Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

CBM to launch National Recovery Fund to support MSMEs in earthquake-hit areas
The Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) has announced plans to establish a National Recovery Fund aimed at supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in regions affected by the powerful Mandalay earthquake that struck on March 28, 2025. The...

National Mango Day 2025: When Did Mangoes Come To India? Lesser-known Facts About The King Of Fruits
Every year, National Mango Day is celebrated on July 22. The day honours the delicious fruit known as the King of Fruits. Loved for its sweetness, rich flavour, and nutritional benefits, the mango holds a special place in Indian culture and...

Support MSME businesses to boost the State economy
Support for MSME businesses: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises are a key driving force and main pillar for a country’s economic stability and growth. If regionally established MSME-based industries can be effectively developed, more local...

Between Partnership and Primacy: Australia’s Diplomatic Posture in Southeast Asia and the Pacific
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong recently remarked in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that Australia seeks “a region in which no country dominates, and no country is dominated.” It is a carefully crafted formulation that is intended to resonate with...
Meta Under Fire for Hosting Ads Raising Funds for Israeli Military Equipment
Watchdog Finds Ads Seeking Drone Donations on Meta Platforms. A recent investigation has revealed that Meta allowed dozens of paid advertisements promoting fundraising for Israeli military units to run across its platforms. These ads appeared on...

CBM plans lower interest loans for MSMEs
July 10, 2025 Nyein Nyein 17 The Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) has been arranging to establish a State Reconstruction Fund and provide MSMEs loans for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) battered by the Mandalay Earthquake at cheaper...

Yangon palm oil reference price set slightly higher this week
The wholesale reference rate of palm oil set for the Yangon market was set a bit higher at K6,055 this week ending 27 July from K6,030 per viss for a week ending 20 July, according to the Supervisory Committee on Edible Oil Import and...

Laos and Bitcoin: The Big Struggles of a Small Nation
A few weeks ago, a notification on Nostr caught my attention, thanks to a small Laos flag emoji in the poster’s username. Intrigued, I followed him back, and soon we exchanged Signal IDs. Not long after, I met him in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It was...

UN Statements Undercut New Israeli Report on 10/7 Sexual Violence
My book “The Squad” is out in paperback tomorrow. If you want to get it and avoid Amazon, you can do that here. In hindsight, I regret not fighting for the original title I wanted, “They’ve Got Money,” because it is a sequel to my previous one,...

How China Engages South Asia: In the Open and Behind the Scenes
REPORT SUMMARY This is the second report in a multi-year research project on China’s expanding influence in South Asia, from Afghanistan to Myanmar and Nepal to Sri Lanka. It offers a comprehensive framework to understand the range, methods, and...

Global Inequality and Digital Vulnerability: Unpacking Online Scams and Human Trafficking
Online scams and digital-enabled human trafficking have escalated into complex transnational operations. An estimated 220,000 people were coerced into scam compounds in Cambodia and Myanmar in 2023 alone. A holistic, people-centred strategy is...

Singapore’s most beloved local F&B brands revealed: foodpanda unveils first-ever Local Foodie Heroes Hall of Fame
A delicious tribute to Singapore’s iconic local eats to mark SG60 celebrations – enjoy close to two months of exclusive launch deals SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 July 2025 - Get ready for a flavour-packed celebration! foodpanda,...

Curated Experiences for the Sophisticated Explorer
For those who crave more than typical travel itineraries, the world offers a wealth of curated adventures designed not just to impress, but to inspire. The sophisticated explorer seeks the exceptional and the kind of experiences that blend...

Telin Launch CLS Manado-Minahasa: Bold Step to Strengthen Eastern Indonesia Digital Ecosystem Toward a More Diverse and Opulence Connectivity
MANADO, Indonesia, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin), a subsidiary of PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom), proudly announces the official launch of its new Cable Landing Station (CLS) in...

Should we treat rivers as living things?
Is a River Alive? Robert Macfarlane Hamish Hamilton (2025) Thirst: In Search of Freshwater Wellcome Collection, London 26 June 2025–1 February 2026 Thirst: In Search of Freshwater Foreword by Robert Macfarlane. Wellcome Collection (2025) When...

United Airlines Reports Second-Quarter Profit, Sees Third-Quarter Positive Inflection in Both Supply and Demand
Airline expects less geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty in second half of 2025, with demand inflection beginning in early July with a 6 point acceleration in booking demand Published industry schedules show a supply inflection beginning in...

Hundreds of Vietnamese Flee Compound As Online Scam Raids Intensify Nationwide
A total of 2,767 foreign nationals have been detained to date, including more than 400 women, in nationwide raids suspected of online scam operations, following Prime Minister Hun Manet’s directive on July 14. According to police reports, the...
New Music Reviews (7/21)
Each week, Music Director Chris Sanley and Associate Music Director Alex Ruder share brief insights on new and upcoming releases for KEXP's rotation. These reviews help our DJs decide on what they want to play. See what we added this week below...

Thap Lamu Port caught in geopolitical tug-of-war between US and China
This guiding principle extends to military procurement. Despite the Royal Thai Air Force currently leaning toward Sweden’s Gripen fighter jets to replace ageing US-made F-16s being phased out, future procurement cycles may see American platforms...

CBM sells US$640K, THB500K on 30 June
July 02, 2025 Nyein Nyein 19 The facade view of the Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) in Nay Pyi Taw. The Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) sold US$643,634.29 to commodities importing companies and $377.362.5 to edible oil companies on 30 June after...