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Straits Times
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
S'pore sees no baby boom in Year of the Dragon despite slight rise in births in 2024
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Historically, there has been a baby boom each dragon year, which falls every 12 years in the zodiac cycle. SINGAPORE – The much hoped for baby boom did not materialise in the Year of the Dragon, but there was a slight rise in births in 2024. In total, 33,703 babies were born in 2024, up by 0.5 per cent from the 33,541 born in 2023, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024. The report was released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority on July 18. Singapore's birth rate is among the world's lowest, and the Government has been trying for years to get Singaporeans to have more babies. Meanwhile, the number of deaths fell from 26,888 in 2023 to 26,442 in 2024, a drop of 1.7 per cent. This is the first time the number of deaths fell from the previous year in almost a decade, a check by The Straits Times found. With Singapore's rapidly ageing society, the number of deaths has been steadily rising over the decades. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore A deadly cocktail: Easy access, lax attitudes driving Kpod scourge in S'pore Singapore 'I thought it was an April Fool's joke': Teen addicted to Kpods on news that friend died Asia Cool photo spots, viral food videos: Malaysia plans to woo Chinese tourists via social media Asia From propaganda to passion: N. Korean TV show mimics K-drama to fend off banned media from the South Singapore New auto pet wash service in Buona Vista draws flak, but firm stands by its safety Singapore 314 suicides reported in Singapore in 2024, remains leading cause of youth deaths Asia 'Guardian angels': Taiwan's dementia-friendly village promotes ageing in place Life US tech firm launches probe into Coldplay 'kiss cam' couple after clip goes viral The Covid-19 pandemic is likely to have also contributed to the higher number of deaths between 2020 and 2022. The two leading causes of death in 2024 were cancer and heart and hypertensive diseases, which accounted for over half of all deaths here. In February, Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, said that the dragon year effect has been diminishing over the years, reflecting the generational shifts in attitudes and priorities among young couples. Ms Rajah, whose ministry oversees population issues, said the preliminary total fertility rate (TFR), which refers to the average number of babies each woman would have during her reproductive years, remained at 0.97 in 2024. This is the same figure as 2023, when Singapore's TFR fell below 1 for the first time. In February, the total number of babies born in 2024 was not made public yet. In the Chinese zodiac calendar, the Dragon Year has traditionally been considered an auspicious time to have children, as the dragon is associated with good fortune, success and leadership, among other desirable traits. Historically, there has been a baby boom each dragon year, which falls every 12 years in the zodiac cycle. For example, there were 36,178 babies born in 2011 but 38,641 in 2012, which was Year of the Dragon – an increase of 6.8 per cent. The increase in births in the dragon year before that was even higher. In the 2000 dragon year, a total of 44,765 babies were born - an 8.3 per cent jump from the 41,327 babies born in 1999. Over the past two decades, the Government has introduced a slew of measures and benefits to boost the country's birth rate.
Geek Girl Authority
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
TV Review: NAUTILUS Episode 4, ‘Slippery When Wet'
The crew of the Nautilus has been betrayed, one of their own has disappeared, and they're back where they started—sans provisions to survive while they're escaping the maw of the Company. Season 1 Episode 4, 'Slippery When Wet,' of the AMC show continues its adventurous ways, and we learn some interesting new details about our protagonists. Let's see where these hints lead. Nautilus, Season 1 Episode 4, 'Slippery When Wet' A lot happened in the previous episode of Nautilus when the crew met the Rajah (Richard E. Grant), only for him to turn them over to the East India Mercantile Company. But we learnt more about our protagonist, Captain Nemo (Shazad Latif) as well, and this episode builds off that. RELATED: Read our Nautilus reviews In this episode, the Nautilus crew set off for a mysterious island to find food and water. And of course, mysteries are unveiled, adventures and perils ensue. But 'Slippery When Wet' also plants the seeds of a deeper, unwitting connection between Nemo and the Company. I'm curious to see how the creative team intends to play this out. Nemo is the victim of Imperialism—but so are many individuals who are given no choice but to join the bad guys. The creative team has to strike a delicate balance so they don't inadvertently sympathize with the murderous colonizers. RELATED: On Location: Es Saadi Marrakesh Resort on The Night Manager Season 1 Though this Nautilus episode develops more intrigue, the focus is on the adventure at hand. It's a diverting filler, intended to give us more time with Nemo and Humility Lucas (Georgia Flood). As enjoyable as that is, I wish we'd seen more of the characters in action in the episode. Four episodes in, I find myself wondering who these supporting characters are. Nautilus gives us bold and humorous personalities like Boniface (Pacharo Mzembe) and Turan (Arlo Green), as well as morally ambiguous strong-and-silent types like Suyin (Ling Cooper Tang), but hasn't done anything to build up their characters yet. Exciting But Derivative This is the first episode of Nautilus that I didn't have me enthralled from start to finish. It's exciting throughout, with a ton of action, but we've seen most of these story choices before. RELATED: Read our Interview with the Vampire recaps The creepy island with the dodgy survivors who are up to no good. Check. The protagonists being caught in a netted trap. Check check. A sacrifice scene. Another check. Even the cinematography is familiar. I know I said I liked Nautilus because it felt like watching the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, but Episode 4 feels like Dead Man's Chest . It tries too hard. What makes the episode interesting are the characters. Shazad Latif and Georgia Flood are building a fun chemistry between their characters. Their banter continues to be fun, and from time to time, a little cringe. RELATED: NYCC 2025: Check Out the First Wave of Star-Studded Guests The cringe comes from their presumptions. I realize now that Nemo and Humility putting their foot in it every time they try to chastise each other is the shtick . I enjoy it now. Give me more. There's a big missed opportunity with a couple of characters in this episode as well. We meet a new character in Episode 4 who is interesting from the get-go. I'm to believe that's it for them in Nautilus ? And another character is seemingly killed in this episode as well. Are they really gone? RELATED: Everything Coming to Netflix in July 2025 But guess what. In the end, all is forgiven, and I am aching to know what's next, because there's yet another stellar cliffhanger. I know I harp on about this in every review, but these cliffhangers are real bangers. I forgot what it was like to watch a streaming show that actually knows what episodic storytelling is. Nautilus really knows how to leave us … well, hanging. Nautilus airs every Sunday on AMC and AMC+. TV Review: IRONHEART Monita has been championing diversity, inclusivity, and representation in entertainment media through her work for over a decade. She is a contributor at Bam Smack Pow and Geek Girl Authority. Her bylines have appeared on 3-time Eisner Award-winning publication Women Write About Comics, HuffPost, (formerly Soundsphere/Screensphere, FanSided's Show Snob, and Vocal. She was also a TV/Movies features writer at Alongside her twin, Monita co-hosts the pop culture podcast Stereo Geeks.
The Star
20-05-2025
- The Star
Chasing chilled waters at Sg Chiling, one of Selangor's most majestic waterfalls
Just an hour's drive north from the concrete sprawl of Kuala Lumpur, a different Malaysia unfolds – one where tarmac gives way to jungle trails and the ceaseless hum of traffic is replaced by the gurgle of river currents. This is where you'll find Sungai Chiling Waterfall, tucked away near the foothils of the Titiwangsa Range, in the lush embrace of the Selangor State Park. For city dwellers looking to swap smog for mist and glass towers for green canopies, a weekend hike to Chiling Waterfall is more than just exercise – it's a reset. Sunlight cutting through the canopy in radiant beams, casting a rainbow shimmer over Sungai Chiling, one of nature's quiet masterpieces. The trail begins modestly enough, just after the Selangor Dam en route to Fraser's Hill. Visitors to the waterfall must apply for a permit in advance, which can be done online via the Selangor Forestry Department. The cost is RM5 per person to enter the park. Registering at the ranger station near the entrance is also required, where your name is logged for safety. A guide is not required for the hike to the waterfall. The reward after the hike – Chiling Waterfall in full glory, thundering into a misty pool as hikers soak in the moment beneath towering rainforest trees. A suspension bridge swings gently over Sungai Chiling, marking the start of an immersive journey into one of Selangor's most treasured forest reserves. The hike is just under 4km one way – an out-and-back trail that is relatively moderate in difficulty, but highly rewarding. What makes this trail so special is not just the waterfall at the end, but the experience of getting there. Warning signs marking each crossing – and swimming is strictly prohibited during rain, as river levels rise rapidly. Within the first 10 minutes, the real character of the trek reveals itself: six river crossings – some ankle-deep, others chest-high, depending on rainfall. You'll need to wade, balance and perhaps even laugh as cool, clear water flows around your legs. Ropes are anchored across some of the crossings, but the river isn't tame – it demands attention, especially during the monsoon months. Crossing 6, the final stretch before reaching Chiling Waterfall. For that reason, park rangers often close the trail if water levels surge. On dry days, Sungai Chiling becomes a gleaming ribbon cutting through the forest, its banks lined with tangled roots, mossy rocks and natural stepping stones. As you hike, the jungle hums with life. 'We love Sg Chiling' sign welcoming nature lovers to Selangor's hidden gem. Towering trees form a vaulted canopy overhead, filtering sunlight into soft green glows. Birds chatter in the distance. Once in a while, you might spot a butterfly as large as your palm – perhaps a Rajah Brooke's Birdwing – drifting lazily by. The air is rich with the earthy scent of wet leaves and the occasional sharp tang of wild ginger. What many don't know is that Sungai Chiling is also home to one of Malaysia's best-known freshwater conservation efforts. Cool, clear and endlessly flowing – this section of Sungai Chiling glides over granite and moss, a perfect prelude to the waterfall ahead. In 2005, the Department of Fisheries gazetted part of the river as the Mahseer Fish Sanctuary. Here, the endangered ikan kelah – often called the 'king of the river' – swim freely in large schools. These majestic fish, prized for their strength and beauty, are protected. While you can feed them with pellets sold near the entrance, fishing is strictly forbidden. After slightly more than an hour and a half of hiking, or longer if you stop to take in the surroundings, you'll hear it before you see it: the roar of falling water. Emerging from the trail, you're met by the magnificent sight of Chiling Waterfall, a three-tiered cascade plunging into a wide, natural pool surrounded by smooth boulders and mist-soaked jungle. A crystal-clear stretch of Sungai Chiling weaving through the rainforest, offering a tranquil pause mid-hike. The waterfall towers at nearly 80m, and its chilly plunge pool lives up to the name. Even in the sweltering midday heat, a dip here is bone-chilling – in the best possible way. Weekends can get crowded, so the best time to start is early – around 8.30am. One regular hiker, Johnny Yong, recalled reaching the fall in 45 minutes and having the entire site to himself for half an hour before the crowds trickled in. 'It's peaceful, almost sacred at that hour,' he said. 'It feels like nature letting you in on a secret.' A hidden spectacle of raw natural power revealing the dramatic drop of Chiling Waterfall as it carves through the forested cliffs. The park opens only on weekends, 8am to 4.30pm, and closes during heavy rain or after sustained downpours. There are basic campsites near the start of the trail, and while facilities are minimal, the experience is richly rewarding. Sungai Chiling is not merely a waterfall. It is an experience carved by water and time, woven together by flora, fauna and silence. This is a trail worth taking for a weekend of hiking, river crossing and a glimpse of Malaysia's wild heart. Follow Johnny Yong's hiking adventures through his videos and photos on: • Facebook: • Instagram: • YouTube:
Reuters
29-01-2025
- Business
- Reuters
India's coffee output dips, clouds export outlook despite record prices
MUMBAI, Jan 29 (Reuters) - India's coffee exports are expected to decline more than 10% in 2025 due to lower production and reduced carry-forward stocks from last season's crop, even as beans fetch record high prices, industry officials told Reuters on Wednesday. The South Asian country, a major tea producer, is also the world's seventh-largest coffee grower. The country mainly produces robusta beans used to make instant coffee, but also grows the more expensive arabica variety. Lower exports from India could further tighten global supplies, already squeezed by weaker output from top producer Brazil, which would support benchmark futures , that hit a record high this week. "Although prices are higher, the smaller crop will result in lower export volumes," Chengappa Pradhan, researcher at Volcafe, the coffee trading arm of ED&F Man, told Reuters. Exports in 2025 could fall by more than 10% from the prior year's record 295,402 metric tons, he said. Output is expected to fall this year as higher summer temperatures and water scarcity impacted the conversion of coffee flowers into cherries, while later heavy rains lead to fruit dropping, said Marvin Rodrigues, a coffee grower. "This year, harvesting was delayed due to rains. Early trends suggest lower yields," said Rodrigues. The country harvested 374,200 tons of coffee, including 261,200 tons of robusta and 113,000 tons of arabica in the 2023/24 marketing year ended in September 2024, the state-run Coffee Board estimated. "We have not yet finalised the number for the current season's production. We are receiving reports of lower yields. Our estimate will be finalised after conducting a detailed survey," said an official with Coffee Board. DEPLETED STOCKS The rally in coffee prices in 2024 and European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) regulation led to higher Indian exports in 2024, but that brought down inventories to a negligible level, said Ramesh Rajah, president of the Coffee Exporters' Association of India. "Lower carry forward stocks would bring down available surplus for exports," Rajah said. European countries such as Italy, Germany and Belgium are among key buyers of Indian coffee. The initial deadline for the EUDR, which aims to prevent the import of commodities linked to deforestation, was December 2024, which has since been delayed to December 2025 for large operators and traders. European buyers bought more coffee than required in 2024 anticipating the EUDR, but they are now slowing down purchases because of record prices, Rajah said. Demand for Indian arabica is a bit subdued, but there is good demand for Indian robusta, which is fetching premium over the benchmark London futures, Rajah said. Indian robusta was being offered at a premium of $250 per ton over London futures, dealers said. "Farmers have witnessed prices rally month after month, and many are holding back their crops in anticipation of further gains," said Pradhan of Volcafe. Get a look at the day ahead in U.S. and global markets with the Morning Bid U.S. newsletter. Sign up here.
