TOP OF THE NEWS
The Singapore economy grew by a modest 2 per cent last year, the weakest rate of growth since 2009, and down from 2014's 3.3 per cent expansion, data showed yesterday. The economy expanded at just 1.8 per cent in the last three months of 2015, lower than the previous estimate of 2 per cent, as the manufacturing sector contracted further.
TOP OF THE NEWS
Flats in the upcoming Bidadari estate in Toa Payoh were the most sought after in yesterday's launch of new flats by the Housing Board. Their central location is popular with applicants, said property experts. The other flats in the launch are in Bukit Batok and Sengkang.
WORLD
Hong Kong Financial Secretary John Tsang (photo) yesterday warned in a Budget speech that future generations will grow up amid "hatred and malice" if the city's political situation continues to deteriorate. He slammed protesters' "destructive acts", which he said have damaged the economy.
SPORT
Appeal for inclusion of canoeing, other sports at SEA Games
The Singapore National Olympic Council has appealed for a number of sports and events to be included at next year's SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur. The list includes canoeing and fencing, as well as athletics events such as the marathon. The final decision is expected in July.
WORLD
Nepal yesterday found the burnt-out wreckage of a passenger plane that went missing in a remote mountainous area with 23 people on board. The reason for the crash remains unclear, as an expert said that the weather was favourable and the pilot was experienced.
OPINION
Ten years ago, people cried foul over a $3,000 fine given to a pianist who evaded national service. This year, a young man was jailed for the same offence. Jermyn Chow looks at the ever-controversial issue of appropriate punishment for those who seek to dodge their duty.
HOME
A Tanjong Pagar site described by heritage experts as "one of the most important places in the history of early 19th-century Singapore" is set to be cleared for a new MRT station. There are six Parsi graves and two historical buildings on the site.
HOME
Barriers to void deck football
Metal barriers in the void deck of an HDB block in Mei Ling Street were installed to prevent people from playing football there, said the town council. The barriers, which were set up when residents complained about the noise, can be removed for events like weddings and funerals.
BUSINESS
About 70 investors, including Singaporeans, are crying foul over a scheme that effectively promised that their money could grow on trees. Their investments in aquilaria trees - prized for valuable agarwood or oud oil used in perfumes and spas - overseas have not panned out.
LIFE
A controversy has broken out online over the censorship of US President Barack Obama's pro-LGBT comments in an episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show that aired on Singapore TV. The episode aired in the United States on Feb 12 and in Singapore on Feb 23 on Mediacorp's Channel 5.
LIFE
After 50 years of selling her famous chocolate cake, Mrs Violet Kwan of Lana Cake Shop wants to call it a day. The 88-year-old mother of two says she is getting on in years and is looking to sell the business, which will include her recipes and the shop at 36, Greenwood Avenue. She would like to find "the right person" to take over the business.
