According to some pest controllers in Singapore, complaints about rat sightings or related enquiries have gone up at least 10% in recent months. They said frequent changes in weather could be drawing the rodents out -- wetter weather drives rats above ground, while warmer temperatures speed up their metabolism, so they eat and breed more. The pest controllers called for proper disposal of food waste to tackle the gnawing problem of increased rat sightings.

Several MPs have called for more flexibility and time for seniors to plan for retirement, ahead of the CPF Special Account closure for those aged 55 and above. The move was among measures announced in this year's Budget to bolster retirement support for seniors. Less than 1% of CPF members will be affected when the Special Account is closed early next year. MPs from both sides of the aisle also gave suggestions on changes to the existing CPF system. Sabrina Ng reports.

More mid-career workers are taking up diploma programmes to upskill to get a career boost. From next year, workers 40 and above who upskill can get subsidies of up to 90% of course fees. However, industry watchers said such courses must address the gaps and needs in the job market. They also urged workers to do their own research on market sentiments and demand before making a career switch. Richa Mathew reports.

It's the final day of hearings at the International Court of Justice, as the UN's top court seeks to examine the legality of Israel's decades-long occupation of Palestinian lands. Around 50 countries have presented their arguments over the past six sessions, putting more pressure on Israel amid its offensive in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel is also due to file a report to the ICJ on the progress it has made in preventing genocide in Gaza. Ishan Garg reports from Brussels.

While MPs supported the move in the Budget to give out vouchers and rebates to Singaporeans, some questioned the sustainability of these handouts. They believe it may create over-reliance, and such help might keep inflation higher or longer. A few MPs also urged the government to relook the means-testing for assistance schemes. Rebecca Metteo reports.

Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim has warned lawmakers against any behaviour that could lead to political instability. In a strongly-worded maiden address to officiate the parliament's first sitting of the year, the King urged all MPs to prioritise the welfare of Malaysians over their own interests or that of their political parties. He also called on opposition MPs to respect the Madani government’s mandate led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Melissa Goh reports.

The healthcare crisis in South Korea continues as trainee doctors refuse to return to work, despite an ultimatum from the government that they could face prosecution and suspension. The nationwide strike against government plans to increase medical school admissions has entered its second week and is showing no signs of resolution. Authorities have begun an investigation into key officials of two medical associations over possible legal violations related to the ongoing strike. The police have warned they will crack down on any illegal acts during a large-scale rally slated for next week.

Political parties in the European Union are gearing up for a tough fight ahead of elections in just over three months. The state of the EU economy will likely remain one of the top issues for voters, especially in Germany. Data shows that in 2023, Germany's GDP contracted 0.3% year-on-year -- narrowly avoiding a technical recession but still firmly stuck in stagnation. CNA's Trent Murray reports.

Minister of Education Chan Chun Sing addresses concerns from some parents about the Ministry of Education’s Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) lesson on the Israel-Hamas conflict. "The CCE class is not intended to be a history lesson. Neither is it an exercise to apportion blame," he says.

The chance to expose local athletes to world-class competitions, learn best practices from others, and build Singapore's brand as a sports tourism destination – these are how the local sports fraternity believes the country will gain from the government's plans to anchor major international sporting events in Singapore. While the lack of facilities remains a concern, observers say the Kallang Alive project is a big step in the right direction. CNA’s Kate Low reports. Read more: https://cna.asia/3Ic4kHX Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

In a volatile business world, the concept of leaders having "executive presence" has come into sharper focus. What exactly does it mean, and can it be cultivated? Entrepreneur, investor and CEO of Endeavor Linda Rottenberg is this week's guest. 0:00 Intro 3:35 What does executive presence mean? 7:41 Being able to tell stories is crucial 9:28 Do you need to be good at public speaking? 11:15 Can you get better at communicating well? 13:16 Crafting a presence that isn’t fake

The prime ministers of Italy, Canada and Belgium along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on Saturday (Feb 24) in a show of support for Ukraine as the country enters its third year of full-scale war with Russia. Europe pledged more aid and ammunition while Canada leader Justin Trudeau committed US$2.2 billion in financial and military assistance. CNA's Megumi Lim with the latest from Kyiv. Read more: https://cna.asia/3UYoop3 Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Education Minister Chan Chun Sing on Sunday (Feb 25) reiterated the purpose of the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) lessons on the Israel-Hamas conflict. He was responding to a query on whether MOE would consider an opt-out option for parents who do not feel comfortable about their child’s participation. He said that the lessons are intended at promoting mutual understanding and social harmony and that they are not issue-specific or conflict-specific. They are also not intended to be history lessons nor ascribe who is right or wrong at which period in history. Full story: https://cna.asia/3STknPT Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Amid recent concerns over what Singapore students are being taught about the Israel-Hamas conflict, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing explained that the Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) lessons are meant to help students reflect on how to safeguard harmony in a multiracial society, as well as to appreciate the diversity of views and conduct conversations respectfully. “Though this conflict may be geographically further away, we work very hard to not let this divide us, or allow it to fragment our social fabric and hard-earned harmony,” Mr Chan said on Sunday (Feb 25). Full story: https://cna.asia/3STknPT Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Former president Donald Trump won the South Carolina primary on Saturday (Feb 24), beating rival Nikki Haley in her home state. Despite the losses, Haley vowed to continue the fight. CNA's Nick Harper explains why Trump remains popular among Republican voters, despite facing several legal challenges. Read more: https://cna.asia/49OCuxs Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Now 71, Deborah Choi began modelling only at the age of 70. "This is the age that life is starting. There's no fear. You don't have to please anybody," she says. Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Missed the aerobatics displays at the Singapore Airshow on Saturday (Feb 24)? Here's a supercut of some of the best bits. The flying display includes the Republic of Korea Air Force’s Black Eagles, the Republic of Singapore Air Force, Indonesian Air Force Jupiter aerobatic team and Indian Air Force Sarang aerobatic team. https://cna.asia/3IbYeau Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

As Ukraine marked two years since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of the country, concerns over delayed military aid have persisted. As Russia continues to launch attacks, the Ukrainian government has called for the speedy construction of fortifications as it switches to a defensive posture. Megumi Lim has more.

The United States has imposed a fresh slate of sanctions on more than 500 people and entities linked to Russia's war in Ukraine. Washington and its allies have used a host of financial tools to isolate Russia, since Moscow invaded Ukraine two years ago. But the Russian economy has proved to be resilient. Dasha Chernyshova reports.