According to the Asian Development Bank’s latest forecast, economic expansion across developing Asia and the Pacific is predicted to slow to 5.0% in 2026. The region experienced a 5.5% growth rate in 2025, and the new estimate for 2026 is 0.1 percentage points higher than the bank’s July projection. Growth is anticipated to reach 5.1% in 2027, driven by increased investment, public expenditure, and ongoing demand for technology exports related to artificial intelligence.
Under the new extension, the statutory excise on gasoline will stay capped at 698 won per liter, which is 122 won lower than the standard rate. Diesel excise remains at 436 won per liter, providing a 145 won reduction, while butane rates are steady at 152 won per liter, offering a 51 won discount per liter. This extension of South Korea’s fuel tax cut plan aims to control inflation expectations domestically as energy markets adapt to ongoing global supply constraints. Officials from the Finance Ministry confirmed that legislative changes to the Enforcement Decree of the Transportation, Energy, and Environment Tax Act, along with adjustments to the Individual Consumption Tax Act, will be presented to the Cabinet for immediate implementation. They emphasized that although domestic fuel inventories remain stable, persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East necessitate active fiscal management to prevent sudden rises in retail fuel prices. Data published by the Ministry of Finance and Economy indicate that rising energy import costs continue to push up consumer price indices, making tax policy adjustments a key tool for intervention.
Business
Remittances from Egyptians working abroad totaled about $29.7 billion from January through July 2026. The Central Bank of Egypt said the figure rose 28.1% from about $23.2 billion a year earlier. The seven-month increase added roughly $6.5 billion compared with the same period of 2025. The data cover funds sent home by Egyptians employed overseas. The January-to-July gain followed the record level reported for calendar 2025.
Health
A previously uncommon inherited genetic change has been found to elevate an individual’s overall likelihood of developing lung cancer by about 25 times, and nearly 60 times among those who have never smoked, according to a study published in the journal Science. The research, a collaboration between scientists at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the 23andMe Research Institute, analyzed anonymized genomic data from over 3.3 million people. The scientists identified the germline mutation, known as EGFR T790M, as one of the most significant inherited risk factors for lung cancer discovered so far.
India has issued a nationwide health advisory concerning two Pakistan-origin skin whitening products following laboratory tests revealing excessive levels of heavy metals. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation issued an alert on September 8, identifying Goree Beauty Cream and Chandni Whitening Cream. The authority stated that both items lack the necessary approval for import and sale within India. It further warned that the heavy metals detected could pose toxic risks. Consumers were advised to cease purchasing or using these two cosmetics immediately.
DR Congo Ebola outbreak shows progress amid uneven trends GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization says parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are showing signs of progress against Ebola. Transmission has fallen in several areas, especially in Ituri province, which remains the outbreak’s main center. National figures through Sept. 13 showed 7,258 confirmed cases and 3,510 deaths across seven provinces. The country has also recorded 1,726 recoveries, while the overall case fatality ratio stands at 48.4%.WHO monitors Ebola trends across seven provinces in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (AI-generated image)South Kivu has reported no new Ebola cases since May, adding to evidence of improvement in some affected areas. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said recent trends offered encouraging signs after months of widespread transmission. He also said the outbreak continues to expand and cause deaths. Health authorities have identified cases across 62 health zones, underscoring large differences between provinces. Declining transmission in some locations has occurred alongside sharp increases elsewhere in the country.
The New York City Health Department identified Legionella DNA within a Yankee Stadium cooling tower, prompting concerns amid an outbreak in the South Bronx. By Tuesday evening, the city confirmed 11 cases of Legionnaires’ disease, with one individual succumbing and three remaining hospitalized. The Yankees reported that their stadium cooling tower was drained, cleaned, and disinfected on September 13, following notification of the initial findings by city officials.
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According to the Asian Development Bank’s latest forecast, economic expansion across developing Asia and the Pacific is predicted to slow to 5.0% in 2026. The region experienced a 5.5% growth rate in 2025, and the new estimate for 2026 is 0.1 percentage points higher than the bank’s July projection. Growth is anticipated to reach 5.1% in 2027, driven by increased investment, public expenditure, and ongoing demand for technology exports related to artificial intelligence.
Abdullah bin Zayed takes part in New York discussions on Middle East peace and stability. Officials focused on security, stability and development across the Middle East. They also reviewed ways to strengthen international cooperation on regional and global challenges. Sheikh Abdullah said the UAE supports initiatives that promote de-escalation and sustainable peace. He also linked regional stability with economic growth and broader prosperity. The discussions reflected several issues facing governments at the UN gathering, where leaders use formal sessions and separate meetings to address security, development and diplomatic cooperation.
Remittances from Egyptians working abroad totaled about $29.7 billion from January through July 2026. The Central Bank of Egypt said the figure rose 28.1% from about $23.2 billion a year earlier. The seven-month increase added roughly $6.5 billion compared with the same period of 2025. The data cover funds sent home by Egyptians employed overseas. The January-to-July gain followed the record level reported for calendar 2025.
Typhoon Dujuan brings heavy rain, landslide risk and travel disruption across eastern Japan. By noon, Dujuan was progressing north-northeast over waters west of Hachijojima, maintaining an extensive storm-force wind zone. Meteorologists tracked the system as it moved toward the Izu Islands and the Kanto region, with expectations that the typhoon would pass near Kanto later in the day as it picked up speed heading northeastward. Officials issued warnings about intense winds, turbulent seas, and additional heavy rainfall along eastern Pacific coastal areas. They also kept an eye on the development of linear rain bands, which could cause localized intense downpours in a short timeframe.
China kept its benchmark lending rates steady in September, marking the first time in a prolonged period that borrowing costs have remained stable. The one-year loan prime rate (LPR) remained at 3.0%, and the over-five-year rate held at 3.5%. Financial institutions often reference the longer-term benchmark when setting mortgage rates. This September fixing maintained both rates at the same levels recorded in August. These figures continue to play a key role in loan pricing throughout China’s banking sector.