Thailand and Cambodia on Brink of Full-Scale Conflict Following Airstrikes

Reuters,

The long-running border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia escalated sharply on July 24, as Thailand launched F-16 airstrikes on Cambodian military positions near the contested Ta Muen Thom temple area. This followed days of artillery exchanges and drone overflights. Cambodia confirmed bombings near a pagoda and condemned the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty. At least nine Thai civilians, including an 8-year-old child, were killed, and several others injured in the provinces of Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani.

In response, Thailand closed all land border crossings, recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh, expelled Cambodia’s envoy, and evacuated nearly 40,000 people from six border villages. Cambodia lodged a formal complaint with the UN Security Council and downgraded diplomatic ties. China has advised its citizens to avoid the conflict zone. Both governments accuse each other of triggering the confrontation, fueling fears of broader regional instability.

Green Bonds Vital for Climate Finance but Face Challenges

IEEFA Press Release,

The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) emphasized on July 24 that green bonds remain a critical tool for funding climate initiatives, such as renewable energy, clean transport, and pollution reduction projects. However, the institute warned that existing regulations and issuance standards have not kept pace with demand, creating risks of greenwashing and reduced investor trust.

IEEFA urged enhanced transparency, stronger disclosure standards, and harmonized global frameworks. It also highlighted the unequal access to green finance in developing nations, calling for increased inclusion to ensure a just transition. The report concludes that aligning financial markets with environmental goals will require better governance, impact measurement, and robust enforcement mechanisms.

Galderma Reports Record Half-Year Sales, Raises Full-Year Guidance

Galderma Press Release,

Galderma Group AG announced record-breaking half-year sales of USD 2.448 billion for the first half of 2025, representing a 12.2% increase at constant currency. Growth was seen across all business segments: injectable aesthetics grew by 9.8%, dermatological skincare by 7.7%, and therapeutic dermatology by a strong 26.9%.

Core EBITDA rose to USD 555 million, up 9.5% from the previous year, with an EBITDA margin of 22.7%. The company strengthened its financial position through early debt repayments and share buybacks. Given its strong H1 performance, Galderma raised its full-year net sales forecast to 12–14% growth, reinforcing its leadership in the global dermatology sector.

ViiV Healthcare Highlights Strong Preference for Long-Acting HIV Treatment at IAS 2025

ViiV Press Release,

At the 2025 IAS Conference in Osaka, ViiV Healthcare presented promising data from its Phase IIIb VOLITION study. Of 145 treatment-naïve HIV patients, 89% preferred transitioning from daily oral Dovato to long-acting injectable Cabenuva. Key reasons cited were lower dosing frequency (80%) and increased convenience (68%).

The findings suggest long-acting injectable treatments may significantly improve adherence and quality of life for people living with HIV. ViiV, in collaboration with Shionogi, GSK, and Pfizer, plans further research and global rollout strategies to expand access to innovative HIV therapies.

EU–Central Asia Summit Launches New $13.2 Billion Investment Push

EU–Central Asia Summit,

The recent EU–Central Asia Summit in Samarkand marked a renewed European strategic commitment to the region, unveiling a $13.2 billion investment package. The funding targets key areas such as green energy, transportation infrastructure, digital transformation, and cultural cooperation.

European leaders emphasized the importance of stabilizing the region and fostering shared prosperity through inclusive, sustainable growth. The initiative also supports people-to-people exchanges and climate resilience programs, aligning with the EU’s strategy to diversify partnerships beyond traditional blocs and enhance ties with the Global South.