BEIJING - THE world is facing bigger inequalities in health and access to medical care than 30 years ago, the World Health Organisation said in two global reports launched in China on Friday.

A child born in a suburb of Glasgow, Scotland, can expect to live 28 years less than another living just 13 kilometres away, while a girl in Lesotho is likely to live 42 years less than one in Japan, the WHO said at the launch of the reports in Beijing.

THERE is still a year to go before the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG), but the festivities have already kicked off in Singapore.

The Padang was transformed into YOG party central on Friday night, as over 5,000 revellers turned up to mark the 365 days until the Games kick off.

MOST President's Scholars opt to go to the United States or to Britain to further their studies.

But 19-year-old Tan Bao Jia has chosen to absorb herself in Chinese culture, and will be going to Peking University in China to study Economics.

THE temptation to spend on new clothes, household and electronic items hits a peak in the run-up to next month's Hari Raya Puasa celebrations.

But concerned Malay MPs and community leaders are taking unusual steps this year to get a simple message across: Spend within your means, save for your children's education.