Services have been cut by 50% due to protests within the sector. The discontent is fuelled by rising costs and the government’s failure to grant fare concessions. 25% of vehicles had already voluntarily ceased operations earlier due to financial difficulties. The crisis for commuters, who describe the operators’ decision as “a severe blow”.
Israeli arms exports reached a record US$ 19.2 billion in 2025, with purchases nearly doubling in the Asia-Pacific. Vietnam is one of Israel’s main partners, making it, its the second-largest supplier after Russia. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhàn, a businesswoman who fell out of favour with the authorities and was sentenced in absentia to 30 years in prison, played a key role in this. India, Thailand, and Singapore are also nurturing military ties with the Jewish state in order to develop their own capabilities.
A Missionary of the Immaculate Conception originally from Italy, she passed away at the age of 89 after a long illness. In 1989, she set up a sewing and handicraft centre in Natore to empower women and give them financial independence. She “was like our mother,” the beneficiaries say.
According to witnesses, local authorities fired directly at the heads, chests and legs of the protesters. The protests erupted following the arbitrary arrest of dozens of women accused of wearing the veil in a manner that did not comply with Taliban regulations. Meanwhile, the United Nations has reported an increase in clashes with the opposition, whilst Pakistan has resumed air raids.
The incident took place in the Worli district of the city. In a letter, the Christian organisation Watchdog Foundation has called for an investigation to identify those responsible. ‘Christian symbols repeatedly targeted’. The religious freedom enshrined in the Indian Constitution has been highlighted.
Authorities say content likely originated from a China-based platform and sought to inflame tensions against the city-state’s Indian community, a key pillar of Singapore’s multicultural society.
