After India, Singapore is also reporting a rising number of&nbsp;Influenza A H3N2,&nbsp;a subtype of a virus that causes flu.&nbsp; According to the weekly bulletin from the Ministry of Health for February 19 to 25, of the 96 specimens that tested positive for influenza on January, 37 had influenza A H3N2,&nbsp;reports The Straits Times newspaper.

Since December, India has been witnessing rising cases of intense cough and fever in many parts of the country. Months on, the doctors were trying to figure out what type of disease has caused a spike in the cases.

But on March 4, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)—India’s top medical research body—came out with its report linking&nbsp;these cases to Influenza A H3N2, a subtype of a virus that causes flu.

Though the strain is said to be not life-threatening except in rare cases, doctors say that it is leading to respiratory issues in some patients. They believe that the strain is more virulent this season.

“This subtype appears to cause more hospitalisations than other influenza subtypes,” the ICMR said on March 4, according to the Hindu newspaper.

The health agency noted that among those patients who are hospitalised of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), about 92 per cent had fever, 86 per cent cough and 27 per cent breathlessness. While ten per cent needed oxygen and seven per cent required intensive care unit care.

It also said that the virus appeared to lead to more hospitalisations than other Influenza subtypes.

“Also, 16 per cent had signs of pneumonia and 6 per cent presented with seizures, the ICMR has stated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/campa-cola-returns-reliance-announces-relaunch-of-iconic-beverage-brand-570382">Campa Cola returns | Reliance announces relaunch of iconic beverage brand</a>

Major metropolitan cities in India, including Delhi and Mumbai, are reporting cases related to this influence strain. The southern Andhra Pradesh state has even started door-to-door checking to detect the bug early.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/albanese-in-india-live-australian-pm-pays-tribute-to-mahatma-gandhi-at-rajghat-570464">Albanese in India LIVE | Australian PM pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat</a>

Symptoms include diarrhoea, chills, fatigue, body and muscle aches, loss of appetite and dry cough. Some patients even suffer from conjunctivitis.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After India, Singapore is also reporting a rising number of Influenza A H3N2, a subtype of a virus that causes flu. According to the weekly bulletin from the Ministry of Health for February 19 to 25, of the 96 specimens that tested positive for influenza on January, 37 had influenza A H3N2, reports The Straits Times newspaper.

After India, Singapore is also reporting a rising number of Influenza A H3N2, a subtype of a virus that causes flu. According to the weekly bulletin from the Ministry of Health for February 19 to 25, of the 96 specimens that tested positive for influenza on January, 37 had influenza A H3N2, reports The Straits Times newspaper. Since December, India has been witnessing rising cases of intense cough and fever in many parts of the country. Months on, the doctors were trying to figure out what type of disease has caused a spike in the cases. But on March 4, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)—India’s top medical research body—came out with its report linking these cases to Influenza A H3N2, a subtype of a virus that causes flu. Though the strain is said to be not life-threatening except in rare cases, doctors say that it is leading to respiratory issues in some patients. They believe that the strain is more virulent this season. “This subtype appears to cause more hospitalisations than other influenza subtypes,” the ICMR said on March 4, according to the Hindu newspaper. The health agency noted that among those patients who are hospitalised of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), about 92 per cent had fever, 86 per cent cough and 27 per cent breathlessness. While ten per cent needed oxygen and seven per cent required intensive care unit care. It also said that the virus appeared to lead to more hospitalisations than other Influenza subtypes. “Also, 16 per cent had signs of pneumonia and 6 per cent presented with seizures, the ICMR has stated. Also read | Campa Cola returns | Reliance announces relaunch of iconic beverage brand Major metropolitan cities in India, including Delhi and Mumbai, are reporting cases related to this influence strain. The southern Andhra Pradesh state has even started door-to-door checking to detect the bug early. Also read | Albanese in India LIVE | Australian PM pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat Symptoms include diarrhoea, chills, fatigue, body and muscle aches, loss of appetite and dry cough. Some patients even suffer from conjunctivitis. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

After India, Singapore too reports rising cases of H3N2 influenza

Lydia Ko said Tuesday she cannot afford to become "too cocky" even though she is world number one and among the favourites at this week's Women's World Championship in Singapore. The 25-year-old New Zealander, who got married in December, enjoyed a blissful start to the year when she won in Saudi Arabia a fortnight ago.

But while she has been in red-hot form and is the reigning LPGA player of the year, the Women's World Championship has so far eluded her.

"You can never get too cocky about what ranked player you are because it's so tight at the top," Ko said ahead of the tournament, which starts on Thursday at Sentosa&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;Club.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-chris-kirk-beats-eric-cole-in-playoff-to-win-honda-classic-566356">Golf: Chris Kirk beats Eric Cole in playoff to win Honda Classic</a>

"Everyone is playing really well and you can't say, 'I'm going to be there forever,'" said the Kiwi, who finished tied sixth last week in Thailand.

"When I was younger, I felt like being number one meant that I had to be winning or contending week in, week out, but that's not necessarily true," she added.

"Everybody is going to have their ups and downs but you have to manage that by making sure those lows aren't super-low and you don't get too high from the highs."

Ko's best result in Singapore came in the 2015 edition where she finished second, and knows acing her short game will be the formula to success this week.

"Putting well is obviously going to be important here, especially when you have those birdie opportunities or when you need to make those ups-and-downs," she said.

"So having to put together four rounds where there's going to be a little bit more consistency in putting is going to be a big key for me," she said.

Like Ko, Brooke Henderson has also got her campaign off to a winning start, triumphing at the LPGA's season-opening event in Orlando, Florida.

The Canadian has now captured at least one title in eight of her nine seasons on the LPGA and is looking forward to continuing that winning run in Singapore.

"It was a dream start. I'm trying to make small improvements all the time and trying to get a little bit better," said the 25-year-old.

Also among the contenders will be South Korea's Ko Jin-young.

She hopes her mental training will pay off as she seeks to become the first player to successfully defend her title at the tournament.

"I know there's going to be pressure but I don't want to think too much about it," she said.

"I just need to meditate as that has worked well for me in the past and has allowed me to focus more on my swing and&nbsp;golf&nbsp;shots."

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Lydia Ko said Tuesday she cannot afford to become "too cocky" even though she is world number one and among the favourites at this week's Women's World Championship in Singapore.

Lydia Ko said Tuesday she cannot afford to become "too cocky" even though she is world number one and among the favourites at this week's Women's World Championship in Singapore. The 25-year-old New Zealander, who got married in December, enjoyed a blissful start to the year when she won in Saudi Arabia a fortnight ago. But while she has been in red-hot form and is the reigning LPGA player of the year, the Women's World Championship has so far eluded her. "You can never get too cocky about what ranked player you are because it's so tight at the top," Ko said ahead of the tournament, which starts on Thursday at Sentosa Golf Club. Also Read: Golf: Chris Kirk beats Eric Cole in playoff to win Honda Classic "Everyone is playing really well and you can't say, 'I'm going to be there forever,'" said the Kiwi, who finished tied sixth last week in Thailand. "When I was younger, I felt like being number one meant that I had to be winning or contending week in, week out, but that's not necessarily true," she added. "Everybody is going to have their ups and downs but you have to manage that by making sure those lows aren't super-low and you don't get too high from the highs." Ko's best result in Singapore came in the 2015 edition where she finished second, and knows acing her short game will be the formula to success this week. "Putting well is obviously going to be important here, especially when you have those birdie opportunities or when you need to make those ups-and-downs," she said. "So having to put together four rounds where there's going to be a little bit more consistency in putting is going to be a big key for me," she said. Like Ko, Brooke Henderson has also got her campaign off to a winning start, triumphing at the LPGA's season-opening event in Orlando, Florida. The Canadian has now captured at least one title in eight of her nine seasons on the LPGA and is looking forward to continuing that winning run in Singapore. "It was a dream start. I'm trying to make small improvements all the time and trying to get a little bit better," said the 25-year-old. Also among the contenders will be South Korea's Ko Jin-young. She hopes her mental training will pay off as she seeks to become the first player to successfully defend her title at the tournament. "I know there's going to be pressure but I don't want to think too much about it," she said. "I just need to meditate as that has worked well for me in the past and has allowed me to focus more on my swing and golf shots." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Lydia Ko not taking Women's World Championship lightly

U.S. petrochemicals giant Dow Inc and the Singapore government said they were transforming old sneakers into playgrounds and running tracks. Watch this video to know more.

U.S. : Donated shoes pump back in the market

On February 21, 2023, India's retail payment system Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and its comparable network in Singapore, PayNow, were connected to enable speedier remittances between India and Singapore.

India's UPI connected to Singapore's Pay Now, connectivity to allow instant money transfers

Singapore's economy grew slightly less than initially estimated in the fourth quarter from a year ago. The government of the city-state has kept its forecast for annual growth to come in at 0.5 percent to 2.5 percent this year.

Singapore: 2023 forecast on economic growth maintained

Singapore became the second member country of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to ratify its agreement which sets global rules that ban harmful fishing subsidies in a bid to protect the world’s oceans, on Friday (February 10). In a statement, the country’s Ministry of Trade and Industry said that Singapore’s permanent representative ambassador Tan Hung Seng has formally submitted an instrument of acceptance of the WTO’s agreement on fisheries subsidies to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Geneva, Switzerland.&nbsp;

The submission makes Singapore the second member nation after Switzerland which ratified the agreement in January and the first coastal state to do so. It is also the first multilateral trade agreement that focuses on environmental sustainability which requires the acceptance of two-thirds of WTO’s 164 members to come into effect. The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies sets curbs on harmful subsidies, which are a key factor in the widespread depletion of the world's fish stocks, said the WTO, in a statement.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/wion-insights/what-did-wto-ministerial-agree-on-and-why-are-these-agreements-historic-489400">What did WTO ministerial agree on? And why are these agreements historic?&nbsp;</a>

Additionally, the multilateral agreement prohibits support for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as well as bans support for fishing overfished stocks and calls for an end to subsidies for fishing on the unregulated high seas. “Singapore's formal acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is an important step towards its entry into force. It adds to the diversity of economies needed for the collective effort to uphold ocean sustainability worldwide,” said the WTO director-general.&nbsp;

She also called Singapore a “stalwart supporter” of the multilateral trading system and an active participant in both the fisheries subsidies negotiations and ongoing discussions on trade and the environment. Notably, the agreement also recognises the needs of developing and least-developed countries (LDCs) and will establish a fund to provide technical assistance and capacity building to help them end harmful fisheries subsidies and support sustainable fishing practices.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fisheries-subsidies-divides-wto-members-487919">Fisheries subsidies divides WTO members</a> 
 
So far, countries like Japan, Australia and the European Union have pledged millions to help developing and least-developed countries implement the obligations of the agreement. Subsequently, in a post on Facebook, Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry said, “As a firm supporter of the rules-based multilateral trading system, Singapore welcomes this landmark agreement – the first WTO agreement with an environmental focus.”&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Singapore became the second member country of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to ratify its agreement which sets global rules that ban harmful fishing subsidies in a bid to protect the world’s oceans, on Friday (February 10).

Singapore became the second member country of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to ratify its agreement which sets global rules that ban harmful fishing subsidies in a bid to protect the world’s oceans, on Friday (February 10). In a statement, the country’s Ministry of Trade and Industry said that Singapore’s permanent representative ambassador Tan Hung Seng has formally submitted an instrument of acceptance of the WTO’s agreement on fisheries subsidies to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Geneva, Switzerland. The submission makes Singapore the second member nation after Switzerland which ratified the agreement in January and the first coastal state to do so. It is also the first multilateral trade agreement that focuses on environmental sustainability which requires the acceptance of two-thirds of WTO’s 164 members to come into effect. The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies sets curbs on harmful subsidies, which are a key factor in the widespread depletion of the world's fish stocks, said the WTO, in a statement. ALSO READ | What did WTO ministerial agree on? And why are these agreements historic? Additionally, the multilateral agreement prohibits support for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as well as bans support for fishing overfished stocks and calls for an end to subsidies for fishing on the unregulated high seas. “Singapore's formal acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is an important step towards its entry into force. It adds to the diversity of economies needed for the collective effort to uphold ocean sustainability worldwide,” said the WTO director-general. She also called Singapore a “stalwart supporter” of the multilateral trading system and an active participant in both the fisheries subsidies negotiations and ongoing discussions on trade and the environment. Notably, the agreement also recognises the needs of developing and least-developed countries (LDCs) and will establish a fund to provide technical assistance and capacity building to help them end harmful fisheries subsidies and support sustainable fishing practices. ALSO WATCH | Fisheries subsidies divides WTO members So far, countries like Japan, Australia and the European Union have pledged millions to help developing and least-developed countries implement the obligations of the agreement. Subsequently, in a post on Facebook, Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry said, “As a firm supporter of the rules-based multilateral trading system, Singapore welcomes this landmark agreement – the first WTO agreement with an environmental focus.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Singapore becomes second member country of WTO to sign agreement banning harmful fishing subsidies

A man from Singapore has sued a woman seeking 3 million Singaporean dollars (US $2.26m) in damages after she said that she saw him only as a friend.

The man, K Kawshigan, has claimed that Nora Tan’s actions caused him trauma and damaged his “stellar reputation”.

According to court documents, he has sought compensation to cover loss in earnings and investments, as well as “rehabilitation and therapy programmes to overcome the sustained trauma”. &nbsp;Moreover, he has accused Tan of "allegedly defamatory remarks and negligent conduct”, the Metro newspaper reported.

The defamation case brought by Kawshigan, who is a director at a drone company, will be heard on February 9.

He first filed a case against Tan in January at a magistrates court for $16,624 after claiming that she did not sustain an agreement to improve their relationship, say reports.

The judgment found Kawshigan had an "ulterior motive of vexing or oppressing the defendant|, and the case was just a "calculated attempt to compel engagement" from Tan, according to the Guardian.

Tan met Kawshigan in 2016, and problems began to arise in 2020 when they became “misaligned” about how they saw their relationship.

“While the defendant only regarded the claimant as a ‘friend’, he considered her to be his ‘closest friend’,” the court papers said.

According to the judgement, the woman sought their interactions to be reduced, which caused displeasure to the claimant, who felt this would constitute “taking a step back in their relationship”.

The woman emphasised the need for boundaries and urged him to be “self-reliant”.

The latest lawsuit was initiated in July 2022, in which the man is claiming damages “for allegedly defamatory remarks and negligent conduct”.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A man from Singapore has sued a woman seeking 3 million Singaporean dollars (US $2.26m) in damages after she said that she saw him only as a friend. The man, K Kawshigan, has claimed that Nora Tan’s actions caused him trauma and damaged his “stellar reputation”.

A man from Singapore has sued a woman seeking 3 million Singaporean dollars (US $2.26m) in damages after she said that she saw him only as a friend. The man, K Kawshigan, has claimed that Nora Tan’s actions caused him trauma and damaged his “stellar reputation”. According to court documents, he has sought compensation to cover loss in earnings and investments, as well as “rehabilitation and therapy programmes to overcome the sustained trauma”. Moreover, he has accused Tan of "allegedly defamatory remarks and negligent conduct”, the Metro newspaper reported. The defamation case brought by Kawshigan, who is a director at a drone company, will be heard on February 9. He first filed a case against Tan in January at a magistrates court for $16,624 after claiming that she did not sustain an agreement to improve their relationship, say reports. The judgment found Kawshigan had an "ulterior motive of vexing or oppressing the defendant|, and the case was just a "calculated attempt to compel engagement" from Tan, according to the Guardian. Tan met Kawshigan in 2016, and problems began to arise in 2020 when they became “misaligned” about how they saw their relationship. “While the defendant only regarded the claimant as a ‘friend’, he considered her to be his ‘closest friend’,” the court papers said. According to the judgement, the woman sought their interactions to be reduced, which caused displeasure to the claimant, who felt this would constitute “taking a step back in their relationship”. The woman emphasised the need for boundaries and urged him to be “self-reliant”. The latest lawsuit was initiated in July 2022, in which the man is claiming damages “for allegedly defamatory remarks and negligent conduct”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Singaporean man sues woman for $2.26m for ‘friendzoning’ him

Tchoukball Game: On January 1, 2023, the Singapore Women's Tchoukball team moved to world rank number one, according to &nbsp;International Tchoukball Federation (FITB). They ranked number one after their success in the Asia Pacific Tchoukball Championships, held in Malaysia in August 2022. Moreover, Singapore Men's Tchoukball team is in the Top 3 after Taiwan and Italy. Tchoukball is a relatively obscure sport where the teams try to hit a trampoline target with a ball. Surprisingly, no one from the Singapore players or officials knew about their achievements for about a month. The President of the Tchoukball Association of Singapore discovered it when he saw a post on ITF's Facebook page on January 27, 2023.

Singapore's recent ascent serves as a confidence booster for the national teams. The World Tchoukball Championships are in Prague from July 31 to August 5. The Singapore Tchoukball teams hope their achievement helps them spread awareness about the Choukball sport. Singapore will host the 6th World Youth TChoukball Championships from July 13 to 16, 2023.&nbsp;

Here's everything you need to know about the Tchoukball game, its origin, history and rules.&nbsp;

<h2>Tchoukball: History &amp; Origin</h2>

The origins of Tchoukball lie in Switzerland. Hermann Brandt, a Swiss biologist, invented the game of Tchoukball in the 1970s to reduce the risk of injuries during sports and make it more inclusive. A prime moment in the history of Tchoukball was the inauguration of the International Tchoukball Federation in 1971 in Switzerland. As of March 2022, there are 69 countries associated with the FITB.&nbsp;

<h2>Tchoukball: Rules &amp; Regulations</h2>

Since tchoukball comes under the category of demonstration sports, people often ask what tchoukball is and how someone plays the game.

The indoor court of Tchoukball is 27 metres by 16 metres. There is a rebounder at each end of the court, similar to a trampoline through which the ball bounces back. The dimensions of the rebounder are one square metre and a semicircular D-shaped forbidden zone of three metres radius.&nbsp;

Each team has 12 players and can score at both ends. In tchoukball, the attacking player must throw the ball in a way that it hits the rebounder and bounces outside the D without being caught by the defending team.&nbsp;

A unique rule about Tchoukball is the prohibition of physical contact. Defenders are not allowed to intercept the attacking team's passes.&nbsp;

Tchoukball Game: On January 1, 2023, the Singapore Women's Tchoukball team moved to world rank number one, according to International Tchoukball Federation (FITB).

Tchoukball Game: On January 1, 2023, the Singapore Women's Tchoukball team moved to world rank number one, according to International Tchoukball Federation (FITB). They ranked number one after their success in the Asia Pacific Tchoukball Championships, held in Malaysia in August 2022. Moreover, Singapore Men's Tchoukball team is in the Top 3 after Taiwan and Italy. Tchoukball is a relatively obscure sport where the teams try to hit a trampoline target with a ball. Surprisingly, no one from the Singapore players or officials knew about their achievements for about a month. The President of the Tchoukball Association of Singapore discovered it when he saw a post on ITF's Facebook page on January 27, 2023. Singapore's recent ascent serves as a confidence booster for the national teams. The World Tchoukball Championships are in Prague from July 31 to August 5. The Singapore Tchoukball teams hope their achievement helps them spread awareness about the Choukball sport. Singapore will host the 6th World Youth TChoukball Championships from July 13 to 16, 2023. Here's everything you need to know about the Tchoukball game, its origin, history and rules. Tchoukball: History & Origin The origins of Tchoukball lie in Switzerland. Hermann Brandt, a Swiss biologist, invented the game of Tchoukball in the 1970s to reduce the risk of injuries during sports and make it more inclusive. A prime moment in the history of Tchoukball was the inauguration of the International Tchoukball Federation in 1971 in Switzerland. As of March 2022, there are 69 countries associated with the FITB. Tchoukball: Rules & Regulations Since tchoukball comes under the category of demonstration sports, people often ask what tchoukball is and how someone plays the game. The indoor court of Tchoukball is 27 metres by 16 metres. There is a rebounder at each end of the court, similar to a trampoline through which the ball bounces back. The dimensions of the rebounder are one square metre and a semicircular D-shaped forbidden zone of three metres radius. Each team has 12 players and can score at both ends. In tchoukball, the attacking player must throw the ball in a way that it hits the rebounder and bounces outside the D without being caught by the defending team. A unique rule about Tchoukball is the prohibition of physical contact. Defenders are not allowed to intercept the attacking team's passes.

Singapore women's tchoukball team makes history: Here's all you need to know about Tchoukball rules & origin

A Singaporean woman, who is also a former principal of a local tuition centre, has a red alert issued against her for arrest by Interpol for running an elaborate cheating racket.&nbsp;Poh Yuan Nie, 57, was sentenced to four years in prison in 2020 for helping students in their tertiary entrance examinations.&nbsp;She was ordered to surrender in September 2022 to serve her prison term, but she failed to show up. Now, it is believed that she may have fled Singapore, reports BBC.

Subsequently in November, the police issued an arrest warrant for Poh, also known as Pony, and in the following month, they applied for the Interpol "red notice" seeking information on her whereabouts.

A red notice is issued seeking help from law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and arrest a person pending extradition or similar legal action.

According to local media reports, Poh's Zeus Education Centre was tasked with providing tuition to six students – aged 17 to 20 – to help them pass their exams and enter local vocational colleges known as polytechnics.

She was paid 8,000 Singaporean dollars ($6,100) per student, as well as $1,000 Singaporean dollars in admission fees. However, if the students failed, then she was to refund the money.

During the exams, the students, all said to be Chinese nationals, arrived at different venues for their papers wearing skin-coloured in-ear headphones.

Poh and her accomplices taped the phones and Bluetooth devices to their bodies and skilfully concealed them under their clothes.

Another co-accused and her girlfriend Tan Jia Yan, enrolled herself as a private candidate and used FaceTime on her phone to livestream the question papers back to the tuition centre.

Both then worked on the questions and called the students to read the answers to them.

Their plan was uncovered when an invigilator heard unusual electronic transmission sounds and voices coming from one of the students.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Singaporean woman, who is also a former principal of a local tuition centre, has a red alert issued against her for arrest by Interpol for running an elaborate cheating racket.

A Singaporean woman, who is also a former principal of a local tuition centre, has a red alert issued against her for arrest by Interpol for running an elaborate cheating racket. Poh Yuan Nie, 57, was sentenced to four years in prison in 2020 for helping students in their tertiary entrance examinations. She was ordered to surrender in September 2022 to serve her prison term, but she failed to show up. Now, it is believed that she may have fled Singapore, reports BBC. Subsequently in November, the police issued an arrest warrant for Poh, also known as Pony, and in the following month, they applied for the Interpol "red notice" seeking information on her whereabouts. A red notice is issued seeking help from law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and arrest a person pending extradition or similar legal action. According to local media reports, Poh's Zeus Education Centre was tasked with providing tuition to six students – aged 17 to 20 – to help them pass their exams and enter local vocational colleges known as polytechnics. She was paid 8,000 Singaporean dollars ($6,100) per student, as well as $1,000 Singaporean dollars in admission fees. However, if the students failed, then she was to refund the money. During the exams, the students, all said to be Chinese nationals, arrived at different venues for their papers wearing skin-coloured in-ear headphones. Poh and her accomplices taped the phones and Bluetooth devices to their bodies and skilfully concealed them under their clothes. Another co-accused and her girlfriend Tan Jia Yan, enrolled herself as a private candidate and used FaceTime on her phone to livestream the question papers back to the tuition centre. Both then worked on the questions and called the students to read the answers to them. Their plan was uncovered when an invigilator heard unusual electronic transmission sounds and voices coming from one of the students. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Interpol issues red notice against Singaporean teacher accused of cheating scandal

The demand for oil storage tanks in Singapore is rising, a sign that a flood of fuel from Russia is being mixed and re-exported globally. Tank space in the country is being snapped up because of an increase in interest and profits from mixing supplies of cheap fuel from Russia with shipments from other sources, a tank operator official and a consultant on the matter said as per report by news agency Bloomberg.&nbsp;

Singapore has not banned the import of Russian oil or petroleum products, unlike the United States and European Union (EU) countries which have done so as retaliation for Moscow's offensive in Ukraine. However, financial institutions in Singapore are prohibited from financing or dealing with Russian goods and companies, the Bloomberg report said.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in February last year, Russian crude oil and fuel flows to Asia and the Middle East increased after western buyers turned away in retaliation. These (Russian) shipments have increasingly made their way to blending and redistribution hubs like Singapore and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates where they can be co-mingled, repackaged and re-exported globally, the report added.&nbsp; 
 
These Russia to Asia shipments would increase in the coming weeks as the EU would impose new sanctions on &nbsp;Russian petroleum products from February 5.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for Advario Asia Pacific Pte, an oil storage firm, told the news agency that the firm has observed an increase in the number of inquiries of short/spot-term storage in the period leading up to December. The spokesperson added that the firm verified the source of products to ensure compliance with Russian sanctions before accepting them.&nbsp;

A spokesperson from the Jurong Port Universal Terminal Pte did not talk about the movement of specific products but said the firm complies with all applicable sanctions.

William Tan from Singapore-based Miyabi Industries, a marine fuel consultancy firm, told Bloomberg that traders and fuel suppliers are all over oil storage and blending plays right now because of “very good” profit margins from such activities. Tan said that traders can enjoy close to 20% profit margin from mixing Russian components with other grades to make a blended fuel oil product, adding this trend has been going on since October last year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The demand for oil storage tanks in Singapore is rising, a sign that a flood of fuel from Russia is being mixed and re-exported globally. Tank space in the country is being snapped up because of an increase in interest and profits from mixing supplies of cheap fuel from Russia with shipments from other sources, a tank operator official and a consultant on the matter said as per report by news agency Bloomberg.

The demand for oil storage tanks in Singapore is rising, a sign that a flood of fuel from Russia is being mixed and re-exported globally. Tank space in the country is being snapped up because of an increase in interest and profits from mixing supplies of cheap fuel from Russia with shipments from other sources, a tank operator official and a consultant on the matter said as per report by news agency Bloomberg. Singapore has not banned the import of Russian oil or petroleum products, unlike the United States and European Union (EU) countries which have done so as retaliation for Moscow's offensive in Ukraine. However, financial institutions in Singapore are prohibited from financing or dealing with Russian goods and companies, the Bloomberg report said. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in February last year, Russian crude oil and fuel flows to Asia and the Middle East increased after western buyers turned away in retaliation. These (Russian) shipments have increasingly made their way to blending and redistribution hubs like Singapore and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates where they can be co-mingled, repackaged and re-exported globally, the report added. These Russia to Asia shipments would increase in the coming weeks as the EU would impose new sanctions on Russian petroleum products from February 5. A spokesperson for Advario Asia Pacific Pte, an oil storage firm, told the news agency that the firm has observed an increase in the number of inquiries of short/spot-term storage in the period leading up to December. The spokesperson added that the firm verified the source of products to ensure compliance with Russian sanctions before accepting them. A spokesperson from the Jurong Port Universal Terminal Pte did not talk about the movement of specific products but said the firm complies with all applicable sanctions. William Tan from Singapore-based Miyabi Industries, a marine fuel consultancy firm, told Bloomberg that traders and fuel suppliers are all over oil storage and blending plays right now because of “very good” profit margins from such activities. Tan said that traders can enjoy close to 20% profit margin from mixing Russian components with other grades to make a blended fuel oil product, adding this trend has been going on since October last year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Demand for oil storage tanks in Singapore is rising. Here's the reason

Twitter has asked its staff in Singapore to vacate headquarters and work from home. Reports say Twitter has failed to pay rent. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

WION Fineprint | Twitter's Asia HQ staff has been asked to work from home

Singapore's Internal Security Department (ISD) said on Wednesday (January 11) that a 38-year-old teacher with the Ministry of Education (MoE) was arrested as he planned to travel to Palestine to take up armed jihad, reported the Straits Times.&nbsp;The ISD said that Mohamed Khairul Riduan Mohamed Sarip was arrested in October 2022 under the Internal Security Act. 
 
Singapore's Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said on Wednesday that Sarip was the first public servant to be arrested under terror charges.

Sarip was reportedly radicalised by online videos, including those of foreign preachers.

“We have made clear our policy that if you think of going abroad to fight for any cause, we will arrest you and we have a zero-tolerance approach,” said Shanmugam as quoted by the Straits Times.

“We have arrested others who have similarly thought of going to fight.”

The ISD said that Sarip, a Singaporean national, was prepared to travel to Gaza, Palestine to take up arms. In order to avoid getting detected, he planned to pretend that he was going there for humanitarian work&nbsp;but was in fact planning to join the Hamas' military wing.

Sarip had acquired weapons-handling skills during his national service in Singapore and he was confident that these skills would come in handy in Palestine.

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Singapore's Internal Security Department (ISD) said on Wednesday (January 11) that a 38-year-old teacher with the Ministry of Education (MoE) was arrested as he planned to travel to Palestine to take up armed jihad, reported the Straits Times.

Singapore's Internal Security Department (ISD) said on Wednesday (January 11) that a 38-year-old teacher with the Ministry of Education (MoE) was arrested as he planned to travel to Palestine to take up armed jihad, reported the Straits Times. The ISD said that Mohamed Khairul Riduan Mohamed Sarip was arrested in October 2022 under the Internal Security Act. Singapore's Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said on Wednesday that Sarip was the first public servant to be arrested under terror charges. Sarip was reportedly radicalised by online videos, including those of foreign preachers. “We have made clear our policy that if you think of going abroad to fight for any cause, we will arrest you and we have a zero-tolerance approach,” said Shanmugam as quoted by the Straits Times. “We have arrested others who have similarly thought of going to fight.” The ISD said that Sarip, a Singaporean national, was prepared to travel to Gaza, Palestine to take up arms. In order to avoid getting detected, he planned to pretend that he was going there for humanitarian work but was in fact planning to join the Hamas' military wing. Sarip had acquired weapons-handling skills during his national service in Singapore and he was confident that these skills would come in handy in Palestine. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Singapore: Teacher arrested on terror charges, planned to go to Palestine, join Hamas for Jihad

According to Singapore's Internal Security Department (ISD), a 38-year-old teacher with the Ministry of Education was arrested as he planned to travel to Palestine to take up armed Jihad. Watch to know more.

38-year-old teacher arrested for terror-related offences in Singapore

Twitter has fired a dozen of staff in the trust and safety team handling global content moderation and in the unit related to hate speech and harassment. It laid off workers in Dublin and Singapore offices.

Twitter fires dozens of staff in Dublin and Singapore

In Singapore, starting from the 30th of December, every time you grab a beverage, all of them will be ranked by their level of sugar content. This comes as Singapore tightens its regulations on displaying the sugar content of beverages at retailers in an effort to prevent rising levels of diabetes in the country.

WION Fineprint | Singapore: From 30 December, beverages to be ranked by their sugar content

First sales tax hike in 15 years has sent Singapreans on shopping spree as the increase is due to kick&nbsp;in on January 1, 2023. Though the increase is from 7 per cent to 8 per cent, the 1 per cent hike is going to apply to everything from groceries to diamond rings. Barring a&nbsp; projected sharp global economic downturn next year, it will then rise to 9% in 2024 as the city state of 5.6 million people raises revenue to support its ageing population.

Economists feel that the impact of one percentage point tax hike may be muted as consumer spending surge is likely to be followed by a lull after the tax rise kicks in.

For consumers right now, the impending increase is important as they seek to save money.

"A 1% increment may be small, but any savings help in this inflationary environment," 28-year-old Soif Noor told Reuters. By buying everything now before the hike, Soif said he's saving S$250 ($185) on his purchases, now in storage at retailers' facilities.

WION Fineprint | Singapore: From 30 December, beverages to be ranked by their sugar content

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Noor further said that some of his male colleagues are rushing to buy engagement rings, being urged by girlfriends to "propose now - if not it will be more expensive next year".

When the tax hike kicks in, the sales tax in Singapore will be slightly higher than Thailand's 7% but lower than Indonesia's 11%, less than half the roughly 20% rate imposed in many countries in Europe, and below Japan's 10%.

Singapore's move to forge ahead with the tax increase comes even as some countries, like Thailand and Italy, approve consumption tax breaks to help citizens cope with the rising cost of living crisis.

OCBC economist Selena Ling said the current "positive bump" in big-ticket consumer purchases was good for the retail sector, but the impact on the overall economy is likely to be muted. The sale or lease of residential property is exempt from the tax, while the impact on car sales remains uncertain, with prices at record highs this year.

Ling expects economic growth in the first quarter of next year to be slow with "less consumer appetite for excessive spending in the near term until the uncertainties abate".

(With inputs from agencies)

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First sales tax hike in 15 years has sent Singapreans on shopping spree as the increase is due to kick in on January 1, 2023. Though the increase is from 7 per cent to 8 per cent, the 1 per cent hike is going to apply to everything from groceries to diamond rings.

First sales tax hike in 15 years has sent Singapreans on shopping spree as the increase is due to kick in on January 1, 2023. Though the increase is from 7 per cent to 8 per cent, the 1 per cent hike is going to apply to everything from groceries to diamond rings. Barring a projected sharp global economic downturn next year, it will then rise to 9% in 2024 as the city state of 5.6 million people raises revenue to support its ageing population. Economists feel that the impact of one percentage point tax hike may be muted as consumer spending surge is likely to be followed by a lull after the tax rise kicks in. For consumers right now, the impending increase is important as they seek to save money. "A 1% increment may be small, but any savings help in this inflationary environment," 28-year-old Soif Noor told Reuters. By buying everything now before the hike, Soif said he's saving S$250 ($185) on his purchases, now in storage at retailers' facilities. WION Fineprint | Singapore: From 30 December, beverages to be ranked by their sugar content × Noor further said that some of his male colleagues are rushing to buy engagement rings, being urged by girlfriends to "propose now - if not it will be more expensive next year". When the tax hike kicks in, the sales tax in Singapore will be slightly higher than Thailand's 7% but lower than Indonesia's 11%, less than half the roughly 20% rate imposed in many countries in Europe, and below Japan's 10%. Singapore's move to forge ahead with the tax increase comes even as some countries, like Thailand and Italy, approve consumption tax breaks to help citizens cope with the rising cost of living crisis. OCBC economist Selena Ling said the current "positive bump" in big-ticket consumer purchases was good for the retail sector, but the impact on the overall economy is likely to be muted. The sale or lease of residential property is exempt from the tax, while the impact on car sales remains uncertain, with prices at record highs this year. Ling expects economic growth in the first quarter of next year to be slow with "less consumer appetite for excessive spending in the near term until the uncertainties abate". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Singapore: Shoppers hit malls to fill stocks, save money before tax hike kicks in

The former chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Lalu Prasad Yadav, was donated a kidney by his Singapore-based daughter Rohini Acharya. Sharing an update on Lalu Yadav's transplant operation, Lalu Yadav's younger son and Bihar's deputy chief minister, Tejashwi Yadav has uploaded a video on his social media handle.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dal-lake-20-navigation-channels-opened-after-decades-sewage-pipes-laid-for-houseboat-waste-disposal-540160">Dal Lake: 20 navigation channels opened after decades, sewage pipes laid for houseboat waste disposal</a>

Lalu Prasad Yadav is seen being brought to the ICU while Tejashwi checks on his father in a video footage Tejashwai shared on his social media handle. He gave his older sister his gratitude for providing the crucial organ to their father. Tejashwi Yadav said that the transplant procedure was successful and that his father was moved from the operating room to the intensive care unit. Rabri Devi, Lalu Prasad's wife and the previous chief minister of Bihar, is also visible in the background in the video footage. “After Papa's kidney transplant operation was successful, he was shifted from operation theater to ICU,” as per the english translatin of Tejashwi's tweet on his Twitter handle. Rohini Acharya tweeted a picture of herself in her hospital bed just before having a kidney transplant, writing, "Ready to rock and roll, wish me luck."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-exit-polls-timings-results-date-all-you-need-to-know-540083">Himachal Pradesh Exit polls timings, results date, all you need to know</a>

“Both the donor (and) elder sister Rohini Acharya and (RJD) national president are healthy. Thank you for your prayers and good wishes,” he said in another post wherein he also shared a seven-second clip. According to multiple reports, the RJD chief Lalu Yadav has long experienced a number of health problems. Most recently, the medical professionals caring for him suggested a kidney transplant.&nbsp;

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पापा का किडनी ट्रांसप्लांट ऑपरेशन सफलतापूर्वक होने के बाद उन्हें ऑपरेशन थियेटर से आईसीयू में शिफ्ट किया गया। 
 
डोनर बड़ी बहन रोहिणी आचार्य और राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष जी दोनों स्वस्थ है। आपकी प्रार्थनाओं और दुआओं के लिए साधुवाद। 🙏🙏 <a href="https://t.co/JR4f3XRCn2">pic.twitter.com/JR4f3XRCn2</a>
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/1599675635634667520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/did-ramaphosa-sell-buffaloes-worth-4-mn-south-african-president-to-challenge-sec-89-of-the-report-540185">Did Ramaphosa sell Buffaloes worth $4 mn? South African President to challenge sec 89 of the report</a>

Rohini Acharya, Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter gave her sick father a kidney. Tejashwi said last month that while several members of his family were eager to help their sick father, his older sister Rohini Archarya had the finest match. Following the announcement of her choice to give a kidney to her sick father, Acharya, who is in her forties, has been posting emotional messages on Twitter. "It is just a small chunk of flesh that I wish to give away to my father. I can do anything for him. Please pray that things turn out well and Papa is fit again to give voice to you all," she said in a post.&nbsp;

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The former chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Lalu Prasad Yadav, was donated a kidney by his Singapore-based daughter Rohini Acharya. Sharing an update on Lalu Yadav's transplant operation, Lalu Yadav's younger son and Bihar's deputy chief minister, Tejashwi Yadav has uploaded a video on his social media handle.

The former chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Lalu Prasad Yadav, was donated a kidney by his Singapore-based daughter Rohini Acharya. Sharing an update on Lalu Yadav's transplant operation, Lalu Yadav's younger son and Bihar's deputy chief minister, Tejashwi Yadav has uploaded a video on his social media handle. ALSO READ | Dal Lake: 20 navigation channels opened after decades, sewage pipes laid for houseboat waste disposal Lalu Prasad Yadav is seen being brought to the ICU while Tejashwi checks on his father in a video footage Tejashwai shared on his social media handle. He gave his older sister his gratitude for providing the crucial organ to their father. Tejashwi Yadav said that the transplant procedure was successful and that his father was moved from the operating room to the intensive care unit. Rabri Devi, Lalu Prasad's wife and the previous chief minister of Bihar, is also visible in the background in the video footage. “After Papa's kidney transplant operation was successful, he was shifted from operation theater to ICU,” as per the english translatin of Tejashwi's tweet on his Twitter handle. Rohini Acharya tweeted a picture of herself in her hospital bed just before having a kidney transplant, writing, "Ready to rock and roll, wish me luck." ALSO READ | Himachal Pradesh Exit polls timings, results date, all you need to know “Both the donor (and) elder sister Rohini Acharya and (RJD) national president are healthy. Thank you for your prayers and good wishes,” he said in another post wherein he also shared a seven-second clip. According to multiple reports, the RJD chief Lalu Yadav has long experienced a number of health problems. Most recently, the medical professionals caring for him suggested a kidney transplant. पापा का किडनी ट्रांसप्लांट ऑपरेशन सफलतापूर्वक होने के बाद उन्हें ऑपरेशन थियेटर से आईसीयू में शिफ्ट किया गया। डोनर बड़ी बहन रोहिणी आचार्य और राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष जी दोनों स्वस्थ है। आपकी प्रार्थनाओं और दुआओं के लिए साधुवाद। 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/JR4f3XRCn2 — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) December 5, 2022 × WATCH | Did Ramaphosa sell Buffaloes worth $4 mn? South African President to challenge sec 89 of the report Rohini Acharya, Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter gave her sick father a kidney. Tejashwi said last month that while several members of his family were eager to help their sick father, his older sister Rohini Archarya had the finest match. Following the announcement of her choice to give a kidney to her sick father, Acharya, who is in her forties, has been posting emotional messages on Twitter. "It is just a small chunk of flesh that I wish to give away to my father. I can do anything for him. Please pray that things turn out well and Papa is fit again to give voice to you all," she said in a post. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

A new lease of life for Lalu Yadav as daughter donates father her kidney, Tejashwi shares VIDEO update

Singapore parliament on Tuesday (November 29) decriminalised sex between men. However, the parliament also amended the constitution to prevent court challenges which in other countries have led to legalisation of same-sex marriages.

The moves come as other parts of Asia, including Taiwan, Thailand and India are recognising more rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

Singapore parliament's move was welcomed by the activists but they were unhappy about the constitutional amendments because citizens will now won't be able to mount legal challenges to the definition of marriage, family and other policies. Such definitions will now only be decided by the executive and legislature.

The constitutional amendment has bee defended by the government. It said that decisions on such issues should not be led by the courts. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his successor have ruled out any changes to the current legal definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman.

"We will try and maintain a balance...to uphold a stable society with traditional, heterosexual family values, but with space for homosexuals to live their lives and contribute to society," Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said in parliament this week.

Both the repeal and the constitutional amendment were passed with an overwhelming majority, thanks to the ruling People's Action Party's dominance in parliament. There is no timeline yet for when the new laws take effect.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Singapore parliament on Tuesday (November 29) decriminalised sex between men. However, the parliament also amended the constitution to prevent court challenges which in other countries have led to legalisation of same-sex marriages.

Singapore parliament on Tuesday (November 29) decriminalised sex between men. However, the parliament also amended the constitution to prevent court challenges which in other countries have led to legalisation of same-sex marriages. The moves come as other parts of Asia, including Taiwan, Thailand and India are recognising more rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Singapore parliament's move was welcomed by the activists but they were unhappy about the constitutional amendments because citizens will now won't be able to mount legal challenges to the definition of marriage, family and other policies. Such definitions will now only be decided by the executive and legislature. The constitutional amendment has bee defended by the government. It said that decisions on such issues should not be led by the courts. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his successor have ruled out any changes to the current legal definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman. "We will try and maintain a balance...to uphold a stable society with traditional, heterosexual family values, but with space for homosexuals to live their lives and contribute to society," Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said in parliament this week. Both the repeal and the constitutional amendment were passed with an overwhelming majority, thanks to the ruling People's Action Party's dominance in parliament. There is no timeline yet for when the new laws take effect. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Singapore dumps gay sex ban but constitutional amendment worries activists

The annual Anime Festival Asia (AFA), was hosted in Singapore over the weekend for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak started more than two years ago.&nbsp;Thousands of cosplayers and anime enthusiasts gathered. The three-day event honours all facets of Japanese popular culture.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/representation-of-women-in-the-colourful-world-of-anime-511439">Also read |&nbsp;Representation of women in the colourful world of Anime</a>

Anime is a Japan-born subculture that has expanded globally in recent years despite the pandemic, it was able to expand its market extensively with its presence and devoted fans.&nbsp;

This most recent AFA in 2019 drew over 100K people to attend. The actual number of tickets&nbsp;sold won't be confirmed after the festival is over, an official told Reuters.

A Taiwanese cosplayer who travelled to especially attend the festival, said, "Now that I'm in Singapore, it feels like a meetup of old friends because I was in constant online contact with people here."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/chinese-anime-fan-interrogated-by-police-for-wearing-japanese-dress-507536">Also read |&nbsp;Chinese anime fan interrogated by police for wearing Japanese dress</a>

One of the most prominent places at the festival is the Akiba Stage were dancing, singing and applauding and there was certainly no shortage of any of those things, the concert floor did not disappoint with a continual flow of exhilarating energy, from special guests performances to competitors' face off.&nbsp;

The majority of Singapore's Covid-19 restrictions were relaxed this year, and in recent months the city-state has welcomed back a number of foreign events.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The annual Anime Festival Asia (AFA), was hosted in Singapore over the weekend for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak started more than two years ago. Thousands of cosplayers and anime enthusiasts gathered.

The annual Anime Festival Asia (AFA), was hosted in Singapore over the weekend for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak started more than two years ago. Thousands of cosplayers and anime enthusiasts gathered. The three-day event honours all facets of Japanese popular culture. Also read | Representation of women in the colourful world of Anime Anime is a Japan-born subculture that has expanded globally in recent years despite the pandemic, it was able to expand its market extensively with its presence and devoted fans. This most recent AFA in 2019 drew over 100K people to attend. The actual number of tickets sold won't be confirmed after the festival is over, an official told Reuters. A Taiwanese cosplayer who travelled to especially attend the festival, said, "Now that I'm in Singapore, it feels like a meetup of old friends because I was in constant online contact with people here." Also read | Chinese anime fan interrogated by police for wearing Japanese dress One of the most prominent places at the festival is the Akiba Stage were dancing, singing and applauding and there was certainly no shortage of any of those things, the concert floor did not disappoint with a continual flow of exhilarating energy, from special guests performances to competitors' face off. The majority of Singapore's Covid-19 restrictions were relaxed this year, and in recent months the city-state has welcomed back a number of foreign events. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Anime Festival Asia is back in Singapore after two years of Covid-19 hiatus

Lawrence Wong, Singapore's deputy prime minister, was given a significant role in the ruling party on Saturday, solidifying his position to succeed PM Lee Hsien Loong as leader of the island nation.&nbsp;Wong, 49, was named as Lee Hsien Loong's replacement this year. Lee Hsien Loong is the leader of the People's Action Party (PAP), which has dominated the island country since its independence in 1965.

The party announced the appointment of Wong to the rank of deputy secretary-general, reports Reuters.

70-year-old Lee is the son of Lee Kuan Yew, who led Singapore's fight for independence and ruled for 50 years. According to the younger Lee, Wong will succeed him either before or after the upcoming general election in 2025.

According to political observers, the appointment of Desmond Lee, the minister of national development, and Chan Chun Sing, the minister of education, as assistant secretaries generals suggests they might serve as the future president's right-hand men.

World Business Watch | Singapore's crypto regulations: Vitalik not happy with Singapore rules

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“There’s a good chance that those two would be the (future) deputy prime ministers,” Assistant Professor Walid Jumblatt Bin Abdullah from the Nanyang Technological University’s school of social sciences told Reuters.&nbsp;

The announcements likely will not affect markets or businesses, Walid said. “The party is still around, it is still the same party, the same ideology, and the same people.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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Lawrence Wong, Singapore's deputy prime minister, was given a significant role in the ruling party on Saturday, solidifying his position to succeed PM Lee Hsien Loong as leader of the island nation.

Lawrence Wong, Singapore's deputy prime minister, was given a significant role in the ruling party on Saturday, solidifying his position to succeed PM Lee Hsien Loong as leader of the island nation. Wong, 49, was named as Lee Hsien Loong's replacement this year. Lee Hsien Loong is the leader of the People's Action Party (PAP), which has dominated the island country since its independence in 1965. The party announced the appointment of Wong to the rank of deputy secretary-general, reports Reuters. 70-year-old Lee is the son of Lee Kuan Yew, who led Singapore's fight for independence and ruled for 50 years. According to the younger Lee, Wong will succeed him either before or after the upcoming general election in 2025. According to political observers, the appointment of Desmond Lee, the minister of national development, and Chan Chun Sing, the minister of education, as assistant secretaries generals suggests they might serve as the future president's right-hand men. World Business Watch | Singapore's crypto regulations: Vitalik not happy with Singapore rules “There’s a good chance that those two would be the (future) deputy prime ministers,” Assistant Professor Walid Jumblatt Bin Abdullah from the Nanyang Technological University’s school of social sciences told Reuters. The announcements likely will not affect markets or businesses, Walid said. “The party is still around, it is still the same party, the same ideology, and the same people.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Lawrence Wong, Singapore's deputy PM solidifies chances of becoming PM with new party position

Amid global economic pressures that would hit demand for city-states outward oriented industries like trade and Finance. Singapore forecasts its economic growth would slow down between 0.5% and 0.25% next year from about 3.5% this year.

World Business Watch: Singapore's economic growth slows in Q3, GDP below 4.4%

Vitalik is not happy with Singapore's crypto regulations. Singapore is planning to clamp down on retail crypto assets. Watch this report.

World Business Watch | Singapore's crypto regulations: Vitalik not happy with Singapore rules

Businessman and former mayor of New York, Michael&nbsp;Bloomberg was forced to apologise at a major business event in Singapore for statements made by his friend and former UK prime minister Boris Johnson criticising China.&nbsp;

Johnson was invited as the guest speaker at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore, held earlier this week. During his speech, Johnson described China as a&nbsp;“coercive autocracy”, much to the apathy of Asian businessmen and diplomats gathered.&nbsp;

Since Johnson was invited by Bloomberg to the forum, the latter had to bear the brunt of&nbsp;attendees feeling insulted and offended by the Tory leader's remarks.&nbsp;

Bloomberg clarified that the statements made by Johnson were&nbsp;“his thoughts and his thoughts alone”, before adding,&nbsp;“To those of you who were upset and concerned by what the speaker said, you have my apologies.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-is-michael-bloomberg-a-profile-of-expected-democratic-contender-for-us-presidential-race-260806/#climbing-the-ladder-260784">Read more:&nbsp;Who is Michael Bloomberg?</a>

According to the version released by Johnson's spokesperson,&nbsp;the former PM in his speech said,&nbsp;“Let’s look at Russia and China. The two former communist tyrannies in which power has once again been concentrated in the hands of a single rule."

"Two monocultural states that have been traditionally hostile to immigration and that are becoming increasingly nationalist in their attitudes."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-officials-to-refine-zero-covid-policy-pledge-to-avoid-excessive-disruptions-to-public-life-531558">WATCH |&nbsp;China: Officials to refine 'Zero-Covid' policy, pledge to avoid excessive disruptions to public life</a>

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Johnson added that as two&nbsp;permanent UN security council members, China and Russia enabled each other to "show a candid disregard for the rule of international law, and two countries that in the last year have demonstrated the immense limitations of their political systems by the disastrous mistakes they have made.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-rise-and-fall-of-uk-pm-scandals-that-rocked-boris-johnsons-premiership-495263">Read more:&nbsp;The 'rise and fall' of UK PM: Scandals that dragged down Boris Johnson</a>

This is not the first time that Johnson has targeted China. Last week, when the Conservative leader was in New Delhi for a programme,&nbsp;he toed a similar line.

Johnson&nbsp;said democracies such as India and UK bounced back after the pandemic but&nbsp;autocracies and closed societies such as China were still grappling with the pandemic.&nbsp;

“When the leader of a coercive autocracy embarks on a disastrous policy in which his ego is fatally engaged, there is nothing and no one that can stop him. And that’s why democracy matters.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Businessman and former mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg was forced to apologise at a major business event in Singapore for statements made by his friend and former UK prime minister Boris Johnson criticising China.

Businessman and former mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg was forced to apologise at a major business event in Singapore for statements made by his friend and former UK prime minister Boris Johnson criticising China. Johnson was invited as the guest speaker at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore, held earlier this week. During his speech, Johnson described China as a “coercive autocracy”, much to the apathy of Asian businessmen and diplomats gathered. Since Johnson was invited by Bloomberg to the forum, the latter had to bear the brunt of attendees feeling insulted and offended by the Tory leader's remarks. Bloomberg clarified that the statements made by Johnson were “his thoughts and his thoughts alone”, before adding, “To those of you who were upset and concerned by what the speaker said, you have my apologies.” Read more: Who is Michael Bloomberg? According to the version released by Johnson's spokesperson, the former PM in his speech said, “Let’s look at Russia and China. The two former communist tyrannies in which power has once again been concentrated in the hands of a single rule." "Two monocultural states that have been traditionally hostile to immigration and that are becoming increasingly nationalist in their attitudes." WATCH | China: Officials to refine 'Zero-Covid' policy, pledge to avoid excessive disruptions to public life × Johnson added that as two permanent UN security council members, China and Russia enabled each other to "show a candid disregard for the rule of international law, and two countries that in the last year have demonstrated the immense limitations of their political systems by the disastrous mistakes they have made.” Read more: The 'rise and fall' of UK PM: Scandals that dragged down Boris Johnson This is not the first time that Johnson has targeted China. Last week, when the Conservative leader was in New Delhi for a programme, he toed a similar line. Johnson said democracies such as India and UK bounced back after the pandemic but autocracies and closed societies such as China were still grappling with the pandemic. “When the leader of a coercive autocracy embarks on a disastrous policy in which his ego is fatally engaged, there is nothing and no one that can stop him. And that’s why democracy matters.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Michael Bloomberg apologises for Boris Johnson's statement criticising China

The Singapore-based online retailer Sea Ltd.'s quarterly loss increased less than analysts had predicted thanks to measures to reduce expenses as the company's growth slows.

World Business Watch: Cost cuts help Singapore's Sea Ltd as it lays off 10% workforce over 6 months

Singapore aims to eliminate use of cheques beginning with corporate cheques by the year 2025. The phase out was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at Singapore Fintech Festival.

WION Business News | Singapore: Corporate cheques to be eliminated by 2025

Most people love kids. However, most people hate screaming kids in public places. A restaurant in Singapore certainly falls in the latter category and is using a rather unconventional method to ensure that people keep their kids quiet.

Most people love kids. However, most people hate screaming kids in public places. A restaurant in Singapore certainly falls in the latter category and is using a rather unconventional method to ensure that people keep their kids quiet. Reportedly, Angie’s Oyster Bar & Grill recently informed its customers that it will be charging a $7 'Screaming children surcharge' from parents if their wards scream or show uncontrolled behaviour. "We would like to inform you that we do not have any baby chair available as we are not a kid-friendly restaurant...All children are welcomed to dine at Angie's. However, screaming/uncontrolled children disturbing other guests will NOT be tolerated. Charger will apply $10," read the notification screenshot that went viral on social media. Read more: Richard Branson declines invitation to attend debate on death penalty in Singapore As soon as the restaurant posted the notification, its google review section was inundated with negative reviews. Some netizens believe the policy was discriminatory while others said it reeked of elitism. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Singapore's slippery, hungry and angry Otters × After receiving criticism from the public, the restaurant released a statement and said it had no choice but to implement the rule after receiving complaints from the consumers. "Over the last few months, we've received an increasing number of complaints of children running around unattended or disturbing other tables during the service period," read the statement. "Because of these experiences, we felt we had no choice but to impose a 'penalty' to address such unfortunate situations," it added. Read more: After 'cattle fart' tax, NZ authorities suggest Halloween 'lollipop tax'. Face instant backlash The restaurant signed off by saying that the policy, "does not apply to 99 per cent" of its guests, "but only to the ones who fail to respect the space and experience of others." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pay a screaming surcharge if your kid is noisy, says a Singapore restaurant

After appearing in Singapore for the first time, the Omicron sub-lineage XBB of COVID-19 has found its way to the Indian public. The virus strain is known for its highly contagious nature but an expert panel has observed that Indian patients have reported mild illness and no increase in severity, even after contracting it.

After appearing in Singapore for the first time, the Omicron sub-lineage XBB of COVID-19 has found its way to the Indian public. The virus strain is known for its highly contagious nature but an expert panel has observed that Indian patients have reported mild illness and no increase in severity, even after contracting it. INSACOG, or Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics, a group of 54 laboratories across the country that monitor the different iterations of the virus made the observations. “Modest increase in the spread of XBB in Singapore has been observed. However, there has been no report of increase in severity of disease or increase in hospitalization associated with these variants," read the report. "Among the Indian patients, the disease is mild like with other Omicron sub-lineages, and no increase in severity is noted,” it added. While the severity might be low, the body said that nearly 50 per cent of te samples sequenced in the past couple of weeks tested positive for it. As reported by WION, the XBB variant was first reported in Singapore and is expected to become the next dominant strain of Covid. Health experts are hopeful that the population’s level of hybrid immunity will not lead to severe illnesses. Up until mid-October, over 60 per cent of the new cases in Singapore were attributed to the XBB variant. Read more: XBB, BA.5, BQ.1.1 & more: The 'Scrabble' COVID-19 variants taking over the world The new Omicron strains such as XBB, BA.5 and BQ.1.1are also known as "Scrabble" variants, a term coined by Peter Hotez, co-director of the Center for Vaccine Development at Texas Children’s Hospital. The nickname refers to the alphabets B, Q and X that fetch a whole lot of points in the game. WATCH | Workers flee manufacturing facility in China to avoid tightening covid-19 curbs × Experts say that XBB has been found to evade vaccine-derived protections in a research. However, vaccination can keep severe symptoms at bay. In fact, as it becomes colder outside, more variants are likely to emerge. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

What are the experts saying about the highly transmissible XBB Covid variant?

British entrepreneur Richard Branson declined an invitation from the Singapore government to attend a debate over death penalty. Branson has been a long-time advocate against the death sentence and criticised the authorities for the hanging of Nagaenthran K Dharmalingam – a mentally disabled man who was given the death sentence for trafficking “small amounts” of heroin.

Branson has spoken out against the Singapore government since the hanging took place in April this year and the country’s interior ministry extended the invitation for a public debate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-missile-strikes-reported-across-ukraine-including-kyiv-as-conflict-escalates-529818" hreflang="en">'Massive attack': Ukraine says targeted by 'more than 50 missiles' from&nbsp;Russia</a>

While the government assured Branson that he will be allowed to state his case, the billionaire said that he will not be travelling to Singapore and asked them to talk to local activists about the issue.

“They deserve to be listened to, not ignored, or worse yet, harassed,” Branson said.

“A television debate – limited in time and scope, always at risk of prioritising personalities over issues – cannot do the complexity of the death penalty any service,” he added in an open letter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/luiz-inacio-lula-da-silva-the-newly-elected-president-of-brazil-with-a-chequered-past-529734">Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva: The new president of Brazil with a chequered past</a>

The hanging in April has sparked a wider conversation in Singapore – a country where death penalty was not carried out for the last two years. Several activists have criticised the government for taking a hard stance on the topic and said that the invitation to Branson was a “diversion tactic”.

A number of countries around the world are currently re-evaluating their stance against the death penalty and even the United Nations have said in their official statements that the capital punishment has failed to impact the crime rates around the world in a “significant way”.

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British entrepreneur Richard Branson declined an invitation from the Singapore government to attend a debate over death penalty. Branson has been a long-time advocate against the death sentence and criticised the authorities for the hanging of Nagaenthran K Dharmalingam – a mentally disabled man who was given the death sentence for trafficking “small amounts” of heroin.

British entrepreneur Richard Branson declined an invitation from the Singapore government to attend a debate over death penalty. Branson has been a long-time advocate against the death sentence and criticised the authorities for the hanging of Nagaenthran K Dharmalingam – a mentally disabled man who was given the death sentence for trafficking “small amounts” of heroin. Branson has spoken out against the Singapore government since the hanging took place in April this year and the country’s interior ministry extended the invitation for a public debate. Also read | 'Massive attack': Ukraine says targeted by 'more than 50 missiles' from Russia While the government assured Branson that he will be allowed to state his case, the billionaire said that he will not be travelling to Singapore and asked them to talk to local activists about the issue. “They deserve to be listened to, not ignored, or worse yet, harassed,” Branson said. “A television debate – limited in time and scope, always at risk of prioritising personalities over issues – cannot do the complexity of the death penalty any service,” he added in an open letter. Also read | Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva: The new president of Brazil with a chequered past The hanging in April has sparked a wider conversation in Singapore – a country where death penalty was not carried out for the last two years. Several activists have criticised the government for taking a hard stance on the topic and said that the invitation to Branson was a “diversion tactic”. A number of countries around the world are currently re-evaluating their stance against the death penalty and even the United Nations have said in their official statements that the capital punishment has failed to impact the crime rates around the world in a “significant way”.

Richard Branson declines invitation to attend debate on death penalty in Singapore

On Friday, thousands of dinosaur fans gathered to see a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton named “Shen” (Chinese word for god) in Singapore before it is auctioned in Hong Kong. However, experts have raised concerns regarding such significant objects being in the hands of private collectors making them inaccessible to people or scientists.&nbsp;

The 2.2 metres long and 4.6 metres high, with a 1,400 kg frame, Shen is composed of 80 bones and is thought to be male. It will also be reportedly the first T-rex skeleton auctioned in Asia. Auction company Christie’s president in Asia-Pacific, Francis Belin, said, “None of the 20 T-Rex that exist in the world is owned by either an Asian institution or an Asian collector.”&nbsp;

Meanwhile, experts have raised objections over this trend of auctions for significant prehistoric objects.&nbsp;“It’s a sad thing that dinosaurs are becoming collectible toys for the oligarch class, and I can only hope this fad ends soon,” said palaeontologist at the University of Edinburgh, Steve Brusatte to AFP.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dino-predator-tyrannosaurus-rex-may-have-three-species-not-one-says-study-457767">Dino predator Tyrannosaurus rex may have three species, not one, says study</a>

Echoing a similar sentiment, Thomas Carr, a palaeontologist from the US asserted that these sales are “harmful to science” even after the skeletons&nbsp;are being studied before they are sold as a secure permenant collection ensures that&nbsp;a scientist has&nbsp;access&nbsp;so that a fossil "can be tested and replicated" while commercially held fossil does not.

The fossil&nbsp;will be on display for three days before being shipped to Hong Kong for the auction in November. It was found only a few years ago and excavated from private land in Hells Creek Formation in the US state of Montana in 2020. However, the guide price or the identity of the seller has not been revealed.

Reports suggest that Shen lived at least 67 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. Notably, this is not the only T-rex fossil&nbsp;to be sold as Christie’s also sold “Stan” for $ 31.8 million. Earlier this year, a skeleton of a Gorgosaurus, which is said to be the first of its kind, was auctioned for $ 6.1 million in New York.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/christies-to-auction-special-recording-of-blown-in-the-wind-493965">Christie's to auction special recording of 'Blown in the wind'</a>

Christie’s also hopes that some public institutions buy Shen so that it could be seen by the public, said Beline and added, “We strongly hope that the new owner, whether it’s an institution or private, will ensure that it’s being seen by the public.” Furthermore, the auction company has also reassured that Shen has been fully researched and recorded in 3D as well as “all the elements of the skeleton will be made available for the public to research.”

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

On Friday, thousands of dinosaur fans gathered to see a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton named “Shen” (Chinese word for god) in Singapore before it is auctioned in Hong Kong.

On Friday, thousands of dinosaur fans gathered to see a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton named “Shen” (Chinese word for god) in Singapore before it is auctioned in Hong Kong. However, experts have raised concerns regarding such significant objects being in the hands of private collectors making them inaccessible to people or scientists. The 2.2 metres long and 4.6 metres high, with a 1,400 kg frame, Shen is composed of 80 bones and is thought to be male. It will also be reportedly the first T-rex skeleton auctioned in Asia. Auction company Christie’s president in Asia-Pacific, Francis Belin, said, “None of the 20 T-Rex that exist in the world is owned by either an Asian institution or an Asian collector.” Meanwhile, experts have raised objections over this trend of auctions for significant prehistoric objects. “It’s a sad thing that dinosaurs are becoming collectible toys for the oligarch class, and I can only hope this fad ends soon,” said palaeontologist at the University of Edinburgh, Steve Brusatte to AFP. ALSO READ: Dino predator Tyrannosaurus rex may have three species, not one, says study Echoing a similar sentiment, Thomas Carr, a palaeontologist from the US asserted that these sales are “harmful to science” even after the skeletons are being studied before they are sold as a secure permenant collection ensures that a scientist has access so that a fossil "can be tested and replicated" while commercially held fossil does not. The fossil will be on display for three days before being shipped to Hong Kong for the auction in November. It was found only a few years ago and excavated from private land in Hells Creek Formation in the US state of Montana in 2020. However, the guide price or the identity of the seller has not been revealed. Reports suggest that Shen lived at least 67 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. Notably, this is not the only T-rex fossil to be sold as Christie’s also sold “Stan” for $ 31.8 million. Earlier this year, a skeleton of a Gorgosaurus, which is said to be the first of its kind, was auctioned for $ 6.1 million in New York. ALSO WATCH: Christie's to auction special recording of 'Blown in the wind' Christie’s also hopes that some public institutions buy Shen so that it could be seen by the public, said Beline and added, “We strongly hope that the new owner, whether it’s an institution or private, will ensure that it’s being seen by the public.” Furthermore, the auction company has also reassured that Shen has been fully researched and recorded in 3D as well as “all the elements of the skeleton will be made available for the public to research.” (With inputs from agencies)

‘Harmful to science’: T-rex skeleton in Singapore sparks debate about auctions of prehistoric objects

Singapore's mortgage costs are rising for property. The rising cost of borrowing is unlikely to have a major impact on Singapore's property market. That's because of several factors such as wealthy buyers, strong rental demand and foreigners moving to Singapore.

WION Business News | Singapore: Property buyers ignore mortgage rates

Singapore is struggling with its slippery, hungry and angry Otters. Sea Otters raid homes for food and attack people in parks. Watch this report.

WION Climate Tracker: Singapore's slippery, hungry and angry Otters

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