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Singapore Thanks India For Exempting From Rice Ban

India recently decided to allow the export of rice to Singapore to “meet the food security requirements” of the southeast nation…reports Asian Lite News

Singapore on Saturday thanked India for exempting the country from its rice ban, saying that “the gesture of strong friendship is very much appreciated”.

“Singapore would like to thank GovIndia in particular @MEAIndia and @dgftindia for exempting us from the rice ban. Both countries are indeed close strategic partners. This gesture of strong friendship is very much appreciated,” read a tweet on the Singapore Embassy in India’s official account on ‘X’ formerly Twitter on Saturday.

India recently decided to allow the export of rice to Singapore to “meet the food security requirements” of the southeast nation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

“India and Singapore enjoy a very close strategic partnership, characterized by shared interests, close economic ties and strong people-to-people connect. In view of this special relationship, India has decided to allow the export of rice to meet the food security requirements of Singapore,” MEA official spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi had said on Tuesday in response to media queries on rice export to Singapore.

India on August 27 introduced additional safeguards on exports of basmati rice so as to prevent exports of non-basmati white rice, which is presently under the prohibited category.

Earlier, the government said it had received credible field reports regarding misclassification and illegal export of non-basmati white rice.

“It has been reported that non-basmati white rice is being exported under the HS codes of parboiled rice and basmati rice,” the government said in a statement.

Notably, the export of non-basmati white rice was prohibited from July 20 to check the domestic prices and ensure domestic food security. The government noticed that despite restrictions put on certain varieties, rice exports have been high during the current year.

The central government on July 20 amended the rice export norms putting the non-basmati white rice in the “prohibited” category.

The export policy relating to non-basmati white rice (semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not polished or glazed) has been revised from “free” to “prohibited” and it has come into force immediately, a Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) notification said. (ANI)

ALSO READ: India, Singapore pilot first live paperless transaction

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Tharman Pledges To Build ‘Future Of Optimism’

Tharman Shanmugaratnam received a resounding mandate with a whopping 70.4 per cent votes in a three-way contest to elect Singapore’s ninth President.

Registering a landslide victory in Singapore’s presidential election, Tamil-origin economist Tharman Shanmugaratnam said that his win was a vote of confidence in the city-state’s future and vowed to build a ‘future of optimism’.

Tharman received a resounding mandate with a whopping 70.4 per cent votes in a three-way contest to elect the city-state’s ninth President on Friday.

“I pledge and it will be my duty to use the roles and responsibilities of the president to advance this future of optimism and solidarity among Singaporeans. That is my pledge,” Tharman said in his first remarks to the media after his win.

“Once again, let me just say that I am truly humbled, and I will honour the trust that Singaporeans have placed in me and respect all Singaporeans for the views they have expressed, including those who did not vote for me,” Tharman said, as reported by The Straits Times.

Thrman’s rivals, Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian, received 15.72 and 13.88 per cent of the vote, respectively.

Congratulating Tharman for winning by a ‘decisive margin’, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the former senior minister will carry out his duties as president with distinction, having had a long and distinguished record of public service.

“He must exercise his custodial powers under the Constitution wisely, bringing to bear his experience and independent judgment,” Lee said in a statement, adding that internationally, the president must fly the country’s flag high as Singapore’s representative.

It was for the third time that Singaporeans voted for their President since the elected presidency was introduced in 1991. The first such contested election was in 1993, followed by the second one in 2011.

Before Tharman, Singapore has had two Tamil-origin presidents — Sellapan Ramanathan who became the city-state’s longest-serving president in 2009, and Chengara Veetil Devan Nair, who served from 1981 to 1985.

Tharman joined politics in 2001 and has served in the public sector and ministerial positions with Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) for over two decades.

He formally launched his presidential campaign in July with a pledge to evolve the country’s culture to keep it a “shining spot” in the world.

Incumbent President Halimah Yacob’s term will end on September 13. She is the country’s eighth and first female president.

Modi sends congratulations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Tharman Shanmugaratnam on being elected as Singapore’s President.

PM Modi said he looks forward to working with Shanmugaratnam to further strengthen the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership.

“Hearty congratulations @Tharman_s on your election as the President of Singapore. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership,” PM Modi wrote on ‘X’ formerly Twitter on Saturday.

ALSO READ: India, Singapore pilot first live paperless transaction

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India, Singapore pilot first live paperless transaction

The transaction took place following the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable and the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi….reports Asian Lite News

India and Singapore piloted the first live paperless transaction using the Trade Trust platform, marking another milestone in the digital connection between India and Singapore.

Singapore High Commissioner Simon Wong on Saturday took to his social media platform ‘X’ and said, “Following the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable & the meeting with PM Modi, we have piloted the first live paperless transaction using the Trade Trust platform. Another milestone in digital connect between Singapore & India- HC Wong”

The transaction took place following the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable and the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Last year, a Joint India-Singapore Ministerial delegation called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi and briefed him about the outcomes of the inaugural session of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR).

The delegation briefed the Prime Minister about the wide-ranging discussions held, especially in emerging areas of digital connectivity, Fintech, green economy, skill development and food security, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

This was a maiden meeting of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR), a new ministerial platform between the two countries to boost economic cooperation. The ISMR seeks to deepen existing cooperation and identify opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration in new and emerging areas.

In March this year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Singapore’s Minister of Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong and “spoke about taking forward the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable process.”

India and Singapore recently linked their respective online payment systems for seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries.

Singaporean High Commissioner to India Simon Wong Wie Kuen said this collaboration would take bilateral relations to greater heights and his country looks forward to continuing to be part of India’s digital transformation journey. (ANI)

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Indian-origin candidate Tharman Envisions Non-Chinese PM Era in Singapore

Tharman said in his 20-minute speech that “race is a factor in politics everywhere….reports Asian Lite News

Ahead of the September 1 presidential election in Singapore, Indian-origin candidate Tharman Shanmugaratnam has said that the city-state is now ready for a non-Chinese Prime Minister.

“Singaporeans today, compared with 40 or 50 years ago, look at all factors, not just race,” Tharman said in an election meeting with guests from the public on Friday, The Straits Times reported.

Citing former US President Barack Obama, Tharman said in his 20-minute speech that “race is a factor in politics everywhere. “They look at people in totality… Singapore’s ready any time”.

“If someone comes up who’s a superior candidate for prime minister, the person can be made the prime minister. I believe they can,” the 66-year-old leader stated.

It is a marker of Singapore’s progress as a society, he said at the meeting, which was held at Pasir Panjang Power Station.

“The answer to that (question) is before your eyes, when Singaporeans vote (for) a non-Chinese president,” Jane Ittogi told the crowd, referring to her husband Tharman.

In his remarks, the former minister said that everyone should be recognised for what they contribute to society, and no one should feel that they are a nobody.

While material progress is important, “it’s the things we can’t measure that are critical to our future”, Tharman, who had formally launched his presidential campaign last month with a pledge to evolve the country’s culture, said.

Apart from Tharman, senior investor Ng Kok Song and former income chief of the National Trades Union Congress, Tan Kin Lian, are in the race for September 1 election to choose the country’s ninth president.

As the head of the city-state, the Singaporean president is empowered to veto government budgets and key public appointments, authorise anti-corruption investigations, and safeguard the country’s fiscal reserve.

ALSO READ: Singapore, Sri Lanka Vow to Boost Security Ties

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Singapore, Sri Lanka Vow to Boost Security Ties

The discussion had stressed the paramount importance of strengthening security partnerships in the South Asian region….reports Asian Lite News

Visiting Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has discussed on strengthening security and defence ties with Singapore.

President Wickremesinghe, who is on two-day official visit to Singapore, discussed on “amplifying security and defence collaboration between the two nations,” the President Media Division (PMD) said on Monday in a statement.

The discussions between Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and President Wickremesinghe had stressed the paramount importance of strengthening security partnerships in the South Asian region.

They had highlighted the necessity for consistent communication and coordination to effectively address common security concerns, the PMD added.

“Both nations are set to harness their respective strengths to create a synergistic partnership that enhances the security landscape in the region.”

During his visit on Monday, the Sri Lanka President also met his Singaporean President Halimah Yacob at the Istana.

Yacob said in a note on her official Facebook page that the two leaders had
fruitful discussions, covering food security, renewable energy and regional economic cooperation, among others.

“Our friendship is anchored by strong people-to-people ties and cooperation across various sectors. There is much scope to deepen our ties. I wish President Wickremesinghe a productive visit in Singapore,” she noted in her post.

Wickremesinghe has met also with Singaporean leaders to discuss cooperation on food security and regional economic development.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met with the Sri Lankan president on Tuesday. The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation, including in trade and food security, according to the statement.

Lee and Wickremesinghe jointly witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on carbon credits collaboration under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, it added.

ALSO READ: Lanka, Singapore forge closer security bonds

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Lanka, Singapore forge closer security bonds

Both sides stressed the paramount importance of strengthening security partnerships in the South Asian region…reports Asian Lite News

Visiting Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has discussed on strengthening security and defence ties with Singapore.

President Wickremesinghe, who is on two-day official visit to Singapore, discussed on “amplifying security and defence collaboration between the two nations,” the President Media Division (PMD) said on Monday in a statement.

The discussions between Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and President Wickremesinghe had stressed the paramount importance of strengthening security partnerships in the South Asian region.

They had highlighted the necessity for consistent communication and coordination to effectively address common security concerns, the PMD added.

“Both nations are set to harness their respective strengths to create a synergistic partnership that enhances the security landscape in the region.”

During his visit on Monday, the Sri Lanka President also met his Singaporean President Halimah Yacob at the Istana.

Yacob said in a note on her official Facebook page that the two leaders had
fruitful discussions, covering food security, renewable energy and regional economic cooperation, among others.

“Our friendship is anchored by strong people-to-people ties and cooperation across various sectors. There is much scope to deepen our ties. I wish President Wickremesinghe a productive visit in Singapore,” she noted in her post.

ALSO READ: Future demands Hindi, Chinese learning, Lankan President tells kids

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Singapore PM ensures timely leadership renewal despite scandals

The Prime Minister vowed to deal with the cases thoroughly and transparently…reports Asian Lite News

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has stressed that the leadership renewal is on track and recent scandals involving political figures will not delay his timetable.

Lee made the remarks while delivering a speech at the city-state’s National Day Rally on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported.

In July, Singapore’s Transport Minister S. Iswaran was under investigation for corruption suspects, while Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin and a parliament member resigned over their affairs.

The Prime Minister vowed to deal with the cases thoroughly and transparently.

Recounting his plan to hand over the power in 2022, but disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, Lee noted that his succession plans are back on track as the pandemic shadow fades.

Lee added that his task is to support the country’s fourth-generation leadership team and expressed his confidence in Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

The Prime Minister also called on Singaporean people to support Wong and his governing team.

During his speech, Lee promised measures to improve people’s well-being, including a 7 billion Singapore dollars (over $5 billion) package to support low and middle-income people born before 1973, fair and affordable policies for public flats, and building aged-friendly communities. 

ALSO READ-Indian-Origin qualifies for Singapore presidential race

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Indian-Origin qualifies for Singapore presidential race

In Singapore, candidates must apply for the Certificate of Eligibility if they wish to enter the presidential contest….reports Asian Lite News

Indian-origin former minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam and two others have been issued the certificates of eligibility for Singapore’s presidential election slated to take place on September 1, the Elections Department said in a statement on Friday.

At the close of applications for a Certificate of Eligibility on Thursday, the Presidential Elections Committee (PEC) received a total of six applications.

Out of these, the PEC qualified 66-year-old Tharman, former GIC investment chief Ng Kok Song, 75, and former National Trades Union Congress Income chief Tan Kin Lian, 75.

The committee, headed by Public Service Commission chairman Lee Tzu Yang and two Supreme Court judges, found that all three men were of integrity, good character and reputation.

“Based on the information available to the Committee, it is satisfied that Mr Tharman is a man of integrity, good character and reputation,” the Election Department said in a statement.

“The Committee is also satisfied that Mr Tharman has met the public sector service requirement under Article 19(3)(a), having held office for a period of 3 or more years as Minister,” the statement added.

Tharman, who had formally launched his presidential campaign last month with a pledge to evolve the country’s culture, filed his application for a certificate of eligibility on August 7.

In Singapore, candidates must apply for the Certificate of Eligibility if they wish to enter the presidential contest.

It is given to those who meet public or private sector requirements, among other criteria.

In addition, there is a community declaration, which allows candidates to declare if they are from the Chinese, Malay, Indian or “Other Minority” communities.

The ELD said it has notified all individuals on the outcome of their applications, and also told the unsuccessful applicants the reasons for rejecting them.

However, it added that the PEC will not publish the names of the unsuccessful candidates and the reasons for rejecting them.

The decision was taken after concern was expressed in the Report of the Constitutional Commission 2016 that potential applicants may be dissuaded from stepping forward to contest the elections for fear of embarrassment.

Tharman announced his intent to run in the city-state’s presidential election in June, after giving 22 years to active politics.

Prior to joining politics, Tharman was an economist and a civil servant at the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Singapore will hold its first Presidential Election since 2011, after eighth and first female president, Halimah Yacob, announced this year that she will not seek a second term.

ALSO READ: Singapore celebrates National Day

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Singapore celebrates National Day

Singaporean President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong joined thousands of audiences in the celebration..reports Asian Lite News

Singapore held a National Day Parade to celebrate its 58th anniversary at Padang, an open playing field near the iconic Marina Bay, with a military show, performances and fireworks.

Singaporean President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong joined thousands of audiences in the celebration held on Wednesday.

The city-state showcased its defence asset, including tanks, armoured vehicles, missile systems and police fast-response vehicles during the parade to mark the achievement of the country’s “Total Defence” policy.

The ground forces showed their fire and combat tactics to the audience, Xinhua news agency reported.

Singapore’s air force dispatched 21 aircraft, including helicopters, fighter jets and transport planes, for aerial display. Eight skydivers of the country’s “Red Lions” team also performed at the event. 

ALSO READ: Singapore Breaks Two-Decade Streak with Execution of Female Convict

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Singapore Breaks Two-Decade Streak with Execution of Female Convict

The city’s highest court had dismissed the appeal against Saridewi Djamani’s conviction on October 6 last year….reports Asian Lite News

For the first time in 20 years, Singapore on Friday executed a woman convict who was found guilty of trafficking 30 grams of heroin in 2018.

Singaporean national Saridewi Djamani, 45, is the second drug convict to be executed this week, after fellow Singaporean Mohd Aziz bin Hussain, and the 15th since March 2022, reports the BBC.

Under Singapore’s anti-drug laws, which are some of the world’s toughest,  death penalty is imposed on anyone caught trafficking more than 500 grams of cannabis or 15 grams of heroin.

In a statement, Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said that Saridewi, who was sentenced to death on July 6, 2018, was accorded “full due process” under the law.

The city’s highest court had dismissed the appeal against her conviction on October 6 last year.

A petition for presidential pardon was also unsuccessful, according to authorities.

Her execution came just two days after Aziz was hanged on Wednesday, following his conviction of trafficking 50 grams of heroin in 2017.

According to Amnesty International, China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Singapore are the only four countries to have recently carried out drug-related executions.

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