China, Philippines Trade Statements Over Medical Evacuation From Disputed Shoal – The Diplomat

Opposition leader Peter Dutton in Australia is adopting a Trump-like approach by criticizing "woke" issues and emphasizing government efficiency in his campaign against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Dutton's messaging seems to be resonating with some voters, as evidenced by a recent poll showing Albanese's approval rating at a low point. Dutton's focus on issues like Indigenous rights and Australia Day appeals to a working-class base feeling ignored by traditional political leadership, in a bid to...

The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) survey in Singapore revealed an increase in residents wanting more government involvement in handling racial and religious issues, despite near unanimous agreement on the government's success in improving harmony. The survey, conducted on 4,000 residents, showed a rise in the percentage of respondents seeking government intervention in race and religious matters, while also indicating support for maintaining racial diversity in housing estates and culturally sensitive help for different communities....

We Are Social has appointed Toby Southgate as its global group chief executive officer, succeeding co-founder Nathan McDonald. Southgate, who previously led Forsman & Bodenfors, aims to drive growth and creative work for clients such as Samsung, Amazon Music, and Adidas across four continents with a team of 1,200 people. His experience in multinational agencies and focus on prioritizing people's well-being are expected to propel We Are Social into its next phase of evolution and...

Elon Musk's aides have taken control of the US Treasury Department's payments system, managing trillions of dollars in transactions annually, causing concern among critics. Musk, leading federal cost-cutting efforts under the "Department of Government Efficiency," claimed to be rooting out corruption and waste. The Treasury's payments system, crucial for handling government funds, was approved for Musk's control by incoming Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent after a career official was placed on leave for refusing access. Full...

The article discusses how the "MAGA" movement may lead to the decline of the American empire, highlighting the importance of cultural and strategic dominance in maintaining peace and prosperity globally. It mentions historical empires that brought peace and innovation, contrasting them with Trump's actions that threaten the global system created by the US after WWII, including withdrawing from international agreements and organizations. The author criticizes Trump's decisions, such as imposing tariffs and exiting climate agreements,...

India's finance minister announced a $2.9bn maritime development fund to boost the country's shipbuilding and repair industry, aiming to become a top 10 shipyard nation by the decade's end. The government will contribute 49% of the fund, seeking the rest from ports and the private sector, with a focus on attracting Korean and Japanese investments. The revamped Shipbuilding Financial Assistance policy will incentivize Indian owners to scrap old vessels and modernize their fleets. Full Article