Nepal has decided to print on its 100 rupee banknotes a map of the country that includes disputed territories with India. The Indian Foreign Minister immediately expressed his disapproval. A working group had been set up in 2024 to resolve the border dispute, but the meetings were suspended from 2019.
Manahel al-Qatabi's conviction for seeking an end to male guardianship is just the latest of a long list. A man who denounced corruption and human rights violations on social media was given a death sentence. Scores of people are serving “lengthy” prison terms.
More than five million seek employment over the age of 60 to survive. Those in the less developed regions in the north, east and south are in the greatest difficulty. In Bangkok 'only' 25% have to work. Public pensions are inadequate, difficult to access a private or company pension fund.
Today's news: Families begin Rafah evacuation while Gaza ceasefire talks remain stalled; Pakistani farmers announce a march against falling wheat prices; In Malaysia, data centres boom in the Johor region, very close to Singapore; Four Jehovah's Witnesses sentenced in Russia to six and a half years for 'terrorist activity'.
On the border between Kazakhstan and Beijing, instead of camels and flocks, there are rows of increasingly imposing trucks loaded with new vehicles for the Asian and Russian markets. Among the Kazakhs there is mistrust of the symbols of Beijing's 'invasion', but the large trade centre of the free trade zone is now a destination for 'pilgrimages' like the historic wooden mosque.
From the Vatican new call for peace in the Middle East. But also a thought for the ‘tormented Ukraine’ that ‘suffers so much’. Best wishes to the brothers and sisters of the Orthodox Churches for Easter celebrated today, according to the Julian calendar. ‘May the Risen Lord comfort the communities that are in trial’.
