CNA938 Rewind - Why is it tough to stop cases of animal smuggling at Singapore borders?

CNA938 Rewind
Authorities are detecting more cases of animal smuggling at Singapore's borders. They saw a 20 per cent increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman look at why it is tough to crack down on these cases with Assoc. Prof. Adrian Loo, Deputy Director, Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions at NUS.

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5 hours ago

• Straits Times

16 hurt, building hit in Israel after Iran missiles: Rescue services, TV

Rescuers and security personnel at the impacted site after a missile attack from Iran, amid the Iran-Israel conflict in Tel Aviv, Israel on June 22. PHOTO: REUTERS JERUSALEM - At least 16 people were hurt and at least one impact was reported in central Israel after Iran launched two waves of missiles at the country following the US bombing of its nuclear sites, rescue services and reports said. Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service said in a statement that it had 'evacuated 16 people to hospital, including a 30-year-old man in moderate condition after being wounded in the upper body by shrapnel'. Public broadcaster KAN 11 showed images of a devastated building surrounded by mounds of rubble that it said was in central Israel, following the two waves of missiles launched at Israel from around 7.30am (12.30pm Singapore time). Sirens rang around the country after the Israeli army reported the incoming missiles, with air defences activated shortly afterwards, causing loud explosions heard in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Israeli police reported 'the fall of weapon fragments' in a northern area encompassing the port of Haifa, where local authorities said emergency services were heading to an 'accident site'. Reporting on missile strikes is subject to strict military censorship rules in Israel, but at least 50 impacts have been officially acknowledged nationwide and 25 people have been killed since the war began with Iran on June 13, according to official figures. Coastal hub Tel Aviv, the southern city of Beersheba and the northern port Haifa have been the three areas most frequently targeted by Iran. Israel's sophisticated air defences have intercepted more than 450 missiles along with around 1,000 drones, according to the latest figures from the Israeli military. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

CNA

a day ago

• CNA

Friendship knows no bounds? Sharing memes to stay in touch can only go so far when your friend lives overseas

Gift-giving need not occur only on significant occasions. Ms Zhai-McCartney said: 'I'm super old school – it feels really good to receive a physical piece of snail mail; a birthday card, a handwritten letter or a postcard from your travels is such a nice surprise in the era of convenience.' That said, Ms Tan pointed out that passively following your friend's social media feed does not qualify as staying connected. 'It tends to be a superficial exchange of information without full understanding of what the person may be going through,' she said. WHEN LETTING GO IS HEALTHIER Not every friendship, including long-distance ones, will last forever. As life goes on, people's priorities, needs and values change. If the relationship begins to feel one‑sided, or no longer reflects who both of you are, it may be time to let go. Ms Tan recommended working through a few self‑reflective points before making that decision: How do you feel when you think about this friendship? Does it lift you up or weigh you down? Have you genuinely tried to maintain it and what obstacles keep cropping up? Could extending the intervals between contact ease the pressure, or is it time to allow the friendship to rest? These guidelines can help with discerning if it is time to let the friendship go. Mr Spitalen said: 'Accepting this is part of growing up. Recognising that you have not done anything wrong will help you process it without guilt. You can still honour what the friendship meant without forcing it to remain the same.' IT'S RARELY TOO LATE TO RECONNECT If you miss someone, reaching out even after a long silence can rekindle old bonds. It can be easy to overthink, to want to avoid troubling others, but Ms Zhai‑McCartney has this reminder: 'It's almost never too late. We tend to assume people don't want to hear from us or we've offended someone, but what do you have to lose by being the one to break the ice?' Mr Spitalen agreed that there is no need for a grand gesture. 'A simple message like 'I was thinking about you, how are you doing?' or bringing up an old inside joke can open the door.' From her experience, Ms Foo who moved to Hong Kong found the above advice to be true. 'I feel that I can almost always pick up right where we left off. We always find ways to get back to each other in unexpected ways. 'The platonic love doesn't fade; it just takes a different shape.'

CNA

a day ago

• CNA

Certis auxiliary police officer, 47, dies after collapsing during NDP rehearsal at Padang

SINGAPORE: A 47-year-old Certis auxiliary police officer has died after collapsing during a National Day Parade (NDP) rehearsal at the Padang on Saturday (Jun 21). The man, was part of the OneChangi contingent for the Parade and Ceremony segment. He collapsed at 11.23am at the end of a component rehearsal, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and Changi Airport Group (CAG) said in a joint media release. "He was immediately evacuated to the on-site medical post and arrived at 11.26am, where he was attended by the duty medical officer. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was administered immediately," they added. The man remained unresponsive and was transferred to a standby Singapore Armed Forces ambulance at 11.42am. "Resuscitation efforts continued en route to hospital", said MINDEF and CAG. He arrived at Singapore General Hospital at 11.57am and was pronounced dead at 12.19pm. Certis confirmed in a statement that the man was one of its employees. CNA understands that he worked at Changi Airport. "We are currently working closely with MINDEF and Changi Airport Group to further provide the officer's family with the necessary support and assistance," Certis spokesperson Robin Goh said in response to CNA's queries. "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the officer's family and loved ones during this difficult time." The OneChangi contingent is made up of nine companies, including Certis and CAG. It is among the 18 civilian contingents participating in the NDP, which will be held on Aug 9 to mark Singapore's 60th birthday.