What's News: June 29, 2016

Younger adults here have been ranked highly for their literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills. But the older generation lags behind, according to the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies. The study of 34 economies also found a strong link here between better wages and higher skill and education levels.

Residents of three new HDB blocks in Choa Chu Kang say they are being plagued by bulky litter, which is blocking walkways and rubbish chutes. The problem is so bad that it has caused refuse-handling equipment to malfunction. The authorities have put up signs warning of fines for offenders.

The Indonesian Parliament yesterday agreed to raise the country's defence budget for 2016 by almost 10 per cent to 108.7 trillion rupiah (S$11 billion). A large chunk will likely go into upgrades for military assets in areas such as the Natuna Islands amid tensions in the South China Sea.

Hong Kong bookseller Lam Wing Kee may be a fugitive to the mainland authorities but he is unlikely to be sent back from Hong Kong. While Chief Executive Leung Chun Ying has refused to say what he will do if Beijing demands Mr Lam's return, legal experts agree he is safe in Hong Kong.

Britain is only No. 22 on Singapore's list of trading partners, so Brexit will have little immediate impact on the Republic. But longer-term impact from British companies scaling down, or the European Union slowing, can be expected, writes Grace Leong.

More children are being exposed to pornography - some even before they start primary school, a survey has found. Touch Cyber Wellness, the main agency that gives online safety talks in schools here, said that personal mobile devices are their main mode of access.

A new course will be launched next month to teach maids how to better take care of elderly people.

Almost 50 domestic helpers have signed up to learn how to deal with situations such as heart attacks, aggressive seniors and carrying an immobile person.

A plum River Valley site is set to go for what is believed to be a record price for a Government Land Sales residential site in Singapore, outside of Sentosa Cove.

Turnout from local developers was strong, with 13 bids altogether for the site.

New Singapore Athletics chief Ho Mun Cheong will place emphasis on selecting competitions and training opportunities closer to home. Apart from a more regional flavour for preparations, he also stressed the need for greater financial prudence. He believes a local coach can perform as well as a foreign one and plans to bring in a foreign technical director to train local coaches.

Winona Ryder, who stars in Netflix's upcoming supernatural series, Stranger Things, says reports of her comeback have been greatly exaggerated. The 1990s movie darling says she is picky about her projects and feels like she has had her share of fame.

Disney princesses reinforce gender stereotypes in young girls and contribute to body esteem issues, according to a United States study of almost 200 pre-school children. The study showed that girls with body esteem issues were more likely to "engage more with the Disney princesses over time".