The Straits Times - March 22, 2025
The Straits Times - March 22, 2025
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In this issue
March 22, 2025
Firing of spy agency chief blocked
The Israeli government approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ouster of the head of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency, a move that has further roiled a deeply divided country still at war.
1 min
Trump Signs Order on Education Dept
Surrounded by schoolchildren seated at desks in the East Room of the White House, US President Donald Trump on March 20 signed a long-awaited executive order that he said would begin dismantling the Department of Education \"once and for all\".
1 min
At least 16 flights between S'pore, London affected by airport's closure
At least 16 flights between Singapore and London were cancelled or diverted after Heathrow, the British capital's main airport, was forced to shut due to a massive power outage.
3 mins
Heathrow shutdown raises serious questions about its backup plans
Closure of Europe's busiest airport from a substation fire causes global disruptions
3 mins
Travellers advised to postpone non-essential trips to Johor amid heavy traffic at checkpoints
Travellers from Singapore are advised to postpone any non-essential trips to Johor as continuous heavy traffic is expected at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints this weekend, said the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
1 min
Over 10,000 in Johor evacuated as floods mar Hari Raya preparations
9 river monitoring stations have recorded water levels at a dangerous level
2 mins
World's glaciers are losing record ice as global temperatures climb, UN says
Glaciers around the globe are disappearing faster than ever, with the last three-year period seeing the largest glacial mass loss on record, according to a Unesco report released on March 21.
3 mins
HK Mulls Over Boosting Security Law As Critics Slam Repression Of Dissent
Review Under Way On Refining Year-Old Legislation, So As To Strengthen Enforcement
5 mins
Trump Signs Order Aimed at Dismantling Education Department
US President Donald Trump on March 20 signed an order aimed at \"eliminating\" the Department of Education, a decades-old goal of the American right, which wants individual states to run schools free from the influence of the federal government.
2 mins
Parents turn to smartwatches to keep kids' screen time under control
These devices can restrict app downloads and allow calls from only approved contacts
4 mins
Parents Turn to Smartwatches to Keep Kids' Screen Time Under Control
These devices can restrict app downloads and allow calls from only approved contacts
2 mins
Israeli Supreme Court freezes dismissal of Shin Bet chief
Intelligence service chief says his dismissal predicated on baseless claims
3 mins
Israel expands Gaza ground operations, intercepts missiles from Yemen
Israel's military on March 20 expanded ground operations across Gaza, after it reported missiles intercepted from Yemen, and Hamas militants said they fired rockets towards Tel Aviv.
3 mins
Beijing's tough talk on Taiwan: Posturing or prelude to war?
Rhetoric may be heating up, but analysts say the goal remains deterrence for now
4 mins
South Korea opposition moves to impeach acting president
South Korean opposition parties raised a motion to impeach Acting President Choi Sang-mok on March 21, the majority Democratic Party said, in a move likely to escalate recent political strife in the country.
2 mins
Taiwan's Military to Get Pay Rises Amid Manpower Woes
More Soldiers Opting Out of Contracts Early Even as China Steps Up Military Pressure
1 min
North Korea Test-Fires New Weapons Ahead of Visit by Russian Security Chief
North Korea said on March 21 it had test-fired a new weapons system that would boost its combat readiness, as Russia's security chief arrived in Pyongyang for talks with leader Kim Jong Un.
2 mins
Trump Invokes Emergency Powers To Boost US Critical Minerals Output
Move Follows Escalating Trade Spat With Mineral Producers That Supply US Factories
2 mins
Indonesia's Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano erupts; some Bali flights affected
An eruption of Indonesia's Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano spewed ash clouds more than 8km high, the authorities said, as they raised the alert status to the highest level and two airlines cancelled some flights from Bali on March 21.
2 mins
Malaysia Airlines bans storage of power banks in overhead compartments
Effective April 1, all passengers travelling with Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and MASwings must carry their power banks on-person at all times.
1 min
A death occurs every 2 hours on Malaysia's roads, data shows
Accident numbers tend to rise sharply in days leading up to and after major festivals
2 mins
Trump Urges Top Court To Limit Power To Hinder His Orders
Mr. Donald Trump urged the Supreme Court on March 20 to curtail the ability of federal judges to issue injunctions blocking his administration's actions nationwide, marking the latest sign of tension between the Republican President and the US judiciary.
1 min
Calls by main opposition party leader 'irresponsible', say ministers, amid four-day ban on public gatherings
Turkey's government warned on March 21 against \"illegal\" calls from the main opposition for street protests over the detention of Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, after thousands demonstrated across the country in the previous two days.
3 mins
US social security agency chief threatens closure over Doge stand-off
The Trump administration is threatening to all but shut down the Social Security Administration (SSA), in response to a judge's ruling blocking activities by Mr Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) - an action that could delay payments to millions of beneficiaries caught in the middle of the legal battle.
3 mins
Robots to retrieve radioactive sandbags at Fukushima power plant
Robots will begin moving sandbags that were used to absorb radiation-contaminated water after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster as soon as next week, a spokesman for the plant operator said on March 21.
1 min
Migrant economy in New York wilts amid fears of raids
Businesses declining, staff being dismissed as threat of arrest and deportation looms
3 mins
Greenland Sees Tourism Boost From Trump's Attention And New Airport
Mr Ivik Knudsen-Ostermann, whose company runs boat tours to see Greenland's glittering blue icebergs, said his bank has told him to expand ahead of an expected influx of tourists after US President Donald Trump put the island in the global spotlight.
2 mins
Funds being set aside to help future generations tackle climate change
Protecting Singaporeans from climate impacts is a long-term endeavor, says Grace Fu
3 mins
Getting to know Hong Kah North residents on Grace Fu's agenda
Of the five wards in the new GRC, the Yuhua MP is less familiar with this area
4 mins
Red Dot United introduces party member during maiden walkabout in Jalan Kayu
The opposition Red Dot United (RDU) party went on its maiden walkabout in Jalan Kayu SMC on March 21 and introduced a party member who will lead the team in the newly carved-out ward.
2 mins
S'pore-based TikToker Found Guilty of Raping Woman He Met on Tinder
A TikToker and former scriptwriter-actor with local YouTube comedy channel Wah!Banana was convicted by the High Court on March 21 for raping a woman he met on the dating app Tinder.
3 mins
Oil Trader Jailed for Facilitating Commercial Fuel Export to N. Korea
He procured prohibited item knowing it was bound for Pyongyang in violation of UN law
2 mins
Jail Term for Man Who Packed Vape Products Reduced to 1 Month on Appeal
A polytechnic graduate who wanted to earn some money while waiting to enlist for national service decided to take on a packing job that paid $20 an hour.
1 min
Trailer truck accident causes 2-hour traffic snarl in Balestier
A trailer truck accident in Balestier Road caused a traffic snarl for over two hours from 9am on March 21, after a silo tank the vehicle was carrying became detached.
1 min
2 Men Fined Over $1m Each for Skirting Duties on Liquor Worth $250k
Two men schemed to avoid paying duties on alcohol they were selling by using bottles that had been marked for export.
2 mins
S'pore shares end winning streak on trade war fears; STI dips 0.1%
• ST Engineering is biggest loser while Yangzijiang is top gainer • In broader market, losers outpace gainers 284 to 234 • Regional bourses mixed after all 3 US indexes end in the red
1 min
Chocolate Finance: All sums paid; 3- to 6-day wait for new requests
Financial services platform Chocolate Finance has paid out all withdrawal requests made between March 10 and March 18, the firm announced on March 21.
1 min
Programme to Incentivise Domestic Manufacturing Fails to Meet Expectations
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has decided to let lapse a US$23 billion (S$30.7 billion) programme to incentivise domestic manufacturing, just four years after it launched the effort to woo firms away from China, according to four government officials.
2 mins
Chinese Firms Cutting Back on Shipping of Small Packages to US
Chinese companies cut back on the small packages they shipped to the US in February, as US President Donald Trump looks to close off trading and impose tariffs on all imports from China.
1 min
Temasek-backed insurance group SRG eyes regional expansion
Firm with UK, Irish heritage wants to grow in Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia
2 mins
Capital World shares fall amid news of Malaysian probe linked to former subsidiary
Singapore-listed property company Capital World said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating certain transactions made in 2018 that are linked to its former subsidiary MCM Studio Entertainment Group.
1 min
Prabowo faces investor revolt over Indonesia's economic path
For months, President Prabowo Subianto's moves to chip away at Indonesia's long-established economic guardrails have stoked anxiety in markets.
4 mins
76% of Singapore's senior execs worried about financial crime risks: Report
Business managers here are more concerned than their peers overseas that their organisations will be targeted by criminals in 2025, noted a new report.
2 mins
UOB chief Wee Ee Cheong's pay down 5.5% to $15.05 million in 2024
Board says various factors taken into account in making decision
3 mins
Why We're So Grateful at the Return of the Astronauts
In a tired, divided world, humanity found something to cheer for together.
3 mins
Why China Is Suddenly Flooding the Market With Powerful AI Models
The pace of open-source push by Beijing has been relentless.
3 mins
A Dangerous Leadership Vacuum in the Global System: David Miliband
Former British foreign secretary and now humanitarian aid champion, on Trump, Ukraine and Europe.
6 mins
China's Great Green March
The Middle Kingdom wants to control the global clean-tech sector. Can it save the planet, too?
10+ mins
Behind the Island's Black Pork Craze Is a Native Breed at Risk of Extinction
Once reared by almost all households on Jeju, only 350 of the island's purebred black pigs are left today.
5 mins
Wodeton Has Edge In Golden Slipper
Though just nabbed in Todman, favourite to still hold sway in world's richest 2YO race
2 mins
Rubylot to Take HK Derby
March 23 Hong Kong (Sha Tin) form analysis
4 mins
Hamilton shocked by record sprint pole time
Lewis Hamilton said he was \"gobsmacked\" as he put Ferrari on pole position for the first Formula One sprint race of the season in China in record time on March 21, with Red Bull's reigning world champion Max Verstappen joining him on the front row.
2 mins
Celtics' mega $8b sale sets record for sports deal
National Basketball Association (NBA) champions the Boston Celtics are being sold to a group headed by a California private equity mogul for US$6.1 billion (S$8.1 billion), a record price for a US sports franchise, the club's owners confirmed on March 20.
2 mins
I Have Dealt With Difficult Men: Coventry
First woman IOC head pledges to be firm in talks with Trump ahead of LA 2028 Games
3 mins
Endo Declares Japan's Aim to Win World Cup
Wataru Endo has urged fans to buy into his belief that Japan can win the 2026 World Cup, after they became the first team to qualify for the quadrennial showpiece on March 20.
2 mins
Vinicius' late magic salvages crucial win for Brazil
Vinicius Jr spoke of his pride playing for Brazil, as he struck a dramatic winner in the ninth minute of stoppage time to clinch a 2-1 win over Colombia in their South American World Cup qualifier on March 20.
2 mins
Koeman rues late leveller by Spain
France's Deschamps vows to turn around deficit against Croatia in Nations League
3 mins
Djokovic disagrees with parts of lawsuit
Novak Djokovic said on March 20 that he disagreed with some aspects of a class-action lawsuit filed by the Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA) against the sport's governing bodies.
1 min
Looks Like A Merry March For Jordan
After his engagement, Singapore Classic co-leader longs for first DP World Tour title
3 mins
Walker Clear About Own Talent After Lyme Disease Battle
Everything seemed to be going well for Jimmy Walker when he won the 2016 PGA Championship.
3 mins
Big Boost
This was my first round since that (engagement). I guess that I should have done that sooner if I was going to play like that.
1 min
Work Hard, Play Hard
The Straits Times is celebrating outstanding Singaporeans selected for the 2024 ST Athlete of the Year award, backed by 100Plus. To get to know our athletes better, we asked them about their love for their sport, interesting experiences and biggest challenges. This is what boccia player Jeralyn Tan told Melvyn Teoh.
2 mins
Excited Ng Completes First Step to Donning Lions Jersey
Cardiff City right-back Perry Ng is one step closer to playing for the Singapore football team after he received his permanent residency on March 21.
2 mins
Tame Lions Lack 'Fight'
Ogura slams Singapore's display after 1-0 defeat by Nepal ahead of Hong Kong test
3 mins
Electronic Revolutionary Pioneer
In this new series, The Straits Times examines the local roots of global creations — starting with road congestion pricing
10 mins
How other major cities manage traffic challenges
For instance, prior to the policy's implementation, the boroughs most against it were also the areas with the poorest public transport links.
6 mins
Sony World Photography Awards 2025 S'pore shutterbug strikes gold
Student Ng Guang Ze wins two awards for tranquil shot of winding stream near China's Wenhai Lake
4 mins
Dual-key Do-over
This couple's expansive apartment in St Thomas Walk combines two units into one
2 mins
Thugshop's Sheryl Sho dishes on fringe nightlife
She spins at Headquarters, an underground music venue perfect for newcomers to the scene
4 mins
Wicked's third outing here well-timed to ride on movie hype
For a modern classic such as Wicked, previously staged here in 2012 and 2016, timing is key.
2 mins
Dial 911 for drama and driving magic
The Porsche 911 is still a force to be reckoned with after mid-life changes and modern concessions
3 mins
BMW M5 Touring Is Big On Tech And Performance
What astounds more than its outright speed is the big car's alacrity around a Formula One racetrack
3 mins
BMW M Experience as the ultimate selling machine
I am wearing a virtual-reality (VR) headset and immersed in a Mario Kart-like game in which I navigate a car around a virtual track.
2 mins
Rugged on the outside, polished on the inside
The V has the fastest DC charging speed among mass-market electric vehicles
3 mins
K-pop Audition Show Slammed for Having Female Contestants as Young as 8
A new K-pop competition in South Korea has come under fire.
2 mins
Apple Losing Over $1.34b a Year on Streaming Service: Report
Apple is losing more than US$1 billion (S$1.34 billion) a year on its streaming service, the Information reported on March 20, citing two people familiar with the matter.
1 min
Court bars NewJeans from independent activities until ruling on Ador dispute
The Seoul Central District Court ruled on March 21 in favour of Ador in its legal dispute with girl group NewJeans, temporarily barring the group from pursuing independent activities under its new name, NJZ.
2 mins
North Koreans to debut as part of boy band
Growing up in North Korea, Hyuk's childhood was about survival. He never listened to banned K-pop music, but after defecting to the South, he is now about to debut as an idol.
3 mins
The Straits Times Newspaper Description:
Publisher: SPH Media Limited
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
Unlock your access to award-winning journalism on Singapore and the world. With bureaus in major cities around the world, The Straits Times correspondents bring world news to readers on a Singapore platter, helping them appreciate world events from a Singaporean perspective.
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