India’s parliament on Thursday passed a bill to ban online games played with money in a move that threatens the survival of the popular fantasy gaming sector, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government flagged the high risk of financial harm.
The sudden ban has shocked an industry backed by venture capital firms like Tiger Global and Peak XV Partners and which was set to be worth US$3.6 billion in India by 2029.
Executives fear imminent job losses and a complete shutdown of many app-based…
Rooftop solar a growing investment opportunity in Qatar
Qatar’s abundant solar resource, combined with its national strategy to diversify energy sources, is creating a favourable environment for rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) businesses.
Myanmar junta’s ‘sham’ election plan slammed as gateway to more bloodshed
Myanmar’s military regime wants to hold the first election since it seized power in 2021, but opponents have decried the idea as senseless amid the country’s civil war, as they warn of more bloodshed while the junta embarks on a doomed attempt at a reset.
The country has announced that the first phase of the general election is scheduled to begin on December 28, with additional stages to follow. The statement offers the clearest timeline yet after months of vague promises by the junta’s leader,…
Philippines assures China of restraint after ship clashes – will tensions ease?
Maritime tensions between the Philippines and China have entered what analysts describe as a risky and potentially volatile phase after an accidental collision between two Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal, one of the most contested features in the South China Sea.
The rare mishap involving the vessels from the Chinese coastguard and navy during a high-speed chase of a Philippine coastguard ship has raised the risk of Beijing adopting a more aggressive posture as it seeks to save face,…
Singapore’s Temasek mulls three-way split to boost returns
Singapore’s Temasek Holdings is mulling one of its biggest overhauls in years, potentially reorganising the firm into three investment vehicles in a bid to boost returns and efficiencies, according to people familiar with the matter.
Under the proposal still being discussed at senior levels, Singapore’s state-owned investor could divide its business into three arms. One would focus on Temasek’s biggest domestic holdings, such as Singapore Airlines, and another would oversee largely foreign…
OfS shifts registration responsibility to universities in regulation push
Proposed new registration requirements for certain higher education institutions with franchise partners are the latest step in the regulator’s drive to bring greater oversight to sub-contractual provision in England’s higher education sector, experts say.
How Beijing and other South China Sea claimants can see eye to eye
Few disputes in Asia are as enduring – and as polarising – as those over the South China Sea. For more than a decade, two sharply opposed narratives have dominated. In one, Beijing is seen as using force, or the threat of force, to change the status quo, undermining peace and stability. In the other, China is portrayed as exercising restraint, acting within its rights and working to safeguard regional stability.
These perspectives are not merely different; they are mutually exclusive. One side’s…
Is Prabowo’s big budget for Indonesia achievable or overly ambitious?
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has unveiled an ambitious draft budget for 2026 that seeks to boost growth and expand social spending while maintaining financial discipline, but economists caution the plan may be based on optimistic revenue projections and risks undercutting social safety nets.
On Friday, Prabowo announced a gross domestic product (GDP) growth target of 5.4 per cent under the draft budget. Total spending is projected to reach 3.79 quadrillion rupiah (US$233.92 billion), a…
UK moves to tackle obesity in pharmacy funding push
A new UK-wide £85 million programme allowing patients to access weight management care at pharmacies and through online platforms may help reduce the strain on GP services and mitigate risks to patient safety, an expert says.
Murder of 2 Japanese nationals in Philippines triggers special police probe
Philippine authorities have launched a special investigation into the fatal shooting of two Japanese men in one of Manila’s busy entertainment districts, after CCTV footage captured a coordinated attack that is believed to involve at least four assailants.
The double homicide occurred late Friday night on Miguel Malvar Street in the capital’s Ermita district – a popular area for tourists and nightlife – and near the five-star Sheraton Manila Bay hotel.
The unit tasked with investigating the…