TODAY’s brief, Thursday, April 21

Nomination papers can be collected
With the Writ for the Bukit Batok by-election issued on Wednesday, aspiring candidates can start collect nomination papers from 9am on Thursday at the Elections Department. The by-election, to be held on May 7, is expected to be a straight fight between the People’s Action Party Murali Pillai and the Singapore Democratic Party’s Chee Soon Juan, barring any surprises come Nomination Day on April 27. The nomination paper must be filled be correctly and signed by the candidate and a proposer, a seconder and at least four assentors whose names appear in the current Register of Electors for Bukit Batok constituency.

PM Lee to meet Nobel Laureate Shimon Peres
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wraps up his week-long visit to the Middle East on Thursday where he will meet with former Israeli President and Nobel Laureate Shimon Peres. His visit to the region, which began on April 16, saw him visiting Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories where he met with their respective leaders.

US Dep Secretary of State Blinken in Vietnam
United States Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken wraps up his two-day visit to Vietnam on Thursday where he will give a speech on US policy towards Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific region to students at the Vietnam National University. He had met with senior Vietnamese government officials and entrepreneurs on Wednesday. Mr Blinken’s visit to the country comes before US President Barrack Obama’s trip to Vietnam in May.

Queen Elizabeth II celebrates 90th birthday
Britain’s longest-reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her 90th birthday on Thursday where she will light the first of more than 900 celebratory beacons. Born on April 21, 1926, the Queen has been served by 12 prime ministers; navigated the decline of the British Empire; braved the tragedies of her family and the nation; and, on Sept 9 last year, surpassed the 23,226-day reign of her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria.

Geylang International face off with Tampines Rovers
S.League teams Geylang International and Tampines Rovers will face off in the highly anticipated derby at the Bedok Stadium at 7.30pm. Balestier Khalsa will host Garena Young Lions in the other fixture at the Toa Payoh Stadium (7.30pm).

Weather forecast
Warm conditions with thundery showers mainly over southern, western and central Singapore in the afternoon, with temperatures ranging from 25° C to 35° C.