LAOS
Cybercrime networks shift to smaller, mobile scam operations amid enforcement pressure: FATF
In its report released from Paris, the global money-laundering watchdog said large, fortified compounds where cyber slaves were forced to commit financial cybercrimes are being moved to apartments, houses, hotels and office floors, sometimes rebranding as legitimate outsourcing or marketing firms.
Cybercrime networks shift to smaller, mobile scam operations amid enforcement pressure: FATF
In its report released from Paris, the global money-laundering watchdog said large, fortified compounds where cyber slaves were forced to commit financial cybercrimes are being moved to apartments, houses, hotels and office floors, sometimes rebranding as legitimate outsourcing or marketing firms.
Chinese President Xi Jinping likely to skip ASEAN Summit in Manila: Report
The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) shared this information on Wednesday while responding to reports about Xi's expected absence from the annual summit, which the Philippines is hosting this year.
US slaps sanctions on Indian, Turkish firms and people for aiding Iran
The sanctions are part of the Trump administration's "Operation Economic Outcast," which aims to cut off Iran's ability to sell oil to fund the war with the US and Israel. Treasury unveiled the new sanctions a day after Democrats made huge gains in midterm elections, winning control of both houses of Congress as voters expressed anger about the Iran war and its impact in fueling US inflation.
Value of audit lies in its contribution to improved governance: CAG Sanjay Murthy
CAG K Sanjay Murthy highlighted the value of audit in governance and public financial management during a conference in Viet Nam. He discussed the role of Supreme Audit Institutions in adapting to changing governance environments, which included modernising audit methodologies. Murthy presented on digital transformation in public audit, sharing India's experience with technology in enhancing audit practices.
US trade deal will protect all sensitive Indian interests, says Piyush Goyal
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India’s trade deal with the US would protect sensitive interests, including those of farmers, and give the country a competitive advantage. He criticised opposition parties for questioning the agreement before its details were released, while defending India’s trade strategy and its decision to stay out of RCEP.

JAI - Japan, Australia, India: Rajnath Singh reaffirms close ties with Japan, Australia at meeting with counterparts
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared a picture with his Japanese and Australian counterparts, Shinjirō Koizumi and Richard Marles, with the caption “JAI: Japan, Australia, India”, underscoring cooperation among the three Indo-Pacific partners. On the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Cebu, Singh held bilateral talks with both leaders to strengthen defence cooperation and coordination. He also invited Marles to attend Aero India 2027 in Bengaluru.

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.

We will see India becoming major exporter of goods and services to China: Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasised India's willingness to engage with Chinese suppliers. He highlighted the importance of fair play and judicial processes regarding pricing discrepancies. India aims to enhance exports to China and the ASEAN region over the coming years. Recent trade data shows a significant increase in India-China bilateral trade. The Indian government is also addressing concerns related to China's export controls on key machinery.

"Explore new avenues to strengthen strategic partnerships": Rajnath Singh leaves for ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Philippines
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has departed for Cebu, Philippines, to attend the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus. He will address regional and international security topics during the event on October 28 and 29. Singh plans to hold bilateral discussions with defence ministers from various countries to enhance strategic partnerships. India remains committed to ASEAN centrality and security in the Indo-Pacific region under the Act East Policy.

India reaffirms commitment to safe, peaceful nuclear technology at UNGA
Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo reaffirmed India's dedication to safe nuclear practices during her address at the UN. She highlighted the IAEA's significant contributions to member states in developing nuclear capabilities for peaceful use. Several nations expressed gratitude towards India's developmental assistance at the India-UN Development Partnership Fund Event. Ambassadors from various countries acknowledged India's role in promoting South-South cooperation and supporting national priorities.

'Looking forward to representing India': Defence Minister Rajnath Singh leaves for Tajikistan for SCO meet
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is traveling to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, for the SCO Heads of Government meeting. The meeting will focus on various cooperative initiatives, including culture, economy, and innovation. India aims to strengthen ties with other SCO members through this engagement. Last year's CHG meeting was hosted in Moscow with S Jaishankar representing India. Pakistan will host the next SCO Summit in 2027 and will invite India.

A Singapore couple invested S$150,000 in an ice-cream shop in 2007; 12 years later, it generated S$20 million
David Yim and Wong Peck Lin put S$150,000 of savings into Udders in 2007. Yim left teaching to run the shop, while Peck Lin kept her consulting job. By 2019, Udders was generating an estimated S$20 million in gross revenue and supplying ice cream to more than 400 retail points.

Attack aircraft, military vehicles visible at new China-Laos base, satellite images show
China has moved light attack aircraft and military vehicles into a newly announced joint training facility in Laos, according to satellite images reviewed by Reuters. Analysts say the Ban Keun site could eventually become China’s most significant military foothold in Southeast Asia if it develops beyond training into a base with expanded air, surveillance and support capabilities.
The Asian Games with more athletes than the Olympics close in Japan and head to Qatar in 2030
The Asian Games held in Nagoya featured 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions. China topped the medal table with 169 gold medals while Japan and South Korea followed. Various sports, including kurash and kabaddi, highlighted regional talents alongside Olympic prospects. Despite organizational challenges, the games showcased significant athletic performances and set the stage for future events. The next Asian Games will take place in Doha, Qatar in 2030.

India-backed project clears nearly 198,000 sq m of mine-contaminated land in Cambodia
In Koh Kong province, approximately 198,000 square metres of land has been cleared of mines and returned to residents. This effort is part of India’s Quick Impact Project which aims to support local communities. About 134 families are set to benefit from the newfound access to safe land for various uses. The clearing ceremony was attended by officials from both India and Cambodia.

China widens military footprint with Laos air base
China recently opened its first overseas air force base in Laos to enhance military training and influence. The base will train Laotian air force pilots and potentially house Chinese military assets. This move reflects China's ambition to expand its military presence beyond its borders. The facility could serve as a training ground for Chinese personnel and equipment. Regional partners, especially the US, are monitoring the developments closely for potential implications.

Arunachal Pradesh: Tawang to host 14th International Tourism Mart on October 29-31
The Union Tourism Ministry and the government of Arunachal Pradesh are set to host the International Tourism Mart in Tawang from October 29 to 31. This event will spotlight the North Eastern Region's tourism potential, welcoming tour operators and influencers from 27 nations. This marks the Mart's significant return to Tawang after a decade, promoting sustainable tourism growth through collaboration and investment opportunities.
Chinese work gathering pace on Antelope Reef in South China Sea, latest satellite images show
Chinese construction at Antelope Reef is well underway, aiming to develop a significant military runway. Analysts project its completion by mid-2027, which would strengthen Beijing's military presence in the South China Sea. Satellite imagery reveals extensive ongoing work including grading and compacting the runway foundation. The base could significantly extend the range of Chinese naval and military operations in the region.
Load More
