INVESTMENTS of retirement savings in stocks and units trusts made under the Central Provident Fund Investment Scheme (CPFIS) have taken quite a hammering in the global market meltdown.

Nearly half of all CPFIS investors who sold their Ordinary Account investments in the year ended Sept 30 - 440,000 CPF members, or 49 per cent - have lost money, up from 43 per cent a year earlier.

BANGKOK - THAILAND'S revered monarch called on the new government to make peace a priority on Monday, ending his long silence on months of political unrest that culminated in a siege of Bangkok's airports and battered the nation's economy.

The ailing 81-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej spoke slowly and with a hoarse voice as he presided over a swearing-in ceremony for the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

NEW DELHI - INDIA'S foreign minister on Monday criticised the international reaction to last month's attacks on Mumbai, saying pressure put on Pakistan by world leaders was inadequate.

Mr Pranab Mukherjee said that he wanted to see more results from US-led attempts to force Pakistan to co-operate with the probe into the attacks, which India blames on Pakistan-based militants.

CLUNY Road is one of the poshest streets in Singapore, but none of the private homes there inspire awe quite like that of Mr Leonard Francis.

The house features what is likely Singapore's most lavish display of Christmas decorations.

An $8,000 nativity scene, forged by Italian statue-makers, graces the front lawn, a life-sized Santa and his reindeer sit on the roof and the entire property is awash in light.