Paolo Fossati

Some local administrations want to to counter rural exodus through financial incentives, ranging from US$ 2,700 to US$ 8,900. Most brides (73 per cent) come from Vietnam followed by other Southeast Asian nations. For critics, "shopping-like marriage leads to linguistic barriers and human rights problems." Women from Uzbekistan are the most "expensive".

They participated in an event organized by the Korean Conference of Religions for Peace (Kcrp), which brings together the seven major religions in South Korea. Also commemorating the centenary of the "March 1 Movement", a popular uprising against the colonial rule of Japan. The day of the celebrations, churches, cathedrals and Buddhist temples will ring their bells in unison.

The event takes place every two or three years, rotating among the island’s seven dioceses. This year's goal is to prepare the faithful for the International Eucharistic Congress in Budapest next year. The significant drop in the number of Catholics shows the need for a new evangelisation in Taiwan. Developments in relations between the Vatican and mainland China have modified the ties between the Holy See and the country.

Thai police have pledged to make 2019 the year in which temples will be cleaned up. The abbot at Wat Ro Charoen was on the run for 15 years in connection with attempted murder and illegal weapons possession. Donations to Buddhist entities total US$ 3.6 billion a year. Government and religious leaders have adopted measures to save the image of the country’s dominant religion.

Denuclearization and economic concessions the issues that will be addressed by the two leaders. Pyongyang invokes patriotism: "Let us try to show the world the dignity and stature of our nation". In Seoul, President Moon meets religious leaders: "Peace for prosperity that benefits everyone".

The number of accidents caused by drivers over the age of 65 increased from 17,590 in 2013 to 26,713 in 2017; the number of victims from 737 to 848. The government introduces measures to encourage older people to stop driving. In several provinces, money and incentives for those who hand in their license.

The city-state has been penalised by its reliance on exports to China. The government recorded the slowest on-year pace since the third quarter of 2016. Electronics and semiconductors are a source of vulnerability. GDP growth in 2019 is expected to be less than 2.5 per cent.

After decades of discrimination, racism against the ethnic minority is banned. Tourism will be promoted in Hokkaido, home to the remaining 12,300 Ainu.

The murder took place on January 29, 2017. Ko Ni was killed outside the Yangon airport shot at point-blank range. The Muslim lawyer wanted to change the militarist Constitution. The bishops spokesman: "We reiterate no to capital punishment".

In Kaesong a summit to organize the joint event to commemorate the March 1 Movement. Japan ruled the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945. In 1919, patriots publicly read the Unilateral Declaration of Independence. Tokyo carried out a ferocious repression: over 7 thousand dead, and 10 thousand injured.

The death of a couple sheds light on the terrible working conditions some 30 million truck drivers put up with. Over 14 million trucks transport 76 per cent of all Chinese freight, travelling an average of 100,000 kilometres per year. Hauling goods by road in China is cheaper, faster and more flexible than rail transport. A working day can last up to 20 hours and individual runs can last a whole month.

In April, Indonesians will pick their president, vice president and lawmakers. Political, religious and civil society leaders are worried about voters’ apathy. The archbishop of Semarang issued an appeal for national unity: "Our opinions and political choices may be different, but Indonesia is us".