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- 1Thailand declares two-day civil service holiday amid severe flooding●Thailand declares two-day civil service holiday amid floods, could affect court ruling
The Thai government has declared a two-day public holiday for civil servants as severe floods batter the country. The move could affect the timing of a court ruling, since closures may push back official proceedings. The decision highlights the scale of the flooding crisis and its knock-on effects on government business and the justice system, with attention now on whether the ruling will be delayed.
- 2Federal Reserve raises interest rates for the first time since 2023●Federal Reserve raises interest rates for the 1st time since 2023
The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, according to ABC News. A rate hike would mark a reversal from the easing cycle of recent years and would affect borrowing costs for mortgages, credit cards and businesses across the American economy. Markets and households will be watching for signals on whether further increases are planned.
- 3
Shipping costs are climbing sharply, adding fresh inflationary pressure to the UK economy. Higher freight rates typically feed through to import prices, affecting retailers, manufacturers and consumers alike. The rise adds to concerns about the UK's economic outlook, which is already strained by elevated prices and sluggish growth, prompting debate among economists and businesses about the impact on trade.
- 4PM Modi urges 'Vocal for Local' during festive season●PM Modi urges ‘Vocal for Local’ during festivals, highlights nutrition
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on Indians to support 'Vocal for Local' during the festival season, urging people to buy locally made products while also emphasising the importance of good nutrition. The appeal ties consumer choice during upcoming celebrations to strengthening domestic businesses and healthier households, and is drawing attention across Indian news coverage.
- 5PropNex plots growth beyond Singapore residential property●PropNex plots its next act beyond Singapore residential property
Singapore's largest property agency, PropNex, is outlining plans to expand its business beyond its core residential brokerage operations, according to The Business Times. The company, led by chief executive Ismail Gafoor, is weighing diversification into adjacent segments as the Singapore housing market matures. Details of the strategy and its scale have not yet been made fully clear.