AUSTRALIA INDIA SINGAPORE TAIWAN

Jun 06 2026POLITICS

Taiwan Looks to Drones for Better Defence Spending

Taiwan is being urged to change how it spends on defence, especially by a senior U. S. diplomat who visited Taipei last week. The main point is that money should be directed toward drones and other small, flexible weapons that can level the playing field against China. The island’s government has

reading time less than a minute
Jun 05 2026POLITICS

Taiwan‑China Coast Guard Clash Near Pratas Islands

Taiwan and China’s coast guards faced off again near the Pratas Islands on Friday, a repeat of an earlier encounter within two weeks. The Pratas lie between Taiwan and Hong Kong, more than 400 km from the main island, making them a point of tension. The Taiwanese coast guard spotted a Chinese vess

reading time less than a minute
Jun 04 2026POLITICS

Tax Reform Bill Aims to Make Housing Fairer and Cut Big Investor Breaks

Australia’s main parliament passed a new tax bill that will change how profits from property and other investments are taxed. The vote was 94 to 48, with the opposition and a few independents trying but failing to add their own tweaks. The law was announced in last month’s budget and is the biggest

reading time less than a minute
Jun 04 2026BUSINESS

India and Venezuela Strengthen Oil Ties Amid Middle East Turmoil

India has stepped up its cooperation with Venezuela in the energy sector, seeing Caracas as a key partner while global oil flows are hit by tensions in the Middle East. During a visit that began on June 4, Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez arrived in New Delhi with a sizable delegatio

reading time less than a minute
Jun 04 2026BUSINESS

India steps in to help airlines with fuel cost worries

India recently set aside 100 billion rupees, roughly one billion dollars, to ease the strain on airlines caused by soaring jet fuel prices. These sky-high costs partly stem from tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted oil supplies and pushed prices up worldwide. Airlines often feel this the most

reading time less than a minute
Jun 02 2026POLITICS

Taiwan’s Smart Health System: Why It Deserves WHO Inclusion

Taiwan has built a leading digital health system that shows how technology can improve care. Its network links more than 400 hospitals and uses AI to spot cancer, predict heart attacks, and help doctors treat patients faster. The country’s National Health Insurance holds a huge amount of clean

reading time less than a minute
May 30 2026FINANCE

India tries something new with ocean-focused loans

India is testing fresh ways to pay for its massive ocean and water projects. A government company called Sagarmala wants to sell special bonds called ‘blue bonds’—the first of their kind in the country. These bonds work like regular loans but must be used only for clean-up efforts, port upgrades, sh

reading time less than a minute
May 29 2026POLITICS

China’s Quiet Role at Singapore Defence Talk Misses Chance, Australian Minister Says

Australia’s defence chief said China’s limited participation in the Shangri‑La Dialogue was a lost opportunity for strategic dialogue. He argued that many countries need clear reassurance from Beijing about its intentions. The event is the biggest defence gathering in Asia, and leaders expect to sha

reading time less than a minute
May 27 2026POLITICS

Singapore’s top diplomat visits both Koreas in unusual mission

Singapore’s foreign minister wrapped up talks in Pyongyang on Tuesday, marking the first time a Singaporean official has visited North Korea in recent years. The meeting with North Korea’s foreign affairs chief focused on ways to boost cooperation between the two nations, though no specifics were sh

reading time less than a minute
May 26 2026POLITICS

Taiwan keeps close watch as China steps up military moves

Taiwan’s navy and air force had another busy day last Monday as they tracked Chinese military planes and ships moving around the island. This follows a similar patrol just six days earlier, showing how Beijing keeps raising pressure on Taipei. Taiwan noticed 21 Chinese aircraft—including fighter jet

reading time less than a minute