LATEST PULSE

Central Asia’s water crisis is no longer only about shrinking supply. Agriculture remains one of the largest water users in Central Asia. Cotton, wheat, and rice production consume enormous volumes of water, with cotton alone accounting for a major share of agricultural demand. Today, agriculture consumes more than 70% of available freshwater resources. As rivers shrink and glaciers retreat, farming systems are under increasing strain. &nb...

Indonesia is taking a bold step to tighten control over some of its most valuable exports. The government is creating a new state-backed system to monitor shipments of palm oil, coal, and ferro-alloys (a type of iron alloy) after years of lost revenue linked to under-reporting and illegal activity.   Officials say stronger oversight could help protect billions of dollars in state income. However, increasing government control over exports ...

The United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia are moving ahead with a major new defense project under the AUKUS alliance, focusing on advanced underwater drone technology. Their goal is to protect critical undersea cables, improve maritime surveillance, and strengthen military cooperation at a time of growing concern over maritime security.   The uncrewed undersea vehicle (UUV) technology is expected to be operational by 2027. The U...

Suriname sits on the northern coast of South America, but its official language is Dutch. It is the only independent country in South America where Dutch is used in government, schools, courts, and official business.   At first glance, that may seem like an unusual colonial legacy. In reality, it reveals something much deeper. Suriname’s language reflects a history shaped by empire, migration, slavery, and independence. Today, that l...

Malaysia is moving fast toward electric vehicles, but the journey is uneven. The country is balancing clean transport goals with a strong traditional car market. Government policies, subsidies, and protection of national car makers all shape how quickly drivers switch. While electric vehicle numbers are rising, petrol-powered cars still dominate roads. The main challenge is not only consumer interest, but whether charging infrastructure, fuel pri...