India
India shifts defence posture with US weapons
India's defence realignment has advanced after the US cleared two precision weapons packages worth about $92.8mn. The approvals cover anti-tank missiles and guided artillery rounds.
India's smart meter rollout faces delay
India’s ambitious drive to modernise its power distribution network through the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is facing mounting pressures, with delays in installing smart meters and slow payment cycles threatening to erode returns
Asian utilities locked into coal as long-term contracts slow transition
Asia’s shift towards cleaner energy is being hampered by decades-long coal power agreements that continue to bind utilities to fossil-fuel generation, even at times when cheaper renewable supplies are readily available.
India confronts stricter US sanctions as Russian oil imports decline
India’s reliance on discounted Russian crude — a pillar of its energy strategy since 2022 — has come under renewed strain as Washington tightens sanctions and imposes fresh tariffs on Moscow’s energy sector.
COMMENT: Is this the end of the road for Hasina and the Awami League in Bangladesh?
Sheikh Hasina's dramatic ousting in August 2024 in the wake of violent protests, and her subsequent death sentence ruling has been seen by some as marking the end of the road for the former PM and her party.
LONG READ: How oil price discounts became a barometer of the sanction’s effectiveness
When Russian troops crossed into Ukraine in February 2022, the country’s main crude export blend, Urals, was still trading in line with its traditional discount to Brent of $2. A month later Russia discounted it by $30 to find buyers.
India reacts to Bangladesh sentencing former PM to death
According to the text of the MEA statement, India has studiously avoided direct commentary on the conviction itself. New Delhi's measured response prioritised reassurance about its commitment to peace and democratic governance,
Bangladesh tribunal sentences former PM Hasina to death
Bangladesh’s international crimes tribunal sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death after finding them guilty of crimes against humanity.
Adani Group emerges as key corporate pillar in India’s global strategy
India’s ascent as a major global actor over the past twenty years has been driven by a mix of statecraft, economic liberalisation, and corporate expansion. Among private enterprises, the Adani Group has become one of the most influential players.
Trump signals possible India visit amid evolving energy pivot
The US President, Donald Trump, has indicated that he may visit India next year, signalling a potential deepening of ties between Washington and New Delhi and raising questions over energy and geopolitical strategy.
Emerging Asia overtakes the UK per-capita benchmark
For the first time since the Industrial Revolution, the major emerging economies including China, India and Indonesia have seen GDP as a percentage of the UK’s GDP increase as the leading BRICS countries start to overtake the Developed Markets.
Kerala becomes India’s first state to declare freedom from extreme poverty
The state's Chief Minister described the moment as the dawn of a new era for Kerala, attributing the achievement to a sustained four-year effort under the Extreme Poverty Alleviation Project.
COMMENT: For Asia, dealing with Europe isn’t about achieving success; it’s about concealing failure
To be taken seriously in Asia, Europe must rediscover the courage to deliver, not merely declare. Asia has moved on to execution. Europe is still editing its initial policy draft.
Indian bank deposits to grow steadily in FY26 amid liquidity boost
Deposit growth at Indian banks is projected to remain adequate in FY2025-26, supported by an improved liquidity environment and regulatory measures that are expected to sustain credit expansion of 11–12%
Hasina says supporters to boycott Bangladesh election
Hasina asserted that millions of her and Awami League’s supporters are expected to boycott the upcoming 2026 national polls after authorities barred the party from taking part.
The Arctic and Antarctica record "off the charts" heat as polar warming accelerates
Parts of both the Arctic and Antarctic have experienced historically high temperatures in recent weeks, with weather stations in East Antarctica recording record-breaking warmth for the month of October, alarming climate scientists.
US expands oil sanctions on Russia
US President Donald Trump imposed his first sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies on October 22, the state-owned Rosneft and the privately-owned Lukoil in the latest flip flop by the US president.
Asian economies weigh their options amid fears of over-reliance on Chinese rare-earths
Just how control over these critical minerals plays out will be a long fought battle lasting decades, and one that will increasingly define Asia’s industrial future.
Bill Gates makes surprise Indian TV debut
In a move set to spark both intrigue and curiosity, Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has made a cameo appearance on Indian television, entering the iconic drama series Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2.
Turkmenistan’s TAPI gas pipeline takes off
Turkmenistan's 1,800km TAPI gas pipeline breaks ground after 30 years with first 14km completed into Afghanistan, aiming to deliver 33bcm annually to Pakistan and India by 2027 despite geopolitical hurdles.