South West Asia
Nasscom asks IT firms to boost cyber readiness amid West Asia crisis
IT industry body Nasscom on Monday advised technology companies to strengthen operational preparedness and cybersecurity frameworks in the wake of the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia, cautioning that periods of uncertainty can heighten risks of disruptions and cyber threats. Issuing a fresh advisory to member companies, Nasscom said while business operations currently remain stable, organisations are proactively reviewing contingency plans and strengthening resilience measures to mitigate potential disruptions "should the situation evolve over time". The advisory comes amid conflict in West Asia following US and Israeli strikes on Iran that triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks, disrupting airspace and raising concerns over regional stability, cyber threats, and potential spillover effects on global technology infrastructure, travel routes, and maritime trade. The widening conflict has also rattled global markets, as investors turned cautious amid fears around
 "Nasscom asks IT firms to boost cyber readiness amid West Asia crisis")
Gold demand surpasses $100 billion globally as western investors rush in
Gold - which set a record above $2,782 an ounce in Wednesday's trading - has registered gains every month this year, apart from a minor pullback in January, and in June, when prices were flat.
 "Gold demand surpasses $100 billion globally as western investors rush in")
As West Asia looks beyond America, Xi may be headed to Saudi Arabia
Xi will visit Saudi Arabia from Dec. 7-9, when he will take part in a regional summit with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other Arab leaders
 "As West Asia looks beyond America, Xi may be headed to Saudi Arabia")
Mahesh Sachdev: What does 2017 hold for South West Asia?
Multiplicity of actors and their shifting roles make it difficult to predict the outcomes
