Elevated levels of PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ found in common foods; Citi axes 500 S'pore jobs: Singapore live news
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A study links common foods such as coffee, eggs, and white rice to elevated levels of toxic PFAS chemical in humans. (Photo: Getty Images)
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High levels of PFAS 'forever chemicals' have been found in humans consuming white rice, eggs, red meat, seafood and coffee, according to a study. Read more here.
Pope Francis urged politicians to shun populism and instead work together to build stronger societies and tackle voter apathy. Find out more here.
An AI manager improved efficiency and employee relations at a company, highlighting AI's potential to support human managers while raising concerns about cybersecurity and over-reliance on technology. More on the story here.
Citigroup has eliminated management layers and other roles focused on Asia Pacific to streamline operations, according to a report. Read more on the retrenchment here.
New research shows Canada is the top relocation choice globally, preferred for its natural beauty and high living standards despite a high cost of living. Read more here.
In tennis, British tennis star Emma Raducanu forced the deciding set but took a medical timeout after slipping at the start of the third, as qualifier Lulu Sun won 6-2 5-7 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals. Game, set and match here.
With the champagne on ice, Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) thought they were on the brink of victory – but it didn't happen. Exit polls show the left and centrists leading RN, despite topping the polls in the first round of voting in the French election.
Spain, Netherlands, England, and France advance in Euro 2024, showcasing resilience and standout performances. Here's how the contenders are ranked.
Boeing pleads guilty to fraud for violating a 2021 settlement on 737 Max crashes, facing up to US$487.2 million in fines and mandated safety improvements. More on the story here.
Singapore is embracing the edible insects trend after 16 species approved for consumption. Find out more here.
Singapore hawkers deal with unsubsidised stalls, high rentals, extra fees, mandatory low-cost meals, restricted suppliers, and fines, making it difficult to sustain their business. Read more here.
The rich and famous are not immune when it comes to fraud, and many have lost large chunks of their fortunes over the years. Check out the stars who got swindled here.
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Boeing admits guilt in 737 Max fraud case
Boeing's guilty plea over 737 Max crash fraud brings hefty fines and new compliance measures. REUTERS/Peter Cziborra/File Photo
Boeing has agreed to plead guilty to criminal conspiracy to defraud the US government following its failure to adhere to a previous settlement related to two fatal 737 Max crashes.
The company faces a maximum criminal fine of US$487.2 million, with the final amount determined by a judge.
Boeing will also install a corporate monitor and spend at least US$455 million to enhance compliance and safety programs over three years.
This plea marks a significant low point in Boeing's history, as it avoids a criminal trial.
Bug-based dishes are coming to Singapore after SFA greenlights edible insects. (Photo: Getty Images)
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has approved 16 insect species, including crickets, grasshoppers, and mealworms, for human consumption, according to the Straits Times.
Industry leaders are introducing menus with insect-infused dishes, targeting adventurous younger customers.
The United Nations endorses insects as a sustainable protein source, and some companies are educating the public on their benefits.
Some businesses, however, remain cautious, awaiting market demand and implementing biosecurity measures.
Citigroup axes 500 jobs in Singapore amid global shakeup. (Photo: Yahoo News Singapore/file)
Citigroup has reduced its workforce in Singapore by approximately 500 employees as part of a global restructuring effort, according a Straits Times report.
The bank now employs 8,000 full-time and contract staff in Singapore, down from 8,500 in October.
This reduction includes the elimination of management layers and roles focused on the Asia Pacific region to streamline operations.
Despite the workforce reduction, Singapore remains one of Citi’s largest operational hubs.
Singapore hawkers face high costs and strict rules amid rising costs, impacting their livelihood. (Photo: Getyy Images)
Hawkers in Singapore face several unspoken challenges amid the rising GST and ingredient costs.
They bid for stalls without subsidies, leading to high costs. They also pay significant monthly rentals, often limiting menu variety to profitable dishes.
Additional fees for cleaning, mandatory low-cost meals, and restricted use of their own crockery further strain finances.
Moreover, hawkers are forced to use designated gas suppliers and pay fines for unapproved leave.
Charges for extra space add to their difficulties.
Spain, Netherlands, England, and France shine in Euro 2024
Football - Euro 2024 - Quarter Final - England v Switzerland - Dusseldorf Arena, Dusseldorf, Germany - July 6, 2024 England's Jordan Pickford saves a penalty in the shootout missed by Switzerland's Manuel Akanji REUTERS/Lee Smith
Spain leads the Euro 2024 power rankings after a hard-fought win over Germany, despite losing key players to injury and suspension.
The Netherlands, recovering from early criticism, secured their semi-final spot with a comeback against Turkey.
England progressed after a penalty shootout win over Switzerland.
France advanced despite inconsistent performances and injury issues.
South China Sea: Beijing's ‘monster ship ’ ramps up tensions in disputed waters
China's largest coast guard vessel entered the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on 5 July to intimidate, but Manila vows not to retreat. REUTERS/Adrian Portugal/File Photo
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that China's largest coastguard vessel has entered Manila's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, aiming to intimidate the Philippines.
The 165-meter Chinese 'monster ship,' entered the 200-nautical mile EEZ on July 2. The PCG confronted the Chinese vessel, warning it was in Philippine territory and inquiring about its intentions.
China claims most of the South China Sea, a vital shipping route, as its territory, despite a 2016 ruling by The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration that invalidated these claims.
In response to rising tensions, the Philippines and China agreed to restore trust and manage maritime disputes better after a recent high-level dialogue.
France election: Le Pen's far-right National rally trail left and centrists in exit polls
A protester hold a French flag as people gather at the Place de la Republique after partial results in the second round of the early French parliamentary elections, in Paris, France, July 7, 2024. REUTERS/Abdul Saboor
In a surprising turn, exit polls showed the left and President Macron's centrists leading in the recent French elections, overshadowing the far-right National Rally's (RN) anticipated victory.
A strategic alliance saw third-place candidates withdraw to support those best positioned to stop the far-right.
Despite the RN's disappointment, leader Marine Le Pen declared that their victory was only delayed.
France now faces a hung parliament and potential political instability.
Lulu Sun outshines UK tennis star Emma Raducanu at Wimbledon
Tennis – Qualifier Lulu Sun of New Zealand advances to the quarterfinals at Wimbledon with a powerful win over Emma Raducanu of Britain. REUTERS/Matthew Childs
New Zealand's Lulu Sun defeated Emma Raducanu in Wimbledon, advancing to the quarter-finals with a 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 win.
Sun, ranked 123rd, showcased her powerful forehand, hitting 52 winners to Raducanu’s 19.
Sun's aggressive play and confidence were evident as she dominated the match, despite her low ranking and inexperience on the big stage.
This victory marks Sun's seventh consecutive win at Wimbledon.
Companies are experimenting with AI systems to manage their staff, trusting AI to manage minutiae like reminders and deadlines. (Photo: Getty Images)
A senior manager faced significant stress managing 83 employees until his company implemented an AI manager.
The AI system helped streamline tasks such as scheduling, timekeeping, and workload planning, which allowed him to focus on company growth and improve his relationships with employees.
The AI manager significantly enhanced productivity and efficiency among the staff, working alongside traditional human managers.
The AI managed to achieve similar success rates in planning and punctuality as human managers, and even better results when combined with human oversight.
Despite the efficiency gains, experts caution against fully replacing human managers with AI.
Pope Francis is concerned about the health of democracy
Pope Francis urged politicians to work together to build stronger societies and tackle voter apathy. REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo
Pope Francis criticised populist politics and the harmful effects of ideology on Sunday, warning that democracy is struggling in many parts of the world.
Francis highlighted the exclusion felt by many, particularly the poor and weak, from democratic processes, condemning polarisation and partisanship.
The Pope refrained from naming specific countries but noted a widespread "crisis of democracy."
He urged people not to be swayed by "easy solutions" and to focus on the common good, emphasising the dangers of political corruption and illegality.
Common foods linked to elevated levels of forever chemicals in body
PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ found in food and drink products such as coffee, rice and eggs. (Photo: Getty Images)
Food is considered a primary exposure route for PFAS chemicals.
New research indicates that consumption of white rice, coffee, eggs, and seafood correlates with higher levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in human plasma and breast milk.
The study, which involved samples from 3,000 pregnant women, suggests that coffee and white rice may be more contaminated than other foods.
Additionally, there is a notable association between red meat consumption and elevated levels of PFOS, a particularly harmful PFAS compound.
The study's authors emphasise the widespread presence of PFAS and the numerous ways they can infiltrate the food supply.
PFAS, a class of approximately 16,000 compounds used in various products for their water, stain, and heat resistance, are notorious for not breaking down naturally, leading to their accumulation in humans.
These "forever chemicals" have been linked to severe health issues, including cancer, birth defects, and thyroid disease.
Donald Trump arrives in Milwaukee enveloped in the glow of surviving an assassination attempt. He's also trailed by a litany of questions over his condition as he prepares on Monday to name his running mate, the person who would be a heartbeat away from the presidency should he prevail in November.Neither the Trump campaign nor the hospital where he was treated on Saturday in Butler, Pa., have released any information on the former president's treatment, diagnosis or condition.A spokesman for Bu
Donald Trump Jr. had a tense back-and-forth with a reporter for NBC News at the Republican National Convention Monday, during which he called the news crew “clowns” and ultimately shooed them away by saying, “get out of here!”The exchange was cordial at first, with NBC News correspondent Jacob Soboroff asking the eldest Trump child about the former president’s plan to change his convention speech in light of Saturday’s assassination attempt, supposedly pivoting to a message of “unity.”“I think h
Rudy Giuliani crashed into a row of chairs and then tumbled to the floor of the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, dislodging a cherry-red Donald Trump sign from the seat as he went down.The disgraced attorney, former mayor of New York City, and fervent Trump supporter, was holding an Osmo camera and continued filming after bystanders pulled him to his feet. The Trump ally has been live streaming the convention for his Rudy Giuliani Show since the RNC kicked off in Milwaukee on Monday.It
Well that didn't last long.Throughout Sunday and overnight into Monday morning one of the most radical political transformations in U.S. history was being written. Old Trump—the nasty, malevolent, political operative who is bent on vengeance and stealing elections—was no more. Political insiders, commentators and writers were being briefed that, after the shooting and his miraculous escape on Saturday, a new man had risen.He even planned to rip up his RNC script and instead of plans to attack Bi
As the premiers gather in Halifax this week for their annual summer meetings, they're sending Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a unified message: stay off our lawn."Every federal budget, we see more and more new programs in provincial jurisdictions," Quebec Premier François Legault said Monday."Enough is enough."Canada's 13 premiers meet Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss enduring political issues like the cost of living and the state of Canada's infrastructure, along with looming questions about the
"As a Latina, my top political concerns are every single thing in Project 2025. It's like they looked at everything on the liberal and leftist agenda and just said, 'Let's do the opposite.'"
Speaking in Markham, Ont., on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland addressed reports of growing tension between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Responding to a question about whether Trudeau has assured her that she will stay on as finance minister, Freeland responded that “the Prime Minister is a very eloquent man and leader, and it's for the Prime Minister to speak for himself. It is true that I had a long conversation with [the] Prime Minister on Friday.”
