Sunday, 17 Nov 2024

Asia

Asia News – Get latest breaking news & top stories today in Asia, South-East Asia, South Asia, East Asia, Australia/New Zealand at…

Morning Briefing: Top stories from The Straits Times on Oct 29

Good morning! Here are our top stories to kick-start your Friday, Oct 29. 3,432 new Covid-19 cases in Singapore; 15 seniors die The weekly infection growth rate is at 1.13, down from 1.15.  READ MORE HERE Taxi and private-hire drivers must take weekly Covid-19 tests from Nov 1 They will be allowed to self-test using ART […]

European shares flat as ECB maintains status quo

(Reuters) -European stocks struggled for direction on Thursday on a batch of mixed earnings reports, as the European Central Bank kept its massive stimulus taps open and maintained its view that a recent spike in inflation would be temporary.FILE PHOTO: Bull and bear symbols for successful and bad trading are seen in front of the […]

Employment agencies to conduct checks on welfare of new maids from Dec

SINGAPORE – From December, maid agencies will have to conduct checks on maids who are newly hired to help ensure their well-being. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced in a statement on Thursday (Oct 28) that agencies will have to conduct at least one check on a maid as well as her employer within the […]

Tax rises and inflation to squeeze UK living standards – IFS

LONDON (Reuters) -Higher inflation and rising taxation to fund growing demand for healthcare and other public services will cause living standards in Britain to barely rise over the coming year, the Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank said on Thursday.FILE PHOTO: A person stands on the London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London, […]

Asean upgrades strategic ties with China, says Myanmar a key member

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (REUTERS) – The Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean) said on Thursday (Oct 28) it has agreed with China to upgrade their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, a day after reaching a similar deal with Australia. Australia’s clinching of the elevated partnership was a symbolic win for Canberra in getting ahead […]

Filipinos flock to cemeteries ahead of All Saints' Day closure

MANILA (AFP) – Thousands of people flocked to cemeteries in the Catholic-majority Philippines on Thursday (Oct 28) for their last chance to visit dead loved ones ahead of a government-ordered nationwide closure of graveyards for All Saints’ Day. Filipinos usually pour into cemeteries on Nov 1 for the ancient Christian tradition, many holding family reunions […]

Singapore pump prices rise for the fourth time in three weeks

SINGAPORE – Pump prices are up again – the fourth time in three weeks – in an ascending trend that could see the most popular 95-octane fuel hitting $3 a litre by next year, and the priciest “special” grades crossing $4. The latest increase was by Caltex on Wednesday (Oct 27). With its move, Caltex […]

Beijing police mete out punishments to Covid-19 rule breakers

BEIJING (BLOOMBERG) – China is striving to contain a fresh Covid-19 outbreak that has spread to nearly half of the country, with the police in the capital meting out punishments to those who refuse to comply with curbs. More than 200 people have been diagnosed since the latest flare-up began 10 days ago, as tourists […]

World should shut 3,000 coal plants to keep on climate track: Study

SHANGHAI (Reuters) – The world will need to shut down nearly 3,000 coal-fired power plants before 2030 if it is to have a chance of keeping temperature rises within 1.5 deg C, according to research by climate think tank TransitionZero. In a report published days before the United Nations COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow, […]

Japan's Sept retail sales decline for a second month

FILE PHOTO: Shoppers walk at the Ameyoko shopping district, also called Ameya-Yokocho, where Tokyo’s biggest street food market is located, in Tokyo, Japan June 5, 2021. REUTERS/Issei KatoTOKYO (Reuters) – Japan’s retail sales fell for a second month in September as consumers limited spending amid concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, reinforcing expectations the world’s third-largest […]