CATEGORIES

China-founded router maker TP-Link under investigation by US

Probe on national security grounds comes amid push against China-linked tech firms

20 years' jail for man who invited strangers to rape drugged wife

French court finds his 50 co-defendants also guilty of sexual offences against her

Trump can negotiate to prevent Iran making nuclear bomb: Blinken

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Dec 18 that President-elect Donald Trump had a window to negotiate with Iran, saying the development of a nuclear weapon by Tehran was not inevitable.

US fears Russia is changing stance on N. Korea's nuke arms

The United States voiced alarm at the United Nations Security Council on Dec 18 that Russia was close to accepting a nuclear-armed North Korea, as Moscow and Pyongyang defended their growing cooperation.

Israel's deprivation of water in Gaza 'act of genocide'

Human Rights Watch said that Israel has killed thousands of Palestinians in Gaza by denying them clean water, which it says legally amounts to acts of genocide and extermination.

UN calls for 'free and fair' elections in Syria

Its envoy to the country also voices hope for political solution for Kurdish-held areas

Prabowo dangles pardons to 'corrupters'

JAKARTA Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has said he might pardon people who engaged in graft if they return what they stole, underlining his commitment to tackle corruption.

Hanoi karaoke bar fire kills 11; suspect arrested

Male patron allegedly buys petrol to start blaze on ground floor after row with staff

Yoon 'may represent himself' in legal actions over martial law

South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol is willing to present his views himself during legal proceedings related to his short-lived declaration of martial law, a lawyer advising him said on Dec 19.

Japan should grow security ties with Global South: Analysts

Defence report warns of East Asia security ramifications as China grows its influence

KL to boost territorial defence, including in South China Sea

Malaysia will strengthen its navy and air force to safeguard territorial waters, including the South China Sea, while keeping diplomatic channels open with stakeholder countries, said Malaysia's National Security Council (NSC) director-general Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin.

59 workers to be laid off in Oatly's Singapore plant closure

Among them are 25 from Yeo's involved in manufacturing for Swedish oat milk maker

Banks, insurers reviewing practices

Local banks and insurers are reviewing their use of NRIC numbers, and existing practices could change, they said in separate statements on Dec 19.

Acra to restore Bizfile search function, restrict access to full NRIC numbers to paying users

From the week of Dec 23, people will once again be able to find basic information on individuals registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (Acra).

What the shift from masked NRIC numbers means for Singaporeans

Singaporeans have been asked to change the way they think about NRIC numbers and how they are used.

Govt apologises for Acra lapse, will speed up education on proper NRIC use

Josephine Teo assures Singaporeans the Govt is taking public's concerns seriously

Misunderstanding of govt circular led to unmasking of NRIC numbers

Acra CEO apologises for lapse and says agency should have taken more care

Najib's wife Rosmah acquitted of $2.1m money laundering, tax charges

Rosmah Mansor has been acquitted by Malaysia's High Court of 12 counts of money laundering involving RM7 million (S$2.1 million) and five counts of failing to declare her income to the Inland Revenue Board.

OLD ART, NEW LOOK, MURAKAMI STYLE

Japanese art history is seen in a new and fun light at Gagosian's Grosvenor Hill art gallery in London.

Hit children's animation Bluey will be on the silver screen

Mickey Mouse and Bluey are expanding their business partnership. BBC Studios and The Walt Disney Company said on Dec 17 that they would collaborate on an animated movie starring Bluey, the Blue Heeler pup who has become a global sensation on children's television.

Hollywood star Tom Cruise awarded US Navy's highest civilian honour

Action movie star Tom Cruise is not only a naval pilot on-screen in the film series Top Gun (1986 to present), but he has also now been given the United States' Navy's highest civilian honour.

Thai film How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies in the shortlist

Thai tear-jerker How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies has made the shortlist in the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, it was announced in Los Angeles on Dec 17.

Singer Elton John condemns legalisation of marijuana in the US and Canada

Iconic British musician Elton John spoke about his views on drugs, especially marijuana, in a recent interview.

Actress Nicole Kidman experienced 'burnout' shooting sex scenes for Babygirl

At an age when many start to slow down, 57-year-old Australian actress Nicole Kidman is enjoying one of her busiest years yet with three films and three television series in 2024 — and the raunchiest sex scenes of her career.

Squid Game creator still can't believe show's global success

As they tease the much-anticipated second season of Squid Game, the cast and creator of the hit South Korean survivalist drama are still trying to wrap their heads around its global success, which saw its debut season in 2021 become the most-watched series on Netflix.

Binge-worthy A sweet spy comedy on ageing

A MAN ON THE INSIDE Netflix ★★★★☆

The Return recasts Homer's Odyssey, mixed verdict for The Prosecutor

The story: Ralph Fiennes - who better? - portrays Greek king Odysseus of Ithaca.

Stunning visuals lift a timid prequel

The level of detail in Mufasa: The Lion King is astonishing

Rose, Snoop Dogg drop new tunes

In this monthly column, The Straits Times curates the most buzz-worthy music you need to know about that was released in the past month

Sparkling showcase in mini Schubert festival

Soon after the Ding Yi Chinese Chamber Music Festival came another mini festival, this time for Western instruments by Chamber Music And Arts Singapore, curated by Singaporean violinist Tang Tee Khoon.