Headlines

India’s energy risk surges as sea routes turn strategic

When Indonesia recently signaled that it may monetize transit through the Strait of Malacca, it heralded a fundamental shift in how maritime geography is being used or misused. What Indonesia is deliberating in Malacca, Iran has already demonstrated in Hormuz, though it has not

Asia

Philippines first to lose a grip on Iran war-stoked inflation

TOKYO — The Philippines’ shock inflation spike in April is a serious warning sign — an economic canary in the coal mine that shouldn’t be ignored. The 7.2% year-on-year jump is roughly double the first-quarter 3.4% growth rate. Clearly, the Philippines falling into the

Asia

Syrian forces detain Uzbek fighters in security sweep

LONDON, May 6 - Syrian forces have arrested Uzbek fighters during a security sweep in the northwest, after a dispute involving one of them escalated into protests outside a government security facility, two Syrian security officials said.

Asia

How China quietly erased Taiwan from coffee’s world stage

When Bala stepped onto the podium in San Diego in April, holding the trophy for the 2026 World Latte Art Championship, the backdrop behind him said “Luckin Coffee” — the Chinese chain that was an official sponsor of the event. He had just poured a raccoon, a giraffe and red

Asia

Iran says it wants a 'comprehensive agreement' with US

May 6 - Iran will only accept \"a fair and comprehensive agreement\" in its negotiations with the U.S. on ending the war in the Middle East, its foreign minister said on Wednesday, as President Donald Trump cited \"great progress\" in the process.

Asia

China to probe deadly fireworks factory blast

CHANGSHA, China, May 6 - Senior Chinese officials took charge of rescue and relief efforts after a fireworks factory explosion killed 26 and injured 61, flattening buildings and burying people in mounds of debris, as they pledged to punish those responsible.

Asia

AI chiefs in a big ‘jobocalypse’ messaging swerve

Something big happened in the world of AI the other day: Sam Altman, founder and CEO of OpenAI, and probably the person who’s most commonly regarded as the face of the industry, declared that the purpose of AI is not to take people’s jobs: And he recently called AI CEOs

Asia