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By K Raveendran The alleged theft of donations from the Ayodhya Ram Temple has pushed a long-simmering question into the national foreground: who should guard the wealth of religious institutions when faith, money and power converge without adequate public accountability? The issue is not confined to Ayodhya, nor to Hindu institutions. Across denominations, religious endowments, […]

The article Faith Assets Need Secular Oversight As Temple Fraud Exposes Governance Vacuum appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The inaugural India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports was held in Bamako under the theme “Reinforcing Trade and Strategic Partnerships”, bringing together senior officials, export agencies and about 30 business leaders from India. The two-day initiative marks an attempt to move commercial engagement beyond commodity flows and towards sector-specific projects in cotton, mining, energy, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, health and education.

The forum was jointly organised by Mali’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Embassy of India in Bamako and the Malian Agency for the Promotion of Exports. It was presided over by Mali’s Transition Government Prime Minister, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, with the delegation from India led by Amit Kumar, Joint Secretary for FT-Africa in the Department of Commerce. Dr N. Nandakumar, Ambassador of India to Mali, represented the mission through the proceedings.

Bilateral trade crossed $326.61 million in 2025–26, a 55 per cent increase over the previous financial year. Mali’s exports to India include raw cotton, finished leather, cashew, lead, gum arabic and sesame. India’s exports to Mali include pharmaceuticals, cotton fabrics, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and bicycles. Officials see the current trade base as narrow but expandable, particularly because Mali’s global exports stand at about $4 billion and its untapped export potential in the market of India is estimated at nearly $3.96 billion.

The Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme has been a central driver of trade growth, offering least developed countries preferential access to the market of India. For Mali, the scheme provides a policy opening at a time when Bamako is seeking to diversify export destinations and reduce dependence on raw commodity shipments. For New Delhi, the forum fits a wider push to deepen commercial links with Africa through trade facilitation, capacity building and private-sector participation.

Business-to-business, business-to-government and government-to-government meetings formed the operational core of the forum. Exhibition stands featured products from both countries, including tractors and vehicles manufactured by Sonalika, Mahindra and Tata Motors. The format was designed to connect firms with regulators, identify bankable projects and address procedural bottlenecks that often slow trade between developing markets.

Mali presented ready-made business plans to potential investors and placed emphasis on agro-industry, shea processing, mining-linked services, renewable energy and social infrastructure. The country is seeking more value addition in cotton and agricultural commodities rather than relying mainly on exports of raw or semi-processed products. Cotton remains a significant sector for Mali, while shea, sesame, cashew and gum arabic offer scope for processing, branding and direct export partnerships.

Pharmaceuticals emerged as another key area. Mali sought quicker registration of approved products from India, a move that could expand access to affordable medicines and medical supplies. Health and education infrastructure were also discussed as areas where companies and institutions could provide services, equipment and training support.

The mining dimension is more complex. Mali is one of Africa’s leading gold producers and is working to tighten oversight of its precious metals trade after identifying large gaps between declared exports and import data reported by partner countries. A new state entity has been created to centralise and regulate precious-substances flows, reflecting Bamako’s effort to capture more value from gold and reduce informal trade. Industrial mines export about 60 tonnes of gold annually, while artisanal mining employs nearly 2 million people across hundreds of sites.

Security remains a central concern for investors. Mali has faced instability and militant violence, and economic assets have been among the risks flagged by foreign governments and companies. Earlier this year, security concerns stalled participation by government-backed firms from India in a Russian-backed lithium exploration project in Mali. That episode underlined the challenge of matching mineral ambitions with investor confidence.

The Greater Sentosa Master Plan brings the 120-hectare Brani under Sentosa’s development framework, creating a larger tourism precinct at a time when Singapore is refreshing its visitor economy and preparing for stronger regional competition in leisure, hospitality and events. The project is being positioned as the biggest transformation of Sentosa since the island was developed as a resort destination more than five decades ago.

Sentosa drew more than 16 million visitors between April 2024 and March 2025. Once the master plan is fully delivered, the enlarged precinct is projected to attract about twice that number. The long development period reflects the scale of infrastructure works, the planned relocation of port operations from Brani to Tuas by 2027, and the need to combine commercial expansion with coastal and ecological safeguards.

A major element of the plan is Brani West, which has been earmarked as one of the largest future sites for attractions development. Authorities are engaging potential partners and concept owners, though details on investors, operators and the cost of the project have not been disclosed. The lack of a public investment figure leaves open questions on funding, phasing and commercial returns, particularly as large tourism projects face higher construction costs, labour constraints and changing traveller preferences.

The plan also includes new landmarks on Sentosa itself. Imbiah Canopy is proposed as a vantage point on Mount Imbiah, with food and beverage outlets, retail space, event areas and links to nature-based activities. A sheltered elevated forest canopy route, Imbiah Lookout Walk, is expected to connect Sensoryscape with Imbiah Lookout and nearby walking trails. Later phases are intended to expand nature and heritage routes, with the possibility of linking Sentosa’s green areas to the Southern Ridges on the mainland.

Along Siloso Beach, a new venue called Sensorium is being planned as a lifestyle and indoor attraction hub capable of hosting events and festival activity. The broader beach redevelopment will cover Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong, where coastal protection works will be paired with new leisure uses. Concepts under study include beach clubs, coastal activities, treetop dining, and a floating boardwalk linking small islets along Sentosa’s 3km beachfront.

Transport is another central feature. The proposed Island Heart Transport Hub will serve as a new arrival point connecting Sentosa and Brani, while a new people-mover system is expected to replace the Sentosa Express monorail. The new system is intended to increase capacity and provide smoother movement from the mainland through Brani and across Sentosa. Water taxis and additional waterfront links are also being examined, while the Singapore Cable Car will continue to form part of the wider mobility network.

The transformation is tied to wider planning along Singapore’s southern waterfront, a 30km belt stretching from Gardens by the Bay East to Pasir Panjang. That corridor is expected to include new residential, commercial, recreational and entertainment spaces as port activities shift westwards. Greater Sentosa is also being developed as Singapore prepares for Changi Airport Terminal 5, due around the mid-2030s, which will add about 50 million passengers a year in its first phase to the airport’s current capacity of 90 million.

The tourism strategy goes beyond building new attractions. Singapore is seeking to broaden its appeal from stopover travel and convention traffic to experience-led visits, family tourism, events, coastal leisure and premium lifestyle spending. Resorts World Sentosa is also expanding its offer, with a Waterfront Lifestyle Development scheduled for completion in 2030 and Super Nintendo World planned for Universal Studios Singapore. These additions are expected to support a shift from single-attraction visits towards longer, multi-part itineraries across the island.

Sustainability has been built into the planning narrative, reflecting the vulnerability of a low-lying city-state to sea-level rise and coastal erosion. Sentosa has about 16km of coastline, making protection works a practical requirement rather than an optional enhancement. The master plan includes ecological connectivity, shaded routes, greenery, thermal comfort measures and coastal resilience features. Sensoryscape, a 350m connector linking Resorts World Sentosa to the beaches, is being used as an early example of infrastructure that combines visitor flow, planting, accessibility and digital experiences.

Just a few years ago, conversations surrounding EV buying were dominated by battery size, driving range and acceleration. Those things still matter today, but they are no longer the whole story. As EVs move into the mainstream, buyer priorities are shifting toward practical, long-term considerations, including the post-purchase experience, charging convenience, straightforward servicing, and the enduring reliability of the brand. These factors increasingly shape purchasing decisions, and they also provide a useful lens through which to look at the VinFast VF 8, an all-electric mid-size SUV.

Designed by the legendary Italian design house Pininfarina, the all-electric D-segment SUV combines clean, modern styling with the practicality expected of a family vehicle. It delivers up to 493 km of NEDC driving range, produces up to 402 horsepower through a dual-motor AWD system, and comes equipped with Level 2 driver assistance technologies, a 15.6-inch infotainment display, and a spacious cabin designed for everyday comfort. In the UAE, buyers also benefit from a 10-year vehicle warranty, a 10-year unlimited-mileage battery warranty, alongside 24/7 roadside assistance and five years of free maintenance up to 100,000 km.

While the VF 8 already has plenty to offer on paper, the real challenge is making ownership feel effortless once the excitement of the purchase has passed. Recognizing that, VinFast has invested heavily in the ecosystem that supports its vehicles.

Earlier this year, the company signed agreements with 29 international aftersales partners as part of a broader plan to expand its global service network to more than 1,100 workshops across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia during 2026. The company is also rolling out customer support initiatives such as software updates, battery inspections, and technical support throughout the ownership journey.

In the UAE specifically, VinFast works with Al Tayer Motors to provide local aftersales support while continuing to strengthen its regional service network through experienced local partners. In March, the company signed an MoU with PlusX Electric, a DEWA-approved charging provider, to extend support beyond the dealership network. The plan includes portable charging pods, on-demand mobile charging, and emergency roadside charging services. The goal is to reduce downtime and eliminate the awkward scenario of running low on charge far from a plug.

“VinFast is committed to building a long-term and comprehensive EV ecosystem in the UAE, one that gives customers confidence not only in the quality and performance of our electric vehicles, but also in the reliability and accessibility of the supporting infrastructure,” one executive of VinFast Middle East said in a press release.

The Middle East is entering an important stage of its EV journey, with governments investing in cleaner mobility and consumers enjoying more choices than ever before. As the market evolves, delivering a competitive vehicle is only part of the equation, while making ownership straightforward is becoming just as important. The VinFast VF 8 reflects that shift, pairing the features of a modern electric SUV with growing investments in charging, aftersales support, and customer service.

Hashtag: #VinFast #EV

https://me.vinfast.com/en

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

By R. Suryamurthy Every war leaves behind shattered cities, broken societies and grieving families. But some wars destroy something less visible yet infinitely more consequential: faith in the institutions created to prevent humanity from repeating history’s darkest chapters. The latest report of the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Israel and the Occupied […]

The article Latest UN Report On Israel Occupied Territories Exposes The Ruthlessness Of Atrocities appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Boosting Southeast Asia Strategy

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 July 2026 – Recently, XTransfer, the world’s leading B2B cross-border trade payment platform, officially inaugurated its new office in Malaysia. This marks XTransfer’s continued investment in localised operations across Southeast Asia and lays a solid foundation for further strengthening its regional trade finance services.

Leaders and partners from several major local Malaysian banks and financial institutions attended the event to witness this important milestone. The opening ceremony began with a lively lion dance performance, followed by a ribbon-cutting session led by distinguished guests in a festive atmosphere. Ribbon-cutting guests included Ms Winnie Wong, Director of Financial Institutions Group at Maybank; Ms Sylvia Wong, Regional Head at CIMB; Ms Daphne Yoo, Director at OCBC; along with representatives from various institutions and associations, and the head of XTransfer’s Malaysia team.

Guests warmly congratulated XTransfer on the opening of its new office and expressed their expectation that XTransfer will continue to support the development of local trade by providing Malaysian SMEs with more efficient and secure cross-border payment solutions. Representatives from multiple banks also noted that they look forward to deepening collaboration with XTransfer, further improving localised settlement networks, and jointly promoting the development of the cross-border payments ecosystem.

As a fintech company deeply focused on global trade finance, XTransfer has consistently adhered to a technology-driven and compliance-first approach. It is committed to providing global trade enterprises with secure, convenient, and cost-effective cross-border payment and collection solutions. With the launch of its new Malaysia office, XTransfer will position Malaysia as a strategic hub for its Southeast Asia operations, extending its reach across the Asia-Pacific market and further accelerating regional business expansion. Going forward, XTransfer will continue to advance its internationalisation strategy to better serve global trade companies.

It is also worth noting that in February this year, XTransfer received conditional approval from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) for key payment licenses. Upon completing the pre-issuance conditions and being permitted to launch, XTransfer will introduce digital payment services to support businesses, particularly SMEs engaged in international trade. With the official opening of the new office, XTransfer will leverage stronger local service capabilities together with its global network resources to continue helping regional trade businesses seize global opportunities and expand into broader international markets.

Hashtag: #XTransfer #Crossborder #Payment #SMEs #Malaysia

https://www.xtransfer.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtransfer.cn

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.