$80 billion

The 2011-2012 two way trade between ASEAN and India. India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma will participate in the ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting on August 30 in Siem Reap, where both sides hope to broaden their FTA to include service and investment sectors.

51

The number of government-sponsored bills that have passed the Diet during the current legislative session, out of 83 proposed. On August 29, a censure motion against Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda was passed to push him to dissolve the Lower House and call an election in a session that has already been extended by 79 days.

$6 trillion

The estimated value of North Korea’s rare earth minerals, according to the South Korean Government. Given North Korea’s limited capacity in the mining sector, it remains uncertain whether North Korea can use these minerals to its advantage.

869,919.67

The size in square miles of a new marine sanctuary in New Caledonia, making it the first Melanesian country to contribute towards the Pacific Oceanscape, an international conservation mission tackling declining fish stocks. The preserve is roughly half the size of India.

18.9 %

The slowdown in China’s growth rate compared to last year, according to Finance Minister Xie Xuren. He made the announcement in a standing committee meeting of the National People’s Congress August 30.