Amid US President Donald Trump’s new unfair trade practices probe into excess industrial capacity in 16 major trading partners, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has launched a second investigation on 60 economies, including Singapore.The latest investigation relates to acts, policies, and practices associated with the importation of goods produced with forced labour.USTR Jamieson Greer said on Thursday (March 12) that he wanted countries to enforce ban on goods produced with forced labour, similar to those enshrined in a nearly century-old trade law.Responding to the investigations on forced labour, Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said on Friday night that it will engage the USTR on the investigations.The 60 economies under investigations include Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.These also include the 16 economies which are the subject of investigations relating to structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors.

A batch of processed food from China is being recalled after Singapore Food Agency (SFA) detected the presence of sulphur dioxide — an allergen — in them. The food additive was not declared in the packaging label.Y K Pte Ltd, the importer of the affected product — Longan Pulp (500g) — has been directed to recall them, the agency said on Friday (March 13) night.One batch of the product, with a production date of January 2026, is being recalled.SFA said that while sulphite does not pose a food safety issue to consumers at large, those who are intolerant of, or allergic to, sulphites may either develop or experience hives, itchiness, stomach ache, diarrhoea, or vomiting.Those who have purchased the affected product, and are intolerant of or allergic to sulphites, should not consume them. They may contact their point of purchase for enquiries.Persons who have consumed the implicated product should seek medical advice if they have concerns about their health. Under Singapore's food regulations, food products containing ingredients which are known to cause hypersensitivity must be declared on food packaging labels.

A truck with a trailer tipped over after making an ill-fated turn on Thursday (Feb 12), dropping a large metal cylinder on the road.As seen in car dashcam footage posted to Facebook by SG Road Vigilante on Friday, the truck pulls out of a construction site and attempts to make a sharp left turn to get onto Sengkang East Road.However, a large metal cylinder slides and tips the vehicle onto its right and rolls onto the road before coming to a stop on the median.Some netizens were bemused, wondering if the driver was qualified for carrying the load, while others joked about the incident.«Luckily that thing didn't roll back to Buangkok,» a comment read.Another commenter said: «Wrong trailer used. Should use a lowbed trailer for this load.»  

A parliamentary panel urged the finance ministry to allocate fertilizer subsidy funds at the budget estimate stage to align with actual needs. The committee also recommended boosting domestic production due to higher subsidy burdens on imported urea and NPK fertilizers, citing significant cost differences.

Multiple states have joined the Gaza genocide case, with the US, Hungary and Fiji backing Israel, the ICJ has said Read Full Article at RT.com

The acknowledgement is part of a legal filing to dismiss an “alienation of affection” lawsuit against the former senator from Arizona.

U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg cited a lack of evidence against central bank chief Jerome H. Powell and suggested the subpoenas aimed to pressure him.

The 33,000-square-foot screening center, planned below Sherman Park, would be the Trump administration’s latest effort to remake the White House grounds.

LIVE: Follow the latest developments on the US-Israel war with Iran as Iranian drone strike causes buildings to shake in the city's financial centre.

The BJP has blamed alleged Muslim infiltrators from Bangladesh for recent violence in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills, citing demographic shifts and attempts to usurp tribal rights. Tensions escalated after tribals protested non-tribal nominations for council elections, following a high court ruling.

According to the news agency, seven more people were wounded

United Nations experts say they are «gravely concerned» about attempts to block a Vanuatu-led climate resolution at the UN General Assembly.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has sent emergency health and nutrition supplies to Ambae to support communities affected by the increased volcanic activity.

The Minister of Climate Change, Ralph Regenvanu, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on Tuesday in Japan with the Japan’s Minister of Environment, Ishihara Hirotaka.

Each of the 430 members of the Vanuatu Police Force (VFC) and civilian staff involved in the December 2024 earthquake response will receive an average estimated risk allowance of VT254,186.

A British national and a Lithuanian were arrested after the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) seized 1.6 tons of cocaine on board a yacht at Havannah Harbour in north Efate.

The police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of a 15-year-old girl, Lilyana Lim. In a news release on Friday (March 13) night, the police said she was last seen in the vicinity of Block 12 Eunos Crescent at about 9pm on March 10. The said address is part of a HDB precinct located next to Eunos Crescent Market and Food Centre.Those with information are urged to contact the police hotline at 999 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness.All information will be kept strictly confidential, the police said.[[nid:730528]]editor@asiaone.com 

A 38-year-old Singaporean man will be charged in court on Saturday (March 14) for his alleged involvement in a case of government official impersonation scam involving losses of over $920,000.He is believed to have abetted by conspiracy to possess or use property from criminal conduct, police said on Friday (March 13).Police said they received a report from a female victim on Feb 10 who had received a call from an unknown person claiming to be from HSBC bank. The person informed her of a credit card under her name.When the victim denied having a credit card issued by the bank, the call was transferred to a person claiming to be from the Ministry of Law, and later to another person claiming to be from the Monetary Authority of Singapore.She was then told that she was involved in a case of money laundering and that her valuables were to be handed over for safekeeping purposes during the investigation.The victim ended up handing over valuables consisting gold and luxury watches worth more than $920,000 over two occasions to different individuals. A report was lodged after the victim realised that she was scammed.

Germany would become the top destination for Iranian refugees should US-Israeli aggression continue, a research institute has warned Read Full Article at RT.com

Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev likely played a key role in lifting sanctions on Russian oil, to the frustration of Brussels and Kiev Read Full Article at RT.com

The US-Israeli attack on Iran is entering its third week with continuing long-range strikes and an escalating war of words on both sides Read Full Article at RT.com