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The  US Congress has two days left  to prevent a partial government shutdown, as  President-elect Donald Trump rejected a bipartisan federal spending deal , calling for a focus on the  debt ceiling  before he assumes office next month. Key Highlights Trump Rejects Stopgap Bill Trump urged Republicans to oppose the  stopgap spending bill , warning that any GOP members supporting it should face  primary challenges in 2026 . This rejection forced  House Speaker Mike Johnson  and Republican leadership to  rework the proposal  to gain support from both  their narrow majority  and Senate Democrats. Implications of a Shutdown Without a deal by  Friday midnight , a  partial government shutdown  will begin Saturday, disrupting services like  air travel  and  law enforcement  just before the Christmas holiday. If it occurs, it would be the first shutdown since late  2018–2019 , during Trump’s ...

Indonesia affirmed that it does not recognize China's claims over the South China Sea , even after signing a maritime development agreement with Beijing. This stance comes as analysts warn that the deal could potentially compromise Indonesia’s sovereign rights . Despite China’s historical claims based on the disputed "nine-dash line," Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry reiterated that Indonesia is a non-claimant state with no overlapping jurisdiction in the South China Sea. The ministry emphasized that the agreement focuses on fisheries and conservation in the North Natuna Sea and does not affect sovereignty or sovereign rights . The joint statement from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s recent visit to Beijing noted a "common understanding" on joint development, which some Indonesian experts argue could imply acknowledgment of overlapping claims and risk compromising Indonesia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) rights.

China has confirmed it reached an agreement with India regarding their disputed frontier , though details on whether the pact covers the entire border or only specific points of standoff remain unclear. The announcement follows ongoing tensions between the two countries, which escalated in 2020 after clashes in the Ladakh region of the Himalayas resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers . The confirmation from China comes after Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar revealed on Monday that the two countries had agreed on patrolling the border, marking a potential end to the military standoff. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian , highlighted that both sides have maintained close communication through diplomatic and military channels and confirmed that a solution has been reached. While China views the agreement positively , specific details about the implementation and scope of the pact were not provided. The deal is expected to ease...

Singapore's market regulator has lifted a nearly two-year ban on UOB Kay Hian Private Ltd , allowing the brokerage firm to resume its role as an issue manager and full sponsor for initial public offerings (IPOs) and reverse takeovers . The ban, initially imposed in December 2022 , was linked to non-compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws . The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) had previously penalized UOB Kay Hian S$375,000 in August 2022 for its failure to meet regulatory standards. Since then, the brokerage has taken remedial actions to address the issues raised by the regulator. Following the announcement, shares of UOB Kay Hian closed 0.6% higher at S$1.59 on Thursday, ahead of the regulator's decision.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is currently investigating 20 development projects initiated by Selangor Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) over suspicions of corrupt activities, according to Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki . This investigation follows a corruption case related to a sand mining concession that implicates a prominent Selangor politician . While Azam did not specify which projects are under scrutiny, he clarified that the case is unrelated to the current Selangor administration. The MACC is also investigating five companies believed to be linked to two individuals recently arrested in connection with the case, including a former MBI chief operating officer and a businessman. Azam stated that over 18 individuals have already provided statements, and more arrests or summonses may follow. He emphasized that the investigation is not politically motivated and is based on public interest complaints. The investigation is ongoing, and further developm...

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) may lose its outright majority in the lower house of Parliament for the first time since 2009, according to forecasts by major Japanese media outlets. While the LDP is expected to retain control of the chamber with the help of its coalition partner Komeito , predictions suggest the party will fall short of the 233 seats needed for a majority in the Oct 27 election . The Mainichi newspaper forecast that the LDP could win between 203 and 250 seats , while Komeito is expected to secure 24 to 29 seats , down from its current 32. The Yomiuri newspaper predicted the coalition would still achieve a majority, despite around 120 LDP candidates being involved in close races. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba , who took over as LDP leader last month, has set the goal of achieving a majority with Komeito’s support. Public support for the LDP has dwindled following scandals involving party members allegedly profiting from funds raised from supporter...