In a significant shift reflecting changing global energy dynamics, Indonesia has agreed to purchase crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Russia, marking a strategic move aimed at strengthening energy security amid ongoing global supply disruptions. The agreement underscores the deepening ties between the two nations, both members of the expanding BRICS bloc, and highlights a broader reorientation of energy trade flows toward Asia. The deal was formalized following high-level talks in Moscow, where Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Kremlin on April 13. The discussions were followed by a ministerial meeting between Russia’s Energy Minister…
Author: Isla
Rakuten, the company that runs Japan’s largest e-commerce platform, banking app, telecom network, and loyalty programme, just added XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) to its payment infrastructure. Starting April 15, Rakuten Wallet users can buy XRP with Rakuten Points, hold it in their wallet, and convert it to Rakuten Cash to spend at over 5 million merchant locations across Japan through Rakuten Pay. That gives XRP access to 44 million active users and a loyalty ecosystem worth roughly $23 billion in convertible points—more than 20 times the $1 billion held across all U.S. XRP ETFs. The scale is there, but now it…
As the number one importer of Iranian oil, China has a major problem with any constriction of exports in the Gulf – including the US blockade of Iran’s ports, which began on Monday.Beijing has condemned the US blockade, calling it “irresponsible and dangerous”.It has also reportedly sought to play peacemaker in the conflict, steering its ally Iran towards talks with the US in Pakistan last weekend.But the blockade creates a serious political, economic, and possibly military risk that both the US and China will want to avoid.The BBC’s security correspondent Frank Gardner explains why China’s role in the conflict is…
XI’AN, China—China’s Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) is seeking to expand its international network, with a focus on Asia and Europe, as it works to strengthen its position as an inland hub.Airport operator Chongqing Airport Group says future route development will target intercontinental services and key markets under China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership frameworks.“Moving forward, Chongqing Airport Group will prioritize the Asian and European markets, with a strategic focus on intercontinental routes,” Chairman Huang Wei says.The strategy builds on Chongqing’s role as a key economic and logistics center in western China, underpinned by national initiatives…
Passengers landing at Hong Kong International Airport this month will be greeted by a surprise friend waiting for them in the arrivals hall – a giant fluffy orange cat sleeping right in the middle of the bustling space. The interactive installation, called “A Moment to Purr,” popped up as part of the airport’s Easter celebrations and will be around until May 2. Passengers can also interact with the feline affectionately known as “Catzilla” via a dedicated kiosk near its resting spot, where people can “feed” and “groom” it and then observe ear and tail movement in response to the attention.…
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Updated 15 April 2026 April 15, 2026 20:56 Saudi, Malaysian ministers discuss cultural ties Prince Badr expressed pride in the strong historical and fraternal ties between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia Updated 15 April 2026 SPA April 15, 2026 20:56 RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan met Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. Prince Badr expressed pride in the strong historical and fraternal ties between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, noting that culture was a key bridge for strengthening relations between the two peoples. He also…
The UAE is to close Burj Al Arab hotel for 18 months following Iranian attacks. The United Arab Emirates is to close its flagship Burj Al Arab hotel for one and a half years amid a sharp drop in tourist visits to the Persian Gulf country, caused by Iran’s retaliatory attacks against US bases in the region, a report says. The Wednesday report by Middle East Eye said that Burj Al Arab’s owner company said in a statement a day earlier that it would begin a lengthy refurbishment operation amid a drop-off in tourism activity in the UAE and…
Foreign tourists squirt water guns as they celebrate the Songkran Thai new year water festival at a tourist spot in Bangkok. (EPA Images pic) BANGKOK: Thailand’s Songkran festival saw strong tourist turnout and spending across the country, with the government expecting to exceed last year’s revenue. In Bangkok and central areas, more than 558,000 visitors were recorded at six venues as of April 12, with Siam Square’s Songkran event drawing the largest crowd of about 183,500 people, government spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana said in a statement on Wednesday. More than 90 events were organised in the capital alone. The government expects…