US Government Shutdown Becomes Longest in History, Disrupting Services Globally

The United States government shutdown has entered a critical phase, becoming the longest in the nation's history. This prolonged closure has led to widespread disruptions, notably impacting air travel with accelerated flight cancellations and a reported 10% reduction in air traffic by the FAA. The shutdown continues to furlough thousands of federal workers and has broader implications for essential services and the global perception of U.S. governance.

Typhoon Kalmaegi Leaves Trail of Destruction in Southeast Asia

Typhoon Kalmaegi has caused severe devastation, particularly in the Philippines, where the death toll has tragically risen to at least 142, with 127 others still missing. The storm has since made landfall in central Vietnam, bringing further destructive impacts to the region. Philippine President Bongbong Marcos has declared a national state of calamity in response to the widespread destruction and in anticipation of another impending tropical cyclone.

COP30 Leaders Commit to Global Wildfire Resilience Initiative

At the COP30 Leaders' Summit in Belém, Brazil, a significant step was taken towards addressing the escalating global wildfire crisis. Brazil, alongside a coalition of other countries, committed to a voluntary "Call to Action on Integrated Fire Management and Wildfire Resilience". This initiative emphasizes a framework that integrates science, policy, and traditional and Indigenous knowledge to boost resilience against wildfires. This commitment comes as fires were identified as the leading cause of tropical primary forest loss last year, highlighting the urgent need for preventative measures and robust response strategies.

ICC Confirms Charges Against Ugandan Warlord Joseph Kony

In a significant development for international justice, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has formally confirmed charges against Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony. Kony, the leader of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), faces charges related to numerous atrocities committed over decades. This confirmation marks a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to bring accountability for severe human rights violations.

Japan's Economy Navigates "New Normal" with Higher Interest Rates

Japan's economy is undergoing a transition into a "new normal" characterized by higher interest rates and evolving growth and inflation dynamics. A preliminary assessment by the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) indicates that domestic demand, bolstered by private consumption and investment, has become a primary driver of growth amidst external uncertainties. The Bank of Japan has taken incremental steps towards balance sheet normalization, with policy rate increases transmitting to market and lending rates.

Indian Achievements on the Global Stage

In notable Indian news with global relevance, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Amul) and Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) secured the 1st and 2nd ranks respectively in the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) World Cooperative Monitor 2025. This recognition, announced at the ICA CM50 Conference in Doha, Qatar, underscores India's growing leadership in cooperative governance and inclusive growth. Furthermore, the Indian Navy is set to commission SVL Ikshak, a large survey vessel built with over 80% indigenous content, significantly enhancing India's hydrographic and maritime capabilities under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative. India has also released new AI Governance Guidelines, aiming to balance technical progress with mitigating potential societal risks of artificial intelligence.