SINGAPORE residents are paying US$173 (S$258) per household to make good on losses suffered by retailers primarily from shoplifting, according to a recent worldwide retail survey.

Altogether, local industry lost US$145 million between July last year and June this year because of retail thefts. When wastage from administrative error is included, the overall loss is US$173 million.

FIVE Japanese anime studios are suing people accused of downloading their videos without permission, marking an unprecedented step by a rights owner against end-users.

Four writs of summons were filed last week by law firm Rajah & Tann on behalf of the studios, namely Showgate, Geneon Entertainment, TV Tokyo, GDH KK and Sunrise.

IF YOU are a dancer, writer or playwright wanting to create new work, there is a new source for funding.

The new Arts Creation Fund, with $3.5 million in the kitty to last over five years is administered by the National Arts Council (NAC).