Kandahar's Grape Farmers Turn to Raisins as Border Closures Wipe Out Exports
Border closures with Pakistan have halted grape exports from Kandahar, forcing farmers to dry their crop into raisins and sell at steep losses.
Economy
Indonesia Holds Rates Steady as New Governor Prioritises Rupiah Stability
Indonesia's central bank held rates steady for a second meeting, prioritising rupiah stability and inflation control under interim governor Destry Damayanti.
Japan's Bond Market Turmoil Strains Takaichi's Fiscal Strategy
Japan faces limited options as a bond rout pushes 10-year yields near 3%, threatening fiscal plans and Takaichi's spending agenda.
China Expected to Keep Key Lending Rates Unchanged for 15th Month
China is expected to hold benchmark loan prime rates steady in August, with analysts favoring fiscal measures over monetary easing.
UK inflation climbs to 2.9% as energy price cap hike bites
UK inflation rose to 2.9% in July, up from 2.6% in June, after a 13% increase in the energy price cap.
Nigeria's Tinubu faces 18 rivals as divided opposition opens campaign season
Nigeria's presidential campaign begins with President Tinubu seeking a second term against a fragmented opposition field of 18 candidates.
Nigeria's 2026 election: Tinubu's second-term bid puts a decade of APC rule on trial
Nigeria's election campaign begins with Tinubu seeking a second term, facing voter anger over economic hardship and insecurity after a decade of APC rule.
US News Roundup: ABC Sues FCC, FDA Pick, Tariff Pause, Korea Drill Cut
ABC sues FCC over license threat; Trump names FDA pick; Canada gets tariff reprieve; US scales back Korea exercise.
Thai industrial confidence climbs for second month on EV sales and state aid
Thailand's industrial sentiment index rose to 90.0 in July, supported by strong EV sales and government subsidies, though tariffs and tourism remain risks.
US and Canada reach tariff truce, Trump announces three-day pause
President Trump announces a three-day pause on new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, citing a deal, while floating the revival of the Keystone XL pipeline.
Ukraine's Drone Campaign Targets Wildberries Warehouses, Hitting Russia's E-Commerce Backbone
Ukraine has escalated its long-range drone strategy by striking Wildberries warehouses across Russia, burning billions in merchandise and disrupting the country's e-commerce sector.
Oil prices rise for fourth day as Hormuz shipping dispute deepens
Oil prices rose for a fourth session amid conflicting US-Iran statements on Hormuz shipping, with Iraq diversifying export routes.
Japan's Farmers Turn to Night Work as Heatwaves Turn Deadly
Record heatstroke deaths push Japan's ageing farmers to work at night, reshaping agriculture as heat costs billions in lost labour.
Trump Rules Out Iran Talks, Carney Seeks Tariff Reprieve
Trump denies Iran talks, insists Hormuz open. Carney-Trump call precedes tariff deadline. Plus: primaries, ghost guns, Meta trial.
Carney-Trump Call Fails to Break Impasse as US Tariff Deadline Nears
Carney and Trump spoke again Tuesday, but no deal emerged before new US tariffs on $20 billion in Canadian goods take effect.
Governments worldwide move to curb data centre expansion
Authorities globally are freezing, restricting, or banning new data centre construction over concerns about power, water, and community impact.
UN urges Houthis to halt attacks on Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping
The UN has called on Houthi forces to stop attacks against Saudi targets and shipping, warning of regional destabilization.
Bolivia's Congress Censures Economy Minister, Forcing His Removal
Bolivia's Congress has voted to censure Economy Minister Jose Gabriel Espinoza, forcing his removal and dealing a setback to President Paz's economic agenda.
Putin Hosts Myanmar Leader, Signals Deeper Energy Ties
Putin hosted Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing in Moscow, discussing energy projects and defence cooperation amid Western sanctions.
Chile GDP Shrinks as Copper Slump Weighs on Economy
Chile's economy contracted 0.2% in Q2 from a year earlier, missing growth forecasts, as lower copper production hit the mining sector.