CATEGORIES

Biden Team Notifies Congress of Planned $11B Arms Sale to Israel

The administration of President Joe Biden has notified Congress of a proposed US$8 billion (S$11 billion) arms sale to Israel, a US official said on Jan. 3, with Washington maintaining support for its ally whose war in Gaza has killed tens of thousands.

Scarred by war, children who left Gaza face uncertain future

Questions linger on whether they can ever go home or if they should apply for asylum

Massive clean-up in Bali after 'worst' waves of plastic waste hit beaches

Hundreds of volunteers joined a clean-up in Bali, Indonesia, on Jan 4 as monsoon rains brought what an activist described as the \"worst\" waves of plastic waste to hit its tourist-favoured beaches.

Embattled British PM keeps calm even as Musk escalates attacks

Aides say Starmer is focused on ensuring an effective government

Poland Takes Over EU Council Presidency With Focus On Security

Poland launched its presidency of the Council of the European Union on Jan 3, mired in a diplomatic row with Hungary that underscored a deepening sense of political disunity across Europe just as it confronts a raft of major global challenges.

Moscow-backed region in Moldova hit as gas supplies are cut off

The cut-off of Russian gas supplies to Moldova's breakaway Transnistria region has forced the closure of all industrial companies except food producers, an official said on Jan 2.

Trump Sees Red Ahead of Inauguration With Flags at Half-Mast in Honor of Late President

Donald Trump said on Jan 3 that \"no American can be happy\" that flags will be at half-mast when he is inaugurated in January, claiming Democrats were delighted about the downbeat optics.

US farmers fret over Trump's promise to deport immigrants

Lifelong farmer Joe Del Bosque knows that America cannot live without immigrants, but he worries many of his countrymen think it cannot live with them either.

Mike Johnson Re-elected as US Speaker in Close Vote

Razor-thin Margin Highlights Potential Fissures Among Trump's Republicans on Capitol Hill

New Orleans attack puts spotlight on ISIS comeback bid

Despite US-led operations, militant group pulls off major hits while trying to rebuild

World's oldest person dies at 116 in Japan

The world's oldest person, a Japanese woman named Tomiko Itooka, has died at the age of 116, the city where she lived, Ashiya, announced on Jan 4.

US approves $4.9b missile sale to Japan

The US on Jan 3 announced the approval of a US$3.6 billion (S$4.9 billion) sale of up to 1,200 advanced air-to-air missiles and related equipment to Japan, one of Washington's closest allies in Asia.

Transcript of cockpit voice recorder in Jeju Air crash nearly complete

South Korean investigators said on Jan 4 that they were close to finalising the transcript of the cockpit voice recorder from a fatal plane crash that left 179 people dead last week.

Myanmar junta to release nearly 6,000 prisoners in annual amnesty

The military said it ordered the pardons \"on humanitarian and compassionate grounds\". The junta also announced that 144 people who had been sentenced to life in prison would have their sentences commuted to 15 years.

What's Next After Biden Blocked Sale of US Steel to Nippon Steel?

Path forward unclear, with both companies yet to terminate the proposed $20.4b deal

Walmart's Birkin lookalike 'Wirkin' causes frenzy

There is a new Birkin bag lookalike that has taken the internet and budget-conscious bag lovers by storm and, best of all, it costs only a fraction of the price of the famed luxury bag.

Japanese brands warn against fakes spreading at home and abroad

Counterfeits often promoted through fake social media ads or limited-time-period sales

Trump to be sentenced in hush money case, but judge signals no jail

US President-elect Donald Trump will be sentenced on Jan 10 in the criminal case in which he was convicted on charges involving hush money paid to a porn star, but is unlikely to face jail time or other penalties, a judge said on Jan 3.

Indonesia Seizes $567m in Cash From Graft Suspects in Three Months

Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan said that law enforcement agencies seized 6.7 trillion rupiah (S$567 million) in cash from suspects involved in graft cases in only the first three months of President Prabowo Subianto's administration.

Probe into central bank shows 'chronic' corruption in Indonesia, say analysts

Alleged misuse of social aid funds to benefit MPs is third case involving graft at the institution

SHAM MARRIAGES - More cases in Singapore in 2024, with most exposed via public tip-offs

Increase due to more foreigners wanting to extend visit passes to stay and work here

Yoon's head of security in spotlight after blocking arrest

Critics worry about his service being excessive amid calls for his arrest

Why are Yoon's supporters waving American flags?

As South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faced arrest on the morning of Jan. 3 following his failed martial law attempt a month earlier, protesters rallying in his support drew global attention — not just for their fiery chants, but also for their prominent display of the American stars and stripes alongside South Korea's Taegeukgi flag.

South Korea's political crisis: What could happen next?

South Korean investigators attempted to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol at his residence on Jan 3 over a failed martial law bid but were blocked by his security forces.

31-year-old with terminal cancer holds art show as his 'living funeral'

As a graphic designer, Mr Pow Jun Yang's lifelong dream was to stage his own art exhibition.

Going the Extra Mile to Repatriate Injured, Sick Foreign Workers

S'pore Red Cross scheme sends volunteers to accompany them to ensure they arrive safely

More help for Singaporeans when new Budget is announced: PM Wong

Govt looking at ways to address cost of living, help citizens realise their aspirations

Different paths for middle powers India and Australia

A Donald Trump return also brings into sharper focus the dilemma of managing relations with the US and China.

Singaporean households can now claim $300 CDC vouchers

Over 1.3 million households will benefit from move to help cushion impact of rising prices

Neil Young withdraws from Glastonbury music fest

Folk legend Neil Young has pulled out of the Glastonbury music festival in 2025, alleging it has fallen under \"the corporate control\" of its partner BBC.