Mine Warfare in the Asia-Pacific: Clear and Present Danger

India’s fintech giant Razorpay has expanded into Singapore, aiming to enhance the country’s digital payments ecosystem by offering cost-efficient solutions to businesses. The company will reduce transaction fees by 30-40% and provide innovations like multi-currency transactions, AI tools, and real-time payments, collaborating with banks and regulators to ensure compliance. With a focus on cross-border payments and leveraging its AI-driven approach, Razorpay’s expansion into Singapore signifies increased competition and innovation in the digital payments sector, strengthening...

Chinese Human Rights Defenders reported that Chinese authorities have wrongfully detained thousands of individuals, convicting 1,545 prisoners of conscience over the past six years. The group stated that arbitrary detentions may constitute crimes against humanity, with severe penalties imposed on those detained, including death sentences. Women activists, ethnic minorities, and individuals over 60 were disproportionately affected, with China's use of arbitrary detention expanding under Xi Jinping, targeting critics, human rights personnel, and individuals involved in...

The F.B.I. arrested Mohammad Sharifullah, an Afghan national, for his involvement in the deadly 2021 attack on U.S. service members at Kabul airport, where 13 military members were killed and 160 civilians injured. Sharifullah, a member of ISIS-K, admitted to aiding in the attack and other lethal operations, including a 2016 attack on the Canadian Embassy in Kabul and a 2024 attack near Moscow. He faces terrorism charges and the possibility of life in prison,...

Footballer Aniq Rizqin of Tanjong Pagar United received a 30-month ban and a S$2,000 fine from the FAS for violent conduct during a SPL U-21 match against Albirex Niigata, where he was caught on video throwing a punch. The club was also fined for failing to ensure sportsmanship, with the ban being among the longest in FAS history, as Aniq faces police investigation for causing hurt to an Albirex player, leading to Tanjong Pagar terminating...

In August 2021, President Ghani fled Afghanistan as the Taliban took control of Kabul, leaving the U.S. surrounded by victorious Taliban forces. The disastrous withdrawal of U.S. forces and evacuation of limited Afghan allies highlighted failures in U.S. foreign policy and revealed how disrespectful treatment of Afghan leaders contributed to animosity towards the United States. Karzai and Ghani both experienced a shift from U.S. allies to opponents due to perceived disrespect and humiliation, emphasizing the...

Alice Au, group director of digital marketing at Wharf Hotels in Hong Kong, is a seasoned professional with expertise in CRM and ecommerce. She has successfully launched 20 new websites, significantly increased performance marketing ROAS, and driven substantial revenue growth for Wharf Hotels' properties. Au's innovative approach includes integrating platforms like WeChat and Alipay into the group strategy, resulting in expanded market reach and higher engagement, showcasing her ability to identify opportunities and leverage emerging...