Dario Salvi

Today's headlines: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's allies defeated in local elections in Sabah; Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia remains in hospital in “very critical” condition; In South Korea, the trial for corruption against the leader of the Unification Church begins; Israeli Prime Minister requests presidential pardon for corruption cases, over 70,000 victims in Gaza; Death toll from bad weather in Southeast Asia rises to over 600.

Today's headlines: thousands of Syrians take to the streets to celebrate the first anniversary of the uprising that ousted Assad; Chinese car manufacturer BYD recalls nearly 90,000 vehicles due to battery problems; The ICC rules that former Philippine President Duterte must remain in prison; Hong Kong mourns the victims of the fire; Bangladeshi workers arrested in Singapore for drugs. Japanese court rules ban on same-sex marriage constitutional.

Supporters say the new rules simplify the system and benefit companies and workers. Critics say the laws will “only benefit” owners, undermining employees' rights. Described as the “most radical” in decades, it reduces the previous 29 federal laws into four simplified codes, from 1,400 to 350 rules overall.

Banned in the 1979 after the Islamic Revolution, opium cultivation could be legalised again by Iran’s parliament. Supporters argue it is necessary for critical drug production, while opponents accuse the government of seeking profits. The goal is to increase production from 450 tonnes per year to about 1,000 tonnes.

In Sri Lanka, the preliminary death toll from Typhoon Ditwah stands at 56, with 44,000 people affected. Hundreds of millimetres of rain fell in just a few hours. Government offices and schools are closed. In Indonesia, 19 people are confirmed dead with scores trapped by mud and debris. The archbishop of Medan has launched a fundraiser.

The senator opens a new chapter in the family feud, which threatens to affect the whole country. After accusing her brother of being a drug addict, she claims that a leadership vacuum exists in the country; for this reason, she is calling for the vice president to take over. Political differences and a mounting corruption scandal are behind the clash. But some observers question the leadership skills of Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

On the day of Pope Leo XIV's arrival in Turkey, AsiaNews publishes a reflection by Metropolitan Job. The theological dialogue between Orthodox and Catholics does not seek compromise. On the contrary, it produces fruits and agreements on the path towards visible Christian unity. The common condemnation of Uniatism as a method and the interdependence of primacy and synodality.

After Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, Leo XIV is now visiting the country on his first apostolic trip abroad. From the post-Regensburg controversy to the attacks over the Armenian genocide, the Turkish leader and his predecessors have had a sometimes troubled relationship with Roman pontiffs. For Fr Monge, the type of unity proposed by Pope Leo XIV is an expression of diversity reconciled by the Holy Spirit.

The annual ordinary session of the Iraqi Church, led by Cardinal Sako and attended by 20 bishops, was held in Baghdad. The final declaration emphasised the importance of “team spirit” in order to put past divisions behind them. A warning to respect “quotas” to protect their presence in institutions.

The two countries struck a deal after divisions had led to speculation about a fallback on the organisation's headquarters in Bonn. Turkey will host the event, while Australia will chair the talks. Concerns remain about the true effectiveness of the collaboration between the two countries, coupled with criticism from Pacific nations who had hoped to see the event take place in their region.

South Korea’s highest court upheld a municipal ordinance easing building restrictions near heritage sites. This is a victory for Seoul’s incumbent Mayor Oh Se-hoon. Places like the Jongmyo Shrine are at risk. According to the UN body, "uncontrolled vertical development" can have negative impacts.

Today's news: The Afghan Taliban say the latest round of talks has failed due to Islamabad's "irresponsible and uncooperative" approach. North Korea threatens further "offensive action" against South Korea and the United States. Hundreds of delays and cancellations occurred yesterday at Delhi airport due to a management system issue. More than a hundred people have been missing or kidnapped in Syria since the start of the year.