By Azusa Kawakami

Burnham retreats on push to rejoin EU

Labour leadership contender distances himself from previous calls following backlash Andy Burnham has distanced himself from calls to rejoin the European Union following a backlash that threatens to derail his by-election campaign. The Labour leadership contender has previously said that, in the long term, he wants to see Britain return to the EU, and at the…

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Sudan on the Brink: Civil War Spirals Into One of the World’s Worst Humanitarian Disasters

The devastating civil war in Sudan continues to intensify, pushing millions deeper into hunger, displacement, and insecurity as international organisations warn that the country is rapidly becoming the site of one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. More than two years after fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support…

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Ethiopia’s Economic Surge: How Africa’s Fastest Growing Economy Is Reshaping East Africa’s Future

Ethiopia is rapidly emerging as one of Africa’s most powerful economic success stories, with new international projections indicating that the country could become the continent’s fastest growing major economy in 2026. According to recent IMF-linked economic forecasts, Ethiopia is expected to record economic growth of approximately 9.2 percent in 2026, placing it among the world’s…

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Asahi Bets on Brewing Byproducts as New Global Growth EngineBeer yeast finds new life in agriculture, nutrition, and alternative foods

Asahi Group Holdings is expanding far beyond its core beer business, placing a strategic global bet on the untapped potential of brewing byproducts—particularly yeast—as a new driver of growth in food, agriculture, and health-related industries. Traditionally viewed as waste or low-value residue, beer yeast is being reimagined as a high-value ingredient with diverse commercial applications….

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Taiwan Leader Cancels Africa Trip Amid China Pressure Claims

Lai Ching-te has abruptly cancelled a planned diplomatic visit to Eswatini, citing what officials in Taipei describe as mounting “coercion” from China and logistical barriers imposed by third countries. The visit, which had been scheduled at short notice, was intended to reinforce ties with one of Taiwan’s few remaining formal diplomatic allies. Eswatini is the…

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Strong earthquake hits northern Japan, triggering tsunami warnings

A powerful earthquake has struck northern Japan, prompting urgent tsunami warnings across several coastal regions and triggering widespread concern among residents and authorities. The tremor, which registered a preliminary magnitude of 7.4, hit off the northeastern coastline on Monday afternoon, affecting areas along Hokkaido and Iwate Prefecture. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the earthquake…

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Energy Shock Exposes India’s Fragile Path to Electrification

India’s ambitions to transition toward a cleaner, electrified economy are facing a stark reality check as a gas supply crunch triggered by the Iran conflict ripples through its industrial base, exposing deep structural vulnerabilities in the country’s energy system. The disruption stems largely from the geopolitical fallout of the war involving Iran, which has choked…

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India Considers Bangladesh’s Request for Diesel Amid Regional Energy Crunch

India is currently reviewing a formal request from Bangladesh for diesel supplies, as the South Asian nation seeks to navigate escalating energy demands caused by global supply disruptions. Officials in New Delhi confirmed that the evaluation is being led by the Ministry of External Affairs, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating that the process is being…

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Middle East Conflict Triggers Global Oil Shock

Tensions across the Middle East escalated dramatically as the confrontation involving Iran, the United States and regional allies triggered what the International Energy Agency (IEA) has described as the largest disruption to global oil markets in modern history. The surge in hostilities has shaken energy markets, raised fears of wider regional instability and placed major…

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Rising Costs Set to Push Up Prices of Chinese Smartphones

China’s smartphone industry may soon face a new challenge as rising production costs threaten to push device prices higher. The shift comes at a time when the global technology sector is already grappling with supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and increasing demand for advanced semiconductor components driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Manufacturers across…

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China’s Exports Surge Nearly 22% in Early 2026 Despite Global Trade Uncertainty

China’s export sector has started 2026 with remarkable momentum, recording a sharp increase in overseas shipments despite persistent global trade uncertainties. According to the latest customs data released in early March, the country’s exports surged by 21.8 percent year-on-year during the first two months of the year, significantly exceeding expectations from economists and analysts. The…

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Global Carriers Reroute via Africa as Middle East Crisis Disrupts Key Trade and Air Corridors

Global shipping lines and international airlines are increasingly pivoting back to African routes as the intensifying Middle East crisis disrupts some of the world’s most critical maritime and aviation corridors. With heightened security risks across parts of the Gulf and surrounding airspace, operators are reassessing traditional transit pathways that link Asia, Europe and North America….

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Somaliland Courts the US with Mineral Deals and Military Base Offerings

Somaliland is stepping up its push for international recognition, offering the United States exclusive access to its mineral wealth and potential military bases, a senior minister confirmed. The breakaway region, which declared autonomy from Somalia in 1991, has operated independently for decades, with its own currency, army, police force, and passports, but recognition has remained…

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Chinese Automakers Turn to Toyota Playbook for Next Growth Phase in Thailand

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are recalibrating their strategy in Thailand as intensifying price wars and rising local resistance complicate their rapid expansion. Companies such as BYD, which aggressively entered the Thai market with competitively priced EVs, are now studying the long-term success model of Toyota to secure sustainable growth. While deep discounts initially boosted sales…

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