Voting patterns in the new Punggol Group Representation Constituency (GRC) may change due to young residents, a political expert has said. On Tuesday, the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee announced changes to constituencies which will include five new GRCs such as Pasir Ris-Changi, Punggol, Jurong East-Bukit Batok, Marine Parade-Braddell Heights and West Coast-Jurong West.  The new SMCs include Bukit Gombak, Jalan Kayu, Jurong Central, Queenstown, Sembawang West and Tampines Changkat. Speaking to AsiaOne on Tuesday (March 11) on the key battleground constituencies for the upcoming General Election (GE), independent political observer Dr Felix Tan commented that the new Punggol GRC comprises «a lot of younger voters and newer estates» which may «shift voting patterns around». On the ground, younger Punggol residents are hopeful that this change would help their voices be better heard. «I thought that (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC) was actually quite big, so maybe being just Punggol GRC might be a good thing,» 34-year-old Punggol resident Lim told AsiaOne. «Maybe our MPs may be a bit more focused on our GRC.»

HANOI — Singapore and Vietnam on Wednesday (March 12) have agreed to enhance co-operation in subsea cables, finance, and energy, marking an upgrade in their relations to Vietnam's highest level, during a visit by its Communist Party Chief To Lam to the city-state. Singapore is the third Southeast Asian nation, after Malaysia and Indonesia, with which Vietnam has established a «comprehensive strategic relationship». In a joint statement released following the upgrade, Lam and Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong witnessed the exchange of six agreements and discussed co-operation in undersea cable development, digital connectivity, and cross-border data flows. Southeast Asian countries, a major junction for cables connecting Asia to Europe, aim to expand their networks to meet the surging demand for AI services and data centres. Vietnam alone plans to launch 10 new submarine cables by 2030.

Although the newly formed Sembawang West single-member constituency (SMC) has split from the Sembawang group representation constituency (GRC) for the upcoming general election, it «remains an integral part of the Sembawang family», said MP Ong Ye Kung. Ong, who is also the Minister for Health said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (March 12) that the new ward's upgrading and development plans will continue to be part of the GRC's town development plan. «As an SMC, (Sembawang West) will be able to have more autonomy and flexibility to implement initiatives to address the specific needs of its residents,» he wrote. Ong also said that the change in electoral boundaries in the area was not surprising as more residents have moved into Sembawang GRC, and the population has expanded considerably over the past few years. «Increasing the number of MPs from five to six in the area will help to better serve the needs of our residents,» he said, adding that the key change for constituency is that it will go from being a five-person GRC to a «five-person GRC plus an SMC».

The latest news on President Donald Trump’s return to the White House and the new Congress.

The Al-Qaeda-affiliated group has reportedly claimed responsibility for the assault on the Cairo Hotel, declaring that it killed ten people Read Full Article at RT.com

A boat carrying soccer players has capsized on the DR Congo’s Kwa River, resulting in 25 deaths, officials have confirmed Read Full Article at RT.com

Ukraine has sabotaged itself by breaching Russia’s trust in the past, the foreign minister has said Read Full Article at RT.com

The US president had previously announced plans to hit Canadian steel and aluminum exports with a 50% tax Read Full Article at RT.com

Kiev’s forces hit a feed-processing plant in the Russian region, according to Aleksandr Khinstein Read Full Article at RT.com

«We expect that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Donald Trump’s aide Mike Waltz will inform us about the details of the talks held and the agreements reached via various channels in the next days,» Dmitry Peskov said

On March 11, negotiations between the delegations of the United States and Ukraine took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, lasting approximately nine and a half hours

The top Russian diplomat also warned against relying on the good will of today’s enemies, who have set a task of inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia, including «on principle»

The US president has expressed his interest to meet with Putin

If such a need emerges, a call at the highest level can be organized very quickly, Dmitry Peskov said

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee criticized BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari for his communal remarks about Muslim MLAs in the assembly. Banerjee accused the BJP of trying to divert attention from economic issues by making such statements. She urged the assembly to pass a resolution condemning Adhikari's remarks and emphasized the responsibility of protecting Hindus lies with everyone.

In Ayodhya, Friday prayers at mosques will take place after 2 pm due to Holi celebrations this week. Chief cleric Mohammad Haneef urged the Muslim community to be patient and celebrate Holi with respect. Adequate security arrangements are in place, and peace committee meetings ensure peaceful festivities. Similar adjustments are seen in various parts of Uttar Pradesh.

During his visit to Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with the nation's highest award, dedicating it to the Indian ancestors of Mauritius and all generations. Modi emphasized his commitment to strengthening the India-Mauritius partnership and jointly inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation.

A political controversy has started in Maharashtra over the government's new 'Malhar Certification' initiative. Minister Nitesh Rane launched this certification for Hindu meat traders to ensure shops are 100% Hindu-owned and free from adulteration. Opposition leaders have criticised the move, calling it divisive and unconstitutional. Rane defended the initiative, focusing on ensuring quality and promoting Hindu-owned businesses.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali government forces, supported by African Union troops, successfully ended a 15-hour siege at Hotel Cairo (Qahira ) in Beledweyne, which had been attacked by Al-Shabaab militants early Tuesday morning.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia is bracing for a challenging Gu season (March-April-May) as forecasts predict drier-than-usual conditions and higher-than-average temperatures across much of the country. The anticipated weather patterns pose a significant threat to food security, water availability, and livestock survival, according to findings presented during the sixth National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF6) held in Mogadishu on March 4-5, 2025.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia's national football team has appointed Yusuf Ali Nur as head coach ahead of crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Guinea and Botswana later this month. The move follows the departure of Moroccan coach Rachid Lousteque, who led the Ocean Stars for two seasons but failed to make a significant impact.

Russia’s top diplomat recalled how then-US Secretary of State James Baker and other NATO officials had promised to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev that the military alliance «wouldn't move an inch to the East»

The meeting was allegedly convened by the Germans and the French to save the Minsk agreements, the Russian top diplomat recalled

«The European Union is no longer a peaceful economic project,» the minister said

The European Commission noted that the EU remains ready to work with the US administration to find a negotiated solution

«The pause on intelligence sharing with Ukraine has ended,» Tulsi Gabbard announced

Brave Hearts men’s and women’s basketball teams made Malawi proud at a three-nation tournament in Lusaka, Zambia, clinching gold and silver medals, respectively. The Under-20 team also secured silver after falling to Ilanda in the final. The tournament, hosted by Bridging Sports Foundation—an organization based in the U.S.—featured teams from Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Brave […] The post Brave Hearts Shine at Zambia Basketball Tournament appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Ladies and gentlemen, gather around for the biggest political magic show of the year! Presenting none other than the legendary political nomad himself—Ken “Mr. Everywhere” Msonda—who has just pulled off his greatest trick yet: disappearing from the ballot with only eight votes to his name! Yes, you heard it right! While Alfred Nyasulu walked away […] The post Ken Msonda’s Political Circus: A Grand Flop in Rumphi East appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

India and Mauritius have signed eight key Memorandums of Understanding to enhance cooperation in banking, trade, security, and governance. Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Pravind Jugnauth emphasized the strong historical and cultural ties, with a new vision for shared growth and security across regions being also outlined.

Following the latest report by the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC), several opposition parties, including the Workers' Party (WP) and the Progress Singapore Party (PSP), have come out to express concerns over some of the boundary changes.  In a statement after the report was released on Tuesday (March 11), the WP noted «significant changes» to areas where they have been «working consistently for the last few years». The party didn't name those areas.  The Committee's proposed changes include 18 Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) and 15 single-member constituencies (SMCs), an increase from the current 17 GRCs and 14 SMCs. The proposed revisions were a result of «population shifts and housing developments», said EBRC.