CATEGORIES

'Sorry for wrongfully putting you on death row for 46 years'

TOKYO - A senior Japanese public prosecutor on Nov 27 bowed in apology to Mr Iwao Hakamada, the world's longest-serving death row prisoner, whose conviction was quashed in 2024.

Japan moves to change consumption tax system for tourists

Refund system slated to be introduced in 2026 in bid to curb fraudulent behaviour

Nearly 1,000 supporters of Pakistan's ex-PM Imran Khan arrested

Pakistani authorities arrested nearly 1,000 supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan who stormed the capital this week to demand his release, the city's police chief said on Nov 27.

S. Koreans oppose arms for Ukraine as envoy visits

South Koreans remain widely opposed to directly supplying arms to Ukraine, recent polls show, despite renewed international requests from Kyiv and allied capitals after North Korean troops were reported to be helping Russia.

Seoul hit by heaviest November snowfall on record

South Korea's capital was blanketed on Nov 27 by the heaviest November snowfall since records began over a century ago, the weather agency said.

India's Parliament proceedings halted again over Adani graft issue

MPs disrupt proceedings, demanding discussion of billionaire's US indictment

Huawei plans to drop Android entirely in gadgets from 2025

SHENZHEN - Huawei Technologies said that from 2025, its new smartphones and tablets will run on an operating system stripped of Google's open-source Android technology.

Opposition claims victory in race for Jakarta governor

If confirmed, result will be a blow to President Prabowo and his bid to consolidate power

Key provisions of Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire

BEIRUT - Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah agreed to implement a ceasefire early on Nov 27 as part of a US-proposed deal for a 60-day truce to end more than a year of hostilities.

Bidens plan fbr Middle East peace a fifagile hope amid Trump transition

After ceasefire deal in Lebanon, focus now shifts to the Israel-Gaza conflict

Companies' debt levels in S'pore low; banks and insurers can withstand shocks: MAS

Despite still-high borrowing costs and weaker earnings, businesses in Singapore have been able to service their debts, the central bank has found, adding that macroeconomic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions are key hurdles ahead.

Indian classical musician and artist awarded Cultural Medallion

Indian classical flautist, composer and conductor Ghanavenothan Retnam, 63, had good reason to cheer on Nov 27.

Ng Yu Zhi allegedly lived lavishly on gains from scam

More than $481m channeled to his personal bank accounts, says prosecutor

Build optimism, solidarity to tackle 3 'long problems': President Tharman

Climate change, AI and ageing societies are the largest governance challenges that countries face, he says

PM Wong visiting Thailand today

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will visit Bangkok on Nov 28 at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Malaysia, S'pore reaffirm efforts to protect marine life in Johor Strait

The Johor Strait, the narrow body of water between Singapore and Malaysia, is under growing pressure from many sources, including aquaculture farms and land reclamation.

News analysis Latest graft probe on China defence minister a blow to engagement

But analysts say the military's fighting capability will not be critically impacted

AGC under fire after IMDB-linked charges against Najib dropped

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's public prosecutors have drawn flak from analysts and observers after former prime minister Najib Razak and former treasury chief Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah were on Nov 27 granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) in a graft case linked to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state fund scandal.

Household debt up, but financial assets grow at faster pace

The debt of households in Singapore may have risen in the past year, but their financial assets such as cash and stocks grew at a faster pace, so they can withstand pressures, said the central bank.

Lebanese cheer Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreement

Deal is major win for US-led diplomacy; Israel expected to focus on Iran, Hamas

Actor Ryan Lian slashed outside shopping centre

Local actor Ryan Lian fears disfigurement after he was attacked outside a shopping centre and suffered facial injuries.

Blue Man Group to end New York run after three decades off-Broadway

NEW YORK - Blue Man Group, the wordless theatrical troupe of drumbeating, paint-splattering, bald blue performers, will end its run in New York on Feb 2, more than three decades and 17,000 performances after it began.

Author Cormac McCarthy had relationship with teen when he was 42: Vanity Fair

On Nov 20, American magazine Vanity Fair published a bombshell article revealing that Cormac McCarthy, one of the United States' most celebrated and enigmatic novelists, had a relationship with a girl he met when he was 42 and she was 16.

Actor Jung Woo-sung may skip film awards after love child revelation

South Korean actor Jung Woo-sung, who was recently revealed to have fathered a child out of wedlock, is reportedly discussing with his agency whether to attend the Blue Dragon Film Awards on Nov. 29.

Imagine Dragons more pensive after six-year absence

Some 10,000 fans attended the concert by the American pop-rock band, who last performed in Singapore in 2018

Team behind Netflix film hopes to spread joy and spark debate on IVF

The makers of a new film about the British pioneers of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) hope it highlights the fragile status of fertility treatment, with perceived threats in places like the United States and dwindling availability in Britain.

Notre-Dame inspired Americans' love and help after fire

Through an avalanche of giving in amounts from US$10 (S$13.50) to US$10 million, Americans have proven their love for Paris' Notre-Dame cathedral, mobilizing to support the rebirth of a monument they hold dear.

Wicked revels in the glory of frenemies

The female frenemy plot takes oft-hidden tensions and makes them larger than life for viewers' enjoyment and catharsis

Shell Out for shellfish

Clams, oysters and scallops are nutrient-packed and an environmental success story

Stomping out plantar warts

I get warts on the bottom of my feet. How can I treat and prevent them?