Singapore, May 15 – A 20-year-old Indian national has been sentenced to three weeks in jail for molesting a flight attendant aboard a Singapore Airlines flight traveling from Perth to Singapore.

As per agency report, the accused, identified as Rajat, admitted to using criminal force with the intention to insult the modesty of the victim during the flight on February 28. According to court proceedings, Rajat grabbed the flight attendant from behind and attempted to push her into the lavatory during the flight.

He was arrested upon the flight’s arrival at Singapore’s Changi Airport.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Eugene Lau urged the court to impose a sentence of three to six weeks, citing the psychological distress suffered by the victim. Lau stated that the attendant felt frightened and humiliated following the incident.

Highlighting the severity of the offense, Lau emphasized that such crimes committed onboard commercial flights pose additional challenges due to the confined and high-pressure environment, where detecting and responding to unwanted physical contact can be particularly difficult.

The court on Wednesday accepted Rajat’s guilty plea and sentenced him to three weeks’ imprisonment.

Singapore: A Malaysian national of Indian origin has been sentenced to eight weeks in prison and fined 2,500 Singapore dollars for attempting to smuggle a puppy into Singapore by hiding it in a bag filled with dirty clothes, as per agency report.

The incident took place on October 20, 2023, when officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) at Tuas Checkpoint—connecting Singapore to the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia—discovered the puppy during a routine inspection of the accused’s vehicle. The animal was found concealed in a bag stashed in the car’s spare tyre compartment.

The accused, 43-year-old Mahenthiran Ganesan, pleaded guilty to the charges. According to details presented in court, Ganesan runs a transport company in Malaysia and had borrowed money from an unidentified individual. To repay the debt, he was allegedly asked to smuggle animals from Malaysia into Singapore.

Initially hesitant, Ganesan eventually agreed due to his deteriorating financial condition. He admitted he was aware the act was illegal but went ahead with the smuggling attempt nonetheless.

The case highlights ongoing efforts by Singaporean authorities to curb illegal wildlife trafficking and underscores the serious legal consequences for such offenses.

Singapore, April 2 – A 73-year-old Indian national has been sentenced to nine months in jail for molesting four female crew members aboard a Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight from the United States to Singapore. The incident occurred during a 14-hour journey from San Francisco on November 18, 2024.

As per agency report, Balasubramaniam Ramesh, a former bank manager from India, pleaded guilty to four counts of molestation, while three additional charges related to one of the victims were taken into consideration during sentencing. According to The Straits Times, Ramesh committed the offenses at four different instances during the flight.

Under Singaporean law, each molestation charge carries a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment, a fine, or caning. However, due to his age being over 50, Ramesh was not eligible for caning, which is otherwise permitted under local laws.

The case drew attention as it involved multiple victims and occurred within the confines of an international flight, underscoring the seriousness with which such offenses are treated in Singapore’s legal system.

Singapore, March 21 – India is poised to witness a robust seven percent growth in air passenger traffic in 2025, driven by a rising middle class and affordable air travel options, according to Joshua Ng, Director at US-based Elton Aviation Consultancy.

Speaking optimistically about India’s aviation prospects, Ng noted that the country, which contributes around 10 percent to Asia-Pacific’s domestic and international air traffic demand, has already rebounded to pre-COVID-19 levels. As per agency report, he highlighted that this surge in demand supports India's extensive aviation infrastructure development programs, including the establishment of 150 new airports across the country.

Ng stated that the projected seven percent rise in passenger numbers for 2025 will be further supported by the substantial aircraft order book of Indian airlines, which currently stands at approximately 1,900 aircraft.

The director also emphasized that recent industry developments, such as the merger between Air India and Vistara, are expected to bring greater stability to the aviation sector. Following the merger, Air India and IndiGo are likely to emerge as the dominant players in the full-service and low-cost carrier segments, respectively.

On a global scale, Ng explained that air traffic has returned to pre-pandemic levels, and the aviation industry is projected to maintain its long-term annual growth trend of four percent from 2024 to 2034. This growth will be supported by a 2.7 percent annual rise in global gross domestic product.

Ng concluded that the Asia-Pacific region will remain the world’s largest air travel market, with an estimated annual growth rate of 5.1 percent, largely fueled by increasing long-term demand from China and India.

Singapore, February 17 – Indian-origin opposition leader Pritam Singh was found guilty of giving false testimony before a parliamentary committee on Monday. This verdict could lead to his disqualification from parliament and render him ineligible to contest in this year’s general elections.

Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan delivered the ruling against 48-year-old Singh, citing that he had intentionally provided false responses to the Committee of Privileges (COP) during its probe into former Member of Parliament Raeesah Khan's case. Khan had previously admitted to lying in parliament about accompanying a sexual assault victim to the police station.

Singh was charged with deliberately making two false statements during the COP hearings on December 10 and December 15, 2021. His actions related to how he handled Khan’s false claims in parliament.

The opposition leader now faces a potential jail term of up to three years, a fine of up to 7,000 Singapore dollars (USD 5,290), or both. The trial began four months ago, and further legal proceedings will determine the extent of his sentencing.

New Delhi, January 16 – President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday emphasized that Singapore is a key pillar of India's 'Act East' policy and highlighted the mutual benefits stemming from the growing bilateral partnership between the two nations.

Welcoming Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and his delegation at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Murmu acknowledged the accelerating cooperation between India and Singapore in recent years.

Key Remarks by President Murmu

Speaking at a banquet held in President Shanmugaratnam's honor, President Murmu stated, “Singapore stands as a crucial pillar in India's 'Act East' policy and our Indo-Pacific vision." She further noted the shared democratic values that bind the two countries.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

The President expressed optimism about the expanding partnership, emphasizing its potential to significantly benefit the citizens of both countries. The Rashtrapati Bhavan released a statement reiterating the importance of these collaborative efforts in fostering regional stability and prosperity.

The visit underscores the deepening relationship between India and Singapore, which continues to be a model of strong bilateral ties in the Indo-Pacific region.

Singapore, December 21 – A 25-year-old Indian-origin man, Arjun Ravi, has been sentenced to over 1.5 years in prison in Singapore for assaulting his father and molesting a woman in separate incidents.

Assault on Father

On May 10, 2023, Arjun attacked his 64-year-old father at their residence. Police officers arrived at the scene following a report and arrested Arjun, while his father was rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

Molestation Incident

In another incident on November 10, 2023, Arjun molested a 24-year-old woman in the Little India enclave. Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Zhou Yang informed the court that the molestation occurred around 9 PM on Buffalo Road.

Court Ruling

Arjun was convicted of both offenses and sentenced on Friday. The court considered the seriousness of his actions, particularly the assault on a family member and the public safety concerns arising from the molestation incident.

This case underscores the strict approach Singaporean authorities take toward maintaining public safety and addressing domestic violence and sexual misconduct.

Singapore, December 11 – A 40-year-old Indian national has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for smuggling 58 endangered Indian Star Tortoises into Singapore, local media reported.

According to The Straits Times, Abdul Jaffer Haji Ali was caught on August 29 at Changi Airport while in transit from India to Jakarta. The tortoises were found concealed in his personal luggage during a routine security check.

Protected Species

Indian Star Tortoises are listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their trade is heavily regulated under international conservation laws to protect them from extinction.

Ali pleaded guilty to the offense in court on Monday, admitting to smuggling the animals without proper permits. He confessed that the tortoises were handed over to him by a friend, referred to in court documents only as "Bhai." The friend had allegedly paid for Ali’s flight and accommodation and requested him to transport the luggage to Jakarta in return.

Lack of Due Diligence

According to prosecutor Lim Chong Hui from Singapore's National Parks Board, Ali neither questioned nor inspected the packages given to him by "Bhai" in Chennai on August 28. The tortoises were discovered when authorities at Changi Airport conducted a thorough check of his luggage during transit.

Consequences of Wildlife Smuggling

The sentencing highlights Singapore's strict stance on wildlife smuggling and its commitment to protecting endangered species. This case serves as a reminder of the legal and ethical obligations to safeguard biodiversity globally.

New Delhi – India and Singapore have taken a significant step towards strengthening their trade relations by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today. The agreement was formalized during an official visit to Singapore by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both nations exchanged the signed documents in a ceremony attended by their respective representatives.

Prime Minister Modi shared the news on his social media platform X, stating, "Our discussions with my friend, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, continued today. We focused on enhancing cooperation in areas such as skills development, technology, healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI), and more. Both of us agree on the need to boost our trade relations."

In another post, Modi expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome in Singapore, saying, "Thank you for the gracious reception. This is our first meeting since you assumed the office of Prime Minister. Congratulations on your new role. I am confident that under your leadership, Singapore will continue its rapid progress. Singapore is not just a country but an inspiration for every developing nation. In India, we aim to create several 'Singapores.' I am pleased that we are working together toward this goal. The ministerial roundtable we held was a trailblazing initiative."

During the visit, Prime Ministers Modi and Wong witnessed the signing of the MoU, marking a new chapter in the bilateral relationship. The two leaders also toured AEM Holdings Limited’s semiconductor facility, highlighting the importance of technology and innovation in their shared vision for the future.

This development reflects the growing importance of India-Singapore relations in the global trade landscape, with both nations seeking to leverage each other's strengths in various sectors for mutual benefit.

Singapore, Dec 3 (IANS) Two more Indian students have been jailed in Singapore for conspiring to steal apparel worth over SG$1,700 (over Rs 1 lakh) from a retail store by removing the items' price tags.

Brahmbhatt Komal Chetankumar and Christian Arpita Arvindbhai, both 27-years-old, pleaded guilty on December 1 to shoplifting offences and were sentenced to 40 and 45 days’ jail respectively, The Straits Times newspaper reported.

In a court ruling last month, the two who were on student passes in Singapore, had initially stated that they had no intention to steal.

District Judge Eugene Teo called their acts “disgraceful” and told them not to commit such offences again.

Komal and Arpita lived together in the same flat with four other Indians who were part of a group that stole apparel from the Uniqlo store.

The court documents identified three more Indian nationals -- Bhavik, 24, Vishal, 23, and Darshan, 22 -- in the conspiracy.

Bhavik and Vishal planned to steal from the outlet and roped the rest into the plan, The Straits Times reported, citing documents.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Maximilian Chew told the court previously that the group went to the Uniqlo outlet in Orchard Central on October 12 at around 6 p.m.

After picking the apparel, they removed price tags containing radio-frequency identification (RFID), which could set off the store’s security alarm.

Then they stuffed the apparel into tote bags at the self-checkout area, and pretended they had paid for all of their items.

In total, the group stole 64 pieces of apparel worth SG$1,788, The Straits Times reported.

The authorities were alerted to the conspiracy a few days later when a second group, which included some members from the first group, tried to steal clothes worth SG$2,271 from the same outlet.

Their attempt failed as a store security officer noticed their suspicious behaviour and reported it to police.

The police arrested members of the group with the help of CCTV cameras, but Bhavik, Vishal and Darshan had already left Singapore by then.

Komal and Arpita, who have been remanded since their arrest, attended the court hearing on December 1 via video link.

Four others in the group -- Shihora Ridham Mukeshbhai, 20, Hun Smit Ashokbhai, 21, Kuvadiya Milan Ghansyambhai, 26, and Chauhan Ruchi Sanjaykumar, 25 -- were sentenced to between 40 and 65 days in jail on November 22.

Singapore, Sep 19 (IANS) A 64-year-old Indian-origin man has been jailed for two weeks in Singapore for deliberately coughing at his colleagues while he was infected with Covid-19 in 2021, a media report said.

Tamilselvam Ramaiya, who worked as a cleaner, pleaded guilty on Monday to one count of breaching a COVID-19 regulation by failing to wear a mask that covered his nose and mouth while outside his home, the Channel News Asia reported.

The court heard that after reporting for work on the morning of October 18, 2021, he told the assistant logistics manager that he was feeling unwell, and was told to take an antigen rapid test.

After testing positive for COVID-19, he was instructed to return home. But Tamilselvam went to the company's logistics office to inform the assistant logistics manager about his COVID-19 test result.

Tamilselvam entered the office with a company driver who did not know about the positive test result.

The first victim, a 40-year-old logistics supervisor who knew Tamilselvam's test result, told the driver not to go near him.

The supervisor also asked him to leave the office and made a gesture mimicking kicking him out.

Tamilselvam walked to the door but turned back to cough twice into the office with his mask on, the news report said, adding that all his acts were captured on the closed-circuit television camera installed in the office.

The supervisor closed the office door, but Tamilselvam opened it. He lowered his mask to uncover his nose and mouth and coughed into the office a third time before leaving.

While Tamilselvam was leaving, he passed by a window with a 56-year-old clerk, a dialysis patient, on the other side of the glass in the logistics office.

While, none of them contracted COVID-19 from the incident, the assistant logistics manager of the company lodged a police report over the incident.

During investigations, Tamilselvam said he had coughed at his colleagues as "a joke". He said he did not treat his positive result seriously and visited the polyclinic to confirm if he had contracted COVID-19.

Asking for a three-four weeks jail for Tamilselvam, Deputy Public Prosecutor Sruthi Boppana said the incident was "no laughing matter".

She said Tamilselvam had disobeyed express instructions to leave the premises, returning instead to cough deliberately at his colleagues at a time when Singapore was experiencing a fresh surge of COVID-19 cases

For flouting a COVID-19 regulation, Tamilselvam could have been jailed for up to six months, fined up to SG$10,000, or both.

Singapore, Sep 2 (IANS) 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.