Eating almonds regularly may help recover from exercise by reducing muscle fatigue and soreness, a new study has found. The findings, published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition, could promote greater adherence to physical training, a topic that warrants further investigation in future studies, researchers noted.
Almonds can bring down the time muscles need to recover following a workout. Photo courtesy: Unsplash
The research team, which included scientists from San Diego State University in the US, studied 26 middle-aged adults who exercised one to four hours per week. For eight weeks, participants consumed either 60 grams of whole raw almonds or about 90 grams of unsalted pretzels daily.
After eight weeks, participants underwent a 30-minute downhill treadmill run to induce muscle damage, immediately consuming their daily serving of almonds or pretzels afterward.
The researchers measured perceived muscle soreness, muscle performance (through a muscle contraction test and vertical jump), and blood markers of muscle damage and inflammation, such as C-reactive proteins and creatine kinase.
Representational image. Photo courtesy: Unsplash
Measurements were taken before the treadmill run and at 24, 48, and 72 hours afterward, during which participants continued their daily intake of almonds or pretzels.
During the recovery period — up to 72 hours after the treadmill run — the group consuming almonds showed lower levels of creatine kinase, indicating less muscle damage.
Additionally, the almond group demonstrated better muscle performance at both 24 and 72 hours following the treadmill run.
Pain levels in participants who ate almonds were found to be about 37 percent and 33 percent lower at 24 and 48 hours, respectively, compared to those consuming pretzels.
“This study demonstrates that 2.0 (ounces per day) of almonds modestly reduces pain, better maintains muscle strength, and reduces the (creatine kinase) response to eccentric-based exercise,” the authors wrote.
The results add to the growing body of evidence regarding almonds’ role in post-exercise recovery, they said.
Exercising daily or on the weekends can negate 200 types of diseases. Photo courtesy: Unsplash
“Almonds contain a wide range of nutrients known to support exercise recovery, including protein, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. These nutrients are provided in a whole food package, as opposed to isolated vitamin supplements, which may explain the benefits observed in this study,” said Mark Kern, a professor of exercise and nutritional sciences at San Diego State University.
One ounce (28 grams) of almonds provides 6 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, 13 grams of unsaturated fat, 1 gram of saturated fat, and 15 essential nutrients — including 77 milligrams of magnesium, 210 milligrams of potassium, and 7.27 milligrams of vitamin E.
“More research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind how almonds improve exercise recovery. Strategies to improve exercise recovery are important because if you are recovering better, you are likely to be able to train sooner — or harder — for subsequent workouts,” Kern added.
The study’s participants were either of healthy weight or mildly overweight (with a body mass index or BMI between 23-30).
UAE authorities have arrested three people for their involvement in the murder of Israeli-Moldovan Rabbi Zvi Kogan in the Gulf nation.
UAE arrests three people over murder of Israeli-Moldovan Rabbi Zvi Kogan. Photo Courtesy: Chabad.org X page
The Emirati Interior Ministry did not share details about those arrested in connection to the crime.
The body of the Rabbi was found just days after he went missing.
The ministry would use ‘all legal powers to respond decisively and without leniency to any actions or attempts that threaten societal stability’, reported The Times of Israel.
28-year-old Kogan worked in the UAE for the Orthodox Jewish group Chabad.
According to reports, Kogan will be laid to rest in Israel.
UAE ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba has mourned the death of Zvi Kogan.
The envoy wrote on X, “Today the UAE mourns for Rabbi Zvi Kogan. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and community over his senseless death.”
“Zvi Kogan’s murder was more than a crime in the UAE – it was a crime against the UAE. It was an attack on our homeland, on our values and on our vision,” he said.
He said the UAE welcomes peaceful coexistence.
“We embrace peaceful coexistence. We reject extremism and fanaticism of every kind. We honour Zvi Kogan’s memory by recommitting ourselves to these values,” he said.
The envoy said: “Now, we are more determined than ever to protect and sustain the Emirates as a shining and enduring example of diversity, acceptance and peace.”
Israel calls it antisemitic terror
Israel has described the murder of Zvi Kogan as a “heinous antisemitic terror incident”.
“The state of Israel will use all means at its disposal to bring the criminals responsible for his death to justice,” Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.
Israel President Isaac Herzog mourned the death of the Rabbi and wrote on X: ” I mourn with sorrow and outrage the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan.”
I mourn with sorrow and outrage the murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan.
This vile antisemitic attack is a reminder of the inhumanity of the enemies of the Jewish people. It will not deter us from continuing to grow flourishing communities in the UAE or anywhere – especially with the help…
“This vile antisemitic attack is a reminder of the inhumanity of the enemies of the Jewish people. It will not deter us from continuing to grow flourishing communities in the UAE or anywhere – especially with the help of the dedicated commitment and work of the Chabad emissaries all over the world,” he said,
He thanked the UAE authorities for their swift action and hoped the country would bring the perpetrators to justice.
US reacts
White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said the USA is working in close coordination with Israel and the UAE over the incident.
“The United States is working in close coordination with Israeli and UAE authorities, and we have offered all appropriate forms of support,” Sean Savett said in a statement.
“We commend the rapid efforts of UAE authorities who now have suspects in custody,” he said.
China appears increasingly uneasy about the growing cooperation between North Korea and Russia, according to Kurt Campbell, US Deputy Secretary of State.
Unconfirmed reports claim Kim Jong-un’s troops have been deployed to Russia to fight alongside Vladimir Putin’s forces against Ukraine. File photo by Kremlin.ruKremlin.ru via Wikimedia Commons
Speaking at a seminar, Campbell highlighted Beijing’s discomfort with Pyongyang’s military support for Moscow, including reports of 10,000 North Korean troops being deployed in Russia to assist in the war against Ukraine.
This development has sparked debates among US allies in Asia over China’s stance on North Korea’s actions.
Japanese officials have expressed skepticism about China’s approval of North Korea’s troop deployments, noting that Beijing has largely remained silent on the matter.
Analysts suggest China may be wary of the closer North Korea-Russia relationship, as it could bolster US-led alliances with Japan and South Korea—alliances Beijing views as aimed at countering its influence in the region.
In what some see as a conciliatory gesture, China recently informed Japan of its decision to remove a buoy placed within Japan’s exclusive economic zone near the disputed Senkaku Islands.
While the move is largely symbolic, it may signal Beijing’s attempt to appeal to Japanese factions hesitant to deepen their alignment with the US.
Strategic implications of North Korea-Russia cooperation
Campbell noted that discussions with Chinese officials suggest Beijing might not be fully aware of North Korea’s actions or Russia’s role in encouraging them.
He added that while China has refrained from openly criticizing Russia, it seems alarmed by the potential implications of closer Pyongyang-Moscow ties, including possible actions that could run counter to Chinese interests.
However, opinions vary on the extent of a rift between China and Russia.
Dennis Wilder, a former CIA official specialising in East Asia, described China’s silence on the issue as “staggering,” highlighting the absence of any acknowledgment in Chinese state media regarding North Korea’s military involvement in Ukraine.
He warned that Russia’s potential provision of nuclear assistance to North Korea could strengthen US alliances in East Asia, further isolating Beijing.
Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, described the Russia-North Korea partnership as a “transactional symbiosis,” with North Korea supplying artillery and missiles to Russia in exchange for missile and submarine technology.
He also alleged that China has been indirectly aiding Russia’s war effort by supplying key resources, including semiconductors and machine tools.
Divided perspectives on China’s position
While some experts believe China is uncomfortable with North Korea’s actions, others question whether Beijing’s unease is significant enough to create a divide with Moscow.
Andrew Shearer, Australia’s Director General of National Intelligence, dismissed the idea of exploiting such tensions, emphasising that China’s extensive military and diplomatic support is central to Russia’s ability to continue its war in Ukraine.
In Japan, scholars like Professor Emi Mifune, as reported by The Guardian, argue that China’s strategic interests align with Russia’s success in the conflict.
She pointed to China’s recent gains from its partnership with Moscow, including expanded access to maritime routes in the Sea of Japan, as evidence of Beijing’s long-term calculations.
Professor Hideya Kurata of Japan’s National Defense Academy, The Guardian quotes, believes China’s stance is one of cautious neutrality.
He highlighted North Korea’s strategic focus on building a nuclear escalation framework, targeting various US and allied assets in the region.
Kurata expressed concern that the US lacks sufficient medium-range nuclear deterrents in the area, potentially emboldening Pyongyang’s actions.
However, China’s muted response to North Korea’s growing ties with Russia reflects a complex balancing act.
While Beijing may find the partnership unsettling, its broader strategic interests in countering the West and maintaining regional influence seem to outweigh any discomfort.
As North Korea deepens its military involvement in Ukraine, the geopolitical ramifications are likely to test China’s alliances and the stability of the region.
Narendra Modi refers to his Guyana trip during Mann Ki Baat address. Photo Courtesy: PIB
PM Narendra Modi said a ‘Mini India’ resides in Guyana and the Indian-origin people are leading in every sector in the country.
Modi recently visited Guyana as a part of his three-nation tour.
Addressing India in his monthly radio address named Mann Ki Baat, Modi said: “Thousands of kilometres away from India, a ‘Mini India’ dwells in Guyana too.”
“Around 180 years ago, people from India were taken to Guyana to work in the fields and for other tasks,” the Indian PM said on Sunday during the monthly address.
Modi said: “Today, people of Indian origin in Guyana are leading the country in every field… be it politics, business, education or culture.”
He said Guyanese President Irfan Ali is proud of his Indian heritage.
Speaking on the project in Oman, Modi said: “You will also find an extraordinary project going on in Oman very interesting. Numerous Indian families have been living in Oman for many centuries. Most of them who have settled there are from Kutch in Gujarat. These people had created important trade links.”
“Even today they have Omani citizenship, but Indianness is ingrained in their personae. With the support of the Indian Embassy in Oman and the National Archives of India, a team has started the work of preserving the history of these families. Thousands of documents have been collected under this campaign so far,” he said.
Modi said: “These include diaries, account books, ledgers, letters and telegrams. Some of these documents even date back to the year 1838. These documents are full of sentiments. When they reached Oman years ago, what kind of life they lived, what kind of joys and sorrows they faced, and how their relations with the people of Oman progressed.”
He said: “All of this is a part of these documents. The ‘Oral History Project’ is also an important basis of this mission.”
Guyana recently conferred upon Indian PM Narendra Modi the country’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Order of Excellence’.
Modi became the first Indian PM to visit Guyana in 56 years. He visited the nation from November 20 to 22.
In an incident reported from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, a groom took it upon himself to deliver justice when he was allegedly robbed of currency notes from his cash garland. A video of the daring stunt has now gone viral on the Internet.
The mini truck driver allegedly stole currency note from the groom’s garland. Photo courtesy: Screengrab from X
As per reports, the unidentified groom was riding a horse to his wedding venue, as part of a ritual, when a mini truck driver allegedly snatched away one of the notes from the garland. This led to a dramatic chase.
The groom dramatically stepped down from the horse to personally chase the driver. Upset and furious over being robbed on his special day, he decided to catch hold of the alleged culprit. Visuals showed the groom rushing into the mini truck.
The video captures the garland-clad groom sliding inside the running mini truck through the window and entering the steering compartment. While it wasn’t clear what he did, the vehicles stopped after a few seconds. After the driver was forced out of the mini truck, several men, including the groom, landed punches on him.
#मेरठ में दुल्हा घुड़चढ़ी पर था. उसकी नोटों की माला से एक चोर नोट खींचकर भागा
शादी की रस्में छोड़कर दुल्हा चोर के पीछे भागा. चोर ने लोडर स्टार्ट किया और निकलने लगा. दौड़ते लोडर में खिड़की से दूल्हे ने एंट्री मारी तो चोर लोडर छोड़ भागने लगा
To prevent the driver from fleeing, a biker blocks the route by dragging his two-wheeler in front of the mini truck.
However, the truck’s owner said that the driver, Jagpal, was unaware of the commotion behind him, as per a report by India Today. “He claimed the groom accused the truck of brushing against him on the road, which led to the dramatic chase. Sehgal further alleged that the groom and his party assaulted the driver despite him having no connection to the stolen note,” the report read.
“We have reported the incident to the police and plan to take legal action against the attackers,” said Manish Sehgal, the transport’s owner.
India views Italy as a key partner, a crucial ally in Europe, and a very influential player in the Mediterranean, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday, November 24, as he inaugurated the new Chancery of the Embassy of India in Rome.
EAM Jaishankar inaugurated the new Chancery of the Embassy of India in Rome on Sunday, November 24. Photo courtesy: twitter.com/DrSJaishankar
Jaishankar, who arrived in Italy earlier in the day on a three-day visit, also said that the frequent interactions at various levels between the two countries are a sign of the depth and breadth of their bilateral ties.
“Pleased to inaugurate the new Chancery of the Embassy of India in Rome today. It befits the continued expansion of India-Italy partnership in recent years. Will also help us serve better the Indian community in Italy,” he said in a post on X.
Speaking on the occasion, Jaishankar said India regards Italy as a key partner, a very crucial one in Europe, and a very influential one in the Mediterranean.
“The frequent interactions today we see at various levels is a sign of the depth and the breadth of our relationship with Italy. It is also a reflection of the commitment and vision of our leaders today in taking forward our ties,” he said.
So nice to interact with the Indian community and friends of 🇮🇳 in Rome today.
“There is a convergence in our world views, a synergy in our endeavours, in addressing global and regional issues, and a new enthusiasm for developing our bilateral ties,” he added.
He said India’s growing engagement with Europe, particularly with Italy, which New Delhi sees both as a very influential European and Mediterranean country, suddenly reinforce each other.
India and Italy last week unveiled an ambitious five-year strategic action plan outlining specific initiatives in key sectors of defence, trade, clean energy and connectivity following extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The action plan 2025-29 identified 10 specific pillars for advancing bilateral engagement that included economic cooperation and investments, energy transition, space, defence, security, migration and mobility, and people-to-people exchanges.
In their talks, Modi and Meloni also resolved to work together on multilateral and global platforms for upholding shared values of democracy, the rule of law and sustainable development. It was the fifth meeting between the two prime ministers in the last two years.
Recalling the meeting between the two prime ministers in Brazil, Jaishankar said the regular dialogue and meetings between the two prime ministers have been instrumental in elevating the bilateral ties, providing them with a new energy.
It was the fifth meeting between the two prime ministers in the last two years. Modi and Meloni had last met in June in Italy’s Puglia on the occasion of the G7 summit. Photo courtesy: x.com/narendramodi
“Our ties are based on shared values but also on some common history. We are ancient civilizations, rich in our culture, in our traditions, in our heritage, in our mythology, and we share many attributes…,” he said.
“Our historical connect is actually very deep, and I should, not be exaggerating if I say that a lot of India’s historical interface with Europe was actually with Italy,” he said, adding that our maritime interest and our shared commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and shipping also help us bring the two countries closer.
Referring to the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), the minister said that this connectivity corridor, which was agreed to in principle during India’s presidency of the G20, will be a game changer between Europe and Asia.
He said India’s presence in Rome is reflective of its membership of three important UN bodies – the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Food Program and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
He also praised the Indian community in Italy working in diverse sectors, from agriculture, dairy and healthcare to hospitality and various other professional responsibilities, saying their contribution to strengthening the friendship between India and Italy is deeply appreciated.
He said the the Indian government has been very deeply committed to the welfare and well-being of the Indian community abroad.
During his stay in Italy, Jaishankar will participate in the Outreach session of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Fiuggi, where India has been invited as a guest country. He is also expected to meet his counterparts from Italy and other participating nations in the G7-related engagements and hold bilateral discussions during the visit.
He will also participate in the 10th edition of the MED Mediterranean Dialogue in Rome.
Rishabh Pant is now the most expensive buy in IPL history. Photo Courtesy: Rishabh Pant Instagram page
Indian wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, who revived his cricket career with a bang after meeting with an accident, became the most expensive player bought during the auction process on Sunday for the upcoming Indian Premier League.
Lucknow Super Giants picked Pant for a record-shattering Rs. 27 crores (USD3.2 million).
Pant surpassed his Indian team colleague Shreyas Iyer who went to Punjab Kings for Rs. 26.75 crores (USD 3.18 million).
He was part of the Indian squad that won the T20 World Cup this year.
Iyer’s fate of becoming the most expensive player bought in the history of the cash-rich tournament was shortlived after Pant broke his record shortly after he went to Punjab Kings.
Iyer was one of the most sought-after players for the season since under his leadership Kolkata Knight Riders won the IPL title in 2024.
Meanwhile, defending champions KKR bought Venkatesh Iyer by paying a massive Rs 23.75 crore (USD 2.83 million).
Devdutt Padikkal, David Warner and Jonny Bairstow were the most high-profile players who remained unsold on the first day of the auction process.
Arshdeep Singh became one of the most expensive fast bowlers who was purchased in IPL history.
Punjab Kings purchased him for Rs. 18 crores (USD 2.13 million).
Jeddah city in Saudi Arabia is hosting the auction process for the first time.
Indian PM Narendra Modi urges youth to help elderly to stay safe from digital fraud. Photo Courtesy: PIB
Indian PM Narendra Modi urged the country’s youth to come forward and help elderly citizens stay safe from cyber fraud.
He appreciated the role played by youth to make the elderly a part of the digital revolution.
In his Mann Ki Baat address, the monthly audio broadcast, Modi said: “Youth are also coming forward to make the elderly a part of the digital revolution.”
He said: “Mahesh from Bhopal has taught many elderly people of his locality to make payments through mobile. These elderly people had smartphones, but there was no one to tell them their correct usage. The youth have also come forward to save the elderly from the risk of Digital Arrest.”
He said elderly people are most vulnerable to Digital Arrest and similar crimes.
“In such a situation, it is our responsibility to make them aware and help them stay safe from cyber fraud,” Modi said.
“We have to explain to people again and again that there is no provision of digital arrest in the government; this is a blatant lie, a conspiracy to trap people,” he said.
“I am happy that our young friends are participating in this work with full sensitivity and are motivating others as well,” the Indian PM said.
Last month, in his radio address to the nation, Modi cautioned the public about cybercriminals using ‘digital arrests’ to deceive people.
Emphasizing the seriousness of the issue, he urged citizens to adopt a ‘wait, think, and take action’ approach when faced with such scams.
The term “digital arrest” describes a cybercrime in which scammers impersonate law enforcement officials and threaten victims with arrest unless they pay a certain amount. Reports of this scam have been on the rise nationwide.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, former Prime Minister and current Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Singapore ministers from the ruling People’s Action Party celebrate PAP70 (the 70th anniversary of the party’s founding). Photo courtesy: X/@LawrenceWongST
In a “dangerous world” where geopolitical conflicts are growing and the United States of America “no longer wants to be the world’s policeman”, a small country like Singapore has choppy seas ahead and people here must stand together to ensure steady navigation — this is what Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has said today, in his speech at PAP70, the People’s Action Party conference marking its 70th anniversary.
“It is already tough to be a small country for our voice to be heard. It will be even tougher if our voice is diffused and incoherent,” he said.
PM Wong began his speech at PAP70 by referring to his first six months as the prime minister, after taking over the reins of Singapore from Lee Hsien Loong on 15 May 2024. With a touch of humour, he said, “Nothing prepares you for this job until you do it.”
Set to become the next PAP Secretary General, completing the Singapore leadership transition, PM Wong told the audience, “With your support, and support from our newly elected CEC, I will lead the PAP into the next general election.”
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong with PAP members recognised for their outstanding contribution. Photo courtesy: X/@LawrenceWongST
My hair is not white yet, but I can assure you the stress grows every day. Still, I embrace the challenges. I recognise the weight of my responsibilities and I value the trust that you place in me. I pledge to serve with humility. I will devote every ounce of my strength to the party, to the government, and to Singapore.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong
Former PM Lee now serves as Senior Minister in the Cabinet. In his speech at PAP70, he outlined the leadership transition that began a few years ago, culminating in the May 15 change of guard. “That transition, I am happy to say, has gone very smoothly,” said SM Lee.
Once the transition is complete, with PM Wong taking over as PAP Secretary General from SM Lee, the latter will “continue on, in the CEC, in a supporting and advisory role”.
Singapore Senior Minister and outgoing PAP Secretary General Lee Hsien Loong at GIC Insights, United States, on 14 November 2024. Photo courtesy: X/@leehsienloong
In the CEC, as in the Cabinet, I will neither be the first responder, [and] neither will I be the final decider. Instead, I will do my best to support the new secretary general; to offer him the benefit of my experience, to help him to strengthen the party, and mobilise the support of Singaporeans to collectively tackle our problems and the challenges ahead of us.
Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong
Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong with Singaporean students at his alma mater Cambridge University, United Kingdom, on 17 November 2024. Photo courtesy: X/@leehsienloong
End of Pax Americana means a “far more dangerous” world
Speaking in detail of the global and local challenges that Singapore already faces and will face in the coming years, PM Wong said, “We are embarking on our next phase of nation-building under very trying circumstances. I’ve been busy with several overseas work trips [in] these past few months [such as APEC Peru and Rio G20]… I have had good discussions with many counterparts in these meetings; everyone is worried, because we are in a far more dangerous world today.”
“There are major wars raging in Europe and the Middle East,” said PM Wong, referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Hamas war. “US and China relations are in a more challenging phase. And there are many moving pieces geopolitically, where things can go easily wrong.”
The prime minister said that “for decades”, Singapore and other “countries everywhere” had benefited from the “American-led global order”.
“We say this is Pax Americana, in Latin,” said PM Wong. “That means a world with America as the dominant power, supported by multilateral institutions like the United Nations, the IMF, the World Bank, the International Court of Justice, and so on, shaping international norms and behaviours.”
But, “now the situation is changing”, said PM Wong. “America is still pre-eminent, but it no longer wants to be the world’s policeman.”
The re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States means a focus on his “America first” policy, where America is no longer willing to pay the high price of upholding the global order. Elsewhere, the “rising powers” China and India are still busy with their own affairs and are not ready for “larger global responsibilities”.
“And so the world is in flux. The established norms are fading, but a new order is not yet in place,” he said. “Amidst this vacuum of global leadership, we can expect more conflicts and instability in the world — because state and non-state actors will be emboldened to test boundaries, often with little or no consequence.”
PM Wong at the Rio de Janeiro G20 Summit 2024, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (extreme right), and other dignitaries. Photo courtesy: X/@LawrenceWongST
As examples, PM Wong mentioned the “egregious breach of the United Nations charter and territorial sovereignty” of Ukraine; the “horrendous terrorist attack” on Israel, and the resulting “cataclysmic humanitarian tragedy”.
Ideally, he said, the “major powers of this world” should come together and work together to “stop the conflicts, stop the wars, [and] tackle shared challenges like climate change and nuclear proliferation”. Otherwise, he added, “we can’t look forward to a shared future”. Unfortunately, “deep suspicion and mistrust” between America and China made it “harder to find common ground”.
These “realities of the world” were here to stay for some time, said PM Wong. “I think we will have to grapple with this perhaps for the next decade or beyond.” For Singapore, he said, “it means we will find it more difficult to make a living and keep ourselves safe”.
PM Wong seemed to hint at possible territorial or economic aggression against Singapore, when he said, “Other countries may test our limits and we must be ready to stand firm and defend our interest. At the same time, we must redouble our efforts to make friends with everyone — big and small, near and far.”
PM Wong with King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden after returning to Singapore from the G20 Summit 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The King of Sweden was in Singapore on a three-day state visit in November. Photo courtesy: X/@LawrenceWongST
Above all, we must remain united as one united people. Singaporeans are bound to have different views on global developments, whether it be the actions of America or China, or the wars in Europe or the Middle East; but we cannot let our differences pull us apart. It is already tough to be a small country for our voice to be heard. It will be even tougher if our voice is diffused and incoherent. At the end of the day, we must consider the larger national interest and take a united position. Then we can speak with one voice on the world stage.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong
People’s Action Party members at the PAP70 conference in Singapore. Photo courtesy: Facebook/Melvin Yong
A show of unity among Singaporeans would enable the country to be “valued” as a safe, secure, stable, and reliable nation “even in a troubled and uncertain world”, said PM Wong.
“Fortunately,” he added, “Singapore’s reputation and international standing is high. We participate actively in international forums, and people want to hear us.”
He cited the island country’s participation in APEC and the regular invitations that Singapore gets to G20 summits, despite not being one of the 20 largest economies in the world.
“What makes Singapore so exceptional?” asked PM Wong. “It’s because when we speak, others know that it is a Singaporean point of view, coherently articulated by the government and supported by Singaporeans. They know [that] we mean business, and we do not waver. So without Singaporeans steadfastly supporting the government, we will not be able to navigate this new turbulent world,” said the prime minister, reiterating his call for a united Singapore.
A child in the USA has become the first person in the country to test positive for bird flu infection, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
First bird flu case reported in a child in California. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay
“This is the first reported avian influenza H5 virus infection in a child in the United States,” CDC said in a statement.
The case was reported from California.
Consistent with previously identified human cases in the United States, the child reportedly experienced mild symptoms and received flu antivirals, US CDC said.
There were low levels of viral material detected in the initial specimen collected, and follow-up testing of the child several days later was negative for H5 bird flu but was positive for other common respiratory viruses.
The US CDC said the child is recovering from their illness.
An investigation by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) into the child’s possible H5N1 exposure source is ongoing.
“During CDPH’s investigation, all household members reported having symptoms and specimens were collected from those people. All test results from members of the household were negative for H5 bird flu, and some family members were positive for the same common respiratory viruses as the child,” the statement said.
“Contact tracing continues, but there is currently no evidence of person-to-person spread of H5N1 bird flu from this child to others,” the statement said.
CDC said there has been no person-to-person spread identified associated with any of the H5N1 bird flu cases reported in the United States.
