1 Pompeo tries to save deal
United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived yesterday in Afghanistan on an unannounced go to to assist salvage a historic deal between Washington and the Taleban to finish the US’ longest struggle. His go to to Kabul is being watched carefully for clues on whether or not it could possibly resolve the weeks-long political impasse.
2 Virus worries hit markets
Singapore shares joined their counterparts throughout Asia and the remainder of the world in an accelerating race to the underside amid rising coronavirus worries. The market rout got here as a rising tide of nationwide lockdowns threatens to overwhelm frantic efforts of policymakers to cushion what’s prone to be a world recession.
three S’pore, Australia boost ties
Singapore and Australia yesterday signed a digital economic system pact and 10 agreements to spice up bilateral cooperation. The Digital Financial system Settlement will create a framework for either side to cooperate extra carefully in areas corresponding to digital identities and e-payments. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Australian counterpart, Mr Scott Morrison, witnessed the signing of some agreements after they met by way of video conferencing.
four Bid to block Israeli PM’s govt
Opponents of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have requested the Supreme Courtroom to dam what they described as an influence seize by the caretaker authorities. They requested the courtroom to revive the total powers of Parliament, which has been largely blocked from functioning by Speaker Yuli Edelstein, an ally of Mr Netanyahu.
5 China’s coronavirus mission
China is sending medical assist to a number of international locations. Whereas that could be a optimistic transfer, blowing its personal trumpet and fascinating in conspiracy theories in an try to deflect consideration from its preliminary response to the coronavirus are usually not, says international affairs correspondent Goh Sui Noi.
6 S’pore sea levels rising
Because the world warms and ice caps soften, international sea ranges are rising, together with round Singapore. The typical sea stage across the island in the present day is 14cm above pre-1970 ranges, stated the Meteorological Service Singapore yesterday in its annual local weather evaluation report. HOME B2
7 More poly options for adults
Polytechnics are opening extra doorways for working adults to return to high school. This 12 months, polytechnics prolonged a scheme to working adults that permits college students to use for full-time diploma programs primarily based on their aptitudes. About 250 working adults utilized for a spot this 12 months by way of the scheme, and about 70 obtained affords, the Ministry of Training stated.
eight MAS expected to ease policy
The Financial Authority of Singapore (MAS) will launch its six-monthly financial coverage assertion barely sooner than common subsequent Monday, amid economists’ expectations that an easing in financial coverage in response to the coronavirus pandemic is on the playing cards. This information additionally comes as core inflation final month hit a decade-low.
9 Duo quit athletics body
Retired sprinters Poh Seng Track and Gary Yeo have left Singapore Athletics’ administration committee over disagreements relating to views and choices. However each burdened that they have been parting with the affiliation on amicable phrases. Poh has not dominated out his future involvement within the observe and area fraternity. Their departures observe a turbulent interval for the affiliation.
10 Taiwan dance queen dies
Taiwan movie star dancer Serena Liu has died on the age of 44, after being in vital situation since final month. The choice was made to take her off life help after it was decided that nothing extra may very well be accomplished to save lots of her.
VIDEO
Bangkok’s nightlife goes quiet
The leisure district in Bangkok went from combating dwindling vacationer numbers to being completely quiet in spite of everything bars, nightclubs, gyms and therapeutic massage parlours have been ordered to close for 2 weeks. str.sg/blurb281
VIDEO
Worry, humour, braveness amid outbreak
From bathroom paper fights to humorous memes, folks world wide are dealing with the coronavirus pandemic in their very own methods. Here’s a have a look at how some have reacted. str.sg/blurb282
