The Straits Times - December 21, 2024
The Straits Times - December 21, 2024
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In this issue
December 21, 2024
More incentives for commuters in north-east to avoid morning peak
Fare rebates of up to 80% for those who take express buses or shift MRT travel times
4 mins
Social acceptance of casual gambling behind lotteries' popularity
Social acceptance of casual gambling and the wide variety of betting options available contribute to the popularity of lotteries and Singapore Pools' growing turnover.
1 min
Sweet deal for Hong Kah North seniors cheaper coffee, tea if they are sugar-free
Seniors in Hong Kah North who choose to go sugar-free for their daily caffeine fix will get their drinks at nearly half price two days a week, in a trial to encourage healthier socialising.
2 mins
NRIC numbers can be used to reveal home address, clinic records
In the wrong hands, such data can pose risks; experts urge vigilance against scams
3 mins
MOH revokes MaNaDr Clinic's licence, finds 'culture of disregard' for standards
The Ministry of Health (MOH) revoked the licence of MaNaDr Clinic on Dec 20.
1 min
Inflation easing, but some still cut back on spending amid high prices
More home-cooked meals, cheaper brands and renewing COEs among ways of coping
8 mins
Malaysia approves new attempt to search for missing plane MH370
The Malaysian Cabinet has given the green light for a new attempt to find the ill-fated Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which disappeared in 2014 in the southern Indian Ocean.
2 mins
US govt shutdown looms after spending deal fails in House
Dozens of Republicans refuse to support Trump-backed Bill that would add to debt
3 mins
Two interior construction firms fined nearly $10m for bid-rigging
They colluded to rig tenders worth over $34m for works in office, retail, F&B spaces
3 mins
Vivian calls for Suu Kyi's release, end to violence against civilians
Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Dec 20 called for an end to violence against civilians caught in a years-long civil war in Myanmar, and the immediate release of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi.
1 min
Malaysia readies itself for nuclear power after 2035
Decision made as country struggles to meet renewable energy and net-zero targets
4 mins
Asean will want inclusive Myanmar polls in 2025: Thailand
Thailand has told Myanmar's junta that Asean would want all stakeholders included in an election the military government plans to hold in 2025, even as the regional bloc seeks a common position on the polls, Thai officials said on Dec 20.
2 mins
China's Xi urges new govt of gambling hub Macau to diversify economy
China's President Xi Jinping urged Macau's new government to have the \"courage\" to diversify the economy of the world's biggest gambling hub as the former Portuguese enclave swore in its first city leader born and raised in mainland China.
2 mins
Plan for the increase to be spread out over minimum of three years among measures
Plan for the increase to be spread out over minimum of three years among measures
3 mins
South Korean police question acting president Han over martial law decree
South Korean police have questioned Prime Minister and acting President Han Duck-soo as part of an investigation into the short-lived decision to impose martial law, an official at his office said on Dec 20.
1 min
Taiwan protests, party clashes test Lai's leadership
A new wave of political wrangling between Taiwan's ruling and opposition parties that has involved street protests and lawmakers tussling adds to questions about President Lai Ching-te's ability to govern.
2 mins
Pakistan's missile programme an 'emerging threat': Top US official
A senior White House official on Dec 19 said nuclear-armed Pakistan is developing long-range ballistic missile capabilities that eventually could allow it to strike targets well beyond South Asia, making it an \"emerging threat\" to the US.
2 mins
US diplomats visit Syria to meet new rulers
Countries seek assurances that Islamist-led regime will be moderate and inclusive
3 mins
India's false domestic violence cases mobilise men's rights movement
Dying man's claim of being falsely accused by wife sparks protests across country
3 mins
Rahul Gandhi faces police probe over Indian Parliament scuffle
India's Rahul Gandhi is under police investigation over a scuffle between opposition members of Parliament and those from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which injured two lawmakers, police said on Dec 20.
1 min
UN seeks ICJ's opinion on Israel's Palestinian aid obligations
The United Nations General Assembly voted on Dec 19 to ask the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for an opinion on Israel's obligations to facilitate aid to Palestinians that is delivered by states and international groups, including the UN.
2 mins
Russia ready to compromise with Trump on Ukraine war, says Putin
Russian leader also says country has no conditions for starting talks with Kyiv
3 mins
S'pore charity raises over $2.6m to provide supplies for families in Gaza
Singaporeans from all walks of life came together over almost three months to help raise more than $2.6 million that will go towards providing humanitarian aid to children and their families in Gaza.
1 min
Suspect in killing of insurance CEO faces federal murder, stalking charges
The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealth Group's top executive Brian Thompson was charged with federal murder and stalking crimes in a Manhattan courtroom on Dec 19.
3 mins
French mass rape survivor hailed as hero after jailing of ex-husband
She has become a symbol of female courage in the face of male sexual violence
3 mins
Senators urge Biden to extend ByteDance's deadline to sell assets of TikTok
Democratic Senator Ed Markey and Republican Senator Rand Paul on Dec 19 urged US President Joe Biden to extend by 90 days a Jan 19 deadline for China-based ByteDance to sell the US assets of its short video app TikTok or face a ban.
1 min
US sets new Paris climate target that Trump is expected to ignore
Goal of cutting emissions by 61% to 66% by 2035 'achievable'
2 mins
12 held for offering illegal rides at Changi
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Dec 18 caught 12 drivers at Changi Airport for providing illegal chauffeur services.
1 min
Genuine text message or one from scammers? Here's how you can tell
Scam messages are on the rise, with at least 17 Land Transport Authority (LTA) phishing cases reported in December and $33,000 lost.
2 mins
Church steps up security, safety measures after attack on priest
Parish beefing up emergency preparedness and psychological first aid capabilities
3 mins
NParks removes cats found allegedly neglected in Bedok flat
Residents raise alert after spotting injured or dead cats, said to have fallen from unit
3 mins
Activist group barred from getting financial benefit via online ops
2-year bar follows 5 correction directions issued to TJC for falsehoods on platforms
2 mins
Jail for 2 visitors who conspired to cheat shops but later backed out
Linked to a syndicate, they intended to buy luxury goods with stolen credit card info
3 mins
STI ends 1.1% lower amid fears over US interest rates
• Mapletree Pan Asia trust tops table; local banks fall again • Losers outpace gainers 308 to 204 across broader market • Regional bourses decline between 0.2% and 1.3%
1 min
BOJ bids final farewell to radical policy experiment
In rare criticism of its past policies, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) said former governor Haruhiko Kuroda's stimulus did not change consumer psychology as much as planned, continuing a symbolic shift away from his decade of policy radicalism.
3 mins
Japan's core inflation up on food, fuel costs
Data highlights broadening pressure that could prod BOJ to raise borrowing costs
2 mins
Gain City named most influential company in Asia
Home-grown retail chain Gain City Best-Electric, named Asia's most influential company at the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (Aces) Awards 2024, is celebrating by absorbing the 9% goods and services tax on selected items from Dec 3 to 29.
1 min
US economy eyes strong finish after Q3 growth beats estimate
Shallower rate-cut path in Fed projection reflects uncertainty over Trump's policies
4 mins
Sias aims to boost retail participation in Singapore stocks
It will take its Invest Singapore scheme to the heartland, help people start investment journey
3 mins
South-east Asian start-ups missing out on region's AI-fuelled tech boom
South-east Asia is fast emerging as an investment hot spot for artificial intelligence (AI) leaders like Nvidia and Microsoft, which are ploughing money into cloud services and data centres.
3 mins
Help with business costs and green efforts tops SCCCI's Budget wish list
Reducing business costs and getting help to meet the challenges of going green head a Budget wish list at the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI).
2 mins
Bullish sentiment on digital assets expected to continue in 2025
Some observers see pro-crypto Trump administration spurring innovation
6 mins
Dear Readers, thanks for your grandfather stories and memories
Writers and readers share a special bond when readers' imaginations and emotions enliven the words penned by an author. Sometimes, that bond spawns more stories.
7 mins
This Christmas, let's find better ways of doing good
When donating and serving the less fortunate, we should consider whether we are truly helping or possibly even hurting the very ones we are hoping to uplift.
5 mins
AI robots are coming, and they will be made in Asia
The region's tech companies are uniquely positioned to take the technology far beyond chatbots.
3 mins
Heart-rending scene still haunts me 20 years later
ST photojournalist returns to Banda Aceh two decades after seeing the aftermath of the destruction firsthand
4 mins
Insta-worthy bookshops, cosy indie spaces delight book lovers, visitors
Despite the rise of e-books and online shopping, the book retail scene in the Klang Valley remains vibrant.
6 mins
In-form Captainofthegreen just looks too good
Dec 21 South Africa (Vaal) form analysis
2 mins
IN FLIGHT TARGETED TO GO THE DISTANCE
Victory on Dec 21 at Randwick will set her up for a Listed sprint on New Year's Day
1 min
GET READY TO BOTTOMUPTOGETHER
Dec 22 Hong Kong (Sha Tin) form analysis
5 mins
TAI LOOKING TO THE MASTERS AND BEYOND
S'porean debuts at Augusta 2025 and hopes to turn pro in 2026, with eye on PGA Tour
3 mins
Fury ready to inflict 'serious damage' in Usyk rematch
Tyson Fury insisted that there would be no joking around ahead of his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, as both heavyweights were subdued in a bizarre press conference on Dec 19.
2 mins
'Raw talent' Hadjar joins RB to complete F1 grid
French-Algerian driver Isack Hadjar will race for Red Bull-owned RB alongside Yuki Tsunoda next season, the Formula One team said on Dec 20 as the final seat for the 2025 grid was confirmed.
2 mins
Bucks aim to bring Cup form to regular season
Fresh from hoisting the NBA (National Basketball Association) Cup, the Milwaukee Bucks are set to re-emerge on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Dec 20 (Dec 21, Singapore time).
2 mins
WE CAN BEAT ANYONE: BULLS
LaVine upbeat after they humble champs Celtics; James sets NBA minutes mark
2 mins
UNCHARTED TERRITORY FOR CITY
ST looks at how Pep's once-mighty team find themselves in an unfamiliar situation
6 mins
Spurs won't change entertaining style
Tottenham Hotspur almost threw away their League Cup semi-final berth in bizarre fashion against Manchester United on Dec 19, but manager Ange Postecoglou bristled at suggestions he should tone down his side's entertaining, attacking style.
2 mins
SEMI SPOT MAKES UP FOR BUS WOES
Lions' fans rejoice after final whistle as the FAS apologises to 300 who missed first half
3 mins
Palace rematch will be another war, says Jesus
Gabriel Jesus expects \"another war\" with Crystal Palace on Dec 21, after the Arsenal forward led the charge with a second-half hat-trick in a 3-2 comeback win to reach the League Cup semifinals on Dec 18.
2 mins
FEARLESS LIONS IN LAST 4
Coach Ogura pleased with Singapore's positive football in 0-0 draw against Malaysia
3 mins
FESTIVE FINERY THAT LASTS
With Christmas and Chinese New Year just a month apart, choose versatile decor that pulls double duty
7 mins
Raw and refined
Couple's textured, modern-luxe HDB flat resembles a futuristic cave
1 min
How to buy a pre-loved gift someone might actually want
If you plan to regift, consider second-hand handbags, watches, jewellery and outerwear, as these are popular items among recipients
4 mins
Toyota Camry is the clear champion
This is the second time in the 22-year history of the award that Toyota has won
5 mins
Toyota Camry is the clear champion
This is the second time in the 22-year history of the award that Toyota has won
3 mins
New Freed is more efficient, punchy and refined
Honda's dual-motor hybrid compact seven-seater is now more than a match for Toyota's Sienta
3 mins
Jeered Olympic breakdancer Raygun says row over musical resolved
Australian Olympic breakdancer Rachael \"Raygun\" Gunn says her legal dispute with the maker of a parody musical about her has been resolved, with a new version planned.
1 min
Naomi Neo, Jianhao Tan still Singapore's top influencers
Singaporean content creators Naomi Neo and Jianhao Tan have emerged again as the country's top influencers, according to figures released by media intelligence and data analytics firm Meltwater in a new report on Dec 19.
1 min
Jail for blackmailers who extorted from late South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun
A bar hostess and a former actress who extorted a total of 350 million won (S$328,000) from late South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun were sentenced to prison on Dec 19, local media reported.
1 min
Tiny Brazil bar gets 24K Magic moment with Bruno Mars visit
A small bar in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte named Lacador has got its uptown funk on, following a surprise visit by American pop hit-maker Bruno Mars.
2 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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