«The situation in the Middle East is currently at a turning point between war and peace,» Zhang Hanhui said

Singapore needs to create new opportunities for itself while leveraging on existing strengths to build resilience amid an increasingly fragmented world, said Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong.Speaking at the Singapore Business Federation's Future Economy Conference on Wednesday (May 13), DPM Gan highlighted several ways that Singapore can sustain economic growth and stay globally competitive over the longer term, in line with the release of the Economic Strategy Review's (ESR) final recommendations today.The ESR's final recommendations build on their mid-term update in January and are a culmination of engagements by five committees — targeting global competitiveness, technology and innovation, entrepreneurship, human capital and managing the impact of restructuring — which began in August last year.

Even as the rule of law has helped keep Singapore trusted in an increasingly turbulent and uncertain world, it must be adapted and strengthened to remain relevant for the challenges ahead, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Wednesday (April 13). He made these points at the SGLaw 200 Youth Forum held at the Singapore Management University's Yong Pung How School of Law on Wednesday morning.Organised jointly by the Ministry of Law and the Institute of Policy Studies, the forum — held as part of activities to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Singapore's legal system —  is intended to spotlight the role of youths in shaping the future of the rule of law. In his opening address, PM Wong asked participants to consider the meaning of the rule of law and how it plays out in real life.Citing 17th-century French philosopher Blaise Pascal, who once said that justice without force is powerless, while force without justice is tyrannical, the prime minister pointed out that the rule of law is not merely about order or efficiency, but also, legitimacy.

The fees that government agencies have been collecting from the public are legal and proper, the Ministry of National Development (MND) has said.In a Facebook post on Tuesday (May 12), the ministry said the charges such as expediting temporary occupation permit inspections by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and processing resale flat applications by HDB were publicly known and properly administered to recover at cost the services provided.The other charges include expedited processing of certain licences and permits, fees for species certification by the National Parks Board (NParks), as well as the recovery of expenses by HDB and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) for illegally parked vehicles.MND pointed out that a new law passed in Parliament last week is meant to put the legal position beyond doubt and set out the fees and charges more explicitly in legislation. «This aligns our laws with long-standing practices and provides greater clarity, transparency and certainty for future transactions,» the ministry added.

'I didn't have time, Mum!' His mother Erin*, however, isn't complaining. She's relishing every moment. Because until last November, Erin hadn't seen her son for six years.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that 46-year-old China-born Changli 'Sophia' Luo has been charged with four counts, including blackmail, extortion and destruction of records, in federal court.

The aspiring model testified before Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee Tuesday as part of the congressional probe into the handling of the Epstein files.

D4vd, real name David Anthony Burke, sat stone-faced on Tuesday as his murder trial was once again delayed so that both sides can continue sifting through mounds of evidence.

Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, has passed away after a harrowing battle with a brain tumor. He was 47-years-old and just one year removed from his wedding.

Cinq prévenus comparaissent ce mardi devant le tribunal correctionnel de Papeete dans une affaire d’importation d’ice entre les États-Unis et la Polynésie française. Dans son réquisitoire, la procureure a dénoncé une « délinquance organisée » profitant de personnes vulnérables, notamment des femmes recrutées comme transporteuses.

Le tribunal administratif de la Polynésie française a condamné la commune de Paea à indemniser l’association Octo Fighting League. En 2025, le maire avait illégalement refusé de louer une salle pour un événement de MMA, jugeant cette discipline trop brutale pour sa jeunesse.

L'île de Tahiti fait face à un épisode pluvieux exceptionnel qui bouscule l'intersaison. La situation est d'autant plus préoccupante que ces averses durent depuis plusieurs jours, entraînant une saturation critique des sols. Face à des rivières déjà hautes, la prudence est requise car même de faibles pluies pourraient désormais causer des dégâts majeurs.

Conséquences de la mauvaise météo ces dernières 24 heures, à Papeari, un éboulement a perturbé le réseau d’eau potable. Depuis hier soir, l'eau courante a été coupée. Dès les premières heures de la matinée ce mardi, les agents techniques étaient mobilisés sur les canalisations pendant que d'autres équipes distribuaient des bouteilles d’eau aux habitants.

Zhang Hanhui emphasized that China supports maintaining the ceasefire and continuing negotiations

In 2026, Ukrainian forces carried out 3,475 shellings using artillery, rocket launchers, mortars, and tanks

The US leader did not provide a clear answer when asked whether he was prepared to abandon the ceasefire with Iran

Group press center head Leonid Sharov added that the battlegroup also destroyed 48 drone control points and 2 Starlink terminals

Russian President Vladimir Putin previously said Moscow benefits from constructive cooperation between Beijing and Washington

A 37-year-old man will be charged in court on Wednesday (May 13) for allegedly making more than 1,035 silent calls to police hotlines in April this year.In a news release on Tuesday night, police said the man made multiple silent calls to several Neighbourhood Police Centres between April 21 and 28, adding that he took «elaborate measures» to conceal his identity, including using a foreign number to make the calls, while remaining silent.Officers from Woodlands Police Division identified and arrested him on May 11 following extensive ground enquiries.If found guilty of obstructing a public servant in the discharge of public functions, he could be jailed for up to six months, fined up to $2,500, or both.The offence of transacting a SIM card registered using another person's personal information for criminal activity carries a fine of up to $10,000, jail of up to three years, or both.Police warned that they take a serious view of those who make false or silent calls to police hotlines to obstruct officers in carrying out their duties.They added that no effort will be spared to trace and prosecute such callers in court where necessary.

A multi-vehicle accident involving a trailer and three lorries on the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) towards Tuas on Monday (May 11) night left 17 people injured, including three persons who were trapped.The accident happened at about 9.25pm before the Corporation Road exit. Videos of the accident show a 14-foot lorry rear-ended by a lorry crane. Another lorry was stopped ahead of the two heavy vehicles, with a mangled canopy lying on the road shoulder.Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) personnel were seen climbing into the 14-lorry to reach someone trapped in the cabin. The lorry's door also appear to have been pried open.Meanwhile, a trailer was stopped about three-car lengths ahead of the three lorries. At least one SCDF fire engine, one light fire attack vehicle, one rescue tender and at least one ambulance were seen at the scene.In response to AsiaOne's queries, the police and SCDF said 17 persons, aged between 31 and 50, were taken conscious to two hospitals — six to the National University Hospital, while another 11 persons to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital.Police investigations are ongoing.[[nid:735648]]

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) arrested a 17-year-old male teenager for alleged repeat etomidate use and fined three others for vaping-related offences during a joint enforcement operation with the police in Punggol on April 30.In a news release on Wednesday (May 13), HSA said the operation was part of its ongoing enforcement patrols to detect vaping-related offences. Three persons, aged between 11 and 29, comprising two males and one female, were caught and fined for vaping. PHOTO: HSA HSA said its officers caught and fined the trio, comprising two male and one female, for vaping. The youngest is a 11-year-old, with the oldest being 29 years old.The authority said the arrested 17-year-old later tested positive for etomidate.

Nationwide, over 12.4 lakh chemists are set to strike on May 20, protesting online medicine sales and deep discounts. The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists highlights patient safety concerns, citing unregulated sales and potential misuse of prescriptions. They demand the withdrawal of specific government relaxations, fearing the impact on local pharmacies and healthcare access.

Congress leadership is nearing a decision to end Kerala's week-long Chief Minister deadlock after internal party discussions. Senior leaders, including Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, are expected to finalize the successor to the Left Front's decade-long rule. The prolonged uncertainty has somewhat dulled the UDF's election victory, with three prominent figures vying for the top post.

Rahul Gandhi registered a strong dissent against the CBI director selection process, calling it a «biased exercise» and a «mere formality.» He alleged the government denied him crucial information, including candidate appraisal reports, preventing a meaningful role. Gandhi stated he would not be a «rubber stamp» and boycotted the meeting.

Responding to Pakistan's warning, Indian Navy chief-designate Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan stated that India is prepared to counter any «misadventure» from across the border, emphasizing that such actions originate from there. He highlighted India's stance against terrorism, particularly from foreign soil, and underscored the Indian Navy's role as the guardian of the increasingly contested Indo-Pacific maritime domain.

RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale stated that every Hindu voter became a Hindu worker in West Bengal, viewing the assembly polls as a civilisational question. He emphasized that the organization faced hurdles and attacks due to its work for Hindus. Hosabale also advocated for people-to-people contact to improve India-Pakistan ties and dismissed calls to eradicate Sanatan Dharma.

Iran still maintains operational access to most of its missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz, according to the New York Times Read Full Article at RT.com

Exam nixed for 1st time since NTA took over in 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly reduced his motorcade size, aiming to inspire austerity across the government. The Special Protection Group is implementing this directive, cutting convoy vehicles by half while maintaining security standards. This move, coupled with the PM's call for reduced fuel and gold consumption, signals a broader push for cost-saving measures within ministries and departments.

Public sector oil companies are facing daily losses of Rs 1,000 crore, potentially forcing fuel price hikes soon. Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted significant under-recoveries, warning that companies cannot sustain these losses indefinitely. While elections are not the reason for the freeze, a drop in crude prices or reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could offer relief.

Donald Trump’s previous Beijing trip occurred in 2017

Milorad Dodik also denied weapons from Republika Srpska are in Ukraine