TOP OF THE NEWS
The Government has loosened some aspects of the property cooling measures by shortening to three years from four the duration of the seller's stamp duty, as well as lowering stamp duty rates. It also tweaked the total debt servicing ratio framework to give home owners the flexibility to borrow against the value of their properties.
TOP OF THE NEWS
Chinese property developer Country Garden Holdings has closed all its mainland showrooms promoting its Forest City mega-development in Johor. The move comes as it looks to adapt its sales strategy to Beijing's clampdown on capital outflows.
WORLD
Malaysian police have positively identified the man murdered at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Feb 13 as Mr Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. However, the police refused to disclose how the body was identified. So far, none of Mr Kim's relatives has stepped forward to claim the body.
WORLD
Seoul-Beijing spat hits flights
Airlines have dropped some routes between China and South Korea amid a diplomatic spat over Seoul's plans to deploy a US anti-missile defence system. A wave of anti- South Korean sentiment in China has led to a boycott of South Korean products and cultural exports.
OPINION
Professor David Chan cites cobras and criminals, and CPF as examples of how government policy can have unintended consequences. Yet these were often anticipated, so policymakers must think beyond trade-offs, to find ways to achieve seemingly opposing outcomes.
HOME
The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) hit several records last year, including handling a case involving $5.02 billion - the highest sum in a single case in its 25-year history. Last year, SIAC also received the highest number of new cases filed.
HOME
Two stretches along Upper Aljunied Road will be closed permanently and a larger realigned road will take its place from tomorrow, the HDB said. These changes will allow the construction of a 700m pedestrianised Bidadari Heritage Walk for the new estate.
BUSINESS
Retail sales lifted slightly in January, thanks to better performances in a range of sectors. Takings increased by 2 per cent over the same month last year, with food and beverage outlets and supermarkets racking up double-digit growth - possibly owing to the Chinese New Year festive season, which began at the end of the month.
SPORT
The Formula One mind games have started, though the first race is on March 26. "I think Ferrari are bluffing," said Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, suggesting Sebastian Vettel disguised his real pace despite clocking the fastest pre-season time of 1min 19.024sec in Barcelona. Vettel, however, insisted Mercedes are "the ones to beat".
LIFE
Kinokuniya bookshop on level four of Takashimaya Shopping Centre has expanded. The revamped 38,000 sq ft store, with a new frontage and an additional 5,000 sq ft space, was unveiled yesterday. The store has expanded its selection of Chinese, Japanese and French titles. There is also a bigger stationery section.
SINGAPORE SLIDER
Pool time in Geylang
So much has changed around Geylang East Swimming Complex since it opened in 1978. See
Then & Now photos at str.sg/geylangpool
VIDEO
Supercar electrifies
Meet Singapore's first electric supercar, which can go from 0kmh to 100kmh in 2.7 seconds. str.sg/supercar
