The Straits Times - October 17, 2024
The Straits Times - October 17, 2024
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In this issue
October 17, 2024
Parliament passes Bill enabling Govt to block Allianz-Income deal
The minister in charge of Singapore's financial regulator will have powers to block deals involving insurers that are run or substantially owned by cooperatives after Parliament passed new laws on Oct 16.
4 mins
Prime, Plus flats launched with 6% to 9% subsidy clawback clause
They are among 8,573 homes offered for sale under new flat classification system
4 mins
Talent, tourists, new hubs: John Lee lays out ambitious HK revival plan
Given the myriad priority areas, analysts wonder if his economic measures lack focus
4 mins
New in Oct BTO launch: 'White flats', additional subsidies
The Oct 16 Build-To-Order (BTO) launch will feature several changes that will affect home buyers, including a new way of classifying flats, more options for singles and new open-concept \"white flats\".
2 mins
NTUC central committee unaware of capital reduction plan: Desmond Tan
The labour movement's central committee did not know of the plan to return $1.85 billion to shareholders under the Allianz-Income deal before it was mentioned in Parliament on Oct 14, said NTUC deputy secretary-general Desmond Tan.
3 mins
MPs raise concerns over info sharing, investor confidence
16 MPs speak for four hours on Bill to halt Allianz's planned offer for Income Insurance
3 mins
Team Singapore athletes at Paris Games honoured in Parliament
Olympians and Paralympians 'fought hard in the toughest of arenas', says minister
3 mins
Pritam Singh's lawyer continues to cast doubts on Raeesah Khan's credibility
He points to inconsistencies in her earlier statements and evidence given since trial's start
5 mins
Key points as defence wraps up cross-examination of former MP
The defence completed its cross-examination of former Workers' Party (WP) MP Raeesah Khan on Oct 16, having sought to put into doubt the credibility of the prosecution's key witness.
5 mins
Prabowo banks on ambitious schemes to boost economy
Investor-friendly, tourist-centric plans in the works, with aim to hit 8% growth target by his third year in office
4 mins
US, Britain to maintain India ties despite Canada's claims
Indian officials accused of being involved in illegal acts in Canada, including murder
4 mins
Lebanese mayor among 6 killed as Israeli air strike hits municipal building
Israel launched an air strike on Oct 16 on the municipal headquarters in Nabatieh, a major town in south Lebanon, killing the mayor and at least five others.
3 mins
Truce deal must stop Hezbollah from rearming: Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Oct 15 that he told French President Emmanuel Macron he would not agree to a cease-fire deal that failed to stop Hezbollah from rearming and regrouping.
1 min
US threat to cut military aid to Israel highlights occupation concerns
Close allies are in their most serious dispute since the start of the Gaza war
4 mins
Harris has marginal 3-point lead over Trump in latest poll
Given the tight race, candidates' efforts to ensure supporters vote may decide winner
3 mins
Zelensky calls for Nato invite as part of his 'victory plan'
President Volodymyr Zelensky unveiled his much anticipated \"victory plan\" on Oct 16, calling on his allies to take urgent steps to bolster Ukraine at a precarious moment in a bid to end the war with Russia in 2025.
3 mins
N. Korea claims 1.4 million applied to join army this week
North Korean state media on Oct 16 said around 1.4 million young people, including students and youth league officials, had applied to join or return to the army this week, accusing Seoul of a provocative drone incursion that had brought the \"tense situation to the brink of war\".
2 mins
China doesn't prefer a Trump win, says top Chinese scholar
Ex-president's inclination to ignore allies' concerns seen as a downside for Beijing
3 mins
US 'concerned' by reports of North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia
The United States is “concerned” by reports of North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia in Ukraine, according to a White House spokesman on Oct 15.
1 min
China and Myanmar tied for worst internet freedom, says US study
Myanmar and China have the world's worst internet freedom, with declines reported in a number of other countries led by Kyrgyzstan, a study said on Oct 16.
1 min
Meta must face US lawsuits over teen social media addiction
Facebook parent company Meta must face lawsuits by US states accusing it of fuelling mental health problems among teens by making its Facebook and Instagram platforms addictive, a federal judge in California ruled on Oct 15.
1 min
Asean emergency response team launched to combat cyber threats
It will also support collaborations between industry and academia, conduct exercises
2 mins
Some bus, train services to be extended on eve of Deepavali
Commuters who are out and about till late on Oct 30 will have more options to get home after, as the operating hours of selected bus and train services will be extended on the eve of Deepavali.
1 min
E-mail threat: No bomb found on Air India Express flight after landing
No bomb was found on board an Air India Express plane from India which landed in Singapore more than an hour after its scheduled arrival time, the police said on Oct 16 after completing security checks on the low-cost carrier's aircraft at Changi Airport.
1 min
Android users can filter out unknown SMSes from abroad soon
Android users in Singapore can opt to filter all unknown overseas text messages to a spam folder in a new security measure that will be launched here by the end of 2024.
2 mins
Views sought on proposed laws for archaeological items
Legislation will allow NHB to declare ownership over any discovered artefacts
3 mins
Pedestrian injured after being pushed away from falling tree
A pedestrian was pushed out of harm's way as a tree fell in Jurong West on Oct 15, the National Parks Board (NParks) said.
1 min
Number of bankruptcy orders relatively 'stable' in first half of 2024
Slightly over two-fifths of the bankruptcy orders in the first half of 2024 were due to business failures, with debtors borrowing from various sources including banks, credit card issuers, licensed moneylenders and private individuals.
2 mins
Hard to set stop-work rule for bad weather conditions: Zaqy
It is not practical for the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to set blanket rules for exactly when companies should stop work in the event of extreme weather conditions, Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad told Parliament on Oct 16.
1 min
Building accessibility code under review; public urged to give feedback
A regulatory code to ensure buildings are inclusive and accessible is being reviewed, with a draft for public consultation targeted to be released by the end of 2024.
1 min
SAF heat exhaustion injuries, vehicle accident rate down
These are specific areas that the SAF is paying attention to as it strengthens safety culture
2 mins
60% of 720 beds occupied yearly at transitional shelters for rough sleepers
About 60 per cent of the 720 beds available at Singapore's transitional shelters for rough sleepers were occupied yearly from 2021 to 2023.
2 mins
Low visibility due to dust clouds likely cause of training accident: Ng Eng Hen
The collision between two Hunter armoured fighting vehicles during a training exercise in Australia was likely due to low visibility from dust clouds formed by the moving vehicles, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Oct 15.
1 min
7 stateless kids under age 12 as at last Dec; no automatic citizenship
There were seven stateless children under the age of 12 in Singapore, and another 13 between the ages of 12 and 18, as at Dec 31, 2023. They constituted 2.3 per cent of the total number of stateless individuals here.
2 mins
Widower shared account info with 'women' online, but they were scammers
Shortly after his wife died, a man shared details of his bank accounts with people he met online who claimed to be women, only to find out that some of the accounts were later used to handle scam proceeds.
2 mins
All SIT graduates to get transcript of transferable skills
Move to go beyond academic grades will document students' mastery of 18 skills
3 mins
S'pore stocks track regional losses as investors remain wary
• STI edges down although gainers outnumber losers • Tech-heavy Nasdaq falls after ASML's forecast of lower sales • All three Singapore banks end trading in red territory
1 min
Workers at Samsung's Tamil Nadu factory end strike
Workers of Samsung Electronics' Indian unit have decided to end a strike at its factory in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the company said on Oct 15, ending a labour protest that had continued for more than a month.
1 min
Why are tech companies in S'pore laying off people?
Restructuring, rising employment cost and slow growth forecast among factors
4 mins
NZ inflation slows to lowest rate since early 2021
New Zealand's annual inflation rate fell sharply in the third quarter, returning to the central bank's target band for the first time in more than three years.
1 min
Boeing to raise up to $33b as strike weighs on finances
US aircraft manufacturer Boeing unveiled measures meant to replenish its cash flow on Oct 15, including an intention to raise up to US$25 billion (S$33 billion), as it navigates recurrent production problems and a major US strike.
2 mins
S'pore-based Shein reportedly adds more banks to arrange London listing
Shein has added more banks to help arrange its potential initial public offering (IPO) that could value the online fashion retailer at £50 billion (S$85 billion), potentially one of the biggest listings in London in recent years, people familiar with the matter said.
1 min
C&C, Gogoro launch electric scooters and charging stations
Cycle & Carriage Singapore (C&C) and Gogoro officially launched battery-swop electric scooters and charging stations in Singapore on Oct 16.
2 mins
Job seeker support scheme will be reviewed quarterly
Manpower Minister not ruling out further expanding the initiative after it is rolled out in April 2025
3 mins
Ride on China growth story but tread cautiously, say experts
S'pore investors can go for diversified portfolio of stocks or China-related plays
4 mins
A tale of two Indonesias emerges amid miracle growth story
‘Jokonomics’ has created an economy that offers investors great potential for growth, but reality suggests President-elect Prabowo Subianto will have much to do for the country to truly take off.
6 mins
Does China welcome or dread an Iran-Israel war?
It wants American interests to suffer, but not at any price.
5 mins
It's bad business to skimp on workplace safety and health
As older workers make up a growing part of the workforce, it makes good business sense that their well-being is prioritised.
5 mins
Committed a workplace gaffe? You will survive it (and may even get promoted)
There are better ways of coping with the painful embarrassment than rushing to rectify the error.
4 mins
MAHER EYEING NEW SUMMITS IN EVEREST
Top Melbourne trainer launches first assault at world's richest turf race with smart trio
3 mins
Drop in class suits Calida down to the ground
Oct 17 South Africa (Vaal) form analysis
2 mins
SHIMI GO SHIMMERS AT KL TRIALS
Ex-Macau's Oriental Halflamma and trainer set for M'sian debuts
3 mins
20-MINUTE RED CARD DRAWS BACKLASH
French authorities oppose World Rugby's trial to allow a team to replace offender
3 mins
Coach gives positive update on George's knee
Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George's worrisome left knee \"checked out OK\" on Oct 15, coach Nick Nurse said.
2 mins
Verstappen focused on fixes, not his future
Max Verstappen said he is not thinking about his Formula One future beyond the current season with Red Bull.
2 mins
LIV SEEKS NORMAN REPLACEMENT
Report says breakaway circuit is hunting for new chief; Kim eyes 3-peat on PGA Tour
3 mins
PROFLIGATE PORTUGAL LACK MAGIC: COACH
Martinez's men can't find way past stubborn Scotland, but have one hand on q-final spot
3 mins
Brazil 'will still fluctuate', while Messi 'never ceases to amaze'
Brazil enjoyed a thumping 4-0 victory over Peru in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Oct 15 to build on the momentum from last week's come-from-behind win in Chile, but coach Dorival Jr said his side remain very much a work in progress.
2 mins
EPL pays highest price for injuries
Players in Germany's Bundesliga are most likely to be injured among Europe's top five domestic leagues, but the English Premier League bears the most injury-related costs, according to a report published on Oct 16.
2 mins
Cantona slams 'scandalous' decision to axe Ferguson
Manchester United's most successful manager Alex Ferguson will step down as a global ambassador after the club's part-owners Ineos ended his multi-million pound contract.
2 mins
One C'ship lets go of 'a few dozen employees'
Mixed martial arts (MMA) organisation One Championship has laid off a number of employees - including those from its Singapore headquarters - on Oct 16.
2 mins
SILAT WILL MOVE 'UPHILL'
SSF chief plans to improve governance, selection process and coaching quality
3 mins
A frank, and funny, work about the female body
Cat Bohannon wrote her best-selling non-fiction debut Eve: How The Female Body Drove 200 Million Years Of Human Evolution (2023) while also having two children, completing a doctorate and surviving the Covid-19 pandemic.
4 mins
Two-time Booker Prize nominee almost gave up writing
Acclaimed Canadian novelist Esi Edugyan has had first-hand encounters with the vagaries of the publishing and book-selling worlds.
3 mins
Eisner Award winner submitted her comic as practice
Erica Eng submitted her web comic Fried Rice for the Eisner Awards on a whim in 2020.
3 mins
French pianist Helene Grimaud plays with time
Acclaimed French classical pianist Helene Grimaud, who has earned a reputation for playing by her own rules, thinks there should be no contradiction between freedom and fidelity.
3 mins
The Straits Times Newspaper Description:
Publisher: SPH Media Limited
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
Unlock your access to award-winning journalism on Singapore and the world. With bureaus in major cities around the world, The Straits Times correspondents bring world news to readers on a Singapore platter, helping them appreciate world events from a Singaporean perspective.
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