Diphtheria Cases: Somalia is currently facing a sharp rise in diphtheria infections, with more than 1,600 cases and 87 deaths recorded in 2025 — nearly double the figures for the entirety of 2024. The outbreak is being driven by a combination of vaccine shortages, closures of vaccination outreach units and steep cuts in international humanitarian…
Rapid Nuclear Build Up: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has formally pledged to accelerate his country’s nuclear weapons programme and declared that its military alliance with Russia will “advance non‑stop”, signaling a bold shift in regional security dynamics. On October 27, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui at the Kremlin, stating that…
Global Chip Supply Strain: In a significant development today, the Netherlands‐based, China‑owned chip manufacturer Nexperia announced a major reduction in output at its Dongguan plant in Guangdong province. The company reportedly put one‑third of its production machines idle and reduced working hours across other units. This move has ignited concerns that the fragile semiconductor supply…
Trade barriers: In its latest Asia‑Pacific Regional Economic Outlook, the IMF has urged countries across the region to reduce non‑tariff barriers and strengthen intra‑regional trade as a defence mechanism against growing external shocks — including US tariff actions and global supply‑chain instability. The report underscores that while Asia remains central to global production networks, its…
Asia Faces Trade Barrier: The International Monetary Fund, in its latest Asia‑Pacific outlook, has urged countries in the region to lower non‑tariff trade barriers, deepen intra‑regional trade and diversify economic dependencies as a defence against mounting external risk—especially given the increasingly thorny U.S. trade posture. Although Asia is projected to continue growing—at about 4.5 % in…
Security Over Stability: The relationship between British retail stalwart Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Indian IT services powerhouse Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has hit a critical juncture, defined by a devastating cyberattack and a contentious contract non-renewal. Despite both companies firmly stating the timing is coincidental, M&S’s decision to end its long-standing IT service desk…
ASEAN Endorses: Under Malaysia’s chairmanship, ASEAN’s energy ministers approved the APAEC 2026‑2030 during their recent meeting. The document sets the region’s next five‑year roadmap for energy collaboration, policy coordination and clean energy investment. Key Targets The new targets include: Why This Matters for Southeast Asia Region’s Energy Demand & Fossil Dependency Southeast Asia is one of…
Timor Leste joins ASEAN, one of Asia’s youngest nations, has finally been granted full membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This decision, announced during the 2025 ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, marks a major moment in regional diplomacy, economic alignment, and cultural inclusion. With this, ASEAN expands from 10 to 11 member states…
PM Modi Goes Virtual: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that he would participate virtually in the 47th ASEAN Summit, to be held in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28, 2025. The decision follows India’s call with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during which Modi cited the Diwali festivities as one reason for his non‑travel. Statement of ASEAN‑India Relations In his virtual…
47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia: Malaysia holds the rotating chair of ASEAN in 2025 and again hosts the bloc’s leadership meeting in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28, 2025. The venue underscores Malaysia’s ambition to steer the bloc amid growing regional complexity. East Timor’s Accession as ASEAN’s 11th Member In a historic move, East Timor (Timor‑Leste) was formally…