😮‍💨 'Long storm of global political instability': President Tharman approves Budget 2026 amid 'bracing times'

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam cautioned in a Facebook post on Wednesday (March 18) that impact from the ongoing Middle East situation could extend beyond just fuel prices - going on to impact food supply and prices, and other critical commodities.

"It adds up to a major new stress point in the global economy and financial markets that were already under strain," President Tharman said.

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⛽️ Caltex, Esso join Shell to raise diesel prices by 7 cents each on 3rd consecutive day of hikes

The price of diesel now ranges from $3.49 at SPC, $3.55 at Sinopec to $3.63 at Caltex, Esso and Shell.

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🇮🇩 Indonesia arrests 4 military officers allegedly involved in acid attack on activist

Andrie Yunus, a deputy coordinator with the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence, a rights group also known as KontraS, suffered burns to 20 per cent of his face and body from acid thrown by assailants from a motorcycle on March 12.

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⛽️ Famous temple in Thailand running out of fuel for cremations

As crisis rattles energy and trade amidst the Middle East war, it seems that even the dead could be affected. RIP.

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😔 1 dead, 1 taken to hospital after fire breaks out at Choa Chu Kang HDB flat; 70 residents evacuated

The blaze broke out at about 3am on Thursday (March 19) morning.

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✈️ World's Best Airlines 2026: SIA ranks 3rd, Scoot ranks 5th in respective categories

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has earned yet another accolade, clinching third place in the World's Best Full-Service Airlines for 2026. The rankings were released by aviation safety and product rating website AirlineRatings.com on Wednesday (March 18).

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💳 Over 1,800 reports filed as DBS, POSB online services down for some users

In a Facebook post, DBS said that while they are working to fully recover services, customers can continue making payment through bank cards and withdraw cash at ATMs and POSB cash-points.

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Man, 29, arrested for allegedly molesting 11-year-old girl in Woodlands

The victim had been walking under a sheltered walkway along Woodlands Street 81 when the culprit struck. The man will be charged in court on Thursday (Mar 19) with aggravated molestation.

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🚙 Hari Raya 2026: Best time to drive from Singapore to Malaysia

If you are planning to drive across the border, your best friends are timing and strategy. This article lists exactly when to leave, which checkpoint to choose, and how to navigate the 2026 festive rush like a pro.

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📱 Heavy social media usage erodes young people's wellbeing, report finds

"The message coming through loud and clear is that we should try to put the social back into social media," Professor of Economics at the University of Oxford Jan-Emmanuel de Neve, one of the editors of the World Happiness Report said.

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😮 'Not our war': Europe says no to Trump

When President Donald Trump asked countries to join a global effort against Iran and deploy ships to prise open the Strait of Hormuz, whose near closure has held the global economy in a vice, he was rebuffed by some of America's closest allies.

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🗳 Thailand's Anutin reelected PM after crushing rival in parliamentary vote

Anutin Charnvirakul was reelected Thailand's prime minister on Thursday (March 19) after sailing through a parliamentary vote. He becomes the first Thai premier to be voted back to office in two decades, underlining the upheaval that has dogged Southeast Asia's second-largest economy.

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🛳 Passengers sailing with StarDream Cruises to face $15 fuel surcharge per night amid Middle East conflict

Passengers sailing with StarDream Cruises will have to fork out an additional $15 per night amid the ongoing Middle East conflict and rising fuel prices. The fuel surcharge will apply to all new bookings for passengers aged two and above from March 20.

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⛽ Heading across the Causeway for cheaper petrol? Pump prices up in Malaysia on March 19

On Wednesday night, Malaysia's Ministry of Finance announced that pump prices in Malaysia were adjusted upwards on Thursday (March 19), in line with global fuel price changes under its automatic pricing mechanism (APM).

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🥤 McDonald's viral Grimace Shake makes its way to Singapore

McDonald's viral Grimace Shake has landed in Singapore, the fast food chain announced on Tuesday (March 17). The mixed berry beverage is now available at McDonald's Singapore from $1.85 as a meal upgrade.

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💵 FairPrice offers discount on house-brand essentials for 12 weeks

FairPrice Group announced on Thursday (March 19) that it will be bringing its Best Sellers for Less campaign back for the second year between March 19 to June 10. Customers will be able to get up to 36 per cent off FairPrice's Own Brands products.

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