Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
INTERNATIONAL remittances have surpassed foreign direct investment in many low- and middle-income countries, a new report revealed.
The World Migration Report 2024 by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) released on Tuesday (7) showed significant shifts in global migration patterns, including a record number of displaced people and a major increase in international remittances.
According to the report, migrants sent an estimated $831 billion (£662bn) in international remittances globally in 2022, an increase from $791bn in 2021 and significantly more than $717bn in 2020.
In 2022, India, Mexico, China, the Philippines, and France were the top five remittance recipient countries, in descending order. India stood out significantly, receiving over $111bn, making it the first country to surpass the $100bn mark.
In 2022, Mexico maintained its position as the second-largest recipient of remittances, a rank it also held in 2021, having surpassed China, which historically held the second spot after India. Additionally, G7 nations France and Germany continued to be among the top 10 recipient countries worldwide in 2022.
Alongside its status as a leading recipient, China has also served as a notable contributor to international remittances, reporting $18.26bn in 2022. However, this marks a decrease from $23bn in 2021.
Over the years, the US has consistently held the title of the world's largest sender of remittances, with a total outflow of $79.15bn in 2022. Saudi Arabia holds the second position ($39.35bn) followed by Switzerland ($31.91bn), and Germany ($25.60bn).
The United Arab Emirates typically ranks among the top 10 sending countries globally, but its data were not included in the June 2022 World Bank data release.
"Global remittances have bounced back from the decline experienced in 2020 amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Similar to prior years, low- and middle-income nations saw significant inflows of remittances, rising by eight per cent from $599bn in 2021 to $647bn in 2022," the report said.
"Since the mid-1990s, international remittances have greatly surpassed official development assistance levels defined as government aid designed to promote the economic development and welfare of developing countries"
The report noted, "Heavy reliance on remittances can cultivate a culture of dependency in the receiving country, potentially lowering labour force participation and slowing economic growth. Too much dependence on remittances also makes an economy more vulnerable to sudden changes in remittance receipts or exchange rate fluctuations."
The top five remittance-receiving countries by share of GDP in 2022 were Tajikistan (51 per cent) followed by Tonga (44 per cent), Lebanon (36 per cent), Samoa (34 per cent) and Kyrgyztan (31 per cent).
The report disclosed that Europe is home to approximately 87 million international migrants, marking a nearly 16 per cent rise since 2015.
Germany holds the highest number of refugees in Europe, with approximately two million individuals, constituting 7 per cent of the global refugee population.
By the end of 2022, the majority of refugees in Germany originated from Ukraine and the Syrian Arab Republic. The Russian Federation, Poland, and France hosted the second, third, and fourth largest refugee populations in the region.
The IOM also voiced concern about certain provisions within the Illegal Migration Bill in the UK, suggesting they could hinder survivors from reporting trafficking and seeking help. This could potentially worsen victims' vulnerability, empower traffickers, and increase the likelihood of continued exploitation.
INDIAN cricket has signed Apollo Tyres as its new lead sponsor after fantasy sports platform Dream11 ended its contract following a government ban on online gambling.
The men's team travelled to the United Arab Emirates for the ongoing Asia Cup without a sponsor on their shirts after Dream11 exited the deal, which was worth about $44 million and was set to run until 2026.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the new contract with Apollo Tyres runs until March 2028. While the value was not disclosed, the board said it is higher than the previous deal.
"The new partnership, secured after a rigorous bidding process, represents a substantial increase in sponsorship value, signifying the immense and growing commercial appeal of Indian cricket," the BCCI said in a statement.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said, "We are excited about this being Apollo's first major sponsorship in India cricket, which speaks volumes about the sport's unparalleled reach and influence. This is more than a commercial agreement; it's a partnership between two institutions that have earned the trust and respect of millions."
Apollo Tyres Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Neeraj Kanwar said, "Cricket's unmatched popularity in India and worldwide makes it an honour for us to become the national team lead sponsor of Team India."
The Apollo Tyres logo will appear on the jerseys of the Indian men's and women's teams across all formats.
Last month, the Indian parliament passed a law banning online gambling. The government said gambling platforms had caused financial distress, addiction and even suicide, and were linked to fraud, money laundering and terrorism financing. Fantasy sports apps such as Dream11 continue to operate, though for prizes and not cash.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Sydney Sweeney reportedly offered £45m for a leading role in a major Bollywood film
The package includes £35m in fees and £10M in sponsorship deals
Filming is tentatively planned for early 2026 across New York, Paris, London, and Dubai
The project could make Sweeney one of the highest-paid Hollywood stars to join Indian cinema
A record-breaking offer
Hollywood actor Sydney Sweeney has reportedly been approached with a staggering £45M deal to star in one of the most expensive Bollywood films ever produced.
The 28-year-old Euphoria and The White Lotus star is said to have been offered £35m in fees plus an additional £10m through sponsorship agreements.
Details of the proposed project
The untitled film would cast Sweeney as a young American celebrity who falls in love with an Indian star. Filming is expected to begin early next year, with international locations including New York, Paris, London, and Dubai.
Industry insiders describe the project as an effort to bring Indian cinema to an even larger global audience, with Sweeney’s involvement seen as a move to elevate its international appeal.
Industry perspective
A source close to the negotiations said: “Sydney was shocked by the offer at first — £45m is an incredible sum. But the project is intriguing, and it could elevate her global profile even further. Nothing has been decided yet, but it’s a huge opportunity and she is weighing her options carefully.”
A step into Bollywood
If she accepts, Sweeney would join other international stars who have crossed into Bollywood, including Priyanka Chopra and Shilpa Shetty. The Indian film industry has increasingly sought crossover projects to expand its global reach.
Recent career highlights
Sweeney, who rose to fame on HBO’s Euphoria and The White Lotus, has recently been building her film career. Her latest project, Christy, sees her portraying US boxing champion Christy Martin, the first female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Speaking about the physically demanding role, Sweeney said: “Every single fight you see, we’re actually punching each other. I always believed that you wouldn’t be able to make it feel real if it’s a stunt double or if it’s faking the hits.” Christy is set for release on November 7.
In the rapidly evolving world of crypto casinos, one platform is standing out for its innovative gameplay, unmatched rewards, and community-driven growth — Toshi.bet. Recognized by CoinMarketCap as a pioneer in crypto gaming, Toshi.bet is transforming how players interact with digital assets while gaming.
Why Toshi.bet Is Leading the Crypto Casino Industry
1. Best Rewards in Crypto Gaming
As mentioned on CoinMarketCap, Toshi.bet offers some of the highest rakeback rates, staking incentives, and exclusive bonuses in the industry. This ensures that every player, from casual gamers to high rollers, maximizes their returns.
2. Innovative Gameplay Experience
Unlike traditional online casinos, Toshi.bet is committed to custom-built, interactive games that are designed for maximum engagement. From exciting slots to provably fair Plinko and live casino games, the platform blends entertainment with cutting-edge blockchain technology.
Active stakers and frequent players can participate in massive prize pools and lotteries — a feature that keeps the Toshi.bet community buzzing with excitement and anticipation.
4. Airdrops and Incentive Programs
To reward loyalty and early adoption, Toshi.bet frequently runs airdrop campaigns and other incentive programs that benefit both new users and seasoned players. These initiatives create a dynamic ecosystem that fosters both growth and community engagement.
How Toshi.bet Is Building Trust in the Crypto Space
Transparency is a cornerstone of Toshi.bet’s mission. Every game is provably fair, withdrawals are instant, and no KYC is required — providing users with security, privacy, and control over their assets.
The Future of Toshi.bet
With crypto adoption surging globally, Toshi.bet is positioning itself as the go-to destination for crypto gaming enthusiasts. From expanding its staking programs to introducing new high-engagement games, the platform is continuously innovating to meet the needs of its rapidly growing player base.
Keep ReadingShow less
Nvidia boss Jensen Huang has said he is “disappointed” following reports
China’s Cyberspace Administration has reportedly ordered tech firms to stop using Nvidia’s AI chips
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says he is “disappointed” but will remain “patient”
Huang is visiting the UK alongside other tech leaders during Donald Trump’s state visit
Nvidia became the world’s first $4tn company earlier in 2025 amid the AI boom
Huang responds to reported China directive
Nvidia boss Jensen Huang has said he is “disappointed” following reports that China has told its leading technology firms to halt purchases of the company’s artificial intelligence chips.
Speaking to reporters in the UK, Huang added that he would remain “patient” in light of the reported order from China’s internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration. “There are a lot of places we can’t go to, and that’s fine,” he said.
Background to chip restrictions
Nvidia is the world’s leading chipmaker, central to the global AI boom with its processors powering data centres worldwide. China, meanwhile, has been working to develop its own semiconductors as part of a broader AI strategy to reduce reliance on US technology.
The company had already faced restrictions in China. Its most advanced chips were previously banned from sale to the country before US President Donald Trump reversed the decision in July. As part of an unusual arrangement, Nvidia must pay 15% of its Chinese revenues to the US government.
Financial Times report
According to the Financial Times, China’s Cyberspace Administration recently told domestic technology firms — including major players such as DeepSeek, Tencent and Alibaba — to stop buying Nvidia’s specially designed China-market chips.
Shares in Nvidia were down more than 1% in pre-market trading following the news.
Support for US policy
Asked about the geopolitical tensions, Huang said he would support the US as it sought to resolve the issues and would convey the same message directly to President Trump if asked.
Huang is one of several technology leaders, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, attending Trump’s state visit to the UK. They are expected to join a state banquet on Wednesday evening.
UK investment and tech collaboration
Despite the reported setback in China, Nvidia has continued to expand its footprint elsewhere. The company recently announced it would supply chips to the Stargate UK data centre, a major project in north-east England involving OpenAI, Arm and NScale. The commitment forms part of a broader UK-US technology pact.
Valuation milestone
Nvidia became the first company in the world to surpass a $4tn (£2.9tn) market valuation earlier this year, underscoring its dominance in the AI sector even as geopolitical tensions shape its global reach.
Keep ReadingShow less
Tagenarine Chanderpaul. (Photo by PAT HOELSCHER/AFP via Getty Images)
BATSMEN Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze were recalled to the West Indies ranks when they were named in the squad to tour India on Tuesday (16) while left-arm spinner Khary Pierre is included for the first time.
The two-Test series, with matches in Ahmedabad and Delhi, marks the West Indies' first tour to India since 2018 and forms part of the World Test Championship.
Neither Chanderpaul nor Athanaze were involved in the recent series against Australia but have been included to bolster the top-order batting.
"The return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul is to help transform our fortunes at the top of the order given the recent struggles, with Alick Athanaze being added for his strengths and qualities against spin bowling," said head coach Daren Sammy.
Pierre, meanwhile, has been included as the second specialist spinner in the squad after strong performances in the West Indies championship, where he claimed a chart-topping 41 wickets at an average of 13.56.
"Khary is included for the first time as our second spinner in what we expect to be helpful conditions," said Sammy.
Another left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who has not figured since the second Test against Pakistan in Multan in January, has been rested for this red-ball series to focus on the upcoming limited-overs schedule which includes the T20 World Cup in February and March.
West Indies, who are ranked eighth in the Test rankings, face a stiff test against the fourth-ranked side who are always so strong on home soil.
"Playing in the subcontinent always presents a challenge and we have selected a team to be competitive in these conditions." said Sammy.