Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Sydney Beaches Reopen Following Pollution Incident
On Saturday, Sydney's beaches reopened for swimmers after authorities successfully cleared thousands of mysterious black pollution balls that had washed ashore. Testing revealed these balls were composed of chemicals similar to those found in cosmetics and cleaning products.
Incident Overview
Approximately 2,000 black balls, some the size of golf balls, have appeared on beaches across Sydney since Tuesday, prompting the closure of eight popular beaches, including the iconic Bondi Beach. This situation initiated a large-scale clean-up operation due to concerns regarding potential toxicity.
Official Statements
Mark Hutchings, Executive Director of New South Wales Maritime, confirmed in a statement, “Based on advice from the Environment Protection Authority, we can now confirm the balls are made up of fatty acids and chemicals consistent with those found in cleaning and cosmetic products, mixed with some fuel oil.” While the balls continued to surface in decreasing numbers on Friday, Hutchings assured the public that they pose no health risk when left undisturbed on the sand, though they should not be touched.
Ongoing Investigation
The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is continuing laboratory tests to identify the source of these pollution balls. EPA Executive Director Stephen Beaman remarked, “It is still somewhat of a mystery and may take a few more days to determine the origin.”
Conclusion
Sydney's ocean beaches, celebrated for their golden sands and clear waters, are vital to the city's tourism, attracting visitors from around the globe. Authorities are committed to ensuring beach safety as they investigate this environmental incident.
