TOP OF THE NEWS
Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat outlined yesterday why the goods and services tax has to be raised.
But the Workers' Party said it could not support a future hike without relevant information, and cast its votes against the Budget for the first time in three decades.
TOP OF THE NEWS
Signalling fault causes delays
It was a longer ride for thousands of commuters yesterday after the Downtown MRT line was hit by a signalling system fault at the Bayfront station at 6.01am. Trains approaching in both directions had to be driven manually, at a lower speed. Delays affected commuters during both the morning and evening peak periods.
WORLD
Hundreds of curious residents on Wednesday night attended opposition leader Mahathir Mohamad's rally in Pekan, a ruling party stronghold. Dr Mahathir's visit is a challenge to Prime Minister Najib Razak's grip on his home state of Pahang ahead of the upcoming national polls.
WORLD
Russian President Vladimir Putin used his state-of-the-nation speech yesterday to deliver a stern warning to the United States that Russia has a series of new high-tech nuclear weapons that he said can overcome any defences. His audience was treated to video clips of the new arms, which included a hypersonic system.
OPINION
Don't be afraid of the United States deficits. The red ink may look alarming, but what is more important is the real economy and spending priorities, say associate editor Vikram Khanna.
HOME
Smart shower heads that come with a digital display with real-time feedback on usage will be common in 10,000 Housing Board Build-To-Order flats in the coming years. This is part of the Smart Shower Programme by national water agency PUB.
HOME
Virtual telco Circles.Life has launched its daily-rated unlimited mobile data add-on for $3. Dubbed Unlimited Data on Demand, it requires a basic plan of $28 a month that comes with 6GB of mobile data, 100 minutes of local talk time and a free Caller ID feature.
BUSINESS
The Singapore Exchange (SGX) is a contender for a controlling stake in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (Tase), according to Israeli media.
More than 10 foreign stock exchanges have expressed interest in buying into Tase by signing non-disclosure agreements, Reuters reported late on Tuesday.
Israeli media said these included bourses in London, Toronto, Hong Kong, Australia and Warsaw.
SPORT
2-shot lead for US golfer Song
Unheralded American Jennifer Song produced a blistering seven-under 65 yesterday to grab the first-round lead of the US$1.5 million (S$2 million) HSBC Women's World Championship.
The world No. 66 fired seven birdies at the Sentosa Golf Club's New Tanjong Course and was two shots clear of compatriot Michelle Wie and South Korean Ji Eun Hee.
VIDEO
Hangout with ST
This week, hosts Alyssa Woo and Hairianto Diman chat about Singapore's storied houses, Changi Airport charges and G-Dragon. str.sg/oSZ6
360-DEGREE PHOTO
Parisian show
Latiff Mohidin: Pago Pago (1960-1969) is the National Gallery Singapore's first show to travel abroad to Centre Pompidou. str.sg/oS4c
