World economy
UK’s weak pay growth tied to Brexit uncertainty
21 Nov 2017
Germany headed for fresh polls as alliance talks collapse
20 Nov 2017
Chancellor Angela Merkel could yet avoid fresh elections by forging a coalition with the Social Democrats or SPD, but this is thought unlikely as the SPD is committed to an opposition role
Black money: Switzerland okays automatic sharing of bank details with India
20 Nov 2017
While allowing for automatic sharing of infomation, the Commission for Economic Affairs and Taxes of the Council of States, however, sought stronger provisions for individual claims of foreign customers of Swiss banks
Pakistan opts out of CPEC’s $14-bn PoK dam project
17 Nov 2017
China’s conditions included taking ownership of the project, operation and maintenance costs, and providing security for the Diamer-Bhasha project by pledging another operational dam, according to a senior Pakistani official
COP23: Developed world agrees to act on pre-2020 obligations
16 Nov 2017
In a compromise deal, developed countries participating in the UN Climate Change conference in Bonn, Germany, have agreed to revisit the pre-2020 climate action obligations, including reduction of emissions technology transfer and financial commitments
Military seizes power in Zimbabwe, but claims it’s not a coup
15 Nov 2017
Amid a raging battle for succession to ageing President Robert Mugabe, the Zimbabwe military has taken over, saying it is targeting ‘criminals’ surrounding the president
Nepal scraps award of $2.5-bn hydro project to Chinese state firm
14 Nov 2017
Nepal has cancelled an agreement with a Chinese company to build one of the country’s biggest hydro-power projects in what could be a setback to Beijing’s efforts to expand its clout in Himalayan country through its 'Belt and Road' initiative
India, Australia, US and Japan hold first 'quadrilateral’ meeting
13 Nov 2017
The Quadrilateral Summit comes ahead of the ASEAN summit beginning tomorrow, which is expected to discuss the issue of Chinese encroachments in the South China Sea
UN, Western leaders worried after Lebanon PM Hariri quits
11 Nov 2017
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri's resignation is being widely seen as part of a Saudi attempt to counter Iran as its influence deepens in Syria and Iraq and as Riyadh and its allies battle Iranian-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen
Trump to take home deals worth $250 billion in first China trip
10 Nov 2017
Major deals signed during Trump’s visit include a $37-billion order for Boeing planes, a $12-billion order for chipmaker Qualcomm and a proposed $83.7-billion investment by China Energy Investment Corp in US shale gas, among others
UK minister Priti Patel resigns over bloated Israel trip
09 Nov 2017
Priti Patel, the 45-year-old Gujarati-origin MP, often touted as a potential future leader of the Conservative party and prime ministerial material, had a meteoric rise and an abrupt fall
Paradise Papers show massive but not illegal tax avoidance by Apple
07 Nov 2017
Tech giant Apple chose the Channel Islands as a new haven to continue avoiding billions in taxes after a 2013 crackdown on its controversial tax practices in the Republic of Ireland, the Paradise Papers show
All eyes on US as Bonn climate meet gets under way
06 Nov 2017
Participants in the 12-day climate conference will include leaders and diplomats from 195 nations, as well as scientists, lobbyists and environmentalists – and US President Donald Trump’s avowed climate scepticism is causing worry
Billionaire Prince Alwaleed among those held in sweeping Saudi purge
06 Nov 2017
The arrest of dozens of the country's most powerful princes, military officers, influential businessmen and government ministers is being viewed as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts to cement power
Paradise Papers: tax avoidance by the world’s rich and famous
06 Nov 2017
A huge new leak of financial documents reveals how the powerful and ultra-wealthy, including the private estate of Queen Elizabeth II and several top aides of US President Donald Trump as well as a host of Indian entities, secretly invest in tax havens