TOP OF THE NEWS
Massive explosions at a warehouse in China's coastal Tianjin city have claimed at least 50 lives and injured more than 700 others, with 6,000 residents expected to be forced to evacuate their homes. Officials, while playing down concerns of potentially toxic air, did not shed light on the cause of the blasts.
TOP OF THE NEWS
Most Asian bourses rebounded and some currencies recovered yesterday, even as China devalued its currency for a third straight day. This came after Beijing eased fears over a disorderly devaluation of the yuan, with the People's Bank of China saying it supports a strong, stable yuan in the long term.
WORLD
Myanmar President Thein Sein has consolidated power in the ruling party after ousting its leader, Thura Shwe Mann, also the Speaker of Parliament, in a dramatic move which saw a police swoop on the party headquarters.
WORLD
China's WWII heroes in spotlight ahead of military parade
China's machinery is in full swing promoting heroes who took on Japanese invaders during World War II as a military parade celebrating China's triumph draws near. The nationwide commemorative activities are aimed not only at bashing a former enemy, but also at boosting Chinese nationalistic pride, analysts say.
OPINION
On the 70th anniversary of World War II, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe should make one final, definitive apology for Japan's role in the war, and be done with it, says Associate Editor Ravi Velloor. Japan has done penance aplenty, not only with its peace commitments, but also its stellar record.
HOME
A Ugandan woman who was blinded and disfigured by an acid attack last year may have a chance to get her sight back. A social activist is raising funds for Namale Allen to come to Singapore to see a surgeon who could treat her.
HOME
A national scheme to train workers with the right skills demanded by employers is getting a makeover.
SkillsFuture is looking for a branding expert to create a new logo and brand system for it.
BUSINESS
Malaysia's economy saw its smallest expansion in almost two years after a new consumption tax curbed private spending, adding pressure on policymakers to revive confidence in a nation facing political turmoil and a weakening currency. Gross domestic product rose 4.9 per cent year on year in the three months through June.
SPORTS
Golf clubs offer special rates
As part of a special arrangement with the Singapore Golf Association (SGA) to celebrate SG50, nine local golf clubs will offer heavily discounted rates - some by as much as 65 per cent - on selected days in October. The initiative was put forward by SGA president Bob Tan to encourage greater participation in the sport.
LIFE
This month, there are several ambitious concerts in the heartland in belated celebration of National Day. These include West Coast Rocks, featuring husband-and-wife singers Tay Kewei and Alfred Sim (left); the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Musical Concert; and TinHill Rock Fest, with a line-up consisting exclusively of Singaporean indie rock acts such as Caracal.
LIFE
Veteran actor Patrick Tse tried to slap co-star Kenneth Tsang while promoting their reality show, but TVB said it was not a publicity stunt. The incident, captured on video, happened after Wednesday's press conference for the travelling programme Four Amigos Bon Voyage.
