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By T N Ashok When Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia on November 17 by a special tribunal in Dhaka, the shock rippled across the region. Yet the most curious reactions came not from Bangladesh—but from India. India’s government, normally swift to comment on developments in a neighbouring country, […]

The article Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Acted As A Test Balloon For PM Modi On Death Sentence To Sheikh Hasina appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The cryptocurrency futures market experienced a significant wave of forced liquidations, amounting to $1.03 billion over the past 24 hours. A considerable portion of the liquidations occurred in long positions, totaling $725 million, while $305 million worth of short positions were also closed.

The dramatic liquidations were triggered by volatile market movements, which saw sharp price fluctuations across multiple digital assets. These price swings were exacerbated by shifts in market sentiment, which contributed to the rapid unwinding of leveraged positions. The forced liquidations come amid a broader backdrop of market uncertainty, as traders adjust their positions in response to global economic factors and the ongoing regulatory scrutiny of the cryptocurrency sector.

A notable driver of the sell-off was the high level of leverage employed by market participants. Crypto futures markets, particularly those offering derivatives with high leverage, often see sharp price corrections as a result of large liquidation events. When asset prices move against traders’ positions, forced liquidations can amplify the price movements, resulting in cascading effects that further destabilize the market.

This liquidations event reflects the high-risk nature of trading in the cryptocurrency space, especially with the volatile price action witnessed in major tokens such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins. Market analysts note that a significant portion of these liquidations occurred as Bitcoin’s price struggled to maintain momentum, dipping below key support levels. Other altcoins, including Ethereum and Solana, also saw substantial price corrections, which intensified the market’s turmoil.

While the forced liquidations have had a short-term destabilising effect, many market observers suggest that they may serve to recalibrate market positions, potentially clearing out overleveraged traders. However, the long-term implications for the market remain unclear. Crypto futures markets are known for their volatility, which can often result in sudden price movements, leaving traders vulnerable to unexpected liquidations during sharp corrections.

The level of forced liquidations seen in this event underscores the risks associated with high-leverage trading, particularly in a market as volatile as cryptocurrencies. As more traders flock to these markets, seeking greater profits from leveraged positions, such liquidations will likely become a recurring feature in the digital asset landscape.

Despite these liquidations, some analysts argue that the broader trend in the crypto market remains positive, with institutional adoption and growing interest from mainstream investors continuing to support long-term bullish prospects. They point to the increasing recognition of cryptocurrencies as a viable asset class, with traditional financial institutions exploring ways to integrate blockchain technology and crypto assets into their services.

On the other hand, the market faces significant regulatory challenges, particularly in key jurisdictions such as the United States and Europe. Governmental authorities have expressed concerns over the potential for market manipulation, fraud, and the lack of investor protection in the largely unregulated crypto space. These regulatory uncertainties add another layer of complexity to the market, as traders weigh the risks of entering a space with evolving rules and regulations.

At the same time, some proponents of cryptocurrency markets argue that forced liquidations and market volatility are simply part of the growing pains of a maturing market. They note that as liquidity improves and market participants become more sophisticated, the frequency and intensity of these liquidation events may diminish over time.

Global stock markets continue to experience significant losses, with sharp declines across major indices in Asia and other regions. The ongoing sell-off in equities has been driven by a combination of factors, including rising fears surrounding the stability of the global economy and concerns over the sustainability of the recent surge in artificial intelligence investments. These developments have raised alarm among investors, who are now bracing for the potential consequences of an AI bubble burst. As shares in major companies tumble, analysts are warning that the broader market could face deeper turmoil if the situation continues to deteriorate.

The volatility began when shares in leading technology firms, particularly in the AI sector, showed signs of weakness. Companies such as Google, Microsoft, and NVIDIA, which have heavily invested in AI technologies, saw substantial declines in their stock prices. Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, joined the growing chorus of voices warning that no company, regardless of its size or industry, would be immune if the AI-driven bubble were to burst. His remarks have further heightened concerns about the potential risks associated with the rapid adoption of AI technologies in various sectors, from finance to healthcare and manufacturing.

The sell-off has not been limited to just tech stocks. Broader market indices have also suffered, with the MSCI Asia-Pacific Index recording steep losses. Investors are particularly focused on the outlook for interest rates, as central banks, especially the Federal Reserve, have indicated that they will continue their tightening policies to combat inflation. This uncertainty regarding monetary policy has contributed to the risk-off sentiment, leading many investors to retreat from stocks and other risk assets.

Compounding the situation, the price of bitcoin, a barometer for risk appetite, has fallen to a seven-month low, reflecting the broader pullback from riskier assets. The digital currency, which had seen impressive gains earlier in the year, has now become a symbol of the broader unease in global financial markets. Its drop has triggered additional concerns, with some market participants fearing that the crypto market’s downturn could further exacerbate the sell-off in traditional equities.

The economic uncertainty has been exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing trade disputes between major economies, rising energy prices, and concerns over global supply chains. These factors have combined to create a perfect storm for investors, who are now facing mounting pressure to reassess their portfolios and risk exposures.

Corporate earnings reports are also under scrutiny, with many firms expected to report weaker-than-expected results due to higher input costs and slowing demand. Companies that had previously benefited from the pandemic-driven digital transformation, such as e-commerce giants and cloud computing providers, are now seeing their growth rates slow down. This slowdown is further contributing to the negative sentiment surrounding the stock market.

As the stock market sell-off continues, experts are advising caution and suggesting that investors should prepare for continued volatility in the months ahead. Some are calling for a reassessment of the risk associated with high-growth sectors, particularly those heavily reliant on AI technologies, while others recommend diversification to protect against potential downturns.

GE Aerospace has reached significant milestones at the Dubai Airshow 2025, signing major engine agreements with two of the UAE’s most prominent carriers—Emirates and flydubai. The deals highlight the ongoing growth and resilience of the UAE’s aviation sector, which continues to see robust demand for both commercial aircraft and high-performance engines, despite the global challenges facing the industry.

The first of these landmark agreements was signed with Emirates, the world-renowned airline based in Dubai. Under the terms of the agreement, GE Aerospace will supply advanced engines for a number of Emirates’ new aircraft, including both narrowbody and widebody models. The deal underscores the airline’s commitment to expanding its fleet with cutting-edge technology to enhance fuel efficiency, performance, and sustainability.

For flydubai, the agreement is equally important as it continues its rapid growth trajectory. Flydubai, known for its extensive network across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, will also integrate GE engines into its fleet expansion plans. The airline’s strategic focus on upgrading its fleet with advanced engine technology aims to improve operational efficiency while reducing carbon emissions—an essential move in line with global environmental goals.

GE Aerospace’s role in both of these agreements solidifies its position as a leader in the global aviation industry, especially in the Middle East, a region that has become a critical hub for air travel. These deals are seen as a testament to GE’s cutting-edge engineering capabilities, which align perfectly with the UAE’s ambitious aviation growth plans. The country’s major airlines, particularly Emirates, have long been at the forefront of technological advancements in the aviation industry, pushing the envelope on fuel efficiency and operational performance.

The Dubai Airshow itself has served as a vital platform for aerospace companies to showcase new technologies and forge strategic partnerships. The agreements with Emirates and flydubai are a clear indication of the UAE’s ongoing investments in its aviation infrastructure, which is poised to continue its rapid expansion over the coming years. Aviation experts suggest that these deals are also part of a broader trend in the region, where carriers are increasingly prioritising the integration of more fuel-efficient and environmentally sustainable technologies into their fleets.

In addition to fleet expansion, both Emirates and flydubai are working to increase their market share, not only within the Gulf region but also globally. With air travel demand rebounding in many parts of the world, the strategic importance of the UAE’s aviation sector cannot be overstated. Emirates, with its vast global reach, remains a key player in international air travel, while flydubai has emerged as a critical part of the UAE’s broader air transport network, offering affordable travel options to key regional destinations.

GE Aerospace’s engine technology plays a crucial role in supporting both airlines’ efforts to stay competitive and sustainable in the evolving air travel market. The next-generation engines provided by GE offer improved fuel economy and significantly lower emissions, aligning with international targets for reducing aviation’s environmental footprint. In addition to offering operational benefits, these engines will provide long-term economic advantages, ensuring that both Emirates and flydubai remain agile in a highly competitive market.

Michele Faissola, a senior figure at the family office of Qatar’s former emir, has joined a growing list of high-net-worth individuals relocating from the UK, driven by rising taxes on the wealthy. Faissola, who had been a prominent London-based executive for more than a decade, has shifted his primary residence to Italy, according to recent filings. This move comes amid a surge of wealthy individuals seeking more favourable tax regimes, a trend that has accelerated in recent years.

Faissola, a former Deutsche Bank executive, joined the Dilmon family office in 2018. The office manages the vast fortune of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former emir of Qatar. The decision to relocate marks a significant departure for the 57-year-old, who had long been part of London’s financial elite. His move highlights the growing concerns over the UK’s increasing tax burden on the rich, which has led to a shift in both the financial landscape and the geography of its wealthiest residents.

While Faissola did not immediately respond to requests for comment, his decision reflects a broader trend among ultra-wealthy individuals. They are increasingly looking outside the UK for residence options that offer more favourable tax conditions. The move is not isolated, as numerous other high-profile figures have also sought alternative locations with tax incentives. London, long considered a global financial hub, has seen some of its most affluent residents relocate to places such as Switzerland, Monaco, and, in Faissola’s case, Italy.

The British government has raised taxes on high earners in an effort to address its budget deficit. The increase in income tax, capital gains tax, and other levies has sparked significant debate about the impact on the wealthy. Critics argue that these changes could drive away much-needed capital, potentially harming the country’s financial sector and economy. Supporters of the tax hikes, however, contend that the changes are necessary to balance public finances and ensure social welfare.

The rise in taxes is part of a broader trend in the UK, where the wealthiest citizens are facing higher rates of taxation. The introduction of the so-called “surcharge” on the highest earners’ income and the steady increase in capital gains taxes has left many individuals questioning whether the UK remains an attractive place to live and do business. This has prompted many to seek jurisdictions with lower tax rates or more favourable tax treatment for high-income earners.

For those like Faissola, who manage significant family fortunes, the decision to relocate is not purely financial. The tax environment is a key factor, but considerations around lifestyle, security, and political stability also play a role in these decisions. The growing trend of wealthy individuals leaving the UK has prompted discussions about the potential long-term effects on the country’s attractiveness to global investors and its position as a financial centre.

The trend of high-net-worth individuals moving abroad is also being driven by the increasing mobility of the wealthy. With the advent of digital platforms and remote work, it is easier than ever for executives and business owners to operate across borders. As the global economy becomes more interconnected, the ability to move assets and people efficiently has become a key consideration for the wealthy.

Arada, a UAE-based property developer, has secured an 80% stake in the Thameside West project, located in the Royal Docks area of London. This ambitious waterfront development, with an estimated value of 12 billion dirhams, is set to create a substantial transformation in East London’s housing market.

The project promises to deliver a significant number of new homes, with at least 5,000 residential units planned for construction. In a move designed to prioritise sustainability and quality of life, the development will also allocate half of its site to green spaces, providing a kilometre of active waterfront along the River Thames. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create a modern, eco-conscious urban environment that aligns with London’s sustainability goals.

This acquisition marks Arada’s second major investment in the London residential sector. The company, which has made a name for itself through large-scale projects across the Middle East, made headlines in September with its purchase of Regal, a local developer. Following this acquisition, Arada’s London pipeline has expanded significantly, with the company now managing plans for around 15,000 homes. However, the firm is not stopping there; it has ambitious goals to grow this number to 30,000 units within the next three years.

Arada’s expansion into London reflects broader trends in global real estate, where international investors are increasingly turning to established, high-demand markets like the UK capital. London’s real estate sector continues to attract foreign investment due to its status as a global financial and cultural hub, coupled with its resilient property market. The Thameside West project, in particular, stands out due to its proximity to key transport links and growing commercial sectors around the Royal Docks area.

The development also taps into the trend of mixed-use, community-oriented designs that integrate residential, leisure, and green spaces. The focus on active waterfronts and ample green space addresses the growing demand for sustainable living solutions in urban centres. As cities around the world look to improve quality of life for residents, projects like Thameside West are seen as a forward-thinking model of urban regeneration.

Arada’s entry into the UK market comes at a time when London’s residential sector is undergoing significant changes. As the city continues to recover from the challenges posed by the global pandemic, there is renewed demand for high-quality residential developments, particularly in emerging areas like the Royal Docks. With its large-scale investments, Arada is positioning itself as a key player in reshaping the city’s housing landscape.

The Royal Docks area, where Thameside West is situated, is undergoing a major revitalisation effort, with several high-profile projects aimed at transforming the formerly industrial district into a thriving residential and business hub. The location’s appeal is strengthened by its proximity to London City Airport and the forthcoming Crossrail station at Custom House, which will provide enhanced transport links to Central London and beyond.

Arada’s move to expand its portfolio in London follows a broader trend of Middle Eastern developers seeking high-profile projects in key global cities. The firm’s recent activities indicate a strategic push to diversify its holdings, particularly in international markets where it sees growth potential. In addition to its focus on London, Arada has a number of active developments in the UAE and broader GCC region.

Despite the challenges posed by global economic uncertainties, the demand for high-quality residential units in London remains strong. The city continues to be an attractive proposition for investors, with its longstanding appeal to both domestic and international buyers. This is especially true in East London, where regeneration projects like Thameside West are breathing new life into historically underdeveloped areas.

The launch of the UAE’s Financial Inclusion Strategy has been hailed as a pivotal move in advancing economic access for all, not only within the country but also across the broader Middle East and North Africa region. Ousmane Dione, Vice President for the World Bank’s MENAAP region, underscored the significance of the initiative, framing it as a transformative step that will set a precedent for further developments in financial inclusion.

Speaking at the MENA Leaders’ Summit on Financial Inclusion in Abu Dhabi, Dione expressed his enthusiasm for the UAE’s leadership in this area. He noted that the nation’s decision to launch a comprehensive financial inclusion strategy demonstrates its forward-thinking approach, which aligns with global objectives of promoting equal economic opportunities. The event, organised by the Central Bank of the UAE in collaboration with the Arab Monetary Fund and the World Bank, served as a forum for regional leaders to exchange insights on tackling the challenges that hinder financial access in the MENA region.

The UAE’s initiative seeks to enhance financial services for underserved and unbanked populations, including women, low-income households, and small businesses. This strategy is in line with global efforts to bridge the financial inclusion gap, particularly in emerging economies where a significant proportion of the population remains excluded from formal financial systems.

Dione’s remarks highlighted the importance of creating an inclusive financial ecosystem that enables individuals and businesses, regardless of their background or income level, to access essential financial services. The UAE’s strategy addresses several key areas, including expanding digital payment systems, enhancing financial literacy, and ensuring the accessibility of financial services to remote and underserved communities.

The summit, which brought together leaders from across the MENA region, was a significant step towards addressing the region’s financial inclusion challenges. Many countries in the MENA region still face considerable hurdles in achieving universal financial inclusion, such as limited access to banking infrastructure, low levels of financial literacy, and insufficient regulatory frameworks to support digital finance innovations.

A key topic of discussion at the summit was the role of digital technologies in fostering financial inclusion. Mobile banking, digital wallets, and blockchain-based financial services were identified as critical enablers of inclusive financial systems. These technologies provide a means for individuals who lack access to traditional banking services to participate in the financial ecosystem, empowering them to save, borrow, and invest in their futures.

In his comments, Dione acknowledged that while progress has been made in several MENA countries, significant challenges remain. He emphasised the need for continued collaboration among governments, financial institutions, and technology providers to overcome barriers to financial access. The World Bank has committed to supporting regional efforts to enhance financial inclusion, providing technical expertise and financial resources to initiatives like the UAE’s strategy.

The UAE’s leadership in this area reflects its broader ambitions to position itself as a regional and global leader in financial services. Over the years, the country has invested heavily in developing its financial infrastructure, becoming a hub for banking and fintech innovation. The launch of the Financial Inclusion Strategy is a natural extension of these efforts, aiming to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are more equitably distributed.

One of the notable aspects of the UAE’s strategy is its focus on women’s financial empowerment. Women in the MENA region have historically faced significant barriers to accessing financial services, with factors such as cultural norms and limited financial literacy often preventing them from participating fully in the economy. The UAE’s strategy includes targeted measures to increase women’s participation in the financial system, recognising that empowering women is crucial for driving broader economic growth and development.

The event in Abu Dhabi also underscored the growing importance of regional cooperation in tackling financial inclusion challenges. Leaders from various MENA countries exchanged best practices and discussed ways to harmonise regulatory approaches to digital finance. The World Bank’s involvement in the summit highlights its commitment to supporting the region’s efforts to build more inclusive financial systems.

AccuKnox, a prominent player in Zero Trust Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms, has entered into a strategic partnership with Frentree, a cybersecurity solutions provider based in South Korea. This collaboration seeks to enhance the security of cloud, container, and AI workloads for businesses across the region.

The integration of AccuKnox’s innovative security technologies with Frentree’s established presence in the South Korean market will enable enterprises to better defend against emerging cyber threats, particularly those targeting cloud-native environments. As businesses increasingly rely on cloud infrastructures and AI-driven workloads, the need for robust security frameworks that can scale and adapt to new vulnerabilities has never been more critical.

AccuKnox’s Zero Trust model, which operates on the principle of verifying every request within a network, regardless of origin, is designed to provide continuous protection against both internal and external threats. By requiring strict authentication and authorisation for all access requests, this security approach eliminates traditional trust models that have proven vulnerable in today’s dynamic digital landscape. This model is particularly effective in safeguarding complex cloud-native environments, where assets may be spread across multiple platforms and locations.

Frentree, with its local expertise and established relationships in South Korea, is poised to play a pivotal role in implementing these advanced security measures within the region. Their deep understanding of local enterprise needs, regulatory frameworks, and operational challenges positions them as an ideal partner for AccuKnox. By leveraging Frentree’s on-the-ground presence, AccuKnox aims to accelerate the adoption of Zero Trust security models, providing South Korean businesses with the tools necessary to meet their cybersecurity requirements in the face of increasing cloud adoption.

The collaboration between the two companies also highlights a broader trend in the cybersecurity industry, where regional partnerships are becoming more prevalent. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, businesses are increasingly looking for tailored solutions that not only address global challenges but also account for specific local risks and regulations. By working with a trusted regional partner like Frentree, AccuKnox can ensure that its Zero Trust CNAPP solutions are delivered in a way that meets the unique needs of the South Korean market.

South Korea, which has seen rapid digital transformation in recent years, is a particularly fertile ground for this kind of security innovation. As industries such as finance, telecommunications, and manufacturing embrace cloud computing and AI technologies, the country has become a prime target for cyberattacks. With high-profile breaches making headlines, there is growing pressure on organisations to improve their security postures. The Frentree-AccuKnox partnership is thus timely, as it provides local enterprises with a comprehensive security solution to mitigate these risks.

The partnership is also a response to the rising complexity of cyber threats. The increasing use of cloud-native applications and AI workloads introduces new vulnerabilities, which traditional security models struggle to address. Zero Trust security frameworks, with their focus on micro-segmentation and continuous monitoring, offer a promising solution to these challenges. By focusing on verifying every access attempt rather than trusting devices or users, these systems offer a much higher level of assurance against cyber threats.

Looking ahead, both AccuKnox and Frentree are committed to expanding their reach and impact in the region. This partnership is just the beginning, as the two companies plan to work closely to refine and enhance their offerings based on the specific needs of South Korean enterprises. With the cybersecurity landscape continuing to evolve rapidly, they aim to stay ahead of emerging threats by continuously innovating their security models.

Aave, a leading decentralised finance protocol, has announced the launch of its new retail-focused crypto yield app on Apple’s App Store. The application aims to give users a simple way to earn interest on their digital assets, with Aave promising annual yields of over 5% on deposits. This rate surpasses the returns typically offered by traditional money market funds, a move that highlights Aave’s ambition to bridge the gap between DeFi and mainstream financial services.

The Aave app, available to users globally, allows retail investors to participate in DeFi in a straightforward manner, eliminating the need for complex processes typically associated with decentralised finance platforms. By leveraging the Aave protocol, users can deposit a range of crypto assets, including stablecoins, and earn interest that fluctuates with the market conditions. The app provides users with an easy-to-use interface, making the once-complex world of DeFi more accessible to the average consumer.

Aave’s new venture represents a significant step in the adoption of decentralised finance by mainstream retail investors, particularly in the wake of rising interest in cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based financial services. Traditional financial institutions are beginning to notice the growing appeal of digital assets, which offer innovative ways for consumers to engage with their money. In particular, the idea of earning a passive income from crypto deposits is proving increasingly attractive as inflation concerns and low yields in traditional finance continue to persist.

For Aave, this marks a new chapter in its journey, extending its pioneering work in DeFi beyond the domain of institutional users and sophisticated investors. As a protocol, Aave has consistently pushed the boundaries of decentralised finance, providing a platform that allows users to lend, borrow, and earn yield on their crypto assets without intermediaries. The protocol has accumulated billions in total value locked and is regarded as one of the most significant players in the DeFi space.

The app will offer more than just basic yield-generation functionality. Aave has integrated an automated risk management system, designed to help protect users’ funds by evaluating various market factors and adjusting interest rates accordingly. This feature aims to enhance user confidence in the app, particularly for those who may be unfamiliar with the intricacies of DeFi protocols.

With the app’s launch, Aave is positioning itself as a key player in the next wave of crypto adoption, focusing on ease of use and trust for the average investor. While many crypto apps on the market focus on trading or speculation, Aave’s app prioritises stability and long-term yield generation. The company believes this will resonate with a wider audience, including those seeking alternatives to low-yield savings accounts in traditional banking systems.

However, as with all crypto-based financial services, there are risks involved. The volatility of the cryptocurrency market can lead to significant fluctuations in the yield offered to users, and there are regulatory concerns that still loom over the broader DeFi space. Despite these challenges, Aave’s strategic move onto the Apple App Store provides a pathway for mainstream users to access decentralised finance solutions with minimal complexity.

The retail-focused app is expected to serve as a gateway for millions of users who have yet to experience the benefits of decentralised finance but are seeking more lucrative alternatives to traditional financial products. With the added appeal of potentially higher returns, it is likely to attract those disillusioned by low-interest bank savings accounts and money market funds.