Latest Articles by Ishita Agarwal

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Kishida’s September U.S. visit: A diplomatic farewell amid transition

Kishida’s visit follows a precedent set by former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who traveled to the U.S. during the September 2021 LDP leadership election but did not attend the U.N. General Assembly. Instead, Suga participated in a Quad leaders’ meeting and held separate talks with Biden, delivering his speech via prerecorded video.

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Japan and India to enhance space and cyber security cooperation in revised joint declaration

The existing joint declaration has laid the foundation for comprehensive security ties between the two nations, emphasizing the interchange of foreign and defense officials and the safeguarding of maritime transport. However, the evolving global security landscape, particularly with China’s growing maritime assertiveness, necessitates an expansion into new security domains. As a result, both countries will deliberate on incorporating space and cyber security into their revised agreement.

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Singapore tops global rankings for safe drinking water, Yale report finds

According to the EPI, Singapore stands out for its universal access to safe sanitation and its advanced approach to wastewater treatment and reuse. The report emphasizes that the Singaporean government has successfully integrated wastewater recycling into its broader socioeconomic development and water security strategies. This integration has solidified Singapore’s leadership in ensuring safe drinking water, reflecting a score of 99.9 on the EPI scale—a near-perfect rating that underscores the nation's commitment to public health.

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Singapore stocks surge as market optimism rebounds; STI gains 1.1%

The STI’s performance was marked by a strong advance in market sentiment, mirrored by gains across Asian markets. Japan's Nikkei 225 led the charge with a substantial 3.6% increase, while South Korea’s Kospi and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose by 2% and 1.9%, respectively. The Australian market also showed significant strength, climbing 1.3% to reach a two-week high, culminating in a 2.5% gain for the week. This surge came on the heels of positive developments on Wall Street, where favorable economic data helped to alleviate recession concerns that had previously weighed heavily on markets.

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Britain seeks to strengthen defense ties with Singapore amid Indo-Pacific deployment

The focus is on expanding interactions between the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Navy, with British offshore patrol vessels HMS Spey and HMS Tamar currently deployed in the region. The RSN is set to engage with HMS Spey, docked at Sembawang naval base, to explore avenues for increased joint training and collaborative exercises, potentially including dedicated bilateral drills, according to Commander Paul Caddy, commanding officer of HMS Spey.

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House speaker Puan criticizes decline in Indonesian democracy

Puan Maharani, a prominent figure in Indonesian politics and a member of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), highlighted what she perceives as a troubling decline in democratic norms and practices. Her comments reflect a growing anxiety among political leaders about the health of Indonesia's democratic institutions and the broader implications for governance and societal stability.

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BKPM requests extended tax breaks for 18 industries: implications for Indonesia’s economic strategy

The BKPM’s request focuses on extending tax breaks that are crucial for stimulating investment in sectors deemed vital for the nation’s economic development. These industries, which span various sectors including manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure, are considered pivotal for driving growth, creating jobs, and enhancing Indonesia’s global competitiveness.

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Megawati and Yudhoyono miss Jokowi’s final state address amidst political tensions

Jokowi’s final address was intended to review his administration's achievements and set the stage for the future. The presence of both Megawati and Yudhoyono at such events has historically been a symbol of political unity and continuity. However, their decision to skip this occasion reflects underlying tensions and possibly foreshadows changes in Indonesia’s political alliances.

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Japan may shift focus to yen selling amid currency volatility

Historical patterns suggest that after periods of yen-buying interventions, the BOJ has occasionally turned to yen-selling interventions to counteract excessive appreciation. Nomura, Japan’s largest brokerage, recently highlighted this possibility, noting that while it isn’t yet their primary scenario, future Ministry of Finance (MOF) interventions to curb yen strength could be on the table.

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