The United Nations Development Cooperation Framework (UNDCF) has been launched in Indonesia, emphasizing partnership and mutual respect between the UN and local stakeholders. Deputy Minister Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard highlighted the framework's focus on equitable and sustainable progress for all communities across Indonesia. The UN aims to support President's ambitions for food, energy, and water security through national programs and budgets. Gita Sabharwal, UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia, noted that the new framework adapts the UN's approach to address rapidly changing geopolitical challenges and mobilize innovative finance.
The United Nations has warned that aid entering Gaza is insufficient to address the worsening hunger crisis due to Israel's restrictions on humanitarian assistance. According to UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, eight people, including three children, died from malnutrition and starvation in the past 24 hours. The World Health Organisation conducted refresher training at Al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital to update staff on inpatient malnutrition management, as a record surge in child malnutrition has forced the expansion of such facilities. Israel's blockade on Gaza for 18 years has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, with over 61,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023, and limited aid allowed through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has been criticized for its operations.
Former Indian High Commissioner Vikas Swarup says the current US-Pakistan bonhomie is a "strategic mistake" as Islamabad is close to China, and the relationship was tactical and short-term. The US has strengthened cooperation with Pakistan in trade and cryptocurrency, while imposing 50% tariffs on India's exports, straining relations between the two countries.
The US has shifted from multilateralism to transactional deal-making, altering the world trade order with its reciprocal tariff approach. Critics view this as a power game, where the US uses its huge consumer market as leverage, risking disruptions in markets and inflation. Pakistan must diversify exports and markets, leveraging US energy cooperation for broader partnerships, and entrench itself in regional value chains with firm rules and policies to survive and succeed. The reciprocal tariff regime has emerged as both political diplomacy and a new trade order, posing risks but also opportunities for countries like Pakistan.
The US government has announced its intention to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in areas of critical minerals and hydrocarbons, with a focus on economic cooperation in emerging sectors. This move comes after congratulating Pakistan on its Independence Day, as stated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Bangladesh's Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus concluded a three-day official visit to Malaysia, where he was accorded a red carpet send-off by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. During his visit, the two countries signed eight memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in various sectors, including defence, energy, and private sector cooperation. Total trade between Malaysia and Bangladesh reached RM13.35 billion in 2024, with Malaysia being Bangladesh's second-largest trading partner and export destination in South Asia.
China is diversifying its trade beyond the US by shifting away from importing reagents from Western companies due to rising import tariffs and costs. Companies like Shanghai Titan Scientific and Nanjing Vazyme Biotech are benefiting from the trend, with demand for locally made reagents increasing by over 90% since China raised duties on US goods to 125%. This shift is driven by government support for biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, growth in research and development activity, and a broader global footprint. As a result, shares of local firms have risen significantly, while those of Western companies have fallen. Despite concerns about US protectionism, globalization remains resilient, with China's exports to other countries increasing and trade with South-East Asia sharply rising.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized Beijing's commitment to improving ties with India by viewing their relationship from a broader perspective. He highlighted the importance of cooperation through multilateral platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and resolving differences constructively, as China seeks to enhance political mutual trust with India after days of tension following Donald Trump's tariffs on Indian goods.
India's largest shoemaker, Farida Group, is facing a significant threat to its manufacturing ambitions after US President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on Indian exports. The company had already secured a 150-acre plot in southern Tamil Nadu for a new export facility but the tariffs will likely increase costs and impact its business, which relies heavily on the US market for about 60% of its sales.