United States President Joe Biden on Sunday (Dec 1) signed an unconditional pardon for his son Hunter, saying he believed the younger Biden had been selectively prosecuted and targeted unfairly by political opponents. Karen Hult, a political science professor at Virginia Tech, tells CNA’s Asia First that Biden’s move – which came less than two months before he leaves office – is likely to overshadow his accomplishments and taint his legacy. 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

Singapore police used thermal-imaging drones in a series of anti-vice raids at various locations, including entertainment hotspots. 194 arrests were made over the six-day operation for offences including illegal work, drug use, and weapons possession. CNA’s Nadirah Zaidi reports on one of the raids in Little India.

A 30-year-old woman was found dead in a flat along Dover Road on Monday (Dec 2). Preliminary investigations reveal that a 34-year-old man, who is believed to be able to assist with investigations, had left Singapore before the police received a call for assistance. Investigations are ongoing. https://cna.asia/4iicqj2 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

A 30-year-old woman was found dead in a flat along Dover Road on Monday (Dec 2). Preliminary investigations reveal that a 34-year-old man, who is believed to be able to assist with investigations, had left Singapore before the police received a call for assistance. #sgnews #singapore (Video: CNA/Marcus Mark Ramos)

While we see yurts and horses as romanticised advertisements to court visitors, over in Almaty, it is as real as visiting Grandma on weekends and to hang with your cousins. CNA Lifestyle was invited to explore Kazakhstan to find out why it should be your next holiday destination: https://cna.asia/4hvRapy

From next year, private eateries can serve patrons who bring along their pets in outdoor settings without needing a pet cafe licence. The move is part of the Singapore Food Agency's regular review of food safety laws. SFA said it has assessed that the risk of diseases transmitted from pets to humans at outdoor dining environments is low. Those intending to serve pet food will still need to apply for a pet cafe licence. Pets will not be allowed at hawker centres, which are communal spaces. Halal establishments will also remain closed to all pets, except guide dogs.

Thermal-imaging drones have helped police in recent anti-vice raids at various locations, including several entertainment hotspots. The six-day operation led to 194 arrests for offences including illegal work, drug use and weapons possession. Four others are under investigation for forgery and cheating. Nadirah Zaidi reports from a raid in Little India.

According to a new report card on inclusive hiring, positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities (PWDs) has declined in the workplace. This, even as PWDs experienced a rise in employment and income. The Disability Trends Report also found the overall quality of life scores of caregivers of PWDs have fallen by over two percentage points between 2022 and 2024. Ms Farah Juwita, the main caregiver to her youngest son — who is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder — shared more about the challenges of caregiving as well as support for caregivers.

Analysts said next year's Budget is likely to be generous and offer support to boost social safety nets. The Finance Ministry has invited Singaporeans to share their views over the next six weeks on what they would like to see. These are in areas like strengthening collective identity, skills upgrading and reflections on shared values. The Finance Ministry is also seeking feedback on how to support Singaporeans across different life stages — from helping young families through their parenthood journey, to seniors ageing well in their homes and community. Nasyrah Rohim reports.

Some 120 bottlenose dolphins live off the coast of Jeju Island in South Korea. But concerns are growing that excessive tourism and pollution are killing these dolphins, which the government designated as an endangered species more than a decade ago. A research team documented the deaths of about 10 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin calves this year alone, up from one death last year. Studies showed most of them died right after birth. Lim Yun Suk reports.

Thailand has protested an incident early Saturday, where Myanmar's navy fired on a group of Thai fishing vessels. One crew member drowned after he leapt overboard. Myanmar detained four Thai nationals and 31 Myanmar crew members, including their trawler. Bangkok is in negotiations to release the Thai nationals and the return of the boat. Since the Myanmar military coup in 2021, there have been several border incidents with Thailand, mainly stemming from armed conflict between the military government and ethnic armed rebels. Saksith Saiyasombut reports.

Hundreds of Indian farmers are marching towards New Delhi, despite heightened security as they broke police barricades at border areas. They are pushing for several demands, including the expansion of minimum support prices, a waiver of farm loans and the withdrawal of police cases filed during past protests. The march began near the Mahamaya flyover in Noida, Uttar Pradesh around noon local time. Demonstrators are heading towards the parliament complex by tractor and on foot. More than 4,000 police personnel have been deployed, with barricades set up along the Noida-Delhi border. Ishan Garg reports.

US President Joe Biden made no further comments over his decision to sign a pardon for his son, Hunter, as he left for an official trip to Angola. Hunter Biden was facing two criminal cases and was due to be sentenced later this month for his conviction on federal gun charges. Mr Biden justified the move, claiming Hunter was singled out because he's his son. Nick Harper reports from Washington DC.

An alliance of civil society groups in the Philippines has filed an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, on grounds of grave misconduct and constitutional violations. This latest twist comes a week after Ms Duterte made a controversial remark of contracting someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the first lady and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, if an alleged plot against her life succeeds. Cherrie Regalado reports.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak began his defence today for several counts of abuse of power and money laundering. These differ from the previous corruption charges for which he is currently serving a six-year jail term. What they all have in common is 1MDB — the sovereign wealth fund Najib and his allies are accused of plundering. The latest charges have to do with around $510 million in alleged bribes involving Tanore Finance Corporation, which American authorities said had siphoned funds from 1MDB. Melissa Goh reports.

With virtual humans on the rise in South Korea’s entertainment industry, CNA Lifestyle visited one of the biggest players – Metaverse Entertainment – to understand how Rina and K-pop group Mave came to life. Read more: https://cna.asia/4hAT08P

Baggy or skinny, dark or faded, stretch or structured: Just how do wear your blue jeans right? These 8 style tips will get you ahead of the game. Read more: https://cna.asia/3CuKhoJ

From displaying more awareness posters, to incentives for bars that work with valet service providers - these are some ways nightlife operators say can help tackle drink-driving cases. It comes as the number of such accidents in Singapore increased by 9 per cent in the first half of 2024, compared with the same period last year. CNA’s Nadirah Zaidi reports. 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

Russia has been aggressively promoting trade and investment with ASEAN countries. Its trade with the Southeast Asian grouping saw double-digit growth last year, despite the challenging environment. But as CNA's Melissa Goh reports, not all companies are comfortable doing business with the Russian Federation, which is facing economic sanctions by Western nations.

US President Joe Biden on Sunday (Dec 1) pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who faced sentencing this month on tax and gun crime convictions. This means Hunter Biden will not be sentenced for his crimes and can’t be sent to prison. The pardon also cannot be revoked by President-elect Donald Trump.