World

12 new imported COVID-19 cases in Singapore, largest increase in more than a week
2Dec By Desk TeamNo Comments
Asia, Singapore, World

12 new imported COVID-19 cases in Singapore, largest increase in more than a week

SINGAPORE: Singapore reported 12 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday (Nov 22), all of which were imported infections, said the Ministry of Health (MOH). This is the largest increase in infections since Nov 13, when 12 imported cases were reported as well. No locally transmitted cases were reported for the 12th consecutive day. All the imported COVID-19 cases were placed on stay-home notice upon arrival in Singapore, MOH said. They were asymptomatic, and detected from proactive screening and surveillance, the ministry added. Of the 12 cases, three are Singapore permanent residents who returned from India. Two other cases also arrived from India, a dependent's pass holder and a student's pass holder. Five are work permit holders currently employed in Singapore who arrived from the Philippi...
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Commentary: After years of demonising China, the US has to start an honest dialogue
1Dec By Desk TeamNo Comments
Asia, China, World

Commentary: After years of demonising China, the US has to start an honest dialogue

Biden’s presidency offers a chance to change the tone and approach in dealing with China, which will not be cowed by threats, say two observers. HONG KONG: Americans don’t agree on much of anything nowadays. Yet they are largely united in their belief that China represents an existential challenge to their country and the international order it has long led. This combination of internal division and external demonisation has made the Sino-American rivalry increasingly inescapable – and potentially catastrophic. America’s internal divisions have been fueled in recent years by social media, which, by populating users’ feeds with tailored content, creates “echo chambers” that reinforce, rather than challenge, their beliefs and values. When alternative ideas do make it into the echo ch...
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US weekly jobless claims fall modestly; labour market recovery slowing
1Dec By Desk TeamNo Comments
Market, World

US weekly jobless claims fall modestly; labour market recovery slowing

WASHINGTON: The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell only slightly last week, adding to signs that the economic recovery was losing steam as the COVID-19 pandemic intensifies and fiscal stimulus ends. The economy could be plunged into a period of uncertainty following Tuesday's presidential election, potentially undermining business investment and delaying a much-needed second coronavirus relief package from the government. Democrat Joe Biden edged closer to victory on Thursday (Nov 5), while President Donald Trump alleged fraud without providing evidence, filing lawsuits and calling for recounts in a race yet to be decided two days after polls closed. "It looks like a second wave of layoffs is hitting the economy perhaps due to the rising count of vi...
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J&K: Snowfall unlocks Kashmir tourism
29Nov mmBy Joe RodriguezNo Comments
Asia, World

J&K: Snowfall unlocks Kashmir tourism

After witnessing a slump for more than seven months due to outbreak of Covid-19 in Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, there is a ray of hope for the valley’s ailing tourism sector as the fresh snowfall in higher reaches is attracting tourists once again.Gulmarg in Baramulla district, which recorded almost two feet of snowfall, has come to life as tourists have started thronging this popular ski-resort. On November 15, as many as 574 tourists arrived at the Srinagar International Airport from different cities, mostly Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai to spend their ongoing Diwali vacations here, officials said.As per J&K Tourism department officials, November 15’s tourist arrivals are the “highest single-day visitor arrivals to the Valley registered during the last seven ...
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US imposes sanctions on Russian, Chinese firms for supporting Iran missile programme
28Nov mmBy Mike TrudellNo Comments
China, World

US imposes sanctions on Russian, Chinese firms for supporting Iran missile programme

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday said that the country has imposed sanctions on four companies from China and Russia for supporting Iran’s missile programme that remains a “significant proliferation concern”.“The US has sanctioned four entities in China and Russia for their support of Iran’s missile programme, which remains a significant proliferation concern. We will continue to use all our sanctions tools to prevent Iran from advancing its missile capabilities,” Pompeo said.The companies are Chengdu Best New Materials Co Ltd and Zibo Elim Trade Co, Ltd. in China and Nilco Group, which is also known as Nil Fam Khazar Company and Santers Holding and Joint Stock Company Elecon in Russia for transferring sensitive technology and items to Iran’s missile programme.In 2018...
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Despite growing tensions, China buying computer chips from Taiwan firms
27Nov mmBy Walter ParezNo Comments
Asia, China, Market, World

Despite growing tensions, China buying computer chips from Taiwan firms

Despite growing tensions between Taiwan and China, Chinese technology companies have increased orders for computer chips or semiconductors made in Taiwan.According to media reports, Taiwan has reported a six per cent jump in export from July through September this year.Alicia Garcia Herrero, chief Asia-Pacific economist with the French investment bank Natixis said, “They (Chinese firms) know they’re not yet able to produce at least the highest-end semiconductors needed for 5G.”She added that Taiwan makes top-level semiconductors and is unlikely to give up as a leader in the field. Taiwan factories produce some of the world’s top computer chips. But during the past four years, it has pushed companies to depend less on the Chinese market.The two countries have been locked in a political disp...
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7000 PIA employees to be laid off: Pak aviation minister
25Nov mmBy Joe RodriguezNo Comments
Asia, USA, World

7000 PIA employees to be laid off: Pak aviation minister

Pakistan’s Federal aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan on Tuesday announced that as many as 7,000 employees of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will be laid off voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS).As per media reports, Sarwar said while PIA requires only 7000 employees to operate, it employs over 14,000 currently due to the politically influenced recruitments in the past by ruling parties.He further said that out of 14,000 employees currently working, half of the staff will be let go through VSS. “They will be given compensation,” he added.This comes despite the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) criticism of the Imran Khan government last week over its plan to sack thousands of employees of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Steel Mills and Railways and termed the decision ille...
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In Tibet, China preaches the material over the spiritual
25Nov By Desk TeamNo Comments
China, World

In Tibet, China preaches the material over the spiritual

LHASA, China: Dzekyid, a 54-year-old barley farmer, presents himself as a role model for his neighbours and for the success of China's efforts to tie economic development to social control in Tibet. Dzekyid's well-built house in Jangdam village has a hall filled with Buddhist scriptures and Thangka paintings, and a row of prayer wheels for his religious 76-year-old father, Tenzin, to spin twice a day. As a member of China's ruling Communist Party, Dzekyid is an atheist. "This house is possible because of good government policies. My heart is wholly with the party, not even one bit with religion," said Dzekyid, whose family was showcased to a group of reporters on a government-organised tour of Tibet, an area where access to foreign journalists is normally barred. Government official...
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Airlines scramble to prepare for ultra-cold COVID-19 vaccine distribution
25Nov By Desk TeamNo Comments
World

Airlines scramble to prepare for ultra-cold COVID-19 vaccine distribution

Airlines are scrambling to prepare ultra-cold shipping and storage facilities to transport COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna, whose doses, which require deep freezing, are likely to be among the first to be distributed. PARIS/FRANKFURT: Airlines are scrambling to prepare ultra-cold shipping and storage facilities to transport COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna, whose doses, which require deep freezing, are likely to be among the first to be distributed. A recent survey by an air cargo association and a drug shippers' group found only 15per cent of industry participants felt ready to transport goods near the minus 70 degrees Celsius (-94°F) required by the Pfizer Inc vaccine, while around 60per cent could meet Moderna Inc's less stringent -20°C requirement. ...
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Former Senior Minister of State for Transport Lam Pin Min joins car rental firm Lumens as senior adviser
25Nov By Desk TeamNo Comments
Singapore, World

Former Senior Minister of State for Transport Lam Pin Min joins car rental firm Lumens as senior adviser

SINGAPORE: Former Senior Minister of State for Transport and Member of Parliament Lam Pin Min has joined Lumens, a private car rental company, as a senior adviser. Dr Lam was part of the People’s Action Party team that lost to the Workers' Party in the newly formed Sengkang Group Representation Constituency (GRC) at the Jul 10 General Election. He was previously an MP for Sengkang West Single Member Constituency. On Tuesday (Oct 27), Dr Lam said he was “pleased” to join Lumens in a Facebook post. “I am glad to have met the motivated and professional team this morning to better understand their vision, aspiration and challenges in today’s increasingly complex environment,” Dr Lam said. “And I look forward to working with the team to advance Lumens’ business development and growth ...
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