BANGLADESH
Bangladeshi authorities suspect a measles outbreak is behind the deaths of more than a hundred children in the past three weeks, with health authorities launching an emergency vaccination campaign in the most affected areas. Last week, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman ordered two senior ministers to travel across the South Asian nation of 170 million people to assess the extent of the crisis and coordinate a response. According to the Ministry of Health, 17 deaths have been confirmed, plus 113 suspected deaths, and more than 7,500 infections so far.
MIDEAST – UNITED STATES
The United States and Iran, along with regional mediators, are discussing a 45-day truce that could pave the way to an end to the war, Axios reported. However, according to informed sources, chances of an agreement within 48 hours remain limited, the last to prevent further escalation. In Iran a man named Ali Fahim was hanged for attacking a military facility in January, while dozens of universities, schools, and research centres have been reportedly damaged by US and Israeli strikes. For its part, the Islamic Republic has launched attacks on US sites in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The latter is also demanding that any ceasefire agreement must guarantee unhindered access through the Strait of Hormuz. Lastly, an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon on Easter Sunday killed 11 people.
KOREA
President Lee Jae Myung expressed "regret" to North Korea for a drone strike carried out by a South Korean without government approval and reiterated Seoul's commitment to preventing future incidents. A National Intelligence Service (NIS) employee and an active-duty military official are believed to be involved in the case. Lee also noted that the constitution prohibits individual acts of provocation against North Korea.
AFGHANISTAN – CENTRAL ASIA
Afghanistan wants to boost trade with Central Asia to US$ 10 billion within the next three to four years, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi stated yesterday, noting that trade in 2025 will reach US$ 2.7 billion, an increase over previous years. The goal was set during a "constructive dialogue" in Kabul during a meeting with representatives of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan to discuss the economy, security, regional cooperation, trade, and the expansion of transit routes. One of the main projects is the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline.
THAILAND – GULF
The rising cost of living is becoming a challenge for Thai families, most of whom are already feeling the strain of the Gulf War as the Songkran holiday (Buddhist New Year) approaches. A survey by Suan Dusit University finds that many are struggling with soaring prices linked to the oil crisis, with approximately 62 per cent reporting a drastic rise in expenses, even for essential goods. Another 43.87 per cent are worried that goods may run out or deliveries may be delayed.
JAPAN
Nearly 500 people aged 65 and over died between 2006 and 2024 murdered or abused by family members or relatives who cared for them, a problem highlighting the challenges inherent in in-home care. According to Japan’s Ministry of Health, the number of elderly-only households exceeds 17 million, and cases in which both the caregiver and the care recipient are elderly are on the rise. Experts say the 486 deaths – 142 men and 344 women – are just the "tip of the iceberg." At least 220 cases are homicides.
RUSSIA – CHINA
The Russian holding company Global Ports has reached an agreement with Russian Railways RZD and Russian Post to finance high-speed freight trains from China to St Petersburg and throughout northern Russia, on the Hunchun-Yanino line, with a maximum transfer time of 15 days. The route is expected to be ready by this summer to move mail and consumer goods on a regular basis, including household appliances, clothing, and footwear.
ARMENIA – AZERBAIJAN
Trade between Armenia and Azerbaijan is experiencing significant growth, as research by Azattyk Asia shows, because of a strategic shift that is progressively reducing Russian influence. According to analysts, this is the crucial step towards reaching a final peace agreement between the two countries. Trade includes Azerbaijani energy products, as well as wheat and cereals from Kazakhstan and Russia going to Armenia, and agricultural products from Armenia going to Azerbaijan.
