Bloomberg The tsunami of Covid-19 that’s taking hold across China is spurring concern that a dangerous new variant could emerge for the first time in more than a year, just as genetic sequencing to catch such a threat is dwindling. The situation in China is unique because of the path it’s followed throughout the pandemic. While almost every other ...

  Bloomberg Tata Group’s Bigbasket may list its shares within three years after the latest capital raising valued India’s largest online grocer at $3.2 billion. The Bengaluru-based e-commerce firm, which is focussing on expanding its pan-India reach, may choose to launch an initial public offering in 24 to 36 months but was open to raising more private capital before that, ...

  Bloomberg Malaysia will have to present the new spending plan for 2023 to parliament by the first quarter of next year, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said. He said this as he tabled a special allocation involving 107.7 billion ringgit ($24 billion) in the House of Representatives. Anwar, who doubles as finance minister, said the bill was for the purpose ...

  Bloomberg Thailand, the world’s biggest rice exporter after India, is on track to ship the highest volume in four years as importing countries boost purchases to replenish stockpiles and keep a lid on food inflation. Exports will probably climb to 8 million tons this year as a weak currency boosts competitiveness and countries such as China look to rebuild ...

  Bloomberg South Korea’s early trade data showed an export-slump persisting in December in the face of stiffening global economic headwinds. Shipments decreased 8.8% in the first 20 days of the month compared with a year earlier, the customs office said on Wednesday. That compares with a 14% drop for the full month of November. The country posted a $6.43 ...

Bloomberg Volkswagen AG is requiring employees at one of its factories in southern China to work extended hours to compensate for production losses after staff came down sick with Covid, a person familiar with the matter said, as a wave of infections snakes across the country. The German carmaker has arranged for staff in several workshops at a plant it ...

Bloomberg US President Joe Biden will unveil nearly $2 billion in assistance and announce moves to deliver a Patriot missile battery to help Ukraine bolster its defenses this winter as its leader, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, arrives in Washington on Wednesday to deliver an in-person address to Congress. Zelenskiy left Ukraine for the first time since Russia invaded in February and at ...

Bloomberg Home Secretary Suella Braverman suggested the UK may use cruise ships to house asylum seekers in an attempt to cut costs the government estimates will run to £3.5 billion ($4.2 billion) this tax year. “Nothing is excluded,” Braverman told lawmakers when asked if vessels will be used. It’s an idea Prime Minister Rishi Sunak floated during the summer leadership ...

  Bloomberg The European Union (EU) will look into Kosovo’s application to join the bloc as soon as Sweden takes over the rotating presidency in January. The bid will have to be carefully mulled as it’s a sensitive issue for many member states, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity. Five of 27 ...

Bloomberg Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with his Australian counterpart to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the latest sign of warming ties between the two major trade partners. State broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Wednesday that Xi had sent messages to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governor General David Hurley. Xi said China was ...