Muhammad Asim

China has pledged $31 million in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, focusing on economic revival, pandemic response, and addressing malnutrition. The aid package was announced by Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a regional diplomatic meeting, emphasizing collaborative efforts to rebuild Afghan society. [100 words]

The Taliban has announced its interim government, with Mullah Hassan Akhund appointed as head of state. Zabihullah Mujahid revealed the new cabinet, highlighting Akhund's close association with Mullah Omar and his role in founding the Tehreek-e-Taliban. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar will serve as deputy head of state.

In early 2021, the stock market initially showed promise with rising commodity prices and global economic recovery hopes. The Delta variant disrupted market momentum, causing the MSCI emerging market index to slip. Recently, foreign investors injected nearly RM1 billion into equities, helping the local benchmark index FBM KLCI recover approximately half its previous losses.

Malaysian Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz plans to propose raising the statutory debt limit to 65% of GDP. Currently at 58%, the government aims to provide financial support for businesses and citizens, with the proposal set to be presented to the cabinet next week.

MIDF research indicates the automotive sector is preparing for sustainable recovery. With plant re-openings and resumed operations from 16 August, the industry expects to regain production losses from the past two and a half months. Completely-knocked-down kits remain well-stocked, supporting potential growth.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating 11 documented crashes involving Tesla vehicles with Autopilot engaged near first responder scenes. Approximately 765,000 U.S. Tesla vehicles manufactured since 2014 are included in this safety probe, which follows a previous uninvestigated incident in 2017.

Indonesia's economy rebounds strongly with 7.07% growth in Q2, marking its best performance in 17 years. However, the recovery is threatened by increasing COVID-19 cases, potentially impacting future economic progress and stability.

Facebook has declared the Taliban a terrorist organization and will ban content supporting the group. Despite restrictions, Taliban members reportedly continue using WhatsApp for communication. The company says it is monitoring accounts and will take action against those linked to the organization.

The Taliban has swiftly captured Kabul, marking a dramatic end to the 20-year US military presence. President Ashraf Ghani fled the country as militants seized the presidential palace, signaling a complete government collapse and triggering mass evacuations of foreign nationals and Afghan residents. [100 words]

Malaysia's political crisis deepens as King intervenes to select a new Prime Minister after Muhyiddin Yassin's resignation. The country faces mounting public criticism over its pandemic response, with high infection rates and ongoing emergency measures challenging national leadership stability.