In a significant political development, Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has officially endorsed Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s new cabinet, as announced in the Royal Gazette on September 19, 2025. This royal endorsement marks a crucial step in the formalization of the new government, allowing the cabinet to proceed with the ceremonial oath-taking before the king. Following this, the ministers will present their policy statement to parliament, the final procedural requirement before they can fully assume their roles. Prime Minister Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai party, was seen in high spirits during a press conference at the party headquarters in Bangkok, shortly after the royal endorsement ceremony. This development underscores the stability and continuity of Thailand’s political framework, as the nation transitions into a new phase of governance under Anutin’s leadership.
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Panasonic aims to develop groundbreaking EV battery in about two years
Panasonic Corp, a leading global supplier of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, is on the brink of a technological breakthrough that could significantly enhance the performance of EVs. The company is developing an anode-free battery technology, which it aims to commercialize within the next two years. This innovation could potentially increase the driving range of Tesla’s Model Y by up to 90 miles (approximately 145 km) without altering the battery pack size, marking a 25% boost in capacity.
By eliminating the anode during the manufacturing process, Panasonic’s new design allows for the formation of a lithium metal anode after the battery’s initial charge. This approach not only frees up space for more active cathode materials—such as nickel, cobalt, and aluminum—but also enhances energy density. The company claims this technology will achieve a ‘world-leading level’ of battery capacity by the end of 2027.
In addition to improving range, Panasonic is exploring ways to reduce the proportion of nickel in its batteries, a move that could lower costs and make EVs more affordable. However, the company has not disclosed specific details regarding potential price reductions for Tesla vehicles.
This anode-free technology is part of a broader industry trend, with multiple global battery producers pursuing similar innovations. Panasonic’s advancements come at a critical time for Tesla, which has seen its U.S. market share decline amid increasing competition from rival EV manufacturers.
The development underscores Panasonic’s commitment to driving the EV industry forward, offering solutions that balance performance, cost, and sustainability. As the race for superior battery technology intensifies, Panasonic’s anode-free design could position it as a key player in shaping the future of electric mobility.
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GAA stars represent Armagh at road bowls festival
The 40th anniversary of the King and Queen of the Roads festival in Ballincurrig, County Cork, is set to host a major road bowling championship this weekend, attracting top competitors from across Europe. Among the participants are Armagh GAA stars Ethan Rafferty and Kelly Mallon, both of whom have made significant marks in the sport. Rafferty, the current All-Ireland men’s senior road bowls champion, is also renowned as a formidable Gaelic footballer. Mallon, a standout Armagh footballer, has an impressive record in road bowling, having competed in Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands. Road bowling, a sport with roots dating back to the 17th century, involves throwing a 737-gram metal ball along a country road, with the winner being the one who completes the course in the fewest throws. The sport is particularly popular in counties Armagh and Cork. A new initiative by the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council aims to introduce more people to the sport, offering historical insights and hands-on experiences. Chris Mallon, Kelly’s father, plays a key role in this initiative, sharing the sport’s rich history and teaching newcomers the art of road bowling.
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Fitch says Nepal’s political unrest risks economic outlook, credit metrics
Kathmandu, Nepal – On September 12, 2025, Nepali Army soldiers were seen deploying concertina-barricade wires outside the presidential building, Shital Niwas, as the nation grappled with escalating social unrest. This turmoil has raised significant concerns about Nepal’s economic and fiscal stability, according to a recent report by Fitch Ratings. The rating agency highlighted that while calm has been restored, the recent wave of violence has severely impacted short-term economic growth by disrupting normal business activities and eroding consumer and business confidence. Fitch warned that these developments could exert pressure on Nepal’s credit metrics, potentially affecting its financial standing in the global market. The unrest underscores the fragile balance between social stability and economic progress in the Himalayan nation, with analysts closely monitoring the situation for further developments.
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India stock benchmarks set for muted start after 3-session rally
India’s equity markets are expected to open with minimal changes on Friday, signaling a pause after three consecutive days of gains. The recent rally was fueled by U.S. policy easing and advancements in trade negotiations between New Delhi and Washington. As of 07:52 a.m. IST, Gift Nifty futures were trading at 25,466 points, suggesting the benchmark Nifty 50 (.NSEI) would open close to its 10-week high of 25,423.6 reached on Thursday. Over the past three sessions, the Nifty 50 index climbed 1.4%, while the BSE Sensex (.BSESN) surged 1.5%, driven by U.S. rate cuts and optimism surrounding India-U.S. trade talks. India’s chief economic advisor, V. Anantha Nageswaran, hinted on Thursday that the U.S. might soon eliminate punitive tariffs on Indian imports and reduce reciprocal tariffs to 10%-15% from the current 25%. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) also contributed to the market’s upward trajectory, purchasing shares worth 3.67 billion rupees ($41.6 million) on Thursday, marking their fifth buying session in the last eight. In corporate news, Adani group companies are in the spotlight after India’s market regulator dismissed allegations of stock manipulation by U.S. short-seller Hindenburg Research. Additionally, mining firm Vedanta (VDAN.NS) has been named the ‘preferred bidder’ for a manganese block in Andhra Pradesh.
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Exclusive: South Korea’s LG Energy was using US visa workarounds before Trump, documents show
In a revealing turn of events, internal documents from LG Energy Solution have shed light on the company’s strategies to circumvent U.S. visa restrictions, a practice that predates the recent immigration crackdown under the Trump administration. The South Korean battery giant has been advising its employees and subcontractors to utilize the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visa waiver program, bypassing the more stringent B-1 business visa application process, which has seen high rejection rates. This approach, detailed in August 2023 guidelines, was implemented to facilitate short-term assignments in the U.S., particularly for high-tech plant operations. However, the reliance on ESTA has come under scrutiny following the detention of over 300 Korean workers, including 250 LG employees and contractors, in what has been described as the largest immigration raid by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The incident, which occurred at LG’s car battery venture with Hyundai Motor near Savannah, Georgia, has sparked significant concern in South Korea, a key U.S. ally and investor. The Trump administration has indicated a willingness to revise visa policies to accommodate South Korean investment, but the widespread use of ESTA waivers highlights the challenges faced by South Korean companies in navigating U.S. immigration enforcement. LG has since updated its guidelines, recommending appropriate visas for longer assignments and advocating for clearer interpretations of visa regulations to ensure smoother business operations.
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Dollar steadies as investors consider post-Fed outlook, focus turns to BOJ meeting
The U.S. dollar remained stable in early Asian trading on Friday as investors awaited new catalysts following the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut decision. The dollar index edged up by 0.1%, recovering slightly from a three-and-a-half-year low after the Fed reduced rates by 25 basis points but indicated no immediate plans for further cuts. The dollar also gained marginally against the yen, rising 0.1% to 148.085 yen, ahead of the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) policy decision later in the day. The BOJ is widely expected to maintain interest rates at 0.5%, with market focus on potential hints of future adjustments. The ongoing leadership election within Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is likely to influence the BOJ’s cautious stance, as Governor Kazuo Ueda is expected to avoid signaling any significant policy shifts. Meanwhile, the broader currency market is assessing the long-term impact of the Trump administration’s tariffs and its criticism of the Fed’s rate decisions. The U.S. Supreme Court has set a date to hear arguments on the legality of Trump’s global tariffs, a key element of his economic agenda. Additionally, the Trump administration has sought unprecedented authority to dismiss Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, raising concerns about the central bank’s independence. Foreign demand for U.S. Treasuries remains strong, with overseas holdings reaching a record high in July. The euro and sterling both weakened slightly, while the kiwi and Australian dollar continued to decline following disappointing economic data.
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Police find remains they think are US man accused of killing his daughters
In a grim development in a high-profile case, human remains presumed to be those of Travis Decker, a man accused of murdering his three young daughters, have been discovered in a remote wooded area near Leavenworth, Washington. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office announced on Thursday that preliminary findings suggest the remains belong to Decker, though official identification is still pending. Decker, a 32-year-old former soldier, had been on the run since June 2, when the bodies of his daughters—Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia, aged nine, eight, and five—were found in a secluded campground. His truck and phone were also located nearby. Authorities believe Decker, who was wanted on kidnapping and first-degree murder charges, had been hiding in the rugged, forested terrain of Washington state. The girls’ mother reported them missing on May 30 after Decker failed to return them to her home in Wenatchee following a visit. Investigators revealed that the children died from apparent suffocation, with their wrists bound by zip ties. Decker’s military background, including possible mountain survival training, may have aided his evasion efforts. The remains were found on Grindstone Mountain, just miles from the site where his daughters’ bodies were discovered. A $20,000 reward had been offered for information leading to his capture, and the extensive search led to closures of popular hiking areas in national forests. The case has shocked the community and raised questions about public safety and the challenges of tracking fugitives in remote regions.
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Santos always prepared to consider any takeover offers, CEO says
In a recent statement, Kevin Gallagher, CEO of Santos Ltd, expressed openness to potential takeover offers for the Australian gas producer. Gallagher emphasized his commitment to remaining in his role as long as he retains the confidence of shareholders and the board. This announcement follows the collapse of an $18.7 billion acquisition bid by a consortium led by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) on Wednesday. The deal fell through due to disagreements over commercial terms, particularly concerning capital gains tax liabilities on Santos’ assets in Papua New Guinea, which were revealed to be imminent. A source close to the matter indicated that XRG, ADNOC’s overseas unit, hesitated to proceed under these financial conditions. The news highlights the ongoing strategic considerations within Santos as it navigates the complex energy market.
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British couple held for months by Taliban released from prison
An elderly British couple, Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, who had been detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan for nearly eight months, have finally been released. The couple, who had lived in Afghanistan for almost two decades, were apprehended on February 1 while traveling home. Their release was secured through Qatari mediation, according to an official familiar with the case. During the final stages of negotiations, the couple was transferred from Kabul’s central prison to a larger facility. A Qatari official confirmed that the couple will first travel to Qatar for medical evaluations before returning to the UK, despite their long-term residence in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan province. The release comes after months of relentless public advocacy by their family. Just six days prior to their release, Faye Hall, an American woman who had been detained with them but was released two months into her captivity, shared with the BBC that the couple’s health had severely deteriorated in prison, stating they were ‘literally dying’ and that ‘time is running out.’