Features
The European Commission proposes to “creatively” tap Russia’s $300bn of frozen assets with Reparation Loans
The European Commission is floating a new idea of how to “creatively” tap Russia’s $300bn of frozen assets without the need to appropriate, which is legally questionable, by replacing the money transferred to Kyiv with EU-backed bonds.
“Yuri Gagarin” cosmodrome seeking a future in space – and tourism
Golden age of spaceport is long over, with Moscow focused on facilities in Russia. Kazakhstan, however, hopes it can find profitable niche in launching satellites.
Russia’s 13 “drowning men” sink into corporate debt – The Bell
The Central Bank of Russia has quietly acknowledged growing financial distress among the country’s largest companies, identifying 13 corporations as "truly problematic" borrowers at the end of the first quarter.
Iranian arrested for Kalashnikov shooting near Caspian Sea
Iranian authorities arrest driver who opened fire with Kalashnikov rifle during road dispute on busy Chalous highway connecting Tehran to Caspian coast.
Unrest now a regular occurrence in South Asia
India is looking at a rapidly shifting political landscape along its Himalayan frontier, with the dramatic fall of K P Sharma Oli’s government in Nepal and the sudden emergence of youth-driven protests bringing increasing unrest to the country.
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Global unveils Shura Island luxury tourism destination
Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Global opens Shura Island luxury destination with SLS, EDITION and InterContinental hotels plus first island golf course as Vision 2030 milestone.
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Will Poland’s defence splurge spark an economic boom?
Poland’s rapid defence spending rise won’t translate into a broader economic boom unless deeper structural shifts will happen that will take bolder reforms.
Bosnia on edge as Dodik weighs next move
Analysts speculate Bosnian Serb leadership could seek to escalate the ongoing crisis, potentially with a push for Republika Srpska's independence.
Jordanian man unearths mysterious ancient box whilst digging well
Jordanian discovers mysterious ancient box containing crown-wearing figure whilst digging well on family property in historically rich Irbid region.
Businesses fear Slovenia’s cannabis reform to create a workforce of stoners
Allowing limited personal use of cannabis poses serious risks for workplace safety, liability and public trust, employers tell bne IntelliNews.
Is Donald Trump driving India further into China's embrace?
Since taking office, the Trump administration has introduced sweeping trade measures that at times appear to target India in particular.
World GDP forecasts raised, but US slowdown anticipated - Fitch
Global growth is now forecast to be 2.4% in 2025, up 0.2pp since June but a sizeable slowdown from 2.9% last year and below trend.
Moldova’s dramatic energy sector transformation
Chisinau ended decades of dependence on Russia in just four years — but will the upcoming general election derail the remaining reforms?
Local elections loom in Georgia
Georgia’s October 4 municipal elections are already mired in controversy amid a partial opposition boycott and mounting state repression, as major international observers refuse to participate.
Iran's nuclear materials 'Under rubble of attacks', Foreign Minister claims
Iran's Araghchi says that the only nuclear site currently accessible is the Russian-controlled Bushehr nuclear power plant in his meeting with the IAEA.
Asia’s gas utilities are politically shielded but economically exposed
Many of the region’s gas distributors enjoy the safety net of being government-related entities and are ‘protected’ to a large extent. Their credit profiles are, in reality, extensions of sovereign ratings rather than stand-alone assessments.
INTERVIEW: Slovenia’s sovereign sustainability-linked bond could catalyse Europe’s stalled SLB market
First European sovereign SLB paves the way for other European sovereigns and corporates to follow, IEEFA sustainable finance analyst Kevin Leung tells bne IntelliNews.
Bank Indonesia’s credibility at risk as markets watch and wait
Indonesia’s central bank is finding itself under sharper investor scrutiny after Governor Perry Warjiyo confirmed a new “burden-sharing” arrangement with the government.
The quiet calculus of India’s trade talks with the US
From late August 2025 all Indian goods entering the American market are confronted by some of the world’s steepest barriers.
From World Bank to patriotic homecoming in Indonesia - then dismissal
Indonesia’s long-serving finance minister, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, was abruptly removed from her post in early September and replaced by economist Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa.