JAPAN BOOSTS DISPUTED ISLANDS DEFENSE
TOKYO: Japan will deploy two more patrol ships to boost its defense of islands at the center of a territorial row with China and has conducted its first drill simulating the recapture of an isle seized by enemy forces.

The vessels will be stationed at the regional coast guard headquarters which covers the Japanese-controlled Senkaku islands in the East China Sea, known as the Diaoyus in China, Japanese public broadcaster NHK said on Monday. Chinese government ships and planes have been seen off the disputed islands numerous times since Japan nationalized them in September, sometimes within the 12 nautical-mile territorial zone.

SEASON’S FIRST SNOW HITS TOKYO
TOKYO: The winter’s first snowfall blanketed the Japanese capital Tokyo and its environs on Monday, paralyzing traffic and stranding young people taking part in traditional coming-of-age ceremonies. Pedestrians tiptoed through the slush in the luxury Ginza shopping district as a storm system covered much of the Japanese archipelago. Policemen helped drivers shove cars stuck on snow-covered roads while employees cleared the pavement in front of their shops. Japanese airlines cancelled more than 460 domestic flights, mainly to or from Tokyo’s Haneda airport where runways were temporarily closed as workers removed snow. Dozens of train services in the capital were also cancelled. Highways were also closed at many points in Tokyo and surrounding areas as 2.8 inches of snow fell in the capital, The severe weather disrupted “Coming-of Age Day” ceremonies across the nation on Monday, a national holiday at which 20-year-olds celebrate legally reaching adulthood.

FRENCH GOVT SUPPORTS GAY MARRIAGE
PARIS: France’s ruling Socialists refused to back down Monday, a day after hundreds of thousands marched against plans to legalize gay marriage and adoption, and as opposition politicians stepped up calls for a referendum on the issue. Despite the massive turn-out in Paris—800,000 according to organizers, 340,000 according to police—a statement from President Francois Hollande’s Elysee Palace after the rally made it clear he would press ahead with the reforms. The government plans to put the proposed legislation to parliament on January 29.     

SINGAPORE INSTALLS FIRST LADY SPEAKER
SINGAPORE: Singapore’s first female Speaker of parliament was formally installed on Monday, replacing a disgraced predecessor who stepped down after he confessed to an extramarital affair. Halimah Yacob, a 58-year-old Muslim lawyer and unionist who is never seen in public without her headdress, was the only nominee for the post in the legislature, where the ruling People’s Action Party holds 81 of the 87 seats. The appointment of Halimah comes a month after her predecessor Michael Palmer abruptly resigned from parliament and the PAP, admitting he had an affair with a junior colleague from a state-linked community organization. A by-election will be held on January 26 to fill the seat vacated by Palmer. AFP