CATEGORIES

Loneliness 'epidemic': Americans seek solace in AI companion chatbots

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots will chip in to satisfy the all-too-human need for comfort this festive season, when the loneliness epidemic in the United States becomes more acute.

Astronaut relieved - missing dwarf tomato located in space station

A space mystery involving a missing tomato has been solved after several months.

Facing climate calamity, Vanuatu takes on big polluters at COP28

Nation’s future is at stake, minister says, as it pushes for an ambitious outcome from talks

US 'eager' to resume military talks agreed between Xi and Biden

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE - The United States and China have yet to resume the military-to-military talks their leaders agreed to at a splashy summit in November, according to the White House, which wants to jump-start the discussions to lower tensions.

US, S. Korea, Japan join hands against N. Korea's cyber threats

The United States, South Korea and Japan agreed on new initiatives on Dec 9 to respond to North Korea's threats in cyberspace, including cryptocurrency abuses and space launches, said White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

China's consumer price decline worsens, fuelling deflation fears

China's consumer prices fell at the steepest pace in three years while producer costs dropped even further into negative territory, underscoring the challenges facing economic recovery.

EU-China summit fails to move the trade dial

It will be remembered as a meeting of missed choices and opportunities

Jakarta sounds alert on Covid-19 subvariants

The Indonesian Health Ministry has urged greater vigilance amid a recent uptick in cases of new Covid-19 subvariants, both in the country and around the globe, while reassuring the public about the availability of vaccines.

One in five kids in Malaysia affected by stunted growth

Unhealthy diet due to poverty and the busy lifestyles of some parents cited as key reasons

NO 'PUPPET KING'

Johor Sultan set to voice his views as Malaysia’s next monarch

Foreign demand for property wanes amid stamp duty hike

Group formed 1.1% of non-landed private resale home deals in Oct, down from 5%

Alarm raised as 'apocalyptic' conditions grip Gaza

Aid charities have sounded the alarm about an apocalyptic” situation in Gaza after more than two months of war between Israel and Hamas, warning of starvation and an outbreak of disease.

Israel strikes Gaza after failed UN ceasefire bid

At least 71 killed over 24 hours, say Gazan officials; US veto sparks condemnation

CONVENIENCE or OBSTRUCTION? - Debate on allowing PMAs in indoor spaces rages on

As malls move to accommodate riders, other visitors flag safety risks and call for restrictions

US vetoes UN Security Council demand for ceasefire in Gaza

UNITED NATIONS The United States on Dec 8 vetoed a United Nations Security Council demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

Household electricity bills set to rise as carbon tax goes up in 2024

Four-room Housing Board flat could see an increase of 4 in monthly utility bills

Ten Hag couldn't resist 'impossible' United job

Erik ten Hag said he was warned off taking on the impossible job” of Manchester United manager, but admitted he could not forgo the challenge at Old Trafford.

THE RIGHT TIME FOR UPSETS: UNDERDOGS

Czech Krupnova wants first win over Finns, Swiss Gerig hopes to end Swedes’ reign

Russian, Belarusian neutrals at Paris 2024: IOC

Russians and Belarusians who qualify in their sport for the Paris 2024 Olympics can take part as neutrals without flags, emblems or anthems at the event, the International Olympic Committee IOC) said on Dec 8.

REDS ON THE RIGHT TRAJECTORY

Klopp pleased with Liverpool’s progress despite personnel changes

Be proactive and watch mega trends like AI in 2024: BlackRock

Expect to deploy more risk amid greater volatility, says investment giant’s research arm

Ho Ching and Jenny Lee on Forbes list of 100 most powerful women

Forbes magazine has named two Singaporeans to its 2023 list of 100 most powerful women, which features familiar and rising leaders in fields such as business, philanthropy, science and politics globally.

I tested positive for Covid-19.Should I still board my flight?

Expert advises delaying trip as there is the chance of high fever or vomiting during flight

Apps using AI to undress women in photos soaring in popularity

In Sept alone, 24 million visited such sites, many of which advertise on social media

New Thai govt pushes culture as soft power, but some are sceptical

Critics say Thai leaders’ focus on this may not translate into international influence

Russia's economic growth a boost for Putin before polls

Moscow weathers sanctions better than expected, but labour shortage a challenge

Moscow using aerial attacks in bid to control Ukraine's east: Kyiv

Russian forces relied heavily on aerial attacks on Dec 7 in their slow-moving campaign to win control of eastern Ukraine and resorted to new smaller attack groups in pressing to capture the beleaguered town of Avdiivka.

Yemen's Houthis carrying out attacks with Iran's support, says Biden aide

The United States believes Iran is involved in the planning and execution of drone and missile attacks by Yemen's Houthi group on Israel and ships in the Red Sea, a senior aide to US President Joe Biden said on Dec 7.

US steps up call to protect civilians as Israeli strikes in Gaza intensify

Gap between Israel’s pledges and results, says Blinken in his strongest public criticism

Have big family in Japan? Kids' uni fees may be waived

Japan is proposing to offer free university tuition for families with three or more children, Japanese media reported on Dec 7.