Headline News In 60 Seconds Daily 2026-02-15T08:01:18.792Z

• 🦜 **Animal Smuggling Cases in Singapore Drop by 33% in 2025: NParks, ICA Committed to Eradicating Illegal Trade** In 2025, animal smuggling cases in Singapore decreased by 33%, according to reports by the National Parks Board (NParks) and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). This significant reduction was achieved through enhanced border inspections, increased surveillance, and collaboration with international wildlife protection agencies. Specific high-profile arrests were made at Changi Airport on March 10 and Tuas Checkpoint on April 22, underlining the proactive measures taken. NParks and ICA remain dedicated to eradicating illegal wildlife trade fully.
• 📉 Singapore Shares Tumble: Market Ends Week Down Due to Post-Budget Pullback and Profit-Taking Singapore's Straits Times Index declined by 0.4% on October 6, 2023, following profit-taking after the government's budget announcement. Key decliners included CapitaLand Investment, losing 2.6%, and Singtel, which fell 1.2%.
• 🚧 Challenges for Mustafa's Johor Bahru Expansion: Operational Delays Reported Mustafa, the popular S'pore retailer, faces obstacles in its planned Johor Bahru store opening, initially set for 2023. Delays stem from logistical issues and licensing requirements in Malaysia, according to sources.
• 🚀 Singapore’s GIC Leads Record US$30B Funding in Anthropic's Series G Round Singapore's GIC led a record-setting Series G funding round, raising US$30 billion for Anthropic, a major player in artificial intelligence, on October 2023. This strategic move underlines Singapore’s keen interest in the AI sector.
• 📉 Singapore Stocks Slump: STI drops 1.6% on February 13 as major firms face downturn. On February 13, 2023, Singapore's Straits Times Index fell 1.6%. Key stock declines included DBS Bank's 1.3%, OCBC's 2%, and UOB's 1.1%. Concerns arose over China's economic impact.
• 💼 Private Equity Eyes Coal: Investment firms increasingly target coal assets amidst Singapore's carbon tax adjustments. In Singapore, private equity firms are shifting attention to coal assets, anticipating potential profitability despite climate concerns. The Singaporean government recently adjusted its carbon tax policy, effective 1 January 2024, aiming to balance economic and environmental interests.
• 🇸🇬 Singapore's Fiscal Future: New Budgets Post-Election Unveiled On November 6, 2023, Singapore's Ministry of Finance plans to introduce two pivotal Budgets, aiming at economic growth and technological advancement. Finance Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized technology investment and sustainable development.
• 🌫️ Haze Returns to Singapore: Burning Smell from Johor Drifts Over Island City 🌫️ Haze Returns to Singapore: Burning Smell from Johor Drifts Over Island City Smoke and burning smell detected on October 7, 2023, were due to fires in Johor during the ongoing dry weather. The National Environment Agency of Singapore advised the public on this after 8 am.
• 🌊 Oceans of Change: Singapore's New Oceanarium Set to Transform Marine Conservation Efforts The Singapore Oceanarium, opened on March 5, 2023, aims to enhance marine conservation and education efforts in Southeast Asia. Managed by Resorts World Sentosa, it houses over 100,000 marine animals.
• 🗳️ Brussels Reaches Historic Deal: Coalition Agreement Ends 600-Day Government Stalemate After 600 days of political impasse, Brussels' new coalition government, comprising seven parties including the Socialists and Greens, was announced on February 13, 2026. Jan Jambon becomes the regional leader.
• 🔥 Burning Smell Across Singapore: NEA attributes the odor to gases from recent peatland and vegetation fires. The National Environment Agency (NEA) informed on October 3, 2023, that the burning smell in Singapore is due to recent peatland and vegetation fires in the region, affecting air quality.
• ⛷️ Singapore's Faiz Basha Makes Winter Olympics Debut: Watch His Alpine Ski Races Live on YouTube! Singapore's first Winter Olympian, Faiz Basha, will compete in Alpine skiing events at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. All his races will be broadcast live on YouTube, as announced on October 9, 2023.
• 🕌 Increased Capacity for Tarawih Prayers: More Spaces Opened in Singapore for Ramadan During Ramadan 2023, Singapore increased Tarawih prayer capacity by opening additional spaces, including community centers and school halls. The initiative addressed worshipper overflow, coordinated by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis).
• 🔍 NTU Students Counselled After Viral Video of CNY Lohei Yusheng Mix-Up Sparks Outrage In February 2023, NTU students involved in a viral video misinterpreting the symbolic mixing of yusheng during Chinese New Year were counseled. The incident sparked online criticism, prompting the university to address cultural sensitivities.
• 🔍 Singapore Budget 2026: Focus on AI to Boost Trusted, Competitive Hub 🔍 Singapore Budget 2026: Focus on AI to Boost Trusted, Competitive Hub Singapore's Budget 2026 highlights a $1.5 billion investment in AI talent development, with Finance Minister Lawrence Wong emphasizing initiatives starting April 1, 2026, to establish Singapore as a global AI leader.
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• 🎭 Singapore Hour's Theatrical Quest: Michael Lee tackles the challenge of transforming Marina Bay Sands Theatre for a massive production by Dream Academy, facing tight schedules, logistical hurdles, and the quest for perfection.
• 💰 Luxurious Indulgence in Singapore: Discover the city's top spots for opulent experiences, from lavish dining to high-end shopping. Channel NewsAsia's feature on splurging in Singapore highlights a visit to ION Orchard on 8th October 2023, showcasing luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada. Interviewee Rachel Lim spends S$2,500 on a handbag.
• 🌿 Eco-Innovation in Action: Singapore's Green Connection Paves the Way for Sustainable Solutions Singapore's Green Connection episode highlights the sustainable efforts by local enterprises in renewable energy and urban farming. Featured organizations include Sunseap and ComCrop. The program showcases their environmentally friendly contributions on 5th October 2023.
• 💧 Louvre Crisis: Fresh Water Leak Forces Temporary Closure of Exhibition Rooms A water leak at the Louvre Museum occurred on October 24, 2023, forcing the temporary closure of several exhibition rooms. The museum is working on repairs to minimize artwork disruption.

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