CNA Explains: What escalating India-Pakistan tensions mean for the rest of the world

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Is there a way to long-term tranquility and de-escalation?

After the April assault in Pahalgam, scientist Iftekharul Basha from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies wrote in a remark that India needs to take steps to ensure cultural unity and coexistence, as well as respect diversity.

He claimed that alienating American Muslims would only open the door for fanatics to take advantage of the situation.

By carefully examining and retaliating against criminal organizations operating within its borders, Pakistan also has a responsibility to take reliable steps to ensure regional peace and security, he added. &nbsp,

He also cited the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation ( SAARC ), a political and economic organization of the region, and how treaties under its umbrella, such as the Suppression of Terrorism Convention, have been “underused” due to a lack of enforcement and political will. &nbsp,

The association may have intervened to lessen tensions following the April assault, but democratic rivalry had hampered its effectiveness. &nbsp,

Mr. Basha stated that the SAARC might take lessons from its ASEAN and other areas like Southeast Asia.

In an examination for the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs in Harvard University, past Pakistani national security adviser Moeed W. Yusuf said that while the wider international community may provide temporary relief, the general consensus is that the latter may not be so.

More sustained efforts must be made to push both sides toward normalizing their ties because the international community’s curiosity has been focused on problems management rather than crisis prevention, he wrote. &nbsp,

Mr. Yusuf argued that dialogue between the two countries was the “only practical way forwards,” citing instances in which India and Pakistan had advanced in their relationship after engaging in heated exchanges. &nbsp,

” The international community should find ways to promote India and Pakistan’s returning to the bargaining table with the intention to resolve all of their unresolved issues in a mutually beneficial and sustainable way,” he said.

The universe cannot allow this to happen because of the risk of increased conflicts in radioactive South Asia.

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Singdollar may rise further despite strong gains; parity with US dollar possible in future: Analysts

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According to Mr. Saktiandi Supaat, mind of FX studies at Maybank, the US dollar has been weaker as a result of tariffs and internal softening in terms of anticipated growth.

According to him,” We observe that there is a diversification away from the USD and the SGD appears to be one of the beneficiaries of this theme,” adding that the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s ( MAS ) policy is also responsible for the constant appreciation of the Singapore dollar.

Mr. Saktiandi, a Member of Parliament, claimed that Singapore’s steadiness and solid fundamentals make it more attractive to investors looking for options to the US dollar.

ANOTHER STRENGTHENING NEED BEFORE?

The Singaporean dollars has established itself as a “regional safe haven of types,” according to Mr. Saktiandi.

As US exceptionalism vanishes and a wide growth away from the USD on a&nbsp, journey to quality continues,” we do hope the SGD to do well and proceed to improve against the USD,” he said.

The dollar pair is anticipated to reach 1.2800 in the second quarter of the year and 1.2650 in the fourth quarter.

According to Mr. Wong, OCBC’s Mr. Wong anticipates that the native currency’s value will increase in relation to the US dollar and the yen, believing that the tax situation won’t get worse and that the effects of the tariffs will be reasonable.

The assumption is likewise premised on the US Federal Reserve’s continued simplicity of interest rates and the US dollar’s strength.

We should anticipate some peaceful being restored given for a comparative sharp move over the past few days, he said, adding that the pace of the sell-off may slow down.

S$ 1 MAY Get EQUAL TO US$ 1.

According to Mr. Mansoor Mohi-uddin, main analyst at Bank of Singapore, Singapore’s solid fundamentals may help the local currency “in our life” reach parity with the greenback.

He noted in a May 5 notice that both the Swiss francs and the Singapore money have increased over the years against the money and that the Swiss francs and the US dollar both struck balance after the 2008 financial problems.

Both Switzerland and Singapore are tiny, open markets with massive financial centers, and they both draw significant capital flows, which cause their assets to appreciate, according to Mr. Mohi-uddin.

A world USD turmoil might immediately cause the Singapore money to become balance, but it’s “more likely to happen without a problems,” he told CNA.

He acknowledged that trade war are a significant danger and that balance is also possible due to the MAS’s actions.

The SGD’s underlying trend will continue to rise against the USD if Singapore continues to have a sizable surplus of recent account assets and continue to attract sizable capital inflows as a result of its position as a global economic hub, he said.

” The Gd will eventually ultimately reach parity with the USD.”

Given the general appreciation pattern, Mr. Saktiandi said it is” no unthinkable” for that to occur.

However, he cautioned that Singapore faces “potential threats” and that successes should not be taken for granted. Additionally, he added that the US currency’s status as a supply dollar will continue to support it.

Mr. Wong of OCBC claimed that the increase in US protectionist measures has raised the barrage in monetary policy and raised questions about the greenback’s standing as the world’s major reserve currency.

He claimed that the US dollar is unlikely to become displaced in the near future, but owners may decide to move their money out of US resources or reduce their risk of losing it, and that would measure on it.

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Race to be Anwar’s successor in PKR heats up as party bigwigs back his daughter Nurul Izzah

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NEPOTISM Issues

Nurul Izzah, a two-term Member of Parliament for Permatang Pauh in Penang before losing her parliamentary seats in the 2022 general election, was known as the” Reformasi Princess” for her involvement in the campaign for her father’s release from prison 20 years ago. &nbsp,

She was chosen not to challenge the key leadership elections that year and was elected as one of PKR’s vice-presidents that year. &nbsp,

Fadhlina Sidek, the head of the PKR’s women’s movement, has likewise called for Nurul Izzah, 44, to run for president, dismissing worries over corruption with Anwar scheduled to remain in charge. &nbsp,

It’s not a question of whose girl she is, and whether a man or a woman may serve as PKR deputy president. It’s also not a matter of groups; it’s about the party’s continued existence, which needs renewal in terms of its leadership, according to Fadhlina on Wednesday. &nbsp,

Nurul Izzah, the group’s founder and its leader, was a key component of the ruling unity state, according to Fadhlina, who is also the minister of education. &nbsp,

Adam Adli, the head of the children wing, and Shamsul Iskandar Akin, Anwar’s senior political minister, have also expressed support for Nurul Izzah. &nbsp,

Nurul Izzah’s election is” not simply about personality or heritage,” according to Shamsul, the party’s leader and leader of the PKR division in Melaka. &nbsp,

Five different Melaka department chiefs signed his declaration of help for her.

Nurul Izzah’s election has also received support from PKR’s Kedah, Johor, and Perak units. &nbsp,

More PKR officials are expected to do so, according to a group source, according to Free Malaysia Now. &nbsp,

Rafizi defeated Saifuddin for the lieutenant president in the 2022 group surveys, winning with a wistful preponderance of 16, 668 vote, according to the New Straits Times. &nbsp,

In recent years, Rafizi’s opinion has changed, according to PKR workers near to Anwar. Critics claim that Rafizi has not shown himself to be a team participant or taken on the task of constructing the party’s facilities, while supporters claim that Anwar has hurt him.

Anwar has stated in recent days that Rafizi’s leave of absence from the Cabinet should not be a problem. He confirmed that Rafizi’s left would only last a few days and not until the month’s conclusion, as had been reported. &nbsp,

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Singapore travel agencies assessing viability of Kashmir and Pakistan tours as tensions escalate

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Following a rise in warfare between India and Pakistan, go authorities in Singapore are re-evaluating travel to Kashmir and Pakistan.

On Wednesday ( May 7 ), at least one operator told CNA that they had already canceled travel and reimbursed customers, while others are putting a wait-and-see strategy in place.

The rise in conflicts comes after a violent attack in Indian-administered Kashmir past month claimed the lives of 26 Hindu travelers. In reply, India launched attacks on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wednesday, aiming specifically at what its defense described as “terrorist tents” used for selection and weapons store.

The cuts and cross-border flames have left 26 people dead, according to Pakistan’s defense.

More than 50 airlines to and from Pakistan have been canceled as a result of the issue, and many Asian airlines have had to reroute or cancel flights. &nbsp,

Residents are being advised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore to postpone non-essential go to Jammu and Kashmir. &nbsp,

CHANGES Tour

Director Vijay Kumar reported that SGTrek, a travel agency focused on backyard activities, has suspended all go to Kashmir.

Initial plans for the firm included two trips to the Kashmir Great Lakes: one in July with 10 participants and the other in August with 17? Both have now been canceled, and both have received full payments.

Four of the participants were also eager to travel, according to Mr. Kumar, who said that some of the participants had been planning this journey since before the crisis. Nevertheless, we made the decision not to take any risks.

He continued, noting that the local partner of the business in Kashmir even suggested skipping until the condition calms down.

SGTrek has also suspended its journeys to Pakistan over the past month and given customers refunded them.

Before tensions started to escalate, the company had just recently completed its final journey of Ladakh, which typically takes place between April and September.

One withdrawal has been reported for Pinnacle Travel, which offers customized personal journeys. Later this month, the buyer had inquired about a group trip of Kashmir, but canceled due to safety concerns. No payment was required, according to the company because the booking had not been confirmed and no payment had been made.

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Asian airlines including SIA re-route flights due to India-Pakistan fighting

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SINGAPORE: A spokesperson said that all flights operated by Singapore Airlines ( SIA ) and Scoot have been avoiding Pakistani airspace and have been taking alternate routes since Tuesday, May 6. &nbsp,

In response to questions from CNA, an SIA spokesperson said on Wednesday that this may cause some planes to take significantly longer journey times. &nbsp,

“SIA and Scoot will help affected clients by accommodating them on other planes, if required.”

In the worst fighting between the nuclear-armed adversaries in more than 20 years, India launched Operation Sindoor on Wednesday, fire missiles at what it claimed were “precision strikes at criminal camps.”

India’s rude came about as tensions grew in the wake of a Hindu tourist assault last month in Indian Kashmir. &nbsp,

Additionally, a number of Asian carriers announced on Wednesday that they were re-routing or cancelling airlines to and from Europe as a result of the conflict between India and Pakistan.

More than 20 commercial planes were diverted to prevent Muslim airport. According to FlightRadar24, flights had already canceled 52 flights to or from Pakistan as of Wednesday morning, regional time.

A spokesperson for the Pakistani army claims that 57 worldwide flights were operating in Pakistan’s airport at the time of the Indian attack.

Local planes in both nations were also canceled. Airlines from Air&nbsp, India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air were forced to close some airports as a result. Indianapolis stock was over 1 %.

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This ‘daredevil’ single mum learned skateboarding and Brazilian jiu-jitsu to bond with her sons

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She said,” I was so afraid I was going to upset my child inside me,” even in small things like driving. &nbsp,

When she gave birth to Conor, her second child, the community had already moved back to Singapore. Two years later, her eldest brother, Cionnaith, was born. &nbsp,

The stress persisted yet in Singapore. Yong, a stay-at-home mother who runs an important oils company, discovered herself avoiding certain actions out of concern that they might harm the child or herself.

” I was extremely liberal when they were inside of me, maybe it was the things I grew up reading in my home.” So I made it a point to have a true blast with them once they were out and a small older,” she said.

From a young age, that “blast” took the form of all kinds of activities and outdoor entertainment. When they were three, five, and seven years old, both, she took them swimming, got them into skating, tennis, riding, wakeboarding, and even went-karting.

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Malaysia’s two surviving turf clubs bet on non-punters to keep horse racing alive, but face long odds

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A decline in attendance and income was a major problem faced by clubs, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, the Macau team lost US$ 310 million, according to a report from AFP’s media company. &nbsp,

The ordinary race day enrollment for the Singapore Turf Club decreased from 11, 000 in 2010 to 6, 000 in 2019. Admission was 2, 600 per culture day following the COVID-19 crisis.

Perak Turf Club’s president, John Lim, reported to CNA that its annual presence of about 700 people on race days is a far cry from the estimated 7, 000 in itsheyday in the 1980s. &nbsp,

He claimed that when he first started playing the sport in 2007, the three Malaysian turf clubs were able to create RM1 billion ( US$ 232.6 million ) in annual betting profits.

Monthly income has decreased to about RM350 million in recent years, which Lim attributes to popular illegal gambling.

The minimum reasonable wager at Indonesian leagues is RM5, but Lim pointed out that some improper websites offer lower minimum wagers of RM4.20. &nbsp, &nbsp,

” A significant portion of the betting income has been diverted to the improper users. He claimed in a telephone interview that we cannot control the world’s improper betting business. &nbsp,

To reduce its negative social effect, governments around the world levy income on betting.

However, improper operators can offer better odds by avoiding taxes and regulations, according to an Asian Racing Federation report released last year on unlawful betting markets.

28 regional sporting authorities and related organizations from across Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East are a part of the union.

According to research, approximately 80 % of sports bets are conducted improperly worldwide, and the United Nations estimates that the total bet every could reach US$ 1.7 trillion.

Lim claimed that the Perak Turf Club was losing income, but he kept the numbers a secret. &nbsp,

No company you succeed if it constantly loses money, but there are no plans to close right now. We really hope that that doesn’t occur, he continued.

” People need to be aware that outlawed gambling causes us to lose money, primarily because there isn’t enough money to be won.” If they want the game to proceed, he continued, they must shift that mindset and support genuine betting. &nbsp,

But, eradicating illegal playing and its appeal is a difficult task.

A regular Selangor Turf Club punter pointed out an unauthorised website that offered slightly higher rewards than the club to CNA and said,” These sites almost immediately pay the money into your account.”

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Singaporean man faces death penalty in Johor on drug charges

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A Singaporean man was detained in Johor on Tuesday ( May 6 ) and charged with trafficking and bringing more than 10 kilograms of marijuana.

According to Malaysian media outlets, Tan Ban Choon, 47, was accused of one count of trafficking 10.024kg of powdered 3-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ( MDMA ), citing court records. MDMA is more frequently referred to as joy. &nbsp,

Tan, who is poor, was even accused of a total of four counts of drug possession, including 31.3 grams of morphine, 6 grams of dry MDMA, and 44 grams of cannabis. &nbsp,

He allegedly committed the crimes at a Danga Bay room on April 23 at 10 p.m.

Tan faces the death penalty or life in prison, as well as 15 cane-strengths if found guilty of smuggling.

Tan may be imprisoned for up to five years, subject to a fine of up to RM100,000 ( US$ 23.677 ), or both if found guilty of possession. &nbsp,

Additionally, he is accused under Section 6 of the 1952 Risky Drugs Act, which forbids the possession of raw heroin, cocaine foliage, poppy-straw, and cannabis. If found guilty, he faces two to five years in prison and three to nine wood strokes.

Tan, who was accused of being acquitted in Johor’s Sessions Court, was not given loan. He also did not own a lawyer. Before Judge Mohammad Khalid Ab Karim, he nodded after receiving the Mandarin version of the costs.

According to news outlet Malay Mail, he received no plea because the situation falls under the control of the High Court.

His case will be heard once more on July 29 as a result of a chemical statement.

For more details, CNA reached out to Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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As Bali grapples with a boom in digital nomads, does it risk losing its charm?

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Ivanova is also hesitant to call Bali her subsequent house because of the steep climb. &nbsp,

” Anything was cheap when I first arrived in Bali. She said,” I spend almost the same amount of money as I do in Moscow right then.”

Very few visitors are reaping the benefits of the creation, despite the growth. And as the flow of digital nomad raises rates, some Balinese feel priced out, which causes conflict between locals and remote-working expats. &nbsp,

” Buildings have become out of our Balinese reach,” said Bali native Nyoman Denny. &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp,

Increasing RATES

In Bali, there were 40 % more digital nomad living there last year than there will be in 2023. According to the number of digital nomadic permits granted each year, there are estimated to be more than 3, 000 of them.

Although these figures may not seem overwhelming for an area that is roughly eight times as big as Singapore and has a population of about 4.4 million, it is possible that this is gross underestimation because it is possible to travel there for a fortnight on a holiday card that can be renewed for an additional 30 days. Some countries are exempt from the requirement for a card altogether.

In Bali in the 2010s, high-speed internet began to permeate smaller towns and suburbs as a result of the first wave of modern nomads.

According to Hansen Tandiyanto, the owner of Bali-based co-working place chain, Biliq,” for these online nomads, it is a significant cheaper to achieve the life that they want in Bali than where they come from.”

” Bali previously had strong immigrant neighborhoods, which is another cause. They are able to get someone who is from the same nation, speaks the same language, and practices the same society. Therefore, Bali “feels like home away from home” for them.

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More digital nomads calling Bali home, but this comes at a price for the island and locals

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Ivanova is also hesitant to call Bali her subsequent house because of the steep climb. &nbsp,

Everyone was low when I first visited Bali. She said,” I spend almost the same amount of money as I do in Moscow right then.”

Some locals are reaping the benefits of the creation, despite it. And as the flow of digital nomad raises rates, some Balinese feel priced out, which causes conflict between locals and remote-working expats. &nbsp,

” Buildings have become out of our Balinese reach,” said Bali native Nyoman Denny. &nbsp, &nbsp, &nbsp,

Increasing RATES

In Bali, there were 40 % more digital nomad living there last year than there will be in 2023. According to the number of digital nomadic permits granted yearly, there are estimated to be more than 3, 000 of them currently living there.

Although these figures may not seem overwhelming for an area that is roughly eight times as big as Singapore and has a population of 4.4 million, it is possible that this is gross underestimation because a tourist card can be used for a month and can be renewed for an extra 30 days.

Some countries don’t need a card at all, like some others.

In Bali in the 2010s, a new wave of online nomads arrived as high-speed net was starting to reach smaller towns and suburbs as the city’s core.

According to Hansen Tandiyanto, the owner of Bali-based co-working area network, Biliq,” for these online nomad, it is much less expensive to achieve the life they want in Bali than where they come from.”

” Bali has strong expat communities now, which is another reason.” They are able to find someone who is from the same nation, speaks the same language, and practices the same society. Thus Bali feels like a home away from home to them.

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