India’s UPI scale puts payment security at the centre of inclusion
A Finance Ministry disclosure records 554.9 million onboarded users and outlines safeguards for the digital payments network.
RBF NEWS / THE ARCHIVE
The stories behind today’s economy.
Explore earlier economic decisions, business investments and social-impact initiatives across Asia-Pacific. Each historical briefing shows its verified original source date.
25 stories
Asia-Pacific aid groups put early action at the centre of disaster funding
IFRC’s preparedness programme and El Niño warning highlight the economic value of protecting livelihoods before emergencies deepen.
Asia’s small-business challenge reaches beyond access to loans
ADB’s 2025 enterprise monitor connects finance with innovation, manufacturing and the resilience of everyday businesses.
Australia’s economy gained 0.6% in the final quarter of 2024
The March 2025 ABS release showed public and private spending supporting growth.
Australia’s February 2025 rate cut followed progress on inflation
The RBA lowered its cash rate target to 4.10%, while remaining cautious about further easing.
China’s new-energy vehicle sales rose 29.4% in January 2025
Electrified vehicles gained share even as the overall automobile market slipped slightly from a year earlier.
Malaysia’s 2024 expansion reached 5.1% as investment strengthened
The February 2025 release showed construction and capital spending supporting a stronger annual result.
Indonesia recorded 5.03% growth in 2024
The February 2025 statistics release showed stable expansion and a large economic contribution from Java.
China’s initial 2024 GDP estimate showed 5% growth
The January 2025 release showed stronger fourth-quarter growth alongside continuing property-sector weakness.
India’s UPI processed 16.73 billion payments in December 2024
Government figures documented rapid payment-system growth, with annual UPI volume reaching about 172 billion transactions.
Singapore’s port handled a record 41.12 million containers in 2024
A January 2025 maritime review recorded rising cargo volumes, fuel sales and maritime business spending.
India counted more than 159,000 recognised startups in January 2025
The government’s nine-year review highlighted jobs, women directors and the spread of entrepreneurship beyond major cities.
Japan recorded 36.87 million visitor arrivals in 2024
January 2025 tourism estimates showed arrivals above both 2023 and the pre-pandemic 2019 benchmark.
Singapore launched a global fintech network in October 2024
The MAS initiative combined international forums, advisory work, digital platforms and investment ambitions.
India approved a 1,000-crore-rupee venture fund for space startups
The October 2024 Cabinet decision aimed to supply risk capital to companies across the space industry.
Bank Indonesia cut its policy rate to 6% in September 2024
The central bank paired monetary easing with support for lending, small businesses and digital payments.
UNICEF mobilised water supplies after Typhoon Yagi hit Vietnam
The September 2024 response prioritised safe water for hospitals, households and schools in northern provinces.
Indonesian women entrepreneurs built online sales skills through JICA project
A three-year partnership combined digital marketing, business training and individual mentoring for small enterprises.
Singapore community groups gain a new route to matched funding
Temasek Foundation’s 2024 plans paired practical financial tools with support for local community projects.
Vietnam’s southern waterways secured US$107 million financing in 2024
The World Bank-backed project targeted freight efficiency, safer navigation and lower transport emissions.
Australian Red Cross reported resilient giving as household budgets tightened
Its June 2024 release showed continued donations alongside a fall in giving compared with an earlier period.
Google announced US$2 billion Malaysia investment in May 2024
The plan combined a first Malaysian data centre and cloud region with AI education programmes.
Japan ended its negative-rate framework in March 2024
The Bank of Japan shifted to a short-term rate target while retaining support through government bond purchases.
Japan selected 30 ventures for its new impact-startup programme
J-Startup Impact combined commercial growth support with help measuring social and environmental outcomes.
Vietnam’s 2023 recovery credit linked business support and green reform
A US$263.9 million World Bank operation supported tax, childcare, digital services and energy reforms.
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Dates on archive cards belong to the linked original sources. RBF News summary publication and modification dates appear separately on each article.