As Iran Faces a Crucial Choice, China Has Much at Stake – The Diplomat

Japanese shipowner MOL is acquiring LBC Tank Terminals for $1.72bn, expanding its presence in chemical storage in Europe and the US. LBC operates seven terminals with a total capacity of 3m cu m, including facilities for rail and truck transport. With previous acquisitions, MOL now has one of the largest chemical tanker fleets globally. Full Article

Zachary Lim, a media industry veteran, has been named head of IPG Mediabrands Singapore following his departure from Wavemaker. Reporting to Leigh Terry, CEO of IPG Mediabrands APAC, Lim will lead UM and Initiative agencies, bringing his expertise in integrated marketing and agency leadership to the role. His appointment comes after the exits of James Smyllie and Kasper Aakerlund, with Terry expressing confidence in Lim's ability to drive client success and elevate operations in Singapore....

Voting closed on Sunday in the race to lead Canada’s Liberal Party, with Mark Carney, a former central banker and political novice, favored to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Carney, who has endorsements from much of Trudeau’s cabinet and over half of Liberals in parliament, is the front-runner, while Trudeau’s former deputy prime minister, Chrystia Freeland, is his main challenger. Results are expected before 7pm local time, with a Freeland win being a surprise as...

Russian and North Korean forces have made significant advances in the Kursk region of Russia, threatening Ukraine's supply lines and hold on territory. The joint forces, utilizing well-trained drone units and artillery fire, have overwhelmed Ukrainian positions, leading to casualties and potential retreat. Despite initial gains by Ukrainian forces last summer, recent setbacks in Kursk have weakened their position, with North Korean soldiers playing a significant role in the latest wave of attacks. Full Article

The US government's freeze on foreign aid, except for Israel and Egypt, has had a swift and shocking impact on conservation efforts in Southeast Asia, leaving vital workers combating illegal loggers and wildlife poachers without funding. Frontline park rangers, whose salaries were supported by this aid, were caught off guard by the sudden halt in assistance. The abrupt withdrawal of support has created a painful and challenging situation for those working to protect the region's...

AI, particularly ChatGPT, is reshaping the banking sector by automating processes and improving efficiency in commercial lending. Despite concerns about job displacement and fraud risks, AI tools like ChatGPT offer significant benefits in identifying issues, assessing creditworthiness, and enhancing customer experiences. While it is crucial to integrate AI harmoniously with human expertise, the potential for AI technologies like ChatGPT to revolutionize the banking industry is substantial, with experts projecting significant market growth and improved customer...