TOP OF THE NEWS
From next month, lift owners and contractors will have to comply with new requirements during lift maintenance and will be penalised if they do not comply. The tighter rules are being put in place after a number of lift accidents left a man dead and others injured. The Building and Construction Authority will also start issuing yearly permits for lifts to operate.
TOP OF THE NEWS
Singapore Airlines yesterday said it will start a non-stop service between Singapore and San Francisco on Oct 23, with a flight time of 15 to 18 hours. The move comes two weeks after United Airlines launched a similar service.
WORLD
Thousands of people flocked to Disney's new theme park in Shanghai yesterday as the entertainment giant looked to win over China's growing middle class with the ultimate US cultural export. President Xi Jinping called the massive project a sign of China's "commitment to cross-cultural cooperation" and its innovation mentality in a new era.
WORLD
A planned raid on a Buddhist temple in Thailand, to apprehend an abbot suspected of accepting stolen cash, was called off after thousands of followers prevented police action. Phra Dhammachayo's followers say his case should be processed only by a democratic government.
OPINION
The United States presidential election is being billed as the nastiest in recent history. Beyond who wins, the question is whether the negativity leads to a more divided country and Congress, writes US Bureau Chief Jeremy Au Yong.
HOME
All new agricultural land will now be tendered out on a 20-year lease instead of 10 years, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority said yesterday. This is to allow farmers investing in automation enough time to reap returns, it added.
HOME
The Workers' Party-run Aljunied-Hougang Town Council has handed over its accounting records for May 27, 2011 to Nov 27 last year to its independent accountant. Audit firm KPMG said it has started studying the records to determine if payments made were improper.
BUSINESS
Financial technology (fintech) firms in Singapore looking to do business in Australia will find it easier, thanks to a new agreement between the two countries' financial regulators. The deal will allow fintech firms on both sides to speed up the process of entering each other's markets, including setting up early discussions more quickly.
SPORT
Russia makes last-minute bid to avoid Rio ban
Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko insisted Russia had carried out the anti- doping measures demanded by athletics' governing body, amid reports of threats on drug testers by security forces and athletes' evasion. He offered full access to athletes, as today's decision on their Olympics fate looms.
LIFE
Local movie Apprentice has been rated M18 by the Media Development Authority for "detailed depictions and descriptions of the execution process". The producers say there are no plans to appeal against the rating as they want to release the film without further delay.
