Relations between the United States and South Africa—once defined by cooperation in trade, health, and diplomacy—have entered one of their most turbulent phases since the end of apartheid.

China’s low-altitude aviation industry, including flying taxis and delivery drones, is expanding rapidly with strong government support but faces obstacles such as strict airspace controls, safety concerns, and limited battery capacity. Major players like EHang and XPENG are pushing toward commercial passenger drones, while Guangdong leads the sector’s growth. Experts predict wider commercialization around 2030, though public acceptance and regulatory reforms will determine h

Sri Lanka’s position is anchored in the fundamental tenets of the United Nations Charter.

Fire devastates a Hong Kong high-rise complex, leaving multiple dead and residents trapped

Brazil recorded a historic tourism milestone in 2025, welcoming over eight million international visitors—a 40% increase from last year. The surge boosted the economy, generating $6.617 billion in visitor spending and creating more than 114,000 jobs. With strong marketing and a focus on sustainable tourism, Brazil is expected to exceed nine million visitors by year-end.

Deadly fire at Hong Kong high-rise housing estate kills dozens, dozens missing

Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship Sparks Glitter, but Yields Little Concessions in Myanmar and Border Crises

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned that global politics increasingly outweighs economics, urging India to diversify its supply chains to ensure resilience and national security. He highlighted shifts in the global order, with the US pursuing individualized engagement and China operating independently, increasing uncertainties for countries worldwide.

Coupang Apologizes for Data Breach Affecting 33.7 Million Customer Accounts

Indonesia Floods Claim More Than 500 Lives as Rescue Efforts Stretch into a Second Week

Sri Lanka and several Southeast Asian nations are facing one of the most severe flood seasons in decades, with millions affected and widespread destruction reported. Sri Lanka has been hit hardest, with over 330 deaths, thousands displaced, and major infrastructure crippled following Cyclone Ditwah. Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand are also experiencing heavy flooding, highlighting an unusually extreme monsoon season across Asia.

Hong Kong Orders Removal of Scaffold Mesh as Deadly High-Rise Fire Probes Continue

Healing Arts Singapore, held from 8–12 December 2025, launches Asia’s first national arts and health initiative in collaboration with NUS, NAFA, UAS, the Jameel Arts & Health Lab and WHO. The programme introduces major regional platforms including the first Healing Arts Centre of Excellence in Asia and the new THRivE evaluation toolkit for arts and heritage practitioners.

Cyclone Ditwah is expected to push Sri Lanka’s inflation higher due to damage to agriculture and disruptions in supply chains. Analysts warn the rupee may weaken further as the country increases imports of essential goods. The LKR has already depreciated 1.3% in the past month amid low forex liquidity and higher import demand.

Thailand Launches Airstrikes as Border Clashes With Cambodia Escalate

Sri Lanka’s interest rates have risen in October as banks increased deposit collection amid strong loan demand, despite earlier rate cuts and controversial liquidity injections by the central bank. Analysts warn that recent monetary practices risk repeating past currency crises, especially as the rupee weakened again in 2025. The post-Cyclone Ditwah recovery adds uncertainty, with the government planning major spending and expecting IMF and World Bank support.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been named Sri Lanka’s Best Trade Finance Bank at the Euromoney Transaction Banking Awards 2025 for its strong leadership in supporting national trade. The Bank commands significant market share—21% in exports and 14.26% in imports—and handled over US$ 5 billion in trade transactions in 2024. Its digital platform, ComBank TradeLink, along with regional recognition from ADB, further strengthens its position as the country’s leading private sector

Asia’s natural gas demand has grown significantly since 2015—driven mainly by China—while many other Asian countries are seeing declining consumption. Falling domestic gas production is pushing the region toward higher LNG imports, despite LNG being far more expensive than locally produced gas. IEEFA warns that this shift creates economic and competitiveness risks for key sectors across Asia, even if

Warner Bros. Discovery Sells Its Assets to Netflix in $82.7 Billion Deal Reshaping Hollywood

OPEC+ Slows Oil Output Growth, Plans Pause in Early 2026 Amid Oversupply Concerns