On 1 July, a ban came into force on countries that are not signatories to the Basel Convention, the international treaty against the transport of hazardous waste, including plastic. In 2024, 35,000 tonnes of rubbish arrived in Malaysia from the US, now in search of a new destination. China had already closed its ports in 2018, shifting this lucrative but dangerous trade to Southeast Asia. Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia still have less stringent regulations.
For some time now, the authorities in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan have banned end-of-school-year celebrations in order to ‘avoid excesses’. However, these celebrations continue to take place in secret in country houses or basements, with spending on gifts increasing year after year.
The promoters of the moralising campaign are Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman and Kidapawan Mayor Jose Paolo ‘Pao’ Evangelista. The bans concern the use of promoting one's image on projects and initiatives financed with public funds. A ‘no gifts’ policy has also been applied in government offices.
The largest foreign investment in the history of Sri Lanka has been on hold since the start of the year. Differences between the government over local market share have stopped the Sinopec project in Hambantota. The economic recovery plan has raised fears that it will damage the country’s oil sector and energy security.
The pontiff’s message for the Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation has been released. For the past 10 years, the Church has celebrated this observance on 1 September. “[D]eforestation, pollution and the loss of biodiversity” are sins whose consequences are paid mostly by the poor. A new formulary for a Mass specifically dedicated to prayer for the care of creation will be added to the Roman Missal.
On the eve of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama announced that the Gaden Phodrang Trust will recognise his next reincarnation. Religious tradition will thus be respected while China will be excluded from any role. However, Beijing immediately responded by claiming control over the process. This heralds a future with two Dalai Lamas and a major legitimacy crisis that could turn into a wider geopolitical confrontation.
