TOP OF THE NEWS
Fears of a tit-for-tat trade war surged across Asian economies yesterday, as plans by the United States to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium sparked an outcry from major producing nations and triggered stock market plunges. Industrialists in Indonesia worry steel shipments could be redirected there, flooding the market.
TOP OF THE NEWS
The budget for the Home Affairs Ministry will be increased by 11 per cent, with a large part of this raise going into boosting Singapore's counter-terrorism capabilities. Minister K. Shanmugam cited the growing terrorist threat as a reason, warning that the extremist group ISIS remains, and "in fact will grow as fighters return to our region".
WORLD
Snow storms shut most of Ireland yesterday and forced Britain to call in the army to battle some of the worst weather seen in nearly 30 years. After a blast of Siberian weather dubbed "the beast from the east", southern Britain and Ireland were battered by Storm Emma, which blocked roads, grounded planes and stopped trains.
WORLD
China warned Taiwan yesterday that it would only get burned if it sought to rely on foreigners, adding to warnings from state media that China could go to war over the territory if the United States passes into law a Bill promoting closer US ties with the self-ruled island.A18
OPINION
There is great potential for India and South-east Asia, already bound by geography, history and culture, to strengthen these links through greater trade flows and better connectivity, says Professor Tommy Koh.
HOME
More jail time for maid abuser
A couple found guilty of abusing their Indonesian maid had their conviction upheld by the High Court, which laid out a sentencing framework for maid abuse cases. Tay Wee Kiat's jail term was raised to 43 months, while his wife Chia Yun Ling's stayed at two months.
HOME
Seven rare account books on the construction of the Hong San See temple in Mohamed Sultan Road have been donated to the National Library Board. The books contain details such as how bricks were ordered by the "trishaw-load", and the names of the craftsmen.
BUSINESS
The pace has eased a touch, but the manufacturing sector is still powering along after a rousing start to the year. The key Purchasing Managers' Index - an early indicator of factory activity - came in at 52.7 for last month, the 18th consecutive month of improvement.
SPORT
Breaststroke specialist Lionel Khoo rewrote his 200m national mark on Thursday when he clocked 2min 15.24sec in the B final at the TYR Pro Swim Series in Atlanta, Georgia. He finished third in the race, behind Chinese swimmer Liu Yunsong (2:13.33) and Argentinian Gabriel Osvaldo (2:15.19). Khoo will race in today's 100m breaststroke at the meet in Georgia.
LIFE
Taiwanese singer-songwriter Cheer Chen's (left) concert in Singapore on April 7 will be a simple, intimate affair. She will perform at The Star Theatre with only the guitar to accompany her singing, she says.
VIDEO
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Reading aloud to your child? Here are five tips for parents. http://str.sg/oSov
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