Human Times

APAC Edition

20th February 2026

THE HOT STORY

Crypto plays growing role in human trafficking networks, report says

Cryptocurrency flows to suspected human trafficking services, largely based in Southeast Asia, grew 85% in 2025, reaching a scale of hundreds of millions across identified services, according to a new report by US-based blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis. The analysis tracked four primary categories of suspected cryptocurrency-facilitated human trafficking, including Telegram-based “labour placement” services that facilitate kidnapping and forced labour for scam compounds.

Chainalysis

CNBC

REGULATION

Tech giants 'must comply with Indian laws'

India's information minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has called for significantly stronger regulations to tackle the growing threat of deepfakes. He said that all digital platforms operating in India must adhere to the country’s legal framework and the Constitution. “It's very important for the multinationals to understand the cultural context of the country in which they are operating,” Vaishnaw said during a briefing at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi. “The problem of deepfakes is growing day by day. We need much stronger regulation,” he said.

Fortune India

The Tribune

INVESTMENT

Microsoft to invest $50bn in AI across Global South

Microsoft has announced at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi that it plans to invest $50bn by 2030 to expand artificial intelligence initiatives in the Global South, This follows a previous investment of $17.5bn in India, and underscores the tech giant's commitment to one of the fastest-growing digital markets.

Reuters

WORKPLACE

Assault video in Singapore prompts Philippines to consider legal action

The Philippines is weighing legal action against a man who is accused of assaulting a Filipino woman at a shopping centre in Singapore. A video of the incident went viral online. Hans Cacdac, secretary of Manila's Department of Migrant Workers, said the Philippine labour attaché in Singapore had identified and contacted the woman. “Our migrant workers office labour attaché in Singapore is already in discussions, but we are currently still determining the exact cause of the incident,” Cacdac said.

South China Morning Post

LEGAL

Santos wins legal battle over net zero allegations

An Australian court has dismissed a lawsuit against Santos, ruling that the gas producer did not mislead the public regarding its net zero emissions targets. The case, filed by the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility in 2021, was intended as a test of how companies are held accountable for their climate promises. Following the ruling, Santos expressed its commitment to transparent reporting, while the ACCR described the outcome as disappointing and urged investors to scrutinise corporate climate claims more diligently.

Reuters

STRATEGY

General Mills India opens manufacturing facility in Nashik

General Mills India has opened a new ₹100 crore manufacturing facility in Nashik, Maharashtra, enhancing its presence in the bakery segment. The facility, the second in Nashik, aims to boost production capacity for the Pillsbury range and improve supply chain efficiencies. It will ensure wider availability of Pillsbury products for bakeries and foodservice partners across India, create jobs in various sectors, and increase demand for local suppliers. General Mills has been operating in India since 1999, continuously growing its manufacturing capabilities to meet rising demand in the bakery market.

The Economic Times

ECONOMY

Xi's plan for economic revival

President Xi Jinping has outlined a strategy to enhance consumption and innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence, as China prepares for its 2026 economic challenges. In a speech published by the Qiushi Journal, Xi stressed the importance of boosting domestic demand and increasing incomes for urban and rural residents. He noted: "We shall grow incomes for urban and rural residents, expand the supply of quality goods and services". With retail sales lagging economic growth, Xi's plan aims to stimulate spending and support innovation, especially in light of upcoming parliamentary meetings.

South China Morning Post

TAX

Philippines considers abolishing travel tax

The Philippine government has proposed abolishing the travel tax, which has been in place since 1977. Palace press officer Claire Castro said that President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has included this proposal among 21 priority legislative measures. The travel tax, currently P1,620 for economy-class passengers, adds significant costs for families. Castro noted the aim is to “ease the financial burden on travelers.” Currently, 50% of the tax funds tourism projects, while the rest supports education and cultural initiatives. The government said it will address revenue impacts once the bill is drafted.

Khaleej Times Online

TECHNOLOGY

Chinese filial respect service ignites controversy

A Chinese mobile app called UU Paotui has cancelled a controversial service which enabled users to hire proxies to bow to elderly relatives during Lunar New Year visits. The service was intended to help those unable to visit family to maintain traditional customs. "Filial piety should not be commoditised," one user remarked. Following the backlash, UU Paotui said: "After careful consideration, we have voluntarily removed the services that caused controversy." The app continues to offer other services, including a New Year greeter option.

U.S. News

INTERNATIONAL

Goldman Sachs plans to drop DEI from board-candidate criteria

Goldman Sachs plans to eliminate race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other diversity-related factors from the criteria its board uses to assess prospective candidates. The bank's decision follows a request that it removes the DEI criteria from the conservative activist nonprofit National Legal and Policy Center, a small shareholder in the lender. The Wall Street Journal notes that the DEI climate has changed radically for companies in recent years. A turning point was President Trump’s executive order last year directing federal departments and agencies to launch civil investigations into corporate DEI programs.

Wall Street Journal

General strike to protest labor reforms starts in Argentina

Argentina is facing a general strike by workers protesting a labor reform bill pushed by President Javier Milei - the fourth general strike of his term - and which is set to be debated in parliament. The country's main trade union called the strike, which is set to last 24 hours. The contested reforms would make it easier to hire and fire workers, and it would also reduce severance pay, limit the right to strike, increase work hours and restrict holiday provisions.

France 24

Lula's tax breaks boost middle-class support

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's new income tax breaks, effective from January, aim to reduce the tax burden on middle-class Brazilians. The policy is expected to remove around 11.3m taxpayers from the rolls, so enhancing Lula's appeal ahead of October elections. The tax exemption applies to monthly salaries up to 5,000 reais ($960). Vitoria Santos, an advertising professional, observed: "It's a meaningful amount that really makes a difference." However, economists such as Fabio Kanczuk warn that this approach may not address Brazil's long-term economic challenges. “It's bad economic policy, ‌but it wins votes,” said Kanczuk, a former central bank director and now head of macroeconomics at Asa Investments.

Gulf Times

OTHER

Production of fish paste products in Japan is rebounding

Production of fish paste products in Japan, including chikuwa, kamaboko, and hanpen, is rebounding after decades of decline, with a total increase to about 360,000 tonnes in the first 11 months of 2025, exceeding 2024's manufacturing. Factors contributing to this recovery include stable prices and rising consumer interest in the health benefits of these products. Notably, Kibun Foods rebranded its department for planning fish paste products to focus on "surimi" products, which has strengthened sales, particularly of kanikama, chikuwa, and hanpen. The industry association plans to boost consumption by promoting a "fish protein mark" for high-protein products, and emphasising their role as a convenient source of quality protein for health-conscious consumers.

The Japan Times

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