https://iwpr.net/global-voices/do-philippines-anti-corruption-protests-signal-change Tens of thousands of Filipinos are protesting after revelations that up to one trillion pesos (USD 17 billion) were lost to corruption in fake or substandard flood-control projects. The scandal, involving nearly 10,000 projects since 2022, comes as the country faces frequent typhoons, severe flooding, and chronic disaster vulnerability—conditions that disproportionately harm the poor. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has… Read more »
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/west-scrambles-fill-heavy-rare-earth-gap-china-rivalry-deepens-2025-11-19 The West’s effort to build an independent rare-earth magnet supply chain is being undermined by a severe shortage of heavy rare earth elements—especially dysprosium and terbium—which are essential for high-temperature magnets used in electric vehicles, defense systems, and wind turbines. Although the U.S. is heavily supporting MP Materials to create a fully domestic supply chain, its Mountain Pass mine… Read more »
https://apnews.com/article/indonesia-jordan-king-abdullah-visit-investment-danantara-c259b8b75f4724519d4505d410048bd9 Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Indonesia’s President Pradowo Subianto met in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, to strengthen military cooperation and economic ties between their two Muslim majority nations. The 2 leaders share a long personal history dating back to their time as military officers at the US For Benning academy and Subiantos years of self exile in jordan in the… Read more »
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/us-provide-45-million-help-implement-cambodian-thai-accords-2026-01-09 The Reuters article reports that the United States will provide $45 million in assistance to Cambodia and Thailand to support peace efforts following renewed border violence between the two countries. According to Michael DeSombre, the U.S. assistant secretary for East Asia, the funding is intended to help both governments implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords and restore stability in… Read more »
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japans-bankruptcy-cases-hit-12-year-high-2025-survey-shows-2026-01-13 The Reuters article reports that Japan experienced a sharp rise in corporate bankruptcies in 2025, reaching levels not seen in 12 years. According to a survey by Tokyo Shoko Research, 10,300 companies went bankrupt last year, a 2.9% increase from 2024 and the fourth consecutive annual rise. The increase is largely attributed to rising raw material costs, labor shortages,… Read more »
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australian-arts-festival-decision-bar-palestinian-author-after-bondi-attack-2026-01-12 The Reuters article reports that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Parliament would return early from its summer recess to pass new laws targeting hate speech following a mass shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Sydney, which killed 15 people. Police stated that the alleged gunmen were inspired by the Islamic State group, sparking nationwide concern… Read more »
