Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to 10 years in jail in a controversial case related to a leaked document, raising concerns about political interference and transparency. This could significantly impact the upcoming elections and highlights the need for fair legal processes and accountability in politics. [Source]

Keystone Realtors, operating as ‘Rustomjee’, has reported a five-fold increase in net profit for Q3 FY24, reaching Rs 29.88 crore. The company’s strong financial performance was driven by higher income during the period, and Chairman Boman Irani expressed confidence in continued growth due to pre-sales and new launches. Keystone Realtors has an extensive portfolio of completed, ongoing, and forthcoming projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. For more information, visit the source.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi have been sentenced to 10 years in jail in Pakistan for leaking state secrets just days before the general election. Khan plans to challenge the ruling amid concerns about the credibility of the electoral process and the country’s political stability for economic recovery.

Vietnam and the Philippines are strengthening cooperation in the South China Sea, focusing on preventing conflicts and enhancing maritime cooperation. The agreements cover security, trade, and agriculture, with plans to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion. President Marcos’s visit has boosted bilateral relations and opened opportunities for economic ties between the two countries.

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have caused a rebound in oil prices, with Brent crude futures rising to $82.57 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude reaching $76.95 a barrel. Concerns about supply and the potential impact of US-Iran standoff are driving market uncertainty.

Vietnam and the Philippines have strengthened cooperation in the South China Sea through security agreements focused on incident prevention and maritime cooperation. These agreements aim to ensure peace and stability in the region while also enhancing bilateral trade relations and promoting collaboration in the agricultural sector. President Marcos also discussed the potential for collaboration in the production of electric vehicles and the usage of Philippines’ reserves of cobalt, copper, and nickel for EV batteries.

Hollysys Automation Technologies’ special committee recommends shareholders to vote for the Ascendent Capital acquisition, rejecting an offer from a consortium led by Dazheng Group. The committee expressed concerns regarding the financing and proposed escrow account of Dazheng, emphasizing their commitment to shareholders’ best interests. A vote will determine the final decision. Source.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Vietnam and announced enhanced coastguard collaboration to prevent accidents in the South China Sea, a crucial move considering the region’s importance for commerce. Two memoranda of understanding on security were signed, provoking Beijing, however, as progress in border dispute resolutions is viewed skeptically by China. Rice trade, agriculture cooperation, and a business network for VinFast in the Philippines were also discussed during the visit.

Sales of U.S. military equipment to foreign governments reached a record-breaking $238 billion in 2023, driven by countries restocking supplies and preparing for potential conflicts. The surge in arms exports is expected to continue, boosting revenue and strengthening U.S. influence in global security.

Pakistan’s rice exports are predicted to surge as India’s export limits drive buyers to source from Islamabad. Prices are at a 16-year high, and the increased exports will address tight supplies caused by India’s restrictions and boost Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves.