Latest Updates

Thirteen top officials and executives have died in suspicious circumstances since the start of the war in Ukraine

The death of Roman Starovoit, who killed himself only hours after being fired by Russian President Vladimir Putin as Russia’s transport minister, has spurred fresh talk of the life-threatening dangers of working for the Russian government.

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Trump to restart weapons deliveries to Ukraine

“We have to,” said US President Donald Trump, who announced on July 7 that his administration would restart weapons supplies to Ukraine, which is facing an intensifying bombardment by Russian missiles.

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Russian air travel collapses and transport minister commits suicide in one weekend

As Ukrainian drone attacks caused hundreds of flights to be cancelled and thousands delayed, Transport Minister Roman Starovoit was found dead.

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Lavrov hits back at Nato’s Rutte, denies Russian plans to invade Europe or attack Nato

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov hit back at Nato General Secretary Mark Rutte's claims that Chinese President Xi Jinping could ask Russia to attack Nato to clear a path for China’s occupation of Taiwan, or that it plans to invade Estonia.

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Indonesian volcano erupts, sending ash 18km into sky

Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted on July 7, spewing volcanic ash up to 18km into the sky and triggering flight cancellations.

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South Korea's population could shrink by 85% within century, new study warns

South Korea's population could plummet to just 7.53mn by 2125 under the worst-case scenario, representing an 85% decline from current levels.

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Iranian president accuses Israel of assassination attempt

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused Israel of attempting to assassinate him and said Tehran is ready to resume nuclear talks with the United States.

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Global South unity on display at BRICS summit, leaders avoid criticising Russia

The BRICS leaders gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6 for the annual meeting, where they condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, the US airstrikes on Iran and Ukraine’s drone strikes on trains, but not Russia's war in Ukraine.

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Government and opposition spar over pro-Nazi salutes at Croatia’s largest-ever concert

Former head of Georgian Adjara region hospitalised after what government claims was suicide attempt

Sergei Lavrov lauds Hungarian government’s policy in interview with pro-Orban media

Government and opposition spar over pro-Nazi salutes at Croatia’s largest-ever concert

Video footage showed many attendees at Thompson's concert raising their arms in a Ustasha salute.

Former head of Georgian Adjara region hospitalised after what government claims was suicide attempt

Questions raised over "suicide note" pro-government media say was found in Tornike Rizhvadze's clothes after he was hospitalised with a gunshot wound to the chest.

Sergei Lavrov lauds Hungarian government’s policy in interview with pro-Orban media

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has lauded the Hungarian government's foreign policy as "balanced and pragmatic", in an interview granted to pro-Orban daily Magyar Nemzet.

News

White House discussed “voluntary” Gaza migration plan as Israeli premier arrives in US

The White House recently discussed a detailed plan initiated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to establish "humanitarian transit zones."

Banking expert calls for international banks to revive Syrian economy

Syria must open its financial sector to regional and international banks as a crucial step towards economic recovery and rebuilding the country's banking system.

France raises concern over citizen missing in Iran since June

A French man has been missing in Iran since mid-June, prompting concerns from Paris about Tehran's "deliberate policy of taking Western hostages."

Moldova urges EU to begin accession talks ahead of September elections

Deputy PM Cristina Gherasimov argued an early start to accession talks would demonstrate tangible progress to voters and help counter Russian-backed disinformation.

Kremlin to replenish National Welfare Fund by RUB1.3tn in June, enough to cover the budget deficit, despite oil revenue pressures

The Kremlin has replenished the National Welfare Fund (NWF) with a new RUB1.3tn ($14.9bn) injection in June, as the Ministry of Finance credited long-delayed foreign exchange proceeds and gold reserves purchased last year.

White House discussed “voluntary” Gaza migration plan as Israeli premier arrives in US

16 hours ago

Banking expert calls for international banks to revive Syrian economy

21 hours ago

France raises concern over citizen missing in Iran since June

22 hours ago

Moldova urges EU to begin accession talks ahead of September elections

1 day ago

Kremlin to replenish National Welfare Fund by RUB1.3tn in June, enough to cover the budget deficit, despite oil revenue pressures

1 day ago

More News

Tech

Brazil opens door to Chinese AI investment while avoiding Belt and Road

Brazil and China have unveiled plans for a joint artificial intelligence research facility targeting agricultural development, in a significant expansion of technological cooperation between the two emerging powers.

China overtakes US to become world’s R&D research leader on the back Trump’s academic research cuts

China’s lead over the United States in global scientific output has leapt, as new data shows that the gap between the two powers has more than quadrupled in the space of a year, according to Nature’s 2025 index of research papers leaders.

Turkey telecommunications investment surges 80% to TRY94.1bn

Turkey's electronic communications companies increased sector investment by 80% to TRY94.1bn ($2.36bn) compared to 2023.

Where startups are born, global firms grow and capital flows - Asia in 2025

From 2017 to 2023, private equity and venture capital assets under management in Asia surged by an astonishing 130%, significantly outpacing growth in Western markets.

UAE aviation authority issues world's first hybrid operations regulations for flying taxis

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority has issued the world's first regulatory framework for hybrid operations, enabling electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

Brazil opens door to Chinese AI investment while avoiding Belt and Road

15 hours ago

China overtakes US to become world’s R&D research leader on the back Trump’s academic research cuts

1 day ago

Turkey telecommunications investment surges 80% to TRY94.1bn

3 days ago

Where startups are born, global firms grow and capital flows - Asia in 2025

4 days ago

UAE aviation authority issues world's first hybrid operations regulations for flying taxis

5 days ago

More Tech

Opinion

COMMENT: How close to a crisis is Russia's banking sector?

The Russian banking sector, once buoyed by record profits and wartime stimulus, is now showing growing signs of financial strain, leading some to ask if a crisis is looming?

ING: National Bank of Poland press conference, hawkish start to dovish end

The President of the National Bank of Poland first called yesterday's cut an adjustment of rates, not the beginning of a cycle of cuts. Finally, he signalled a September cut with the target rate seen in the range of 3-3.5%.

COMMENT: Iran new rail link to China played a role in provoking the 12-day war

Iran launched its first-ever direct railway connection to China in May, its first rail link to Asia that does not rely on transshipment through seaports or Russia, significantly improving its national security by avoiding the seaborne exports.

BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: Turkey’s tourism minister holidays in Greece

Hold the indignation. Let the poor man explain.

COMMENT: Competing Trans-Afghan transport routes could split Central Asia

Central Asia is bottled up by an unstable Afghanistan. It would dearly love to open a southern corridor that leads to the huge and lucrative markets of Southeast Asia that could transform the economy of the region.

COMMENT: How close to a crisis is Russia's banking sector?

1 day ago

ING: National Bank of Poland press conference, hawkish start to dovish end

3 days ago

COMMENT: Iran new rail link to China played a role in provoking the 12-day war

8 days ago

BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: Turkey’s tourism minister holidays in Greece

10 days ago

COMMENT: Competing Trans-Afghan transport routes could split Central Asia

11 days ago

More Opinion

Data

Czech industrial output slightly accelerates to 2.2% y/y in May

Czech industrial output increased by 2.2% year on year and fell by 1.6% month on month in May.

Global and domestic uncertainty drag down Serbia's GDP growth

GDP expands by just 2.2% in 5M25 amid weakening demand from major European trade partners and declining inflows of capital and foreign direct investment.

Russia’s military recruitment slows but costs surge past $4bn in first half of 2025

Russia’s contract military recruitment slowed in May and June after a spring surge, but the cost of signing up new soldiers continued to climb, according to analysis by Janis Kluge, fellow at the Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP).

Zimbabwe abolishes decades-old dual exchange rate controls

Zimbabwe has officially eliminated exchange rate controls that authorities used for decades to arrest and fine individuals and businesses operating with unofficial rates.

Kazakhstan’s annual inflation climbs to 11.8% in June, driven by utilities and food prices

Kazakhstan’s annual inflation rate rose to 11.8% in June, up from 11.3% in May, according to latest figures released by the National Statistics Bureau. Monthly inflation eased slightly to 0.8%, compared to 0.9% in May.

Czech industrial output slightly accelerates to 2.2% y/y in May

11 hours ago

Global and domestic uncertainty drag down Serbia's GDP growth

15 hours ago

Russia’s military recruitment slows but costs surge past $4bn in first half of 2025

1 day ago

Zimbabwe abolishes decades-old dual exchange rate controls

3 days ago

Kazakhstan’s annual inflation climbs to 11.8% in June, driven by utilities and food prices

4 days ago

More Data

Features

Russian labour market crunch shows signs of easing as firms scale back hiring and wage growth

Russia’s chronic labour crisis is showing signs of beginning to ease, as new data show a slowdown in wage growth and hiring, particularly in the civilian and construction sectors, Kommersant reported this week.

Death on a volcano - and a day of reckoning for Indonesia’s mountain rescue teams

Juliana Marins, 26, fell into a 600-metre ravine near the summit of Mount Rinjani during a guided hike with five other tourists. The volcano, rising 3,726 metres above sea level is one of Indonesia’s most popular but perilous trekking destinations.

Taiwan ambassador reaffirms Guatemala partnership amid China's regional expansion

Taiwan's Ambassador to Guatemala has reaffirmed the nations' "transparent, sustainable, and mutually beneficial" relationship in an interview with bne IntelliNews following Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo's visit to Taiwan on June 5.

Matcha shortage in Japan: tradition under strain as global demand soars

The issue is not simply one of popularity. Matcha production is a highly specialised and seasonal process. It begins with shade-grown tencha leaves, which are harvested only once a year in spring.

India targets increase in edible oil refining sector by cutting import duties

India is one of the world’s major consumers of edible oil, with palm oil being the most popular. A significant portion of the country’s domestic demand is met through imports, primarily from Malaysia and Indonesia.

Russian labour market crunch shows signs of easing as firms scale back hiring and wage growth

4 days ago

Death on a volcano - and a day of reckoning for Indonesia’s mountain rescue teams

4 days ago

Taiwan ambassador reaffirms Guatemala partnership amid China's regional expansion

4 days ago

Matcha shortage in Japan: tradition under strain as global demand soars

4 days ago

India targets increase in edible oil refining sector by cutting import duties

4 days ago

More Features

Blogs

KYIV BLOG: A night under attack

Katia, a 28-year old text editor, had spent Thursday afternoon on the beach by what locals call the Kyiv sea, but which is in fact a huge reservoir formed by the damming of the Dnipro river north of the city.

KYIV BLOG: Never enough arms and ammo for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been calling for western arms from day-one of the war and has never received enough soon enough.

ASIA BLOG: Southeast Asia should pivot away from Trump’s America and steer in the direction of Europe

Trump's confrontational approach to China, while superficially aligned with concerns within ASEAN, is neither strategic nor consultative. It is built more on spectacle than substance, more on division than dialogue.

CENTRAL ASIA BLOG: Kazakhstan’s uneven transformation

There have been dramatic changes in Kazakhstan over the last decade, with a thriving fintech sector and an embrace of green technologies, but the country is still grappling with familiar political and economic challenges.

CAUCASUS BLOG: Politicians take on Emerging Europe’s powerful churches at their peril 

Armenian PM offered to show the head of the church his penis to prove a point in their ongoing row. But past experience shows it’s difficult for politicians to win a church vs state standoff.

KYIV BLOG: A night under attack

2 days ago

KYIV BLOG: Never enough arms and ammo for Ukraine

5 days ago

ASIA BLOG: Southeast Asia should pivot away from Trump’s America and steer in the direction of Europe

6 days ago

CENTRAL ASIA BLOG: Kazakhstan’s uneven transformation

7 days ago

CAUCASUS BLOG: Politicians take on Emerging Europe’s powerful churches at their peril 

11 days ago

More Blogs

bneGREEN

Syria battles wildfires for fifth day as climate change worsens

For the fifth consecutive day, firefighting teams have been battling to contain the wildfires raging in northern Latakia’s countryside.

Air pollution hits hazardous levels as officials advise citizens to get used to dust

Tehran's air quality has plunged to a critical "very unhealthy" and "hazardous" state on July 7, with the city's Air Pollution Index (API) soaring past 300 in the last 24 hours.

Experts warn of “cascading” climate tipping points that will kill the climate without immediate global action

World leaders must act with “immediate, unprecedented” urgency to prevent cascading climate tipping points that could have catastrophic consequences for billions of people, according to the Global Tipping Points Conferenrence delegates.

Melting polar ice is measurably slowing the earth’s rotation

Melting polar ice is slowing the Earth’s rotation, but not enough to offset an even greater acceleration caused by changes in Earth’s molten core. As a result, the planet is spinning faster, but not as fast as it should be.

BERTRAND: Conflicting views of the future - China chooses renewables, US chooses oil

We’re now in a fascinating, and probably unprecedented, situation where the world’s two greatest superpowers - China and the US - are actively building two entirely different visions of what the world's energy future should look like.

Syria battles wildfires for fifth day as climate change worsens

19 hours ago

Air pollution hits hazardous levels as officials advise citizens to get used to dust

21 hours ago

Experts warn of “cascading” climate tipping points that will kill the climate without immediate global action

1 day ago

Melting polar ice is measurably slowing the earth’s rotation

1 day ago

BERTRAND: Conflicting views of the future - China chooses renewables, US chooses oil

1 day ago

More bneGREEN

Latest Updates

News

The White House recently discussed a detailed plan initiated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to establish "humanitarian transit zones."

Syria must open its financial sector to regional and international banks as a crucial step towards economic recovery and rebuilding the country's banking system.

A French man has been missing in Iran since mid-June, prompting concerns from Paris about Tehran's "deliberate policy of taking Western hostages."

Deputy PM Cristina Gherasimov argued an early start to accession talks would demonstrate tangible progress to voters and help counter Russian-backed disinformation.

The Kremlin has replenished the National Welfare Fund (NWF) with a new RUB1.3tn ($14.9bn) injection in June, as the Ministry of Finance credited long-delayed foreign exchange proceeds and gold reserves purchased last year.

Tech

Brazil and China have unveiled plans for a joint artificial intelligence research facility targeting agricultural development, in a significant expansion of technological cooperation between the two emerging powers.

China’s lead over the United States in global scientific output has leapt, as new data shows that the gap between the two powers has more than quadrupled in the space of a year, according to Nature’s 2025 index of research papers leaders.

Turkey's electronic communications companies increased sector investment by 80% to TRY94.1bn ($2.36bn) compared to 2023.

From 2017 to 2023, private equity and venture capital assets under management in Asia surged by an astonishing 130%, significantly outpacing growth in Western markets.

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority has issued the world's first regulatory framework for hybrid operations, enabling electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

Opinion

The Russian banking sector, once buoyed by record profits and wartime stimulus, is now showing growing signs of financial strain, leading some to ask if a crisis is looming?

The President of the National Bank of Poland first called yesterday's cut an adjustment of rates, not the beginning of a cycle of cuts. Finally, he signalled a September cut with the target rate seen in the range of 3-3.5%.

Iran launched its first-ever direct railway connection to China in May, its first rail link to Asia that does not rely on transshipment through seaports or Russia, significantly improving its national security by avoiding the seaborne exports.

Hold the indignation. Let the poor man explain.

Central Asia is bottled up by an unstable Afghanistan. It would dearly love to open a southern corridor that leads to the huge and lucrative markets of Southeast Asia that could transform the economy of the region.

Data

Czech industrial output increased by 2.2% year on year and fell by 1.6% month on month in May.

GDP expands by just 2.2% in 5M25 amid weakening demand from major European trade partners and declining inflows of capital and foreign direct investment.

Russia’s contract military recruitment slowed in May and June after a spring surge, but the cost of signing up new soldiers continued to climb, according to analysis by Janis Kluge, fellow at the Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP).

Zimbabwe has officially eliminated exchange rate controls that authorities used for decades to arrest and fine individuals and businesses operating with unofficial rates.

Kazakhstan’s annual inflation rate rose to 11.8% in June, up from 11.3% in May, according to latest figures released by the National Statistics Bureau. Monthly inflation eased slightly to 0.8%, compared to 0.9% in May.

Features

Russia’s chronic labour crisis is showing signs of beginning to ease, as new data show a slowdown in wage growth and hiring, particularly in the civilian and construction sectors, Kommersant reported this week.

Juliana Marins, 26, fell into a 600-metre ravine near the summit of Mount Rinjani during a guided hike with five other tourists. The volcano, rising 3,726 metres above sea level is one of Indonesia’s most popular but perilous trekking destinations.

Taiwan's Ambassador to Guatemala has reaffirmed the nations' "transparent, sustainable, and mutually beneficial" relationship in an interview with bne IntelliNews following Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo's visit to Taiwan on June 5.

The issue is not simply one of popularity. Matcha production is a highly specialised and seasonal process. It begins with shade-grown tencha leaves, which are harvested only once a year in spring.

India is one of the world’s major consumers of edible oil, with palm oil being the most popular. A significant portion of the country’s domestic demand is met through imports, primarily from Malaysia and Indonesia.

Blogs

Katia, a 28-year old text editor, had spent Thursday afternoon on the beach by what locals call the Kyiv sea, but which is in fact a huge reservoir formed by the damming of the Dnipro river north of the city.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been calling for western arms from day-one of the war and has never received enough soon enough.

Trump's confrontational approach to China, while superficially aligned with concerns within ASEAN, is neither strategic nor consultative. It is built more on spectacle than substance, more on division than dialogue.

There have been dramatic changes in Kazakhstan over the last decade, with a thriving fintech sector and an embrace of green technologies, but the country is still grappling with familiar political and economic challenges.

Armenian PM offered to show the head of the church his penis to prove a point in their ongoing row. But past experience shows it’s difficult for politicians to win a church vs state standoff.

bneGREEN

For the fifth consecutive day, firefighting teams have been battling to contain the wildfires raging in northern Latakia’s countryside.

Tehran's air quality has plunged to a critical "very unhealthy" and "hazardous" state on July 7, with the city's Air Pollution Index (API) soaring past 300 in the last 24 hours.

World leaders must act with “immediate, unprecedented” urgency to prevent cascading climate tipping points that could have catastrophic consequences for billions of people, according to the Global Tipping Points Conferenrence delegates.

Melting polar ice is slowing the Earth’s rotation, but not enough to offset an even greater acceleration caused by changes in Earth’s molten core. As a result, the planet is spinning faster, but not as fast as it should be.

We’re now in a fascinating, and probably unprecedented, situation where the world’s two greatest superpowers - China and the US - are actively building two entirely different visions of what the world's energy future should look like.

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