What's The News? - Dec, Jan, Feb

What was the significance of the Christmas Train Show at Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome in 2023?

• It was the first train show in Singapore.
• It was the first collaboration between Singapore and the US on botanical exhibitions.
• It featured a record-breaking number of miniature trains.

Answer explanation

The Christmas Train Show was introduced as an American festive tradition, brought to Singapore for the first time in partnership with the New York Botanical Garden, the US Botanic Garden in Washington, DC, and Applied Imagination.

Which Singaporean fashion brand gained international attention after being spotted with Taylor Swift?

• Pedro
• Aupen
• Charles & Keith

Answer explanation

Taylor Swift was seen carrying Aupen bags in 2023. These were not paid endorsements but reflected her genuine preference, according to Aupen's founder, Nicholas Tan.

What is the purpose of the Bread Run initiative by Food from the Heart?

• To provide free breakfast for school children
• To distribute surplus bread to those in need
• To promote healthier bread alternatives

Answer explanation

Bread Run is Food from the Heart’s longest-running initiative, involving nearly 1,700 volunteers distributing bread to 120 locations across Singapore.

What was Oxford University Press’s Word of the Year for 2024, reflecting concerns about digital consumption?

• Brain rot
• Demure
• Doomscrolling

Answer explanation

Oxford University Press selected "brain rot" as its Word of the Year, referencing the cognitive impact of excessive digital content consumption.

What aspect of running does SMU’s BreathPro system monitor?

• Step length
• Breathing & foot strike
• Heart rate variability

Answer explanation

BreathPro, developed by SMU researchers in collaboration with Cambridge University, helps runners optimize their breathing and foot strike for better performance.

How does coral restoration at St. John’s Island benefit Singapore’s environment?

• It creates a tourist attraction.
• It helps desalinate seawater.
• It enhances marine biodiversity and protects coastlines.

Answer explanation

Coral reefs serve as habitats for over 100 species of fish and 200 species of sea sponges. They also protect coastlines from wave erosion and storms.

What was unique about protests against Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law?

• Protesters dressed as historical figures.
• The protest was held entirely online.
• Demonstrators waved K-pop light sticks.

Answer explanation

In front of the National Assembly, young demonstrators used K-pop light sticks in colors representing groups like NCT, EXO, and Seventeen as a symbol of resistance.

Why did Singapore’s International Migrants Day concept train emphasize the role of migrant workers?

• To encourage better working conditions
• To recognize their contributions to Singapore’s economy
• To launch a new government housing scheme

Answer explanation

The initiative aimed to remind Singaporeans that migrant workers play an integral role in the nation’s economy and society.

What does the United Nations define as a super-aged society?

• A country where over 20% of the population is aged 65 or older
• A nation with declining birth rates over 50 years
• A region where the majority of citizens are retirees

Answer explanation

A super-aged society is one where more than 20% of the population is aged 65 or older, a growing concern for aging nations.

What restriction must social media platforms like TikTok comply with under Vietnam’s Decree 147?

• Remove government-deemed illegal content within 24 hours
• Obtain parental consent for minors
• Limit foreign content to under 50%

Answer explanation

Vietnam's Decree 147 mandates that platforms remove content deemed illegal by the government within 24 hours.