The Straits Times - November 20, 2024Add to Favorites

The Straits Times - November 20, 2024Add to Favorites

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In this issue

November 20, 2024

Smaller share of families returned to get temporary financial aid from scheme

A smaller proportion of lower-income families received help again to tide them over their financial difficulties, within three years of them leaving a government financial aid scheme.

4 mins

New plan to overhaul flagging local fish farming industry

Aims include boosting production, providing avenue to sell products

3 mins

S'pore, Sweden share commitment to fair, just world order: President Tharman

The two nations are partners in many areas, and have strong economic ties, he says

S'pore, Sweden share commitment to fair, just world order: President Tharman

3 mins

Only 26% of families on Com Link-I- scheme send children to pre-school regularly

The majority of children from families on a new scheme to give low-income households a leg-up did not attend pre-school regularly.

3 mins

China unveils raft of measures to support Global South

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a raft of measures designed to support the Global South at a gathering of leaders of the Group of 20 (G-20) major economies in Rio de Janeiro, China's state television CCTV reported on Nov 18.

2 mins

Singapore, Germany to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership

Singapore and Germany will work more closely in areas such as security, artificial intelligence (AI) and clean energy, following a decision to elevate ties between both countries to a strategic partnership.

Singapore, Germany to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership

2 mins

Divided G-20 fails to agree on climate and Ukraine

G-20 leaders failed on Nov 18 to break a deadlock in UN climate talks at a summit in Rio that was dominated by divergences over the war in Ukraine and Donald Trump's impending return to the White House.

Divided G-20 fails to agree on climate and Ukraine

2 mins

Fight global poverty through open trade and investments: PM Wong

Skills training also key to take on new job opportunities, he tells G-20 leaders

1 min

All 45 HK pro-democracy activists jailed for subversion

International condemnation is swift; longest sentence of 10 years given to 'mastermind'

3 mins

What is driving some Chinese to wreak vengeance on society?

A shocking spate of \"revenge on society\" attacks is calling attention to the increasing socio-economic pressures that the Chinese face and the problem of social inequality.

4 mins

Floods damage thousands of houses in northern Philippines

Floodwaters reaching more than 4m high swamped thousands of houses in the storm-battered northern Philippines on Nov 19 after rivers overflowed following heavy rain and release of water from a dam.

Floods damage thousands of houses in northern Philippines

2 mins

US, Philippines sign military intel-sharing pact

Agreement potentially ensures ties remain strong under second Trump presidency

3 mins

Jakarta may offer third tax amnesty plan despite criticism

Indonesia is considering the possibility of a new tax amnesty programme, a senior lawmaker said on Nov 19, which would be the country's third in the past decade despite criticism that repeatedly offering the relief could lead to more tax avoidance.

1 min

S'pore and S. Korea reaffirm ties, discuss more collaborations

Singapore and South Korea reaffirmed their \"robust and long-standing partnership\" during Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat's working visit to the country.

S'pore and S. Korea reaffirm ties, discuss more collaborations

1 min

Indonesia unlikely to ease local-content rule to allow i Phone 16 sale

Any concession would be unfair to other smartphone companies, says researcher

Indonesia unlikely to ease local-content rule to allow i Phone 16 sale

3 mins

Singapore and Zambia to team up on carbon credits

Move paves way for carbon trading in the future, to the benefit of both countries

Singapore and Zambia to team up on carbon credits

3 mins

UN climate chief renews plea for national plans

Every bit of preparation against climate change impacts makes the difference between life and death for millions of people around the world, UN climate chief Simon Stiell stressed.

3 mins

Johor rejects 30% of applications to open data centres

State's focus is on conserving resources, ensuring maximum gain for local economy

4 mins

South Korea opposition leader Lee indicted for misuse of public funds

South Korea's main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was indicted on Nov 19 over allegations that he used more than 100 million won (S$96,300) of public funds for personal purposes when he was a governor, Yonhap News Agency reported.

1 min

Driver arrested after many children hurt in car crash at school in China

A 39-year-old male driver of a vehicle that ploughed into pupils in Changde, a city in southern China, has been arrested, according to local police.

Driver arrested after many children hurt in car crash at school in China

4 mins

Tens of thousands march in NZ Maori rights protest

Booming Indigenous Maori \"haka\" chants rang out across New Zealand's capital on Nov 19, as tens of thousands rallied against a conservative push to redefine the nation's founding treaty.

Tens of thousands march in NZ Maori rights protest

2 mins

Trump confirms he,ll use US military in mass deportations

Immigrant advocates question legality of proposal, raise alarm about potential fallout

Trump confirms he,ll use US military in mass deportations

4 mins

Ex-congressman is Trump's pick to head transportation dept

US President-elect Donald Trump said he will nominate former congressman Sean Duffy as the head of his Department of Transportation.

Ex-congressman is Trump's pick to head transportation dept

2 mins

Kyiv hits Russia with US-supplied long-range missiles for first time

Moscow says strike marks 'new phase of the Western war,' vows to react accordingly

3 mins

European nations denounce Russian hybrid attacks

European governments accused Russia of escalating hybrid attacks on Ukraine's Western allies on Nov 19, as Baltic nations investigated whether the cutting of two fibre-optic telecommunication cables in the Baltic Sea was sabotage.

European nations denounce Russian hybrid attacks

2 mins

Gaza ministry says over 20 killed in operation targeting aid looters

Gaza's Hamas-run Interior Ministry said on Nov 18 at least 20 people were killed in an operation targeting \"gangs\" that looted trucks bringing aid into the war-torn territory threatened with famine.

1 min

US envoy in Beirut amid hopes for Hezbollah-Israel truce

US envoy Amos Hochstein landed in Beirut on Nov 19 for talks with officials on a truce between armed group Hezbollah and Israel, Lebanon's state news agency said, hours after a proposal drafted by Washington won a nod from the Iran-backed group.

1 min

Full portability of IPs will not be mandated here

Full portability of Integrated Shield Plan (IP) insurance policies will not be mandated in the Republic – it is not an international best practice, according to a feasibility study conducted by the Ministry of Health (MOH).

1 min

Mental health issues: Greater awareness, less stigma today

Nearly six in 10 polled can spot common conditions like dementia and depression

Mental health issues: Greater awareness, less stigma today

4 mins

More agencies join project for seniors with dementia

AWWA's newer hosts among its 12 partners include a dog shelter, fish farm, monastery

More agencies join project for seniors with dementia

3 mins

Tasmania in talks with SIA, Cathay Pacific over direct flights, says its premier

Singaporeans travelling to Tasmania could have an easier time getting there, with national carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) in discussions to launch non-stop flights to the Australian island state.

Tasmania in talks with SIA, Cathay Pacific over direct flights, says its premier

2 mins

73 under probe for suspected roles in illegal horse betting activities

In the first major operation against illegal horse betting activities following the closure of the Singapore Turf Club on Oct 5, 73 people are being investigated for their suspected involvement in such activities.

73 under probe for suspected roles in illegal horse betting activities

1 min

RWS' casino licence renewed for only 2 years after 'unsatisfactory' tourism performance

Resorts World Sentosa's (RWS) casino licence has been renewed for two years instead of three, after its tourism performance was found unsatisfactory by the authorities.

1 min

Judge chides lawyer for convoluted mitigation filled with grammar errors

A judge chided a criminal lawyer for the poor quality of a written mitigation plea the latter submitted to the court on behalf of a client who admitted to a cheating charge.

2 mins

Robot to deliver meals on wheels for Bird Paradise's creatures

Robots on patrol, concierge duties also part of trial at Mandai Wildlife Reserve's parks

Robot to deliver meals on wheels for Bird Paradise's creatures

3 mins

Man gets $1.3m more in divorce after appeal over $13.2m in assets

A man who was initially awarded a 55 per cent share of $13.2 million in matrimonial assets following a divorce will now get $1.3 million more, after he partly succeeded in his appeal.

3 mins

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Children and young people needing long-term medical care find a surrogate family at Singapore's only paediatric ward in a nursing home.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

3 mins

STI up in tandem with region amid lower US Treasury yields

● Seatrium top constituent stock, rising 3.8% to $1.91 ● Gainers beat losers 297-214 across broader local market ● Key regional indexes Nikkei, Kospi, Hang Seng end higher

1 min

Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy after string of losses, failed merger

Spirit Airlines has filed for bankruptcy protection after the pioneer of no-frills travel in the US struggled with a long run of quarterly losses, failed merger attempts and looming debt maturities.

Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy after string of losses, failed merger

2 mins

Push for Google to sell Chrome browser to break search monopoly

US Justice Dept's proposals could reshape online search market, burgeoning AI sector

4 mins

Boeing to axe 2,500 workers in US as part of sweeping cuts

Boeing will lay off more than 2,500 workers in the US states of Washington, Oregon, South Carolina and Missouri, as part of the debt-heavy US plane maker's plan to cut 17,000 jobs, or 10 per cent of its global workforce.

1 min

News agency AP looks to slash nearly one in 10 jobs

The US-based Associated Press news agency is looking to cut almost one in 10 jobs to slash costs, its management said on Nov 18, as the wire service battles client cancellations and economic challenges.

1 min

Retaliatory tariffs could undermine Asia's growth: IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned on Nov 19 that tit-for-tat tariffs could undermine Asia's economic prospects, raise costs and disrupt supply chains, even as it expects the region to remain a key engine of growth for the global economy.

1 min

S,pore stocks to gain from MAS reforms, says Morgan Stanley

South-east Asia's top-performing stock market in 2024 is likely to continue its momentum into 2025 as Singapore unveils measures to revive its stock market, according to analysts at Morgan Stanley.

1 min

Funds raised via regional IPOs at 9-year low, but Outlook positive

Deloitte sees expected rate cuts among factors creating a 'more favourable, climate

Funds raised via regional IPOs at 9-year low, but Outlook positive

2 mins

HSBC asks hundreds of managers to reapply for jobs in revamp

HSBC Holdings has asked hundreds of managers to reapply for jobs in the firm's newly formed corporate and institutional banking (CIB) division as chief executive officer Georges Elhedery continues his hunt for ways to make the bank run more efficiently.

2 mins

MBS eyes $12b loan to fund planned expansion of resort

Marina Bay Sands (MBS) is seeking a loan of around $12 billion, in what would be the largest financing from Singapore, as the firm looks to fund the planned expansion of its casino resort in the Republic.

1 min

Keppel unveils mega deals to boost monetisation drive

Keppel on Nov 19 announced two major deals to boost its monetisation drive and elevate its position as a major global asset manager.

Keppel unveils mega deals to boost monetisation drive

2 mins

Enabling tie-ups to accelerate energy-efficient computing tech

US firm's initiative comes as data centres worldwide struggle to meet demands of AI

3 mins

Cyber-security staff may soon get clarity on skills required

CSA study aims to raise productivity and professionalism amid rise in cyber attacks

4 mins

Say aah ! Why is Singapore neglecting dental health?

Misplaced priorities? People maintain their cars diligently but skip regular visits to the dentist.

Say aah ! Why is Singapore neglecting dental health?

5 mins

The problem of politics in a noisy age

We are once again having to readjust to a vast expansion in the amount of conflicting information at our fingertips.

The problem of politics in a noisy age

3 mins

Ben & Jerry S v Unilever is the end of corporate do -gooden'sm

When the conglomerate bought the ice-cream maker, its social stances were a selling point, but the situations changed.

Ben & Jerry S v Unilever is the end of corporate do -gooden'sm

3 mins

Trump Wont hesitate to flex muscle - cmd countries get that

Foreign policy is about securing vital national interests, and not about face or values.

Trump Wont hesitate to flex muscle - cmd countries get that

5 mins

Don't mess with YouTuber Li Ziqi and her farm life videos

A beloved rural Chinese influencer makes a comeback after a quiet but grueling battle with her agent.

Don't mess with YouTuber Li Ziqi and her farm life videos

4 mins

Is your master's degree useless?

New data shows a shockingly high proportion of courses are a waste of money.

Is your master's degree useless?

6 mins

Replies Vehicles Inspection fees itemised based on required tests

We refer to Mr Ho Peng Heng's letter on reviewing charges for the annual inspection of electric vehicles or EVs (Review annual inspection charges for EVs, Nov 13).

1 min

Haze Dedicated NEA microsite for understanding of situation

We thank Forum writer Kung Yen-Fay for the letter \"Make haze info comprehensive and easy for all to understand\" (Nov 14).

Haze  Dedicated NEA microsite for understanding of situation

1 min

Education Parents can have bigger say in choice of school

Secondary school student Nathan Foong's considerations (How I picked my secondary school after PSLE results, Nov 17) are valid and logical.

1 min

Proposed changes to traffic rules send wrong signal to road users

The proposed changes to traffic rules to prevent some offenders from being \"overly punished\" are inappropriate, unwise and lack empathy for the victims (Proposed changes to traffic rules to prevent some offenders from being overly punished, Nov 11), particularly the one on the removal of mandatory minimum sentences for first-time offenders who commit dangerous driving offences that cause grievous hurt or death.

1 min

Neighbour disputes ● Safeguards needed for mandatory treatment

A new law will allow people who cause unreasonable acts of disturbance in the community to be issued mandatory treatment orders if it is believed that the underlying causes are related to psychiatric conditions (Mandatory mediation a first step in settling disputes between neighbours: Edwin Tong, Nov 12).

Neighbour disputes ● Safeguards needed for mandatory treatment

1 min

PACIFIC BAO BEI LOOKS READY TO MAKE WAVES

David Kok will be pleased with his winning workout on Nov 19

PACIFIC BAO BEI LOOKS READY TO MAKE WAVES

3 mins

RAGING BLIZZARD CAN WIN AGAIN

Nov 201 Hong Kon-g (Happy Valley) form analysis

RAGING BLIZZARD CAN WIN AGAIN

4 mins

Lakers aim to remain on song against Jazz

The Los Angeles Lakers return home on Nov 19 (Nov 20, Singapore time), when they will put a five-game winning streak on the line against the Utah Jazz in an NBA Cup West Group B game.

Lakers aim to remain on song against Jazz

2 mins

No slam dunk for Warner Bros Discovery

Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) said on Nov 18 that it would have access to coveted National Basketball Association (NBA) content for 11 more years under a legal settlement with the league, sending shares of the media company more than 5 per cent higher.

1 min

LUE'S WAR CRY RALLIES CLIPPERS

Coach cproud, of his team's composure to hold off a comeback from Golden State

LUE'S WAR CRY RALLIES CLIPPERS

3 mins

Canadian GP date shift an effort for greener F1

Formula One announced the Canadian Grand Prix will move from mid-June to May on the 2026 schedule to \"rationalise\" the circuit's schedule.

Canadian GP date shift an effort for greener F1

2 mins

Smith eyes 1st individual 2024 win at hometown event

Cameron Smith knows time is running out to bag a first individual victory of 2024, and the Major champion is hungry to get it done in his home town of Brisbane at the Nov 21-24 Australian PGA Championship.

Smith eyes 1st individual 2024 win at hometown event

2 mins

TOUR CHANGES 'ADD COMPETITIVE DRAMA'

Smaller fields, fewer PGA Tour cards from 2026 aimed at enhancing the fan experience

2 mins

Kane feels he's at his best and is looking beyond 2026

England and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane believes that he is performing at his highest level, as he dismissed suggestions that the 2026 World Cup should be his international swansong.

Kane feels he's at his best and is looking beyond 2026

2 mins

INDONESIA 'DESERVE WIN'

Saudi coach hails hosts' famous 2-0 upset; runaway leaders Japan humble China 3-1

3 mins

Paolini powers through to send Italy into final

Jasmine Paolini \"gave everything\" for Italy on Nov 18, and it paid off for her on a tough day at the Martin Carpena Arena.

Paolini powers through to send Italy into final

2 mins

World°s worst team gain historic promotion

They had always been known as the whipping boys of international football, but San Marino - whose team are mostly made up of part-time players with other jobs - made history on Nov 18.

1 min

Spain finish 2024 on a high with Tenerife treat

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was an emotional man after Bryan Zaragoza won and converted a late penalty to help his Euro 2024 winners beat Switzerland 3-2 in a Nations League dead rubber on Nov 18.

Spain finish 2024 on a high with Tenerife treat

2 mins

GHOSTING GVARDIOL LIFTS CROATIA SPIRITS

His equaliser against Portugal sends team into q-finals, forces Scotland into play-offs

GHOSTING GVARDIOL LIFTS CROATIA SPIRITS

2 mins

Farah ready to make a difference at AFF Women's Cup

Despite her inexperience on the international stage, Farah Nurzahirah knows a thing or two about making an impact.

Farah ready to make a difference at AFF Women's Cup

2 mins

NO FENG FRAUD, SAYS SPORTSG

It finds 'no evidence' to support ex-trainer's claims of misappropriation of public funds

3 mins

Author John Green on quest to eradicate TB

NEW YORK - You can roughly guess a person's age based on how they know John Green.

Author John Green on quest to eradicate TB

5 mins

Clearing the air on whether seed oils are bad for you

To their many vocal detractors, they are referred to as \"the hateful eight\".

Clearing the air on whether seed oils are bad for you

3 mins

Six sizzling tales Of English queens

Sassy, campy British musical comedy Six never takes itself too seriously

Six sizzling tales Of English queens

2 mins

LV's luxe pit stop in New York

Being temporary in the world of luxury is still quite nice.

LV's luxe pit stop in New York

2 mins

Dog has its day in P.D.Q. Bach's series of spoofs

For the unlucky 13th edition of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory's Bach Cantata Series, the focus was on P.D.Q. Bach, the youngest, least and oddest of Johann Sebastian Bach's 20-odd children.

Dog has its day in P.D.Q. Bach's series of spoofs

2 mins

Co-stars Masaki Okada and Mitsuki Takahata are getting married

Japanese actor Masaki Okada and actress Mitsuki Takahata surprised the Japanese entertainment industry on Nov 19 when they confirmed their marriage on social media.

Co-stars Masaki Okada and Mitsuki Takahata are getting married

2 mins

FORMER SPOUSES SHOW UP TOGETHER FOR SON'S

Chinese-American actor-host Allan Wu made a rare appearance with his Singaporean ex-wife, former actress Wong Li Lin, at a milestone event for their son Jonas (all above)

FORMER SPOUSES SHOW UP TOGETHER FOR SON'S

1 min

Quincy Jones receives honorary Oscar posthumously

Before his death two weeks ago, American musician and producer Quincy Jones wrote a speech he intended to deliver at the Governors Awards, where he was scheduled to receive an honorary Oscar at the ceremony created by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Quincy Jones receives honorary Oscar posthumously

3 mins

Composer Charles Dumont wrote over 30 songs for Edith Piaf

French songwriter and singer Charles Dumont, who composed the song Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien (No, I Do Not Regret Anything, 1960) made world famous by late French star singer Edith Piaf, has died aged 95, his partner Florence told AFP on Nov 18.

Composer Charles Dumont wrote over 30 songs for Edith Piaf

2 mins

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The Straits Times Newspaper Description:

PublisherSPH Media Limited

CategoryNewspaper

LanguageEnglish

FrequencyDaily

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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