According to UN statements yesterday, Afghanistan's humanitarian needs exceed those of Syria and Turkey after the earthquakes. The Taliban urge people not to use illegal migration channels, but there are 28 million (out of a population of 42 million) people in need of assistance.

Gunfire was reported early yesterday morning, but the Torkham border crossing was closed the previous evening. Afghanistan slams Pakistan for failing to set up facilities for “transit, sick people and passengers”. Pakistani minister raises the security issue at an international forum to the Taleban’s annoyance.

Iranian Foreign Minister pulls out of the Raisina Dialogue in India after organisers post a video showing Iranian women cutting their hair. For the Islamic Republic, this constitutes interference in its internal affairs. The two countries could work together in the region, especially in Afghanistan.

Local authorities ask for 30 per cent of food or money meant for the population. Provincial officials make contradictory statements; one admits that NGO employees are asked for a portion of their salaries. Meanwhile, life for Afghans gets more complicated.

Today's headlines: Myanmar junta has torched over 55,000 homes in two years; wind and solar power in China almost ready to cover all domestic energy needs; Damascus opens two more border crossings to facilitate aid entry; Caritas Philippines launches a fundraiser for Turkey and Syria; New governor for Japan's Central Bank.

Today's headlines: Chinese expert calls for birth incentives to boost the economy; calls for the release of Afghan women's rights activist Parisa Mubariz, arrested by the Taliban; Burmese military regime facilitates the issuing of gun permits to citizens 'loyal' to the state; Russian Orthodox magazine calls for the excommunication of 300 priests who called for an end to the war in Ukraine.