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Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Israel says Gaza got 120 trucks of aid on day one of pause
Find out what's new on ST website and app. JERUSALEM - Israel said July 28 that more than 120 truckloads of food aid were distributed by the UN and aid agencies in the Gaza Strip on the first day of a promised limited break in fighting. On July 27, Israel declared a 'tactical pause' in military operations in part of Gaza and promised to open secure routes for aid, urging humanitarian groups to step up food distribution. 'Over 120 trucks were collected and distributed yesterday by the UN and international organisations,' said Cogat, an Israeli defence ministry body overseeing civilian affairs in the Palestinian territories. 'An additional 180 trucks entered Gaza and are now awaiting collection and distribution, along with hundreds of others still queued for UN pickup,' Cogat said in a post on X. Separately, Israel, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates have conducted parachute air drops of smaller quantities of aid. More than two million Palestinians live in Gaza and, before the eruption of the latest 21-month-old conflict between Israel and Hamas, it took roughly 500 trucks per day of commercial trade and humanitarian aid to supply the territory. In recent weeks UN agencies have been warning of a life-threatening famine as aid supplies dry up, and international pressure has been building for a ceasefire to allow a massive relief operation. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Tanjong Katong sinkhole backfilled; road to be repaved after LTA tests Asia Gunman kills 5 security guards near Bangkok's Chatuchak market before taking own life Singapore HPB looking for vaping, smoking counselling services for up to 175 secondary school students Asia Cambodia says immediate ceasefire is purpose of talks; Thailand questions its sincerity Singapore Jail for former pre-school teacher who tripped toddler repeatedly, causing child to bleed from nose Singapore Police statements by doctor in fake vaccine case involving Iris Koh allowed in court: Judge Singapore Woman allegedly linked to case involving pre-schooler's sexual assault given stern warning Singapore Singapore lion dance troupe retains title at Genting World championship Israel's government, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, furiously denies that it is using hunger as a weapon of war, and instead accuses the aid agencies of failing to pick up and distribute aid delivered to Gaza's border crossing points. 'More consistent collection and distribution by UN agencies and international organisations equals more aid reaching those who need it most in Gaza,' Cogat said. AFP
Straits Times
a day ago
- Straits Times
SAF artillery, aircraft make Exercise Talisman Sabre debut in Australia
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The Singapore Army HIMARS participating in the combined joint live-firing at Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. SINGAPORE – The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) participated for the first time in the multinational Exercise Talisman Sabre (XTS), co-hosted by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command. More than 100 SAF personnel, two Himars rocket launchers and two Chinook helicopters were deployed between July 13 and 28 alongside 40,000 personnel from 18 other partner nations at the military exercise, said the SAF on July 28. The 11th iteration of XTS, the largest multinational military exercise in the Asia-Pacific and held every other year, will conclude on Aug 4. Partner nations at the drills include Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Britain and Japan. Malaysian and Vietnamese forces attended as observers, according to the Australian Department of Defence. Teams from the SAF's Special Operations Task Force, Special Operations Aviation Task Group, medical and information domains took part in integrated training with partner forces. 'We value such multilateral training opportunities, which allow the SAF to enhance interoperability and deepen mutual understanding with partner militaries,' said Brigadier-General Anand Sathi Kumar. 'Such opportunities will further hone the SAF's tactical competencies, demonstrate our soldiers' professionalism, and build enduring friendships with partner nations.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Tanjong Katong sinkhole backfilled; road to be repaved after LTA tests Asia Gunman kills 5 security guards near Bangkok's Chatuchak market before taking own life Singapore HPB looking for vaping, smoking counselling services for up to 175 secondary school students Singapore Jail for former pre-school teacher who tripped toddler repeatedly, causing child to bleed from nose Singapore Police statements by doctor in fake vaccine case involving Iris Koh allowed in court: Judge Singapore Woman allegedly linked to case involving pre-schooler's sexual assault given stern warning Singapore Singapore lion dance troupe retains title at Genting World championship Singapore SMRT reports unauthorised post on its X account, says investigation under way Aircraft from the RSAF participating in a joint mission with the United States' 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment at Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. PHOTO: MINDEF The SAF's Himars crew trained with Australian and US forces at a combined live-firing exercise on July 14 in Queensland, with the US Department of Defence describing the SAF artillery as delivering precision long-range fire after moving from concealed positions. Mr Euan Graham, a senior analyst on defence strategy at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said that the presence of Singaporean forces at XTS is noteworthy. 'Singapore has advanced military capabilities that no other partner in South-east Asia comes close to, so for them to take part in Talisman Sabre is an opportunity for them to drill as part of a large coalition force, and at the more complex end of the activity spectrum,' he told US-based defence news outlet Breaking Defense.
Straits Times
a day ago
- Straits Times
HPB looking for vaping, smoking counselling services for up to 175 secondary school students
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The vaping/smoking cessation programme will run for a year, with an option to renew for up to six months for an additional 25 students. SINGAPORE - The Health Promotion Board (HPB) is looking for vendors to provide counselling services to focus on secondary school students who need help to stop vaping and smoking. HPB put up a tender on the government procurement portal GeBiz on July 23, calling for proposals as part of its vaping/smoking cessation programme for 150 students. It will run for a year, with an option to renew for up to six months for an additional 25 students. All public sector invitations for quotations and tenders are posted on the GeBiz platform. Tender documents indicate that the virtual counselling services will be for the initiative's Phase 2 Pilot, which will focus on secondary school students. It said students referred by the relevant authorities and schools will be immediately enrolled in the programme. These students are expected to undergo four intervention sessions and two follow-up sessions. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Tanjong Katong sinkhole backfilled; road to be repaved after LTA tests Asia Gunman kills 5 security guards near Bangkok's Chatuchak market before taking own life Singapore Jail for former pre-school teacher who tripped toddler repeatedly, causing child to bleed from nose Singapore Police statements by doctor in fake vaccine case involving Iris Koh allowed in court: Judge Singapore Woman allegedly linked to case involving pre-schooler's sexual assault given stern warning Singapore Singapore lion dance troupe retains title at Genting World championship Singapore SMRT reports unauthorised post on its X account, says investigation under way The intervention sessions are to be conducted within a month, with each session lasting at least 20 minutes. The first session includes an online questionnaire to evaluate a student's attitude and behaviour towards cigarette smoking or vaping, and a pre-cessation survey. During the fourth session, the student will be asked to take a cotinine test, to detect nicotine, which is found in cigarettes and vapes. The follow-up sessions are to be conducted within five weeks, and each should last at least five minutes. The final session will include a post-cessation survey. The same counsellor should be paired with the same student throughout the programme unless a change is requested or required. Audio from all sessions and the result of the cotinine tests must be recorded and retained. These must be provided to HPB at its request within five working days. At the end of each counselling session, students and their parents will be provided a summary message. Fortnightly status reports with the students' details, session case notes and records will be distributed to the respective schools. HPB will also be given the breakdown of the students' progress and number of completed sessions. The Straits Times has contacted HPB for comment. The tender closes on Aug 1, with the delivery date of the services expected on Sept 1. In 2024, there were 2,000 cases of students reported for possessing or using e-vaporisers. This is up from 800 cases in 2022, and 900 cases in 2023. The figures included those from institutes of higher learning. Teachers in primary and secondary schools said they were seeing more students sneaking around with vapes , which can be disassembled and easily concealed, on school grounds. The tender is the latest in a series of anti-vaping measures rolled out by the authorities in July. On July 9, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) issued a circular to public healthcare institutions telling them to record all suspected and confirmed etomidate-linked vaping cases and to get patients to surrender their vapes. Etomidate is classified as a poison and regulated under the Poisons Act. It has clinical use as an anaesthetic agent, and is permitted only in clinical settings and subject to strict conditions. On July 16, HSA said it took down more than 600 Telegram groups advertising or selling vapes and Kpods to Singaporeans since April 2024. It had previously put up a tender to buy a cyber surveillance tool designed to target illegal vaping activities online. On July 20, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said the authorities were working to list etomidate under the Misuse of Drugs Act after one in three vapes confiscated here contained the substance. A day later on July 21, HSA extended its operating hours for its reporting hotline and also put up an online reporting form for vapes. On July 25, the Bin The Vape initiative was launched, with vape disposal bins installed at 23 community clubs and one residents' network centre around Singapore. Users can throw away the devices without fear of punishment. If you need help to quit vaping, join the Health Promotion Board's I Quit programme by calling the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000. Participants need not worry about being prosecuted, as it does not presume they use or have used vaping products. But those caught using or possessing such items will be prosecuted. To report vaping-related offences, members of the public can call the HSA reporting hotline at 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, including on public holidays. They can also make a report online at
Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
New Zealand plans to scrap card payment surcharges
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The proposed ban will not include online payments or transactions made using foreign-issued cards, prepaid, travel and gift cards. WELLINGTON - The New Zealand government on July 28 proposed to ban surcharges on most payments in stores made using debit and credit cards from May next year, a move which it said could save roughly NZ$150 million (S$115 million) for Kiwi consumers. The plan follows the decision in 2024 by New Zealand's Commerce Commission to lower fees that local businesses pay to accept Visa and Mastercard payments. 'We are scrapping surcharges at the till. New Zealanders are paying up to NZ$150 million in surcharges every year. That's money that could be saved or spent elsewhere,' Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said. 'You no longer will be penalised for your choice of payment method, whether that's tapping, swiping, or using your phone's digital wallet,' he told reporters. Visa and Mastercard did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment. The proposed ban will not include online payments or transactions made using foreign-issued cards, prepaid, travel and gift cards. New Zealand's Commerce Commission estimates that consumers pay about NZ$150 million in surcharges annually, including up to NZ$65 million in excessive surcharges. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Tanjong Katong sinkhole backfilled; road to be repaved after LTA tests Singapore MRT platform screen doors at 15 underground stations to undergo renewal Singapore 'Medium risk' of severe haze as higher agricultural prices drive deforestation: S'pore researchers Singapore Jail for former pre-school teacher who tripped toddler repeatedly, causing child to bleed from nose Singapore Police statements by doctor in fake vaccine case involving Iris Koh allowed in court: Judge Singapore Authorities say access to Changi intertidal areas unaffected by reclamation, in response to petition Singapore No change to SIA flights between S'pore and Cambodia, S'pore and Thailand, amid border dispute Singapore Not feasible for S'pore to avoid net‑zero; all options to cut energy emissions on table: Tan See Leng 'Surcharges cover the fees businesses pay for accepting contactless payments and credit cards, but we know these are often excessive. In some cases, the retailer doesn't even make it clear what the percentage is,' Commerce Minister Scott Simpson said in a statement. The government plans to introduce the Bill to ban most card surcharges by the end of 2025. Shops in New Zealand typically charge consumers around 0.7 per cent for debit card payments and up to 2 per cent for credit card payments, according to New Zealand's Commerce Commission. Australia's central bank in July proposed to scrap surcharges on most debit and credit card payments for consumers, saying it no longer achieved the intended purpose of steering consumers to make more efficient payment choices. REUTERS
Straits Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Malaysian rock band Wings to celebrate 40th anniversary with Singapore Indoor Stadium concert
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Malaysian rock veterans Wings are fronted by popular singer-actor Awie (second from left). SINGAPORE – One of Malaysia's most popular bands, rock quintet Wings, will celebrate their 40th anniversary with a concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Dec 24. Tickets priced from $88 to $248 are on sale via ticketing agency Sistic. While the group have performed several shows in Singapore – including a set at The Star Theatre in 2023 – the upcoming gig will be the first time they are staging a solo one at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. In 2012, Wings were part of a double-bill show at the same venue with fellow Malaysian rock veterans Search. In 2022, they were the first act from South-east Asia to perform at the Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix's biggest stage at the Padang. Formed in 1985, they are one of the most successful bands from across the Causeway, known for their evergreen rock ballads such as Misteri Mimpi Syakilla (1988) and Sejati (1990). Fronted by singer Awie, they have released more than 20 studio and live albums, including their 1987 debut Belenggu Irama. Wings will also stage a 40th anniversary concert in Selangor, Malaysia, on Nov 28. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Tanjong Katong sinkhole backfilled; road to be repaved after LTA tests Singapore MRT platform screen doors at 15 underground stations to undergo renewal Singapore 'Medium risk' of severe haze as higher agricultural prices drive deforestation: S'pore researchers Singapore Jail for former pre-school teacher who tripped toddler repeatedly, causing child to bleed from nose Singapore Police statements by doctor in fake vaccine case involving Iris Koh allowed in court: Judge Singapore Authorities say access to Changi intertidal areas unaffected by reclamation, in response to petition Singapore No change to SIA flights between S'pore and Cambodia, S'pore and Thailand, amid border dispute Singapore Not feasible for S'pore to avoid net‑zero; all options to cut energy emissions on table: Tan See Leng In April, Awie announced that a documentary film based on the band's 40-year journey is in the works. They are also planning a concert in London as part of their anniversary celebrations. The 56-year-old vocalist staged his solo concert at The Star Theatre in 2024. He is also an established actor who has appeared in box-office hits such as romantic drama Sembilu (1994) and action flick Rebel (2024). The Wings concert will come a few months after another Malaysian music powerhouse, pop queen Siti Nurhaliza, performed at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on July 26. Book It/Wings 40th Year Anniversary
