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Singapore is tightening enforcement against vaping on its public transport network, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said on Monday. Station staff have begun active patrols, with offenders to be removed and reported to authorities. Police may also be called if individuals are found intoxicated, according to Xinhua.

Transport operator SMRT separately urged commuters to report vaping incidents. Vaping is banned in Singapore, and violators face fines of up to 2,000 Singapore dollars (about 1,559 US dollars).

Myanmar will begin its first general election since the 2021 coup on December 28, Reuters reported.

Authorities said the vote will take place in multiple phases through December and January due to security concerns.

No additional details were provided on the initial phase.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday urged stronger pressure on Russia and increased support for Ukraine, saying it was key to securing a “just and lasting peace.”

Speaking in Tokyo, Wadephul stressed that Ukraine must receive firm security guarantees to defend itself even after any ceasefire. His remarks came as President Donald Trump prepares to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and other European leaders in Washington, following Trump’s recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, according to Reuters.

On Sunday, Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Zelenskiy to strengthen Kyiv’s position. They backed US discussions on security guarantees but insisted that Ukraine be included in territorial negotiations and that its remaining territory be protected.

Hong Kong pro-democracy businessman Jimmy Lai, 77, appeared in court for the start of his final submissions in a national security trial after experiencing heart palpitations. Lai, founder of the closed Apple Daily, faces charges of colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious material, which he denies. Reuters reported.

He was provided medication and a heart monitor, with a medical expert confirming he is fit for court. Supporters expressed concern over his health after nearly 1,700 days in solitary confinement.

According to Reuters, western governments, including the US and Australia, have called for his release and criticized Hong Kong’s national security laws, while authorities insist Lai is receiving a fair trial.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 800 per tola in the domestic market on Sunday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 196, 300 per tola today.

Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 5 and is being traded at Rs 2, 315 per tola today.

Australian researchers have mapped human bone marrow at the molecular level, uncovering new insights into multiple myeloma, Xinhua reported.

Using advanced spatial transcriptomics, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) analyzed over 5,000 genes in individual cells, revealing that cancerous plasma cells form unique microenvironments in the bone marrow. “It’s like discovering that each tumor has its own postcode,” said researcher Raymond Yip.

According to Xinhua, the findings explain why patients respond differently to treatments and could guide more personalized approaches to managing the incurable blood cancer, which affects over 2,500 Australians annually.

Kuwaiti authorities have arrested 67 people over illegal alcoholic drinks that killed 23 and poisoned more than 160, the Interior Ministry said. A Bangladeshi national reportedly led the operation, with methanol prepared and sold in secret factories, some revealed by a Nepali member, Al Jazeera reported.

Alcohol is banned in Kuwait, and unsafe homemade production has put many at risk. Health authorities said dozens needed dialysis or ventilation, while the Indian Embassy confirmed around 40 nationals were hospitalized. Methanol, a toxic industrial alcohol, can cause delayed symptoms and is often fatal if untreated.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the government was making all the best possible efforts for the safe and speedy release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student in Israel who was taken hostage by the extremist Hamas group.

In a Facebook post today, the PM stated that the government was taking all best possible efforts for Joshi's release adding that it was the responsibility of the government.

According to the PM, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Nepal's diplomatic missions in the Gulf countries is holding continuous talks to ensure a safe and speedy release of Joshi.

Likewise, the PM has also mentioned that the government was with the family of Joshi.

"With the coordination of our embassy in Israel, Joshi's mother Padma and sister Pushpa met with President of Israel Isaac Herzog and Chairman of the Israeli Parliament Amir Ohana for the initiatives to release Bipin," the PM has mentioned in his post. 

Likewise, PM Oli has recalled his telephone conversations that happened a couple of months ago with the presidents of Türkiye and Egypt for the release of Joshi.

Similarly, PM Oli has thanked all Nepalis, locals, journalists, security forces and social activists for their efforts for the safe and speedy release of Bipin Joshi.