Article: https://www.reuters.com/world/india/oman-india-sign-comprehensive-economic-partnership-agreement-omans-state-news-2025-12-18/ India and Oman have signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment, as New Delhi seeks to deepen ties with the Middle East and diversify exports amid steep U.S. tariffs. Under the deal, Oman will grant zero-duty access on more than 98% of its tariff lines, covering nearly all Indian exports such as… Read more »
Article: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/afghan-hunger-crisis-deepens-aid-funding-falls-short-un-says-2025-12-16/ The U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that it can no longer provide adequate aid to millions of Afghans suffering from hunger and malnutrition, marking the first time in decades it has been unable to mount an effective winter response. In a statement on December 16, the agency said deaths, particularly among children, are likely to rise… Read more »
Article: https://united24media.com/latest-news/kazakhstan-is-building-nato-standard-shell-factories-and-russia-is-not-happy-14352 Kazakhstan is moving forward with a $1 billion plan to build four NATO-standard artillery ammunition factories, signaling a major shift away from reliance on Russian weapons systems. Reported by The Moscow Times on December 17, the initiative has already prompted strong criticism from Moscow, with Russian officials calling the move “unfriendly.” Historically, Kazakhstan has lacked domestic production of… Read more »
Article: AP News President Donald Trump announced that he is extending invitations to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to attend next year’s G20 summit, which the United States will host in Miami, Florida. Although neither Central Asian country is a formal member of the G20, it is common practice for host nations to invite non-members to participate as guests. Trump revealed the… Read more »
Article: AP News Afghanistan is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis as major international aid cuts have sharply reduced food assistance. More than 17 million people face crisis-level hunger, while nearly 23 million depend on aid. Funding reductions to the World Food Programme have forced it to limit support to the most vulnerable. Economic collapse, drought, earthquakes, refugee returns, and Taliban… Read more »
Article: Reuters Historical Context Source: Council of Foreign Relations Pakistan has reached a deal worth more than $4 billion to supply weapons and military equipment to Libya’s eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA), according to Pakistani officials. The agreement was discussed during a visit by Pakistan’s army chief to Benghazi, where he met senior LNA figures. The deal reportedly includes fighter… Read more »
This article is important because it highlights how different regions respond differently to climate change and energy challenges. Southeast Asia is highly vulnerable to rising sea levels, extreme weather, and climate-related disasters, which makes renewable energy a practical necessity rather than just a political choice. Offshore wind offers long-term benefits such as reduced emissions, job creation, and energy independence. The… Read more »
The article “Trump hosts Central Asian leaders as the U.S. seeks to get around China on rare earth metals” by Aamer Madhani focuses on how the United States is trying to reduce its dependence on China for rare earth minerals by strengthening relationships with Central Asian countries. Rare earth metals are essential for modern technology, including smartphones, electric vehicles, and… Read more »
The article “Immigrants from Central Asia find hostility and violence in Russia” by Katie Marie Davies examines the growing discrimination and danger faced by migrants from countries such as Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan who move to Russia for work. These immigrants often take low-paying but essential jobs in construction, cleaning, and food services, helping support Russia’s economy. Despite this, they… Read more »
Pakistan begins last anti-polio vaccination drive of the year after surge in new cases Pakistan just launched their final polio vaccination campaign of the year with a goal of vaccinating 45 million children. So far in 2025 there have been 30 reported cases of polio which is 74 less than 2024. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the last two countries that… Read more »
