UNITED States banking giant Citigroup has submitted its defence in a landmark lawsuit by local businessman Oei Hong Leong who says the bank's negligence cost him $1 billion.

The bank said Mr Oei - one of Singapore's wealthiest men - is an experienced and sophisticated investor who knew the risks of trading. It denies it was negligent in its dealings with him or that it gave inaccurate or misleading information.

SMOKE haze from Indonesia could make an unwanted comeback this year as an El Nino weather phenomenon develops, bringing hotter and drier weather, Minister for the Environment & Water Resources Dr Yaacob Ibrahim said yesterday.

Though slight now, the haze could worsen in the coming months, and peak in September, deep into the dry season.

SCHOOLS have been contacting students who travelled to flu-affected countries during the June break to remind them not to attend holiday classes and activities within a week of returning home.

At least one, Ping Yi Secondary School, has even cancelled non-essential activities, such as camps. It will also have its security guard check at the school entrance if students have been to any of the listed countries.

SINGAPORE has been ranked the 18th most liveable city in the world in an annual survey by international affairs magazine Monocle, up from last year's 22nd position.

The survey, which lists the top 25 liveable cities in the world, attributes the bump-up to the lowering cost of living in the republic.