Asia
Gaza: where do truce negotiations stand?
On 29 April senior Hamas representatives headed to Egypt for talks aimed at halting Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza. Although previous talks have yielded few results, both sides have expressed a willingness…
Afghanistan: gun attack on mosque kills six
On 29 April a gunman attacked a mosque in western Afghanistan, killing six people. The mosque, reportedly belonging to Afghanistan's minority Shia community, was targeted during prayer. Among the victims was a prayer…
India: world’s biggest election explained
On 19 April Indians commenced voting for their next parliament, with Narendra Modi seeking a third term. Opinion polls favour his BJP party and its allies over an opposition alliance of over two…
Climate change: Asia most affected
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has reported that Asia bore the brunt of climate change and weather-related disasters in 2023. Floods and storms caused significant casualties and economic damage, while heatwaves intensified. Asia's…
Middle East Christians: subdued Easter celebrations
This year’s Easter celebrations in the Middle East were subdued. In Gaza City, Christians who have found refuge in the Holy Family Church brought palm branches to the Palm Sunday service. One of…
North Korea: new proposal for enforcing sanctions
The USA, South Korea, and Japan are proposing a new multinational panel outside the UN to enforce sanctions against North Korea. Russia rejected renewing the UN panel which has monitored sanctions for fifteen…
Gaza: no exit strategy in sight
The ongoing war in Gaza has now lasted six months, with escalating violence and a rising death toll. Israel's allies are growing impatient with the lack of a viable plan to end the…
South Korea: crushing electoral defeat for ruling party
The liberal opposition, led by the Democratic Party (DPK), has secured a significant election victory, winning 192 out of 300 seats in South Korea’s national assembly. The result is seen as a midterm…
India: free movement with Myanmar revoked
Vanlalchaka, who lives in the border village of Zokhawthar, has been assisting refugees fleeing the civil war in neighbouring Myanmar since 2021. His village operates seamlessly with Khawmawi, a village just across the…
Taiwan: aftermath of major earthquake
Taiwan is grappling with the aftermath of its strongest earthquake in 25 years, leaving over 35 people missing and more than 660 trapped. The quake, measuring at least 7.2, struck near Hualien on…
