Permissive attitudes towards cannabis likely due to pervasive misinformation: Josephine Teo

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There are all kinds of ridiculous claims. For example, cannabis is natural, so it must be safe... or cannabis is not very different from alcohol and tobacco....The science on cannabis is very clear, and it is compelling. Cannabis is addictive, with far-reaching and irreversible health effects

The Thai government had then intended to recriminalise the use of cannabis, but faced fierce opposition from those seeking to profit from it. So that shows very clearly, once you decriminalise (it), you will find it very difficult to roll things back

Note that while fake news may result in people consuming or doing harmful stuff to themselves, the reverse can also occur, where fake news prevents people from doing the right/healthy thing; e.g. fake news that the measles vaccine will cause children to be autistic, or that the Covid-19 vaccine will turn one into an alligator!

For issues on fake news...

Singapore forges own path to women’s development, says PAP Women’s Wing chair Sim Ann

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“We go for buy-in, not run-ins.”

the United Nations Gender Inequality Index, published in March 2024, which ranked Singapore eighth globally out of 166 countries, and first in the Asia-Pacific, for having a low level of gender inequality.

the increase in female representation in Parliament – women now make up 29 per cent of elected MPs, compared with 5 per cent in the 1989 to 1991 term of Parliament

 would not see quotas as necessary or desirable. “I don’t think we want to have a situation where people question whether or not a woman is there because of merit or because of the quota,”

 what’s important is that, at every step of the way, people feel that a woman is in a particular position because she is able to do the work, rather than, oh, because she’s a woman, that’s why she has the job

For qns on gender issues....

Immigration is essential and existential for Singapore’s survival: SM Lee

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While larger nations may have the population, resources and hinterland to fall back on, Singapore does not. Singaporeans are not having enough children of their own, and the resident workforce is already at full employment, and ageing

Immigration will bring more competition and put pressure on Singaporeans to work harder and meet higher standards, but this will create a more vibrant economy and generate better opportunities and brighter prospects for future generations, he added.

Every year, the Republic has about 30,000 citizen babies born and takes in about 22,000 new citizens.

In Singapore, every new citizen goes through the Singapore Citizenship Journey on what it means to be Singaporean before getting citizenship. Integration and Naturalisation Champions from the People’s Association also run many programmes to welcome and integrate new citizens into their communities.

For qns on immigration.....

What Zelensky’s Oval Office spat has to do with Singapore’s foreign policy

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The optics of that episode vividly illustrate the vulnerability of nations without sufficient leverage – whether fiscal, military, or diplomatic. Without these “cards in your hand”, countries outside the major power echelon are exposed to coercion, intimidation and the indignity of having to bend the knee.

That Singapore has assiduously cultivated its position of strength – through nuanced diplomacy, robust public finances and the maintenance of a formidable, consistently funded Singapore Armed Forces serving as a credible deterrent – cannot be overstated.

financial muscle allows Singapore to negotiate on equal footing, free from having to seek concessions. ...“Anything we want, we buy, and we pay full market price for. So we can say we are your partner. We are not your vassal state or your tributary. Therefore, hopefully, no one treats us shabbily. They treat us with some reasonable respect, because we are a partner or we are a client – a customer, a high-value customer. That is an enormous advantage.”

Ukraine’s predicament serves as a stark reminder of what is essential for preserving sovereignty in an era seemingly governed by the maxim “might is right and big is beautiful”

Qns:

1. Examine the extent to which expenditure on arms and the armed forces is justified in the modern world. (Cam. 2014)

2. Given greater levels of international cooperation, how necessary is it for countries to engage in the arms trade?

‘A record that may remain unbroken’: Ne Zha 2 continues scaling heights beyond commercial triumph

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The film’s technical mastery is staggering, featuring nearly 2,000 special effects shots and contributions from 138 animation studios. This collaborative effort exemplifies the strength of China’s creative ecosystem and heralds a new era of aesthetic and industrial standards for the country’s film industry

Beyond its commercial triumph, Ne Zha 2 is poised to serve as a cultural bridge, offering global audiences a window into China’s rich mythology and traditions.

Just like Black Myth: Wukong, the country’s first 3A video game which took the world by storm in 2024, Ne Zha 2 has become another cherished domestic creation rooted in traditional Chinese culture.

Sales of its merchandise on Taobao, a leading e-commerce platform in China, surpassed 50 million yuan earlier in February.

 The film has also inspired renewed interest in Chinese museum artefacts among viewers. Through repeat viewings, zealous fans have uncovered its intricate Chinese cultural references, prompting them to visit museums nationwide in search of its sources of historical inspiration.

Qns:

1. How important is it for people in your society to retain their traditional culture?

2. Do films offer anything more than an escape from reality? (Cam. 2014)

Farming, volunteering, dancing: Why some employees are ‘micro-retiring’ in their 20s

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challenges the long-held belief that enjoyment should be deferred until retirement age

choosing to pause their careers to enjoy the perks of retirement while they still have their youth, good health and energy

unlike previous generations of workers who were focused on career-building and long-term savings, Gen Zers and millennials often seek a balance between career success and personal well-being. This includes a focus on “living in the moment”

micro-retirements may become more common, especially as Gen Zers are projected to work into their 70s. In Singapore, retirement age and re-employment age will be increased to 65 and 70 respectively by 2030

“I learnt that one should live for oneself, not for the expectations of others.”

For qns on youth....

Singapore Aquatics adopts drone technology and artificial intelligence in training

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The system – comprising a drone, gaming laptop and tablet – segments an athlete’s body into 17 different points and helps human coaches like Tan to optimise training programmes and improve performance by identifying, in real time, critical factors that influence a swimmer’s speed.

From where coaches stand on the side of the pool, we can’t get a top view of certain things like the hands in different angles. This system gives us a more enhanced view during our practices to see if a kid is swimming in a symmetrical or non-symmetrical way.

For qns on the impact of technology on sports....

Singapore to buy new submarines, infantry fighting vehicles and maritime patrol aircraft for the SAF

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“We are not a threat to anyone and wish all to be friends. But as the saying goes, strong fences – and I would add defences – make good neighbours,” 

Qn: Given greater levels of international cooperation, how necessary is it for countries to engage in the arms trade?

Singapore believes in keeping lines of communication open on Israel-Palestine conflict: Maliki

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the Republic’s decision to preserve diplomatic ties with Israel has allowed it to candidly share views on the conflict with Israeli leaders and to get aid into Gaza

engagement, rather than isolation, is the best path forward to keep the prospects of a two-state solution alive for Israel and Palestine.

Qn: How far should countries have relations with others whose human rights record is poor? (Cam. 2019)

Indonesians swindled by scams using President Prabowo deepfakes

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