From the historic church in Goa to the cathedral in Xi’an, there are many places across Asia that commemorate the message of the saint from Assisi, on the 800th anniversary of his death. Among the most recent is the chapel built in the image of the Porziuncola near the heavily fortified border between the two Koreas.
The 20th edition of the Asian Games is kicking off in Nagoya, Japan, featuring 43 sports and 469 events, including five new disciplines: mixed martial arts, teqball, padel, surfing, and virtual taekwondo. The Games blend tradition with innovation, but an approaching typhoon threatens to disrupt the schedule.
More than 60 countries have gathered in Singapore for the first Global Cooling Pledge Assembly to address extreme heat while simultaneously curbing the growth of energy consumption (and emissions). In South Asia, this problem already results in the loss of millions of workdays and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable groups.
In a statement for Social Justice Week, the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference condemns antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism. The Bondi Beach massacre was a sign of an ominous escalation of hatred. Pauline Hanson, a populist anti-Asian immigration militant, represents a worrying escalation.
The Maldivian government plans to repeal the Uninhabited Islands Act. Its objectives include balancing the authority of the central government with the interests of local communities. President Muizzu is open to domestic and foreign investors. Critical issues include the centralisation of powers and environmental protection.
The new UN SOFI report shows that the number of undernourished people in Asia continues to drop, although significant regional imbalances remain. However, a prolonged energy crisis in the Middle East could increase the number of hungry people on the continent by 10 million by 2030.
The latest survey by the Pew Research Center shows a strong polarisation in Asia and Asian societies. While territorial disputes are a major source of fear, Beijing is seen more positively among middle- and low-income countries.
Today’s headlines: over 600,000 people have been evacuated in Wenzhou ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Bavi, which has already hit Japan and Taiwan. Six graves and a fountain at an Armenian cemetery in Istanbul have been vandalised, leaving the community ‘saddened’. A petition has been accepted on behalf of three Thai sailors who were victims of an attack on their vessel in the Gulf. Dozens have been arrested in India during protests following the rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl.
Today’s headlines: A fire in Fujian, the ‘shoe capital of China’, claims 28 lives; Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to launch his own AI-generated avatar; Hotels and restaurants in Japan struggle to cope with over tourism; Pakistan also wants to act as a mediator in Libya.
Today’s headlines: Seven Rohingya school girls and their teacher die in Bangladesh landslide. New US strikes against Iranian targets, prompt Iranian retaliation on American bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar; Pakistani aircraft that went missing yesterday off the coast of Karachi located; South Korea’s delivery riders loose long legal battle against a leading delivery firm.
With Japan’s elimination in the round of 16 – the only team to have progressed beyond the group stage – the continent now has no teams left in the competition. The stark contrast with Africa and the wave of resignations, from South Korea to Saudi Arabia. The case of Iran, which remained unbeaten but was eliminated on goal difference (and due to hostile politics). The players’ message: “May peace and friendship prevail”.
Washington's framework agreement is Beirut's only hope of regaining territorial integrity and sovereignty, while neutralising Hezbollah, and securing the return of displaced populations. However, the country is split over the agreement and could strengthen Shia militias. For the first time, areas have been designated where the Lebanese and Israeli armies will have a direct line of communication.
The 29-year-old striker for the German national team is the son of migrants originally from the Viranşehir district. He is the first Kurd to score at a World Cup, celebrating the goal with a traditional dance. He was also the target of a campaign peppered with racially charged insults during a Europa League match in Istanbul. Nine players from this ethnic-religious minority are taking part in the tournament.
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