Features
US sanctions Karen National Army leader, two sons over cyber scams and trafficking links
The OFAC stated the sanctions are in response to the trio's alleged involvement in online financial scams, human trafficking, and cross-border smuggling operations that have targeted US citizens.
Ukrainian refugees living in Poland boost taxes by $400mn and GDP growth – survey
Ukrainian citizens living in Poland contributed PLN1.65bn ($414mn) in personal and corporate income taxes in 2024, marking a 27.7% increase compared to the previous year and double the amount recorded in 2022, according to a recent survey.
"We've been lost in a game of cards": the IDPs starting new lives in Ukraine's interior
Fighting at the front in Ukraine kills thousands each week, but behind the frontline, the war continues to shatter lives in less visible ways.
PANNIER: Barbed wire gives lie to talk of Kyrgyz-Tajik border deal symbolising “eternal friendship”
It’s a pitiful sight in the beautiful Ferghana Valley, where, in thousands of years of habitation, a formal frontier never existed.
From occupied hosts to strategic partners: the evolving role of Japan and South Korea in US Asia Strategy
Incidents ranging from theft and assault to more egregious acts like rape and murder have periodically reignited public anger such as in the case of the 1995 abduction and gang rape of a 12-year-old Okinawan girl by three US servicemen.
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History suggests US and Russia can shape peace between India and Pakistan
India’s military action under Operation Sindoor, targeting sites inside Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Pakistan’s own territory, has triggered a familiar cycle of tension between the two nuclear neighbours.
Europe and China eye trade partnership – but sources of friction remain
Whether the Trump administration’s renewed trade confrontation with Beijing pushes Europe into a tighter partnership with China remains to be seen, especially as Japan will be pushing to prevent Beijing and Brussels from getting too close.
Trump dollar drama sparks global power shift as BRICS countries circle
Trump dollar drama sparks global power shift as BRICS countries consider alternative currency amid US economic uncertainty
COMMENT: Is Russia’s economy headed for hard or soft landing?
Russia’s economy slowed much more sharply in the first quarter than anticipated – and it was expected to slow. Is the economy headed for a hard or a soft landing, asks Capital Economics.
Tensions flare in Azerbaijan–Russia ties despite Patriarch’s visit
Mixed messages as an Azerbaijani ruling party MP is refused entry to Russia while President Ilham Aliyev hosts Patriarch Kirill in Baku.
Artificial Intelligence and electricity: a new energy challenge
The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence is transforming how industries operate, particularly the electricity sector.
“Lost” Ottoman era painting reappears at Sotheby’s London, sold for a million at auction
Osman Hamdi Bey’s 1881 work Kahve Hazirlamak was bought by a Georgian prince around 1910. Its whereabouts became a mystery.
After Samarkand summit, Europe’s quest for Central Asian resources meets reality
Playing long game for rare earths.
Tusk unveils national doctrine to build strongest army, economy in CEE
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced a new "national doctrine" aimed at ensuring Poland develops the most powerful army and economy in the region, as the country prepares for "an era of great threats and challenges."
Empty shelves and soaring costs hit Japan’s rice supply
Japan is grappling with a major rice shortage, as stores struggle to keep up with demand and soaring prices put the staple food out of reach for many households.
Iranian exporters eye expanded routes via Canadian association
Canadian standards emerge as "game-changer" for Iranian exports, reports trade official. 730+ Iranian companies now selling to Africa under Canadian brands. $7M monthly trade could surge tenfold if sanctions lift. Full story at Iran Expo 2025.
Battle of Russia’s supermarket titans continues as Magnit closes the gap with rival X5 after acquisition of high-end retailer Azbuka Vkusa
The battle for market share between Russia’s two leading supermarket chains Magnit and the X5 Group saw a strategic shift after Magnit acquired control of high-end supermarket chain Azbuka Vkusa (The ABC of Taste).
Saudi Arabia deploys AI to streamline Hajj
Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry is using artificial intelligence applications within an integrated work system to serve pilgrims and complete their procedures.
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After Pahalgam attack, war clouds hover over the Indian subcontinent
Though no formal announcement or declaration of war has followed, the gravity of the situation is unmistakable. The backdrop is a brazen terror assault in India’s Pahalgam region of its Jammu and Kashmir state that killed 25 Indians and 1 Nepali.
Record gold prices to hit sales volume of Indian jewellery retailers
Gold prices in India have been on a steady uptrend for months, recently touching record highs driven by the US-China trade tensions, a weakening US dollar and rising investor appetite for safe-haven assets.