SINGAPORE - Adults caught having sexual communication with minors and meeting them in real life may face sexual grooming charges, which carry a sentence of caning and imprisonment.In a joint response to queries by The Straits Times over the Leomatch bot on Telegram, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) said they are aware that young people are using the bot, and of the risks of it being misused by malicious actors to sexually groom or exploit them.“We take this matter seriously, and the Government has several measures in place to deal with online grooming or exploitation,” said the authorities.Offenders above the age of 18 convicted of sexual grooming can be jailed for up to three years, fined, or both.For having sexual communication with a minor, an offender can be jailed for between two and three years and fined, depending on the age of the victim.Concerns were raised over the bot after three men were hauled to court for using it to prey on young victims.

MANILA - The Philippines and Singapore on Thursday (April 30) signed a carbon-trading deal that allows them to share emissions reductions, an agreement which Manila said is expected to lead to more investment into climate projects in the Philippines.Singapore's Environment Minister, Grace Fu, said in a statement the deal would deepen collaboration between the two countries, «channeling climate finance towards impactful projects in the Philippines and unlocking new opportunities in carbon markets for businesses and local communities.»The deal, signed during Asean's Climate Week, establishes a framework under the Paris Agreement for transferring verified emission reductions, or carbon credits, between Manila and Singapore.A joint committee will oversee the approval and implementation of projects, and tracking of emission reductions.Philippine Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the deal would help Manila to attract investments in renewable energy, waste management, methane reduction, nature‑based solutions, and climate‑smart agriculture.

The BJP attributes Bengal's record voter turnout to Hindu consolidation, asserting it signals a significant shift against Mamata Banerjee's leadership. Citing communal tensions and safety concerns, the party claims voters are demanding accountability and change. BJP also dismissed Chief Minister Banerjee's apprehensions about EVM malpractices as a desperate attempt to deflect from the election's outcome.

Repolling has been ordered in 15 South 24 Parganas booths for Saturday, May 2, following irregularities during Bengal's second phase polls. Concerns included disabled CCTV cameras and tampered EVMs. Special observers recommended repolling in several constituencies due to disturbing findings, with some booths in Falta reportedly seeing 100% turnout.

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu action, highlighting severe infrastructure and vacancy issues plaguing the National Company Law Tribunals (NCLT). These deficiencies are causing significant delays in crucial insolvency and bankruptcy cases, potentially undermining the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code's objectives. The court emphasized the urgent need for immediate remedial measures to prevent further frustration of the IBC's purpose.

Enforcement Directorate chief Rahul Navin highlighted legal hurdles in money laundering probes, questioning if trials should halt pending predicate offence conclusions. This debate, amplified by the junior finance minister's remarks defending the agency against political vendetta accusations, underscores the ED's push for independent money laundering investigations, despite Supreme Court rulings. The agency aims to maintain its high conviction rate.

The US has reportedly warned European countries to expect delays in weapons shipments as the war with Iran has depleted stockpiles Read Full Article at RT.com

Parks Canada has carried out three rescues in Banff National Park in recent weeks, all linked to deep, lingering snow that’s obscuring trails and slowing hikers. Officials warn conditions will persist through May and are urging people to check the Parks Canada website for trail reports before heading out for a hike.

An air force officer and decorated sharpshooter has pleaded guilty to illegally importing eight firearms after gun parts — some without serial numbers — were found stashed among his clothes and shoes when he moved back to Canada.

The Crown corporation behind Canada’s proposed high-speed rail line has released new details on how it plans to expropriate and compensate land owners to carry out the multibillion-dollar project.

A father has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of two young children found in a vehicle in northwest Calgary on Thursday.

RCMP say they've taken «a number of individuals» into custody but at least one remains outstanding after a report of shots fired in in the community of Behchokǫ̀, N.W.T., on Friday.

A total of 47 Ni-Vanuatu students were among 1,005 students who graduated from Solomon Islands National University (SINU) under the Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences on Thursday this week.

With construction set to begin in the coming weeks, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MoLNR) is stepping up efforts to ensure contractor preparations for the Tokyo Settlement Upgrade are aligned with environmental, social, and safety standards.

The Council of Ministers (COM) has raised the initial VT329 million fuel subsidy package to VT766 million to stabilise prices in key sectors covering inter island shipping, electricity, agriculture, and public transport.

The government is considering a minimum wage increase to support workers struggling with the rising cost of living.

For Isaac Abraham, graduating from the University of the South Pacific (USP) this week was not just an academic milestone. It was the result of years of endurance shaped by life in the remote Santo Big Bay bush.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district have successfully dismantled a terrorist hideout. Acting on crucial intelligence, a joint operation in the Chatroo region led to the discovery of a significant cache of weapons, including a grenade launcher, carbine, pistol, and substantial explosives. This major seizure highlights ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region.

Trinamool Congress has raised concerns with the Election Commission regarding alleged CCTV blackouts and unauthorized access to EVM strongrooms. BJP dismissed these claims as tactics by a party anticipating defeat. TMC representatives reported seeing individuals inside sealed rooms without party agents present, fueling suspicion ahead of counting day.

Kolkata police have imposed strict prohibitory orders around EVM strongrooms following Trinamool's vote tampering claims and clashes with BJP workers. Security has been heightened with additional forces and sealed roads. The Election Commission vows to punish any disruption, emphasizing robust security at all counting centers statewide to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, deeming allegations against Assam CM's wife and her counter-allegations politically motivated. The court emphasized personal liberty, stating custodial interrogation wasn't warranted given the political overtones of the dispute.

While most of India may experience normal to below-normal temperatures this May due to increased rainfall, certain regions, including Himalayan foothills, eastern coast, and parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat, are predicted to face an above-normal number of heatwave days. Warmer nights are also anticipated across many areas, linked to climate change.

D'importants ralentissements ont eu lieu sur la route de ceinture au PK 26, suite à l'incendie subit d'un véhicule. Le sinistre a été maîtrisé par les pompiers de Paea en 10 minutes. Il n'y a pas de victime.

Les révélations se poursuivent après la mise en cause de deux brancardiers dès ce 30 Avril. Ce sont désormais 4 protagonistes, suspectés de trafic de drogue, qui seront jugés le 18 juin

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malamulo Mission Hospital in Thyolo, committing K317 million towards a micro-grid power project, representing a 50-percent contribution to the initiative. The investment responds to persistent challenges at the facility, including power outages, voltage fluctuations and fuel shortages, which have affected service […] The post NBM plc commits K317 Million for Malamulo Hospital power project appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The Ministry of Gender has commended Telecommunications Network Malawi (TNM), through its mobile money platform TNM Mpamba, for significantly improving the efficiency, speed, and transparency of social cash transfer payments in Mangochi District. Speaking during an ongoing disbursement exercise on Thursday, Principal Social Affairs Officer Gilbert Kaponda said the partnership with TNM has strengthened the […] The post Government Applauds TNM Mpamba for Streamlining Social Cash Transfers in Mangochi appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

NBS Bank plc has unveiled a dedicated Chinese Banking service in a strategic move aimed at strengthening trade and investment links between Malawi and China. The specialised offering—among the first of its kind in Malawi—targets the growing Chinese business community operating in the country, as well as local enterprises engaged in trade with China. The […] The post NBS Bank Launches Chinese Banking Service to Unlock Malawi–China Trade Opportunities appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

NBS Bank has entered into a landmark 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), reinforcing its long-term commitment to supporting war veterans through the MDF Veterans Thanksgiving Golf Tournament. The agreement, signed at Kamuzu Barracks in Lilongwe, formalises a partnership that has steadily grown over the years. NBS Bank’s sponsorship has […] The post NBS Bank, MDF Seal 10-Year Deal to Secure Long-Term Support for War Veterans appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Second Vice President Enock Chihana has paid tribute to Malawian workers, acknowledging their dedication and the vital role they play in driving the country’s development. In a statement released in line with Labour Day commemorations—and echoing remarks by President Peter Mutharika—Chihana recognised the contribution of workers across all sectors of the economy. He singled out […] The post Chihana Salutes Malawian Workers, Calls for Unity and Fair Opportunities on Labour Day appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Russian journalist Solovyov has criticized Italian PM Giorgia Meloni over her Ukraine stance, migration policy, and the economic fallout Read Full Article at RT.com

Alors que le Comité National Olympique Gabonais s'avance vers un scrutin dont l'issue n'a jamais été aussi indécise, une certitude s'impose : entre Crésant Pambo et José Walter Foula, il ne s'agit plus d'une élection, mais d'une guerre personnelle, brutale et sans élégance. Deux anciens protégés de l'ex-président Léon Folquet, aujourd'hui transformés en ennemis jurés, qui semblent avoir troqué l'héritage olympique contre une querelle digne d'un mauvais feuilleton. Le point de rupture ? (...) - LIBRE PROPOS / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

TEHRAN – A Meadow Pipit (Anthuspratensis) bird has been spotted for the first time in Gandoman international wetland, in Borujen county, southwestern Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari province.

TEHRAN – Thanks to the high capabilities of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) and its remarkable achievements over the past years, particularly during the US-Israel war against the country, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has decided to choose the IRCS as the regional hub for recue and relief training, the head of the IRCS has said.

TEHRAN – According to the recent ranking published by SCImago 2025, Iran with 77,197 scientific articles, ranks third among Islamic nations.