scheduled to meet in Hanoi, Vietnam on February 27 and 28.

The two leaders had met on June 12 last year in Singapore for the first summit. Trump described his first-ever historic meeting with Kim as "really fantastic" and said they had agreed to sign an unspecified document after their "very positive" summit, aimed at normalising ties and complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

"I hope we have the same good luck as we had in the first summit. A lot was done in the first summit. No more rockets going up. No more missiles going up. No more testing of nuclear (weapons). Got back our remains, the remains of our great heroes from the Korean War. We got back our hostages," Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday.

"We hope we are going to be very much equally as successful. I'm in no rush for speed. We just don't want to test," he said.

Noting that the sanctions against North Koreans remain in place, Trump&nbsp;said both China and Russia were helping the US and he was also working closely with South Korea and Japan.

"But China, Russia, on the border, have really been at least partially living up to what they're supposed to be doing," he said.

"So we will have a meeting on the 27th and 28th of February, and I think that will be a very successful one. I look forward to seeing Chairman Kim.&nbsp;We have also established a very good relationship, which has never happened between him or his family and the United States. They have really taken advantage of the United States. Billions of dollars have been paid to them. And we won't let that happen," said the US President.

Trump said North Korea had tremendous potential as an economic force.

"Their location between South Korea and then Russia and China - right smack in the middle - is phenomenal. We think that they have a great chance for tremendous economic prosperity in the future. So I look forward to seeing Chairman Kim in Vietnam," he said.

"A lot has been accomplished. We're dealing with them, we're talking to them," he said.

The US president had said after the first summit that he believed he and Kim will "solve a big problem, a big dilemma" and that by working together, "we will get it taken care of".

The summit at Singapore's Sentosa island - the first between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader - had marked a turnaround of relations between Trump, 72, and Kim, 36, after a long-running exchange of threats and insults.

"When I came into office, I met right there, in the Oval Office, with President Obama. And I sat in those beautiful chairs and we talked. It was supposed to be 15 minutes. As you know, it ended up being many times longer than that," he said, recollecting his first conversation with his predecessor&nbsp; 
Barack Obama.

"I said, "What's the biggest problem?" He said, By far, North Korea" And I don't want to speak for him, but I believe he would have gone to war with North Korea. I think he was ready to go to war. In fact, he told me he was so close to starting a big war with North Korea. And where are we now? No missiles. No rockets. No nuclear testing. We've learned a lot," he said.

"But much more importantly than all of it - much more important - much, much more important that that is we have a great relationship. I have a very good relationship with Kim Jong Un," Trump said ahead of his meeting.

The US insists it will accept nothing less than complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

Exuding confidence ahead of his high-profile meeting with Kim Jong-un later this month, US President Donald Trump has said the second summit will be a "very successful one" as he has established a "very good" relationship with the North Korean leader.

Exuding confidence ahead of his high-profile meeting with Kim Jong-un later this month, US President Donald Trump has said the second summit will be a "very successful one" as he has established a "very good" relationship with the North Korean leader. President Trump and Chairman Kim are scheduled to meet in Hanoi, Vietnam on February 27 and 28. The two leaders had met on June 12 last year in Singapore for the first summit. Trump described his first-ever historic meeting with Kim as "really fantastic" and said they had agreed to sign an unspecified document after their "very positive" summit, aimed at normalising ties and complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. "I hope we have the same good luck as we had in the first summit. A lot was done in the first summit. No more rockets going up. No more missiles going up. No more testing of nuclear (weapons). Got back our remains, the remains of our great heroes from the Korean War. We got back our hostages," Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday. "We hope we are going to be very much equally as successful. I'm in no rush for speed. We just don't want to test," he said. Noting that the sanctions against North Koreans remain in place, Trump said both China and Russia were helping the US and he was also working closely with South Korea and Japan. "But China, Russia, on the border, have really been at least partially living up to what they're supposed to be doing," he said. "So we will have a meeting on the 27th and 28th of February, and I think that will be a very successful one. I look forward to seeing Chairman Kim. We have also established a very good relationship, which has never happened between him or his family and the United States. They have really taken advantage of the United States. Billions of dollars have been paid to them. And we won't let that happen," said the US President. Trump said North Korea had tremendous potential as an economic force. "Their location between South Korea and then Russia and China - right smack in the middle - is phenomenal. We think that they have a great chance for tremendous economic prosperity in the future. So I look forward to seeing Chairman Kim in Vietnam," he said. "A lot has been accomplished. We're dealing with them, we're talking to them," he said. The US president had said after the first summit that he believed he and Kim will "solve a big problem, a big dilemma" and that by working together, "we will get it taken care of". The summit at Singapore's Sentosa island - the first between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader - had marked a turnaround of relations between Trump, 72, and Kim, 36, after a long-running exchange of threats and insults. "When I came into office, I met right there, in the Oval Office, with President Obama. And I sat in those beautiful chairs and we talked. It was supposed to be 15 minutes. As you know, it ended up being many times longer than that," he said, recollecting his first conversation with his predecessor Barack Obama. "I said, "What's the biggest problem?" He said, By far, North Korea" And I don't want to speak for him, but I believe he would have gone to war with North Korea. I think he was ready to go to war. In fact, he told me he was so close to starting a big war with North Korea. And where are we now? No missiles. No rockets. No nuclear testing. We've learned a lot," he said. "But much more importantly than all of it - much more important - much, much more important that that is we have a great relationship. I have a very good relationship with Kim Jong Un," Trump said ahead of his meeting. The US insists it will accept nothing less than complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

Trump confident about his second summit with Kim, says it will be 'very successful one'

Hundreds of people were evacuated Thursday from a hotel in downtown Singapore after explosions and a fire erupted in a room containing electrical equipment, causing blackouts in nearby buildings.

The Carlton Hotel said the incident — rare for hyper-safe and efficient Singapore — was not terror-related and there were no injuries.

After the blasts and blaze, smoke could reportedly be seen wafting from the back of the building, which is just a short walk from the colonial-era Raffles Hotel.

"About a thousand persons were evacuated from the building. There were no reported injuries," said the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the agency in charge of emergency services.&nbsp;

The blazed happened in a switch room housing electrical equipment and was quickly extinguished by firefighters, they said. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

An Australian guest, who did not want to be identified, told AFP he heard two explosions about three minutes apart while he was standing outside the building.

The incident caused a power blackout at the hotel and some nearby buildings for a short period, but electricity was quickly restored to all affected areas except the Carlton.

Hundreds of people were evacuated Thursday from a hotel in downtown Singapore after explosions and a fire erupted in a room containing electrical equipment, causing blackouts in nearby buildings.

Hundreds of people were evacuated Thursday from a hotel in downtown Singapore after explosions and a fire erupted in a room containing electrical equipment, causing blackouts in nearby buildings. The Carlton Hotel said the incident — rare for hyper-safe and efficient Singapore — was not terror-related and there were no injuries. After the blasts and blaze, smoke could reportedly be seen wafting from the back of the building, which is just a short walk from the colonial-era Raffles Hotel. "About a thousand persons were evacuated from the building. There were no reported injuries," said the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the agency in charge of emergency services. The blazed happened in a switch room housing electrical equipment and was quickly extinguished by firefighters, they said. The cause of the fire is under investigation. An Australian guest, who did not want to be identified, told AFP he heard two explosions about three minutes apart while he was standing outside the building. The incident caused a power blackout at the hotel and some nearby buildings for a short period, but electricity was quickly restored to all affected areas except the Carlton.

Singapore hotel evacuated after blasts, fire

A French tourist has been arrested for flying a drone near Myanmar's parliament in the capital Naypyidaw, the French embassy confirmed Monday.

The man tried to fly a drone over the government building, which is illegal under Myanmar law.

Three journalists and their driver were jailed in 2017 for the same offence.

Local media published photos of the French detainee, including his passport details, and his drone.

"A French man, on a visit to Myanmar, was arrested late afternoon on Thursday, February 7 for having flown a drone over the parliament," the embassy said, adding that the man was still in detention in Naypyidaw.

His family had been informed of his arrest and embassy staff was trying to secure his release, it added.

It was unclear why he was flying the drone and Myanmar authorities were not available for comment.

In 2017, journalists Lau Hon Meng from Singapore and Mok Choy Lin from Malaysia were making a documentary for Turkish state broadcaster TRT when they were detained in October 2017 along with Myanmar reporter Aung Naing Soe and driver Hla Tin.

Expecting to receive a fine, they confessed to flying the drone over parliament but were instead sentenced to two months in prison under Myanmar's aircraft act.

A French tourist has been arrested for flying a drone near Myanmar's parliament in the capital Naypyidaw, the French embassy confirmed Monday. The man tried to fly a drone over the government building, which is illegal under Myanmar law.

A French tourist has been arrested for flying a drone near Myanmar's parliament in the capital Naypyidaw, the French embassy confirmed Monday. The man tried to fly a drone over the government building, which is illegal under Myanmar law. Three journalists and their driver were jailed in 2017 for the same offence. Local media published photos of the French detainee, including his passport details, and his drone. "A French man, on a visit to Myanmar, was arrested late afternoon on Thursday, February 7 for having flown a drone over the parliament," the embassy said, adding that the man was still in detention in Naypyidaw. His family had been informed of his arrest and embassy staff was trying to secure his release, it added. It was unclear why he was flying the drone and Myanmar authorities were not available for comment. In 2017, journalists Lau Hon Meng from Singapore and Mok Choy Lin from Malaysia were making a documentary for Turkish state broadcaster TRT when they were detained in October 2017 along with Myanmar reporter Aung Naing Soe and driver Hla Tin. Expecting to receive a fine, they confessed to flying the drone over parliament but were instead sentenced to two months in prison under Myanmar's aircraft act.

Frenchman arrested for flying drone over Myanmar parliament: Embassy

A Singaporean woman who abused her Myanmar maid by forcing her to pour hot water on herself, pulling her hair out and hitting her was jailed for three years on Monday.

Singapore is home to almost 250,000 maids, mostly from other parts of Southeast Asia, who head to the tiny but wealthy city-state to earn far higher salaries.

Beauty parlour manager Linda Seah, 39, was convicted last month for the abuse inflicted on Phyu Phyu Mar in 2016.

The mistreatment detailed in six charges included two instances when the maid was forced to pour hot water onto her left shoulder, leaving her with burn marks and blisters.&nbsp;

Seah also forced her to drink "water adulterated with floor cleaner", according to the charges.&nbsp;

On one occasion she shook the maid by the hair until some of it came out, and on another, hit her repeatedly in the head with a mobile phone.

The Singapore court heard that Seah was unhappy as she felt her employee was slow in completing her chores.

But handing down the jail sentence, District Judge Olivia Low said that Seah's "unhappiness with the victim’s work should not justify any form of violence against" her.

She said the victim suffered "psychological harm" and had been left with a scar on her shoulder.

As well as the jail term, Seah was fined Sg$9,000 ($6,630).

The judge said aggravating factors for the sentence included that the maid was denied food, leading her to become malnourished, and her salary was not paid.

The woman's husband Lim Toon Leng, 44, was jailed for six weeks on one charge of punching the maid on the forehead.

The abuses came to light after the maid accompanied Seah to the salon she managed, where one of the employees alerted the police.

Abuse of domestic workers is not as common in tightly-regulated Singapore as other parts of Asia, but some cases have made headlines.&nbsp;

In 2017, a Singapore couple were jailed for starving their Philippine maid until she weighed just 29 kilograms (64 pounds).

A Singaporean woman who abused her Myanmar maid by forcing her to pour hot water on herself, pulling her hair out and hitting her was jailed for three years on Monday.

A Singaporean woman who abused her Myanmar maid by forcing her to pour hot water on herself, pulling her hair out and hitting her was jailed for three years on Monday. Singapore is home to almost 250,000 maids, mostly from other parts of Southeast Asia, who head to the tiny but wealthy city-state to earn far higher salaries. Beauty parlour manager Linda Seah, 39, was convicted last month for the abuse inflicted on Phyu Phyu Mar in 2016. The mistreatment detailed in six charges included two instances when the maid was forced to pour hot water onto her left shoulder, leaving her with burn marks and blisters. Seah also forced her to drink "water adulterated with floor cleaner", according to the charges. On one occasion she shook the maid by the hair until some of it came out, and on another, hit her repeatedly in the head with a mobile phone. The Singapore court heard that Seah was unhappy as she felt her employee was slow in completing her chores. But handing down the jail sentence, District Judge Olivia Low said that Seah's "unhappiness with the victim’s work should not justify any form of violence against" her. She said the victim suffered "psychological harm" and had been left with a scar on her shoulder. As well as the jail term, Seah was fined Sg$9,000 ($6,630). The judge said aggravating factors for the sentence included that the maid was denied food, leading her to become malnourished, and her salary was not paid. The woman's husband Lim Toon Leng, 44, was jailed for six weeks on one charge of punching the maid on the forehead. The abuses came to light after the maid accompanied Seah to the salon she managed, where one of the employees alerted the police. Abuse of domestic workers is not as common in tightly-regulated Singapore as other parts of Asia, but some cases have made headlines. In 2017, a Singapore couple were jailed for starving their Philippine maid until she weighed just 29 kilograms (64 pounds).

Singaporean salon manager jailed for abusing Myanmar maid

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