Death penalty support rises in Singapore amid crime concerns; Singapore crowned world's strongest passport: Singapore live news
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The 2023 Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) survey showed that 77.4 per cent of Singaporeans support the death penalty for serious crimes, up from 73.7 per cent in 2021. Approval for the mandatory death penalty also increased significantly for drug trafficking (68.7 per cent), firearm offences (74.3 per cent), and intentional murder (85 per cent). Respondents expressed strong belief in the deterrent effect of the death penalty, with 87.9 per cent and 90.2 per cent asserting its effectiveness against drug trafficking and murder, respectively. Furthermore, a majority preferred retaining the mandatory death penalty, viewing it as a stronger deterrent than discretionary options. Confidence in the criminal justice system remains high, with nearly 90% trusting that death penalty cases are handled fairly. Read on why more Singaporeans support the death penalty for serious crimes here.
Good news for coffee lovers: recent research indicates that drinking moderate amounts of coffee may protect against serious health issues like diabetes and heart disease. This study sheds light on the benefits of caffeine and offers guidelines for optimal consumption. Read on if you are ready to fill your cup for better health.
Delta Air Lines is reminding prospective flight attendants about its strict appearance standards, which include the requirement of wearing "proper" underwear that is not visible. The airline's leaked memo outlines various grooming and attire expectations, such as natural hair colours, appropriate nail styles, and specific jewellery rules. Professional clothing is mandated, with detailed guidelines for both male and female uniforms. Furthermore, Delta prohibits candidates from using profanity, chewing gum, or using phones during interviews. Find out why Delta's new dress code is making headlines here.
A mother and her son are the first to be prosecuted for misleading Singapore's tax authority during an audit of a "99-to-1" property scheme. During the audit, the son allegedly provided false explanations about his financial circumstances to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). This arrangement allows property buyers to reduce their Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) liability by initially purchasing a property entirely in one name and then selling a small share to another owner. If found guilty, both face substantial fines or imprisonment. Read more on the IRAS's action against property tax evasion here.
Singapore's Apple store became a hot spot of excitement as the iPhone 16 hit the shelves. Enthusiastic fans started lining up at 4am, reflecting the enduring allure of Apple products. More on the buzz around Apple's iPhone 16 launch in Singapore here.
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Joel Balbin
Singaporeans flock to Apple store for iPhone 16 launch
The Orchard flagship Apple store in Singapore came alive with anticipation as fans started lining up at 4am to get their hands on the iPhone 16.
With a countdown to the store opening, cheers erupted as eager customers flooded in to pick up their pre-ordered devices.
Among the crowd, stories emerged of first-time Apple launch attendees and seasoned fans alike, all excited about the device that promises a new era of AI integration with iOS 18.
The iPhone 16 marks a new era for Apple, integrating AI capabilities that will officially roll out in October.
This phone features two new buttons: the Camera Control and an Action button, alongside new colour options.
Analysts are watching closely, as Apple’s previous quarter saw a decline in iPhone sales, making this launch crucial for the company.
iOS 18, available from September 16, introduces various enhancements for users, including the ability to schedule messages, lock apps with Face ID, and customise app icons.
These features are designed to improve user experience, allowing for more personalisation and efficiency.
Users can access iOS 18 on iPhone models dating back to XS and XR.
IRAS charges mum-son duo over landmark property tax avoidance case
A mother and son in Singapore have been charged on Friday (20 Sept) with providing false information to tax authorities regarding a controversial property purchase scheme in landmark case.
Mdm Ng Chiew Yen and her son, Tan Kai Wen, have been charged by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) for providing false and misleading information during an audit related to a "99-to-1" property transaction.
This prosecution marks the first case of its kind and highlights IRAS's focus on potential tax avoidance schemes in real estate purchases.
Both individuals face five charges under the Stamp Duties Act, with penalties including fines up to $10,000 or jail time.
In this arrangement, one person initially purchases a property outright and then sells a small 1 per cent share to someone else who already owns property.
This allows the buyer to pay ABSD only on the small share rather than the entire property value, thereby circumventing higher taxes.
The case against Ng and Tan arose when IRAS audited the transactions related to a condominium purchased by Tan.
During the audit, Tan allegedly misled IRAS about his financial situation, claiming he had to add his mother as a joint owner to secure a loan after his family was unable to support him.
However, evidence indicated that his responses were misleading and incomplete.
IRAS has stated that tax avoidance is a serious matter and has the authority to recover unpaid stamp duty and impose surcharges.
They encourage taxpayers who may have engaged in similar schemes to come forward voluntarily, as such disclosures may be treated more leniently.
A cash reward is available for informants who provide information leading to the recovery of lost tax revenues.
If convicted, both Ng and Tan could face significant penalties.
Is the Singapore GP still the toughest race on the F1 calendar?
The F1 Singapore Grand Prix rolls into town this weekend, promising an exhilarating showdown on one of toughest tracks in the world.
Drivers know they must conquer both heat and a tricky circuit layout to emerge victorious.
This night race is characterised by its challenging Marina Bay Street Circuit, where limited overtaking opportunities make it difficult for drivers to navigate.
The Qatar Grand Prix is gaining attention for its punishing conditions lately.
Drivers have noted the physical toll of Qatar’s high-speed corners and oppressive heat, with temperatures averaging 32.4°C.
Despite being shorter in duration, the race presents its own unique challenges that test driver endurance and concentration.
Both the Singapore and Qatar races demand high levels of fitness and concentration from the drivers.
Singapore’s blend of heat and humidity contrasts with Qatar’s speed and layout challenges, creating a debate about which is truly the more demanding race.
Support for these mandatory sentences rose to 68.7 per cent, 74.3 per cent, and 85 per cent respectively, compared to previous figures.
The findings suggest a broader consensus on the necessity of stringent punishments to deter serious crimes in society.
Approval ratings for the death penalty's effectiveness against drug trafficking and murder increased significantly, reaching 87.9 per cent and 90.2 per cent, respectively.
Furthermore, many believed that the death penalty was a more effective deterrent than life imprisonment.
Confidence in the Singapore criminal justice system remained high, with nearly 90 per cent of respondents trusting that death penalty cases were managed fairly and rigorously.
Trust in the judicial system remains robust, as most respondents feel confident that safeguards prevent wrongful executions.
The Singaporean passport has clinched the title of the strongest passport globally in a recent ranking with a score of 91.27.
Singaporean passport holders now enjoy the ultimate travel freedom, accessing 169 countries without a visa, according to VisaGuide.World passport ranking, which considers various factors such as visa-free access, eVisas, and global mobility, evaluating a total of 199 countries and territories.
The Singapore passport's strength is highlighted its extensive mobility with visa-free travel to 169 countries, and just 14 countries needing an eVisa as well as 22 others requiring a visa.
Rounding of the five are Spain, France, Italy, and Hungary, showcasing a predominance of European nations in the global rankings.
Notably, Japan, while traditionally strong, ranks 15th this year.
VisaGuide.World releases its rankings quarterly, providing a timely look at passport strength as global entry policies evolve.
The ranking methodology employs a unique Destination Significance Score (DSS) that assesses each passport’s value based on the entry policies of various destinations, their GDP, global influence, and tourism potential.
Businesswoman Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono has denied accusations of manufacturing explosive pagers linked to a deadly attack on Hezbollah.
These devices detonated simultaneously in Lebanon and Syria, resulting in at least 12 deaths and over 3,000 injuries.
The Taiwanese company whose branding appeared on the pagers claims they were made by Barsony-Arcidiacono's Budapest-based firm, which she contends was only an intermediary in the supply chain.
The explosions are believed to have been orchestrated by Israeli intelligence, with reports suggesting that explosives were hidden in the pagers.
The operation indicates a significant breach in Hezbollah’s communications and raises concerns about the extent of the Israeli infiltration.
Following the initial blast, further explosions occurred, killing at least 20 more people, leading to fears of escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The deadly pager attacks marked a sophisticated Israeli operation targeting Hezbollah, which has been in conflict with Israel since Hamas's recent attacks.
Hezbollah officials have stated the detonations represent a major security failure for their organisation, and they vow to retaliate against Israel.
Delta mandates 'proper' underwear for flight attendant interviews
Delta Air Lines is reinforcing its appearance standards for prospective flight attendants, specifically emphasising the need for "proper" underwear during interviews.
A leaked memo detailed these requirements, highlighting that undergarments must not be visible. The airline encourages candidates to "dress for success" to create a positive first impression.
The memo outlines a range of grooming and attire guidelines beyond underwear, such as expectations for hair, jewellery, and overall cleanliness.
Hair must have natural colours and be secured away from the face, while grooming standards emphasise personal hygiene and appropriate nail styles.
Tattoos must be covered, and only specific types of piercings are allowed.
The memo further states that professional attire is required, including proper-fitting clothing and closed-toe shoes, with specific rules for male uniforms.
During interviews, candidates are prohibited from using profanity, chewing gum, or using phones.
Research shows that consuming one to three cups of coffee daily can significantly lower the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The study, which analysed data from over 500,000 individuals, highlights that coffee drinkers enjoy a 48 per cent reduced risk compared to non-drinkers.
Moderate caffeine consumption is linked to better heart health, while excessive caffeine from energy drinks can have negative effects.
Experts recommend enjoying black coffee in moderation to reap the health benefits.
New Zealand's defence minister has hit out at "armchair admirals" who have criticised the female captain of one of the country's naval ships that sank last week. HMNZS Manawanui, a specialist diving and ocean imaging ship, got into difficulties off the Samoan island of Upolu while surveying a reef on Saturday night, local time. All 75 people on board escaped on lifeboats and were rescued early on Sunday, New Zealand's Defence Force said.
Indonesia's immigration officers on the tourist island of Bali have arrested a Chinese suspect sought by Beijing for helping run over $14 billion investment scam to clients in China, officials said Thursday. The 39-year-old man, identified only by his initial, LQ, was arrested on Oct. 1, when an immigration auto-gate in Bali’s Ngurah Rai international airport denied him departure for Singapore.
Malaysia has commuted the death sentence of an ex-police guard of former premier Najib Razak, after the Southeast Asian country changed its law on capital punishment.
Kirkland Warren, 28, previously pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated murder and second-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Meshay Melendez, 27, and her daughter, Layla Stewart, 7
Arisknight Arkin-Everett Winfree, 32, pleaded no contest in April to five felony counts including kidnapping, coercing and enticing someone to travel for the purposes of illegal sexual activity
Did Israel really use "digital clouds" to prevent satellites from capturing images of the damage that Iran’s massive missile attack on October 1 caused to Israeli military structures? That’s what pro-Palestinian social media users have been claiming since October 2. In reality, the weather was just cloudy the day after Iran’s attack. Clearer images of the damage to Israeli structures were also soon shared online. Did Israel carry out an elaborate scheme to hide the extent of the damage that Iran
Jessica Barnes' remains were found last month, and subsequently, her husband Brandon Barnes and their roommates Kendall Mims and Victoria Tippett were arrested
Fay Manners and Michelle Dvorak were perched high on the snowy face of a Himalayan mountain when disaster struck their quest to become the first to summit its peak.
The influencer, 32, doubles down on her plans to remain at her beachfront Florida home during Hurricane Milton, despite living in a 'mandatory evacuation' zone
Relatives of Gisèle Pelicot, the woman at the heart of a mass rape trial that has shaken France, testified in court on Tuesday about the deterioration they witnessed in Pelicot’s health throughout her almost decade-long ordeal, and the failure to determine its cause. Their accounts shed light on the widespread ignorance of drug-facilitated abuse that allowed the victim’s ordeal to go undetected for years. Pelicot’s former husband Dominique, 71, is standing trial in the city of Avignon, along wit
Holly Newton, 15, was murdered by her ‘obsessed’ and controlling ex-boyfriend Logan MacPhail. Her parents want her killing to be classed as domestic violence
Indian industrialist Ratan Tata, who is credited with transforming the Tata Group into a globally renowned conglomerate, has died at age 86, the company said late Wednesday."It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation," company chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said in a statement.