SINGAPORE – The higher numbers of unlinked Covid-19 cases recently may be a cause for concern, but they reflect a slower identification of links between cases, rather than widespread transmission, said experts. There were 29 unlinked cases out of the 130 new locally transmitted Covid-19 cases on Friday (July 23). This comes after 52 unlinked cases […]
HONG KONG — A Hong Kong judge has sentenced seven men to prison for their roles in a 2019 mob attack on unarmed people in a subway station, which shocked the city and injured dozens, including pro-democracy protesters. The defendants were given sentences on Thursday ranging from three and a half to seven years. Their […]
TOKYO (REUTERS, AFP) – Olympics organisers are grappling with a shortage of Covid-19 testing kits needed for their daily testing programme, with competitors staying at the athletes’ village in Tokyo not tested as scheduled due to the shortfall, broadcaster NHK reported on Friday (July 23). Athletes who arrived at the village on Monday were not […]
SINGAPORE – In-person fitness training and the individual physical proficiency test (IPPT) for operationally ready national servicemen (NSmen) have been suspended for the period of Covid-19 phase two (heightened alert), said the Ministry of Defence on Friday (July 23). In-camp training will be deferred until Aug 18, except for sessions that are essential to operations, […]
MANILA (AFP) – The Philippines became the world’s first country Friday (July 23) to approve the commercial production of genetically modified “golden rice” that experts hope will combat childhood blindness and save lives in the developing world. A biosafety permit issued by government regulators paves the way for the rice – enriched with the Vitamin […]
SINGAPORE – To encourage seniors to stay home amid Covid-19, family members can shop on behalf of seniors who hold a Pioneer Generation membership and receive discounts at all outlets, supermarket chain FairPrice announced on Friday (July 23). To get the 3 per cent discount, shoppers need to present the Pioneer Generation card of their family […]
KABUL (REUTERS) – The United States has carried out air strikes to support Afghan government forces who have been under pressure from the Taleban as US-led foreign forces proceeded with the final stages of their withdrawal from the country. Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Thursday (July 22) the air strikes were in support […]
BEIJING (BLOOMBERG) – Mr Xi Jinping has made his first visit to Tibet as Chinese president, affirming Beijing’s control over a region where its military build-up and ethnic-assimilation polices have drawn international criticism. Mr Xi arrived in the regional capital Lhasa on Thursday (July 22), the official Xinhua News Agency said on social media. Mr […]
SINGAPORE – Resale prices for Housing Board flats climbed for the fifth consecutive quarter, though the volume of transactions were hit by tightened Covid-19 measures. HDB resale prices rose 3 per cent in the second quarter of this year over the previous three months, matching the increase seen in the first quarter, according to data […]
SINGAPORE – Fewer women are becoming mothers in their teens, according to the latest statistics. Last year, 256 babies were born to women aged 19 and younger, 8.6 per cent fewer than the 280 in 2019. Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month […]