The Straits Times - October 16, 2024
The Straits Times - October 16, 2024
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In this issue
October 16, 2024
500,000 out of 2.8 million MRT journeys affected daily during EWL disruption
About 500,000 out of 2.8 million train journeys were affected each day during the severe East-West Line (EWL) disruption that crippled services between Jurong East and Buona Vista stations from Sept 25 to Sept 30.
5 mins
Pritam Singh trial • Defence paints Raeesah Khan as a habitual liar
The defence for Pritam Singh sought to paint former Workers' Party (WP) MP Raeesah Khan as a habitual liar when her cross-examination began on Oct 15.
1 min
MediShield Life to offer higher claim limits, better coverage; premiums to rise
Government support will more than offset increases in next 3 years for most S'poreans
5 mins
$4.1b in govt support to cushion MediShield Life premium hike
$3.4 billion to go to extra MediSave top-ups; the rest for enhancing premium subsidies
3 mins
Public transport fares should not be tied to service, disruptions: Minister
He says penalties and non-payment of incentives help ensure standards are met
3 mins
Plans ongoing to boost connectivity in the west
The six-day train disruption in September has highlighted how dependent residents living in the west are on the East-West Line (EWL), and the lack of alternative rail lines for them to travel to and from central Singapore, said Non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai.
3 mins
Bill passed to ban digitally manipulated content of candidates during elections
New law to help counter misinformation does not extend to private, domestic chats
2 mins
Balance worker protection with business flexibility to keep jobs long term: Zaqy
Even as Singapore sets out to protect workers from unfair treatment during retrenchment exercises, it must also provide business flexibility that preserves and creates good jobs here for the long haul.
3 mins
Diplomacy has broken down': Canada's row with India over murdered Sikh
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Oct 14 accused Indian diplomats of backing violence against Canadians. This claim escalated bilateral tensions that started in 2023 over the assassination of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil. Nirmala Ganapathy and Arvind Jayaram outline the latest developments, and examine the implications for the US-led Indo-Pacific strategy, in which India and Canada are key partners.
5 mins
The reasons for the diplomatic impasse between the two countries
OTTAWA - Canada has expelled six Indian diplomats and consular officials in relation to an investigation of the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia in 2023, the Foreign Ministry said on Oct 14.
2 mins
Tensions spiral as North blows up sections of inter-Korea roads
South's flying of leaflet-carrying drones over Pyongyang seen as crossing the line
3 mins
Prabowo courts Indonesia's largest party for parliamentary coalition
JAKARTA - Indonesia's incoming president Prabowo Subianto met candidates for senior government posts for a second day on Oct 15, as he seeks to bring the country's biggest political party into his already dominant parliamentary coalition.
2 mins
Tough battle brews as campaigning for Japan's election kicks off
Ruling LDP, coalition partner face struggle to hold on to majority in Lower House
4 mins
Severe flash floods inundate KL, cause landslide in suburb
Parliament session temporarily suspended; top university not spared from rising waters
3 mins
Taiwan says China used record 153 military aircraft in war games
TAIPEI - China used a record 153 military aircraft in war games around Taiwan, the island's government said on Oct 15, adding that such drills without prior warning were a danger to the entire region.
2 mins
Moscow, Beijing boost defence ties at 'substantive' talks
BEIJING - Russia and China held \"substantive\" defence and military talks to bolster ties, Russia's Defence Minister said on Oct 15, as Moscow and Beijing cement a \"no limits\" partnership and step up criticism of US efforts to extend its influence in Asia.
1 min
Nato chief affirms alliance's strong support for Ukraine
It will not be cowed by Russian threats, he says on first visit to new mission base
2 mins
Israel launches several strikes on east Lebanon
Over a quarter of Lebanon under Israeli evacuation orders, says UN refugee agency
3 mins
US inflation, GDP would be same under Harris or Trump: Poll
WASHINGTON – The outlook for inflation and growth in the US would be roughly the same whether Ms Kamala Harris or Donald Trump wins the election, though economists in a Bloomberg survey give the US Vice-President the edge on the economy overall.
2 mins
Harris slams Trump over comments on 'enemy from within'
ERIE, Pennsylvania - Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris on Oct 14 slammed Donald Trump for his ominous comments about \"the enemy from within\" the US and threat to deploy the military domestically, in a renewed effort to paint her Republican opponent as a threat to democracy.
2 mins
Israeli attacks kill at least 50 across Gaza Strip
CAIRO - Israeli military strikes killed at least 50 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip as Israeli forces tightened their squeeze around Jabalia in the north of the enclave on Oct 15, amid fierce battles with Hamas-led fighters.
2 mins
Businesses warned of security risks with rogue chatbots
New guidelines by Cyber Security Agency advise firms to test AI systems frequently
2 mins
Jail for man who engaged in sex act with girlfriend in front of her child
A man and his girlfriend engaged in a sexual activity in front of her seven-year-old son in a hotel room in August 2022. The couple told the boy to record a video of them doing so.
2 mins
Help for firms to cope with challenges arising from tax reform
Businesses will get help to cope with challenges arising from the introduction of a global minimum effective tax rate of 15 per cent, said Second Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah in Parliament.
3 mins
About 6% of DSA students come from lower-income families
MOE to review scheme, ensure focus on students' development: Chan
3 mins
MPA calls for design proposals for new electric patrol craft
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is calling for design and development proposals for new electric patrol craft that will start operations by the first quarter of 2028, it said on Oct 14.
2 mins
Special polling arrangements piloted at nursing homes to be discontinued
Special arrangements piloted in the 2023 Presidential Election to help less-mobile seniors vote at nursing homes will be discontinued, said the Elections Department (ELD) in a statement on Oct 15.
3 mins
Prosecution seeks 20 years' jail for Hin Leong founder
It describes trade financing fraud case as among the most serious prosecuted here
3 mins
Veteran S'pore legal expert nominated for election as judge at ICJ
A veteran international law expert and diplomat will be fielded by Singapore for election to become a judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague in 2026.
2 mins
New private home sales bounce back in September after seasonal lull
Developers' sales regained some footing in September after clocking their lowest-ever sales figure for the month of August since official records were made available by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in 2007.
3 mins
S'pore shares dip, with Jardine Matheson leading losses
● STI down 0.01%; Jardine Matheson loses 2.4% ● Losers outnumber gainers 350 to 235 in broader market ● Chinese stocks fall; other Asian indexes largely positive
1 min
GIC, BlackRock grab Hyundai India shares in record IPO
The duo snap up stakes worth a total of $101m as part of India's largest IPO worth $4.3b
2 mins
China may raise $1.1 trillion to spur growth, says report
HONG KONG - China may raise six trillion yuan (S$1.1 trillion) from ultra-long special government bonds over three years as part of its efforts to boost the sputtering economy, Chinese media outlet Caixin reported.
1 min
Beijing moves to tax offshore profits of ultra-rich
HONG KONG - China has begun enforcing a long-overlooked tax on overseas investment gains by the country's ultra-rich, according to people familiar with the matter.
2 mins
SMEs extend growth momentum in third quarter: OCBC
Singapore's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) extended their growth momentum for a second consecutive quarter, according to the latest OCBC SME Index released on Oct 15.
2 mins
S'pore on track for full-year target after $5.4b in first-half commitments
Singapore continues to draw strong investments despite global corporate shifts, with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) securing $5.4 billion in fixed asset investment (FAI) commitments in the first half of 2024.
1 min
Alta Exchange in talks to relist Income shares after Oct 17
This could bring relief to 16,000 retail shareholders after Govt blocks Allianz deal
3 mins
Insiders shocked by Allianz-Income deal rejection; parties not notified in advance
NTUC, Allianz were told shortly before Govt's decision was made public
3 mins
Save ringgit or save Reformasi? PM Anwar could attempt both
Budget 2025 will set the stage for how he intends to boost the economy and improve people's lives.
6 mins
Will Prabowo's flagship free school meal plan achieve its goal?
The initiative to prevent stunting is laudable but its success will depend on fixing some issues, not least the potential for corruption.
4 mins
A viable path towards Reformasi
charge on consumption raking in RM25 billion more per annum than the sales and services tax that succeeded it in 2018.
2 mins
Heartbreak leave can help employees recover from shattered relationships
A Bill in the Philippines is trying to secure time off for workers after a break-up. Could it improve productivity elsewhere?
3 mins
Domestic violence not a private matter – all can help tackle issue
Government agencies and crisis shelters are helping out, but we need to do more to protect victims.
5 mins
Can listening to music make you more productive at work?
Your personality has a key influence on whether background music can boost productivity or prove to be a distraction.
3 mins
Once our primary forests are gone, they are gone forever
Efforts to reverse deforestation and land degradation are moving in the wrong direction, exposing the hollowness of UN pledges.
3 mins
Smoking • Step up enforcement to keep eateries truly smoke-free
The issue of smoking in certain coffee shops needs to be addressed.
1 min
Letter of the day Blocking the Allianz-Income deal serves the public's best interest
I refer to your article \"Allianz to consider revising Income offer after current deal blocked by Singapore Govt\", Oct 15. As someone who has bought insurance from the 1980s, I believe the Government's decision to block the Allianz-Income deal was in the public's best interest and preserves the cooperative values we hold dear.
1 min
Bullying ● Caning from school principal years ago made me a better person
I agree with Forum writer Chan Whye Shiung that there is something seriously wrong with discipline in our schools today (Time to take definitive stand against school bullies, Oct 11). We may be taking too soft an approach to those who commit grievous hurt in schools. Bullies are emboldened, knowing the consequences of their actions often amount to little more than counselling or suspension from lessons.
1 min
Guide dogs ● More public awareness needed
I refer to the news report about visually impaired people with guide dogs who still face challenges in public ('I get rejected 70% of the time': Visually impaired with guide dogs still face challenges, Oct 13).
1 min
SUSPICIOUS MIND SHOWS GOOD TOE IN TRAINING
Gold Eighty-Three and Diamond Pegasus also looking in fine trim
3 mins
SIMPLY MAVERICK FIT AND READY
Oct 16 Hong Kong (Happy Valley) form analysis
4 mins
GUKESH NOT CONVINCED BY FAVOURITE TAG
In-form Indian teen is preparing for Ding at his best’ ahead of world c’ship in S’pore
3 mins
Trailing British believe in comeback
BARCELONA - In spite of another New Zealand win off the coast of Barcelona on Oct 14, which leaves them 4-0 up and just three wins away from retaining the America's Cup, there was some cause for optimism for the challengers as the British boat skippered by Ben Ainslie made its best start of the series so far.
2 mins
His pupils make their mark, he plays chess as he marks
Northland Primary School (NPS) pupil Ng See Jen was nose deep in her books in September as exam fever hit.
3 mins
Pogba wants 'football cake' after doping ban
Paul Pogba will be able to return to competitive football from March 11 after his doping ban was reduced from four years to 18 months. He is under contract with Italian giants Juventus until 2026.
2 mins
EMBIID'S BACK-TO-BACK PROBLEM
Sixers star says consecutive-day games will be too hard on his knee
3 mins
Williams' No. 1 goal – to score a win over racism
MADRID – Spain forward Nico Williams has said that fighting racism is his life goal following multiple incidents of racist abuse against black players, including himself and Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr.
2 mins
Mbappe dismisses Swedish rape reports as 'fake news'
PARIS - Kylian Mbappe is being investigated for rape by Swedish police, according to media reports in Sweden following a visit by the Real Madrid star to Stockholm, which the player denounced as \"fake news\".
2 mins
‘Radiant’ Kolo Muani repays Deschamps' trust
BRUSSELS - France coach Didier Deschamps praised Randal Kolo Muani after the striker's double led his side to a 2-1 victory away to Belgium in their Nations League Group A2 clash on Oct 14, as they put one foot in the quarter-finals.
1 min
"'GREEDY' GERMANS PLEASE COACH"
Debutant Leweling scores as Nagelsmann lauds great atmosphere in win over Dutch
2 mins
Di Lorenzo will remember win for rest of his life
UDINE - Italy strengthened their position at the top of Nations League Group A2 on Oct 14 by thumping Israel 4-1 in Udine, where ramped-up security was put in place for the away side's first match of 2024 outside Hungary.
2 mins
AUSTRALIA CHECK JAPAN'S PERFECT RUN
Coach Moriyasu wanted a win for the fans but takes comfort as hosts rallied for a point
3 mins
Players getting closer to strike, says union leader
BRUSSELS - Players have never been closer to going on strike amid growing discontent towards football's governing bodies, notably Fifa and its revamped Club World Cup that is being compared to a \"Super League\", the head of players' union Fifpro Europe said on Oct 14.
2 mins
THE MORE THE MERRIER: YIP
Paralympic swim champ reaps $1m, boccia's Tan bags $300k; coaches also rewarded
3 mins
Lim protest couple have left S'pore after 'stern warning'
The two Spanish tourists who were assisting police with investigations over protests against Valencia's Singaporean owner Peter Lim have been issued a stern warning, and have since left Singapore.
2 mins
How to stop straining your eyes
Screen time is not the only thing that can tire your eyes. Try these tips to minimise the discomfort
3 mins
Apples are packed with health benefits
NEW YORK - \"An apple a day\" might seem like overkill, but the US' most popular fruit - weighing down branches in orchards everywhere - is packed with health benefits. Here is what nutrition experts have to say about apples.
2 mins
The tell-all on talc's cancer risk
The World Health Organisation upgraded the substance to a group 2A carcinogen for cancer of the ovary
5 mins
Saoirse Ronan's new role delves into alcohol addiction
NEW YORK – “I wish I could live through something,” says the teenage title character in the 2017 movie Lady Bird, yearning for a life beyond suburban Sacramento in the US.
4 mins
Get Thai-style sweet treats at Homm in Raffles City
Set to open here on Oct 16, the Australian dessert chain serves bingsu and shokupan with a Thai twist
3 mins
Performer Asokan Muniyandy was known as 'Singapore Sivaji'
Asokan Muniyandy, best known for his work impersonating the late Tamil cinema legend Sivaji Ganesan, has died at the age of 60.
1 min
Stefanie Sun's concert tour kicks off in 2025
The decade-long wait for fans of Stefanie Sun will be over soon.
1 min
Theatre actor Shahid Nasheer hailed as bright talent of his generation
Theatre actor Shahid Nasheer died on the evening of Oct 14 at Gleneagles Hospital, following complications while being treated for leukaemia. He was 28.
1 min
K-pop boy band Riize's Seunghan leaves two days after return
SEOUL - Just two days after announcing that he was rejoining K-pop boy band Riize, South Korean singer Seunghan (right) said on Oct 14 that he is leaving the group.
1 min
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Publisher: SPH Media Limited
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
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