Japan’s Defense Ministry Requests Largest Ever Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 – The Diplomat

Eight drivers were apprehended for providing illegal rides to popular tourist attractions in Singapore, specifically the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Gardens by the Bay, as part of a joint operation by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Singapore Tourism Board. Since 2022, 68 drivers have faced similar charges, with penalties including fines and vehicle impoundment for operating without a public service vehicle license. Need More Context? 🔎

A 42-year-old man was shot while cycling near the Central Catchment Nature Reserve during a live-firing exercise conducted by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Investigations are ongoing to determine how a bullet struck him from a distance of 2.3 km, raising concerns about the safety and reach of military weapons used in training. Need More Context? 🔎

SINGAPORE: A rise in gaming addiction, especially among youths, has been reported by therapists, with a 30% increase in help-seeking since 2019. Experts attribute this to engaging game designs and micro-transactions resembling gambling, emphasizing the need for parents to set boundaries and address underlying mental health issues for effective intervention.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmOVYEd1ut8 Need More Context? 🔎

Broome's only direct international flight to Singapore will end due to Jetstar Asia's closure, leaving residents to travel over two-and-a-half hours to Perth for international connections. Local businesses and tourism are expected to suffer significantly from this loss, as many had relied on the route to attract Asian visitors and enhance their marketing efforts. Need More Context? 🔎

SINGAPORE: Michael Martin Lee Teck Heng, a 58-year-old tutor, was sentenced to four years and nine months for committing sexual acts against five female students aged 13 to 16, including filming himself inappropriately touching them. His offenses were uncovered after he exposed himself in public, leading to the discovery of 951 obscene films involving multiple victims in his home and public locations. Need More Context? 🔎

SINGAPORE: The private members' club 1880 announced its permanent closure and entry into liquidation due to declining member spending and unsuccessful investment negotiations. Founded in 2017, the club's abrupt shutdown follows the earlier liquidation of its Hong Kong branch, highlighting financial struggles and a failure to sustain operations despite prior expansion ambitions. Need More Context? 🔎