Starbucks Singapore has been told by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) to remove or amend signs referring to its supposed transition towards halal certification, following a notice displayed at its Parkland Green outlet.In a statement on Thursday (May 14), a Muis spokesperson said it has not received any halal certification application from the coffee chain to date.«Muis takes a serious view of this matter. Any reference to halal certification status, preparations towards halal certification, or an ongoing halal application process prior to halal certification approval is strictly not permitted,» said the spokesperson.Such representations can mislead the public and may constitute a breach of Muis halal certification conditions, the spokesperson added.The coffee chain has also been instructed to cease all unauthorised references to halal certification status or application progress across all public-facing communications and materials, and to review and rectify all related content, including social media and in-store materials.

Uttar Pradesh reels from devastating rains and thunderstorms, claiming over 100 lives and causing significant damage to homes and livestock. The state government has pledged Rs 4 lakh compensation for each deceased and is actively monitoring relief efforts. Meanwhile, advanced AI-powered weather forecasting systems have been launched to enhance early warnings for extreme weather events nationwide.

Delhi high court judge Swarana Kanta Sharma announced contempt proceedings against discharged accused in the excise policy case for posting defamatory material. The judge stated she cannot remain silent against vilifying content targeting her and the court. This action follows Arvind Kejriwal and others boycotting proceedings after the judge declined to recuse herself.

[ISS] Somalia faces more than spillover effects - these shocks are pushing the country's long-term recovery further out of reach.

[Daily Maverick] Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has been appointed acting minister pending a full-time appointment, says the President.

Paris is struggling to rebuild trust among African youth that associates France with decades of interference and unequal partnership Read Full Article at RT.com

The US military has unveiled plans to purchase thousands of low-cost missile systems Read Full Article at RT.com

US congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna has demanded that the CIA return 40 boxes of JFK and MKUltra files Read Full Article at RT.com

Chinese officials are using a different transliterated character for the secretary of state's name, perhaps to allow him to visit without lifting the 2020 ban.

China’s leader made clear his top priority is the fate of the contested island and its U.S. military support, a striking move given President Donald Trump’s effort to mend ties and deliver trade deals.

India has banned sugar exports amid a surge in global prices and concerns over lower production Read Full Article at RT.com

A photograph showing 16 seats «choped» at Punggol Coast Hawker Centre, close to lunch hour on Thursday (May 14), has sparked a growing discussion on social media on the uniquely Singaporean «culture».The use of personal items such as tissue packets to reserve, or «chope» a table or seat while one goes to buy food is a long-standing but contentious cultural norm here.From time to time, such occurrences would creep up in discussions on social media or chat groups.And it seems the culture is not confined to Singapore, with food court patrons in Japan known to have a similar practice.Some foreign visitors, perhaps noting Singapore's reputation as a safe city for tourists, have even used iPhones to «chope» seats at a cafe. 

Be very wary if you've received WhatsApp messages or emails inviting you to virtual meetings or even contribute to «urgent funding assistance» sought by the prime minister.Earlier on May 6, the police had alerted the public of a scam variant where victims were convinced to sign a «non-disclosure agreement» (NDA) — before meeting virtually with senior government officials, including the president or ministers.A man, who had prior interactions with government officials, has now become the latest victim of this scam variant.He lost at least $4.9 million after believing that Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had sought his help, through Secretary to the Cabinet Wong Hong Kuan, to provide «urgent funding assistance» relating to the situation at the Strait of Hormuz.Modus operandi: 'Highly sensitive and controlled' matter Screenshots of WhatsApp messages and an email received by the victim show the scammer claiming to be acting on the instruction of the Prime Minister's Office. 

Those working or living in the central region and downtown core can soon look forward to greater accessibility and convenience when the Circle Line Stage 6 opens on July 12.The three new stations — Keppel, Cantonment and Prince Edward Road MRT stations — will hold a public preview from 9.30am to 9pm on July 4. Speaking to the media at the LaSalle Graduate Fashion Show 2026 held at Cantonment MRT station on Thursday (May 14), Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow said Circle Line 6 is now undergoing final systems testing and integration after several years of construction.«We've come a full circle now,» he said, encouraging commuters to experience the new MRT stations and ride for free during the preview.3 things about the 3 new stationsIn a news release on Thursday, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) highlighted that all three stations are designed for commuter convenience and accessibility. This includes: barrier-free access, lifts, escalators, and tactile guidance systems to key touchpoints.

According to Fars report, the decision was made that a number of Chinese vessels, upon Beijing's request and after agreeing on the passage rules, would be able to follow through the Strait of Hormuz unhindered

Deputy CEO for Military Shipbuilding and Special Programs at the United Shipbuilding Corporation Andrey Bogomolov noted during the event that only domestic technologies and materials will be used in the construction of the new frigate

The Hungarian Foreign Ministry has so far refrained from making any comments

The Russian leader conveyed words of sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those affected by the natural disaster

Director of the Russian MFA Department of Economic Cooperation Dmitry Birichevsky said the global majority sees ongoing injustice

[Namibian] National Council members this week criticised the government's water supply budget, saying many rural communities continue to face severe shortages despite repeated promises and funding allocations.

Ukraine’s top anti-corruption court has ordered the pre-trial detention of former Zelensky chief of staff Andrey Yermak Read Full Article at RT.com

Former Nigerian Power Minister Saleh Mamman has been sentenced to 75 years in prison after being convicted of laundering more than $21mn Read Full Article at RT.com

Saudi and Kuwaiti forces struck militia targets in Iraq during the Middle East war in retaliation for attacks, Reuters reports Read Full Article at RT.com

The Iran war has allowed China to score economic and diplomatic wins as America’s arsenal runs dry, the Washington Post reports Read Full Article at RT.com

President Cyril Ramaphosa has named new judges for South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal and several High Court divisions Read Full Article at RT.com

Spokesperson for India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Mukesh Mangal confirmed that the Indian vessel Haji Ali came under attack off the coast of Oman

The airline said the flights will be operated on Boeing 737 aircraft in a two-class configuration

The meeting lasted approximately 25 minutes

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that India is expanding access for its goods and services to global markets through free trade agreements