Editorial | Trade finance in Hong Kong set for a competitive tech upgrade
Monetary Authority’s five-year fintech upgrade will streamline SME trade finance and help build the city’s digital trade infrastructure
· SCMP Editorial
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Newest first · UTC+11:00Swire Properties bullish on mainland retail despite slowing market
Foot traffic and sales have been rising across Swire’s mainland portfolio, lifted by Gen Z shoppers, holiday spending and policy support
· Zhu Wenqian
Sri Lanka advances Sustainable and Zero-Emission Tourism Agenda - DailyNews
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is emerging as a key driver of sustainable economic growth, with increasing emphasis on environmentally responsible and zero-emission tourism, industry observers say. As the island nation records a gradual but steady recovery in tourist arrivals, policymakers and stakeholders are aligning …
· Gayan Abeykoon
How perception shapes destination choice in Sri Lanka - DailyNews
In the realm of tourism, decision-making extends beyond logical analysis of budgets, logistics, or infrastructure. It is deeply influenced by perception—the subjective interpretation of stimuli shaped by personal experiences, cultural background, social media, and marketing communication. Tourists make decisions not…
· Gayan Abeykoon
UB Finance relocates in Gampaha - DailyNews
UB Finance PLC, a subsidiary of Union Bank recorded another significant milestone with its newly relocated Gampaha Branch at Yakkala Road, Gampaha on January 22, 2026, with Director/ Chief Executive Officer Ransith Karunaratne gracing the occasion. This new, modernized, multi-storied spacious branch with dedicated a…
· Gayan Abeykoon
Plans for multimodal transport hub centred on Ragama – Bimal - DailyNews
The Government has initiated plans to construct a multimodal transport hub centred on the city of Ragama, Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Ratnayake stated in Parliament.
· Gayan Abeykoon
Bangladesh’s student leaders ‘sidelined’ by Islamist allies in poll pact - DailyNews
Bangladesh’s student leaders, one of the main driving forces behind the mass protests that brought down former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, now face an uncertain political future.
· Gayan Abeykoon
Hong Kong woman dies after taxi overturns in crash
Woman left trapped after taxi flipped over in collision in Pat Heung, with police later arresting the driver and passenger of the other car
· Edith Lin
Hong Kong bus users pack lower decks on first day of new seat belt rule
Passengers concerned that they will not be able to unbuckle in time to alight on short-distance routes, while some still unaware of new regulation
· Oscar Liu
Cathay flights from Hong Kong to the US cancelled ahead of monster winter storm
Carrier has not revealed the exact number of flights affected, but will offer flexibility and fee waivers to customers who need to rebook flights
· Oscar Liu
Are Hong Kong taxi drivers following new rules limiting mobile devices?
Industry leader warns of safety risks as some drivers try to get round stricter mobile device rules
· Leopold Chen
Hong Kong lawmaker ready to face legal consequences after ‘rash’ driving decision
Judy Chan also says she will refrain from driving for a while as she issues another apology to the public
· Ambrose Li
US teen admits attempting to kill police officer in name of Isis
The 17-year-old rammed a police car and slashed at officers responding to a traffic accident that he had caused
· Tribune News Service
This Chinese scientist boosts the PL-15 missiles that downed India’s Rafales
Fan Huitao and his team, working on a ‘711’ schedule, are credited with driving China’s air-to-air missile development to fourth generation
· Zhang Tong
Thousands of locals have left Kyiv amid blackouts
For weeks, residents of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv have been suffering as Russia continues to attack Ukraine's power infrastructure. Matters have been made worse by sub-zero temperatures in the double digits.
· Oleksandr Kunytskyi, Oleksandr Sawyzkyj
CAASL to introduce licencing system for drone pilots - DailyNews
The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) is set to introduce a licensing system for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators engaged in commercial and professional activities.
· damith
Champika’s writ petition dismissed - DailyNews
The Court of Appeal on Wednesday decided to dismiss a writ petition filed by former MP Patali Champika Ranawaka, challenging the legality of the indictments filed against him before the Colombo High Court in connection with a 2016 motor accident in Rajagiriya.
· damith
Caustic Soda and Liquid Chlorine Project begins in Paranthan chemical factory in Kilinochchi - DailyNews
A major industrial revival initiative was launched with the commencement of the Caustic Soda and Liquid Chlorine Project of Paranthan Chemicals Company Limited in Kilinochchi on Wednesday (21), marking a step in restoring the North’s industrial base. The project, implemented under a public-private partnership model,…
· damith
Germany’s Merz talked tough on reform. Will stark car slump force action?
Export slide matched by import upward swing comes amid divisive debate on how German industry can deal with China’s manufacturing prowess
· Finbarr Bermingham
Spain train derailment probe points to major track failure before crash: report
A preliminary report reveals the rail was likely broken before the Iryo train derailed and struck a Renfe train in one of Europe’s worst crashes
· Agence France-Presse
Air travellers are being urged to ditch power banks. Here’s why
Hong Kong tour operator says it has asked its clients to bring charging cables instead
· Connor Mycroft
Sixteen Sri Lankan students awarded Belt and Road Ambassador scholarships - DailyNews
The OCCFC Belt and Road Ambassador Scholarship-Special Fund Management Committee in Beijing, in collaboration with the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, has officially announced the winners of this year’s Belt and Road Ambassador Scholarship program.
· Thushan Jayasuriya
Computing constraints force China’s Zhipu to restrict AI coding service sign-ups
The issue reflects the challenge faced by Chinese AI firms to expand their businesses amid computing infrastructure constraints
· Vincent Chow
China offers 100 electric buses to help reduce air pollution in Sri Lanka - DailyNews
China has announced plans to provide Sri Lanka with 100 modern electric buses in the near future, as part of efforts to support environmentally friendly transport and reduce air pollution.
· Supuni Kulasinghe
Former Minister Johnston Fernando and sons further remanded - DailyNews
The Wattala Magistrate’s Court has ordered the further remand of former Minister Johnston Fernando and his two sons, Johan Fernando and Jerome Kenneth Fernando, until January 30 in connection with the alleged misuse of a Sathosa vehicle during Fernando’s tenure as Minister. Two other individuals are also implicated …
· Supuni Kulasinghe
50 families affected by 2023 landslides to receive new homes under Kabaragala project - DailyNews
The Kabaragala Housing Project, established under the Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure to resettle 50 families displaced by the 2023 Kabaragala Estate landslide in Poonagala, Badulla District, has now entered its final stage.
· Supuni Kulasinghe
HC indictments against Arjuna, brother over CPC fuel purchasing irregularities - DailyNews
The Bribery Commission, in a further report, told Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama yesterday (22) that it has filed indictments before the Colombo High Court against former Minister Arjuna Ranatunga and his brother Dhammika Ranatunga, in connection allegedly causing a loss of Rs. 800 million to the country…
· Gayan Abeykoon
Listening to villages, governing as one system - DailyNews
“Poverty is not just a lack of income; it is a deprivation of basic capabilities,” observed Amartya Sen.Poverty is not merely the absence of income. It is the absence of security, access, opportunity, dignity, and voice. It is shaped by education, health, livelihoods, infrastructure, safety, social protection, geogr…
· Gayan Abeykoon
Peru’s president refuses to resign over secret meetings with Chinese businessmen
Jose Jeri is under scrutiny for clandestine encounters with Chinese businessmen that triggered a criminal probe and calls for his removal
· Igor Patrick
DPMC unveils Bajaj electric three-wheeler setting benchmark in sustainable mobility - DailyNews
BAJAJ, Sri Lanka’s most trusted three-wheeler brand, represented by David Pieris Motor Company (Private) Limited (DPMC), has announced the introduction of the BAJAJ Electric Three-Wheeler, marking a major milestone in the country’s transition towards sustainable and cost-effective mobility solutions.
· Gayan Abeykoon
LOLC Holdings, PickMe and Browns EV collaborate to accelerate Lanka’s transition to inclusive electric mobility - DailyNews
LOLC Holdings PLC has entered into a strategic mobility collaboration with PickMe, to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) while creating an inclusive and sustainable vehicle ownership pathway for independent ride-hailing drivers across the country.
· Gayan Abeykoon
After fatal rail accident, missing dog that captivated Spain is found
The public had rallied to look for Boro, who bolted after a high-speed train crash that killed at least 43 people
· Associated Press
Unbezahlbare Lebensmittel: Nigeria kämpft mit der Inflation
Der Alltag ist für die meisten Menschen in Nigeria zu einer Belastungsprobe geworden: Die Preise für Lebensmittel sind auf dem höchsten Stand seit über 20 Jahren, die starke Inflation und explodierende Transportkosten verschärfen die Situation.
· Martina Schwikowski
Train collides with crane arm in Spain’s fourth rail accident in a week
Thursday’s accident follows Sunday’s deadly train crash in Andalusia that killed 43 people
· Reuters
China’s ‘infrastructure first’ effort a major edge in AI arms race: Davos panel
A rapid energy buildout and strategic data centre expansion give China unique advantages in developing its AI industry
· Vincent Chow
Beijing and Manila working on South China Sea talks ‘road map’: ambassador
Jing Quan says ‘best option is to sit down for talks’ aimed at ending long-running territorial dispute between China and Philippines
· Cao Jiaxuan
Drug use in public transport a growing worry, Deputy Minister says drivers tried to avoid testing - DailyNews
Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr. Prasanna Gunasena has described the discovery of drug use among bus drivers as an alarming and troubling situation after 10 out of 56 drivers tested positive during surprise mobile laboratory inspections in Colombo.
· Supuni Kulasinghe
‘I was a victim’: survey reveals surge in men groped on Tokyo transit
Experts say the 15.1 per cent figure is striking and a reminder that women are not the only targets of molestation on public transport
· Julian Ryall
China’s flying car makers aim for deliveries this year as passenger use nears
China’s ‘low-altitude economy’ is shifting from concept demos to commercial planning amid surging orders
· Daniel Ren
Spain’s train drivers call 3-day strike after deadly accidents
Unions claim warnings about track infrastructure went ignored for months before back-to-back tragedies claimed the lives of 44 people
· Agence France-Presse
Germany's rail service dealt major blow by government
Anyone who has traveled by train in Germany in recent years is at this point well prepared to wait, sometimes hours, for their train. Mass delays and cancellations, seemingly endless small repairs disrupting traffic in key commuting areas, and overcrowding are just some of the issues facing passengers who rely on De…
· Elizabeth Schumacher
Ten bus drivers tested positive for drugs during surprise tests in Fort - DailyNews
Traffic Police and Road Safety DIG D.P.J. Senadeera said tests screened for alcohol and four other narcotic substances have become positive for drivers of ten buses with action taken against the drivers based on the results obtained during the inspections. Police conducted surprise inspections from yesterday (21) mo…
· Gayan Abeykoon
Village in the city, cleaned up - DailyNews
At 7.00 a.m., a quiet murmur spread through the crowd. “The roll clicked eighty-nine,” whispered a volunteer taking attendance, wonder shining in her eyes. For a community space nestled in the heart of busy Panadura, surrounded by Etambagoda–Madakumbura, Udahamulla, and Gravets Road, this turnout symbolised the endu…
· Gayan Abeykoon
Fully loaded, fully life-proof, legendary Chetak is back - DailyNews
David Pieris E-Mobility (Private) Limited, the electric vehicle arm of the David Pieris Group of Companies, announced the launch of the Chetak, marking the return of one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic scooter brands—now reimagined for the electric era.
· Gayan Abeykoon
Made in China 2025: Der stille Machtwechsel
In einer mehr als hundert Meter langen Halle surren unzählige Roboter, überall piepst und blinkt es. Im Moment arbeitet nur etwa ein Dutzend Menschen hier - den Rest erledigen Hochleistungsroboter.
· Mu Cui, Simon van Ackern
'Barely surviving': Life in Nigeria's cost-of-living crisis
Riyah James, a teacher at a primary school in Surulere, Lagos, has to spend more on transport than ever before. "There's hardly anything left of my salary," the young Nigerian told DW. "Gas prices have skyrocketed. Sometimes the bus conductor demands higher prices practically overnight, and I don't have enough money…
· Martina Schwikowski
Passenger numbers for Hong Kong’s Cathay go sky high with 27% increase
Cathay Pacific Airways and budget arm HK Express carried more than 36 million passengers in 2025 on the back of tourist growth
· Edith Lin
‘He is family’: Spain unites in search for missing dog after train crash
Ana Garcia’s viral plea to find Boro after the disaster spurs a rescue team to search the sealed zone near Madrid
· Associated Press
Why Asia’s historic Silk Road should have been called the ‘Horse Road’
It was China’s desperate need for good warhorses that spawned history’s most famous trade network, animals it paid for in silk and then tea
· Chloe Loung
How Germany's Deutsche Bahn aims to fix chronic delays
In mid-December, Evelyn Palla, the newly appointed chief executive of Deutsche Bahn (DB), unveiled a sweeping restructuring plan for Germany’s state-owned rail operator, set to take effect in 2026.
· Andreas Becker, Nicolas Martin