News
Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries drive up petrol prices, shortages looming
Russian wholesale gasoline prices are soaring to record levels following a series of Ukrainian drone strikes on critical refinery infrastructure. Analysts warn that Russia is facing fuel shortages in the coming weeks, Meduza reported on August 21.
US will play minimum role in Ukraine’s security guarantees – Politico
The Pentagon’s top policy official Elbridge Colby says the US will play a minimal role in any Ukraine security guarantees, Politico reported on August 21.
Poll shows Moldova’s pro-EU PAS leads but lacks majority ahead of September elections
Party of Action and Solidarity to remain largest party in new parliament but without majority, with Renato Usatii’s Our Party likely to play kingmaker.
Singapore’s interfaith body expands digital outreach to counter extremism
Singapore’s Inter-Religious Organisation is stepping up its online presence to promote tolerance and counter youth radicalisation through a new initiative, We The People of Singapore.
Indonesian parliament faces backlash over $3,000 housing allowance
Indonesia’s parliament has come under heavy criticism for approving a $3,067 monthly housing allowance for each member as observers argue that the figure highlights a stark disconnect from the financial struggles experienced by ordinary Indonesians
Pheu Thai rejects rumours of Prayut’s political return
Pheu Thai Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong dismissed the claims as groundless and unrelated to the party.
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Philippines halts rice imports for 60 days hurting Thai exports
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has ordered a 60-day suspension of rice imports, from September 1 to October 30, in an attempt to stabilise prices during the domestic harvest.
Mumbai reels under record monsoon rains
Heavy monsoon rains in Mumbai have paralysed India’s financial hub, inundating large parts of the city, disrupting daily life and forcing the cancellation of flights and trains.
Uzbekistan launches sweeping entrepreneurship reforms as Mirziyoyev pledges to cut red tape
Uzbekistan has announced a raft of new measures to support entrepreneurs, including a plan to allow businesses to be registered within 15 minutes from 2026.
US seizes $700mn in Maduro assets as military presence rises in Caribbean
Move is part of a broader crackdown as three US Navy ships and 4,000 marines are deployed to Caribbean waters.
Britain tightens controls on Iraqi migrants with new returns agreement
Britain signs new agreement with Iraq to return illegal migrants as Home Secretary Dan Jarvis announces formal repatriation process following previous £800,000 anti-smuggling deal.
Ruling SNS calls for rallies across Serbia
Serbian Progressive Party urges its supporters to turn out in response to ongoing anti-government protests and growing civil unrest.
Turkey dismisses main opposition CHP mayor of Beyoglu district in Istanbul
Turkey’s interior ministry has dismissed Beyoglu mayor Inan Guney, who was detained on August 16 and officially arrested on August 18, the ministry said on August 19.
Belarus and Iran pledge enhanced ties in high-level talks
Belarusian and Iranian leaders have pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation and accelerate the implementation of agreements between the two heavily sanctioned countries.
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Netanyahu accuses Australian PM of ‘betraying’ Israel
Israel’s prime minister has accused his Australian counterpart of betraying Israel and abandoning the country’s Jewish community.
EU calls for restraint amid violent protests in Serbia
Clashes between protesters, riot police and pro-government supporters have escalated over the past week.
Bulgaria sees rising public support for euro adoption in 2026
Support for Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro is growing among both citizens and businesses, according to a survey by Alpha Research.
ASEAN observers monitor Thailand–Cambodia border following ceasefire pact
Malaysia’s Defence Attaché to Thailand, Brigadier General Samsul Rizal Musa, led an ASEAN Interim Observer Team in a three-day inspection of the Thailand–Cambodia border to oversee the ceasefire’s implementation
Thai army confirms white phosphorus use in border fighting
The Royal Thai Army has admitted deploying white phosphorus shells during the five-day border clashes with Cambodia in July but insists the practice was lawful and did not constitute the use of chemical weapons.
IMF urges Islamabad to strengthen State Bank of Pakistan independence
The International Monetary Fund has called on Pakistan to remove the finance secretary from the State Bank of Pakistan’s board and fill two long-vacant deputy governor positions.