Good morning! Morning Minutes is a round-up of stories that will break today and which we think you'd be interested in.

It appears on weekdays, available by 7am.

Japanese Garden to find new life as art museum or bird haven?

The Japanese Garden could be transformed into a museum for contemporary fine art that doubles as a rainwater collection and recycling centre, or it could be turned into a haven for migratory birds. These are some ideas from students graduating from Temasek Polytechnic's School of Design that will be showcased at The Design Show. The exhibition will be held at the polytechnic's auditorium foyer from Thursday to Saturday. - ISAAC NEO

Final instalment of lectures on Singapore: The Next Fifty Years

The final instalment in a five-lecture series on Singapore: The Next Fifty Years by businessman and intellectual Ho Kwon Ping will take place this evening (April 9). Mr Ho, the first Institute of Policy Studies SR Nathan Fellow for the Study of Singapore, will address the issue of Society and Identity here. The series of lectures - on questions that have included security and sustainability, economic strategy and politics -- has thus far thrown up much food for thought and generated lively discussion. - CHARISSA YONG

Indian PM Modi woos Europe

Mr Narendra Modi begins a visit to France and Germany today on his first trip to Europe as Indian Prime Minister. The right-wing Hindu politician, regarded as a pariah by the European Union for years after deadly communal riots broke out in Gujarat state under his watch in 2002, will seek to attract European investors to India's resurgent economy. He is also expected to discuss deals to buy French fighter jets and nuclear reactors.

After Europe, Mr Modi will head to Canada where he aims to seal a deal to secure uranium imports for Indian's nuclear energy sector. - LEE SEOK HWAI

Badminton: Santoso to get harder challenge after first round

The OUE Singapore Open continues today. Defending champion Simon Santoso won it last year as a qualifier, and is bidding to do the same this year although he will face stiff resistance today in the form of world No. 6 Viktor Axelsen in the round of 16. China's Wang Yihan is up against former Singapore national player Zhang Beiwen in the women's singles. - MAY CHEN

SEA Games: Bringing hype to the Hub

The Sports Hub shares its plan to generate public participation and excitement in the build-up to the SEA Games, the first multi-sport extravaganza to be held at the $1.33-billion facility. - SANJAY NAIR