Asia in 3 minutes: suicide surge in Singapore, goat rapists on the run in India
A revo-loo-tion in Beijing and a Tokyo medical centre that doctored exam results
Hands down, new Vietnam attraction is the coolest bridge in Asia
In the forested hills of central Vietnam two giant concrete hands emerge from the trees, holding up a glimmering golden bridge crowded with gleeful visitors taking photos. The country’s latest eccentric tourist attraction is designed to make visitors feel like they are strolling on a shimmering thread stretching across the hands of gods. Cau Vang, which means “Golden Bridge”, has attracted hordes of guests since it opened in the Ba Na Hills near Da Nang in June, joining other attractions in the area, including a tram, a French medieval village complete with a fake castle and a wax museum with featuring Lady Gaga and Michael Jordan.
What next? Images of the 150m-long bridge have gone viral on social media, to the surprise of the architect who had no idea it would attract so much attention. “We’re proud that our product has been shared by people all over the world,” said Vu Viet Anh, principal designer and founder of TA Landscape Architecture.
India launches manhunt for men who raped pregnant goat
Police in northern India said that a major manhunt was underway for eight men accused of having sex with a pregnant goat that later died. The suspects face prosecution under the Indian Penal Code that outlaws “intercourse against the order of nature” – the same provision that criminalises gay sex. Police raids were conducted in Haryana state, around 100km from Delhi. “We have identified three of the eight accused and the police teams are out on raids to arrest them as soon as possible,” said police official Naazneen Bhasin.
What next? The goat died after the alleged incident. A vet has taken samples for forensic analysis. The case was launched after the owner of the goat saw three men sexually assaulting the animal late at night. “He initially raised the alarm fearing goat thieves but was shocked at what he saw,” said local police inspector Vipin, who goes by only one name.
Elderly Singaporeans killing themselves in record numbers
The number of elderly people committing suicide in Singapore reached a record high last year, a non-government group said, urging stronger support for the over-60s in the rapidly ageing city state. Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), which focuses on preventing suicides, said fear of becoming a burden to family, social disconnection, physical impairment and deteriorating mental health were the most common challenges faced by the elderly.
