Asia

India Proposes Linking BRICS Digital Currencies to Ease Cross-Border Trade

Indika SuriarachchiJanuary 21, 2026

NEW DELHI — India’s central bank has proposed that BRICS countries link their official digital currencies to simplify cross-border trade and tourism payments, Reuters reported, a move that could reduce reliance on the US dollar amid rising geopolitical tensions. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recommended to the government that a proposal connecting the...

Sri Lanka Navy Arrests Indian Fishermen for Violating Maritime Boundary Near Delft Island

Asian TribuneJanuary 13, 2026

The Sri Lanka Navy has arrested a group of Indian fishermen for illegally entering Sri Lankan territorial waters and engaging in unauthorised fishing activities, naval sources said. The fishermen were apprehended in the early hours of Monday near the coastal waters off Delft Island during a routine naval patrol. According to officials, the group had...

Iran Ready for War if Provoked by US, Warns Foreign Minister Araghchi

Asian TribuneJanuary 13, 2026

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Tehran is fully prepared for war if the United States chooses to “test” Iran, escalating rhetoric amid rising regional and global tensions. Speaking amid growing uncertainty over US-Iran relations, Araghchi said Iran does not seek conflict but will respond decisively to any military provocation or aggressive action....

India-Bangladesh Tensions Spill Into Cricket as Sport Becomes a Diplomatic Weapon

Asian TribuneJanuary 13, 2026

Rising diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh are beginning to cast a shadow over cricket, with the sport increasingly emerging as an extension of political rivalry rather than a unifying force between the two South Asian neighbours. Sources close to regional sporting bodies indicate that recent political disagreements have influenced bilateral cricket engagements, scheduling decisions,...

Myanmar Turned Rohingya Lives Into a Nightmare, Gambia Tells World Court in Genocide Case

Asian TribuneJanuary 13, 2026

The Gambia on Monday accused Myanmar of deliberately targeting the minority Muslim Rohingya community for destruction, telling judges at the United Nations’ highest court that the Myanmar state made the lives of Rohingya people “a nightmare” through systematic violence and persecution. Addressing the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Gambia’s legal team argued...

Pakistan and Indonesia Close In on Jets and Drones Defence Deal, Sources Say

Asian TribuneJanuary 13, 2026

Pakistan and Indonesia are moving closer to finalising a major defence cooperation agreement involving fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), according to defence and diplomatic sources familiar with the discussions. The proposed deal is expected to focus on the joint development, procurement, and possible co-production of advanced military aircraft and combat drones, reflecting a...

Bank of Korea to hold rates at 2.50% on January 15, next cut delayed to 2027 – Reuters poll

Asian TribuneJanuary 13, 2026

South Korea’s central bank is expected to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.50% when it meets on January 15, as the recent weakening of the Korean won has reduced the scope for monetary easing, according to economists surveyed by Reuters. The poll indicates that expectations for the next rate cut have been pushed...

Singapore Exchange Expands Into Crypto Futures for Advanced Traders

Asian TribuneJanuary 12, 2026

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) is moving deeper into the digital asset market by introducing regulated cryptocurrency futures contracts aimed at institutional and advanced market participants, financial sources say. From 24 November 2025, SGX’s derivatives arm will begin offering Bitcoin and Ethereum perpetual futures — a type of crypto derivative that allows traders to take positions...

BRICS Naval Wargames Highlight Strategic Ties — But India Chooses to Sit Out

Asian TribuneJanuary 12, 2026

South Africa has begun hosting joint BRICS naval exercises, drawing attention to the increasing geopolitical importance of the bloc’s military cooperation — even as one of its founding members, India, opted not to participate. The weeklong drills, named “Will for Peace 2026,” kicked off in Simon’s Town, South Africa, bringing together warships from China, Russia...

One Dead and 300 Buildings Destroyed as Bushfires Ravage South-East Australia

Asian TribuneJanuary 12, 2026

At least one person has been killed and more than 300 buildings destroyed as devastating bushfires continue to sweep across south-east Australia, authorities have confirmed. The fires have been burning for several days across dozens of locations, primarily in the state of Victoria, with additional outbreaks reported in New South Wales. Officials estimate the fires...