Israel passes law allowing force feeding of prisoners

Jerusalem: The Israeli parliament approved on Thursday a law allowing prisoners on hunger strike to be force fed if their life is in danger or they face chronic health problems, a spokesman said. While the law does not specifically mention Palestinians, Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan, who led the legislation, said it was necessary since "hunger strikes of terrorists in prisons have become a means to threaten Israel." AFP

Singapore appoints Indian bizman as envoy to Denmark 

Singapore: Singapore has appointed a 60-year-old Indian-origin businessman as the country's Non-Resident Ambassador to Denmark. Karan Singh Thakral has served as Singapore's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. He is an Executive Director in the Thakral Group of Companies. Thakral is chairman of the South Asia Business Group and Business India in Singapore. PTI

Myanmar frees thousands of prisoners

Yangon: Myanmar on Thursday ordered the release of thousands of prisoners including 210 foreigners, officials said, the latest in a series of amnesties under the reformist government that have seen sentences quashed for hundreds of dissidents. AFP