Nuclear Expansion On Track Despite Fukushima: OECD Report

Published on Jul 26, 2012

In this Nov 12, 2011 file photo, workers in protective suits and masks wait to enter the emergency operation centre at the crippled Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power station in Okuma, Japan. Strong expansion of nuclear power as a carbon-free energy source in Asia is expected to press ahead despite the Fukushima accident in Japan that soured sentiment in some countries, a benchmark report said on Thursday. — PHOTO: AP

LONDON (REUTERS) – Strong expansion of nuclear power as a carbon-free energy source in Asia is expected to press ahead despite the Fukushima accident in Japan that soured sentiment in some countries, a benchmark report said on Thursday.

An earthquake and tsunami crippled the Fukushima plant in February 2011, leading to the closure of Japan’s 50 reactors and spurring Germany to pledge to close all of its nuclear reactors by 2022.

Nuclear energy had been gaining momentum as an energy source for nations seeking to reduce harmful carbon emissions, but the Japanese accident caused second thoughts in some countries.

World nuclear capacity is, however, expected to grow by 44 per cent to 99 per cent by 2035, according to a biennial report from the United Nations (UN) nuclear body and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Straits Times

Batman Shooter Sent Warning Package To University Psychiatrist

Published on Jul 26, 2012

James E. Holmes, left, appears in Arapahoe County District Court, with defence attorney Tamara Brady, right, Monday, July 23, 2012, in Centennial, Colorado. He reportedly sent a warning package to a psychiatrist at his former university more than a week before massacring people at a cinema. — PHOTO: AP

AURORA, Colorado (AFP) – Alleged Colorado shooter James Holmes reportedly sent a warning package to a psychiatrist at his former university more than a week before massacring people at a cinema.

The parcel appeared to have arrived at the University of Colorado on July 12 but sat opened until after the July 20 massacre, one unnamed law enforcement source told Fox News.

The package contained a notebook full of details about his plans and several drawings, including some of gun-wielding stick figures shooting other stick figures, the report said.

‘There were drawings of what he was going to do in it – drawings and illustrations of the massacre,’ the law enforcement source told Fox News.

Straits Times

WDA Develops Virtual World For Creative Industries Professionals

Published on Jul 27, 2012

The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) has launched a virtual world to boost training opportunities for professionals in the creative industries. — PHOTO: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
By
Lim Yi Han

The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) has launched a virtual world to boost training opportunities for professionals in the creative industries.

Called CI Virtual World, the website serves as an online platform to provide those in the creative industries an easy avenue to seek training and upgrading opportunities.

This is done so through features such as online seminars, where industry experts or trainers will share on topics such as career, courses and industry insights. Users can also engage in a real-time chat with the trainers if they have queries. The virtual world features information on training programmes available and career opportunities as well.

Background story

Where to access the website:

Those interested can log on to http://www.exploreciwsq.sg to access the virtual world. It is free for all users.

In addition, freelancers in the creative industries will now get up to 90 per cent subsidy, an increase from 70 per cent previously, for training courses under the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) framework.

Straits Times

Call For More Singaporeans To Be Tested For Hepatitis B And C

Published on Jul 27, 2012

With World Hepatitis Day just two days away, two Asia-Pacific groups are calling for more Singaporeans to get tested for hepatitis B and C. — ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN
By
Andrea Ong

With World Hepatitis Day just two days away, two Asia-Pacific groups are calling for more Singaporeans to get tested for hepatitis B and C.

In Singapore, 120,000 to 140,000 adults – or about one in 35 adults – are carriers of Hepatitis B. About 10,000 Singaporeans, or 0.2 per cent of the resident population, are affected by Hepatitis C.

Both viruses cause the liver to become inflamed, leading to liver cirrhosis, failure or cancer, and death. They are the leading cause of liver cancer, which is the fifth most common cancer among men in Singapore.

At a media conference on Thursday, Professor Lim Seng Gee, president of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and founding member of the Coalition to Eradicate Viral Hepatitis in Asia Pacific, said awareness of Hepatitis B and C remains low while some carriers do not go for regular screenings.

Straits Times

Japanese Women Fall Behind Hong Kong In Longevity

Published on Jul 27, 2012

Elderly people stroll down a shopping precinct in Tokyo on Oct 28, 2011. A Japanese government report says that Japanese women are no longer the world’s longest-living. — PHOTO: AFP

TOKYO (AP) – Japanese women are no longer the world’s longest living. A Japanese government report says the top of the global life expectancy rankings now belongs to Hong Kong women.

The annual report by Japan’s health ministry released on Thursday said the expected lifespan for Japanese women slipped to 85.90 years in 2011 from 86.30 the year before. The life expectancy for men also declined slightly, from 79.55 to 79.44.

Officials said it was the first time since 1985 that Japan’s women had ranked second.

The report says official life expectancy for women in Hong Kong was 86.70 years for 2011.

Straits Times

Bo Xilai’s Wife Prosecuted For Intentional Homicide: Xinhua

Published on Jul 27, 2012

Gu Kailai, wife of Bo Xilai (not pictured), poses for a group photo at a mourning held for her father-in-law Bo Yibo, former vice-chairman of the Central Advisory Commission of the Communist Party of China, in Beijing in this Jan 17, 2007 file photo. China has prosecuted Gu, the wife of deposed Chongqing Party chief Bo Xilai for intentional homicide, state media reported, adding she and a family employee poisoned British businessman Neil Heywood. — PHOTO: REUTERS

BEIJING (REUTERS) – China has indicted Gu Kailai, the wife of deposed Communist Party politician Bo Xilai, for intentional homicide, in the latest development in a political scandal that has shaken the Party’s once-in-a-decade succession.

Gu and family employee Zhang Xiaojun will be prosecuted for allegedly poisoning British businessman Neil Heywood over ‘conflict of economic interests’ between the Heywood and Gu, the official Xinhua news agency said citing authorities.

‘The facts of the two defendants’ crime are clear, and the evidence is irrefutable and substantial. Therefore, the two defendants should be charged with intentional homicide,’ Xinhua said.

It did not give a date for the trial, but a family lawyer told Reuters it was likely to take place on Aug 7 to 8.

Straits Times

Kristen Stewart And Rupert Sanders Issue Apologies To Loved Ones

Published on Jul 26, 2012

File photo of director Sanders posing with cast member Stewart at an industry screening of Snow White And The Huntsman in Westwood. Kristen Stewart has apologised publicly to boyfriend and Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson following tabloid reports she had a brief but steamy affair with her Snow White And The Huntsman director Rupert Sanders. — PHOTO: REUTERS

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Kristen Stewart has apologised publicly to boyfriend and Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson following tabloid reports she had a brief but steamy affair with her Snow White And The Huntsman director Rupert Sanders.

The 22-year-old actress issued her apology to People magazine on Wednesday. It was quickly followed by an apology to People from the 41-year-old Sanders to his family.

Stewart has been in a relationship for several years with Pattinson. Sanders is married and has two children.

‘I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I’ve caused to those close to me and everyone this has affected,’ Stewart said.

Straits Times

Government Launches Dedicated Population Website

Published on Jul 27, 2012

People walking along Orchard Road at the junction of Grange Road. The Government has launched a dedicated website discussing all things population-related. — ST PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA
By
Phua Mei Pin

The Government has launched a dedicated website discussing all things population-related.

This is the latest move in a public consultation exercise on population that started in April with the release of an occasional paper on population scenarios. Feedback from the consultation exercise will go towards a white paper on population due at the end of the year.

The new website (See: Background story) seeks ideas from the public to help the Government formulate a sustainable population policy. It asks for detailed suggestions in areas ranging from supporting marriage and parenthood and managing immigration, to encouraging integration and promoting productivity.

Background story

Where to give your views:

Those interested to give their views can do so at http://www.population.sg

A feature of the website is the National Population and Talent Division’s new issues paper, released on Thursday, entitled ‘Our Population, Our Future’. It lays out Singapore’s demographic challenges in the face of declining birth rates, a shrinking workforce, and an ageing population.

Straits Times

3 In 5 Singaporeans Have Never Changed Their SingPass Password

Published on Jul 26, 2012

Three in five Singaporeans who access Government services online have never changed their SingPass password. — PHOTO: AFP
By
Irene Tham

Three in five Singaporeans who access Government services online have never changed their SingPass password once it is set.

These services include the online filing of tax returns and the checking of Central Provident Fund and Housing Board accounts, according to a survey of 346 Singaporeans in April.

The survey, conducted by the Infocomm Development Authority’s subsidiary Assurity Trusted Solutions, also shows that more than half of those polled who bank or trade securities online do not change their passwords regularly.

Mr Chai Chin Loon, chief operating officer of Assurity said, ‘Good cyber hygiene practices are generally lacking across the board.’

Straits Times

Businessman Jailed A Month For Road Rage

Published on Jul 25, 2012

Koh Tiong Hwee, accused for punching Dave Harbert Tan, on his stomach at along Marymount Lane. — ST PHOTO: KUO CHEE SIONG
By
Khushwant Singh

When his Indonesian maid was accused of bad driving and causing the accident, Koh Tiong Hwee pointed out that the other motorist had cut into their lane.

A quarrel ensued and he punched the other man in the stomach.

On Wednesday, the 58-year-old businessman was sentenced to a month in jail for causing hurt to retail manager Dave Harbert Tan. A charge of kicking Mr Tan’s Honda Integra car was taken into consideration by the judge when passing sentence. Koh, 58, is appealing against the sentence and was freed on $10,000 bail.

He had pleaded guilty earlier this month to committing the offence on June 22 last year.

Straits Times