This year, 17 people have been executed in Singapore for drug and murder offenses, the highest number since 2003. This comes amid renewed debate over the use of capital punishment.
Samsung Electronics has released its first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, priced at 3. 59 million won ($2,440.17). The model with a 10-inch display will go on sale on December 12 in South Korea, and later in China, Singapore, Taiwan, UAE, and the US.
The oil tanker Talara, seized by Iranian forces, has been released, but without its gasoil cargo. The crew is safe, and the vessel has left Iranian waters with a shallower draft.
Ariana Grande has stated that her upcoming 'Eternal Sunshine' tour in 2026 might be her last major tour for a long time. The singer plans to focus on her acting career after the tour.
Russian seaborne crude flows fell for the fourth consecutive week, exacerbating the country's oil price slump and cutting the Kremlin's revenue to a two-and-a-half-year low – about $1. 2 billion a week. In the four weeks to November 16, the country shipped 3.36 million barrels per day, about 90,000 barrels less than in the comparable period to November 9.
Bitcoin fell by 2. 4% during Asian trading, dropping below $90,000, which deepened its monthly decline. This decrease nullified all the cryptocurrency's gains in 2025 and affected sentiment in the digital asset market.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized a tanker carrying petrochemical cargo bound for Singapore. The seizure took place in the Persian Gulf due to alleged violations of transportation rules and the unauthorized transport of cargo.
Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps intercepted the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Talara, which was carrying diesel fuel. This is the first seizure of a vessel by Iran since the Israeli and US strikes in June.
Johnson Wen, who grabbed Ariana Grande at the premiere of Wicked: For Good in Singapore, has been charged with public nuisance. The man plans to plead guilty and faces a fine of up to 2,000 Singapore dollars.
China is stepping up efforts to import Russian gas, laying the groundwork for its own "shadow fleet" of vessels to transport liquefied fuel, bypassing US sanctions. This will allow it to diversify supplies and strengthen ties with Russia, which needs buyers for its LNG.
Former prosecutor Stanislav Bronytskyi stated that there is no control over NABU and SAP, which leads to questionable decisions and the dismissal of prosecutors. He noted that since 2015, no audit of SAP has been conducted, unlike international practice.
New data indicates millions of tons of Russian oil were transshipped through a port partly owned by Macquarie Bank, with potential sales to Australian companies. Australia has imported over 3 million tons of Russian-origin petroleum products since 2023 through third countries, creating loopholes in sanctions.
Gold prices rose after traders increased bets on a December Fed rate cut. This followed the release of unexpectedly weak US employment data, showing the largest job reduction in October in over 20 years.
British police have seized dinosaur skeletons worth over £12 million from a Chinese national suspected of money laundering. Su Binhai has agreed to forfeit three complete fossilized skeletons and nine London apartments.
Russia's Black Sea port of Tuapse has suspended fuel exports, and the local refinery has stopped oil processing after drone attacks on November 2. Three tankers that were in the port during the attack were moved away from the berths.
Bitcoin's price fell 7. 4% to $96,794, dropping below $100,000 for the first time since June. This is more than 20% below the record high reached a month ago, which corresponds to a bear market in stocks.
Shein banned the sale of sex dolls on its platform after a scandal in France. The company tightened controls and temporarily removed the adult products category.
French authorities are considering blocking access to the Shein platform after discovering child-like sex dolls on it. The company has removed the relevant items and launched an internal investigation, promising to take action against those responsible.
Two Chinese warships arrived in Cambodia on a friendly visit, part of the "Peace and Friendship 2025" exercises. The visit comes amid a border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, with whom China maintains friendly relations.
The MSCI Global Gold Equities Index rose 135% over the year, while semiconductor manufacturers' stocks increased by only 40%. Gold prices rose by 45% and reached new historical highs, attracting investors as a "safe haven" amid global uncertainty.
As a result of strikes on Russian oil refineries last month, fuel production decreased by one million tons, and the deficit reached 20% of domestic needs.
Asian stock markets are ending the week in the red after the US imposed 100% tariffs on drug imports and a decline in technology company quotes. This caused a fall in shares of pharmaceutical giants and microchip manufacturers, while the Japanese market showed growth.
Microsoft and Asus have officially opened pre-orders for the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, which will go on sale on October 16. Prices for the consoles range from $499 to $1599 depending on the model and region.
A Lowy Institute report shows that Trump's policies, including tariffs and aid cuts, are weakening US influence in Southeast Asia. China is becoming the dominant power in the region through trade and investment efforts.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated a possible connection between drone incidents in Norway and Denmark after a conversation with his Danish counterpart. Earlier, Russia violated Norwegian airspace three times, and in Oslo, the military recorded drone flights over Akershus Fortress.
Oslo's Gardermoen Airport was temporarily closed due to the detection of unknown drones, leading to delays for 12-14 flights. Earlier, the military recorded drones over Akershus Fortress, and two Singaporean citizens were detained.
New iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone Air models went on sale on September 19, along with Apple Watch SE, Watch Series 11, Watch Ultra 3, and AirPods Pro 3. Demand for Pro models is high, while the iPhone Air may not become a sales leader due to its shortcomings.
China has entered the top 10 of the UN's annual innovation ranking for the first time, taking 10th place. This was due to significant investments in research and development, while Germany dropped to 11th place.
The US is imposing sanctions on 34 companies from eight countries that supplied goods to Russia's military-industrial complex. This is another step in undermining the Kremlin's ability to sustain its war machine.
Disney's first cruise ship, "Disney Adventure," has postponed its maiden voyage from Singapore from December 15, 2025, to March 10, 2026. The reason cited is unexpected delays in the construction process.
