Singapore is exploring a government-run dating platform designed to help single people find partners and boost birth rates, with the state offering to pay for first dates. The Government Technology Agency (GovTech) is surveying public opinion on the initiative through the CrowdTask online platform.

According to survey details, the platform is called Firstdate and targets singles under 35. Users complete a 10-minute questionnaire to be matched based on compatible interests and values. Successfully matched couples would receive free meals at selected restaurants for their first date. All users must verify their identity through Singpass to prevent fake accounts and catfishing.

A prototype website states: "We cover your first date. No fake accounts. No drama."

However, a GovTech spokesperson told The Straits Times that the concept is still in early-stage feasibility studies with no decision yet on full development. The idea originated from GovTech's annual Hackathon, where employees propose innovations to solve social problems. Most of the hundreds of prototype projects studied each year never advance beyond the concept stage.

In late April, a second survey was released asking Singaporeans about dating motivations and obstacles. The survey mentioned potential government measures including networking events, casual dinner matching, group activity trips, Singpass verification to reduce catfishing, and subsidies for dating expenses such as meals.

Both surveys have since been removed from CrowdTask.

The surveys come as Singapore faces a historic low birth rate crisis. The total fertility rate dropped to 0.87 children per woman in 2025, down from 1.24 a decade earlier. On April 29, the National Population and Talent Division established a task force to study declining birth rates, with findings expected in early 2027.

Her Majesty the Queen presented the trophy to the champion of the Queen's Cup Thailand Championship 2025 on July 5 at 2:10 p.m. at Riverdale Golf Club in Pathum Thani province. The Queen observed the professional golf championship and presented the award to the winner, while also watching training sessions for junior golfers, professional golfers, and female professionals. She reviewed advanced technology aimed at developing Thai golf to world-class standards. Pathum Thani Governor Ekawit Meephian and Professional Golf Association of Thailand President Pongrat Lueang-thamrongjareun welcomed the royal visit.

The Queen later visited the clubhouse at hole 18, where association officials briefed her on the tournament. She then proceeded to the tee at hole 18 to observe the leading group's competition. After the final round concluded, the Queen presented the championship flag and trophy to 26-year-old Thai-Taiwanese golfer Ekkapritsa Woo, who won with a score of 23-under par.

The Queen's Cup Thailand Championship 2025 took place July 2-5 at Riverdale Golf Club, designed to develop Thai golfers' potential for international competition and elevate Thailand's professional golf standards. The Professional Golf Association of Thailand organized the event with over 300 golfers competing, with 144 advancing to the final rounds. The tournament featured 72-hole stroke play with a cut after 36 holes, allowing golfers ranked 60th and better to continue competing.

The Queen then visited All Thailand Golf Center to observe youth golfers' putting technique training before visiting the High Performance Center, where she watched professional female golfers' swing analysis and national team members practicing various swing distances at the driving range.

Rayan Cherki of the French national team criticized the referee in France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, saying the Uzbek official failed to control the match. Referee Ilgiz Tantanashev frustrated the French players by allowing the game to become increasingly aggressive without issuing adequate discipline. Despite the physical nature of play, France remained composed and secured the win.

After the match, Cherki, who came on as a substitute in the second half, stated: "I don't know how Paraguay committed 30 fouls on us without a single yellow card being shown. Today's match showed everyone that French football isn't just about technical skill. But whoever faces us needs to understand what they're up against—this is what you have to prepare for."

On July 5, 2025, a Facebook user vented her frustration after her vehicle parked across from her residence suffered damage when construction materials from the opposite house fell onto the car's roof. She stated she has video footage as evidence but was unable to reach a settlement regarding the property owner's liability.

The poster explained: "What's funny about Thai law is this: we parked our car across from our own house (not a regular parking spot), in front of a house where nobody lives most of the time. Then one day the owner shows up, and suddenly building materials from the opposite house deteriorate and fall on our car roof. We have video evidence and all, but we can't do anything about it.

1. Reported to a mediator: The mediator said the homeowner refused responsibility, telling us to pursue a lawsuit ourselves. 2. Filed a police report: Police said they could only file a daily record but couldn't accept a criminal complaint since it's a civil matter. 3. Hired a lawyer: We could sue, but lawyer fees usually exceed the car damage costs. Even if we reach court, we can only claim actual repair expenses (for example, if repairs cost 10,000 baht and lawyer fees are 30,000 baht, who would want to sue?).

No matter which route we take, we lose. We live in an era where laws are useless, police exist but can't help, and we can't do anything to wrongdoers either. So what's the point of being a good person? What's the point of respecting the law?"

After the post went viral, many people commented and debated various angles. Some questioned whether parking in front of someone else's house—even if unoccupied—was appropriate, suggesting this itself could spark disputes. Others cited property liability laws, arguing that if damage results from deteriorating building materials or components that fall and cause harm, the property owner may bear responsibility for the damage incurred.

Thai rock band FLURE, active for over 24 years, announced their first-ever headline concert "FLURE LIFE" to an enthusiastic response from fans, with first-round tickets selling out in just 30 minutes on August 22. Following persistent fan requests, organizers DM and Cat Radio, alongside Cat Radio, decided to add a second show on August 24 after the band completed intensive rehearsals. Tickets remain available through I Have Ticket's website and app at 2,600 baht for reserved seating and 1,800 baht for standing room.

Band members shared their vision for the concert. Drummer Airt Asumdej Limtrakarn apologized for the long wait but promised "the best version of FLURE you've ever seen." Guitarist Wee Warranut Phuapairojn explained that "FLURE LIFE" resonates because many fans have told them they grew up with their music. Guitarist Teddy Theerdol Theodore Gaston emphasized the concert's meaningful storytelling and spiritual depth, while bassist Un Ratpol Treethat noted the setlist includes rarely-performed songs. Lead vocalist Kiu Suwira Boonrod concluded, "We'll prove that music and age are unrelated—music lets us all return to childhood, creating a moment where our music takes everyone back to their happiest, most joyful times."

The concerts will showcase songs and experiences accumulated throughout FLURE's musical journey. Doors open at 5 PM with the show starting at 7 PM at Thunder Dome, Muang Thong Thani on August 22 and 24.

Experts are sharing natural rat-repellent methods using everyday kitchen ingredients to help keep homes clean and disease-free. According to international reports, summer brings an uptick in unwanted pest invasions as rising temperatures accelerate rodent reproduction cycles, increasing the risk of rats entering homes and gardens.

While rats damage property and carry disease-causing pathogens, experts view natural deterrents as a safer, eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides that could harm people, children, and pets if accidentally ingested or touched. Natural rat-control methods typically use ingredients easily found in kitchens—affordable and free from toxic residue.

Onions Effectively Repel Rats

Experts say onions are a basic ingredient that can help rats avoid indoor areas. According to Better Homes & Gardens magazine, "Rats are different from humans. Rats dislike the smell of onions and garlic. Placing freshly sliced onions in rings, or crushed garlic at entry points where rats typically access the home, helps repel them."

Jordan Foster, a pest control expert from Fantastic Pest Control, agrees with this recommendation, noting that "you can plant onions in your garden or place them where rats commonly enter. When rats detect the smell, they avoid that area." He also suggests planting onion-family vegetables like onions and garlic around the house perimeter to reduce rat and certain pest invasions.

Since onions are found in nearly every kitchen and cost very little, this represents another budget-friendly rat-control method. However, caution is needed: if pets—especially dogs—are in the home, avoid placing onions or garlic where they can reach them, as both plants are toxic to dogs. Fresh onions also spoil easily, so they should be replaced regularly to prevent odors and hygiene issues.

Natural Rat-Deterrent Mixture Recipe Using Onions

The Times of India recommends mixing onions with other ingredients to create a natural rat-repellent blend.

Ingredients: - 1 medium onion - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper - 12-15 black peppercorns - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon chickpea flour - Half a lime - Small amount of sugar - Small amount of water (if a thicker consistency is desired)

Instructions: Cut an onion in half and place it on a plate. Grind the black peppercorns finely, then mix with cayenne pepper, baking soda, and chickpea flour. Add lime juice and stir together. If the mixture is too dry, add a little water until you achieve a thick paste consistency. Spread the mixture over the cut onion surface and sprinkle a small amount of sugar on top.

According to The Times of India, the sugar attracts rats, while the pungent smell and spicy taste of the other ingredients irritate them, causing them to avoid the area. Once prepared, wrap the onion in paper and place it in room corners, storage areas, cabinets, doorways, or anywhere rats are commonly found. Replace every 2-3 days.