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New Paper
2 hours ago
- New Paper
Woman jailed for offering $50 bribe to ICA officer after being caught with contraband cigarettes
A Singapore-based foreign student, who was caught with contraband cigarettes at the Woodlands Checkpoint, tried to get off the hook by offering a bribe of least $50 to an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer. The officer did not take the money that Chinese national Sun Song had offered her, and the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) was alerted soon after. On May 30, the 29-year-old offender was sentenced to four weeks' jail after she pleaded guilty to offering the bribe. She has since paid a composition of $650 for failing to declare the cigarettes which have been disposed of. Deputy Public Prosecutor Tan Pei Wei said that Sun had travelled from Malaysia and was at the Woodlands Checkpoint in a private hire vehicle when two ICA officers stopped it for a routine search at around 6.40pm on Nov 23, 2024. Sun was sitting on the rear passenger seat when one of the officers, Sergeant (2) Nurliana Mohamad Sufian spotted a white plastic bag containing cigarettes beside her. Sun did not give a verbal answer when asked if she had anything to declare and the ICA officers told the driver to drive to the side of the road. As he did so, Sun slipped the white plastic bag into the car boot through the passenger seats. Sgt Nurliana asked for the car boot to be opened, and she found that the plastic bag contained 10 packs of cigarettes. The driver denied owning these items when questioned, the court heard. Sgt Nurliana then turned her attention to Sun, who pleaded by saying "please" and "help me" in English while running her palms together. DPP Tan said: "The accused then said 'I give you money', took out not less than $50 in cash from her purse and proffered it to Sgt Nurliana. The accused did this as she was worried about being arrested and wanted Sgt Nurliana to let her off. "The driver immediately grabbed the accused's arm upon seeing this. Sgt Nurliana also warned the accused that she had a body-worn camera (and) the accused did not persist." ICA reported the matter to the police at around 7pm that day and the case was later referred to the CPIB, which arrested Sun on Dec 10, 2024. Pleading for leniency, defence lawyer Foo Ho Chew told the court that his client is remorseful, adding: "While the form gratification offered is of low value, a mere $50 in cash, she now realises the significance and severity of her actions." Mr Foo also said that Sun had cooperated with the authorities during their investigation into the case.
Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Taurus Monthly Horoscope, June 2025: You can have personal transformations, Financial clarity takes centre stage this month
ET Online Taurus Monthly Horoscope: The month begins with the Sun and Mercury in your sign, Taurus. This will highlight self-awareness and personal choices. Mercury and the Sun will be transiting into the Gemini sign. Your focus will shift to income and values. Mars is transiting from Cancer to Leo. This is affecting communication and home matters. Venus, your Lagna Lord. It is entering Taurus on 29th June. You can have emotional satisfaction. Taurus Monthly Horoscope: Career (1st-30th June 2025) The first week is good for goal setting and self-representation. The Mercury remains in the Taurus sign. You will find clarity in communicating your vision. After 6th June, Mercury will be transiting from the Gemini sign. This helps in financial negotiations and handling workplace responsibilities. Also Read : Taurus - Saturn Retrograde 2025 Mars is in the Leo sign from 7th June. They could bring urgency or conflict at home. It is possible to impact your work focus. You can avoid impulsive reactions. Your creativity improves in the second half of the month. Taurus Monthly Horoscope: Finance (1st-30th June 2025) The Sun is transiting to the Gemini sign on 15th June. This places strong emphasis on your financial zone. You may explore new income sources or evaluate your assets. Jupiter continues to support long-term planning. Mercury in transit helps you manage expenses better. You can have sudden home-related spending that may arise. Venus will be transiting from your sign on 29th June. This could bring gains through partnerships or luxury items. You should avoid overspending mid-month. Taurus Monthly Horoscope: Health (1st-30th June 2025)Physical stamina remains steady, especially during the first half. Your minor throat or digestive issues may crop up due to Mercury's transit from 22nd June onward. We can have emotional sensitivity. You may affect sleep and mood. Yoga, walking, or art therapy can help. Mars will be transiting into the Leo sign. This watch is for stress-related fatigue. You can also have blood pressure fluctuations. Venus is in the Taurus sign by the month-end. This will aid recovery and self-care. Taurus Monthly Horoscope: Family (1st-30th June 2025) Home life may demand extra attention due to Mars' transit into your Fourth House on 7th June. There could be disagreements or tension among family members. It is important to be patient and nurturing. Mercury helps in easing misunderstandings post-6th June. Venus will bring warmth and harmony by the end of the week. You can spend quality time with loved ones. You should avoid ego clashes at home. Taurus Monthly Horoscope: Education (1st-30th June 2025) Students need to remain focused. Mercury will be transiting into the Gemini sign. Your distractions may increase in the second half of the month. Students who are studying finance, literature, or business can perform well. Your emotional stability is key to effective learning. Group studies and tutoring will help. The clear schedule will keep stress at bay, particularly during Mars' transit in Leo. Conclusion: Taurus - Monthly Horoscope (1st-30th June 2025) June offers a balanced blend of stability and inner change for Taurus natives. As your Lagna Lord, Venus enters your sign at month-end. Things begin to feel more aligned. Financial and emotional clarity improve steadily. With patience, communication, and self-care, you can navigate family tension. This can boost your personal growth. This is a month of grounding and evolving simultaneously. Remedies: a) Wear a white or pink rose quartz crystal on Fridays. This will enhance Venus' energy.b) You should offer milk or rice to a cow on Fridays for peace and prosperity.c) You can chant 'Om Shukraya Namah' 108 times every Friday to strengthen Venus.d) You should keep a silver coin in your wallet to stabilise finances.e) You should light a camphor lamp in the evening. This can cleanse negative vibrations at home.f) You should donate sugar, ghee, or white clothes. Written by: Anand Sagar Pathak of For feedback, write to hello@ Check Out: Gemini Monthly Horoscope, June 2025 Cancer Monthly Horoscope, June 2025 ( Originally published on May 27, 2025 ) Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein.
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Straits Times
Woman jailed for offering $50 bribe to ICA officer after being caught with contraband cigarettes
Chinese national Sun Song was sentenced to four weeks' jail after she pleaded guilty to offering the bribe. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG Woman jailed for offering $50 bribe to ICA officer after being caught with contraband cigarettes SINGAPORE – A Singapore-based foreign student, who was caught with contraband cigarettes at the Woodlands Checkpoint, tried to get off the hook by offering a bribe of least $50 to an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer. The officer did not take the money that Chinese national Sun Song had offered her, and the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) was alerted soon after. On May 30, the 29-year-old offender was sentenced to four weeks' jail after she pleaded guilty to offering the bribe. She has since paid a composition of $650 for failing to declare the cigarettes which have been disposed of. Deputy Public Prosecutor Tan Pei Wei said that Sun had travelled from Malaysia and was at the Woodlands Checkpoint in a private hire vehicle when two ICA officers stopped it for a routine search at around 6.40pm on Nov 23, 2024. Sun was sitting on the rear passenger seat when one of the officers, Sergeant (2) Nurliana Mohamad Sufian spotted a white plastic bag containing cigarettes beside her. Sun did not give a verbal answer when asked if she had anything to declare and the ICA officers told the driver to drive to the side of the road. As he did so, Sun slipped the white plastic bag into the car boot through the passenger seats. Sgt Nurliana asked for the car boot to be opened, and she found that the plastic bag contained 10 packs of cigarettes. The driver denied owning these items when questioned, the court heard. Sgt Nurliana then turned her attention to Sun, who pleaded by saying 'please' and 'help me' in English while running her palms together. DPP Tan said: 'The accused then said 'I give you money', took out not less than $50 in cash from her purse and proffered it to Sgt Nurliana. The accused did this as she was worried about being arrested and wanted Sgt Nurliana to let her off. 'The driver immediately grabbed the accused's arm upon seeing this. Sgt Nurliana also warned the accused that she had a body-worn camera (and) the accused did not persist.' ICA reported the matter to the police at around 7pm that day and the case was later referred to the CPIB, which arrested Sun on Dec 10, 2024. Pleading for leniency, defence lawyer Foo Ho Chew told the court that his client is remorseful, adding: 'While the form gratification offered is of low value, a mere $50 in cash, she now realises the significance and severity of her actions.' Mr Foo also said that Sun had cooperated with the authorities during their investigation into the case. Shaffiq Alkhatib is The Straits Times' court correspondent, covering mainly criminal cases heard at the State Courts. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Metropolis Japan
4 hours ago
- General
- Metropolis Japan
May 30
March 20 ~ April 18 Venus in Aries adds harmony and comfort, especially for you. Cash in on as much as you can. You're part of the equation of her generosity. By next week, Venus will transit away from your sign. Chiron the healer and lucky streak Jupiter expand connections. They're both in a positive alignment with Venus, meant for your enjoyment and success. April 19 ~ May 19 Dreams are everything this week. Venus, the planet of beauty, money and love revs up the appeal. Connections this goddess makes can sustain you. Chiron, the healer, and Jupiter, attracting success, work with Venus on your behalf. If there is something you want or feel you need, visualizing it has more impact now. You have angels on your shoulder. May 20 ~ June 20 If friends connect in from every direction, you've earned it. Gemini is generous to others. You blend light and breezy logic with a firm foundation to back it up. You know how to rise above the fray and see the best parts of the world. Venus, Chiron, Ceres, Neptune and Saturn bring endless group opportunities. The Sun in your sign lights up Happy Birthday wishes for you. June 21 ~ July 21 Jupiter, Mercury and the Sun currently influence your dreams, secrets, and inner world. Unexpressed needs are soothed as you receive understanding from others. Jupiter makes a beautiful aspect with Venus. It's like a gift for your spirit. Then Pallas Athene, the warrior goddess, receives a benefit from Mars. They help each other move forward with a calm strength. July 22 ~ August 22 You still have Mars in your sign. If you're pushing yourself to do more, or standing up for those who can't, it's like having a guardian warrior at your side. The free energy machine is going at full tilt, especially for you. Venus connects with Chiron and sextiles Jupiter. The goddess of love and money may entice you to travel, deal with justice, or delve into your spiritual bank account. August 23 ~ September 21 Conversations go deep and directly to the point. Vesta, Ceres and Juno bring the support and back-up you've been waiting for. Dredging up details that got stuck in the mud are not a waste of time, no matter who is trying to run from it. Structure can be built from your wisdom. Venus connects with Chiron and Jupiter to enchant and enhance your career. September 22 ~ October 22 Chiron, Venus, Ceres, Neptune and Saturn all compete for your attention. The thing is, if you're interacting on a close level with someone, they may seem like a blur right now. Keeping so many projects and requirements in the air pays off – but when? Ruler Venus connects with Chiron for a soothing healing. This goddess also makes a positive connection with Jupiter for expansion. October 23 ~ November 21 Scorpios work in unique ways. What you are doing is important. It may not be well-known or understood just yet, but you will increase your following. Your sign can go through the muck and find a treasure, bringing it to the light of day for a shiny restoration. Venus connects with Chiron for healing at work. This goddess resonates with Jupiter for big transformations. November 22 ~ December 20 This could be a big week for you. Let yourself see your value in the eyes of others, then recognize your impact. The responsibility is like a kaleidoscope – fascinating, but will the patterns be pleasing? There are beneficial starry aspects to enjoy. Venus connects with Chiron for love and healing. Ruler Jupiter and Venus could bring financial luck and a luxurious delight. December 21 ~ January 18 This is a week to catch your breath, though it may feel the opposite at home. Chiron, Venus, Ceres, Neptune and Saturn help you take stock of how much you have done. Relish the beauty you create. Some of it may be to soothe your soul or remind you of accomplishments. Venus connects with Chiron for healing, then sextiles Jupiter to expand your presence at work. January 19 ~ February 17 You could build an industry on all you know. Perhaps you already have. Aquarians are always into the next new thing, because half the time, you made it. Your contributions are just as important as ever. Venus, goddess of love, beauty and money, connects with Chiron for healing. Then Venus aspects Jupiter to make conversations lucrative at home base. February 18 ~ March 19 Some people like to rush through their day. The same could be said for planets influencing your finances. Saturn, Neptune, Ceres, Venus and Chiron all want to have their case heard, with your income allocated to their interests. This week Venus may have her way. The goddess of love, money and beauty connects to Chiron for healing. Then Venus and Jupiter take a chance.
The Star
5 hours ago
- Science
- The Star
China plans to arm Tiangong space station with self-defence bots: scientist
Sun Zhibin says robotic thruster could latch onto unidentified object approaching critical Chinese space infrastructure and push it away. — SCMP China is developing a rapid-response space defence system to intercept suspicious spacecraft and push them away, according to a senior scientist. If an unidentified object approaches China's Tiangong space station or other critical space infrastructure, a small robotic thruster could be deployed to latch onto the intruder and push it to a safer distance, said Sun Zhibin of the National Space Science Centre in Beijing. 'Sometimes another spacecraft may deliberately come close – maybe just to take a look – but it can still interfere with our operations,' Sun said during a public talk on the technological progress and plans for Tiangong, at Nanjing University of Science and Technology on Tuesday. 'In such cases, we first try to assess their intent. Then we choose how to respond – whether by dodging, adjusting our orbit, or releasing a small robot to grab and redirect the object,' he said while answering questions from the audience. In December 2021, China reported to the United Nations that its space station had to perform two evasive manoeuvres that year to avoid potential collisions with SpaceX's Starlink satellites. According to the submission, Starlink-1095 and Starlink-2305 descended from their usual 550km (342-mile) orbits and entered Tiangong's operational zone around 380km, prompting emergency avoidance actions on July 1 and October 21. Harvard astronomer and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell confirmed the encounters using US space tracking data, estimating that the Starlink satellite might have come within just 3km in the October incident. Both near-misses occurred while Tiangong was occupied – by the Shenzhou-12 crew in July and the Shenzhou-13 astronauts in October – at a time when the station was still under construction in low-Earth orbit. China's note to the UN said the events 'constituted dangers to the life or health of astronauts aboard the China Space Station'. Under international law, states were responsible for all national space activities, including those conducted by commercial operators, it said. The US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has also developed related technologies. One of its ongoing programmes, which aims to build robotic systems capable of inspecting and servicing satellites in geostationary orbit, could be adapted to approach or manipulate other spacecraft. China's pursuit of in-orbit defence capabilities comes amid heightened global focus on space security. In the US, President Donald Trump recently proposed a space-based missile shield known as the 'Golden Dome' – a US$175bil initiative aimed at intercepting threats such as hypersonic weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles. The Golden Dome project, which explicitly identifies China as a key concern, reflects a broader shift towards viewing space as a contested domain and highlights a shared priority among space powers to protect their critical assets in orbit. – South China Morning Post
