Business & Economics

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...

Iran’s Protests Explained: Internal Crisis and Global Geopolitical Impact

Indika SuriarachchiJanuary 21, 2026

Alphabet Surpasses $4 Trillion Market Value, Overtakes Apple

Asian TribuneJanuary 13, 2026

Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, has crossed a $4 trillion market capitalization as of January 12, reaching the highest level in the technology sector, according to international media reports. The milestone was achieved after the company’s stock rose 6% so far this year, reflecting renewed investor confidence. Alphabet now becomes the fourth company...

IMF Targets May Be Adjusted Following Dithwa Cyclone: Central Bank Governor

Asian TribuneJanuary 13, 2026

Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Governor, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, has indicated that the targets agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) may need to be revised due to the economic impact of the recent Dithwa cyclone. Speaking on Derana TV’s 360 program on Monday evening (12), Dr. Weerasinghe said that the government and the IMF...

Trump Announces 25% Tariff on Goods from Countries Trading with Iran

Asian TribuneJanuary 13, 2026

US President Donald Trump has announced the imposition of a 25 percent tariff on goods imported from countries that maintain commercial relations with Iran, escalating Washington’s economic pressure on Tehran. According to President Trump, the new tariff will take effect immediately. The announcement was made via a post on his Truth Social account, where he...

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...

Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Foreign Reserves Rise to USD 6.82 Billion

Asian TribuneJanuary 12, 2026

Sri Lanka’s official foreign reserves have risen to USD 6.825 billion by the end of December 2025, according to the latest data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. This marks an increase of 13.1% compared to the reserves recorded at the end of November 2025, which stood at USD 6.034 billion. The main...

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...

Business & Economics

Rising Political Uncertainty in South Asia Raises Regional Security Concerns

Asian TribuneJanuary 8, 2026

Political uncertainty across South Asia is raising concerns among regional analysts, who warn that prolonged instability could undermine security cooperation and economic recovery efforts. Several countries in the region are grappling with fragile governments, contested elections, and public dissatisfaction driven by economic pressures. Experts note that domestic political volatility often spills across borders in South...

Ukraine War Continues to Reshape Global Power Alignments

Asian TribuneJanuary 8, 2026

The war in Ukraine continues to reshape global power alignments, with far-reaching implications beyond Europe. As fighting persists, countries around the world are reassessing security partnerships, defence spending and diplomatic strategies. Western nations have reinforced military support for Ukraine, while Russia has deepened ties with non-Western partners. Analysts say the conflict has accelerated a shift...