The world's largest democracy underwent a significant political shift in its 2024 general election. Political pundits and exit polls predicted a landslide victory for India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party but the surprise result of the election reaffirmed the unpredictable nature of Indian politics. Although Prime Minister Modi has secured a third term, his BJP failed to achieve outright parliamentary majority in the 543-seat lower house of parliament. Nirmala Ganapathy, The Straits Times' India bureau chief discussed the factors that contributed to the shock election outcome and the priorities the new government will focus on.

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Foreign-registered cars entering Malaysia to use VEP from October, big tech bolsters its presence in Malaysia and other major events happening in Singapore and the region.

On the Weekly Wrap, The Straits Times' Associate Foreign Editor Lim Ai-Leen discusses recent developments in Malaysia, the world's biggest election in India and the annual defence and security forum International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue 2024 taking place in Singapore from 31 May to 2 June.

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Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has called on Singaporeans to join him in the ambitious goal of building a society where everyone matters “and a Singapore that matters to all Singaporeans”.

Some political analysts have said that PM Wong wants to set himself apart from his predecessors and be measured against his own words

So how will PM Wong be a different type of Prime Minister? And how will our foreign policies be re-shaped under his leadership?

Nicholas Fang, Managing Director, Black Dot and Director for Security and Global Affairs, Singapore Institute of International Affairs shares his view. 

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Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivered his last major political speech as head of government at the annual May Day Rally. 

This comes a fortnight before he is set to pass the baton to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who will be sworn in as the Republic’s fourth prime minister, at a ceremony to be held at the Istana on May 15.

Did PM Lee's last major speech in a way mark the start of DPM Lawrence Wong's tenure as PM?

Dr Felix Tan, Independent Political Observer tells us more. 

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The Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) is looking for an anti-scam mascot to serve as a visual rallying call to bank customers to “stop and check before clicking”. It launched its anti-scam mascot design competition on April 16, offering $10,000 for the top entry, and $3,000 and $2,000 for the second- and third-placed designs, respectively.

But how will a mascot help in the fight against scams? 

Ong-Ang Ai Boon, Director, The Association of Banks in Singapore tells us more. 

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After nearly 20 years heading Singapore’s government, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is set to step down on May 15. And as part of a long-planned succession, Singapore will be ushering in a new era led by current Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as our fourth prime minister.

So what can we expect from DPM Wong when he takes over the reins of Prime Minister? Based on his leadership style, what have we learnt about him, how will he lead Singapore? How will he position Singapore moving forward? 

Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University shares his views. 

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Unsold units at The Residences at W Singapore Sentosa Cove will be up for sale at more than 40 percent off their initial 2010 launch price. Cityview Place Holdings will be releasing 58 units for sale on April 15, with prices starting from $1,648 per square foot. 

But will this move however result in rapid sales for those vacant units? Is a unit there worth your investment? 

Nicholas Mak, Chief Research Officer, Mogul.sg shares his views. 

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No Signboard Holdings has resumed the trading of its shares on March 15 after obtaining concurrence from Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX RegCo) on March 14. 

But shares of No Signboard Holdings slid after opening at 2.7 cents, the stock was down 1.6 cents, or 51.6 percent. 

Will such sentiments continue for No Signboard shares? Willie Keng, Founder, Dividend Titan shares his views. 

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Taylor Swift mania sweeps the parliament! Economically, how will her concerts benefit Singapore? And recently announced in parliament, Singapore’s retirement age to go up to 64 in 2026. 

Dr Felix Tan, Independent Political Observer gives us an analysis of those headlines and more. 

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For the first time ever, Singapore’s resident total fertility rate has dropped below 1.0. Preliminary estimates show that the total fertility rate fell to 0.97 in 2023, declining further from the previous record of 1.04 in 2022 and 1.12 in 2021.

What are the factors leading to the new low? And should we be worried? 

Dr Mathew Mathews, Head, Social Lab, and Principal Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore shares his views. 

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