Suspended in 2011 following mass protests, the hydroelectric project in Kachin State is set to be revived by the military ahead of upcoming elections. For analysts and the local community, this is a political manoeuvre to strengthen ties with China, which would receive 90 per cent of the energy produced, despite potentially serious damages to the environment, local communities, and security.
This is a time to see the lights everywhere in the city and hear questions from young Chinese about the "exotic festival" from the West. Local Catholics show a surprising ability to combine mass culture and evangelisation. “I like to think it is a ‘hidden prophecy’ of the True Light for which everyone yearns, and a glimmer of freedom for those who live the greyness of everyday life,” a source living in China told AsiaNews.
Despite the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, the conflict continues on the southern border. Economic and human interdependence in the region is such that when one village suffers, everyone suffers. Garlands and nativity scenes timidly decorate the deserted alleys. The Christmas market at the Sacred Hearts School. ‘For us, it means telling the world that we are here for life.’
The Punjab government has promoted the Christmas Interfaith Harmony Rally. Thousands of participants, with the capital decorated for the festivities. The Christian community rejoices at this sign of recognition and public dignity and the fight against discrimination. A step by Maryam Nawaz's administration towards the inclusion of Christians in Pakistani society.
Today's headlines: Amazon blocks applications from 1,800 North Korean workers; ASEAN announces meeting between Cambodian and Thai delegations tomorrow to stop the war; Japan uses AI to counter bear attacks; New clashes between government militias and Kurdish forces in Aleppo.
Political scientists, philosophers, analysts and representatives of various associations meet at the annual conference of the Sakharov Centre in Berlin. What emerges is a picture of a society divided between the Z-Patrioty, the ‘turbo-supporters’ of the special operation in Ukraine, and the Uklonisty, the ‘reluctant’ who do not want to openly express their opinions on the war.
