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Delegates from nearly 200 countries are convening in Montreal for the 15th United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15). But even as scientists call for urgent action on an agreement to protect the planet’s wildlife and ecosystems, world leaders have not been invited to the summit. CNA’s Ira Spitzer reports.

The Georgia run-off election on Dec 6 will decide whether incumbent Democrat senator Raphael Warnock or Republican rival Herschel Walker, takes the Senate seat. Regardless of the outcome, the Democrats will still control the upper house of Congress for the next two years. But in such a closely-divided Senate, every seat counts.

American and Russian weapons are on full display at Vietnam's first-ever international defence trade show in Hanoi. Both world powers are keen on vying for influence, through weapon sales, to the strategic Southeast Asian nation. Manufacturers from about 30 countries are competing for a slice of the lucrative market in the region, as Vietnam seeks to diversify its weapons suppliers.

Indonesia has released the bomb maker behind the 2002 Bali attacks. Former Jemaah Islamiyah member Umar Patek is out on parole, having served half his prison sentence. This comes despite repeated pleas from the Australian government to keep him behind bars. Among the dead were 88 Australians. Survivors are outraged over the bomber's release.

A major umbrella union in South Korea is threatening another nationwide walkout later this month. This comes after the government expanded a return-to-work order to truck drivers in the petrochemical and steel industries. The Korean Confederation of Trade Union said its work stoppage on Dec 14 is to show support for truckers who have been on strike for more than two weeks now.

India’s pet care industry is witnessing an unprecedented boom. Analysts expect it to more than double in size in the next three years. This has prompted big players in the Indian consumer segment such as Nestle and Emami to foray into pet care products.

Singapore is modestly increasing its private housing land supply in the first half of next year, amid an uncertain economic outlook. The Urban Redevelopment Authority is raising the number of units in the Confirmed List of its Government Land Sales Programme to nearly 4,100 units. This is up from just over 3,500 in the current period.

Singapore will launch a special package to train more than 300 Timor-Leste officials, in support of the country's preparation for ASEAN membership. The training package will comprise courses in ASEAN knowledge, skills training and education capacity building. Singapore President Halimah Yacob welcomed her Timor-Leste counterpart Jose Ramos-Horta to the Istana on Dec 8. She said Singapore hopes these initiatives will further contribute to developing Timor-Leste's youth.

Drug screening for offenders is being made more convenient through an automated urine test system. It was developed through a partnership between the Singapore Prison Service and the Home Team Science and Technology Agency. They are calling it a world first.

Digital banks in Singapore are offering more than just higher interest rates to acquire more customers. They are also ramping up offerings and services to help clients offset higher inflation. But analysts say it is uncertain if these new entrants can even offer up new banking solutions.