More stories

1. Bars expect 50% jump in sales on final night of Hong Kong’s ‘Halloween Month’ South China Morning Post · 31 Oct 2026

   Hong Kong’s inaugural “Halloween Month” has been a boon for businesses, with bar and restaurant operators in Lan Kwai Fong expecting sales on Saturday to rise by more than 50 per cent compared with last year. With Halloween falling on a weekend this year, businesses were expecting a bumper turnout…

2. Green flood alert in Bhutan Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (UN/EU) · 31 Oct 2026

   On 29/10/2026, a flood started in Bhutan, lasting until 31/10/2026 (last update). The flood caused 0 deaths and 200 displaced .

3. Meta’s Muse Could Upend All Kinds of Businesses. It Hasn’t Yet WIRED · 31 Oct 2026

   Companies have spent the past several weeks trying to reassure investors that Muse and other AI agents pose more of an opportunity than a threat.

4. Trump administration plans to deport Afghan refugees to Pakistan: Report Express Tribune · 31 Oct 2026

   The Trump administration is preparing to deport Afghan refugees to Pakistan as early as Monday, despite concerns that they could subsequently be returned to Afghanistan under Taliban rule, media reports said Friday. The proposed deportation flight has not been publicly announced, but rights…

5. Marka-e-Haq victory enhanced Pakistan's prestige: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Express Tribune · 31 Oct 2026

   Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Saturday that Pakistan's victory in Marka-e-Haq enhanced the country's international standing, Radio Pakistan reported. The term Marka-e-Haq refers to the 2025 conflict with India, which began after India falsely blamed Pakistan for the April 22 Pahalgam attack…

6. ‘Paycheck to paycheck’: Texas border voters shed parties amid economic woes Al Jazeera · 31 Oct 2026

   Voters reassess 2024 swing towards Trump as Republicans and Democrats grapple for Rio Grande Valley votes.

7. Beyond AI adoption: The shift towards measurable business value EconomyNext · 31 Oct 2026

   AI adoption is accelerating. Business value is not guaranteed. Competitive advantage will depend not on the AI tools organisations deploy, but on how effectively they transform operations, strengthen decision-making and deliver measurable returns. This shift was explored at the National AI Expo…

8. Hong Kong may raise GDP forecast as growth poised for 5-year high: Paul Chan South China Morning Post · 31 Oct 2026

   Hong Kong’s economic growth this year could be the city’s strongest in five years, with potential for further upward revisions after the full-year forecast was previously raised to a range of 3.5 to 4.5 per cent, the finance chief has said. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said on Saturday that…

9. Pick your winners with our 2026 Melbourne Cup sweep Nine · 31 Oct 2026

   The Melbourne Cup is almost upon us, and this is the easiest and best way to organise your office sweep. Enter the player names, get your picks and watch the race. Easy.

10. CDSL Q2 results: Net profit jumps 24% YoY to Rs 173 crore, revenue up 24% The Economic Times · 31 Oct 2026

    CDSL reported a 24% year-on-year rise in Q2 net profit to Rs 173 crore, while revenue grew 23.7% to Rs 395 crore. EBITDA margin expanded to 58%. The depository opened around 75 lakh new demat accounts during the quarter, taking assets under custody beyond Rs 89 lakh crore.