South East Asia

Today's headines: Chinese real estate giant Evergrande files for bankruptcy shield in US court; Eight new towns established in Muslim-majority areas of Mindanao; In Manipur, landslides also block aid to the displaced population; Record number of divorces in Saudi Arabia: 350,000 in one year.

PM 2.5 level of 153 reached. On 13 August, it recorded the worst figure on a global scale. Among the causes were transport, industry, the energy sector and housing. President Jokowi dictates some 'guidelines' and dusts off the Covid-era remote work. Expert warns: more 'awareness' is needed among people.

Today's headlines: Trilateral summit set to begin between the US, South Korea and Japan at Camp David; A Chinese university estimates the over-60s will make up 38% of the population in the People's Republic by 2050; Corruption to avoid controls behind Indian syrup deaths in Uzbekistan; Belarus closes down sixth opposition party closed down in just three months.

No change of majority in the six states where votes were cast, but Muhyiddin Yassin's Perikatan Nasional gains support. The government coalition formed after the uncertain outcome of last year's national vote is weighed down by the poor result of UMNO, now reduced to a marginal party. The premier: 'The government will move forward'.

Today's headlines: Kakar is Pakistan's interim prime minister until elections; 30 missing in Jade mine landslide in Myanmar; New attack on an Iranian Shia shrine in Shiraz; Suspension of Radio Veritas broadcast lifted; Russia's birth rate drops to all-time low.

Sister Marie and Sister Teresa brought new life to the congregation of the Lovers of the Cross in Kompong Cham after the fall of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. As they say in their testimony, their journey began in the 1990s, and went hand in hand with the country’s reconstruction.

Environmentalists welcome the move, which has the support of the United States. One of the Chinese companies involved is under US sanctions. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi today called for an easing of tensions following recent incidents in the South China Sea. Under President Marcos’s administration, the Senate takes a bipartisan stance against Beijing's claims.

The bishop of Surabaya passed away yesterday at the age of 69. He had been hospitalised for some time. One of his many initiatives was establishing a seminary, which, over the years, has played a major role in priestly training. Many fellow bishops remember the “Chinese” bishop for his zeal in financial matters.

Today's news: One of the Thai king's sons is back from the United States. Viet Nam’s president met with the country’s bishops. South Korean cities organise "blind dating" for singles to facilitate nuptials. The term "homosexual" can no longer be used in Iraqi media. In Russia, more and more inmates from women’s prisons are enlisting with the military.

Munarman , who is currently serving a three-year sentence, repeated the ritual words, swearing allegiance to the Indonesian state and Pancasila. In prison he followed a pilot project of deradicalisation, and helped improve it. His group was banned in December 2020 for terrorist and extremist activities.

As of 1 August, Russia will let Myanmar nationals enter its territory with easily accessible electronic visas, while Myanmar plans to open consulates in Novosibirsk and St Petersburg. As the war in Ukraine continues, many Russians are relocating to the Southeast Asian country. Given the greater Russian presence, the Russian Orthodox Church announced the construction of a new Church of the Transfiguration in Yangon.

News of the day: A Myanmar general responsible for a civilian massacre is promoted. India bans the use of Chinese parts in Indian drones. Chinese propaganda appears on a wall in London's Brick Lane. Iran plans to open a free trade zone on its border with Afghanistan. Turkmenistan is cutoff from the Internet. Russia has launched more treason investigations this year than in the previous 20 years.