A media watchdog, the Afghanistan Journalists Centre, has documented 150 violations of press freedom across Afghanistan over the past year, highlighting a sustained deterioration in the country’s information environment. These violations reflect a broad pattern rather than isolated incidents, pointing to systemic constraints on journalists and media institutions. The scale of the figure signals that restrictions are not episodic but embedded in governance practices. This trend reinforces concerns raised internationally about shrinking civic space and the inability of journalists to operate independently or safely.

EU warns democracy cannot exist without a free press amid rising threats

The European Union has issued a clear warning that democracy cannot function without a free press, linking Afghanistan’s media restrictions directly to broader governance concerns. The statement underscores that attacks on journalism are not just sectoral issues but foundational political risks. The EU’s position frames press freedom as a prerequisite for accountability and public participation, suggesting that continued pressure on media could further isolate Afghanistan diplomatically and weaken institutional legitimacy.

Fawzia Koofi condemns Taliban raid on her Badakhshan home as ‘cowardly’

Former Member of Parliament Fawzia Koofi publicly denounced a Taliban raid on her home in Badakhshan, describing the action as “cowardly.” Her reaction reflects ongoing tensions between former political figures and the current authorities. The incident is significant not only because of Koofi’s prominence but also because it signals continued targeting or intimidation of former officials. Her use of strong language suggests deepening mistrust and highlights the personal risks faced by political actors linked to the previous system.

Rising crime in Kabul fuels growing public concern over safety

Authorities and observers report increasing crime rates in Kabul , which are now becoming a major source of public anxiety. This trend suggests a gap between governance control and everyday security . Public concern over crime often reflects broader issues such as economic strain, weakened policing capacity, or uneven enforcement. The situation in Kabul, as the capital, carries symbolic weight: rising insecurity there tends to amplify perceptions of instability nationwide.

Government pushes media to align with Islamic and national values

Afghan officials have stated that media outlets should align their reporting with Islamic and national values , signalling a clear expectation of ideological conformity. This directive reinforces the broader pattern of media control and frames journalism within a prescribed moral and political framework. While presented as guidance, such positioning effectively narrows editorial independence and shapes the boundaries of acceptable discourse. It also complements the reported rise in press freedom violations, suggesting both formal and informal mechanisms of control.

Held in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, the festival centres on devotion to Aravan, a figure from Hindu mythology associated with sacrifice and transformation. For many attendees, often from the marginalised hijra community, the event represents both a sacred pilgrimage and a rare space of belonging.

This means drivers will now receive at least 92% of each fare, up from about 80%.

Prabowo said the decision was driven by concerns over fairness in the sector, where drivers shoulder most of the work and risk.

The change comes in one of the region’s biggest ride-hailing markets. The sector in Indonesia is expected to be worth about $4 billion in 2026, with steady growth in the years ahead as more people rely on app-based transport.

It’s also a highly concentrated market. Two companies, GoTo and Grab, dominate the space, together controlling more than over 90%  of ride-hailing services.

That level of dominance is quite different from some of Indonesia’s neighbours. In countries like Vietnam and Thailand, the market is more fragmented, with several players competing more actively. Singapore, on the other hand, has a smaller market, shaped by tighter regulation.

Indonesia also stands out for how people use these services. Motorbike taxis account for a large share of trips, more than 60%, making ride-hailing cheaper and more accessible in congested cities like Jakarta.

The regulation also requires ride-hailing companies to provide accident and health insurance for their drivers, adding a layer of social protection in an industry long criticised for weak welfare support.

The new rules are expected to affect major players such as GoTo and Grab, which dominate Indonesia’s ride-hailing market.

A start date for the policy has not yet been announced.

Police allege that Suzuki took the body of his 33-year-old wife, Yui, to the zoo and burned it around March 31. They cited him as admitting to the charge. Investigators began questioning him after a relative reported on April 23 that his wife was missing.

According to police, the suspect indicated before his arrest that he had abandoned her body in the incinerator at night while the zoo was closed. Authorities also said he suggested that he had killed his wife and is suspected of having threatened her by saying he would burn her until nothing remained.

Asahiyama Zoo opened for the summer season on Friday, two days later than scheduled due to the police investigation.

Arisha has been part of the Mountain Training Centre for three years. She regularly takes part in training exercises with the Armed Forces’ Special Operations Forces and is involved in activities such as scaling mountainous terrain alongside soldiers.

According to the artist, the robot dogs are programmed to occasionally “poop out” printed images of their surroundings, captured through built-in cameras. These images are processed by artificial intelligence systems, which reinterpret the visuals based on the cultural, artistic, or ideological “style” linked to each figure.

Press freedom remains sharply uneven worldwide in 2025, with Nordic countries maintaining their dominance at the top of global rankings, while dozens of nations continue to operate under constrained or reduced media conditions, according to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The index, which scores countries on a scale from 0 to 100, shows Norway once again leading globally with a score of 93, followed closely by Estonia and the Netherlands at 89, and Sweden at 88. Finland, Denmark and Ireland also rank among the highest performers, each scoring 87, reinforcing Northern Europe’s longstanding position as a stronghold for independent journalism.

European countries dominate the upper tier of the index, with several nations, including Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, and Czechia, scoring in the mid-80s, indicating a broadly stable media environment. The United Kingdom and Canada sit slightly lower at 79, reflecting what RSF describes as “moderate but notable pressures” on press independence.

Despite Europe’s overall strength, the index highlights variations within the region. Countries such as Hungary (63) and Greece (55) fall into lower categories, underscoring concerns about political influence, media concentration and journalist safety.

A large group of countries falls into what RSF classifies as “moderate” or “constrained” press freedom. These include major economies such as the United States (65), Japan (63), and South Korea (64), where structural and political challenges continue to affect journalistic work.

In Africa, the picture is mixed. Ghana (67) and Namibia (75) perform relatively well, while others, such as Zambia (57) and Niger (57), face tighter constraints. Similarly, Latin American countries show divergence, with Uruguay (65) and Costa Rica (73) outperforming regional peers like Bolivia (54) and Ecuador (54).

Asia-Pacific nations also display a broad spectrum. Australia and New Zealand remain in the moderate category, while countries such as Papua New Guinea (58) and Malaysia (56) highlight ongoing struggles with regulatory and political pressures.

At the lower end of the index, countries including Benin, Bolivia, Ecuador and Tanzania all score 54, placing them in the “reduced press freedom” category. Serbia, Brunei, Eswatini, Kosovo and Angola follow closely with scores of 53.

These rankings point to systemic issues such as censorship, legal intimidation, limited access to information and threats to journalists’ safety, factors RSF identifies as key barriers to a free press.

“Fabricating excuses and spreading rumours cannot justify the US's barbaric blockade and illegal sanctions against Cuba, nor can they conceal the fact that the US has seriously violated Cuba's right to survival and development,” Lin said.

Rubio had earlier accused Cuba of enabling intelligence operations by rival powers, warning that such activities posed a threat to US national security .

Recent export-import data shows India leading the global market with roughly $3.9 billion in spice exports, representing about 37% of the global share. Vietnam follows closely with nearly $3 billion, capturing around 30%, underscoring a duopoly that now controls well over half of global spice exports.

Industry data confirms the trend. India remains the world’s largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices, shipping products to more than 150 countries and generating over $4.7 billion in export value in recent years. Vietnam, meanwhile, has carved out a strong position through high-volume exports of black pepper and cinnamon, with exports reaching billions of dollars annually.

What this really means is that the global spice trade is no longer broadly distributed. Instead, it is increasingly concentrated in a handful of high-performing economies.

India’s strength lies in scale and diversity. The country produces more than 60 of the world’s recognised spice varieties and exports a wide range of products, from chilli and turmeric to cumin and spice oils . Its long-established supply chains and strong agricultural base have allowed it to maintain leadership even as competition intensifies.

Vietnam, by contrast, has taken a more specialised approach. Its dominance in key segments, such as black pepper, has enabled it to rapidly expand its global footprint, supported by efficient production systems and export-focused policies .

Beyond the top two, the market drops sharply. Mexico ranks third with about $1 billion in exports, followed by Peru, Uzbekistan and Pakistan, each contributing a far smaller share. Other players such as Chile, Turkey and Colombia maintain niche positions, while Ethiopia rounds out the top ten with a minimal share of the global market.

Global spice production has reached more than 6 million metric tonnes in recent years, with demand driven by shifting consumer preferences, growing interest in health-focused ingredients, and the growth of processed foods.

At the same time, the trade remains vulnerable to disruption. Climate change, supply chain bottlenecks and quality control issues continue to pose risks, particularly for countries heavily reliant on agricultural exports.

Recent figures show that $1 converts to about 1.29 Singapore dollars and 1.28 Brunei dollars, placing both nations at the stronger end of the regional spectrum. Their currencies have remained relatively firm, supported by stable macroeconomic conditions and, in Singapore’s case, a tightly managed exchange rate system.

Bloomberg has noted that sustained capital inflows and prudent monetary management continue to reinforce the city-state’s currency resilience.

Across much of the region, however, the dollar stretches further. In Malaysia, it trades at roughly 4.04 ringgit, while Thailand’s baht stands near 32.59 per dollar.

The Philippine peso, at about 60.64 to the dollar, reflects ongoing pressures tied to inflation and external balances. According to Bloomberg analysis, currencies in these economies have remained sensitive to global financial tightening and shifts in investor sentiment.

Indonesia’s rupiah, hovering around 16,947 per dollar, illustrates this balancing act. While the country has benefited from commodity exports, Bloomberg reports that its currency remains exposed to global interest rate movements, prompting periodic intervention by the central bank to maintain stability.

The divergence becomes more pronounced in frontier markets. Vietnam’s dong trades at approximately 26,340 per dollar, while Laos and Cambodia register around 21,632 kip and 4,010 riel, respectively. Myanmar’s kyat, at roughly 2,100 per dollar, reflects deeper structural and economic challenges.

These variations go beyond exchange rates. They point to fundamental differences in purchasing power, economic structure, and policy frameworks. A stronger currency often signals stability but raises domestic costs, while weaker currencies can support exports yet reduce the ability to absorb imported inflation.

Monetary strategy plays a central role. Singapore’s reliance on exchange rate management contrasts with the interest rate-focused approaches seen in countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines. Bloomberg has highlighted how this divergence shapes currency performance, particularly during periods of global monetary tightening.

With the U.S. Federal Reserve maintaining a cautious stance on easing, the dollar has remained firm. Bloomberg suggests that this trend could persist in the near term, keeping pressure on Southeast Asian currencies and reinforcing the disparities seen across the region.

Taken together, the figures underline a simple but important reality: Southeast Asia is far from economically uniform. The reach of a single dollar continues to reflect the region’s varied economic conditions, offering insight into both opportunity and risk for policymakers, businesses, and investors alike.

Once a barren settlement where “the land could not sustain its people,” Banyan has been transformed into a thriving rural community, with white-walled houses, paved roads and growing local industries. By leveraging its natural conditions , the village has developed distributed solar power, expanded forest coverage and adopted clean heating, charting a green path to prosperity.

Walking through the village, President Chapo learned how tailored policies and industry-driven approaches helped lift residents out of poverty. At a relocated household, he showed keen interest in traditional Tu ethnic embroidery, now a source of income for local women. The experience underscored a key lesson: development is most sustainable when it builds on local strengths and empowers communities.

As President Chapo later wrote, such practices show how “structured policies can transform realities and create opportunities for all,” adding that improving people’s livelihoods remains a core commitment of his government.

This message resonates strongly in Mozambique. As one of Africa’s most promising renewable energy markets, the country possesses abundant solar and wind resources, alongside rich cultural and human capital. By adapting development models to local conditions, Mozambique has the potential to chart its own inclusive and sustainable growth path.

Beyond rural revitalisation, President Chapo’s one-week-long state visit in China also highlighted the broadening scope of China-Mozambique cooperation. He examined intelligent power solutions, observed cutting-edge engineering equipment in operation, and visited automated agricultural processing facilities, gaining first-hand insight into China’s industrial and technological strengths.

In Beijing, President Chapo met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a China-Mozambique community with a shared future in the new era. More than 20 cooperation documents were signed, covering areas such as Belt and Road cooperation, trade, agriculture, energy and people-to-people exchanges.

These outcomes reflect both the depth of political trust, and the expanding economic complementarity between the two countries. Mozambique, endowed with rich natural resources, stands to benefit from enhanced cooperation in infrastructure , energy and industrial development. With Chinese support, it can extend industrial chains, increase added value and better convert its resource advantages into sustained growth momentum.

Concluding his China trip, President Chapo said that Mozambique’s strategic partnership with China strengthens development. Indeed, at its core, such cooperation is people-centred and mutually beneficial, offering a forward-looking model for shared prosperity.

Gao Junya produces the China Africa Talk podcast.

One visiting monk described the gathering as both rare and moving.

“I feel very happy and deeply moved by what we are seeing here today. It is very rare to witness monks from across the country gathering together like this from more than 40,000 temples,” he said.

Another monk said the event reflected the vitality and unity of Buddhism in the country.

“When you see the monastic community gathered together here at Dhammakaya Temple, it makes you feel that Buddhism is truly flourishing,” he said.

The comment came after Trump reportedly reposted criticism of birthright citizenship in the United States that used the term to refer to India, China and others. A U.S. embassy spokesperson later sought to ease concerns, stressing the strength of U.S.-India relations and noting that Trump had praised India’s leadership.

Jaiswal also addressed maritime security concerns linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. He said Indian nationals were aboard two foreign-owned vessels recently fired upon, but confirmed they were safe and in contact with authorities.

India said 10 Indian vessels had safely exited the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks, while 14 remained in the Persian Gulf . Jaiswal reiterated New Delhi’s call for “unimpeded access and transit rights for commercial shipping” through the key waterway.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reportedly condemned the flag-burning, describing it as “provocative and tension-inducing behaviour.”

April 24 has been declared by the European Parliament as the “Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Armenian Massacres in the Ottoman Empire.”

The events of 1915–1916, which involved the deportation of hundreds of thousands of Armenians, remain a subject of dispute. Turkey maintains that the events cannot be described as a “genocide” and estimates that around 300,000 people were killed. Armenian sources often place the death toll at about 1.5 million.

Now, that story is travelling far beyond Uganda. Selected for the Forward Future Award at the Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF), Small Gods is being screened for Chinese audiences during the festival in a section dedicated to showcasing emerging filmmakers and bold new cinematic voices. Being screened from April 16 to 26, it offers a glimpse into lives and struggles that are still rarely seen on Chinese screens.

It is not the only African voice at the festival. Egyptian film Happy Birthday and Sudanese feature Goodbye Julia are also part of the lineup, within a wider selection of about 260 films from around the world , currently screening across the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region.

For African filmmakers, BJIFF serves as a significant gateway to Chinese audiences. African cinema has reached China in waves since the 1950s, yet it has rarely secured a stable place in mainstream distribution. Film festivals like BJIFF help bridge that gap, expanding visibility, opening opportunities for co-production, and connecting African stories with local filmgoers. 

Reaching Chinese audiences is not only an economic opportunity, but also a cultural one. As an artistic form that transcends borders, film and TV offer a window into African societies, allowing viewers to engage with their everyday lives, social realities, and experiences that remain relatively distant.

Kenyan filmmaker Vallentine Chelluget, co-director of Nawi: Dear Future Me , is optimistic about the role film can play in China–Africa cultural exchange. His film was shortlisted for the Tiantan Award and received a Special Jury Honor at the 2025 BJIFF, reflecting a growing recognition of African storytelling on Chinese screens. “We’re not just telling stories for entertainment,” he said. “We’re building bridges  of understanding, empathy, and dialogue.”

This exchange is not one-directional. In recent decades, Chinese film and TV productions have also found growing audiences across Africa, supported by local language dubbing and expanding access to digital broadcasting. 

One early example came in 2011, when the Kiswahili-dubbed version of the Chinese TV drama titled Doudou and Her Mother-in-Law aired in several East African countries, including Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. It became one of the first Chinese screen productions to gain popularity among African audiences in recent decades.

The series follows a young woman navigating family relationships and work pressures, while living through tensions between her mother-in-law and stepmother-in-law, set in an everyday domestic setting. Many African viewers, particularly women, responded to its depiction of intergenerational family dynamics and emotional negotiations within households. 

At a time when much of the Chinese content available in Africa was still dominated by kung fu films and action-heavy narratives, it also offered a glimpse of everyday life in contemporary China, grounded and relatable.

According to Tanzanian broadcaster Joe Lugalabamu, “ people kept calling and sending messages to say how much they liked it.” 

In the years that followed, more Chinese films and TV dramas found audiences across African broadcasters. The 2025 animated adventure film Ne Zha 2 has gained traction in several countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. Luc Bendza, a representative of the African Film Association in China, said the film’s spirit of taking control of one’s own destiny has resonated strongly with local audiences. 

This cultural exchange is further strengthened by improvements in broadcasting infrastructure. In many rural areas across Africa, limited connectivity restricted television access in the past. 

Since 2017, however, expanded broadcasting and digital infrastructure, supported in part through the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, has increased access to television services in more than 20 African countries, widening access to global content. By 2024, TV services had reached 10,112 villages across Africa, benefiting over 190,000 households, according to reports. 

For Ugandan filmmaker Isaac Nabwana, this influence is deeply personal. Raised in Wakaliga, a poor neighbourhood in Kampala, he grew up with limited access to digital television. His early impression of Chinese kung fu films came not from watching them, but from stories he heard from his family.

Undeterred, he taught himself basic editing and filming skills and began making low-budget productions in his village, using everyday materials to recreate action effects. His breakout film Who Killed Captain Alex gained international attention online, blending local storytelling with action aesthetics inspired by the Chinese kung fu films that first sparked his passion. 

Today, with improved access to television, Nabwana says he and his team can watch a wider range of Chinese films and TV dramas at home, continuing to draw inspiration from them as they develop their own voice.

From the screens of the Beijing International Film Festival to living rooms across Africa, stories continue to move back and forth between the two regions. For filmmakers and audiences alike, these exchanges are not just about visibility, but about how stories are seen, understood, and interpreted across different cultural contexts. 

The article solely represents the views of Chen Ziqi, a Beijing-based journalist with CGTN, known for covering cross-cultural and international stories.

Their selection follows a cooperation agreement signed between China and Pakistan in February last year, allowing Pakistani astronauts to participate in flight missions to the Chinese space station.

“The selection and training of astronauts for Pakistan is a milestone in the history of China’s space programme, a landmark achievement in international cooperation on the Chinese space station,” Xinhua said.

“[It is] another successful example of the implementation of the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership in the space field. It fully shows the Chinese government’s open attitude of sharing the fruits of its space development with the international community.”

The planned mission, expected towards the end of the year, forms part of China’s broader effort to expand international cooperation in space. China has previously launched multiple payloads for Pakistan, including remote sensing satellites, and plans to carry a Pakistani lunar rover as part of the 2028 Chang’e-8 mission.

China has also pledged to allow foreign astronauts to visit the Tiangong space station and conduct experiments. In 2023, Chen Shanguang, deputy chief designer of China’s manned space programme, said astronauts travelling on Chinese spacecraft and operating within the Tiangong “must familiarise themselves with China’s space systems” through training in China.

The Tiangong space station was completed in 2022 and is one of two operational space stations. The International Space Station (ISS), developed through a partnership between Russia, the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan, is expected to retire in 2030.

The new policy allows Tokyo to export weapons such as fighter jets, missiles and destroyers to 17 partner countries, including the United States , Australia and the Philippines. Previously, exports were limited to non-lethal items such as rescue, transport and surveillance equipment.

Takaichi argued the shift would strengthen allied defence capabilities and help prevent conflict. “No country can protect its own peace and security alone,” she said, adding that closer defence cooperation was essential.

Takaichi also said Japan was working to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions persist following a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran .

Demonstrators gathered across Imphal West chanting for justice and calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene, restore stability and address their grievances. Many also demanded stronger action against armed groups and criticised the role of central security forces, as anger grows over repeated incidents of violence.

Takaichi reported that “human and material damage is still being confirmed”, adding that “detailed reports” will be received and announced later.

The earthquake, measured at magnitude 7.4, occurred at 4:53 pm local time (07:53 GMT) on Monday, with its epicentre off the Sanriku coastal region of Honshu island.

The quake affected Aomori and Iwate prefectures, while seismic activity was also felt in Tokyo. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued tsunami warnings, stating that waves of up to three metres (10 feet) were possible.

Unlike the previous year, where robot designs varied widely, most teams in 2026 used standardised platforms such as Unitree, Tien Kung, or models linked to Huawei’s spin-off Honor. The competition focused mainly on software development and optimisation algorithms.

Honor robots led the race. One model crossed the finish line first with operator support, while another fully autonomous Honor robot recorded the fastest independent time of 50 minutes and 26 seconds.

That time was faster than the human world record holder, Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo, who completed the same distance in about 57 minutes in March at the Lisbon road race.

The performance marked a notable improvement from the inaugural race in 2025, when the winning robot finished in 2 hours, 40 minutes and 42 seconds.

“In our training, we emulated top human runners,” said Du Xiaodi, an engineer at Honor.

The second and third place positions in the autonomous category were also secured by Honor robots.

International teams from Germany, France, Portugal and Brazil took part in the event.

Where are the leaders from? 

Using data from the last ten heads of state (or equivalent leaders) in Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa , India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, UK, France, Italy, USA, Japan, and Australia, Global South World categorised their birthplaces into three groups: biggest city, top three major cities; and outside the top three major cities.

Across the dataset, one pattern that stands out is that leaders are more likely to be born outside major urban centres than within them.

Countries such as Brazil, Nigeria, India, Tanzania, and the United States show strong decentralisation, with a majority of leaders originating from smaller cities, towns, or rural regions.

Which leaders are from outside major cities

Nigeria and India show particularly strong patterns, with most leaders born outside the major cities. In Brazil and Australia, leadership emerges from diverse regional bases rather than a single dominant city. The United States, often seen as a hub of elite politics, has presidents born across many different states, far from Washington, D.C.

This suggests that political legitimacy is often built at the grassroots level, with leaders rising through regional structures before entering national politics.

Which leaders are from capital cities 

While decentralisation is common, some countries remain heavily capital-centric. Argentina shows a strong concentration around Buenos Aires, reflecting its highly centralised administrative and educational systems.

Mexico exhibits similar patterns, with Mexico City playing an outsized role in political leadership. In Thailand, Bangkok remains the dominant political and elite hub.

These systems often feature centralised bureaucracies, elite educational institutions clustered in capitals, and political networks that are difficult to access from outside

Federal systems contributing to geographic diversity

One of the clearest drivers of geographic diversity in leadership is the structure of the state itself. Federal or highly decentralised systems such as those in India, Brazil and the United States consistently produce leaders from a wide range of regions.

This is because political careers in these countries are often built locally, such as governors, regional leaders, and state officials rising through subnational systems. Also, national leadership becomes the culmination of regional influence, not just central access

Africa’s distinct pattern

African countries in the dataset, particularly Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa, stand out for their highly decentralised leadership origins.

This reflects several dynamics like the need for ethnic and regional balance, strong rural political mobilisation and historical scepticism toward capital-based elites

In many cases, being from outside the capital or a major city is not a disadvantage but a political asset.

Graphics by Edward Sakyi

China has voiced strong support for Panama’s sovereignty over the canal, framing its position as backing a “just struggle” by the Panamanian people . This comes amid renewed strategic interest in the canal, a key global trade route, where influence carries major economic and political weight.

At the same time, the United States is reportedly considering moves to counter China’s presence in the region, turning the canal once again into a focal point of great-power competition. The situation highlights how infrastructure in Latin America is increasingly tied to broader global rivalries.

Panama now finds itself navigating a delicate balance between competing powers. Its priority remains maintaining control and stability over the canal, while avoiding escalation in a dispute that reflects shifting dynamics in global geopolitics.

China is shown as the largest single destination, taking roughly 23% of flows, followed by India at 13%, with Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia also accounting for significant shares.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration , around 84% of crude oil and condensate shipped through the Strait of Hormuz in 2024 was destined for Asian countries.

China, India, Japan and South Korea alone accounted for roughly 69% of total flows, making them the most exposed to any disruption.

The International Energy Agency estimates that nearly a third of globally traded crude oil passes through the strait, with China and India together receiving about 44% of these exports.

The Strait of Hormuz handles around 20 million barrels of oil per day, roughly a fifth of global petroleum consumption, making it the most important oil transit chokepoint in the world.

It also carries a significant share of global liquefied natural gas, particularly exports from Qatar, one of the world’s largest LNG suppliers.

Despite its importance, alternatives remain limited. Pipelines in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can bypass part of the route, but cannot fully replace their capacity in the event of a disruption.

By contrast to Asia, Western economies account for a much smaller share of direct imports.

The United States and Europe together receive less than 10% of oil flows through the strait, reflecting increased domestic production in the U.S. and diversified supply chains in Europe.

In 2024, the U.S. imported only about 7% of its crude oil from Persian Gulf countries via the strait, highlighting its reduced dependence compared with previous decades.

The Strait’s strategic importance has made it a recurring focal point of geopolitical tension.

Recent conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the USA have once again highlighted the vulnerability of global energy supply chains, with shipping disruptions triggering price volatility and raising fears of broader economic fallout.

Lebanese officials have signalled openness to a pause in military activity—if not a full ceasefire—ahead of planned talks with Israel. The initiative reflects growing pressure to contain escalating violence along the border, as diplomatic efforts intensify. Authorities stressed that halting hostilities could create conditions for meaningful negotiations, although divisions remain internally over how to approach Israel. The talks are seen as a rare opportunity to de-escalate a conflict that has rapidly worsened in recent weeks. However, the absence of consensus within Lebanon complicates the government’s position. The outcome will likely depend on both regional dynamics and international mediation efforts.

Marco Rubio to join historic Lebanon–Israel talks

Senior US officials, including Marco Rubio, are set to participate in high-level talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington. The meeting marks the first direct engagement between the two sides in decades, underscoring the urgency of the crisis. According to reports, discussions will focus on securing a ceasefire and addressing broader security concerns, particularly the role of armed groups. Washington’s involvement highlights the international dimension of the conflict and efforts to broker stability. However, expectations remain cautious given entrenched positions on both sides. The talks come amid ongoing violence and humanitarian concerns.

Government bans non-state weapons in Beirut

The Lebanese government has moved to ban the presence of non-state weapons in Beirut, reinforcing its authority over security matters. The decision forms part of broader efforts to assert state control and limit the influence of armed groups such as Hezbollah. Officials emphasised that all military activity must fall under state institutions, signalling a significant policy shift. The measure follows escalating tensions and internal criticism over the role of militias in dragging Lebanon into conflict. Analysts warn that enforcing the ban could prove challenging given Hezbollah’s entrenched position. Nonetheless, the move reflects increasing pressure for centralised control

Civilian toll mounts as Israeli airstrikes continue

The number of casualties in Lebanon has surpassed 1,900 as Israeli airstrikes continue across the country, according to media reports. The bombardment has caused widespread destruction in urban and rural areas, displacing large numbers of civilians. Hospitals and emergency services are under severe strain as they respond to the growing humanitarian crisis. The escalation follows renewed hostilities linked to the broader regional conflict involving Iran and allied groups. International actors have raised concerns over the scale of the violence and its impact on civilians. Despite diplomatic efforts, there are few signs of an immediate de-escalation.

Hezbollah tensions rise amid protests and army warnings

Tensions within Lebanon are intensifying as Hezbollah faces growing opposition and protests. Demonstrations have erupted against the group’s actions, which many blame for drawing the country deeper into conflict. In response, the Lebanese army has warned it may intervene firmly to maintain order and uphold state authority. The standoff highlights deep divisions within Lebanese society over Hezbollah’s role and influence. Political leaders are increasingly under pressure to balance internal stability with external threats. The situation remains volatile as both political and security tensions continue to escalate.

Structurally, China is a unified multi-ethnic country. China officially recognizes 56 ethnic groups, with Han people constituting 91% of the population and the rest representing the minorities. This demographic composition has heavily influenced Beijing’s approach to governance, where unity is not merely ideological but administrative.

On March 12, 2026, China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) adopted the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress (中华人民共和国民族团结进步促进法), to promote ethnic unity and progress. Adopted at the closing meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), it will come into effect from July 1, 2026.

The legislation aims at legally "fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation" and advancing a law-based governance of ethnic affairs. It is viewed as a transition from earlier policies of limited autonomy towards a more assimilation-driven framework. The government projects this change as a key element for advancing common prosperity and development among all ethnic groups.

The official rhetoric of cohesion and modernization is not restricted to the legal and policy realm, but it extends to the classrooms and personal choices to strengthen the “Chinese” identity.  For example, the law on ethnic unity emphasizes studying Mandarin in pre-schools and directs all the national and local government authorities and private firms to prioritize the display of Chinese characters over minority languages in public settings. The law considers this an important instrument for forging a shared national identity. 

CPC’s understanding of minorities is widely shaped by its priority on national security and stability. From that perspective, the new law appears to be a pragmatic step for achieving standardization across language, administration, and ideology. A strong, shared identity acts as an anchor of society, mitigating friction, providing social cohesion, and strengthening state capacity. By invoking the sense of shared identity, the new law tries to align the ethnic groups with the centralized national narrative and resist separatism in any form.

But instead of social cohesion, this engineered standardization of identity intensifies the hierarchies, conferring privileges to some over the others. This hierarchy is iterated in President Xi Jinping’s new model of governance—a “unified multiethnic state." The new system imagined the Han culture as the trunk of the tree, and the remaining 56 ethnic groups as the branches and leaves.

This metaphor of the trunk and the branches, seemingly benign, is laden with the power asymmetries and a sense of subordination of minorities in the name of nation-building rather than co-existence. Under President Xi, minorities are encouraged to bring colors to the geography of China through their culture, festivals, costumes, songs, etc., but any other identity forged through language or ideas is systematically sinicized. The new law seamlessly merges this Han-centric party ideology into the legal framework. 

In the context of this centralization project, regions like Xinjiang and Tibet lie at the intersection of minority identity and geopolitical priorities of China. While the whole world is saturated with the documented reports on “re-education” centers for the Uyghur Muslims and the associated human rights violations, laws like this raise suspicions about the Party’s intentions. The extensive surveillance and cultural and religious restrictions corroborate the sense of suspicion on the minorities and, hence, Beijing’s drive towards "de-ethnicization" and enforced assimilation.

Similarly, in Inner Mongolia, the centralized implementation of Mandarin in the education system is symbolic of minority identity being re-scripted. Starting from the classrooms, laws like the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law aggressively articulate the state-sponsored singular civilizational narrative of Zhonghua, or Chinese civilization, that is predominantly Han.

Compared to democratic countries like the USA and India, China’s approach stands apart. While both the USA and India have historically embraced plurality and multiculturalism, China is experimenting differently with its minorities. Through instruments like the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, China is redesigning unity that does not exactly emerge from diversity. This law might redefine the nationhood for Xi’s China in the 21st century, but it has not evolved organically.

Where social cohesion is perceived as synonymous with national security,   ethnic identity becomes increasingly ornamental and performative. Unified national identity is not simply a byproduct of national policies; it is bigger than that. National identity is composed of various ethnic, religious, and language groups that live, negotiate, and thrive together. Whether the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law can manufacture this national identity and cohesion, however, remains an open question.

The article solely represents the views of Dr. Ila Joshi, an Assistant Professor of International Studies in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, India.

Lyons was arrested on March 28 at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport after arriving from Singapore, when immigration systems flagged him as the subject of an Interpol Red Notice. 

Who is Steven Lyons?

Lyons is identified by law enforcement agencies as a senior figure in an international crime syndicate and the alleged leader of the Lyons crime group in Scotland. Police said the group has been involved in a long-running and violent feud with a rival organization for more than two decades.

Lyons previously lived in Spain before relocating to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. He has been on Spain’s wanted list for about two years, following a 2024 killing linked to investigations in the country. His wife was also arrested in Dubai in a related operation, and both are wanted by Spanish authorities.

Indonesian police said Lyons is suspected of leading a transnational criminal network operating across multiple jurisdictions, including Spain, Scotland, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Turkey.

What is he wanted for?

Spanish authorities are seeking Lyons over allegations of drug trafficking, money laundering and membership in a criminal organization. Investigators from Spain’s Civil Guard estimate that funds laundered by the network exceed €30 million.

Officials said the group allegedly used shell companies across Europe and the Middle East to conceal illicit proceeds and facilitate financial flows linked to narcotics trafficking routes between Spain and the United Kingdom.

The case is part of a broader multinational investigation involving Indonesian, Spanish and Scottish authorities, with coordinated raids carried out in locations including Glasgow, Barcelona and Malaga. Additional arrests have been reported in Turkey, the Netherlands and the UAE, with support from Europol.

What Indonesian authorities said

Indonesian officials described Lyons as a “mafia boss” and Interpol fugitive, emphasizing that his deportation reflects the country’s stance against international criminal activity.

“We will not allow Indonesian territory, especially Bali, to become a haven or operational base for international criminals,” said Bugie Kurniawan, head of the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office.

Bali police chief Daniel Adityajaya said Lyons was believed to be the leader of a “large-scale transnational criminal organisation engaged in drug trafficking and money laundering.”

Untung Widyatmoko, secretary of Interpol’s Indonesia bureau, said the group’s operations spanned multiple regions, underscoring the cross-border nature of the investigation.

Authorities added that two associates who arrived in Bali on the same flight as Lyons remain unaccounted for, with no arrest warrants currently issued against them.

The meeting , which included a brief photo session with frontman Ian Gillan and other members, offered a rare reprieve for a leader facing mounting geopolitical and economic pressures. 

Since taking office in October 2025 as Japan’s first female prime minister, Takaichi has contended with diplomatic tensions with China, a weakening yen, rising prices, and the risk of an energy crunch linked to instability in the Middle East.

For a moment, however, the demands of office gave way to something more personal: a lifelong fan meeting the band that shaped her musical identity.

Takaichi’s deep roots in music

Takaichi’s connection to hard rock and heavy metal runs deep. She told the band she first bought their landmark album Machine Head as a grade school student, drawn to signature tracks such as Smoke on the Water and Highway Star.

In her earlier years, the premier played keyboard in a Deep Purple tribute band in middle school before switching to drums at university, a transition that cemented her as an amateur drummer. Even today, she has joked about turning to the drums to relieve stress, quipping that she plays “Burn” after arguments at home.

Her tastes extend across the genre, with Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden also among her cited influences.

This musical background has occasionally crossed into diplomacy. In January, Takaichi shared a lighthearted drum session with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung following a bilateral summit in Nara, where the two leaders played K-pop tracks side by side and exchanged signed drumsticks in a symbolic gesture of cooperation.

Who are Deep Purple?

Formed in 1968 , Deep Purple is widely regarded as a cornerstone of hard rock and early heavy metal, helping define a heavier, more experimental sound that would shape generations of musicians.

Their relationship with Japan is particularly significant. The 1972 double live album Made in Japan, recorded during their first tour of the country, is often cited among the greatest live rock recordings — cementing their reputation as a formidable live act.

More than five decades later, that bond endures. The band is set to kick off its 2026 Japan tour on April 11 at Tokyo’s Nippon Budokan.

For Takaichi, the visit was both symbolic and personal. 

“I have the deepest respect for the way you continue to make rock history,” she told the group.

The comments came after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had agreed to suspend attacks on Iran for two weeks, on the condition that Tehran immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz. India has also said it has been in close contact with regional stakeholders to ensure safe maritime transit, with several Indian vessels crossing the waterway safely in recent days.

Jaiswal added that India remained focused on the safety of its citizens in the region, with evacuation efforts continuing through neighbouring countries as airspace restrictions complicate travel .

Co-founder Zhou Xingxing, a former student at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, said the concept was designed to make TCM culture more accessible to younger, wellness-focused consumers. He said customers receive a consultation from a TCM doctor before taking their report to the bartender, who prepares a cocktail using herbal ingredients and Chinese yellow wine.

TCM doctor Lu Sheng said the bar focuses on lifestyle advice and health maintenance rather than medical treatment, with most ingredients chosen from substances that can also be used as food. Visitors described the concept as novel and marketable

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered stricter enforcement of ordinances banning street drinking, shirtless roaming and late-night videoke as part of its “Safe City” initiative, initially covering Metro Manila. Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said police would ensure compliance, citing links between street drinking and violence. Videoke use must follow local time limits, typically beyond 10 p.m., with complaints handled via emergency services. Authorities will also enforce curfews for minors. The Philippine National Police will deploy additional personnel and crack down on taxi overcharging following a recent viral incident.

US extends rotational Marine deployment in Philippines

The United States Marine Corps is extending the deployment of its Marine Rotational Force–Southeast Asia (MRF-SEA) in the Philippines beyond its usual six-month cycle to deepen military cooperation. A new command element from the I Marine Expeditionary Force has taken over, integrating forces with Philippine counterparts under Task Force-Philippines. The move, made at Manila’s invitation, aligns with the country’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept. MRF-SEA, deployed since 2023, is a scalable force supporting joint operations, crisis response and capability coordination, with the current rotation operating primarily from the Philippines rather than moving across Southeast Asia.

Japanese troops take part in US-Philippines war drills

Japanese troops have joined military drills in the Philippines for the first time, marking a milestone in regional defence cooperation. Around 420 personnel from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force are participating in the annual Salaknib exercises alongside Philippine and US forces under the US-led Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center. The drills, running until May 20, include live-fire and operational training across northern Luzon. Forces involved include about 4,400 Filipino and 2,800 US troops, with smaller contingents from Australia and New Zealand, as multinational exercises expand across the archipelago.

Manila named among world’s best destinations for 2026

Manila has been named among the world’s best destinations for 2026 by National Geographic, cited mainly for its food scene. The Philippine capital joins cities such as Milan, Québec and Beijing, with highlights including Binondo bakeries like Eng Bee Tin and Ho-Land, and restaurants such as Manam and Toyo Eatery. The recognition comes despite a downturn in Philippine tourism, with arrivals falling to 5.24 million in 2025, while regional peers saw growth. Analysts cite weak promotion, infrastructure gaps and rising travel costs. A Klook study, however, points to resilient domestic travel demand.

Marcos urged to resist joint oil deal with China

Critics have warned the Philippine government against compromising maritime rights as it resumes energy talks with China. The Stratbase Institute and Bayan Muna chair Neri Colmenares said joint exploration in the West Philippine Sea risks undermining sovereignty and ignoring Beijing’s actions. They stressed any deal must comply with the 2016 arbitral ruling affirming Philippine rights. Concerns follow President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s remarks that the energy crisis could open room for agreement. Officials from both sides recently held initial talks on potential oil and gas cooperation in China.

KCNA said the visit was part of efforts to improve living standards and promote a “socialist civilisation.”

During the tour, Kim pointed to a rise in pet ownership in Pyongyang and other areas, and called for expanded production of pet-related goods, including food, grooming tools and veterinary medicines. 

He wanted to develop consumer-oriented industries, a notable emphasis in an economy still constrained by international sanctions.

The appearance also offered a rare glimpse of a more domestic, curated image of the North Korean leader — one that contrasts with the state’s usual focus on military capability and strategic strength.

Yet animals, particularly dogs, have long played a role in Kim’s political signalling.

In 2018, following a summit in Pyongyang, Kim gifted two white Pungsan hunting dogs — a breed indigenous to North Korea — to then South Korean president Moon Jae-in. The move was widely seen as a gesture of goodwill during a brief thaw in inter-Korean relations.

The dogs, named Gomi and Songgang, were initially hailed as symbols of reconciliation. However, their fate later reflected the fragility of such diplomacy. In 2022, they were transferred to a South Korean zoo after a dispute over the cost of their upkeep between Moon and the administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

More recently, Kim extended a similar gesture to Russian President Vladimir Putin, gifting him a pair of Pungsan dogs in 2024 as ties between Pyongyang and Moscow deepened.

Kim ultimately leverages such gestures to serve dual purposes: reinforcing diplomatic ties while projecting a softer imagery of leadership. 

From symbolic gifts to staged public appearances, dogs have become an unlikely but consistent feature of Kim’s political playbook.

Protesters accused the government of failing to manage the energy shortage and blamed both weak regulation and poor diplomacy for the disruption in fuel supplies. Some said the crisis had been worsened by conflict-linked disruption to routes from the Middle East , a key source of Bangladesh’s energy imports.

Others said the authorities were downplaying the severity of the shortage, pointing to long queues at petrol stations as evidence of growing public hardship.

The protest, led by Jamaat-e-Islami and an 11-party opposition alliance, comes as wider instability in global energy markets adds pressure on fuel-dependent economies.

According to reports , a total of 32 people have been charged, and 11 arrests have been made so far.

Police investigations indicate that the scale of the alleged scam is significant, affecting 4,782 international climbers between 2022 and 2025. Authorities said more than 300 cases of suspected fake rescues have been identified, with bills totalling nearly $20m charged to climbers and insurance providers.

According to police, these rescue companies secured nearly $20m in payouts from international insurers for evacuations that were unnecessary or, in some cases, entirely fabricated.

The Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) said the offences had caused harm to “Nepal’s national pride, prestige and dignity internationally”.

Investigators said guides used different methods to force helicopter evacuations. These included faking medical emergencies and adding large amounts of baking powder to food to cause gastric distress associated with altitude sickness. In other cases, climbers were given medications with excessive amounts of water to trigger similar symptoms.

“We are in touch with Iran and other countries there to see how best we can get unimpeded transit and safe transit for our ships, which are carrying products including LPG, LNG and other products. Through this conversation that we have had over the last several days, we have had six Indian ships which have been able to safely cross Hormuz and we continue to be in touch with relevant parties on this matter,” Viory quotes.

He said New Delhi would continue engaging with relevant parties to safeguard the movement of Indian vessels through the strategic waterway.

The comments came hours after reports that the bridge, a major artery linking Tehran and Karaj, was hit in two waves of US airstrikes. Iranian state media said the second strike occurred while emergency teams were already responding to the first, Viory reports.

Iranian officials said the strikes killed eight people and wounded 95, while US officials cited in international media described the bridge as a key route they claimed was being used to move military supplies.

Scaled-down ‘Visita Iglesia’

The impact of higher fuel prices is most visible in Visita Iglesia, a Maundy Thursday tradition where devotees visit seven or more churches to pray the 14 Stations of the Cross

This year, some Catholics are compressing the ritual — opting to visit just one church and complete all 14 stations within its premises, rather than travelling across multiple locations.

Others are limiting their routes to nearby parishes, abandoning longer trips that previously stretched to provinces such as Pampanga, Ilocos or Tagaytay.

The shift reflects the sharp rise in fuel prices, with gasoline costs nearly doubling in some cases, prompting households to cut back not only on travel but also on electricity and other daily expenses.

Urban centres such as Quezon City and Manila have seen steady foot traffic in major churches, suggesting that while mobility has been curtailed, participation in the tradition remains intact — albeit in a more localised form.

‘Jesus’ prays for the Middle East

In Pampanga, one of the country’s most extreme expressions of Holy Week devotion has taken on a contemporary geopolitical dimension.

In San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, a long-time devotee known as the “Christ of Pampanga” marked his final crucifixion after 37 years — dedicating the act to prayers for peace in the Middle East.

The ritual, in which participants are nailed to wooden crosses, drew about 8,000 spectators at the main site and more than 15,000 across five locations this year, according to organisers.

The annual reenactment, already physically demanding, unfolded under intense heat, with some attendees fainting during the ceremonies, though no major incidents were reported.

The retiring devotee, aged 65 and managing health issues including asthma, required oxygen support after the performance — underscoring both the personal toll and enduring appeal of the tradition, which continues to draw both local and foreign visitors.

Travel demand still up 50%

Despite mounting cost pressures, data suggest that Filipinos are still travelling in large numbers during Holy Week — though with notable adjustments.

Outbound travel demand rose by 50% year-on-year for the April 1 to 12 period, while domestic bookings increased by 25%, according to travel platform Trip.com.

However, travellers are increasingly favouring destinations closer to home, particularly within Asia. Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore topped outbound preferences, followed by Bangkok and Taipei, with longer-haul trips to Europe and the United States seeing reduced demand as airfares climbed sharply.

Holy Week remains one of the Philippines’ busiest travel periods, with bookings made earlier — averaging 74 days in advance — as travellers seek to manage rising costs.

But in recent month, Takaichi has shown a markedly different side.

During a January meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Takaichi sat behind a drum kit and joined him in a brief performance of K-pop hits, including BTS’ “Dynamite.” The jam session, held in Nara, her hometown, capped Lee’s official visit and quickly went viral online.

It was a nod to Takaichi’s past as a heavy metal drummer and, as she later wrote, fulfilled Lee’s long-held wish to play the instrument.

Weeks later, Takaichi again leaned into cultural symbolism during talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. At a joint appearance in Tokyo, the two leaders cupped their hands and mimicked the “Kamehameha,” a signature move from the globally popular anime Dragon Ball.

The moment, shared widely on social media, offered a stark contrast to the substance of their discussions, where Macron stressed Europe’s “predictability” in uncertain times, taking an apparent swipe at U.S. policy under Donald Trump .

As she navigates a complex geopolitical landscape, Takaichi appears to be adding a new tool to her playbook.

From drum kits to anime gestures, Japan’s “Iron Lady” is showing that even the most hardline leaders can wield a softer touch — and that, in diplomacy, personality can be as powerful as policy .

The push follows a multi-agency review led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), amid growing complaints from parents, educators and advocacy groups .

What is driving the concern?

The issue extends beyond gaming content to how interactions on the platform can evolve.

Roblox allows users—many of them minors—to create and interact in virtual environments with built-in chat and voice features. Regulators said these tools can be exploited by bad actors.

Officials outlined a pattern where harmful activity begins with contact inside games, then shifts to private messaging or external platforms where monitoring is limited.

Police have reported cases where children’s interactions on Roblox “spilled into more dangerous channels,” including exposure to violent content and potential grooming.

Lawmakers have also raised concerns over weak age verification and moderation gaps, which may allow such behaviour to go undetected at scale.

Why is this a priority now?

Officials point to the scale of youth internet use in the country.

Data cited by child welfare authorities show that 95% of Filipinos aged 12 to 17 are online, increasing the exposure of minors to digital risks.

“It's really harmful… it’s a ticking time bomb,” a Council for the Welfare of Children official said.

The review also follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen online child protection measures.

What actions are being considered?

The CICC earlier gave Roblox a deadline to respond to allegations involving illegal activities, including cases linked to child exploitation. Regulators warned that failure to engage could lead to access restrictions.

Telecom firms including PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications have said they are prepared to implement any government directive, including blocking access.

What changes do regulators want?

Authorities are pushing for stronger safeguards, including tighter age verification, improved moderation tools, and systems to detect attempts to move minors to external platforms.

They are also calling for closer coordination, with officials saying Roblox must establish a direct presence in the Philippines to respond more quickly to law enforcement requests.

For now, the platform remains accessible, but regulators say further action will depend on Roblox’s response and its willingness to address safety concerns.