Inside India newsletter: The world’s largest real-time payments system will n...
Thursday, September 17,2026,05:10
India's digital payment system, which processes more than 1 million transactions every two minutes for free now, will start charging fees to merchants. .. read more..
Putin braces for election stress test as Russians ‘feel the pain’ of struggli...
Thursday, September 17,2026,05:00
Russia’s upcoming election is expected to cement United Russia’s dominance, but voter turnout and its margin of victory could offer clues to public discontent. .. read more..
Indian Shares Edge Higher In Cautious Trade
Thursday, September 17,2026,04:47
Indian shares eked out modest gains in cautious trade on Thursday as investors weighed a Federal Reserve's hawkish rate hike as well as tightening U.S. sanctions on Russian oil against falling crude oil prices in international markets. .. read more..
Casino, not bakery: Philippine e-payment firms urged to improve merchant vetting
Thursday, September 17,2026,04:20
Electronic payment providers need to be more diligent in vetting companies that use their platforms to protect people from fraud, the Philippine central bank said. The requirement came after Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas found thousands of illegal businesses on the payment platforms, including many online casinos masquerading as more ordinary companies like beauty salons and bakeries. “We want to protect consumers from online fraud, illegal activities and also from money launderers,” Deputy... .. read more..
Indian transgender patients left in limbo following legal amendments
Thursday, September 17,2026,03:33
When transgender woman Kali Sidharth Medepalli began hormone replacement therapy in India, she expected to complete her medical transition and undergo surgery within a year. But just months after she began treatment earlier this year, India’s parliament amended the country’s transgender law, and the clinic where she was receiving care stopped her medicines. “Everything shut down,” the 23-year-old communications specialist and LGBTQ rights activist said in the southern city of Hyderabad. Kali... .. read more..
Australian Market Trims Early Gains In Mid-market
Thursday, September 17,2026,03:32
The Australian market is trimming its early gains in mid-market moves on Thursday, but extending the gains in the previous session, despite the broadly negative cues from Wall Street overnight. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 is moving well above the 8,700 level, with gains in iron ore miners and financial stocks partially offset by weakness in gold miners, energy and technology stocks. .. read more..
Asian Markets Trade Mostly Higher
Thursday, September 17,2026,03:21
Asian markets are trading mostly higher on Thursday, despite the broadly negative cues from Wall Street overnight, amid a pullback of the surge in long-term bond yields after the US Fed delivered the first interest rate hike in more than three years since July 2023. Crude oil prices also pulled back on easing Middle East supply concerns amid reports of Saudi Arabia loading crude cargoes via Oman. .. read more..
Is Japan’s Okinawa finally moving past anti-base politics?
Thursday, September 17,2026,03:00
Okinawa has handed a landslide victory to a conservative who accepts Tokyo’s plans for relocating a controversial US airbase – delivering a blow to 12 years of anti-base politics in Japan’s southernmost prefecture. Genta Koja’s victory on Sunday over two-term governor Denny Tamaki raised a question cutting to the heart of Okinawa’s post-war politics: is it finally starting to move on from the US military base issue? Koja, a 42-year-old conservative backed by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae... .. read more..
Indian Shares Seen Little Changed At Open After Fed Rate Hike
Thursday, September 17,2026,02:48
Indian shares are seen opening little changed on Thursday as investors weigh a Federal Reserve's hawkish rate hike against falling oil prices. .. read more..
Risk of unrest in Asia as Iran war, El Nino threaten food supplies
Thursday, September 17,2026,02:08
Severe weather disruptions will amplify food security risks in Asia, potentially triggering civil unrest and political instability in vulnerable countries such as India, Indonesia and the Philippines, according to consultancy Verisk Maplecroft. The warning comes as the war in Iran has already disrupted fuel and fertiliser supplies, both of which are key agricultural inputs. Now, weather extremes linked to a powerful El Nino are further threatening crops across the region. Indonesia, the world’s... .. read more..
Oversold Thai Stock Market Called Lower Again
Thursday, September 17,2026,02:03
The Thai stock market has moved lower in six straight sessions, retreating more than 55 points or 3.7 percent along the way. The Stock Exchange of Thailand now sits just above the 1,560-point plateau and it's expected to open under water again on Thursday. .. read more..
No Help Yet For Indonesia Stock Market
Thursday, September 17,2026,01:33
The Indonesia stock market has finished lower in six straight sessions, sinking more than 250 points or 3.8 percent along the way. The Jakarta Composite Index now sits just above the 6,430-point plateau and it's likely to open lower again on Thursday. .. read more..
North Korea at Japan’s Asian Games: sports diplomacy or propaganda stunt?
Thursday, September 17,2026,01:30
North Korea’s decision to send a record delegation to the 2026 Asian Games in Japan could serve as a calculated opening for limited diplomacy with Washington and Tokyo, even as major obstacles to formal talks remain. State media reported on Wednesday that a delegation led by Kim Il-guk, North Korea’s sports minister, had left for Japan to attend the Games. The 20th Asian Games are being held in Nagoya and surrounding Aichi prefecture and run from Saturday to October 4. North Korea’s 180-strong... .. read more..
Japanese Market Modestly Higher
Thursday, September 17,2026,01:21
The Japanese market is trading modestly higher on Thursday, extending the gains in the previous session, despite the broadly negative cues from Wall Street overnight. The Nikkei 225 is moving well above the 64,000 mark, with gains in index heavyweights, automakers, exporters and financial stocks partially offset by weakness in technology stocks. .. read more..
Hang Seng Likely To Remain Rangebound
Thursday, September 17,2026,01:18
The Hong Kong stock market has moved higher in two of three trading days since the end of the five-day losing streak in which it had given up more than 850 points or 3 percent. The Hang Seng Index now sits just above the 24,710-point plateau although it's looking at a soft start on Thursday. .. read more..
India, Pakistan summon each other’s diplomats after naval ships collide in Ar...
Thursday, September 17,2026,01:10
New Delhi and Islamabad summoned each other’s top diplomats to lodge strong protests after an Indian and a Pakistani naval vessel collided in international waters. India’s foreign ministry said that it had called in Pakistan’s senior envoy to formally register a strong objection over what it said was “unacceptable and unprofessional conduct” of Pakistani naval units that led to a collision with an Indian warship. Pakistan’s foreign ministry also said it had officially called upon the charge... .. read more..
Soft Start Anticipated For China Stock Market
Thursday, September 17,2026,01:03
The China stock market on Wednesday ended the four-day losing streak in which it had slumped more than 85 points or 2.3 percent. The Shanghai Composite Index now sits just above the 3,890-point plateau although it may face renewed selling pressure on Thursday. .. read more..
Australian Market Notably Higher
Thursday, September 17,2026,01:00
The Australian stock market is trading notably higher on Thursday, extending the gains in the previous session, despite the broadly negative cues from Wall Street overnight. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 is moving up to near the 8,750 level, with gains in iron ore miners and financial stocks partially offset by weakness in gold miners, energy and technology stocks. .. read more..
Only ‘idiots’ expect North Korea to give up nuclear weapons: Kim Yo-jong
Thursday, September 17,2026,00:33
The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said on Thursday that the country’s nuclear-armed status was “absolute”, calling those hoping for its denuclearisation “idiots”. North Korea has legally enshrined its status as a nuclear weapons state, with its leadership declaring the country’s nuclear arsenal permanent and irreversible. US President Donald Trump recently said Pyongyang possessed 57 “very powerful” nuclear weapons, with Seoul putting the figure at between 80 and 120. “The... .. read more..
Taiwan Stock Market Poised To Open Under Water
Thursday, September 17,2026,00:33
The Taiwan stock market on Wednesday snapped the four-day losing streak in which it had dropped more than 1,650 points or 3 percent. The Taiwan Stock Exchange now sits just beneath the 45,850-point plateau although it may hand back those gains on Thursday. .. read more..
Losing Streak May Continue For Singapore Stock Market
Thursday, September 17,2026,00:03
The Singapore stock market has finished lower in back-to-back sessions, sinking almost 85 points or 1.7 percent along the way. The Straits Times Index now sits just above the 5,635-point plateau and it's tipped to open in the red again on Thursday. .. read more..
Will Takaichi visit Kyiv? Zelensky’s invite puts Japan PM in diplomatic bind
Thursday, September 17,2026,00:00
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s invitation for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to visit Kyiv has created a diplomatic dilemma for the Japanese leader, who is under pressure to show firmer support for Ukraine without further antagonising Russia. Zelensky extended the invitation through Eisuke Mori, speaker of Japan’s House of Representatives, during his visit to the Ukrainian capital earlier this week. Mori, who helped establish the cross-party Japan-Ukraine parliamentary friendship group... .. read more..
Malaysia Stock Market May See Continued Consolidation
Wednesday, September 16,2026,23:33
Ahead of Wednesday's holiday for Malaysia Day, the Malaysia stock market had turned lower again, one day after ending the four-day losing streak in which it had fallen almost 10 points or 0.6 percent. The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index now sits just shy of the 1,680-point plateau and it may take further damage on Thursday. .. read more..
Health crisis grips Indonesians enduring haze: ‘my eyes sting, my head hurts’
Wednesday, September 16,2026,23:30
Struggling to breathe through the acrid haze emanating from wildfires on Indonesia’s Borneo Island, residents said on Wednesday they feared for their health but had little to do but wait out the foul-smelling hazard. Indonesia, which shares Borneo with Malaysia and Brunei, is grappling with forest fires that have ravaged swathes of the island, partly caused by the El Nino climate phenomenon that has also affected other countries in Southeast Asia and beyond. In Pontianak, the capital of West... .. read more..
Japan Stock Market May Turn Lower Again On Thursday
Wednesday, September 16,2026,23:18
The Japanese stock market on Wednesday ended the three-day slide in which it had dropped more than 1,780 points or 3 percent. The Nikkei 225 now sits just shy of the 63,925-point plateau although it's likely to open under pressure on Thursday. .. read more..
South Korea Stock Market May Hand Back Wednesday's Gains
Wednesday, September 16,2026,23:03
The South Korea stock market on Wednesday ended the four-day losing streak in which it had plunged more than 420 points or 5.9 percent. The KOSPI now sits just beneath the 6,720-point plateau although it may head south again on Thursday. .. read more..
Canada invited to become EU’s first ‘associate member’ as Trump trade war int...
Wednesday, September 16,2026,14:43
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc wants to open the door for Canada to become its first associate member, signaling a major deepening of ties. .. read more..
World's top-performing sovereign wealth fund warns of looming pullback in U.S...
Wednesday, September 16,2026,14:31
New Zealand's $54 billion pension fund returned 14.2% in the year to June. .. read more..
Malaysia to invite Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing for Rohingya repatriation talks
Wednesday, September 16,2026,14:01
Malaysia will formally invite Myanmar leader Minh Aung Hlaing to visit Kuala Lumpur to discuss efforts to repatriate nearly 200,000 refugees from the war-torn nation that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says have placed a heavy social and economic burden on his country. Refugees from Myanmar, particularly ethnic Rohingya, have faced worsening hostility in recent months in Malaysia, where they are accused of causing social problems and taking over small local businesses in areas where they have set... .. read more..
China mulls bid for Apec free-trade area to taunt US, tantalise Asia
Wednesday, September 16,2026,13:30
China is increasingly expected to push for a trade agreement binding a wide swathe of the Pacific Rim, including the US, when it hosts a forum of major Asia-Pacific economies in November, but a real deal may be hard to secure as Washington is likely to resist, according to analysts. The anticipated push for the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), covering all 21 members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum, would – even if unsuccessful – earn Beijing goodwill from other... .. read more..
Australia to ban student dependants as Labor fends off far-right pressure
Wednesday, September 16,2026,12:42
Australia is set to introduce sweeping changes to its immigration policy by barring international students from bringing dependants, in a bid to ease housing pressures and fend off a growing political challenge from the far-right. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke will announce the measures at the National Press Club in Canberra on Thursday, outlining plans to trim net overseas migration from 300,000 to 225,000 by 2028. The issuance of temporary residence permits would also be reduced to curb... .. read more..
Trump taking notes from India? US$5,000 cash pitch draws ‘freebie’ comparisons
Wednesday, September 16,2026,12:00
Donald Trump’s proposal to give adult Americans US$5,000 if Republicans win November’s midterm elections has drawn an unusual accusation from India: that the US president is borrowing from the country’s welfare-heavy political playbook. Speaking days after Trump floated the US$5,000 proposal on September 9, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar told an event held by India’s main opposition Congress party: “Trump is copying us.” Shivakumar argued that the pledge reflected the wider... .. read more..
Taiwan digital minister discusses AI, cybersecurity during U.S. visit
Wednesday, September 16,2026,11:57
Taipei, Sept. 16 (CNA) Taiwan Digital Minister Lin Yi-jing (林宜敬) recently visited Washington, D.C., and met with United States officials, think tanks and major technology companies to discuss cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, his ministry said Wednesday. .. read more..
Mild temperatures, showers forecast for northern, eastern Taiwan
Wednesday, September 16,2026,11:17
Taipei, Sept. 16 (CNA) A northeasterly wind system will continue to affect northern and eastern Taiwan over the next few days, bringing mild temperatures and a chance of rain, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA). .. read more..
CAL announces Virgin Atlantic codeshare on 15th SkyTeam anniversary
Wednesday, September 16,2026,11:11
Amsterdam, Sept. 16 (CNA) Taiwanese carrier China Airlines (CAL) will launch a codeshare partnership with Britain's Virgin Atlantic Airways, the company announced Wednesday at an event in Amsterdam marking the 15th anniversary of its accession to the SkyTeam airline alliance. .. read more..
Meta launches Meta One subscription service in Taiwan
Wednesday, September 16,2026,10:42
Taipei, Sept. 16 (CNA) Meta Platforms Inc. announced Tuesday the official launch of Meta One in Taiwan, a subscription service bundling premium features, artificial intelligence (AI) usage quotas and advanced creative tools across Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. .. read more..
How wildfires are threatening Indonesia’s economy and carbon market
Wednesday, September 16,2026,10:37
Forest and peatland fires raging across Indonesia are threatening to become more than an environmental emergency, with analysts warning that the thickening haze could weigh on economic activity, strain public health and test confidence in the nation’s fledgling carbon market. Indonesia is no stranger to forest and peat fires, but this year’s super El Nino has helped make it the country’s most intense wildfire season in 11 years. Toxic haze and smoke have also drifted to neighbouring countries... .. read more..
Indian Shares End Modestly Higher As Oil Prices Ease
Wednesday, September 16,2026,10:29
Indian shares ended Wednesday's session modestly higher as oil prices pulled back from recent highs and investors braced for a closely watched Federal Reserve rate decision later in the day. .. read more..
Singaporean tourist hit, seriously injured by bus in Taichung crosswalk
Wednesday, September 16,2026,09:44
Taipei, Sept. 16 (CNA) A 67-year-old Singaporean woman was seriously injured after being struck by a bus and trapped under it while crossing a street in Taichung Wednesday morning, authorities said. .. read more..
Asset hub push lifts Taipei's global financial standing: Stock exchange
Wednesday, September 16,2026,09:34
Taipei, Sept. 16 (CNA) Taipei has climbed to 42nd place in a global ranking of financial centers released Wednesday, up from 73rd two years ago, a rise the Taiwan Stock Exchange Corporation (TWSE) attributed to the government's push to develop Taiwan into an Asian asset management hub. .. read more..
Asian Shares Reverse Losses As Oil Slips On US Stock Build
Wednesday, September 16,2026,08:38
Asian stocks ended flat to slightly higher in cautious trade on Wednesday as oil prices pulled back from recent highs and investors braced for a closely watched Federal Reserve rate decision later in the day. .. read more..
U.S. dollar closes higher on Taipei forex market
Wednesday, September 16,2026,08:11
Taipei, Sept. 16 (CNA) The U.S. dollar rose against the Taiwan dollar Wednesday, gaining NT$0.040 to close at NT$31.888. .. read more..
Deal with CTBC subsidiary for domed stadium close: Taichung mayor
Wednesday, September 16,2026,08:07
Taichung, Sept. 16 (CNA) CTBC Financial Holding Co. subsidiary Taiwan Life Insurance Co. is expected to sign a NT$60 billion (US$1.89 billion) build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract with Taichung for a 45,000-seat domed baseball stadium in October, Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) said Wednesday. .. read more..
Crypto exchange Binance takes on tradfi by courting rich investors to join it...
Wednesday, September 16,2026,08:04
Binance is opening its Capital Connect platform to qualified individual investors for the first time. .. read more..
Ukraine's message to Asian nations: your chips are turning up in Russian miss...
Wednesday, September 16,2026,08:00
Ukraine's sanctions envoy said Russia could be forced to retreat from the war within six months if its oil revenues are halved. .. read more..
Taiwan shares close higher on thin turnover ahead of Fed decision
Wednesday, September 16,2026,07:33
Taipei, Sept. 16 (CNA) Shares in Taiwan closed higher Wednesday, but turnover remained low as investors stayed cautious ahead of a U.S. Federal Reserve policy decision due later in the day, dealers said. .. read more..
Singapore court rejects 90-year-old’s spousal support claim against ex-wife, 89
Wednesday, September 16,2026,07:30
A Singapore family court rejected a 90-year-old man’s claim for spousal maintenance from his 89-year-old wife, noting that both of them are in the twilight of their lives. The court also noted that the man would receive more than S$2 million (US$1.6 million) from the matrimonial pool, comprising the couple’s assets to be divided in the divorce, and his wife was a retiree living on a pension. The former couple were married for more than 64 years and have three children, all aged above 60, a... .. read more..
TSMC returns to prior ex-dividend level within 27 minutes after opening
Wednesday, September 16,2026,07:08
Taipei, Sept. 16 (CNA) Shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) returned to their prior ex-dividend level within 27 minutes of the local market opening Wednesday, the stock's ex-dividend date. .. read more..
Labor groups urge uniform penalties for minimum wage violations
Wednesday, September 16,2026,07:03
Taipei, Sept. 16 (CNA) Labor groups on Wednesday called on the government to adopt uniform nationwide penalty standards for employers that violate minimum wage rules, arguing that wide disparities among local authorities weaken enforcement of the law. .. read more..
BOJ expected to hike rates by 25 basis points to fresh three-decade high: CNB...
Wednesday, September 16,2026,06:53
The BOJ is expected to hike rates by 25 basis points to a fresh three-decade high, a CNBC survey shows. .. read more..