News
Ukraine hits Russia’s Druzhba oil pipeline again with drones
Ukraine has carried out another strike on the Druzhba oil pipeline, hitting the Unecha oil pumping station in the latest of a series of incidents targeting the Soviet-era pipeline.
South Korea’s parliament passes disputed broadcasting bill amid opposition boycott
Lawmakers approved one of three broadcasting reform measures designed to curb government control over state broadcasters.
Thailand caps online transfers at $1,500 a day to tackle rising scams
Bank of Thailand announces new rule as part of wider efforts to combat the multi-billion-dollar scam industry that has spread rapidly across Southeast Asia.
Serbia in talks with Russia on long-term gas deal
Energy Minister Dubravka Dedovic Handanovic says Serbia is in advanced negotiations with Russian energy giant Gazprom.
As a potato crisis sweeps CIS countries, Russia halts potato imports from Georgia
Russia ceased importing potatoes from Georgia in July, ending nine consecutive months of uninterrupted shipments.
Panama exposed as hub for Venezuelan corruption and money laundering
Panama’s financial and property sectors have once again come under scrutiny, as anti-corruption watchdogs revealed the extent to which Venezuelan corruption schemes have penetrated the country.
Czech ANO party ejects candidate who schemed to kill ex-husband’s dog
For dog-loving Czechs, the scandal is the biggest setback so far for populist ANO, which is a heavy favourite to win the October parliamentary elections.
Iran-Switzerland talks spark speculation over US message on nuclear negotiations
Discussion between secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani and Swiss Assistant State Secretary Gabriel Lochinger potentially signal new nuclear talks.
Peru’s gold exports to China surge amid fears of illegal mining links
Peru has emerged as a growing supplier of gold to China, with exports to the Asian giant accelerating sharply in 2025, raising concerns about the origins of the mineral and the role of informal and illegal mining in fuelling the trade.
Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries drive up petrol prices, shortages looming
Russian wholesale gasoline prices are soaring to record levels following a series of Ukrainian drone strikes on critical refinery infrastructure. Analysts warn that Russia is facing fuel shortages in the coming weeks, Meduza reported on August 21.
US will play minimum role in Ukraine’s security guarantees – Politico
The Pentagon’s top policy official Elbridge Colby says the US will play a minimal role in any Ukraine security guarantees, Politico reported on August 21.
Poll shows Moldova’s pro-EU PAS leads but lacks majority ahead of September elections
Party of Action and Solidarity to remain largest party in new parliament but without majority, with Renato Usatii’s Our Party likely to play kingmaker.
Singapore’s interfaith body expands digital outreach to counter extremism
Singapore’s Inter-Religious Organisation is stepping up its online presence to promote tolerance and counter youth radicalisation through a new initiative, We The People of Singapore.
Indonesian parliament faces backlash over $3,000 housing allowance
Indonesia’s parliament has come under heavy criticism for approving a $3,067 monthly housing allowance for each member as observers argue that the figure highlights a stark disconnect from the financial struggles experienced by ordinary Indonesians
Pheu Thai rejects rumours of Prayut’s political return
Pheu Thai Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong dismissed the claims as groundless and unrelated to the party.
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Philippines halts rice imports for 60 days hurting Thai exports
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has ordered a 60-day suspension of rice imports, from September 1 to October 30, in an attempt to stabilise prices during the domestic harvest.
Mumbai reels under record monsoon rains
Heavy monsoon rains in Mumbai have paralysed India’s financial hub, inundating large parts of the city, disrupting daily life and forcing the cancellation of flights and trains.
Uzbekistan launches sweeping entrepreneurship reforms as Mirziyoyev pledges to cut red tape
Uzbekistan has announced a raft of new measures to support entrepreneurs, including a plan to allow businesses to be registered within 15 minutes from 2026.
US seizes $700mn in Maduro assets as military presence rises in Caribbean
Move is part of a broader crackdown as three US Navy ships and 4,000 marines are deployed to Caribbean waters.
Britain tightens controls on Iraqi migrants with new returns agreement
Britain signs new agreement with Iraq to return illegal migrants as Home Secretary Dan Jarvis announces formal repatriation process following previous £800,000 anti-smuggling deal.