Afghanistan remains the most authoritarian country globally, with one of the lowest recorded democracy scores, followed closely by Myanmar and North Korea, based on recent index comparisons.

The EIU Democracy Index, which evaluates 167 countries on a scale from 0 to 10 across electoral processes, civil liberties, governance, political participation and political culture, classifies these nations firmly within the “authoritarian regime” category.

Visualised rankings show Afghanistan, Myanmar, North Korea, the Central African Republic and Syria among the countries with the weakest democratic performance, each scoring well below 2 out of 10.

They are followed by Sudan, Turkmenistan, Laos, Tajikistan and Chad, nations where political power is highly centralised and electoral processes are either limited or tightly controlled.

Further down the list, countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Yemen, Iran and Eritrea also register extremely low scores, reinforcing a pattern of restricted civil liberties and limited political pluralism.

World Population Review data confirms that Afghanistan has consistently ranked at the bottom of global democracy metrics in recent years, with little change in governance structures since 2021.

The EIU’s latest assessments indicate that roughly 60 countries worldwide fall into the authoritarian category, representing a significant portion of the global population.

In fact, more than one-third of people globally live under authoritarian rule, highlighting the scale of democratic decline.

Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa remain the regions with the highest concentration of such regimes, according to comparative index data.

Despite years of decline, the EIU reported in its 2025 index that global democracy scores have begun to stabilise, with the average inching up slightly to 5.19 after hitting historic lows.

Persistently low scores in the most authoritarian countries are attributed to a mix of prolonged conflict, military control, weak institutions and restrictions on political freedoms.

In several cases, including Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen, ongoing instability and war have severely limited democratic processes. In others, such as North Korea and Turkmenistan, entrenched leadership structures and limited political competition continue to define governance .

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.

The routes had been suspended since early 2020 when North Korea sealed its borders at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, cutting off most cross-border travel.

A strategic railway corridor

The reopening revives a railway corridor long viewed as both a logistical and political bridge between Beijing and Pyongyang.

The Beijing–Pyongyang service is one of the few direct international rail connections into North Korea. Meanwhile, the Dandong route feeds into the P’yŏngŭi Line, a major North Korean trunk railway linking Pyongyang with Sinŭiju on the Chinese border.

A bridge over the Yalu River connects Sinŭiju to Dandong and integrates the line with China’s wider rail network, making it one of the most important overland routes between the two countries.

Chinese authorities have described the trains as a “moving link” strengthening the long-standing friendship between China and North Korea.

Limited access for travellers

Despite the resumption, travel remains tightly controlled.

Travel agents said tickets are currently available only to passengers holding valid visas. This includes Chinese citizens working or studying in North Korea and North Koreans travelling abroad for work, education or family visits.

Tickets for the first train departure reportedly sold out quickly, with passengers including entrepreneurs, government officials and journalists.

International travellers may be allowed on certain carriages of the Beijing–Pyongyang service, though tourism access remains limited.

North Korea’s gradual reopening

The rail resumption comes as North Korea cautiously emerges from years of pandemic isolation.

The country began allowing a limited number of foreign tourists to enter again in 2024. Authorities have also promoted new projects, including a seaside resort, as part of efforts to revive the country’s small tourism sector.

Before the pandemic, Chinese visitors accounted for the majority of foreign tourists entering North Korea.

A diplomatic signal?

The reopening also coincides with renewed diplomatic messaging between the two governments.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un this week told Chinese President Xi Jinping that cooperation between their countries would grow closer as they pursue what he described as a shared socialist cause.

Kim’s message came in response to a congratulatory letter from Xi after the North Korean leader secured another term as general secretary of the ruling Workers’ Party.

While North Korea has strengthened military ties with Russia , its relationship with China remains a crucial economic and political lifeline — one now visibly reinforced by trains once again crossing the border.

Globally, the number of Christians experiencing persecution rose to 388 million during the reporting period from October 2024 to September 2025, up from 380 million a year earlier, marking the highest figure since the annual survey began.

These are the 10 countries that topped Open Doors’ watch list: 

Why North Korea is No. 1

Among the 15 worst places in the world for Christians, nine belonged to Asia. 

North Korea retained its position as the most dangerous country to be a Christian for the 24th consecutive year, with the report citing “dictatorial paranoia” by the ruling regime and the continued imprisonment of tens of thousands of believers in forced labour camps.

Open Doors estimates that between 50,000 and 70,000 Christians are detained in North Korea, with documented cases of brutal interrogation and punishment of those forcibly returned from China.

It also noted the use of church buildings as a propaganda tool to signal tolerance of faith. 

“While the church buildings displayed in the capital Pyongyang might suggest a degree of tolerance, this is propaganda. The reality is very different,” the report said. 

“Christianity has no place in North Korea, a country where homage must be directed one way only: towards the Kim regime,” it continued. 

To help Christians in North Korea, Open Doors called for prayers for Kim Jong-un and his family: “Ask God to change their hearts – knowing that He did the same for the Apostle Paul.”

Nigeria is deadliest country for Christians

Beyond the Korean peninsula, the report highlighted rising pressure across Asia, including tougher restrictions on religious practice in China, sweeping anti-conversion laws in India and persistent violence in Myanmar’s civil war.

China ranked 17th overall, with Open Doors warning of an intensifying crackdown on religious groups as authorities tighten control over worship, organisation and religious expression.

The list of the 15 most hostile countries also included Somalia, Yemen, Sudan, Eritrea, Syria, Nigeria, Pakistan, Libya, Iran , Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar and Mali, showing that persecution remains widespread beyond Asia.

The report said conditions in Syria had deteriorated following political upheaval, while Africa continued to account for the highest number of killings despite a lower overall share of persecuted Christians.

During the year covered, at least 4,849 Christians were killed worldwide, 4,712 were detained and more than 3,600 churches and Christian properties were attacked.

Nigeria, ranked seventh overall, remained the deadliest country for Christians, with more than 25,200 believers killed there since 2020, according to the report.“It seems the violence in northern Nigeria is never-ending,” it said. “Ask God to bring peace to this country.”

Open Doors said its findings were based on field research in 100 countries, measuring both violent incidents and pressure on Christians across private, family, community, national and church life.

In February alone, hackers drained around $1.5 billion from the exchange Bybit, accounting for nearly half of all funds stolen this year. This incident highlighted how one breach can now dominate the industry’s annual losses.

Behind much of the damage sits North Korea. Despite carrying out fewer confirmed attacks, hackers linked to the Democratic People ’s Republic of Korea stole at least $2.02 billion in 2025 — a 51% jump from the year before and the highest annual total ever recorded.

North Korean groups were responsible for about 76% of all major service compromises this year. Overall, estimates suggest the country has now stolen at least $6.75 billion in cryptocurrency over time.

Investigators say Pyongyang’s success increasingly relies on deception. Operatives infiltrate crypto firms by posing as IT workers, recruiters, or even investors, using fake job offers and business meetings to gain access. 

Evolving method

While eye-catching exchange hacks grab headlines, the pattern of theft is shifting. Attacks on individual users’ personal wallets have risen sharply in recent years, reflecting how everyday investors are increasingly being targeted alongside large firms.

At the same time, centralised crypto services continue to suffer devastating blows. Even with professional security teams, exchanges and custodians remain vulnerable when private keys are compromised. These incidents are rare, but when they happen the losses are enormous.

As a result, crypto crime is becoming more extreme. In 2025, the three biggest hacks alone made up 69% of all losses suffered by services. The gap between a “typical” theft and the largest attacks has never been wider.

This year marked a grim milestone. For the first time, the biggest single hack was more than 1,000 times larger than the median theft, surpassing even the peaks seen during the 2021 crypto boom.

The missile warning data is being shared in real time between the three allies as part of a growing regional security cooperation effort amid Pyongyang’s continued weapons testing.

“South Korea announced that North Korea had launched a ballistic missile, so I changed my plans to go out and have just received a report on the situation. Japan, the United States, and South Korea are working closely together, including sharing missile warning data in real time, to ensure a thorough response. The government is aware of this latest launch,” she told the press.

This is first diplomatic test after assuming office only a day prior.

Kim urged officials to “rapidly develop newly introduced artificial intelligence technology” and to expand serial production capacity for drones, emphasising that North Korea must match the role drones now play in modern conflicts.

The current levels of sophistication of North Korea’s drones remain uncertain, but Kim has repeatedly toured drone facilities and presided over field tests in recent months, showing his intent to make UAVs a key component of his military strategy.

A report from 38 North found Pyongyang had engaged in cross-border AI research with academics in China, South Korea and the U.S., suggesting “substantial efforts” to catch up. Much of this progress appears tied to China, one of the world’s leaders in AI technology.

Kim’s visit to the complex came just a week after he oversaw a test of a new solid-fuel rocket engine for intercontinental ballistic missiles. He hailed that test as a “significant” step in expanding the country’s nuclear strike capabilities.

North Korea has ramped up efforts to modernise its military despite international sanctions. Its programmes now span drones, loitering munitions, missile systems and a nascent spy satellite programme.

Regional tensions have risen as a result. In 2022, South Korea failed to intercept five North Korean drones that crossed the border, including one that flew near the presidential office in Seoul. 

Kim later called for mass production of attack drones. He accused Seoul of flying UAVs over Pyongyang, though South Korea has not confirmed this.

North Korea is already heavily militarised, having more than a million active troops and millions more reservists. Kim’s new focus on AI and drones suggests the next stage is to make the country’s weapons smarter, faster and more autonomous.

North Korea has barred foreign tourists from entering its newly opened Wonsan-Kalma beach resort, just weeks after promoting it as a world-class destination. According to Korea JoongAng Daily, the state-run DPR Korea Tour website announced on July 18, 2025, that the resort would temporarily stop accepting foreign visitors, without giving reasons or a timeline. The ban comes shortly after Kim Jong-un hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov there on July 12, calling him the first foreign guest and signalling efforts to promote the site internationally. Lavrov reportedly pledged support to boost tourism. The multi-million dollar project, delayed by sanctions and the pandemic, finally opened on June 24. Domestic tourism officially began July 1, with state media hailing the resort as a “national treasure-level tourist town.” Kim praised it as one of North Korea’s greatest achievements of the year.

Russia causes alarm with official North Korea visit

Russia and North Korea are deepening their relationship during a three-day visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, aimed at aligning views on the Ukraine war. Lavrov’s visit follows an earlier trip by Russian security chief Sergei Shoigu, who confirmed that North Korea sent thousands of military workers and reportedly around 12,000 troops to support Russia. In return, concerns are rising that Kim Jong Un may seek advanced Russian military technology, potentially escalating his nuclear capabilities. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Lavrov on July 10 to discuss peace talks, though he noted that President Trump remains frustrated with Russia’s lack of flexibility.

The strange disappearance of the US-North Korea conflict

If you had fallen into a coma in early 2018 and awakened in 2025, you might be surprised by the silence surrounding the once-volatile US–North Korea conflict . Just a few years ago, tensions were at a boiling point. North Korea, seen by many in the West as unpredictable and hostile, was rapidly advancing its nuclear weapons program—conducting test explosions and missile launches while openly threatening the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. At the time, President Obama had warned his successor, Donald Trump, that North Korea posed a major security threat. The Trump administration adopted a hardline stance, signalling it was prepared for military intervention if necessary. Top officials labelled a nuclear-capable North Korea “intolerable,” and Trump famously vowed, “It won’t happen,” warning that any threats would be met with “fire and fury.”

North Korea is becoming increasingly isolated from the world

For years, experts and U.S. officials have stressed that North Korea’s human rights abuses must be addressed alongside its nuclear ambitions. The regime funds its weapons programmes through repression, forced labour, and cyber theft. The U.S. Congress recognised this in 2004 with the North Korean Human Rights Act, which prioritised human rights in diplomatic talks and authorised funding for independent media broadcasts and intelligence gathering. Though Congress renewed the law in 2008, 2012, and 2017, it lapsed in 2022. Despite this, funding has continued through the State Department’s human rights bureau. Ending this support would deprive the U.S. of vital insights as North Korea expands its global military presence and tightens control at home.

South Korea revives nuclear sub plans after North Korea’s progress

Facing increased threats from North Korea and Pacific tensions, South Korea is revisiting plans for nuclear-powered submarines to boost defence autonomy. On July 18, 2025, Foreign Minister nominee Cho Hyun announced plans to renegotiate the 123 Agreement with the U.S. to enable such development. Cho aims to revise the treaty to allow for nuclear sub capabilities, enhancing South Korea's deterrence and reducing reliance on the U.S. Navy. He noted that following internal review and U.S. coordination, the submarines may be introduced as part of a broader strategic upgrade.

Amid heightened regional tensions and U.S.-led military strikes, Iranian lawmakers are considering a potential withdrawal from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), a move that would mirror North Korea’s 2003 exit, the only such case to date. North Korea withdrew from the NPT in January 2003, citing threats to national security and later conducted its first nuclear test in 2006. Since then, it has remained the only country to formally leave the treaty. Other non-signatories include India, Israel, Pakistan, and South Sudan. Iran, a signatory since 1970, continues to deny pursuing nuclear weapons. However, the Iranian parliament is now reviewing the country’s NPT membership.

Russia to help North Korea produce Shahed drones, says Ukrainian intelligence

Russia has agreed to assist North Korea in establishing domestic production sites for Iranian-designed Shahed drones, according to Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency (GUR). In addition to drone technology, Western intelligence indicates that North Korea is receiving Russian assistance with its advanced missile systems, space programs, and nuclear capabilities. This support comes amid Pyongyang’s increased involvement in the Ukraine conflict, making it the only nation beyond the main belligerents to reportedly send troops to the front lines. The two countries formalised their growing military cooperation with a mutual defence pact signed in June 2024, solidifying what analysts see as a deepening strategic alliance.

North Korea fires over 10 rockets following U.S.–South Korea–Japan drills

North Korea launched more than 10 rockets into the Yellow Sea on Thursday, a day after South Korea conducted joint air drills with the United States and Japan, according to South Korean military sources. The projectiles were fired from Pyongyang’s upgraded 240-millimetre multiple rocket launcher system, unveiled in 2023. The system is reportedly capable of targeting key population centres, including the Seoul metropolitan area. A South Korean military official said the rockets travelled several tens of kilometres before landing in the Yellow Sea.

North Korea enforces harsh restrictions years after COVID-19, says U.N. official

North Korea continues to enforce severe civil rights restrictions more than two years after the global COVID-19 emergency was declared over, according to James Heenan, the U.N. Human Rights Office representative in Seoul. Despite the World Health Organisation lifting the global emergency status in 2023, North Korea has maintained strict lockdown measures, intensified border controls, and restricted nearly all cross-border activity. Reports indicate that “shoot-to-kill” orders remain in effect along the China border, enforced by North Korean special forces.

Zelenskyy warns of rising threat from North Korea’s missile support to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that North Korea’s growing military cooperation with Russia poses a significant threat to global security. In his June 20 video address, Zelenskyy cited the increasing use of North Korean-supplied ballistic missiles, now reportedly upgraded, against Ukrainian targets, describing it as evidence of deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. The Ukrainian leader warned that Russia consistently intervenes to protect its allies from international consequences and is actively facilitating North Korea’s and Iran’s weapons capabilities.

The year 2025 has brought to the forefront an updated ranking of the 10 most powerful long-range missiles in the world, highlighting a chilling yet critical aspect of global military power projection.

Topping the list is Russia’s RS-28 Sarmat, more commonly known as Satan II, with an unprecedented range of 18,000 km. This next-generation Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) is capable of carrying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), giving it both range and firepower to bypass most missile defence systems.

The Satan missile, its predecessor, still retains a formidable second position with a range of 16,000 km, a testament to Russia’s long-standing dominance in strategic nuclear delivery systems.

North Korea’s Hwasong-17, tested in 2022 and further refined by 2024, claims a range of 15,000 km, putting much of the globe within striking distance—a deeply alarming development for Western and Asian security analysts alike.

China’s dual entries—the DF-41 and JL-3—demonstrate the country’s technological maturity in both land-based and sea-launched ICBMs. Each of these missiles boasts a range of 12,000–15,000 km, expanding China’s second-strike capability significantly.

The United States continues to showcase its strategic triad with two key entries: Minuteman III (13,000 km) and the Trident II, a submarine-launched ballistic missile co-developed with the UK (12,000 km).

These systems ensure that the U.S. retains its credible deterrent across both land and sea platforms.

India ’s Agni-V, with an 8,000 km range, secures its place among the global top 10. The missile gained renewed attention following the April 2025 India-Pakistan standoff, where the South Asian giant placed its Strategic Forces Command on high alert.

France ’s M51 missile (10,000 km) and Israel’s Jericho III (6,500 km) reaffirm the presence of strategic deterrents outside the traditional P5 nations. While France ’s SLBM forms the core of its sea-based nuclear arsenal, Israel’s missile remains shrouded in strategic ambiguity.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed Longkumer’s appointment in a statement on June 17.

Aliawati Longkumer is a 2008-batch Indian Foreign Service officer from Nagaland. He has served in Indian missions in Qatar, Fiji, Germany, and Guatemala, and held roles in the UN and Pacific Division at India’s Ministry of External Affairs. He is currently the chargé d’affaires at the Indian Embassy in Paraguay and has been appointed India’s next ambassador to North Korea.

India shut down its embassy in Pyongyang in July 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions but reopened the mission in December 2024 after extensive security and surveillance assessments. The last Indian ambassador to North Korea was Atul Malhari Gotsurve, Hindustan Times.

While India froze all trade with North Korea in 2017 to comply with United Nations Security Council sanctions targeting Pyongyang’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, it never formally cut diplomatic ties.

Strategic concerns, particularly over North Korea’s assistance to Pakistan’s missile development, have kept the relationship under scrutiny.

India has previously provided humanitarian aid to North Korea, including food and medicine, and hosted North Korean officials for technical training. Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh visited Pyongyang in 2018, the highest level of Indian visit in decades.

The map from The World in Maps visually underscores the extent of the problem: counties shaded in red across vast swathes of the South, Midwest, and even parts of the West all fall below the 72.6-year mark . These findings stand in stark contrast to the popular perception of the U.S. as a global leader in health and longevity.

Health experts point to a range of factors contributing to this disturbing trend:

While North Korea’s regime has faced intense criticism for human rights violations and economic mismanagement, its life expectancy of 72.6 years outpaces that of many U.S. communities.

WHO reports that North Korea’s relatively consistent access to basic healthcare and nutrition, though limited in quality, still produces a baseline that some rural and underserved U.S. counties fail to achieve.

Experts emphasise the urgent need for comprehensive public health interventions, targeted social support, and expanded healthcare access in these vulnerable communities.

“These disparities are a wake-up call,” said Dr. Tom Frieden, former CDC director, in a related statement. “Addressing poverty, education, and healthcare access is critical to closing the gap.”

Yet, as the map above shows, a small group of countries remains outside this global circle. From communist giants to war-torn regions and ideologically rigid states, here’s a breakdown of why some nations still have no diplomatic ties with the Holy See.

Countries without diplomatic relations with the Holy See

Highlighted in red on the map, these countries currently have no formal diplomatic engagement with the Vatican:

Why do these countries stand apart?

1. China

China’s relationship with the Vatican is one of the most complex. Although there has been a provisional agreement since 2018 on the appointment of bishops, full diplomatic relations have not been restored since the Holy See recognised the government in Taiwan. The Chinese Communist Party maintains tight control over religion, making diplomacy difficult.

2. North Korea

With strict isolationist policies and no freedom of religion, North Korea has never established ties with the Holy See. There are no official Catholic churches, and any underground religious activity is met with severe punishment.

3. Vietnam

Vietnam and the Vatican have improved ties in recent years, with a resident papal representative now allowed, but no formal diplomatic status exists yet. Talks are ongoing, and observers expect a breakthrough shortly.

4. Saudi Arabia and Oman

Both nations are Islamic monarchies with no formal churches and strict bans on public Christian worship. Religious freedom is limited, making official ties with the Holy See nearly impossible under current laws.

5. Afghanistan

Ongoing conflict, the resurgence of the Taliban, and a strict interpretation of Islamic law leave no room for a formal Catholic presence or diplomatic recognition of the Holy See.

6. Somalia and Comoros

Both nations have weak governance and fragile internal conditions , especially Somalia, which faces instability and terrorism. Religious minorities, including Christians, are often persecuted.

The Holy See's global role

The Holy See isn’t just a religious authority—it’s a sovereign entity under international law , actively participating in:

Its diplomatic influence is seen as a moral and ethical counterbalance in global affairs, particularly on issues like migration, conflict resolution, poverty, and climate change.

Historically, South Korea has refrained from supplying weapons to active conflict zones due to its longstanding non-interventionist policy. However, recent reports from South Korea’s spy agency alleging that North Korea sent thousands of troops to aid Russia in its war with Ukraine have prompted Seoul to reconsider its stance.

Kyiv’s urgent need for air defense systems has grown amidst relentless missile attacks on its energy and civilian infrastructure. "Counteroffensives require stability in the rear," Han Kwon-hee of the Korea Association of Defence Industry told AFP, emphasising Ukraine’s dependence on robust air defense capabilities. 

Jung Sung-young, senior manager at Hanwha Aerospace, highlighted the country’s rigorous standards in weapons development and production. "As a divided nation, we have systematically established and implemented standards at the national level, from the development of these weapon systems to quality control," he said. 

"The quality, capability, and manufacturing supply chain of our products is sufficiently competitive compared to those of other countries," he added.

South Korea has already taken steps to position itself as a major player in the global arms industry. Aspiring to become the fourth-largest arms exporter globally—behind the United States, Russia, and France—it has seen significant advancements in its defense capabilities.

For instance, South Korea has supplied 155mm artillery shells to the United States under a “final user” agreement, which allows Washington to repurpose its munitions for Ukraine. 

According to the Global Firepower Index 2024, here are 10 countries in the world with the largest fleet:

Russia : Russia leads the world with a formidable fleet of 65 submarines. This includes a mix of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs), and diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs).

United States : The United States follows with 64 submarines. The U.S. Navy's fleet includes Ohio-class SSBNs and Virginia-class SSNs, which are known for their advanced technology and strategic importance.

China : China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) boasts 61 submarines. This fleet comprises both nuclear-powered and diesel-electric submarines, with ongoing developments to enhance its nuclear-powered capabilities.

North Korea : North Korea has a surprising 35 submarines. While many of these are older and smaller vessels, they still pose a significant threat in regional waters due to their sheer numbers and strategic deployment.

Japan : Japan operates a fleet of 23 submarines. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) focuses on advanced diesel-electric submarines, known for their stealth and efficiency.

South Korea : South Korea's fleet consists of 22 submarines. The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) has been expanding its submarine capabilities, including the development of indigenous designs.

Iran : Iran maintains a fleet of 19 submarines. These include a mix of smaller, coastal submarines and a few larger vessels, reflecting Iran's strategic focus on asymmetric naval warfare.

India: India's fleet includes 18 submarines. The Indian Navy operates a combination of nuclear-powered and diesel-electric submarines, with ongoing projects to expand and modernise its underwater force.

Turkey: Turkey has 12 submarines. The Turkish Navy's fleet primarily consists of diesel-electric submarines, with plans to introduce more advanced models in the future.

Greece : Greece rounds out the top ten with 11 submarines. The Hellenic Navy's fleet is composed of modern diesel-electric submarines, emphasising regional maritime security.

What they said

“The IOC would like to reiterate its sincerest and deepest apologies for the extremely regrettable mistake that was made by the television commentators at the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics Games Paris 2024 in the introduction of your National Olympic Committees team representing the Republic of Korea,” read the letter sent to South Korea Sports Ministry. Bach, according The Korea Herald added in his letter that the IOC “is working with all its partners to make sure that such incident will not be repeated during the Olympic Games.”

Africa

Kenyan president sacks cabinet, bowing to pressure from protests

On Thursday, July 11, Kenyan President William Ruto dismissed his entire cabinet, except for the foreign minister, in response to nationwide protests. These protests, led by the youth against proposed tax hikes, have escalated into the most significant crisis of his two-year presidency. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations turned violent, resulting in at least 39 deaths in clashes with the police last month. Read more here .

Find out the presidential candidates competing in Rwanda's 2024 elections

As Rwanda nears its July 15 presidential elections, the National Electoral Commission has confirmed three candidates for the nation's highest office. Out of nine applications, only President Paul Kagame, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana were approved to run. Read more here .

Intensifying Congo conflict puts 1 million children at risk of acute malnutrition

More than one million children in the Democratic Republic of Congo are at risk of acute malnutrition due to escalating violence, the World Health Organization reported on Friday. The ongoing two-year conflict between Congolese forces and the Rwanda-backed M23 militia in the eastern regions has severely impacted civilians, displacing 2.7 million people in North Kivu alone. Read more here .

Asia

North Korea's Kim sacks 'irresponsible' officials over new town project

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dismissed or demoted several senior officials for their 'irresponsible' management of his flagship project to construct a new town in the country's north, state media KCNA reported on Sunday, July 14. Kim announced during a visit to Samjiyon, where North Korea is developing what it describes as a 'socialist utopia' and 'a model of a highly-civilised mountain city,' featuring new apartments, hotels, a ski resort, and various commercial, cultural, and medical facilities. Read more here .

Pakistan Stock Exchange resumes operations after fire halted trade

Trading at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) resumed on Monday after a two-hour suspension caused by a fire at its Karachi headquarters. According to a notice on its website, trading was halted at 10:25 a.m. (0525 GMT) and was set to resume at 12:25 p.m. (0725 GMT). Read more here .

Nepal poised for new government after prime minister loses confidence vote

Nepal is poised for a new coalition government under the leadership of politician K.P. Sharma Oli, following the loss of a parliamentary vote of confidence by the more radical Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Friday, July 12, which concluded his tumultuous 20-month tenure. Read more here .

Latin America

Mexico's navy warns dual-use chemicals are boosting meth production

Mexican Navy officials overseeing the country's largest port are increasingly alarmed by the growing influx of unregulated 'dual use' chemicals used to manufacture synthetic drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl, four Navy officials told Reuters. According to U.S. officials, Mexico is the primary producer of the fentanyl found on U.S. streets. Read more here .

Brazil sees over 100 countries joining alliance against hunger, minister says

More than 100 countries are anticipated to support a global alliance against hunger proposed by Brazil to address the rising number of people facing food insecurity worldwide, a Brazilian minister said. Minister of Social Development Wellington Dias told Reuters on Thursday, July 11, that he will travel to the United Nations next week to advocate for the alliance. Read more here .

In Peru, remains of wealthy pre-Inca people unearthed at ancient capital

Archaeologists in Peru have uncovered the remains of what are believed to be wealthy members of the Chimu civilization, a pre-Inca society that flourished for centuries in the arid plains between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains. The remains of eleven individuals, estimated to be around 800 years old, were found buried with necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, according to lead archaeologist Sinthya Cueva. Read more here .

What they said

"North Korea threatens peace not only on the Korean peninsula but also globally by engaging in illegal weapons trade with Russia. In order to protect our freedom and democracy and economic prosperity from these reckless elements, solidarity among countries that share values, as well as strength, is essential," Yoon said in his remarks to U.S. military leaders and troops in a Reuters report.

With a capacity of 132,000 spectators, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, is the largest in the world. Following closely is the Rungrado 1st of May stadium located in Pyongyang, North Korea. This multi-purpose stadium can hold up to 114,000 football fans and entertainment lovers.

Nicknamed "The Big House," the Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, USA, has a capacity of 107,601, making it the third-largest stadium globally. Additionally, the Beaver Stadium located in Pennsylvania, USA, can host 106,572 spectators, placing it fourth on the list.

Also known as "The Horseshoe," the Ohio Stadium seats 102,780 and is the fifth-largest stadium in the world. Rubbing shoulders with these splendours in the sports world is the Kyle Field in Texas. This stadium is the home ground for the Texas A&M Aggies football team and has a capacity of 102,733, ranking it sixth.

Situated in Tennessee, USA, the Neyland Stadium has a capacity of 102,455 and is the seventh-largest stadium in the world. The eighth spot goes to the Tiger Stadium in Louisiana, USA. This stadium can accommodate 102,321 fans.

The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, following five years of escalating tensions on the peninsula. The Northern Korean People's Army invaded South Korea, aiming to unify the country under the communist North Korean regime. The war lasted until July 27, 1953, when an armistice was signed, agreeing to keep the country divided. The Korean War claimed over 2.5 million Korean lives, with North Korea aided by China and South Korea backed by the UN with the U.S.

Unification efforts

The Ministry of Unification , established in 1969, manages South Korea's unification policy, focusing only on North Korea, inter-Korean cooperation and economic ties.

In 1980, the National Unification Advisory Council (NUAC) was formed in South Korea, consisting of functional, local, and overseas members. It aimed to gather public opinions, serve as a central point for national unification preparations, and advise the President on unification policy.

In 2000, South Korean President Kim Dae-jung met North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, marking the first-ever meeting between the heads of the two Koreas. In 2007, South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun and Kim Jong-il of North Korea had another summit where they both emphasized the significance of unification. In their joint statements, they put forward several initial programs for unification, such as reuniting families separated by the war, humanitarian efforts, cultural exchanges, and economic development projects. Unfortunately, none of these initiatives have been consistently carried out.

South Korean President, Park Geun Hye formed a special committee in 2014 to "prepare for Korean unification," local media Daily NK reported and in 2019, South Korea’s president, Moon Jae-in, vowed to achieve the unification of Korea by 2045.

Recent Development

North Korea’s Kim has said the two Koreas are at "extreme" war and it will no longer seek reunification and reconciliation with South Korea. Speaking at the party’s end-of-year meeting, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un said North Korea has dropped the decade-long reunification goal, saying reunification is impossible, local media NK News reported.

On the other side, South Korea’s top official handling inter-Korean affairs called for stepped-up efforts to prepare for reunification with North Korea in the first week of January. This came days after Kim Jong Un stated that unification was an "impossible" dream.

The unification minister said South Korea will work to “create a path that does not exist and to rediscover the path that seems to have disappeared,” local media NK News reported.

What might be hindering unification?

Geopolitical challenges involve the influence of external powers, particularly China and the United States, and North Korea's possession of nuclear capabilities. There is also a difference in the living standards and productivity between North and South Korea. Various studies on potential reunification suggest that South Korea would bear a significant portion of the economic costs due to its higher per capita GDP and more advanced economy. The concern of how the politics of a united Korea would be managed and by whom also counts.

What would a unified Korea look like? According to the “ 2040 Korea Unification Vision Report ” by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Korea National Diplomatic Academy, if North Korea’s national income were to rise to 70% of South Korea’s by 2040-50, political unification would be achievable. Unification would make Korea the world's 7th largest economy, boasting an 80 million population.

The type of missile and the launch's outcome were not mentioned in the statement in any further detail.

The launch of this missile was North Korea's first known weaponry firing in more than two months. It came after South Korea earlier on Wednesday declared that the North Korean satellite launch had prompted a partial suspension of an inter-Korean agreement and the restart of border surveillance flights.

North Korea chastised South Korea for this action and declared that it would retaliate by stationing new and more potent weaponry along the border.

The satellite launch by North Korea on Tuesday night was sharply denounced by South Korea, the US, and Japan, who expressed the conviction that the purpose of the mission was to advance the nation's missile technology and create a space-based monitoring system.

U.N. Resolutions passed by the Security Council specifically forbid North Korea from carrying out satellite liftoffs because they are seen as attempts to test long-range missile technologies. Despite these limitations, North Korea maintains its sovereign right to launch satellites.

North Korea's neighbors are currently making efforts to confirm whether or not the satellite launched as declared was successful and whether it can carry out reconnaissance tasks.

The military of South Korea declared that although it believed the satellite to be in orbit, more time was required to verify its operation. While Japan has not verified the North's claim that the satellite has entered orbit, the Pentagon is also assessing the launch's success.

The Malligyong-1 satellite, according to North Korea's space agency, was safely launched into orbit on Tuesday night, around 12 minutes after takeoff. The leader of the nation, Kim Jong Un, witnessed the satellite launch firsthand and afterward paid a visit to the North Korean space agency's Pyongyang control center. There, according to state media, he was briefed that the satellite would formally begin its reconnaissance mission on December 1 after a period of fine-tuning.

The official news agency of North Korea, the Korean Central News Agency, stated that Kim was shown satellite images of the U.S. military installations in Guam, including Apra Harbor and Anderson Air Force Base. the Pacific region. According to the agency, these pictures were shot early on Wednesday.

North Korea, however, chose not to release these images to the public, which made many experts doubt the satellite's advanced military reconnaissance capabilities.

Similar to this, North Korea conducted a test launch in December and afterward published black-and-white satellite photos of South Korean cities. Many specialists at the time commented that the imagery was too basic for efficient surveillance. Experts claim that even though North Korea successfully launched Earth monitoring satellites into orbit in 2012 and 2016, none of these satellites have transmitted imagery back to North Korea.

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo conducted a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, stating on television that the government was proceeding with the suspension of a portion of the inter-Korean pact.

President Yoon Suk Yeol, currently on a state visit to Britain, earlier chaired a National Security Council meeting with some ministers and the national intelligence chief via video link.

The pact, referred to as the Comprehensive Military Agreement, was signed in 2018 between former South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Its goal was to de-escalate tensions on the Korean peninsula.

The agreement included the establishment of buffer zones with suspended live-fire drills, designated no-fly zones, removal of certain guard posts from the Demilitarized Zone dividing the countries, and the maintenance of hotlines, among other provisions.

However, the agreement has faced increasing scrutiny and calls for suspension or termination, with critics contending that it restricts Seoul's capacity to monitor North Korea's activities along the border.

In a statement, South Korea's National Security Council noted that the action would entail the reinstatement of reconnaissance and surveillance operations around the military demarcation line between the countries.

North Korea's state news agency, KCNA, reported that the Malligyong-1 satellite was launched from the Sohae satellite launch facility on a Chollima-1 rocket at 10:42 p.m. (1342 GMT) on Tuesday, entering orbit at 10:54 p.m. (1354 GMT). The announcement cited North Korea's National Aerospace Technology Administration.

Having notified Japan of its plan to launch a satellite between Wednesday and Dec. 1, North Korea's move follows two unsuccessful attempts this year to launch what it described as spy satellites.

Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, denounced the launch as "a brazen violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions," warning of increased tensions and the potential destabilization of the security situation in the region and beyond.

This launch marks the first since North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's meeting with Vladimir Putin at Russia's modern space facility in September, during which the Russian president pledged assistance to Pyongyang in building satellites.

South Korean officials suggested that the recent launch likely involved technical support from Moscow, part of a growing partnership that has seen North Korea supply millions of artillery shells to Russia. However, some missile experts caution that it may be premature to assume full integration of Russian technical assistance into the satellite or rocket at this stage.

“We have to see how properly this is being operated,” Lee Choon-geun, a rocket expert at South Korea’s Science and Technology Policy Institute said.

Russia and North Korea have refuted allegations of engaging in arms deals but are making public commitments to enhance their collaboration.

According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un personally supervised the launch, which occurred slightly more than a week before South Korea's scheduled launch of its inaugural spy satellite into space using a rocket operated by the U.S. company SpaceX.

Following the launch attempt in May, South Korea recovered the satellite wreckage from the sea and determined, through analysis, that it had limited utility as a reconnaissance platform.

The South Korean military expressed the belief that the recent rocket launch carried a reconnaissance satellite and was directed toward the south

In a report from Reuters, approximately 60 residents participated in the exercise in Tokyo's Nerima ward, which comes in the wake of several recent test launches by North Korea, ranging from short-range and cruise missiles to massive intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the continental United States.

Some of these launches, including a missile that flew over Japan's southern islands on August 24, triggered Japan's J-Alert system. This system enables authorities to immediately send warnings through television, email, and cellphone notifications to residents.

However, Mutsumi Takahashi, a disaster prevention official involved in Monday's drill, emphasized that some individuals remain unsure of how to respond when the J-Alert is activated, highlighting the need for more training.

"I believe we must continue to conduct training to educate residents on the correct actions to take in the event of a missile falling or passing over.”

Japan has organized over a dozen such drills throughout the country this year, although Monday's exercise was the first one held in Tokyo since 2018. During the drill, participants, wearing bibs, were divided into groups at a train station and a park.

When the test missile alert was sounded, police and disaster prevention officials, equipped with loudspeakers, swiftly guided the groups to designated shelter areas where they crouched down with their hands over their heads.

A small group of anti-war demonstrators assembled in front of the train station where the drill took place, chanting and displaying signs with messages such as "Missile drill is preparation for war" and "Diplomatic dialogue instead of missile drills."