Politics

China has offered a $31 million humanitarian aid package to Afghanistan, announced by Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a regional meeting. The aid aims to address economic challenges, combat COVID-19, and alleviate malnutrition while supporting societal reconstruction.

The Afghan Taliban has announced its interim government, with Muhammad Hassan Akhund appointed as head of state. Zabihullah Mujahid revealed the cabinet, stating Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar will serve as deputy head. The leadership comprises close associates of the Taliban's founding members.

Facebook declares Taliban a terrorist organization, banning their content and accounts across platforms. The company warns of potential account removals on WhatsApp if Taliban-linked profiles are identified, highlighting ongoing content moderation challenges during Afghanistan's political transition.

Taliban militants captured Afghanistan's capital Kabul, forcing President Ashraf Ghani to flee and marking the end of a two-decade US military presence. Chaos erupted at the airport as residents and foreign nationals desperately sought to escape the rapidly changing political landscape.

Malaysia's political landscape is in transition as the King prepares to choose a new Prime Minister following Muhyiddin Yassin's resignation. The country faces significant challenges, including a severe COVID-19 outbreak with high infection rates and public dissatisfaction with the current government's pandemic response.

Britain and Singapore begin talks on a digital trade agreement aimed at removing barriers for tech companies and expanding economic collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region, supporting post-COVID economic recovery and global tech ambitions.

UEM Sunrise Bhd has partnered with Maybank Islamic's HouzKEY to help more clients become homeowners. The collaboration provides first and second-time homebuyers with zero payments during construction, zero down payments, and 100% financing across 10 projects, making home ownership more accessible.

Malaysian engineering firm KAB partners with Janakuasa to enter Vietnam's renewable energy market. The collaboration involves establishing a special purpose company to acquire majority stakes in three hydropower stations, with power purchase agreements valid from 2030 to 2039.

Federal Reserve economists uncovered significant trade anomalies during Trump's tariff period, suggesting potential misreporting by Chinese exporters and US importers to manipulate trade values and tax implications.

The World Bank has reduced Malaysia's GDP growth projection to 4.5% from 6% in 2021, citing concerns about COVID-19 resurgence, healthcare system capacity, and economic disruptions. The downgrade reflects a slower pandemic containment strategy and vaccination rollout, impacting both families and businesses.