In Vietnam, hundreds of drivers are getting ready for a two-day boycott against the platform's deductions, which drivers claim amount to as much as 40–45 per cent of the fare. Since 2024, Grab has implemented a flexible pricing system based on various factors. With an estimated 70 per cent market share, finding alternatives is no easy task.
The Minister for Security blocks the Malay language editions and buries publication permission for the only Catholic newspaper. It also stops the importation of Protestant books which use the word “Allah”. Its use outside Islam is considered a “very sensitive” issue.
After the victory of the People's Power party, which is very close to the former prime minister, the road has been opened for the return of Thaksin Shinawatra, who was driven out last year by a military coup, but is still greatly admired by the population.
The cardinal archbishop of Mumbai tells AsiaNews of his sadness and concern over the events in Orissa, but recalls the salvation that springs from hope, and emphasises the unique character of the Indian population, who have nothing to do with the extremist fringes.
The 2004 tsunami was one of the worst natural disasters of modern times. It killed more that 225,000 people, leaving millions homeless. From India to Thailand prayers are said in memory of those who lost their life. Reminders are voiced that much remains to be done for the tens of thousands of homeless families.
Marking the feast of St. Stephen, Benedict XVI recalls the missionaries priests nuns and lay faithful who still today are persecuted, tortured, imprisoned and denied their freedom because of their faith and their union with the pope. Martyrdom manifests the disarming force of truth and love in the face of brutal enemy violence.
The coming of Jesus is stronger than our hoplessness. His life is stronger than the tragedies in our history. The Spirit is stronger than materialism. Our Christmas wishes for AsiaNews readers and the world.
In the predominantly Muslim island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines ordinary citizens have started nightly patrols in the streets around churches to allow Catholics to celebrate “dawn masses” until Christmas.
A company took 144 hectares of land for building. But the farmers set out on protest march to Manila lasting over two months, and they have been camped outside the Agricultural Commission for weeks. The Church throws its’ weight behind the protest. Now Arroyo has ordered that the land be restored.
The survey carried out by two international financial consultants among executives of leading companies show they all agree that the South East Asian nation along with India will see rapid growth in coming years. Beijing remains in first place, but “is losing interest”.
74 parishes from the Archdiocese of Tharae-Nongsaeng compete during the Advent season: the most beautiful star is declared winner and then processed to the Archbishops’ residence. The government sponsors the event as “the greatest tourist attraction”.
In China the EU’s special envoy to Myanmar meets with government officials, who reaffirm: Burma is an “internal affair” we will not intervene. But Beijing is considered the only power capable of putting pressure on Naypydaw. And until now only superficial advances have been obtained in negotiations with the generals.
AsiaNews publishes the appeal by some Catholics in Myanmar to Benedict XVI. The fear that the world might forget the sufferings of their country is also present in the testimonies of some Buddhist refugees gathered in Thailand: the systematic cruelty of the military regime, the disarray of health care, the destruction of the education system, and the massive exploitation of resources and manual labour on the part of great powers like China have brought the country to its knees, and it is losing any hope for change.
Subscribe to the newsletter to receive verified news, analysis and insights from Asian countries every week.
Subscribeto the newsletter
