Latest news with #post-GE
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Stavropol boosts Russian wheat hopes despite Rostov drought
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox KUTEINIKOVO, Russia - Two of Russia's top wheat-growing regions are having very different years as Rostov endures a second year of drought while good weather in Stavropol promises record output. That should keep supply from the world's largest exporter steady and could see Stavropol dethrone Rostov as its biggest wheat-growing region, according to forecasts. In Rostov, where the harvesting campaign will start this month, Governor Yuri Slyusar has warned that this year's crop could fall by 20% from last year's 10.1 million tons, to its lowest level since 2015. He has declared a state of agricultural emergency in 10 districts, a move that facilitates state aid payments to farmers. Although frosts this spring were milder, drought is now seen as the main risk. Short rains in May did not help to retain moisture in the soil. "It's another bad year for us. The seedlings have been affected by drought since last autumn. The wheat is weak. This year, it suffered from frost, and now the drought is finishing it off," said Maxim Zolotaryov, an agronomist at Luch farm in Rostov's Chertkov district. Chertkov has been hit hardest by bad weather in 2024 and 2025. Yields last year fell by 61% to 1.7 metric tons per hectare compared to about 3.4 tons in the United States. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties World Trump's ambassador nominee to Singapore Anjani Sinha has a rough day at Senate hearing Singapore Proposed new law protecting Singaporeans' genetic data to be strengthened: Ong Ye Kung Asia Dr Mahathir at 100: Still haunted by the Malay Dilemma Singapore What's next for PSP following its post-GE leadership shake-up? Singapore NDP 2025: Diamond formations, 'multi-axis' fly-past to headline parade's aerial display Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? Singapore HDB flats less attainable in 2024 compared with 2022: Report Zolotaryov pointed to green plants in dry land and said that normally at this time of the year the stems are higher. He said some farmers have experimented with other crops but ultimately decided to stick to wheat given its guaranteed export demand. RECORD HARVEST In contrast, analysts expect a bumper crop in Stavropol, south of Rostov, where the weather has been much better with 30% more rain so far this year. That is underpinning hopes for government forecasts that see Russia's grain harvest this year at 135 million metric tons, up 4% from 2024. The wheat harvest is seen at 90 million tons this year. "We expect a record harvest in Stavropol this year, it will become the leading region in terms of wheat production," said Dmitry Rylko, head of the IKAR consultancy. A Reuters calculation shows that the wheat crop in Stavropol, which harvested 7.8 million tons in 2024, will need to exceed 8 million tons to top Rostov. Local agriculture officials say part of the increase in rain was due to the use of the "cloud seeding" technology where clouds are sprayed with silver iodide from planes. Krasnodar is Russia's other top wheat-growing region, which collected 9.9 million tons last year. Krasnodar Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said in March he hoped the region would harvest no less this year, but with drought in some parts of the region this figure is now in doubt. Russia's more northern regions have also been boosting agricultural output as it gets warmer. For example, the mostly industrial Perm region next to the Urals Mountains posted a 30% jump in wheat output in 2024. Fertiliser supply to northern regions, including Perm, has tripled in the last decade, according to producer Uralchem. Deputy Agriculture Minister Andrei Razin said in March that average temperatures in Russia are expected to rise by 1.5 degrees between 1976 and 2030, with previously unused lands in the north and east being brought into agricultural production. Russia's long-term grain market strategy calls for a combination of efforts to maintain existing yields in the south while bringing new lands into use. EXPENSES, EQUIPMENT In addition to demanding weather conditions, Russia's farmers face other challenges, including interest rates at their highest level since the early 2000s and sanctions that hobble their access to new Western machinery or spares. "Due to the increase in the key interest rate, loans have become very expensive. As of today, every farmer is calculating their finances, capabilities, and the feasibility of acquiring new equipment," said Alexei Shantaliy, a local administration official for farming in Chertkov. Farmers also complain about a rise in input costs such as fertilizers and fuel. Crops grown with lower inputs often have lower yields. "Today we are striving to minimize expenses to at least break even," said Alexander Plakhov, director of Luch farm. Farmers say that challenging weather requires more intensive use of machinery during short time windows to sow or harvest quickly while conditions permit. Yet the machinery on many farms is aging and equipment is often out of order due to a lack of spare parts, making it hard for farmers to move quickly during sowing and harvesting campaigns. Farmers have experimented with other crops but ultimately decided to stick to wheat with its guaranteed demand for export, said Zolotaryov. REUTERS
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Two changes for Fiji as they expect physical challenge from Scots
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Fiji have kept all but two of the starters from last weekend's narrow loss to Australia for their test against Scotland in Suva, the country's rugby union said on Thursday. Sireli Maqala has been promoted from the bench to replace Iosefo Masi at centre while Mesake Doge takes over from veteran prop Peni Ravai, who picked up an elbow injury in the 21-18 loss to the Wallabies at Newcastle. Fiji coach Mick Byrne had said this week he faced a selection dilemma with many options to choose from ahead of Saturday's game. 'It's a great problem to have,' he told reporters. He said they were determined to bounce back after their loss to the Wallabies. 'We missed a couple of lineouts early; the boys took it personally and spent a good amount of time looking at that. So, we'll work through those.' Byrne expects a tough test against Scotland, who edged the Maori All Blacks 29-26 in New Zealand last weekend. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties World Trump's ambassador nominee to Singapore Anjani Sinha has a rough day at Senate hearing Asia Dr Mahathir at 100: Still haunted by the Malay Dilemma Singapore What's next for PSP following its post-GE leadership shake-up? Singapore NDP 2025: Diamond formations, 'multi-axis' fly-past to headline parade's aerial display Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? Singapore HDB flats less attainable in 2024 compared with 2022: Report Singapore Apex court upholds SMC's punishment of doctor who gave patients unlicensed hormones 'They're going to bring real physicality into our game,' he said. Team: 15-Salesi Rayasi, 14-Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13-Sireli Maqala, 12-Josua Tuisova, 11-Jiuta Wainiqolo, 10-Caleb Muntz, 9-Simione Kuruvoli, 8-Bill Mata, 7-Elia Canakaivata, 6-Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5-Temo Mayanavanua, 4-Isoa Nasilasila, 3-Mesake Doge, 2-Tevita Ikanivere (capt), 1-Eroni Mawi Replacements: 16-Sam Matavesi, 17-Haereiti Hetet, 18-Samuela Tawake, 19-Mesake Vocevoce, 20-Albert Tuisue, 21-Sam Wye, 22-Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23-Vilimoni Botitu. REUTERS
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Lions to face 14 test players in AUNZ line-up for tour match
Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Final - New Zealand v South Africa - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 28, 2023 New Zealand's Shannon Frizell leaves the pitch after being shown a yellow card by referee Wayne Barnes REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq SYDNEY - The Australia-New Zealand Invitational XV to face the British & Irish Lions in Adelaide this weekend features eight All Blacks and six Wallabies with winger AJ Lam the only uncapped player in the starting line-up. A powerhouse back row featuring Hoskins Sotutu, Pete Samu and Shannon Frizell is bound to test the Lions at Adelaide Oval on Saturday in their final run out before the test series. Two-cap All Black Folau Fakatava will link up with one-cap Wallaby Tane Edmed in the halves but there is plenty of test experience in a backline featuring centres Ngani Laumape and David Havili as well as winger Marika Koroibete. Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and All Black Havili will co-captain the team, which has been coached by Les Kiss with the assistance of former New Zealand boss Ian Foster, Simon Cron and Zane Hilton. "After speaking with all the players we thought the co-captaincy model with natural leaders like David and Lukhan would really suit this team and what we represent," said Kiss, who will take over from Joe Schmidt as Wallabies coach next year. "This week has been building nicely and the boys have put a lot of time into getting to know each other. In forming new bonds many of them have discovered they have more in common than they originally thought. "We have named an experienced, powerful starting side for Saturday and we know our bench will make an impact when they get their opportunity." Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties World Trump's ambassador nominee to Singapore Anjani Sinha has a rough day at Senate hearing Asia Dr Mahathir at 100: Still haunted by the Malay Dilemma Singapore What's next for PSP following its post-GE leadership shake-up? Singapore NDP 2025: Diamond formations, 'multi-axis' fly-past to headline parade's aerial display Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? Singapore HDB flats less attainable in 2024 compared with 2022: Report Singapore Apex court upholds SMC's punishment of doctor who gave patients unlicensed hormones The Lions have won their first four tour games against Australia's Super Rugby teams and also face a First Nations & Pasifika XV between the first test on July 19 in Brisbane and the second test a week later in Melbourne. Team: 15–Shaun Stevenson, 14–AJ Lam, 13–Ngani Laumape, 12–David Havili, 11–Marika Koroibete, 10–Tane Edmed, 9–Folau Fakatava, 8–Hoskins Sotutu, 7–Pete Samu, 6–Shannon Frizell, 5–Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4–Angus Blyth, 3–Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2–Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1–Aidan Ross Replacements: 16–Kurt Eklund, 17–Joshua Fusitu'a, 18–George Dyer, 19–Matt Philip, 20–Joe Brial, 21–Kalani Thomas, 22–Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23–Jock Campbell REUTERS
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Proposed new law protecting Singaporeans' genetic data to be strengthened: Ong Ye Kung
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE – A proposed new law to protect genetic data collected on Singaporeans will be strengthened to provide greater clarity on what this hereditary information can or cannot be used for. The Ministry of Health (MOH) will be conducting broad public consultations on the topic, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said. 'For healthcare to be delivered seamlessly across all settings, and especially in the community, a patient's data needs to be captured and shared among healthcare providers whom he sought care from,' he said. Doing so immediately raises concerns about cyber security, which MOH is addressing by strengthening the legislative structure, he added. The Health Minister was speaking at the 9th CHI Innovate 2025, NHG Health's flagship innovation conference, on July 10, held at the Ng Teng Fong Centre for Healthcare Innovation. Genetic screening for medical conditions of the general public is already being carried out as part of a nationwide programme to enhance preventive care in Singapore. Starting June 30, eligible Singapore residents, for instance, can be screened for familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) , a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol levels, at a subsidised rate. The initiative aims to identify individuals with FH early and reduce the risk of premature heart disease with timely interventions. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties World Trump's ambassador nominee to Singapore Anjani Sinha has a rough day at Senate hearing Asia Dr Mahathir at 100: Still haunted by the Malay Dilemma Singapore What's next for PSP following its post-GE leadership shake-up? Singapore NDP 2025: Diamond formations, 'multi-axis' fly-past to headline parade's aerial display Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? Singapore HDB flats less attainable in 2024 compared with 2022: Report Singapore Apex court upholds SMC's punishment of doctor who gave patients unlicensed hormones To address the worries about data privacy, Mr Ong, who is also the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, said his ministry is coming up with a new law – the proposed Health Information Act. 'Under the Act, beyond various data protection measures, a patient can choose to restrict the sharing of his medical data among the healthcare providers that he sought care from,' he said. While this may not be an ideal arrangement and may undermine quality of care for the patient, making such a choice available addresses fears and instils confidence, he added. Mr Ong said that when genetic data is easily available, there will be public concerns on how the data is used and whether technology 'will inadvertently push us across societal and ethical lines'. 'MOH is therefore working on enhancing legislative protections on the use of genetic test information and will be conducting broad public consultation. 'The legislation will provide greater clarity on what genetic information can be used for, such as for medical treatment, and what it cannot be used for, such as in deciding employment and insurance (coverage),' he said. Mr Ong said beyond addressing the fears and concerns arising from technology, everyone can be empowered to participate in innovation and leverage technology to do a better job. But he warned that as digital technology revolutionises human communications, it might have also rewired the minds of a generation. 'The evidence is still being debated, but ask any psychologist or counsellor, and they will tell you stories of how smart devices, video games or social media addiction have inflicted pain on young minds,' he said. Mr Ong said while there is no doubt artificial intelligence (AI) will have a profound impact on society , healthcare institutions need to 'use it judiciously and deploy it thoughtfully'. In employing AI, NHG Health has signed a five-year master collaboration agreement with ST Engineering to co-develop and implement engineering and smart systems to further enhance patient care and optimise health service delivery. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung at a guided tour of an AI Showcase during the Centre for Health and Innovation (CHI) Innovate 2025 conference on July 10. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI The group also signed a memorandum of understanding with Nanyang Technological University's Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and Hong Kong-based Cornerstone Robotics to focus on advanced research and innovation in surgical robotics systems. This alliance will identify future robotic-assisted surgery for a wider range of conditions treated at the hospitals under NHG Health and offer safer, less invasive and more affordable procedures to the patients.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Turkey's legal crackdown on main opposition party CHP
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: A woman holds a placard with the picture of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as his supporters gather near the city's police headquarters in Istanbul, Turkey, March 19, 2025. REUTERS/Umit Bektas/File Photo ISTANBUL - Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) faces a wave of charges of corruption, insulting officials and terrorism links that has left hundreds of its members and municipal workers, including 14 mayors, detained or jailed. Here are some details on the crackdown: WHAT HAS HAPPENED SO FAR? HOW HAS TURKEY REACTED? Hundreds of people have been detained or jailed as part of the legal crackdown that has been criticised as anti-democratic and politicised by opposition parties, right groups and some foreign leaders - claims the government denies saying the judiciary is independent. The arrest in March of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on corruption charges sparked the country's largest street protests in a decade. It also prompted a brief but sharp selloff in the lira and other Turkish assets, leading the central bank to reverse a monetary easing cycle. Prosecutors have not issued indictments and the CHP says the charges are fabricated. WHO ARE THE KEY FIGURES? Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties World Trump's ambassador nominee to Singapore Anjani Sinha has a rough day at Senate hearing Asia Dr Mahathir at 100: Still haunted by the Malay Dilemma Singapore What's next for PSP following its post-GE leadership shake-up? Singapore 'Give a positive review': Hidden AI prompt found in academic paper by NUS researchers Singapore NDP 2025: Diamond formations, 'multi-axis' fly-past to headline parade's aerial display Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? Singapore Apex court upholds SMC's conviction of doctor who gave patients unapproved hormones Mayor Imamoglu, who is President Tayyip Erdogan's main rival and leads him in some polls, was detained on graft charges he denies. The two-term mayor defeated candidates from Erdogan's ruling AK Party (AKP) in 2019 and 2024, when the CHP swept most big cities across the country in the AKP's biggest ever electoral defeat. Though now behind bars, he is the centrist CHP's presidential candidate in any future election against the conservative AKP. Erdogan, Turkey's leader of 22 years, says the probe needs to address a vast network of corruption and has urged patience. The probe tightens his grip on power at a time that he could seek a way to stand for office again, despite his having reached a term limit. The next presidential vote is set for 2028 but will need to come earlier if he is to run again. Ozgur Ozel, chairman of the CHP, has led the anti-Erdogan rallies since Imamoglu was arrested, calling the crackdown a "coup attempt" to hamstring the government's rival. A potential alternative CHP presidential candidate, Ozel faces a court ruling set for September on another case that could strip him of his title and annul his party's congress in 2023. WHEN DID THE CRACKDOWN BEGIN? The crackdown began on October 31, 2024, when a court jailed, pending trial, Ahmet Ozer, the CHP mayor of Istanbul's Esenyurt district, on charges of links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group. It expanded in January when Riza Akpolat, mayor of the city's Besiktas district, was jailed in an investigation into an alleged criminal organisation suspected of rigging public tenders by bribing public officials. HOW HAS IT EXPANDED? On March 18, Imamoglu entered the spotlight when Istanbul University annuled his university degree over irregularities, days before he was to be picked CHP presidential candidate - for which a degree is a pre-condition. The next morning, police detained him and about 100 others. Protests over his detention spread, and on March 23 a court jailed the mayor on the same day that CHP members and non-members endorsed him as presidential candidate. On March 27, the number of people detained in anti-government protests neared 1,900. Ankara denounced opposition calls for a mass commercial boycott, describing them as an economic "sabotage attempt". On April 30, a court jailed 18 Istanbul municipality officials on corruption charges in a further widening of the crackdown. On May 20, police detained 18 more municipality employees, then on May 31, prosecutors issued detention warrants for 47 people in four separate investigations including mayors in the CHP-run southern province of Adana. On July 1, the investigation exploded across the country when a total of 157 people were ordered detained on corruption, tender rigging and fraud charges in the western coastal city of Izmir, including a CHP lawmaker and a former mayor. Of those, 35 people were jailed pending trial. On July 4, the mayor of Manavgat was detained and the following day, July 5, three more mayors and several others were detained in the big southern cities of Adana, Adiyaman and Antalya. REUTERS
