Showing 1 - 10 of 85
India's economy is stronger than Trump thinks
News, Shang-Jin Wei, Published on 04/10/2025
» India has long benefited from geopolitical arbitrage, maintaining working relationships with Russia, the United States, and Europe. But this delicate balancing act is now being tested by a series of policy shocks delivered by US President Donald Trump's administration. These disruptions, unlikely to ease anytime soon, raise a critical question: Can India retain its status as the world's fastest-growing major economy?
When 'cute' takes on another meaning
Thana Boonlert, Published on 25/09/2025
» Polcasan captivates fans with his playfulness. In a video, despite his gibberish rapping, the youngest star earns a big cheer. He dispenses touches, hugs, and waves. When he bounces, shakes his butt, and caresses his belly, his movement arouses an irresistible urge to cuddle. He appears in a wide range of activities, from shows and fan meetings to advertisements. In only a year and a half, he has drawn a huge following, with over 222,000 followers on Instagram.
Should the US join China's WWII event?
Oped, Philip J Cunningham, Published on 21/07/2025
» The latest Victory Day parade in Moscow marking the 80th anniversary of Germany's independence defeat in May will be bookended in the upcoming September with a commemorative parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing marking the defeat of Japan.
A 10-day journey across snowy Iran
Roger Crutchley, Published on 22/06/2025
» Watching events unfold in the Middle East last week sparked memories of the brief time I spent in Iran a long time ago in more peaceful times. In February 1969 I travelled across the northern part of the nation during an overland trip from London to New Delhi. The country was still run by the Shah who was overthrown 10 years later in the Iranian Revolution.
Probably the saga to end all sagas
Roger Crutchley, Published on 08/06/2025
» The latest nationwide crackdown on motorcyclists not wearing crash helmets kicked off on June 1. Whether it will prove more effective than countless previous campaigns remains to be seen. But don't hold your breath.
If in doubt, just have a cup of tea
Roger Crutchley, Published on 25/05/2025
» You may recall last week's Battle of Britain item in PostScript featured two English ladies' who came across a German pilot who had crashed in a field. Their first reaction was to offer him a cup of tea, an indication of just how "having a cuppa" is ingrained in British culture. Admittedly that was 85 years ago but even these days most Brits wouldn't turn down a "cuppa".
No to Land Bridge
Oped, Postbag, Published on 29/04/2025
» Re: "Govt presses ahead with Land Bridge", (BP, April 26).
How might China manage Trump's tariff war?
Oped, Shang-Jin Wei, Published on 24/04/2025
» China has taken a tough stance against US President Donald Trump, matching the last two rounds of US tariffs with tariffs of its own. The US tariff on goods from China is now 145%, while China's is 125%. Why does China take such a position, and are there any off-ramps that would allow it to mitigate the costs of a prolonged trade war?
How to counter Trump's tariffs
Oped, Shang-Jin Wei, Published on 19/02/2025
» After months of threats and speculation, US President Donald Trump has officially launched his long-anticipated trade war. He has just imposed 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports. His new 10% tariff on Chinese imports will further strain the world's second-largest economy, which is already grappling with slowing growth and unfavourable demographics. And his postponed -- but not cancelled -- 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, together with threats to impose new tariffs on the European Union, India, and many more countries, put greater pressure on key US allies.
Thailand chokes while promises fade
News, Danny Marks, Published on 03/02/2025
» Almost two years ago, in March 2023, as Thailand was grappling with its annual smog crisis, Paetongtarn Shinawatra -- while campaigning for the Pheu Thai Party -- promised that, if elected, the party would take decisive action to alleviate air pollution in the country. She stated that her government would work with neighbouring countries to manage forest fires and encourage the conversion of post-harvest waste into compost for fertiliser, providing a sustainable alternative to burning.