COLOMBO (REUTERS, AFP) – The United States had no prior knowledge of the Easter Sunday suicide bombing attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, but now believes there is ongoing terrorism plotting in the country, Washington’s ambassador to Colombo said on Wednesday (April 24). “We had no prior knowledge of these attacks,” Ambassador Alaina […]
Four Hong Kong activists have been sentenced to up to 16 months in prison for their role in pro-democracy demonstrations. Four others received suspended sentences on Wednesday, while one had their sentencing deferred until June. The nine activists were found guilty earlier this month over their involvement in the “Umbrella Movement”. Demonstrators paralysed Hong Kong […]
YANGON (AFP) – Recovery teams in Myanmar fought against a huge lake of sludge on Wednesday (April 24) in their search for bodies after a landslide engulfed more than 50 jade miners – the latest fatal accident in a notoriously dangerous but highly-lucrative industry. Dozens die each year in landslides caused by jade mining, a […]
(Reuters) – Japan’s SoftBank Group Corp is looking to acquire a 5 percent stake in German payments company Wirecard AG, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. SoftBank has engaged financial advisers and is working on a deal to acquire bonds that can be converted into Wirecard shares, Bloomberg reported, citing sources. […]
HONG KONG/SINGAPORE (REUTERS) – Sri Lanka faces a likely collapse in tourism following Easter Sunday bomb attacks on churches and hotels, which would deal a severe blow to the island’s economy and financial markets, and potentially force it to seek further IMF assistance. The International Monetary Fund extended last month a US$1.5 billion (S$2.04 billion) […]
SINGAPORE – The former chairman of the Darussalam Mosque’s management board who misappropriated more than $370,000 from its cash collections was sentenced to two years and three months’ jail on Wednesday (April 24). Ab Mutalif Hashim used the money to pay for things like credit card bills, family allowances, travelling and medical expenses. The 58-year-old, […]
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is on his way to the Russian far-east for a summit with President Vladimir Putin. State media say Mr Kim is travelling on his private train. It will be his first talks with the Russian president. The Kremlin says they will meet near the Pacific coast city of Vladivostok on […]
HONGKONG (REUTERS) – A Hong Kong court will hand down sentences on Wednesday (April 24) for nine leaders of the city’s”Occupy Central” protests that paralysed parts of the former British colony for 79 days in late 2014 and raised concerns about freedoms under Chinese rule. The decision follows a closely watched trial lasting almost a […]
COLOMBO (WASHINGTON POST) – There was no indication that the US had any advanced warning about the devastating attacks over Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka, said US officials. This comes as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) claimed responsibility to the string of bombings in the Indian Ocean nation, which experts have said it […]
Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Wednesday, April 24. Cabinet reshuffle: Heng Swee Keat looks forward to strengthening partnerships He vowed to do his best, together with his colleagues, to fulfil their responsibility to Singapore and Singaporeans. READ MORE HERE News Analysis: Latest Cabinet reshuffle sends a clear signal, and reflects […]