TOP OF THE NEWS
Govt 'as usual' as Thais mourn
Thai officials yesterday said the mourning for King Bhumibol Adulyadej will not disrupt administrative work, with Cabinet and National Legislative Assembly sessions on schedule. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha reassured the public about the royal succession after meeting Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.
TOP OF THE NEWS
Singapore is increasingly turning to the sun for its electrical needs. In the first half of this year, over 1,400 solar panels were installed. Experts say solar energy now accounts for 1.5 per cent of the country's total electricity needs.
WORLD
Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (Brics) have gathered in the Indian state of Goa for a summit, with Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) yesterday warning against a rising tide of protectionism and anti-globalisation. The meeting took place amid heightened tensions between India and its nuclear- armed neighbour Pakistan.
WORLD
US Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday tried to build momentum behind a new drive to end the Syrian civil war after talks with Russia and the country's neighbours. He was expected to raise the issues with Washington's European allies.
OPINION
New cold war between US and Russia
The United States and Russia are locked in a grim state of relations, thanks to the current US presidential campaign and Russian cyber-spying on America's political parties, says Europe Correspondent Jonathan Eyal.
HOME
Cancer sufferer Stephen Giam died three weeks ago but, before that, the 51-year-old made several short videos of himself sharing his thoughts on life and death. He is one of a growing number of people spending their final days helping the living to re-examine their priorities.
HOME
Fewer "medical tourists" appear to be coming to Singapore for treatment. Experts say hospitals in countries like Thailand and Malaysia have stepped up their game while offering surgery at a fraction of the cost, prompting hospitals here to expand abroad.
BUSINESS
Roughly 15 Swiss banks are in a "red zone" of lenders particularly exposed to money-laundering risks, Mr Mark Branson, the head of Swiss banking watchdog Finma, said in an interview with Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung published yesterday.
SPORT
Friday marks the start of four consecutive action-packed weekends for Singapore sports fans, starting with the Swimming World Cup. The WTA Finals will be held from Oct 23-30 and the International Rugby Sevens from Nov 4-6, followed by vintage football in The Battle of Europe.
LIFE
American TV host Adam Richman, 42 (photo), is known for exploits such as scarfing down 5kg burgers. His current show, Secret Eats With Adam Richman, uncovers hidden culinary gems and the first episode, airing on Travel Channel on Friday, will feature Singapore eateries such as Artichoke cafe in Middle Road.
LIFE
In South Korea, celebrity soldiers such as U-Know Yunho are asked to unleash their talent to soften the image of the military. Once a year, they perform for fans for free at a festival. Their admirers, from across the world, are also treated to hand-to-hand combat drills and displays of tanks and Chinook helicopters.
