INDONESIA
Who is Alice Huang, the Chinese businesswoman linked to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang?
Alice Huang, a finance professional, has transitioned to the AI chip industry with Megaspeed International. The company is under investigation for its links to advanced Nvidia chip exports to China. Reports suggest Alice Huang may have acted as an intelligence asset, raising concerns about potential national security breaches. Nvidia's board has initiated an investigation into its CEO's involvement with her.
Air India shortlists former Singapore Airlines executive Balagopal Kunduvara for CFO role
Air India has shortlisted former Singapore Airlines executive Balagopal Kunduvara for the CFO role as the airline steps up efforts to cut costs and improve financial performance. Kunduvara, who recently left his position as finance chief at Garuda Indonesia, has over two decades of experience at Singapore Airlines. The carrier reported losses of more than Rs 22,000 crore in the last financial year.
How many people could die from El Niño worldwide? Which American states could face the greatest heat-related risks?
In a significant step, the Climate Impact Lab has launched a tool to forecast deaths from extreme heat exacerbated by El Niño. Alarmingly, India is projected to endure the greatest loss of life, with Indonesia and Brazil also bearing heavy burdens. As temperatures rise globally, the situation remains dire, with the U.S. reporting an alarming increase in heat emergencies this year.
Jensen Huang row gives US lawmakers fresh ammo on chip controls
Members of the US Congress have urged for for tighter congressional oversight of advanced chip exports to China and legislations mandating companies to track chips to tackle smuggling.
Who is Alice Huang, the Chinese businesswoman tied to Nvidia's CEO?
Known also as Huang Le, the Chinese businesswoman held senior roles at a Shanghai investment firm before becoming the controlling shareholder of Singapore-based cloud-computing company Megaspeed International, according to more than 30 publicly available financial records, corporate filings and company materials reviewed by Reuters.
Dubai changes visa rules in 2026, expands visa-on-arrival access and relaxes property visa criteria
Dubai has introduced several visa changes in 2026 that could affect Indian travellers, property owners, foreign professionals and long-term residents. The UAE has introduced new specialist visit visa categories and linked Dubai residence visa transactions with outstanding traffic fines. The proposed GCC unified tourist visa is also awaiting implementation.
- Go To Page 1
Air India considers departed Garuda CFO for top finance position
Most recently, Kunduvara was finance chief for Garuda Indonesia, a position he recently left after holding the job for little more than a year. Prior to that, he spent more than two decades at Singapore Airlines, which is a partial owner of Air India alongside conglomerate Tata Group.
Chennai Open women's singles final postponed due to severe smog and heavy rainfall
The WTA 50 Chennai Open women's singles final was postponed due to heavy smog and rainfall in Chennai. The air quality index reached an alarming level of 1,500, impacting the match schedule. Initially, the final was set for Sunday between Janice Tjen from Indonesia and Magda Linette from Poland. Despite concerns about pollution, the WTA had intended to proceed with the match.
Who is Alice Huang, Chinese exec accused of spying on Nvidia CEO?
Alice Huang, a citizen of China, stands accused of espionage for Beijing through her romantic connection with Nvidia's Jensen Huang. Reports suggest she played a pivotal role at Megaspeed International, a data center firm, allegedly gathering intelligence on Jensen following the disclosure of their relationship. US authorities are scrutinizing Megaspeed for possibly violating chip export regulations. Both Alice and Megaspeed firmly reject these allegations as investigations continue.
World's largest climate summit COP31 opens as climate and geopolitical pressures mount
The UN climate talks are set to begin in Antalya, where rising temperatures create an urgent need for global cooperation. More than 100,000 attendees from nearly 200 countries are expected to discuss climate action and funding for developing nations. The ongoing geopolitical tensions complicate negotiations, especially regarding fossil fuel transitions. Additionally, developing countries are advocating for increased adaptation finance to combat climate impacts.
Charting the global economy: Job growth in US tops all forecasts
US employment rose significantly last month, with the jobless rate declining to 4.1%, indicating robust economic activity. Labor productivity increased sharply in the third quarter, reflecting business adaptation to rising costs and greater efficiency.
Hindalco earnings to stay steady even if aluminium prices fall, says MD Satish Pai; Q2 profit rises 59%
Hindalco expects its earnings to remain stable even if aluminium prices soften, managing director Satish Pai said after the company posted record September-quarter profit of Rs 7,533 crore. He cited the company's diversified businesses, including copper and downstream aluminium, as buffers against price volatility in its upstream aluminium operations.
Copper price falls for 4th day, heads for worst week since March on AI rout
Copper prices have faced yet another decline, marking four consecutive sessions of decrease, primarily due to a dip in technology shares and rising concerns over artificial intelligence investments. The three-month copper rate on the London Metal Exchange fell to a low not seen since late July. While tight supply, particularly outside the US, has cushioned further losses, a significant drop in copper stocks within Chinese warehouses is intensifying supply anxieties.
900-year-old book records Kashmir's kings and their wars, now earns UN recognisition along with Mahabharata and Chanakya's Arthashastra
UNESCO has added Kalhana's Rajatarangini, the Mahabharata and Kautilya's Arthashastra to its Memory of the World Regional Register for Asia and the Pacific. The decision was taken at the committee's 11th session in Jakarta, taking India's total regional inscriptions to six, following three recognitions in 2024.
India bonds emerge as top Asian performers as oil, Treasury yields decline
This week, Indian government bonds saw a positive trend following a Democratic win in the U.S. midterm elections. The reduction in oil prices and Treasury yields eased rupee pressure, boosting investor confidence. The benchmark bond yield improved significantly, declining by approximately 22 basis points. Furthermore, the surge in foreign investments into Indian bonds marked a notable high since July, leading to enhanced overall market sentiment.
JP Morgan to add Philippines and Saudi Arabia to key EM bond index over 10 months
JP Morgan has announced plans to include Saudi Arabia and the Philippines in its emerging market debt index starting in 2027. The Saudi riyal-denominated sukuk and Philippine peso-denominated government bonds will be integrated over a ten-month period. The index is expected to adjust the maximum country weight limit from 10% to 9%. Saudi Arabia's weight will reach 2.71%, while the Philippines will have a weight of 1.64%.
India in final-stage talks to expand BrahMos missile sale to Philippines, sources say
India is in advanced discussions to supply additional BrahMos missile systems to the Philippines by expanding their existing deal. This potential transaction could be valued between $700 million and $800 million, considerably higher than previous contracts. The acquisition comes as the Philippines seeks to modernize its military capabilities amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.
Google unveils $15 billion data centre investment in Malaysia
Google announced plans on Wednesday to invest $15 billion in Malaysia over the next two years to build data centres and other infrastructure as demand booms for artificial intelligence services. It said the $15 billion investment will be made "over the next two years (2027 to 2028)", expanding on a $2 billion investment announced in 2024.
NASA space telescope plunges to Earth after two decades studying cosmic explosions
NASA's Swift Observatory has reentered Earth's atmosphere after more than two decades of effective research. Its mission, which began in 2004, far exceeded initial expectations by lasting 11 times longer than planned. A recent attempt to boost its orbit failed due to complications with a private rescue mission. Meanwhile, NASA is exploring options to save the Hubble Space Telescope, set to fall in the mid-2030s.
Emomee calls for stronger regulation of children’s digital content
Emomee, a children's entertainment company, emphasises the need for better regulation of digital content for young viewers. The company's founders, motivated by their children's viewing experiences, focus on creating quality educational programming. Recently, Emomee launched a series on Netflix and is exploring global partnerships for distribution. They are also developing physical products and considering live events to engage audiences.
India's palm oil imports hit 14-month high, soyoil purchases set record
In October, India experienced a surge in palm oil imports to 866,000 metric tons. Soyoil imports reached a record high of 653,000 tons, reflecting increased demand. The overall edible oil imports rose by 13%, reaching 1.74 million tons during the festive season. This demand is driven by concerns about limited domestic supplies and El Nino-related crop damage.
India has never allowed genetically modified products' import, won't do in future: Piyush Goyal
India continues to maintain a strict policy against the import of genetically modified products, as stated by Minister Piyush Goyal. He highlighted that the dairy sector remains particularly sensitive and has not been opened in trade agreements. Goyal emphasized India's commitment to protecting its agricultural and fisheries sectors while seeking preferential market access for textiles and pharmaceuticals.
Kaspersky flags QR code payment scams as a key cyber risk for Indians travelling to Indonesia
As more Indian tourists move to Indonesia, Kaspersky's cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm on rising online threats. They point out that travellers should be particularly careful about things like fake QR codes and phishing attacks, which are becoming more common. It's crucial for tourists to stay vigilant to protect themselves from these digital dangers.
India to host IORA foreign ministers amid Gulf energy supply concerns
India plans to host foreign ministers from various Indian Ocean Region countries later this month. The meeting will occur amid ongoing energy supply challenges stemming from the conflict in West Asia. Key discussions will revolve around predictable supply chains and energy supply disruptions. This ministerial meeting is part of India's preparations for the upcoming IORA summit in 2027.
Lowering LTCG isn't a magic bullet
A reduction in Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax could uplift sentiment in India's equity market, especially as foreign investors withdraw. The current landscape is shaped more by external economic influences than tax adjustments. The reinstatement of LTCG has rendered India less appealing compared to rivals like Hong Kong and Singapore. A strategically planned tax cut may provide clearer policy stability for investors while preserving fiscal responsibility.
Bali's petrol queues offer a reality check for India's holidaymakers
Bali is currently facing a fuel supply crisis that is causing significant disruption for travelers. Traffic jams and fuel shortages have led to longer wait times for airport transfers and local commutes. Authorities have implemented measures to improve fuel distribution and manage demand effectively. Despite challenges, tourist arrivals remain steady, contributing to the local economy. Travelers are advised to check fuel availability before visiting popular attractions in Bali.
Indonesia looks to India & China for fuel supplies
Indonesia is exploring gasoline imports from India and China to combat rising global crude oil prices. The country's energy minister Bahlil Lahadalia will visit India this week for discussions. Indonesia has faced significant fuel supply disruptions in various provinces due to increased demand and distribution challenges. President Prabowo has directed the exploration of alternative energy sources amidst geopolitical tensions. The situation underscores Indonesia's urgent need for reliable energy supply solutions.
Singapore thrived on chokepoints. Now they’re a threat
Singapore faces challenges in maintaining its prosperity due to its dependence on larger neighboring countries for energy supplies. Recent tensions with Indonesia include energy supply cuts following Singapore's actions against companies linked to wildfires. The city-state's efforts to diversify energy sources through renewable projects are still limited and vulnerable to geopolitical pressures. Historical parallels to cities like Venice highlight the potential consequences of such dependencies in a changing global climate.
17-year-old girl invents sound-powered fire extinguisher that douses flames without water or chemicals, wins gold at international event
A 17-year-old Mexican student, Ángela Karime Venegas Hernández, won gold at the International Science and Invention Fair 2026 in Indonesia for developing Vortex Tech, a prototype that uses low-frequency sound waves to extinguish small flames. Developed over a year with her uncle’s guidance, the device went through five versions and remains experimental, not a replacement for certified fire extinguishers.
Load More
