TODAY’s brief, Wednesday, July 8

LTA pledges full investigation into train disruption

Train services on both the North-South and East-West Lines, which were hit with a disruption lasting more than three hours last night, could be limited this morning, SMRT has warned. Commuters are advised to make alternative travel plans before starting their journeys, and any updates will be given on SMRT and the Land Transport Authority’s website and social media pages. Free bus services will continue this morning. The transport regulator has pledged a full investigation into the unprecedented incident.

COE Results

July’s first COE bidding exercise ends today. Changes to the Carbon Emissions-Based Vehicle Scheme, which punishes cars that are less environmentally-friendly, kicked in at the start of this month and experts have cited the rush among car buyers to make purchases before the changes took effect as one reason for strong demand propping up COE prices. Will prices slump for the first COE bidding exercise since the more stringent rules are in place? COE prices at the last exercise: Cat A S$61,000; Cat B S$71,509; Cat C S$50,502; Cat D S$6,401; Cat E S$74,501

China, Russia presidents meet

Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin today at the 7th BRICS Summit (July 8-9), a coalition of emerging market economies involving Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Not only is China expected to use the summit as a means of garnering support for the country’s increased role on the world stage, but China might also be looking to consolidate support for its ambitious Silk Road Economic Belt.

Anniversary of Kim Il-Sung’s death

North Korea commemorates the 21st anniversary of the death of Kim Il-sung, founder of North Korea. While the country does not appear to have any large events marking the anniversary, recent talks of the United States possibly deploying a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery in South Korea could induce North Korea to conduct another show of military might and heighten cross-border tensions further.

Wimbledon action

Top seed Novak Djokovic of Serbia will face Croatian Marin Cilic in the pick of the quarter-final matches of the men’s singles competition on Day 9 of the Wimbledon tennis championships in London today.

Weather Forecast

Thundery showers are expected over many areas in Singapore in the morning, with temperatures likely to range between 25°C and 31°C.