next Archives - World Today News

Tag:

Title: Indonesia Car Sales Set to Boom, Says Finance Minister

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 28, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Indonesian Finance Ministry Predicts Rebound in‌ Car‍ Sales

Jakarta, Indonesia – ‍Indonesia’s Finance Ministry is forecasting a positive turn⁣ for car sales next month, building on the current strong performance of the motorcycle sector, according to a statement released today by State Treasurer purbaya. The⁤ anticipated recovery ⁤follows a period of sluggish automotive ‍sales throughout ‌much⁤ of 2025.

The ⁤prediction comes ⁢as motorcycle sales continue to surge, ‍growing 8.4 percent year-on-year, reaching 5.4 million units between January and October 2025, according to data from the Motorcycle Industry Association (AISI). This positive trend ⁢in two-wheeled ‍vehicle ⁢demand is fueling optimism that a similar recovery is imminent for the four-wheeled market, impacting a key sector of the Indonesian economy and potentially signaling broader ⁢consumer confidence.

Purbaya cited data from ‍the Association of Motor‍ Vehicle Industries ⁣(Gaikindo) indicating car sales are nearing 75,000 units,with wholesale‍ figures ⁣up⁤ 19.2 percent and retail sales increasing 17.2 percent. Despite these‍ recent gains, overall car sales for the January-October period‌ this year⁣ remain lower⁢ compared to ⁤the same timeframe in 2024.

“I think ‍next month car sales will also start to be positive again,” Purbaya⁤ stated optimistically.

The Ministry’s assessment offers a glimmer of hope for ⁣automotive manufacturers and related industries, which have faced headwinds in recent months. The potential rebound in car sales could contribute to overall economic growth and provide a boost to government revenue.

November 28, 2025 0 comments

World

Mamdani meets Trump to challenge him on the cost of living: “Ready for anything”

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor November 21, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Sudanese Economist Confronts trump on Global Cost of Living Crisis

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA – November 20, 2025 – Prominent Sudanese economist and public intellectual Mahmood Mamdani met with former U.S. President Donald trump at Mar-a-Lago today to directly challenge him on the escalating global cost of living crisis and its disproportionate impact on developing nations. The unexpected meeting, confirmed by both parties, saw Mamdani present data illustrating the economic pressures faced by populations in Africa and beyond, urging a re-evaluation of policies contributing to the crisis.

The encounter comes as inflation and economic instability continue to grip many parts of the world, exacerbating existing inequalities and threatening political stability. Millions are struggling with rising food and energy prices, compounded by debt burdens and limited access to essential resources. Mamdani’s intervention seeks to highlight the interconnectedness of global economic forces and the need for solutions that address the root causes of these challenges, rather than simply treating the symptoms. The discussion centered on the role of international financial institutions, trade policies, and geopolitical factors in shaping the current economic landscape, with Mamdani arguing for a more equitable and lasting approach.

According to sources present during the meeting, Mamdani stated, “We are ready for anything,” signaling his determination to continue advocating for policies that prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations. He reportedly presented Trump with detailed analyses of the impact of rising interest rates and commodity prices on African economies, emphasizing the potential for widespread social unrest if the situation is not addressed.

Mamdani, a professor at Makerere University in Uganda and a leading scholar of postcolonial studies, has long been a vocal critic of neoliberal economic policies and thier consequences for the Global South. His work focuses on the intersection of political violence,economic development,and the role of the state in shaping social outcomes. He has previously served as a consultant to numerous international organizations,including the united nations and the World Bank.

November 21, 2025 0 comments

World

Ukraine Conflict: US Peace Plan Details – Crimea, Russia, NATO, Troop Limits

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor November 21, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Trump Plan for Ukraine Peace Reportedly Includes Territorial Concessions and Military Limits

A 28-point plan reportedly drafted by former US President Donald Trump proposes a resolution to the Ukraine conflict that would involve Kyiv ceding territory to Russia, considerably reducing its military size, and forgoing any future NATO membership. Details of the plan were obtained by Axios and confirmed by ukrainian, US, and sources familiar with the proposal.

According to Axios, the plan would see the United States recognize Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk as Russian territory. A “frozen” conflict line would effectively recognize russian control over parts of kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, while Russia would relinquish control over other territories it currently occupies beyond these five regions.

The proposal calls for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from the portion of the donetsk Oblast they currently hold. This area would then be designated as a neutral, demilitarized buffer zone internationally recognized as belonging to Russia, with a stipulation that Russian forces would not enter it.

A key component of the plan involves a ample reduction in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, limiting its size to 600,000 personnel. Currently, Ukraine’s military numbers between 800,000 and 850,000, a significant increase from the approximately 250,000 soldiers it had prior to the war.

The plan also suggests entrusting the defense of Ukraine to European fighters stationed in poland,while explicitly prohibiting the deployment of NATO troops within Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr zelenskyy has acknowledged receiving the text of the plan,stating he intends to discuss it with Trump. However,Ukrainian sources have reportedly described the proposal as “absurd.”

November 21, 2025 0 comments

Business

Mortgage Rates Drop: ASB, Westpac, ANZ & BNZ Cut Rates – OCR Watch

by Priya Shah – Business Editor October 4, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

ASB ⁣adn Westpac Join Rate Cut Trend, Lowering Fixed Mortgage Rates to 4.49%

homeowners and prospective buyers are seeing increased relief as ASB and Westpac have both announced cuts to their fixed mortgage rates, with one-year rates now ‍falling to 4.49%. this move follows similar reductions by ANZ and BNZ earlier this week, signaling a growing trend among major lenders ‌to ⁤lower borrowing costs.

The cuts come as ⁢the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is expected‍ to further ease monetary policy in the⁤ coming months. With the Official Cash Rate (OCR) currently at 3%, down from 5.25% in August of⁢ last‍ year, economists predict at least two more rate reductions by March. These lower ⁣rates ⁣aim to stimulate a New ⁢Zealand economy that ⁣the RBNZ recently acknowledged has stalled in its recovery.

ASB reduced its one-year fixed rate by 26 basis points,with its six-month rate now at 4.95% and its two-year rate at 4.65%. According to ASB Executive General manager Adam Boyd,⁣ the cuts are “welcome news ‍to the thousands of households looking to refix their mortgages or begin their journey ‍towards home ownership this year.” Boyd added that their 18-month and 1-year terms⁤ now sit below 4.50%, ⁢offering “certainty in⁣ an economic landscape that continues to evolve.”

Westpac mirrored the 26 basis point drop on its ‌one-year⁢ fixed rate. Thay also lowered their six-month rate to 4.99% and their two-year rate to 4.65%. ANZ previously ⁢announced a one-year fixed rate of 4.49% on Wednesday, while BNZ matched that‌ rate on Tuesday. ANZ’s current rates also include 4.89% for a ⁤six-month fixed term and 4.65% for a two-year fixed term. BNZ advertises rates of 4.99% for six months, 4.49% for one year, and 4.75% for two years.

The RBNZ will ‌announce its next OCR decision on October 8.

October 4, 2025 0 comments

Entertainment

Harry and Meghan: Insights into Life, Invictus Games, and UK Return

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor September 15, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

Prince Harry prioritizes Focus on King Charles Following Cancer Diagnosis

LONDON – Prince Harry has stated his intention ‌to prioritize support ‍for his⁢ father, King Charles III, following the recent announcement of the⁢ monarch’s‍ cancer diagnosis. ⁣The Duke of⁤ Sussex, currently in the UK after a brief‌ visit for⁢ charity engagements, emphasized the importance of family during this challenging time.

Harry, who shares‍ children Prince Archie, 6, and‍ Princess Lilibet, 4, with meghan Markle, expressed his love for the UK and his desire to reconnect with causes he is ⁢passionate about, but underscored that his primary focus‍ is now on his father’s health. He described “enjoying” his recent time in the UK and ‌the opportunity⁣ to reconnect with long-time acquaintances,‌ acknowledging the difficulty of ⁢maintaining those connections from abroad.

The Prince also reflected on his work with the ‌Invictus Games, which he launched‍ in 2014, and a recent trip to Ukraine where he advocated for shifting societal perceptions of⁣ disability. “Seeing people with prosthetics and life-changing injuries is going to be the⁢ norm in Ukraine for the coming decades,” ‌he explained. “Nobody should feel embarrassed or ashamed about their ⁢disabilities. Its about flipping from sympathy ⁣to admiration and ⁢respect.”

Harry addressed previous⁣ public narratives surrounding his memoir, stating it was “a series of corrections of stories already ⁢out there” and a necessary clarification of a one-sided ⁢viewpoint. he maintained his conscience ⁣is clear, asserting the book was not motivated by revenge but by a pursuit of “accountability.”

September 15, 2025 0 comments

World

Ukraine Drone Threat: NATO’s Sentinel of the East Response

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor September 13, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

NATO Responds to Poland Drone Incursion,Emphasizes ⁣Adaptive Learning

following a⁢ recent drone incursion into Poland,Supreme Allied Commander Europe,General Alexus Grynkewich,defended the timing and effectiveness of the Eastern Sentry operation,stating NATO was “well positioned” to respond. speaking at a press conference ⁢in Brussels alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Grynkewich highlighted the swift ‌action taken during the incident.

he explained that ‌delegated authorities from the North Atlantic Council allowed crews to act ⁢decisively and neutralize a important‍ portion of⁤ the‍ threat targeting Poland. “I don’t think we⁤ are recovering ground,”‍ Grynkewich asserted, “I think ‌we ‌were quite well positioned for that event.”

Despite ⁣this assessment, the General acknowledged the unprecedented scale of the drone incursion. While NATO had previously encountered smaller numbers of drones, ⁣the recent event necessitated a reevaluation of current strategies. “It is time to look at the thing from a new viewpoint,” he stated.

Grynkewich emphasized NATO’s commitment to ‍continuous learning and adaptation. The ongoing Eastern Sentry operation is intended to enhance capabilities⁤ and address⁤ the lessons learned from ‍this recent event.He affirmed that the allied command Operations is dedicated to rapidly ‌incorporating these lessons to ensure the defence of every inch of NATO territory.

“We are always learning, and NATO is an institution that learns,” Grynkewich concluded.

September 13, 2025 0 comments

Newer Posts

Older Posts