The IMF projects that inflation in Pakistan will rise in the coming years, potentially reaching nearly 9% by mid-2026, increasing pressure on households and businesses. While GDP growth is expected to remain moderate at just over 3%, high public debt and fiscal constraints continue to limit economic stability. The IMF warns that careful monetary and fiscal management will be necessary to control prices while sustaining growth.

Pro-Russian hackers have claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on France’s postal service, La Poste, disrupting online tracking, payments, and internal systems during the busy holiday period. French authorities and counter-espionage agencies have launched an investigation, treating the incident as part of a broader pattern of politically motivated cyber operations targeting Western infrastructure.

The U.S. is pressing Ukraine to accept a peace plan that would freeze front lines, require territorial and military concessions, and offer limited security guarantees, raising concerns in Kyiv and Europe that the deal favors Russia and shifts long-term risk onto Ukraine. While Washington frames the push as a way to end the war, reduce casualties, and prevent escalation, analysts argue it also reflects U.S. self-interest—cutting costs, managing domestic politics, and freeing r

The IMF has approved about US$206 million in emergency funding for Sri Lanka under the Rapid Financing Instrument to address severe economic pressures caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which killed over 600 people and displaced more than 100,000. The Sri Lankan government said the funds will support urgent humanitarian relief, recovery, and reconstruction, while committing to transparency, fiscal discipline, and debt sustainability.

Apple’s upcoming AirTag 2, revealed through iOS 26 code, is expected to feature improved pairing, precise battery reporting, enhanced tracking for moving items, and better performance in crowded areas. The device will likely include a new Ultra Wideband chip but maintain its original design with a replaceable battery. Although labeled as “2025AirTag” internally, its launch is now expected around early 2026, alongside products like a new HomePod mini and a smarter Siri.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the government is strengthening Sri Lanka’s export sector by streamlining trade facilitation, customs procedures, investment approvals, and improving export facilities, while ensuring stability, transparency, and accountability. Speaking at the 27th Presidential Export Awards 2024/25, she highlighted the challenges exporters faced from global disruptions, natural disasters like the Ditwah cyclone, and past policy inconsistencies, and

SBI Ripple Asia has partnered with XRPL-native Doppler Finance to develop yield-bearing products for XRP, expanding its use beyond cross-border payments. The collaboration will focus on compliant yield infrastructure and real-world asset tokenization on the XRP Ledger, with institutional clients as the main target. This move strengthens Ripple’s strategy in Asia and positions XRP as a more productive, investment-ready digital asset.

Sri Lanka’s economy grew 5.4% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025, marking a continued recovery from its recent financial crisis, led mainly by strong industrial expansion. Growth was broad-based, with industry, agriculture, and services all contributing, despite disruptions caused by severe flooding and cyclone damage in late November. Authorities remain cautiously optimistic, supported by an IMF bailout programme and emergency funding, though risks to growth persist i

Hong Kong reclaimed its position as Asia’s top fundraising hub in 2025, with share sales surging to over $73 billion, driven largely by major Chinese listings and placements. India also posted a record year for IPOs, raising more than $20 billion as strong domestic investor participation fueled blockbuster deals. While Asia now dominates global share-sale markets, investors are becoming more valuation-conscious amid market volatility and geopolitical risks.

New Zealand’s exports surged to NZ$25.0 billion in the September 2025 quarter, driven by strong global demand for key agricultural products. At the same time, the Māori economy recorded rapid growth, with GDP contributions nearly doubling between 2018 and 2023 and Māori-owned businesses expanding into diverse sectors. Rising business confidence and resilient export performance make 2025 a milestone year for both New Zealand’s trade sector and Māori enterprise.

China has a high number of young, self-made billionaires, reflecting strong wealth creation driven largely by technological innovation. However, analysts warn that increased state control and the lack of protections for failed entrepreneurs are holding back innovation and risk-taking. Experts say a more supportive environment is needed to sustain China’s entrepreneurial momentum.

Nuwara Eliya District Secretary Thushari Tennakoon has urged motorists to avoid nighttime travel to Nuwara Eliya due to heightened landslide risks following recent adverse weather. A fresh earth mound collapse on the Gampola–Nuwara Eliya main road in Katukithula underscores ongoing road instability. She confirmed that all necessary relief measures have been provided to affected residents and dismissed claims questioning the government’s response as unfounded.

ISRO has rescheduled the launch of the BlueBird-6 satellite, the heaviest US commercial satellite, to December 21, 2025, to allow additional pre-launch integration and testing. Developed with AST SpaceMobile, the 6.5-tonne satellite will use a massive phased array antenna to provide direct-to-device broadband connectivity, especially in remote regions. The mission, using ISRO’s LVM3 rocket, highlights a major step forward in global communication technology and strengthens Ind

The Prime Minister visited the University of Peradeniya to assess severe flood damage estimated at over Rs. 6 billion, which affected major faculties, IT facilities, laboratories, and student infrastructure. She praised the successful evacuation of students and the support from the Army, Disaster Management Centre, and local donors during the crisis. The Government pledged full assistance, directing authorities to restore essential services, repair buildings, strengthen early

Talks between Putin and envoy Witkoff ended without progress, with both sides holding firm on ceasefire terms, humanitarian access, and security guarantees. The stalemate is reinforced by ongoing battlefield attrition, severe humanitarian strain, and deep mutual distrust. Diplomacy remains active but largely limited to managing risks rather than resolving core political disputes.

Norwich Castle has attracted over 110,000 visitors in just three months after reopening following a £27.5m refurbishment. The project, which faced delays due to Covid and supply issues, introduced new features such as a glass atrium, café and recreated Norman interiors. Officials say the strong visitor turnout highlights the castle’s renewed status as a world-class heritage attraction.

Amazon announced a $35 billion investment in India by 2030 to expand infrastructure, enhance AI innovation, and boost digital inclusion. The company aims to support 3.8 million jobs and help 15 million small businesses adopt AI while empowering students through AI education. With this commitment, Amazon plans to help India increase e-commerce exports to $80 billion and strengthen its digital economy.

Meta has agreed to offer Facebook and Instagram users in the EU a new choice on how much of their data is shared for personalised advertising, following pressure from the European Commission. Starting January 2026, users can choose between fully personalised ads or a version with less data sharing and limited ad personalisation. This move resolves concerns over Meta’s previous “pay or consent” model, which was found to violate the EU’s Digital Markets Act.

Amazon launched its faster Trainium 3 AI chip, helping companies cut training costs by up to 50% and strengthening AWS’s competitiveness against Microsoft and Google. The company also revealed plans for a future Trainium4 chip that will integrate Nvidia’s NVLink Fusion technology, signaling deeper collaboration between the two firms. Amazon’s stock gained slightly, supported by strong recent performance and growing AI investments.

The OECD forecasts the global economy to grow 3.2% this year, showing resilience despite U.S. trade tensions. U.S. growth is upgraded to 2%, supported partly by strong AI-related investments, even as new tariffs pose future risks. China is expected to grow 5%, while India remains the fastest-growing major economy at 6.7%.