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

President Donald Trump said the United States has carried out what he described as “powerful and deadly” airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants operating in north western Nigeria.

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

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.

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

Los Angeles, California – Rain steamed down on the legendary Rose Parade on Thursday (January 1) for the first time in 20 years as flood warnings and evacuation arrangements in Southern California participated in the snow squalls and frigid temperatures in the country’s midsection on New Year’s Day.

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

Evidence from Mangione Backpack Plays Central Role in Manhattan Hearing Over Murder Case

An overnight exchange of fire along the Afghan-Pakistan border killed five Afghan civilians and injured eight people on both sides, with each country blaming the other for starting the clash. The incident occurred despite a fragile two-month ceasefire and comes amid heightened tensions linked to recent militant attacks and cross-border accusations. The renewed violence follows Pakistan’s decision to allow UN aid supplies into Afghanistan and coincides with Pakistan’s security

UK–US Tech Prosperity Deal Talks Stall Amid Wider Trade Concerns

The Middle East Peace and Security Forum 2025 in Duhok brought together Kurdish, Iraqi, and regional leaders to focus on practical cooperation for stability, humanitarian access, and reconstruction. Its unprecedented Kurdish unity and technical working-group structure signalled a shift toward operational, depoliticised diplomacy. The forum’s impact now depends on whether its working groups deliver measurable progress and sustain political momentum over the next year.

Greece's finance minister, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, has been appointed president of the Eurogroup, reflecting the country’s strong economic recovery since its debt crisis. Greece now enjoys steady growth, high investment rates, budget surpluses, and declining public debt despite remaining the highest in Europe. As Eurogroup President, Pierrakakis will represent the euro area at G7 meetings, shape agendas, and foster consensus among member states.