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Straits Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Colorado's ‘Frankenstein bunnies' with hornlike growths raise concerns
COLORADO – With black spikes growing on their heads, tentacles protruding from their mouths and slug-like growths blocking their eyes, several rabbits hopping around Colorado this week have invited social media comparison to nightmarish mutants. But local residents and pet owners sh ould n ot fear the unsightly creatures munching on grass in their backyards: The bunnies are simply infected with cottontail rabbit papillomavirus, a mostly benign infection that cannot s pread to other species, said Ms Kara Van H oose, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Rabbits typically overcome the disease on their own, she said, and it becomes a cause for concern only if it hinders their ability to eat or see. Still, it can cause growths in infected rabbits that resemble 'gross' warts or horns, she said. A resident in Fort Collins, Colorado, a city about 1 05km n orth of Denver, first reported an infected rabbit on Aug 8, Ms V an Hoose said. Since then, her department has fielded more than a dozen calls about sightings, mostly from people in northern Colorado. 'We're so used to seeing rabbits, so they're like, 'Oh my god, what is that on its face?' ' Ms Van Hoose said. ''I know what a rabbit is supposed to look like, and that's not it.'' It's not the first time this month that bunnies have driven the internet into a frenzy. Several rabbits used in a photo shoot by the fake heiress known a s Anna Delvey were recently abandoned and then rescued in Prospect Park in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. Cottontail rabbit papillomavirus is transmitted through biting insects such as fleas and mosquitoes, so rabbits are more likely to contract it in the summer, when interactions with bugs are more common, Ms Van Hoose said. There's no cure or treatment for the disease, she said, so there are few ways to help. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Jalan Bukit Merah fire: PMD battery could have started fatal blaze, says SCDF Singapore askST: What to do in the event of a fire at home? Singapore 4 housebreaking suspects taken to Bukit Timah crime scene under police escort Asia AirAsia flight from KL to Incheon lands at the wrong airport in South Korea Singapore Reformative training for teen who cheated man of $47k Rolex watch on former stepdad's instructions Opinion Could telco consolidation spell the end of attractive mobile plans? Asia Strong India-Singapore ties key to economic growth amid 'volatile landscape': DPM Gan Asia Citizenship for foreign talent: How this footballer from Brazil became Vietnam's favourite 'Son' Officials are not sure how many rabbits are infected because some people may be reporting the same ones repeatedly, Ms Van Hoose said. The virus will n ot infect most household pets, but people should keep pet rabbits indoors if they see infected wild rabbits in their area, she said. The disease is more severe in domesticated rabbits and can cause cancer, according to a National Institutes of Health study. Pet rabbits should be taken to a veterinarian if they are infected, according to a tipsheet from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Residents should also avoid feeding or interacting with the infected rabbits, and instead should enjoy the novelty of their strange appearances from afar, Ms Van Hoose said. 'Nature is metal,' she said, 'and this can be kind of cool looking on different rabbits'. NYTIMES
Straits Times
5 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
askST: What to do in the event of a fire at home?
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox In 2025 so far, at least eight fire-related deaths have been reported. SINGAPORE – The number of people dying in fires in Singapore has been going up. There were three such deaths in 2023 and five in 2024. In 2025 so far, at least eight fire-related deaths have been reported. Two of the deaths were from a fire that broke out in a Bukit Merah flat on Aug 13. Q: What should you do if a fire breaks out in your home? In the event of a fire, do not panic. Instead, alert others by shouting, and evacuate the room or area. Call 995 and activate the nearest fire alarm. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Jalan Bukit Merah fire: PMD battery could have started fatal blaze, says SCDF Singapore 4 housebreaking suspects taken to Bukit Timah crime scene under police escort Asia AirAsia flight from KL to Incheon lands at the wrong airport in South Korea Singapore Reformative training for teen who cheated man of $47k Rolex watch on former stepdad's instructions Opinion Could telco consolidation spell the end of attractive mobile plans? Asia Strong India-Singapore ties key to economic growth amid 'volatile landscape': DPM Gan Asia Citizenship for foreign talent: How this footballer from Brazil became Vietnam's favourite 'Son' If possible, close the door of the affected room to contain the fire and turn off the gas mains if you can reach them. You should attempt to fight the fire only if you can do so without endangering yourself or others. Ways to extinguish a fire include using a suitable fire extinguisher or hose reel. If the room is smoke-logged, cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth and avoid inhaling through the mouth. Get down, keep close to the ground and crawl towards the point of escape under the smoke. If you are trapped, get to a safe room that preferably has open windows, good ventilation and overlooks a road. Shut the door and seal the gap beneath it with fabric to prevent smoke from entering the room. Get to the window and shout for help. Do not attempt to jump out of the building. If your clothes catch fire, drop to the floor immediately and roll from side to side to smother the flames while covering your face. During evacuation, head to the ground floor in an orderly manner using the stairs. Do not use the lift. If you live in a super high-rise residential building with more than 40 storeys and are too far from the ground floor, proceed to the nearest refuge floor instead. Q: What is a refuge floor? A refuge floor is a special floor that serves as a safe holding area so residents do not have to travel many floors down to leave the building in case of a fire. Refuge floors are generally provided at an interval of not more than 20 storeys. They are designed to have natural ventilation and are made of fire-resistant materials. Such floors can be identified by 'Evacuee Holding Area' signs found on the walls around the staircase areas. Q: What to do when there is a fire in your neighbour's home? If your neighbour's home is on fire, alert others by shouting, and call 995. You can try to help your neighbours escape, but should do so only if it does not risk your own safety , said fire safety experts. If intending to enter the affected unit to help, you should also ensure that you are wearing appropriate footwear as there may be shattered glass that cracked from the heat. Those on the same floor and the two floors above an affected unit should evacuate. The Singapore Civil Defence Force said it is generally safe for occupants of the other floors to remain in their own units with the windows and doors closed. But they should follow the instructions of the authorities if they say evacuation is required. Q: What are some fire safety guidelines you can follow? Common corridors must have at minimum a 1.2m-wide clear passage that is to be unobstructed at all times. Placing or storing objects at staircases and staircase landings is strictly not allowed. Items should also not be placed within riser and hose reel compartments. Access to the landing valves and risers at common areas must not be obstructed. The fire alarm system must be kept on at all times. Fire safety equipment must be regularly serviced and maintained. Q: What can you do to prevent fires? Do not leave cooking unattended. Turn off cooking appliances and unplug them when not in use. Keep flammable products and combustible materials away from heat sources. Do not throw burning embers and cigarette butts into rubbish chutes. Do not place window curtains or combustible materials near prayer altars, stoves or lighted materials. Keep lighted candles away from paper or cardboard decorations, curtains and furnishings. Do not overload electrical outlets. Switch off electrical appliances when they are not in use. Check for broken wires and exposed wiring. If any are found, have the wires replaced immediately. Keep lighters, matches and candles away from children. Do not leave batteries or devices to charge unattended for an extended period of time or overnight. Do not tamper with, modify, or attempt to repair batteries or devices on your own. Stop using the battery if you notice any damage or deformities. Keep entryways, common corridors and staircases free from obstructions. Fatal fires in 2025 As at August, eight people have died in four fires in 2025. This is an average of one fire death per month. Family of three die in Hougang fire in January No foul play was suspected. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY A family of three died in a fire that broke out on Jan 9 in a unit at Block 971 Hougang Street 91. The bodies of the couple and their 18-year-old daughter were found inside one of the bedrooms. Neighbours had described the family as hoarders who lived in a cluttered five-room flat. No foul play was suspected. Australian girl dies after River Valley cooking school fire in April The fire broke out on April 8 at a shophouse in River Valley Road where education and enrichment classes for children are conducted. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG A 10-year-old Australian girl died in hospital after a River Valley Road shophouse that housed a cooking school caught fire on April 8. Another 21 people, consisting of six adults and 15 children, were injured. The authorities later said there were fire safety breaches found at the three-storey shophouse at 278 River Valley Road, including unauthorised partitions. Two die in Toa Payoh fire in July The cause of the fire is being investigated. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO A man and woman were found dead after a fire on July 22 at Block 173 Toa Payoh Lorong 1. Firefighters had found them unresponsive inside the unit and they were pronounced dead at the scene after being carried out. The cause of the fire is being investigated. Couple die in Bukit Merah fire on Aug 13 The aftermath of the fire on Aug 13. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG A couple in their 30s were found unconscious in the kitchen after a fire broke out in a flat at Block 106 Jalan Bukit Merah on Aug 13. Both were taken to hospital, where they died.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Strong India-Singapore ties key to economic growth amid ‘volatile landscape': DPM Gan
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox NEW DELHI – As India and Singapore explore newer areas of cooperation such as nuclear energy and green initiatives, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said the two Asian partners needed to collaborate even more given the increasingly 'volatile landscape' globally. DPM Gan, who was on an official trip to India earlier this week, visited the financial capital Mumbai on Aug 12 to look at Singapore projects. He then led the Singapore delegation at the third edition of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) in the capital city New Delhi on Aug 13. The ISMR, which held its first meeting in 2022, is a high-level ministerial gathering that is now at the heart of engagement between the two countries, with both sides exploring and implementing cooperation in a wide range of areas – from nuclear energy and semiconductors to skills training in India. Speaking to the Singapore media late on Aug 13 in New Delhi, DPM Gan said Singapore could learn from India's experience in nuclear power, as the Republic keeps the option open for future deployment of such energy. While Singapore has not made a decision on its nuclear energy plans, it is studying developments in the field, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), as other nations in South-east Asia move towards nuclear energy. SMRs are advanced and compact reactors that can be factory-assembled and installed in dense urban areas. They are also known to be safer than traditional large reactors, but are mainly still in a research phase . India, which has over two dozen nuclear reactors, is now developing SMRs as part of its transition to clean energy. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Jalan Bukit Merah fire: PMD battery could have started fatal blaze, says SCDF Singapore 4 housebreaking suspects taken to Bukit Timah crime scene under police escort Asia AirAsia flight from KL to Incheon lands at the wrong airport in South Korea Asia Citizenship for foreign talents: How this footballer from Brazil became Vietnam's favourite 'Son' Business MyRepublic customers to see no immediate changes to existing services: StarHub Asia Malaysian MP Rafizi says his son was jabbed with syringe in planned attack, threatened with Aids Asia India, Singapore ministers discuss deeper tie-ups in digitalisation, skills, industrial parks Singapore From quiet introvert to self-confident student: How this vulnerable, shy teen gets help to develop and discover her strength The South Asian country is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and has taken the decision to expand its nuclear power capability from 8.88 gigawatts (GW) at present to 100 GW by 2047. DPM Gan said India had agreed to help Singapore connect with its atomic agencies 'to see how we can work together to learn about safety standards and ... their practices and their regulations on nuclear safety'. He added that Singapore will 'continue to keep this option open and to study the potential deployment of such nuclear technology'. 'But, it 's still early days,' he noted. India has a strict nuclear liability law that places the responsibility for any accident on the operator of a nuclear power plant, not the manufacturer. The law has spooked foreign firms, with countries including the US seeking an easing of the law, which India is reportedly looking into. DPM Gan said: 'We are still continuing to explore different technologies, because some of the technologies are not mature yet, and therefore we will continue to monitor the development of nuclear technology, particularly in nuclear energy.' In 2024 , Singapore and the US signed an agreement to deepen cooperation on peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including SMRs. The Republic also signed a broad agreement with France in May on nuclear energy to facilitate cooperation on safety, workforce development, research and environmental protection, among others. Singapore's desire to learn from India on nuclear energy also underpins their close political and economic ties and strong people-to-people links. Successive leaders in Singapore have seen the potential benefit of pursuing close ties with India even before the country started registering rapid economic growth over the past two decades. The current Singaporean leadership has maintained its positive outlook towards India, despite the trade chaos caused by US President Donald Trump's tariffs. The Trump administration has imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, while Singapore has faced a 10 per cent tariff . 'And going forward the next five, 10 years, I think the outlook, as I highlighted, is very uncertain,' DPM Gan said. 'Even as we confront a more challenging and more uncertain, more volatile landscape that we are seeing going forward, it is very important for countries that are like-minded to come together, to work together, to see how we can further deepen our collaboration and deepen our integration so that we can continue to explore opportunities for our businesses and our people,' he added . 'I think we are optimistic, as Singapore and India can work towards a stronger partnership going ahead.' This year marks 60 years of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the bilateral strategic partnership. DPM Gan termed closer collaboration in various sectors 'a win-win proposition' for both countries. 'By strengthening this partnership between Singapore and India, we will create opportunities for Singapore companies to continue to grow, to expand, to enlarge their market,' he said. 'It helps to grow the Indian economy because we are investing in India, but at the same time, our investments will provide returns for Singapore and company investors, and that will, in turn, strengthen Singapore's economy and continue to grow and enhance Singapore's economic strength.' Opportunities for Singapore firms include India's focus on boosting infrastructure; expanding green initiatives including civilian nuclear energy; and developing its high-tech capabilities, such as semiconductors. Within the ISMR, the two sides are also discussing setting up a sustainable green industrial park in Rajasthan state and collaboration in other green initiatives, such as green fuel exports through a green maritime corridor from India to Singapore. A memorandum of understanding on a green and digital shipping corridor is under discussion. 'I think the idea is that climate change is going to be an existential challenge, and therefore, a lot of the industries, businesses are on this transition journey ... towards a low-carbon future. So I think India is very keen to develop new industrial parks that have this sustainability in mind,' DPM Gan said. Discussions also centred on cross-border carbon credit trading and the potential of other green energy collaboration. For instance, Singapore firms have expertise in building and operating solar and wind farms. DPM Gan, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry, had inaugurated CapitaLand Investment's first data centre in Navi Mumbai on Aug 13. He noted that the firm is also keen to explore opportunities to invest in green energy to support the needs of their data centre. 'So I think there are many opportunities for collaboration in the sustainable and green economy,' he said. The other two areas where collaboration between India and Singapore is growing quickly are in up skilling and semiconductors. In 2024 , Singapore and India exchanged a memorandum of understanding to partner and cooperate in the field of semiconductors. Major companies such as American chipmaker Micron Technology and Taiwan-based multinational electronics contract manufacturer Foxconn are in the midst of plans to manufacture chips in India, with the demand for supportive industries going up. This is where Singapore firms can play a role. 'From Singapore's point of view, it will allow our semiconductor industries to be more resilient in terms of their supply chain. From India (perspective) , this will create investment opportunities and job opportunities for the Indian econom y ,' he said. Some Singapore firms are already in India, while others are looking at the opportunities in the Indian market. Skilling workers remains a major challenge for India , with a large proportion of its people under 35 years old – more than 65 per cent of the total population – requiring skills training. Helping India train workers in the semiconductor sector would also be helpful for Singapore, noted DPM Gan. He said the two sides discussed the setting up of a training centre, particularly on semiconductors, and another training centre on MRO – maintenance repair and overhaul – business for the aviation sector . 'And in order for Singapore companies to be able to do so, we will have to ensure that the skills in India are able to meet the needs of these investors and also to make sure that there is an entire semiconductor ecosystem to be able to support the investments of semiconductor industries,' he added. Singapore is also working with India to improve the training of nurses. The demand for more nurses in Singapore is due to the high rate of attrition in recent years and growing global demand for such professionals. 'We hope to be able to continue to work with India to improve the standards of training so that they are more aligned with the needs of Singapore, because different countries have different curriculum, different approaches to training, and when they come to Singapore, they may need to undergo certain refresher, cert ain additional training to be aligned with practices in Singapore,' DPM Gan said. Singapore is working with training institutes in India 'to see how we can adjust and fine-tune the curriculum and training approach so that they are more aligned with what Singapore needs. So I think this will enhance the flow of nurses to Singapore,' said DPM Gan. Still, the growing economic and business links between India and Singapore are not without challenges. DPM Gan noted that Singaporean firms needed to understand that India is very different from Singapore. While India has been improving the ease of doing business over the years, it still has multiple challenges, ranging from regulatory hurdles for businesses to the need for more skilled workers and further improvement of infrastructure. ' I think for companies that are interested in exploring opportunities in India, they should always bear in mind that India is a different country, a d ifferent regim e, a different system from Singapore. They have to keep their minds open and, as they come to India, get to know about the Indian operating environment, work with business leaders here, and get to understand how businesses operate in India,' he said. In addition, he advised Singapore firms to look for a local partner to guide them in India . These issues were also discussed during the third India-Singapore Business Roundtable (ISBR), which was also held on Aug 13. The ISBR is a business-led forum that brings together select leaders to identify initiatives that could strengthen the partnership between the business communities in India and Singapore, as well as forge cultural and people-to-people ties. At the ISMR, DPM Gan was joined by Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology Tan See Leng, as well as Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance Jeffrey Siow. The Indian side was represented by Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Railways, Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw. DPM Gan noted that despite the challenges for Singapore firms in India, he had a positive outlook of India. He said the two countries 'can leverage on the understanding and trust' built over the years to forge a way forward. 'I think I'm quite happy with the progress we have made so far because of the understanding and trust that we have built over the last 60 years between the two countries, between the two leaders, and between the two governments at the minister level and at the business level.'
