Tag:

ASIA

Korean Banks Shift to CDs as Deposit Growth Slows – Risk.net

by February 22, 2026

written by

South Korean banks increased their issuance of certificates of deposit (CDs) in the final quarter of last year as growth in core deposits slowed, according to a report from Risk.net published February 20, 2026.

The shift comes as interest rates have remained stable and efforts to attract demand deposits have lost momentum. Hana Financial Group experienced the most significant quarter-over-quarter increase in marketable deposits – which include CDs – with a rise of 58.1% to 21.1 trillion won ($14.6 billion). Simultaneously, the bank’s core deposits decreased by 2.1% over the same period.

The broader trend indicates a move towards marketable funding, which jumped 38% in the fourth quarter, reaching a four-year high, Risk.net reported. This suggests banks are increasingly relying on CDs to bolster their funding sources amid a challenging environment for attracting traditional deposits.

The change in strategy reflects the current economic climate in South Korea, where stable interest rates and shifting consumer preferences are impacting deposit patterns. Banks are adapting to these conditions by actively promoting CDs as a means of securing funding.

February 22, 2026 0 comments

world

Pakistan Strikes Afghanistan: Targeting Militant Groups After Attacks

by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief February 22, 2026

written by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief

Islamabad launched airstrikes targeting militant groups within Afghanistan on Sunday, escalating tensions between the neighboring countries following a recent surge in violence within Pakistan. The Pakistani military stated the strikes targeted camps and hideouts used by groups responsible for a series of attacks, including a devastating suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad earlier this month.

The strikes represent a significant escalation in Pakistan’s response to increasing militant activity. Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), said the operations were “intelligence-based, selective” and aimed at seven camps belonging to the Pakistani Taliban, too known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and their affiliates. An affiliate of the Islamic State group was also reportedly targeted in the border region. The ministry asserted it possessed “conclusive evidence” linking recent attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu to fighters operating from Afghanistan.

Whereas there was no immediate official comment from the Taliban government in Afghanistan, sources indicated the strikes impacted two border provinces: Paktika and Nangarhar. Reports suggest a drone strike hit a religious school in Paktika province, with additional attacks occurring in Nangarhar. The Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, later stated that the Pakistani strikes had killed and wounded “dozens of people,” including women and children, in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, according to local media reports.

Recent Attacks Fuel Pakistani Response

The Pakistani military’s action comes amid a series of deadly attacks within the country. Just hours before the airstrikes, a suicide bomber targeted a security convoy in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel. On Monday, an attack in the nearby Bajaur district saw a suicide bomber, supported by gunmen, kill 11 soldiers and a child. Authorities identified the attacker as an Afghan national.

The most devastating attack occurred on February 6th, when a suicide bomber detonated explosives during noon prayers at the Khadija Tul Kubra mosque in Islamabad, killing at least 31 worshippers and wounding 170 others. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the mosque bombing, which Pakistani military officials said was planned, trained, and indoctrinated in Afghanistan.

Pakistan has repeatedly called on the Taliban government to prevent armed groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks, but claims Kabul has failed to take “substantive action.” The Information Ministry reiterated this call on Sunday, urging the international community to press the Taliban to uphold commitments made under the 2020 agreement signed with the United States in Doha, aimed at preventing the use of Afghan territory for attacks against other countries.

Regional Tensions and Ceasefire Efforts

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained since October, following deadly border clashes that resulted in casualties on both sides. These clashes followed explosions in Kabul, which Afghan officials blamed on Pakistan. A ceasefire mediated by Qatar on October 19th has largely held, but subsequent talks in Istanbul, Turkey, failed to yield a formal agreement.

Pakistan has experienced a surge in violence in recent years, attributed to both the TTP and Baloch separatist groups. Islamabad accuses the TTP of operating from within Afghanistan, a charge the group denies. The Taliban government has consistently denied providing shelter to anti-Pakistan armed groups.

The Pakistani military emphasized its commitment to regional peace and stability, stating that the safety and security of its citizens remains its top priority. The strikes were described as a necessary response to protect Pakistani citizens from ongoing threats emanating from across the border.

What comes next remains uncertain. The Taliban’s response to the strikes will be critical in determining whether the situation escalates further. International pressure on both countries to de-escalate tensions and engage in meaningful dialogue will be crucial to preventing a wider conflict. The situation underscores the complex security challenges facing the region and the ongoing threat posed by militant groups operating along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.

February 22, 2026 0 comments

News

Rain Washes Out Pakistan vs New Zealand T20 World Cup Super Eights Opener

by James Carter Senior News Editor February 21, 2026

written by James Carter Senior News Editor

Colombo, Sri Lanka – The highly anticipated Super Eights opener of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup between Pakistan and Modern Zealand was abandoned Saturday due to persistent rainfall at the R Premadasa Stadium. The match, set to kick off the second phase of the tournament, was called off without a single ball being bowled, resulting in each team being awarded one point.

Persistent showers began falling shortly after Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat first. Despite the initial hope that conditions might improve, the rain continued throughout the afternoon, ultimately leading to the umpires’ decision to call the game at 9:05 pm local time (15:35 GMT). Officials determined that conditions would not allow for even a reduced five-over contest to be played, with a cut-off time of 10:16 pm (16:46 GMT) passing without improvement. This outcome significantly impacts the Group 2 standings early in the Super Eights stage.

Rain Delays and Ultimate Abandonment

Ground staff worked diligently, with over 60 members deployed to cover the playing surface, but the relentless downpour proved insurmountable. The forecast had already indicated a high probability of rain, casting a shadow over the match from the outset. The abandonment marks a disappointing start to the Super Eights for both teams, who were eager to commence their campaigns in earnest. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 tournament rules stipulate a minimum of five overs per side is required for a result to be declared, a threshold the weather prevented from being met.

The lack of a reserve day for the Super Eights phase means the match will not be rescheduled. This decision, according to tournament regulations, is reserved for the semi-finals and final. The shared point will be a crucial factor as both Pakistan and New Zealand navigate the remaining matches in Group 2, facing tough competition for a place in the semi-finals.

Upcoming Super Eights Matches

The Super Eights phase continues on Sunday with Group 1 action, as tournament co-host India takes on South Africa in Ahmedabad. Later that day, also in Group 2, Sri Lanka will face England in Pallekele. These matches will be closely watched as teams vie for position in the tournament. Full details of the abandoned match are available on ESPNcricinfo.

The captains for the match were confirmed as Mitchell Santner for New Zealand and Salman Ali Agha for Pakistan. Umpires Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker officiated, with Allahuddien Paleker serving as the TV umpire. Richie Richardson was the match referee. Cricketnews.com provided live updates and weather information throughout the day.

The next steps for both Pakistan and New Zealand will be crucial as they aim to secure their places in the semi-finals. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring their performance in the remaining Super Eights matches. The outcome of this abandoned match underscores the unpredictable nature of outdoor sports and the impact of weather conditions on major tournaments.

What are your thoughts on the abandoned match? Share your opinions in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow cricket fans!

February 21, 2026 0 comments

world

India & Brazil Agree to Critical Minerals Deal to Reduce China Reliance

by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief February 21, 2026

written by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief

New Delhi – India and Brazil have solidified their partnership with a new agreement focused on boosting cooperation regarding critical minerals and rare earth elements, a move signaling India’s intent to lessen its reliance on China for these vital resources. The deal, signed Saturday in New Delhi during a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, comes as China increasingly controls the global supply chain for these strategically important materials.

The agreement represents a “major step towards building resilient supply chains,” according to a statement released by Prime Minister Modi. With China dominating both the mining and processing of rare-earth and critical minerals – and recently increasing its control over exports as the United States attempts to challenge its position – India is actively diversifying its sources. Brazil, holding the world’s second-largest reserves of critical minerals, emerges as a key partner in this effort.

These minerals are essential components in a wide range of modern technologies, including electric vehicles, solar panels, smartphones, jet engines, and even guided missiles. The collaboration aims to ensure a stable supply for India’s growing industrial needs and its ambitions in renewable energy and defense. President Lula da Silva echoed this sentiment, stating that “increasing investments and cooperation in matters of renewable energies and critical minerals is at the core of the pioneering agreement that we have signed today.”

While specific details of the mineral deal remain limited, the timing coincides with growing demand in India for resources like iron ore. Brazil is the second-largest producer and exporter of iron ore globally, trailing only Australia, and India’s rapid infrastructure expansion and industrial growth are driving increased demand. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached $15 billion in 2025, and both countries have set a target of $20 billion by 2030, according to officials.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva before their meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi [Sajjad Hussain/AFP]

Expanding Trade and Strategic Alignment

The critical minerals agreement was just one of ten agreements signed during President Lula’s visit, encompassing areas such as digital cooperation and healthcare. Prime Minister Modi emphasized Brazil’s importance as India’s “largest trading partner in Latin America,” adding, “We are committed to taking our bilateral trade beyond $20bn in the coming five years.” He further stated that the trade relationship is “not just a figure, but a reflection of trust,” and that collaboration between India and Brazil strengthens the voice of the Global South.

India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar expressed confidence that the talks between Modi and Lula would “impart a new momentum to our ties.” According to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) in 2024, Indian exports to Brazil totaled $7.23 billion, with refined petroleum as the primary export. Conversely, Brazilian exports to India reached $5.38 billion, led by raw sugar.

A Broader Strategy for Supply Chain Security

Experts suggest India’s deepening ties with Brazil are part of a broader strategy to diversify its supply chains. Rishabh Jain, an expert with the New Delhi-based Council on Energy, Environment and Water, told AFP that India’s collaboration with Brazil complements existing partnerships with the United States, France, and the European Union. “Global South alliances are critical for securing diversified, on-ground resource access and shaping emerging rules of global trade,” Jain explained.

This move comes after both India and Brazil were impacted by U.S. Tariffs in 2025, prompting discussions on challenges to multilateral trade systems and the global economy. Washington has since announced plans to roll back duties on Indian goods as part of a recently announced trade deal. The focus on securing critical minerals highlights the growing geopolitical importance of these resources and the strategic imperative for nations to reduce their dependence on single suppliers.

The partnership between India and Brazil signals a growing trend of cooperation between nations in the Global South to address shared economic and strategic challenges. As both countries continue to invest in renewable energy and advanced technologies, access to a reliable supply of critical minerals will be paramount. The long-term implications of this agreement will likely extend beyond trade, shaping the future of global supply chains and geopolitical alliances.

Looking ahead, the implementation of this agreement will be crucial. Further details regarding specific investment plans, joint projects, and regulatory frameworks are expected to emerge in the coming months. The success of this partnership will depend on continued collaboration and a shared commitment to building resilient and sustainable supply chains.

What are your thoughts on this new partnership? Share your comments below and let us know how you think this will impact the global landscape.