Taxi rides between Singapore and Malaysia are set to become more convenient and accessible, as both countries will each increase their fleet of licensed cross-border taxis and allow passengers to be freely dropped off at their desired destinations. This comes after a meeting between Singapore's Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow and Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke at the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat on Wednesday (Dec 4). In a joint statement on Dec 5, both transport ministries said the ministers had acknowledged the demand for more convenient cross-border ride services and agreed to enhance the cross-border taxi scheme. Each country's quota for licensed cross-border taxis will be gradually raised from the current 200 to 500, subject to the implementation of safeguards against illegal domestic trips and insurance requirements. 

Minister of Parliament for Chua Chu Kang GRC Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim will be appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Social and Family Development on Jan 1, 2026.He had been set to take up the position on Feb 1, but his appointment has been brought forward as Zhulkarnain «has discharged his professional obligations earlier than initially scheduled», the Prime Minister's Office said on Friday (Dec 5).Zhulkarnain was a senior partner at law firm Dentons Rodyk, where he handled dispute cases and corporate and regulatory advisory matters.He made the decision to give up legal practice to join Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's Cabinet as a political office holder after the 2025 General Election in May.Singapore's code of conduct for ministers states that a minister who is a partner in a professional firm or other business must, cease to practise for remuneration or to play any part in the day-to-day management of the firm's affairs upon taking office.The two-term MP oversees the Keat Hong ward and is vice-chair of the South West Community Development Council and Chua Chu Kang Town Council. [[nid:718138]]

The National Environment Agency (NEA) has taken over 14,400 enforcement actions this year for smoking in prohibited areas, as of November 2025.Smoking is currently banned in more than 49,000 indoor and outdoor premises, with NEA enforcement officers patrolling hotspots.For instance, smoking is prohibited within five metres of bus stops to protect the public from second-hand smoke exposure.In response to queries by AsiaOne, a NEA spokesperson said: «We encourage smokers to be socially responsible when smoking in public places, and not to light up in smoking-prohibited places.»Friendly and timely reminders from family, friends and other members of the community can help to reinforce the right social behaviour and norms."Earlier this month, a man claimed he was fined $300 after leaving his extinguished cigarette butt on top of a rubbish bin. [[nid:725338]]esther.lam@asiaone.com 

The pilot, a member of the Air Force’s Thunderbirds aerobatics team, managed to safely eject Read Full Article at RT.com

Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands have said they will boycott the Eurovision 2026 after Israel was cleared to participate Read Full Article at RT.com

As Trump pushes for a more Republican-friendly House map, more than half a dozen states are potential targets for mid-decade tweaks to congressional boundaries.

Le nouveau bureau de l'Assemblée nationale de la 5è République à peine mis place que des recours sont déjà sur la table du Président de l'assemblée nationale nouvellement élu. L'élection du 4e Secrétaire du bureau de la représentation nationale est contestée par certains députés . Le bureau de l'Assemblée nationale de la 5è République est mis en place depuis le 17 novembre dernier et des violations se font constater. Ce rendez-vous des nouveaux élus nationaux fait des mécontents qui, (...) - POLITIQUE / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

US Vice President JD Vance stressed that the US administration has made «a lot of progress»

The European Union «needs to be independent or at least be ready to be strong in geopolitical developments,» Andrius Kubilius said

Trading in the ordinary shares of EduFocal Limited will resume on Friday, after the company submitted all outstanding financial statements, the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) announced Thursday. "The Jamaica Stock Exchange has lifted the...

The National Water Commission (NWC) is condemning what it describes as “rising incidents of illegal water connections and deliberate valve tampering” that are disrupting water supply in Alligator Pond in southern Manchester. It said some of the...

A 36-year-old chef has been charged following the discovery of a firearm and ammunition in a vehicle along Hanover Street in downtown Kingston last month. Police say the seizure occurred on Monday, November 17, after officers signaled the...

The Jamaican Government has paid tribute to “a most remarkable woman,” Ena Collymore-Woodstock, who died on Tuesday at the age of 108, calling her a trailblazer whose life of service broke barriers in both the military and law. Minister of...

The death toll from last week’s catastrophic floods and landslides in parts of Asia surged past 1,500 Thursday as rescue teams raced to reach survivors isolated by the disaster with hundreds of people still unaccounted for across the region....

The footage was shown on Capitol Hill, where Adm. Frank M. Bradley, who oversaw a deadly attack on alleged drug smugglers, faced a day of difficult questions about the operation.

Before a Virginia grand jury’s ruling Thursday, a judge had dismissed an earlier indictment after finding that the prosecutor had been unlawfully appointed.

The decision marks the latest development in a battle between Republican and Democratic states that seek partisan advantage ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Trinamool Congress has suspended MLA Humayun Kabir for his controversial plan to lay the foundation of a mosque on December 6, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. Despite the party's action, Kabir remains defiant, vowing to proceed with the plan and launch his own political party. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized unity, stating that disruptive elements would be removed.

Thousands of passengers faced severe travel chaos as IndiGo cancelled around 300 flights on Thursday due to underestimating pilot needs under new duty rules. This planning lapse by the airline led to widespread airport disruptions, impacting even other carriers. IndiGo admitted to misjudging crew requirements, causing significant inconvenience.

A nationwide air travel crisis, primarily involving IndiGo, has left thousands stranded. Mumbai City FC's journey to a Super Cup semi-final was severely impacted by cancellations and delays. Passengers faced prolonged waits, exorbitant fares, and missed crucial events, highlighting widespread disruption across major Indian cities.

The Russian leader emphasized that any actions involving criminal methods or those harming people cannot be supported

Ukraine’s population, which stood at 42 million before the conflict, has now shrunk below 36 million

The Russian President also added that, India is one of Russia's «reliable and especially trusting partners» in this area

There was no reported information about casualties or damage to residential buildings and civilian infrastructure facilities

Russian Permanent Representative to the Geneva-based international organizations Gennady Gatilov pointed out that certain Western countries widely use the notorious and harmful practice of introducing unilateral coercive measures

Thomas Gibbs, 42, was allegedly listening to music on earphones when his VW Passat hit Ben Jacobs, who was on a 30-mile ride with friends - although he said he was 'not distracted'.

The Parti Québécois's dominance in the polls for nearly two years and its leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon's promise to hold a referendum on Quebec sovereignty during his first term have reverberated all the way to Ottawa.

Former EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has quit the College of Europe amid a probe into suspected misuse of funds Read Full Article at RT.com