Friday, 15 Nov 2024

Asia

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China's climate goals leave country's aluminium valley torn between past and future

(CAIXIN GLOBAL) – The scenic southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan is known for its tourism and rich resources for hydropower. Over the past few years, it has donned a new name – the aluminium valley of China – thanks to the massive relocation of electrolytic aluminium producers attracted by the region’s low electricity prices from all […]

Covid-19 cases jump in Australia's Victoria as curbs ease in Sydney hotspots

SYDNEY (REUTERS) – Australia’s Victoria state on Monday (Sept 20) reported its biggest daily rise in Covid-19 cases this year, while some curbs were eased in Sydney despite persistent infections. Hard lockdowns in Victoria will end once 70 per cent of its adult population gets fully vaccinated, expected around Oct 26, and authorities aim to […]

Exiled Thaksin rallies Thai protesters with Dubai talk show

BANGKOK (BLOOMBERG) – One of Thailand’s most polarizing figures is staging a comeback, rallying young pro-democracy protesters from 3,000 miles away in a fresh challenge to military leaders who have held power since 2014. Despite more than a decade in self-exile following a corruption conviction, Thaksin Shinawatra – a former prime minister and telecoms tycoon […]

MPs seek to raise awareness of mental health to encourage people to seek help

SINGAPORE – While working in the Singapore Civil Defence Force in 2001 and 2002, Dr Wan Rizal Wan Zakariah came across a person who was suicidal and wanted to jump from a height. Fortunately, he chose not end his life. “That was my first instance of understanding that many people go through this… (It) was […]

As parrot-keeping takes flight, researchers urge greater regulation of domestic trade

SINGAPORE – Parrot-keeping is taking flight in Singapore, with more people welcoming these flamboyant creatures into their homes. Now, a group of researchers say that to reduce poaching pressure on the wild populations of these intelligent birds, a better understanding of parrot owners’ preferences and regulation of the domestic parrot trade are needed. Please subscribe […]

No retest despite complaints about N-levels listening comprehension audio quality: SEAB

SINGAPORE – N-level students who took the English Language Listening Comprehension examination on Monday (Sept 13) will not get to resit the exam despite negative public feedback on the audio quality. In response to queries from The Straits Times, the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (Seab) said on Saturday (Sept 18) it was aware of […]

India antitrust probe finds Google abused Android dominance, report shows

NEW DELHI (REUTERS) – Google abused the dominant position of its Android operating system in India, using its “huge financial muscle” to illegally hurt competitors, the country’s antitrust authority found in a report on its two-year probe seen by Reuters. Alphabet Inc’s Google reduced “the ability and incentive of device manufacturers to develop and sell […]

2nd round of Rental Support Scheme payouts for owners, tenants to start Sept 22

SINGAPORE- More than 35,800 tenants and owner-occupiers will receive their second Rental Support Scheme (RSS) payouts from Sept 22. In a joint statement on Friday (Sept 17), the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (Iras) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said the payouts, totalling more than $200 million, will be disbursed ahead of schedule by […]

4 candidates kick off race to succeed Japan PM Suga

TOKYO – Four veteran politicians from Japan’s ruling party filed their candidacies on Friday (Sept 17) in the race to succeed Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, with voting to take place on Sept 29. Unlike last year’s streamlined Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) poll after Mr Shinzo Abe’s sudden resignation due to health reasons, the contest this […]

NUS clinches top BCA award for green buildings after picking up 50 Green Mark certifications

SINGAPORE – The National University of Singapore (NUS) picked up the top Building and Construction Authority (BCA) award for sustainable developments on Friday (Sept 17). Named the Green Mark Platinum Champion after clinching 50 Green Mark certifications for buildings across its campuses this year, NUS was among 18 winners at the annual Green Mark Awards. Among the […]