US govt-Apple court showdown

The United States government and Apple will face off in court today in a closely watched case that could have wide-reaching implications on digital security and privacy.

The hearing focuses on the battle between the tech giant and federal investigators who want help from Apple to unlock an iPhone linked to one of the shooters in the December terror attack in San Bernardino, California.

A ruling is not expected on the same day.

Multi-sector cyber security exercise

The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore will conduct its first multi-sector exercise today. Code-named Exercise Cyber Star 2016, it comprises scenario planning sessions, workshops and table-top discussions focusing on cyber incident management processes.

The exercise will test the cyber incident management and response capabilities of the agency and four critical sectors: banking and finance, government, energy and infocomm.

Countries' flash PMI data out today

The United States and a number of European countries will release the flash Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for March for the manufacturing sector today, data that is keenly watched for signs of growth in the region.

The euro area will also release its flash service PMI for March, while Britain will come out with figures for its retail price index and inflation rate for February. In Asia, Japan will release its flash manufacturing PMI for March.