20 h. ago How Indonesian fintech firm is bridging funding gaps for women entrepreneurs

Across Indonesia’s vast archipelago, millions of women running small businesses in rural areas remain locked out of traditional banking – a gap increasingly filled by fintech firms offering microloans as economic pressures mount. One of the most prominent players in this space is Amartha, a Jakarta-based lending platform that connects borrowers in remote communities with financial institutions. Founded in 2010, it now counts about 3 million active borrowers – 99 per cent of them women operating...

Economics

5 d. ago With increasing pressure from the West, can Israel resist a China charm offensive?

With increasing pressure from the West, can Israel resist a China charm offensive?  Jewish Insider

Politics

6 d. ago Hongkongers demand answers after banned substance found in estate’s water supply

Hong Kong authorities are under increasing pressure to verify whether the freshwater supply at a public housing estate contains bitumen, a substance banned from use in pipes, with experts calling for an investigation to trace the source of mystery black particles and determine if contractors have violated any rules. A source said the government would hold a press conference on Thursday afternoon to release more details of their test results. The water issue at two public rental and subsidised...

Events

8 d. ago How is China ramping up controls on critical mineral exports amid row with US?

Parts of China that are rich in critical minerals are stepping up enforcement of tighter export controls as the country doubles down on its dominance of world supplies in the face of increasing pressure from the United States. China, the world’s biggest producer of critical minerals, supplies 92 per cent of the refined rare earth elements that are essential in the production of consumer electronics, electric vehicles and hi-tech defence systems. Its export controls mean companies must obtain...

Politics

1 week ago Filipino activists stage ‘sea concert’ to resist Chinese claims in disputed waters

Combining protest with performance, Filipino activists staged a “sea concert” near the disputed Thitu Island in the South China Sea this week – a symbolic act of resistance that analysts say may not advance legal claims but could help galvanise regional solidarity and draw global attention. The event, organised by the Atin Ito (This Is Ours) coalition, took place aboard the civilian vessel M/V Kapitan Felix Oca, which set sail from Palawan in the early hours of Tuesday carrying volunteers and...

Politics

2 w. ago Doing Business in China Is Getting Harder, but Its Exports Are Hard to Resist

Doing Business in China Is Getting Harder, but Its Exports Are Hard to Resist  The New York Times

Politics

2 w. ago Trump threatens EU with 50% tariffs over breakdown in talks as Apple stares at 25%

Sweeping levies targeting bloc would start June 1 as China continues charm offensive across continent to deepen engagement.

Politics

3 w. ago Israeli troops fire ‘warning’ shots near EU diplomats, sparking outcry amid Gaza pressure

The incident during a visit by foreign diplomats to the occupied West Bank has sparked global condemnation amid calls for Israel to provide aid access to Gaza.

Events

3 w. ago Israeli strikes kill 45 in Gaza, as desperately needed aid fails to reach Palestinians

The strikes occur amid halted aid delivery as international pressure, including from the new pope, increases for Israel to ease its offensive.

Events

3 w. ago Israeli strikes kill 82 in Gaza, as desperately needed aid fails to reach Palestinians

The strikes occur amid halted aid delivery as international pressure, including from the new pope, increases for Israel to ease its offensive.

Events

3 w. ago UK halts Israel trade talks amid Gaza conflict, imposes sanctions over West Bank

The announcement came after UK PM Keir Starmer criticised Israel, calling the suffering of children in Gaza “utterly intolerable” and reiterated his call for a ceasefire.

Politics

3 w. ago By eroding US soft power, Trump is ceding the contest to China

Trump 2.0 has boosted China’s charm offensive, making its assertive foreign policy and unapologetic authoritarianism look less threatening.

Politics