The mobile clinics, converted from public transport and government vehicles, are equipped with oxygen tanks, medical supplies and health workers to assist communities affected by the haze.

Residents, particularly children , older people and outdoor workers, can receive supplemental oxygen during sessions lasting five to ten minutes.

Health worker Eka Nirmala said patients undergo oxygen saturation and blood pressure checks before receiving treatment, medication and vitamins. “Some have shortness of breath, while others feel weak, tired and exhausted,” she said.

Local resident Fatimah, who suffers from asthma, said the worsening haze had made breathing difficult despite wearing a mask and taking precautions.

Health officials say the mobile clinics are helping ease pressure on hospitals as respiratory illnesses increase across the region.

However, residents and environmental advocates warn that the buses offer only temporary relief and are calling for stronger action against illegal land clearing.

Indonesia regularly experiences forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan, but this year's blazes have been described as the worst in more than a decade.

The operation, led by the National Disaster Management Agency, has focused on areas surrounding Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport, where thick smoke has disrupted flights.

“Over the previous four days, we have achieved quite significant results,” said Colonel Asep Wahyu Wijaya, commander of Sri Mulyono Herlambang Air Base.

Officials reported that visibility improved from as low as 650 metres to approximately 6,000 metres following the operation.

Unlike conventional cloud seeding, which aims to stimulate rainfall, the technique is intended to disrupt atmospheric conditions that trap smoke near the ground.

However, authorities acknowledged that the haze often returns by evening, while experts warned that the operation does not address the fires responsible for the smoke.

The aerial intervention is scheduled to continue until October 25.

Footage showed personal belongings scattered outside the venue, while ambulances transported victims to hospital.

Local first responder Rajdeep Varma described desperate attempts to rescue people trapped in the crowd, including women, children and elderly visitors.

Police have arrested seven people, including organisers and security personnel, as investigations continue into possible overcrowding and safety failures.

The venue has been closed, while authorities have launched inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Police said permission for the demonstration had been denied, but supporters of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continued their campaign against the election chief.

The movement accuses Kumar and the Election Commission of manipulating electoral rolls through a voter list revision, allegedly disenfranchising millions of eligible voters.

The Election Commission has rejected the allegations, maintaining that the exercise is intended to remove duplicate entries, deceased voters and other ineligible names.

Police also detained CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke ahead of the protest. Writing on X, Dipke condemned the security operation, describing it as evidence of a leadership fearful of public opposition.

The crackdown follows similar demonstrations in Mumbai and New Delhi earlier this month.

The Cockroach movement gained national attention in July through protests over education-related grievances, which reportedly led to clashes with police and the resignation of India's education minister.

“I was just about to go to sleep when suddenly I heard people shouting, ‘Fire, fire, fire!’” resident Rohayati recalled, describing how quickly the flames spread through the tightly packed wooden structures.

The fire broke out in the Kramat Pulo Dalam area at around 18:45 local time. Narrow alleyways and crowds reportedly hampered emergency operations, with authorities deploying 33 fire engines and 156 personnel.

No casualties were reported, but dozens of families lost their homes and belongings. Rohayati said her immediate priority was replacing her children's school uniforms and books.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control after more than two hours and completed cooling operations early Friday. Authorities are investigating the cause.

Smit said he had suffered multiple injuries and collapsed before realising the aircraft was going down. He said he forced himself back up and opened the cockpit door, allowing others to intervene. “I knew that I could not let them all die,” he said.

Flydubai confirmed an “altercation” aboard Flight FZ1073, which made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. The airline said crew members travelling on the flight secured the aircraft and landed it safely, with all passengers and crew accounted for. Around 170 people , mostly Israelis, were reportedly aboard.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the co-pilot had stabbed the pilot and apparently attempted to crash the aircraft. He credited Smit with resisting and opening the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the alleged attacker.

Dentist Dr Shota Musayev was also praised for providing first aid to the injured captain, while US President Donald Trump highlighted the reported role of Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayoun in helping restrain the alleged attacker and take control of the aircraft. Flydubai has urged against speculation while authorities investigate the incident.

Resident Shahid Shirani said the victims were mostly civilians and travellers from Bannu and Balochistan. "In the Darazinda area, there is a police checkpoint, and there are often other personnel present there. A suicide attack was carried out at this checkpoint by unknown individuals," resident Shahid Shirani recounted.

The official news agency said nine men, two women and a child were among those killed.

The explosion heavily damaged the checkpoint and destroyed a nearby house, while heavy gunfire was reported following the blast.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack. Pakistan's Interior Ministry described the targeted facility as a “designated anti-smuggling checkpoint”.

Airport spokesperson Andi Wiguna said affected passengers were being provided with accommodation, food and drinks while awaiting updates from airlines. Some travellers had faced repeated cancellations over several days.

Flight disruptions began on September 17 as visibility deteriorated, falling to around 300 to 500 metres on Wednesday. The haze has been driven by ongoing forest and land fires across Central Kalimantan.

Air quality in Palangka Raya reached hazardous levels on Thursday, with an Air Pollution Standard Index reading of 352. Local authorities recorded 9,324 cases of acute respiratory infections between June and September.

President Prabowo Subianto has ordered police to investigate companies potentially linked to fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan as authorities battle the outbreaks.

“I came here looking for my younger brother, whose name is Sulisman. We still have not received any news about him,” Slamet Hermanto said. “Hopefully, we will receive some good news.”

By Thursday afternoon, officials had received 70 ante-mortem records and collected 31 DNA samples. Biological relatives are being prioritised for DNA comparison, alongside information on missing passengers' physical characteristics and personal records.

The Virgo Transport 8 was carrying 243 people from Surabaya to Banjarmasin when it capsized in bad weather early on Sunday. Six people have been confirmed dead and 108 rescued, leaving 129 missing.

Banjarmasin search and rescue chief I Putu Sudayana said nearby commercial vessels helped rescue 103 people from the water .

“As of noon, some of the passengers have been successfully evacuated by vessels operating in the area,” Sudayana said.

The ship left Surabaya on Saturday with more than 240 people aboard and lost contact early Sunday after its captain reported that it was listing amid bad weather and high waves. It later capsized about 148 kilometres from Trisakti Port.

Indonesia's search and rescue agency deployed vessels and a helicopter, while the navy sent the KRI Nala to assist. Commercial ships operating nearby also joined the rescue effort.

At Trisakti Port, relatives said they had received little information about those still missing, with some relying on social media posts for confirmation that loved ones had boarded the vessel.

The latest information indicated the boat was still near Anak Krakatau at around 18:13 on Monday, Amrad said. "So far, the search has yielded no results."

Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency, Basarnas, deployed four teams to search waters around Anak Krakatau, Rakata Island and Panjang Island. All eight people remained missing as of Wednesday morning.

Anak Krakatau has continued to erupt intermittently, with authorities maintaining a three-kilometre exclusion zone around its active crater.

Neighbour Bidhnu Karman said the family was trapped inside for around four hours as floodwater surged around the building.

"They were saying goodbye and waving their hands as if it was the end," he said. "But fortunately, they were lucky to stay alive by God's grace, and the house withstood the floods."

Owners Prakash Pandey Pyakurel and Lakshmi Pandey had been at a nearby shop when the flood approached and rushed back to the house, where relatives were still inside.

Karman said he lost all his belongings, including decades of savings, but was grateful to have survived. There has been no formal engineering assessment explaining why the house remained standing.

Nepalese authorities said on Friday that 1,287 bodies had been recovered, 5,083 people remained missing and more than 13,000 had been rescued following the August 26 disaster.

The tradition historically involved participants throwing stones at one another, but organisers replaced them with fruits and flowers following intervention by the Uttarakhand High Court in 2013 to reduce injuries. Some stone-throwing, however, has continued at previous events.

"This is a tradition of our village. This does not harm anyone," participant Bahadhur Singh said, describing blood shed during the ritual as "a blessing for everyone."

This year's battle lasted around eight minutes, with the four clans distinguished by white, pink, yellow and saffron colours.

Bagwal Mela is one of Devidhura's best-known traditions and is held annually at the Maa Barahi temple on Raksha Bandhan, the Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.

"Communication lines in that area, they are totally disrupted, and therefore it has been difficult to get in touch with people on the ground," Jaiswal said.

Those out of contact include hydropower workers and pilgrims from several Indian states. Twenty-one Indians from Tamil Nadu have been rescued, while around 200 Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims stranded on the Chinese side have requested evacuation assistance.

India has deployed two military aircraft carrying 47.5 tonnes of emergency supplies, including medicines, food and shelter materials. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah, pledging "all possible humanitarian and relief assistance."

At least 910 people remain missing or out of contact across Nepal after the flood swept through Rasuwa and downstream along the Trishuli and Narayani river systems.

Authorities said 28 bodies had been recovered in Nuwakot by Thursday evening. Chitwan recorded the highest toll with 137 deaths, followed by Nawalparasi East with 87.

At least 910 people remain missing or out of contact across Nepal, including residents, security personnel and hundreds of domestic and foreign travellers. Rescue teams continue to search devastated areas along the affected river systems.

The flood swept through Rasuwa before surging downstream along the Trishuli and Narayani rivers, destroying settlements and damaging roads, bridges and other infrastructure . Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said preliminary satellite imagery suggested an ice and rock avalanche may have created a temporary debris dam on the Lhende River that later burst.

“We have no any kind of official confirmation of any kind. But looking at the scale of destruction, it looks bad,” he said, adding that the immigration building where the group was believed to have been was washed away.

Sadhguru said the group's leader, Praveen, sent a message at 9:05 saying they had reached the immigration building shortly before the disaster struck. His Nepal phone never became active, leading the foundation to believe the group had not crossed the border. Sadhguru said he had sought assistance through the Indian and Chinese embassies, while the pilgrims' families had been informed.

The floods swept through the mountainous border region on Wednesday, sending water , mud and debris through communities along Nepal's Trishuli river system. Scientists have suggested a collapsed glacier could have triggered the disaster. At least 165 people have been killed, and nearly 1,500 remain missing across Nepal and China's Xizang, including foreign tourists and pilgrims.

Homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure were swept away, while around 40 kilometres of roads and dozens of bridges were damaged. Nepal deployed security forces, helicopters and medical teams as rescuers struggled to reach communities cut off by the destruction.

Scientists have suggested the disaster may have been triggered by a collapsed glacier along the border. China's People's Liberation Army Western Theatre Command also deployed a team aboard a Y-20 transport aircraft to coordinate military aviation, medical, engineering and transport units.

At least 292 people have been killed, and more than 1,384 remain unaccounted for across China and Nepal. Chinese authorities have reported three deaths and 558 missing, while Nepal has recorded 289 deaths and more than 826 people still out of contact. More than 1,500 personnel have been mobilised to search for survivors, clear roads and assess the damage.

Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing travelled to the area to oversee the response after President Xi Jinping ordered all-out rescue efforts. Operations remain complicated by unstable terrain, disrupted access and a barrier lake near Gyirong Port, while authorities have warned that further rainfall could trigger additional mudflows and landslides.

Chinese authorities said the mudslide crossed the border from Nepal at around 10:30 local time, causing major casualties at Gyirong Port in Shigatse.

President Xi Jinping ordered an all-out search for the missing, the evacuation of residents at risk and treatment for the injured. He also called for increased monitoring and warnings against further disasters .

Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing travelled to the area to oversee rescue operations.

China activated a Level I emergency response in Xizang, deploying 431 firefighters, 72 vehicles, rescue dogs, life detectors and inflatable boats. A national Level II disaster relief response was also activated.

Across the border in Nepal, a landslide of mud and rock crashed into the Lhende River, triggering severe flooding that swept away homes, roads and other infrastructure. At least 95 people were killed.

The ceremony was held during Aadi Amavasai, a new-moon day in the Tamil calendar.

Local villager Parandaman said the tradition dates back around 200 years and has continued at the temple for generations.

"The highlight of the program is childless women getting pregnant after attending this ritual. It is very successful," he said.

Parandaman said a couple who had twins after participating in the ritual had returned to make an offering to the temple equal to the weight of their babies.

The tradition is linked to a Siddhar, a figure in Tamil spiritual tradition believed by devotees to have attained Jeeva Samadhi, and continues to attract hundreds of women hoping to start or expand their families.

Entrepreneur Hafizul Islam said he began making banana fibre products in 2016 after seeing the process used in India.

"If India can make products with banana fibre, then why can't we unemployed people in Bangladesh, or why can't I?" he said. The growing industry is providing income for farmers who sell stems previously discarded after harvest, as well as workers who process and weave the fibre.

Weaver Fazila Khatun said her earnings had helped pay for her son's education , while worker Arzina Begum said the industry had created opportunities for people overlooked by the garment sector.

Banana fibre is now being used to produce items ranging from saris and footwear to home decor and biodegradable packaging.

Bananas account for around 20 per cent of Bangladesh's fruit crops, generating an estimated 3.78 million tonnes of banana pseudo-stem biomass annually, according to reports.

The unusual water buffalo attracted widespread attention on social media because of its pinkish-white skin and distinctive golden-blonde tuft of hair, which many said resembled U.S. President Donald Trump ’s hairstyle.

Zoo officials said the animal is still adjusting to its new surroundings after being relocated from a private farm.

“Every time the animal changes places, it eats less food,” said zoo officer Humayun Kabir. “There are also some problems due to excessive heat. There was a fan system on the farm, but there is no fan here, so it is a bit weak.”

Kabir said the buffalo’s arrival had significantly boosted attendance at the zoo during the Eid holiday.

“On the second day of Eid al-Adha, there were more than 2,000 visitors to the zoo,” he said. “Every year there are fewer visitors on Eid al-Adha, but this year, after bringing Donald Trump to the zoo, the number of visitors has increased a lot.”

Visitors said they were eager to see the animal after videos and photographs of it circulated widely online.

“I saw a lot of discussion on Facebook about this buffalo and many videos on YouTube,” one visitor said. “The buffalo’s appearance is similar to Donald Trump, which is why there has been a lot of excitement.”

The buffalo was reportedly saved from the traditional Eid al-Adha sacrifice after drawing large crowds and attracting national attention for its distinctive appearance.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

“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.

These projects mark the first components of a broader regional strategy to confront a rapidly escalating threat to human health and economic stability.

“Few regions feel the impacts of extreme heat as sharply as South Asia ,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. “We all know that every death primarily due to excess heat can be prevented and heat health action plans are saving lives.” 

Where the funding will go

The South Asia Climate Health Desk, established under the joint programme and implemented with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and the India Meteorological Department, will improve how weather and climate data are translated into public health action. 

This desk is expected to develop early warning systems, risk assessments and decision-support tools to help authorities respond before heatwaves peak.

A second initiative, the South Asia Scientific Research Consortium, backed by a Rockefeller Foundation grant to the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune, will deepen scientific understanding of how extreme heat affects different populations. 

Under this program, researchers aim to develop tailored heat-risk thresholds to strengthen preparedness plans and community-level adaptation.

Why heat is a major problem in South Asia

In India and Pakistan, pre-monsoon temperatures regularly exceed 50°C. Heat-related mortality across the region now surpasses 200,000 deaths annually. 

Beyond the health toll, extreme heat is eroding productivity. In 2024 alone, India lost an estimated 247 billion potential labor hours due to heat exposure, translating to roughly $194 billion in income losses, according to the Lancet Countdown.

IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the partnership will strengthen the “science-to-services pathway” and improve early warning support for health agencies.

These investments respond to calls by António Guterres for urgent global action on extreme heat, especially in South Asia, the world’s most populated region.

India has already built a reputation for low-cost satellite launches, having sent dozens of satellites from countries such as Singapore into orbit. Officials say this gives India an edge as more nations and companies turn to smaller, cheaper satellites for communications, climate monitoring and urban planning.

To support this demand, India is developing dedicated launch infrastructure for small satellites, including new launch pads and multiple small satellite launch vehicles capable of carrying payloads of up to 500kg. These are expected to become fully operational within the next two years.

At the same time, India has opened up its space sector to foreign investment, allowing up to 100 per cent foreign ownership in certain categories. The move is aimed at drawing capital, technology and customers from abroad, especially as Asia’s space market expands. The country plans to build its own space station by 2035 and send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040, narrowing the technological gap with the US and China.

While the US currently dominates the global satellite launch market and China holds a strong second position, Indian officials believe their focus on affordability, private-sector innovation and regional partnerships will help the country carve out a larger role in the global space race.

“Our growth will come from both domestic demand and international collaboration,” said Pawan Goenka, chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre.

The event, which took place on Sunday, January 25,  following a 24-hour delay due to rain, was broadcast live on Netflix with a strategic 10-second delay. 

This precaution was implemented so the streaming service could "cut away" if a disaster occurred. "Nobody expects or wants to see anything like that to happen," stated Netflix executive Jeff Gaspin.

Despite the life-threatening nature of the stunt, Honnold appeared characteristically calm, even waving to fans through the windows of the 89th floor. Upon reaching the summit, his first word to describe the feat was simply: "Sick". 

Reflecting on the experience, Honnold noted the conditions were challenging: "It was very windy, so I was like, don’t fall off the spire. I was trying to balance nicely. But it was, what an incredible position, what a beautiful way to see Taipei".

While the climb was a global spectacle, Honnold revealed that his compensation was "embarrassingly small" when compared to athletes in mainstream sports. Although he did not disclose the exact figure, reports suggest it was in the mid-six figures.

"I’m not gonna say. It’s an embarrassing amount," Honnold told the New York Times . "Actually, if you put it in the context of mainstream sports... Major League Baseball players get like $170 million contracts". Nevertheless, he maintained that he would have performed the climb for free if granted permission, stating, "I would do the thing because I know I can, and it’d be amazing".

A brain without fear

Honnold’s ability to remain composed in high-stakes environments has long intrigued the scientific community. A neuroscientific study led by Jane Joseph used fMRI scans to monitor his brain activity while showing him disturbing imagery. The results were startling: Honnold’s amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for the fear response, showed no activity at all.

While his amygdala is not damaged, it possesses an astronomically higher threshold for activation than the average person. This lack of response allows him to process extreme danger as ordinary. 

During the study, Honnold was indifferent to the graphic visuals, reportedly asking if they were meant to be stressful and shrugging them off with a casual, "whatever". Experts suggest this is a result of neural adaptation, where repeated exposure to risk has rewired his brain to treat high-risk environments as familiar.

Support from the ground

Watching from below was Honnold’s wife, Sanni McCandless, who has two children with the climber. While many might expect her to be overwhelmed with terror, she described a sense of "joy" once the climb began.

"I was telling someone that when you really love someone, and you think that they might be stressed, you say, ‘I wish I could take their place...’" McCandless shared in a post-climb press conference. However, in this instance, her primary thought was: "Thank God I’m not him". 

She emphasised that their partnership is built on mutual respect for his passion, noting, "You try to make decisions as a team, but you also have to respect the art behind it and the passion behind it".

Taiwan’s Vice-President, Hsiao Bi-khim, also offered congratulations, admitting on social media that the spectacle was difficult to watch: "I admit I would probably feel sick, too, barely able to watch".

India has formally assumed the BRICS presidency for 2026, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiling the official website, theme and logo in New Delhi on Tuesday, January 13. Jaishankar said India’s chairship “will adopt a ‘humanity-first’ and ‘people-centric’ approach,” aimed at resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. “Launched preparations for BRICS India 2026 with the unveiling of website, theme and logo,” he wrote on X, adding that the presidency would “seek to bring together the potential of the member countries of the grouping to promote greater global welfare.” Noting that BRICS will mark 20 years since its inception in 2026, Jaishankar said the bloc has evolved into a key platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing economies. India took over the presidency from Brazil on January 1, marking its fourth turn at the helm, having last chaired the grouping in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Labour reforms

Major delivery platforms Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato and Swiggy have begun moving away from their 10-minute delivery model following an intervention by Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The decision comes after gig workers staged a one-day strike on December 31, citing safety risks and health concerns linked to ultra-fast delivery timelines. Ministry sources said Blinkit has already removed the 10-minute delivery promise from its branding, with others expected to follow. A senior official said Mandaviya raised concerns with aggregators, urging them to stop the practice “considering the health and welfare of delivery workers,” a request the companies agreed to. Blinkit has since revised its tagline to “30,000+ products delivered at your doorstep.”

Army chief issues blunt warning to Pakistan

India’s Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday warned Pakistan that any future provocation would be met with a firm response, describing the counterterror Operation Sindoor as “ongoing.” Speaking at the Army Day press conference, he said , “At least 6 terror camps still active across the LoC & 2 across the International Border after Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. Will act, if any (nefarious) attempts are carried out.” Dwivedi said the operation was executed with precision, dismantling terror infrastructure and “resetting strategic assumptions.” He added that around 100 Pakistani personnel were killed during heightened tensions along the Line of Control and International Border, and acknowledged the coordinated role of intelligence agencies, civil authorities and multiple ministries in the operation.

India slips to third place in Russian fossil fuel imports

India fell to third place among importers of Russian fossil fuels in December 2025 after private and state-owned refiners sharply reduced crude purchases, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). India’s imports dropped to €2.3 billion in December from €3.3 billion in November, with Türkiye overtaking India as the second-largest buyer. China remained the top importer. CREA said crude oil made up 78 percent of India’s purchases, with coal and refined products accounting for the rest. The think tank noted that Reliance Industries halved its Russian imports in December, while state refiners cut purchases by 15 percent, amid tighter sanctions on major Russian producers Rosneft and Lukoil.

Trump’s Iran tariffs add to India’s trade worries

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 25 percent tariff on goods from countries “doing business” with Iran, a move that could further strain India’s trade outlook. “Any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America,” Trump said , adding that the order was “final and conclusive.” India’s bilateral trade with Iran stood at $1.34 billion in the first 10 months of 2025, with exports including rice, tea, sugar and pharmaceuticals. The new tariffs come as India is already grappling with 50 percent U.S. levies linked to Russian oil purchases, with exporters warning that sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, leather and marine products could be hit hardest if the Iran tariffs are applied on top of existing duties.

“I hope that this chemistry bears fruit for the Brazilian people and the American people,” Lula said. “Someday I'm going to tell him that we can solve this Russia-Ukraine war, because the war is at its point of maturity. You see, it's already been three years of war. Trump, Putin already know what they want, the elected officials already know what they want. Everyone knows what they're going to get. What's missing is putting this on the negotiating table.”

The Brazilian leader added that he believes “the world is getting to the point of ending this war — and not waging any more wars.”

Lula’s remarks came during a press conference following the 47th ASEAN Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from October 26 to 28. The event gathered leaders from 11 Southeast Asian nations, along with partner countries including the United States and Brazil.

Tariffs , immigration policies and lingering tensions with Washington are all expected to be brought to the table when Asian leaders engage with Trump on this trip. Here’s what you need to know about it. 

Malaysia 

Trump’s first stop will be at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 27. There, he will meet the 10 leaders from the regional bloc, which is set to expand this year with the accession of the fledgling democracy, Timor Leste. 

Topics expected to be brought up include trade and US tariffs, regional security and defence partnerships, and the Gaza War, which Trump recently helped bring to a ceasefire using a 20-point peace plan between Israel and Hamas agreed to.

Though he arrives at the summit with a fortified credibility as a peacemaker, he also hovers with the image of a stingy negotiator. Tariffs on ASEAN countries stand between 10% to 40%, and trade tensions around the region recently flared up when Washington slapped a 100% tariff on China, a major export market for Southeast Asian countries. 

As well, host country Malaysia’s decision to extend an invitation to Trump may be rooted in trade realities: the United States is now Malaysia’s largest export market, overtaking China. Bilateral trade has nearly doubled over the past decade, reaching $78.3 billion in 2022.

ASEAN had invited Xi to the summit, but he is expected to skip the event and attend the APEC Summit in South Korea instead.

Japan

Trump will stop in Tokyo early next week to meet Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female leader.

Talks will centre on trade and investment. Washington is demanding up to $550 billion in Japanese investments in the US, but Tokyo has so far pledged only a small share as direct capital. 

Trump is also expected to press Japan to cut imports of Russian liquefied natural gas, a sensitive issue for energy-dependent Tokyo.

Despite a July deal lowering tariffs on Japanese cars, manufacturers say the new 15% rate remains too high, while tariffs of 50% on steel still stand. The two leaders are also expected to discuss regional security and coordination on China ahead of the APEC summit.

South Korea

Trump’s final stop will be Gyeongju, South Korea, for the APEC Summit from October 31 to November 1 — where he is expected to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping for the first time since returning to office.

Trade will dominate the agenda. Both leaders face pressure to cool tensions before new U.S. tariffs of up to 100% on Chinese exports take effect. Trump has said he hopes for a “deal on everything,” though Beijing has not yet confirmed the meeting.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will seek to finalise a $350 billion investment deal with Washington, delayed by disagreements over financing terms. The talks come amid lingering anger in Seoul over a US immigration raid last month that detained 300 South Korean nationals at a battery plant in Georgia.

North Korea’s latest missile test, launched days before Trump’s arrival, is expected to add urgency to discussions. While Trump has hinted at wanting to meet Kim Jong-un again, no such encounter is planned.

In India, shoes were again used as a protest tool. Rakesh Kishore, a 71-year-old lawyer, made headlines after he attempted to throw his shoe at Chief Justice B.R. Gavai in a courtroom.

His outburst, which was a reaction to comments made about a sensitive religious case, cost him his license to practice law but earned him notoriety as one of the few Indians to challenge authority in such an unconventional way.

In 2016, a shoe was thrown at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during a public event, which eventually became one of India’s most talked-about acts of political dissent.

The infection occurs when contaminated freshwater enters the nose, allowing the amoeba to travel through the sinuses into the brain, where it destroys tissue.

On September 1, two patients, an infant and a woman, died while undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital. Doctors confirmed both were infected by the same Naegleria fowleri strain. Health officials have since launched 'Jalamanu Jeevan' ('Water is Life'), a statewide chlorination drive targeting wells, swimming pools, and storage tanks.

Authorities are also using the imported drug miltefosine in treatment, but survival rates remain extremely low, Times of India reports.

Outbreak triggers political fallouts

The outbreak has triggered a fierce political debate. In the state assembly this week, the opposition Congress-led UDF accused the ruling LDF government of failing to prevent the spread of the disease, calling the crisis evidence of a “collapse of public health management.”

Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan noted that eight people had died in just 15 days, asking what preventive measures were in place and whether enough awareness campaigns had been carried out in communities most at risk.

Health Minister Veena George rejected the criticism, highlighting Kerala’s broader health gains, including a fall in infant mortality and the expansion of free advanced treatments. She accused the opposition of smearing the state’s health sector, but critics said her reliance on comparisons to past administrations avoided addressing present failures.

Meanwhile, aside from PAM, Kerala is also battling jaundice, dengue, leptospirosis, typhoid, and diarrhoeal diseases, stretching the state’s health system further. 

The ceremony, held annually, sees devotees gather in large numbers as the chief priest smashes coconuts on their heads, which is their symbolic act of devotion. Participants believe the ritual brings good fortune, and those injured during the event are treated immediately with turmeric powder, believed to have healing properties. “Every year, thousands of devotees come here. If you worship the deity, good things happen in your life,” said Sukumaran, a participant.

Veteran attendee Manivannan, who has taken part for 19 years, said safety and devotion go hand in hand. “I fast from Aadi 1st until the 19th before the festival. We avoid non-vegetarian food and prepare ourselves spiritually. The government provides first aid, and there have been no major incidents. Even if we bleed, we continue, it’s all Mahalakshmi’s power.”

The ritual has been heavily criticised by human rights organisations, yet it draws thousands of devotees every year.

“Every year, this event is celebrated on Adi Amavasai day to commemorate the death anniversary of Paradesi Sithar. The highlight of this event is the highest number of childless couples who come here to participate in the ritual. This year, around 1,500 have participated in the event,” said Paramanandham, a local resident.

The ceremony includes women eating “blessed” food placed on the floor, and a symbolic act where temple priests, believed to be temporarily possessed by the goddess Angaarmoti, step over the women’s backs to offer spiritual blessings.

“Trust is the key to success. People who come here with the belief are seeing success. I see this practically every year,” Paramanandham told Viory.

Several couples shared personal stories of their struggles with infertility. “There is a belief that if you visit this temple on Adi Amavasai day and eat rice on the floor, then you will be blessed with a child. So we have come here because we heard about this from others,” said one hopeful couple.

Another added, “This is the first time we are coming here. We believe that we will come here with a child next year. Those who have come here in the past are saying they have been blessed with a child after visiting this temple.”

One couple, married for 13 years without children , shared their emotional journey, saying that, “We struggled a lot in our life. We are so sad, as everyone keeps asking us why we don’t have children. We see recently married couples having a child in a year, but even after 13 years we still don't have a child. So we have come here with the hope.”

According to the report, 66 countries experienced at least one terrorist incident in 2024, up from 58 in the previous year — marking the highest level of global spread since 2017.

This concerning trend has reignited international debate over counterterrorism policies , regional instability, and the growing complexity of global security threats.

Key Findings from GTI 2025

The GTI 2025 uses a composite score based on the number of incidents, fatalities, injuries, and property damage to rank countries from most to least impacted by terrorism.

The report also reveals that the top five countries most affected by terrorism are:

The GTI is a composite index based on four key indicators: terrorist incidents, fatalities, injuries, and hostages. To assess the impact accurately, it uses a five-year weighted average.

It does not treat them as digital currency or conventional investment tools but classifies them as distinct digital assets.

While the law stops short of setting out a full regulatory system, it is being seen as a crucial first step towards clear crypto governance.

Officials say the new law aims to bring transparency to the crypto sector and promote responsible innovation.

The legislation also supports the use of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence , part of Vietnam’s goal to become a digital-first economy.

Authorities believe this legal move could improve the country’s relationship with the Financial Action Task Force and help Vietnam meet international anti-money laundering standards.

The global shadow economy, which comprises unreported and untaxed activities, now accounts for 11.8% of worldwide GDP, down from 17.7% in 2000.

Between 2000 and 2023, 119 out of 131 countries saw a decline in the size of their shadow economies, with an average reduction of 6.7% of GDP.

The most notable improvements occurred in low-income nations, where informal activity was more widespread. In contrast, high-income countries showed minimal change, largely because their shadow economies were already smaller and their economic conditions more stable.

This includes informal labour, under-the-table payments, small-scale trade, and illegal business operations. Though declining, this figure still represents trillions of dollars in economic activity operating outside the formal system.

The 10 countries with the highest shadow economy-to-GDP ratios:

Sierra Leone - 64.5%

Niger - 56.3%

Nepal - 51.0%

Ethiopia - 50.2%

Burundi - 49.2%

Mali - 46.8%

Tanzania - 44.7%

Burkina Faso - 43.8%

D.R. Congo - 42.1%

Mozambique - 39.8%

Though countries like Sierra Leone and Nepal are pursuing reforms to formalise their economies, including digital ID systems, mobile banking expansion, and simplified tax schemes, progress remains slow.

Experts argue that a balanced approach is necessary: recognising the economic necessity of informal work while gradually building inclusive pathways into the formal economy.

The Daily Star reports that the Chief Advisor will attend the 30th Nikkei Forum Future of Asia on May 29 and hold a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on May 30. The visit will also see the signing of seven (7) memoranda of understanding covering human resource development, worker recruitment, infrastructure, railways, and energy cooperation.

Bangladesh is, however, seeking to send 100,000 trained workers to Japan, with an emphasis on language and skills training.

Yunus is also scheduled to meet key Japanese figures, including Taro Aso, president of the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League; Yohei Sasakawa of the Nippon Foundation; JICA president Dr. Tanaka Akihiko; and JETRO president Kimura Fukunari.

He will take part in three seminars on labour, trade , and investment and deliver a keynote speech at the Nikkei Forum focusing on Asia’s response to global instability. Soka University will award him an honorary doctorate, and he will address the university community.

Discussions with JICA will cover future cooperation and the status of ongoing Japanese-funded projects in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has requested a total of $1 billion in budget support, with an announcement likely during bilateral talks.

Security forces recovered 10 illegal firearms, 87 rounds of ammunition, five improvised explosive devices, six hand grenades, narcotics , stolen mobile phones and passports, counterfeit food items, stolen sugar and spices, unauthorized pharmaceuticals, and cash.

All suspects have been handed over to local police for further investigation and legal proceedings.

The military said the operations were part of ongoing efforts to maintain law and order nationwide. Army patrols are also being conducted in industrial areas to help ease labor unrest, and additional security measures were in place during this week’s Buddha Purnima festival.

Authorities urged the public to report any suspicious activity to the nearest army camp.

But what’s behind these high holiday counts? We take a deeper look at why these countries offer so many public holidays, with insights from  World Population Review and The Times of India.

India – 42 Days

India has the highest number of public holidays in the world — but there’s a catch. As The Times of India explains, the 42 holidays include national, religious, and regional holidays. Since India is a multicultural and multi-religious nation, holidays span across Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, and regional celebrations. Additionally, each state has its own unique set of holidays, so not all 42 days apply uniformly across the country.

Nepal – 35 Days

Nepal is second with 35 holidays annually. According to  World Population Review , the country observes a vast number of religious and cultural festivals, largely rooted in  Hinduism and Buddhism. Dashain and Tihar (similar to Diwali) are celebrated for multiple days, significantly contributing to the total.

Iran – 26 Days

Iran has many Islamic religious holidays, especially those based on the Shia calendar, like Ashura and Eid al-Ghadir. In addition, Nowruz (Persian New Year) is a multi-day public holiday. The religious lunar calendar and national commemorations both factor into Iran’s high holiday count.

Myanmar – 26 Days

Myanmar’s holidays are deeply tied to the Buddhist lunar calendar, including Thingyan ( Water Festival), which lasts for several days.  Time Out Dubai  notes that festivals such as Waso Full Moon Day and Thadingyut are observed nationally, adding to the total.

Sri Lanka – 25 Days

Sri Lanka's holiday calendar reflects its ethnic and religious diversity. The country recognizes Poya Days (monthly Buddhist full moon days), along with Hindu, Muslim, and Christian holidays. These recurring religious observances are why Sri Lanka maintains one of the highest holiday counts.

His case is far from isolated: an estimated 35 million children, or around 60% of all children in the country, are affected by elevated lead exposure.

The sources of contamination are varied, but Junayed’s mother points to a now-defunct battery recycling factory near their village. The facility, which dismantled and melted down old vehicle batteries with little regulation, polluted the surrounding air and soil in its rush for profit.

As informal battery recycling continues to grow in response to global demand for energy storage, communities across Bangladesh are sounding the alarm over the hidden cost: a silent epidemic harming the country's most vulnerable.

“People come here to seek help for different conditions , and leech therapy helps them,” a local resident, Mushtaq Lone, who, like many others, turns to this traditional remedy during Nowruz, told the AFP.

Despite advances in modern medicine , leech therapy continues to hold cultural and therapeutic value in India and draws crowds each year as Kashmiris seek relief from ailments ranging from skin diseases to joint pain.

The latest protests in Dhaka were sparked by several high-profile cases of sexual harassment, with demonstrators demanding stronger protections for women. Dhaka University student Jannatul Promi highlighted the pervasive sense of insecurity among young women.

“Since I don't live in the university dorm, I don’t feel safe staying on campus after evening. I constantly worry about how I will get home. Our society has become like this now – women cannot feel safe going out alone at night. And considering the recent incidents we have witnessed, it becomes even harder to feel courageous. Change is absolutely necessary. That’s why we feel that we must continue our movement. That’s why we have boycotted our classes and exams,” she told the AFP.

Maleka Banu, general secretary of Bangladesh Mohila Parishad, the country’s oldest feminist organisation, warned about the growing influence of anti-women forces in society. “ At present, we are seeing many anti-women forces gaining a lot of momentum. And they are becoming much bolder. They are attacking women on the streets for many excuses, whether it be mob attacks, personal attacks, silently or openly,” she stated. She also criticised the government’s response, urging authorities to take decisive action rather than merely expressing concern. “You can certainly express concern, but that alone is not enough from the state. Effective measures need to be taken, and a clear message must be sent.”

The rise in extremist activities has led to growing instances of harassment in public spaces. Nishat Tanjim Nera, an anti-rape protester and student, shared a troubling incident she witnessed on public transport. “ One day, I saw a man following a girl in the metro. Then the man told the girl, ‘Your dress is not appropriate.’ When I asked him, ‘Who gave you the right to say this?’ he left. I believe that in the present, women are suffering from a lack of security,” she said.

In Anuradhapura, authorities conducted surveys as part of the initiative, officials said.

Around 40,000 local officials were deployed on Saturday morning to record wild boar, lorises, peacocks, and monkeys near farms and homes within a five-minute window.

Shimul Bhuiyan, a scientific officer at the institute, revealed that more than 80 percent of the turtles were females, likely coming ashore to lay eggs. "This is concerning as it impacts future turtle populations," Bhuiyan told AFP.

Olive ridley turtles face declining numbers and have suffered periodic mass die-offs, including a similar event earlier this month in southern India .

Experts are now working to determine the cause of the latest incident along the Bangladeshi coast.

The olive ridley sea turtle is named for its heart-shaped shell, which features a distinctive olive-green hue. It is one of the smallest sea turtle species in the world.

"AI is helping us avoid reaching that critical mass in sensitive areas," said Amit Kumar, a senior police officer overseeing the festival's technology operations, in an interview with AFP.

Although its rules were formalised in the early 20th century, kho kho has largely remained in cricket’s shadow in India. It was briefly showcased as a demonstration sport at the 1936 Berlin Olympics but failed to gain lasting international attention.

Now, nearly a century later, the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi has drawn teams from 23 countries, highlighting the sport's growing global appeal.

Nasreen Shaikh, a 26-year-old player on India's women's team, reflected on the sport’s rising profile. “Whenever we ask people if they’ve played kho kho, they always smile, recalling their childhood days. But now, the platform is gaining global recognition. Playing in a World Cup is the first barrier crossed; the next big step is making it to the Olympics,” she told the AFP.

One of the sport's most significant transformations has been its transition from mud courts to mats, which has made it more accessible to an international audience. "That change revolutionised the game, making it global," said Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India. "We are now in 55 countries and aim to reach 90 by the end of this year."