Modi eyes greater influence in Africa

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will head to Africa today, seeking to boost his country's economic influence in a region long dominated by its rival Asian power, China.

Mr Modi will head first to Mozambique, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister in 34 years, before travelling on to South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya.

Youth put to test at WorldSkills contest

Some 150 young people will battle it out at this year's WorldSkills Singapore National Competition. The participants - from ITE, polytechnics and related industries - will compete in 17 categories, including aircraft maintenance, graphic design, mobile robotics and restaurant service. Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, will launch the competition today at ITE College Central.

'Surprises unlikely' in Fed meeting notes

The minutes of the latest United States Federal Open Market Committee meeting will be released today, although experts are not expecting any surprises.

US Federal Reserve chief Janet Yellen has been hinting that the next interest rate hike could be a while away, especially with policymakers uncertain on the full economic impact of the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union.