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1.   Fire, it broke out in two places this morning gutting a shop and a flat. Sharon Tong has the story of the fire in Bedok South which broke out about 9am and the one at Tampines which started in the early hours of the morning.

2.  The High Court today dismissed an application by Workers' Party candidate Tang Liang Hong to strike out three defamation suits against him. Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew and six other PAP leaders are suing him for calling them liars. And in the latest development, Deputy Prime Minister  Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam is also suing Mr. Tang Liang Hong for allegedly defaming him. The notice of legal action published in an advertisement in the Straits Times today said DPM Dr Tony Tan is claiming damages for defamation and costs.

It said copies of the writ have been posted on the front door of Mr. Tang's homes and the notice board of the Supreme Court. Mr. Tang has eight days to respond to this legal action. He is said to be consulting a Queen's Counsel in London where he's reported to be at the moment after moving first to Malaysia and Hong Kong.

3.  In international news, Britain lodges a new protest over China's plans to amend and repeal a series of laws in Hong Kong after the handover. But China's brushed off the move as 'little more than a show'. In the territory, democrats and human rights groups are upset that Hong Kong's future leader has defended China's proposals. Angela Ee reports.

4.  In South Korea the main opposition party says yes to a debate on a controversial labour law. It's a shift from its previous demand that the law be revoked. But it has set one condition though, the government has to apologise for forcing through the legislation. But strike leaders are sticking to demands that the law, which makes it easier to fire workers, be repealed. They left Seoul's Myongdong Cathedral today, which had served as their headquarters during the month-long labour unrest. With their arrest warrants suspended, unionists say they're moving to a public place where they'll continue their struggle.

5.  On the streets of Serbia, pro-democracy protests have escalated into clashes. Police clubbed demonstrators blockading a highway, beating one member of parliament unconscious. In all 15 people were hurt. The protests, now into their third month, are aimed at forcing the government to reinstate opposition victories in local elections.

6.  UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan wraps up his Washington visit with pledges from the US for a prompt repayment of its debt to the United Nations. In a surprise move, the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said he would submit a bill to clear off the 1.3 billion US dollar debt if certain reform "benchmarks" were met. The announcement by Senator Jesse Helms, a strong critic of the world body, came after President Clinton said he would work closely with Congress to find a way to pay off the debt. The UN Chief has stressed that he too is committed to carrying out reforms in the world body.

7.  And former UN ambassador Madeline Albright has been sworn in as the first female US Secretary of State. She's pledged to defend US leadership in the world and build support at home for that goal. Speaking after being sworn in at an Oval Office ceremony she warned that America's world leadership role could crumble if it becomes complacent. Ms. Albright will head the foreign affairs team. It's expected to take a larger role in Mr. Clinton's second term.

8.  And in Pakistan, Jemima Khan, wife of former cricket captain Imran Khan, is pitching in to help her husband's bid to be the next prime minister.

9.  Seven blocks in West Coast will be the next batch of flats to be upgraded under the interim upgrading programme. Among the proposals, a community mall that'll be the centre of activities for residents of the one thousand three hundred units. The mall will cut through the central spine of the housing estate along West Coast road. And like the one across the road, it'll be a landscaped garden right next to the shops. Shop owners there say business has improved slightly as more people walk by in the evenings now. This weekend, residents will also vote on other ideas to improve existing playgrounds and walkways.

10. And, income tax forms will be easier to fill out this year. If you're a citizen or permanent resident, well you no longer have to send in your annual dividends statement or individual dividend vouchers, issued by the Central Depository, when you submit your income tax forms. There's also no need to claim the tax deducted from dividends in your tax forms. If you have any further inquiries you can call 1-800-356-8300. And from this year, individual taxpayers can expect to receive their tax forms in February instead of early January. The IRAS says that's because many taxpayers misplaced their forms after receiving it early.

11. And more than 175 thousand CPF members will receive letters next week on the second Pre-Medisave Top-Up Scheme. CPF said almost 52 million dollars will be distributed into their Medisave Accounts. Those who are 62 and above on 1 April 1996 are eligible for the top-up. It ranges from 100 to 350 dollars, depending on the member's age.

12. A blotched up attempt at cosmetic surgery which led to the death of a fellow beautician and a friend. Well, today the woman responsible was sentenced to 15 months jail after the charge was reduced from murder.

13. Police have identified 30-year-old Mok Yee Han and her 3-year-old son Chow Zion as the woman and child found dead at the bottom of a block of flats at 414 Tampines Street 41. TCS understands the woman had been suffering from depression. She and her son had moved in to their Tampines home at Blk 411 with her husband just a few months ago.

14. The incidence of breast cancer here has doubled in the last 25 years. But a new local study may help, it's uncovered the important risk factors in older women.

15. In sport, National bowlers Sam Goh and Ronnie Ng are through to the semi-finals of the OP Challenge, Sam in with a 210 average.

16. In tennis, world number one Pete Sampras stormed into the finals of the Australian Open. He won in straight sets over Austrian Tomas Muster. Sampras, chasing his second Australian title, took 2 hours to demolish Muster, 6-1, 7-6, 6-3. He'll take on unseeded Spaniard Carlos Moya in Sunday's final.

17. Meet Australia's mascots for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Syd the Platypus represents water. Millie the Echidna resembles a porcupine and represents the earth. While Olly the Kookaburra symbolises the air. The trio of native Australian animals were chosen, organisers say, because they captured the country's easygoing, friendly and sporty spirit.