After liberation from Japanese rule, Chinese characters were dropped in favour of Hangul, the Korean writing system; nevertheless, 57 per cent of the Korean vocabulary is derived from them. At present, due to overuse of smartphones and video games, two out of ten students struggle to understand words in textbooks; for this reason, some educators are pushing for the reintroduction of Hanja to improve literacy. But the issue remains politically divisive.
Kuala Lumpur calls on the UN to review the peacekeeping mission, concerned for its 500 troops (Malbatt Battalion) on the ground. Meanwhile, patrols have been suspended. Jakarta calls for a thorough investigation into the deaths of three soldiers in March. A joint statement with 73 signatories was submitted to the Security Council.
Seven years on from the attacks that claimed 269 lives on Easter Sunday, the Minister of Security reported to Parliament on the state of the investigation following the breakthrough in February with the arrest of the former head of the intelligence services. Linked to the same group is a long chain of criminal acts that began two years earlier, of which Sallay was aware but failed to act. Suspicions point to a political level above the Islamist leader Zahran Hashim.
In a reflection sent to AsiaNews on the eve of the prayer vigil for peace called for tomorrow by the Pope – which coincides with the anticipated start of talks between the United States and Iran in Pakistan – the cardinal recalls that peace is not an “external matter”, but “arises from within” and becomes “word, gesture and way of life”. If conscience “is silenced, aggression grows”. The cross “shows that true power is not that which crushes, but that which remains faithful to the truth”.
Today’s headlines: renewed exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah, whilst Trump accuses Tehran of manipulating the situation in the Strait of Hormuz on the eve of talks in Pakistan. Tokyo wants to outlaw human genome ‘editing’ in the context of fertilisation. Singapore and Cambodia sign an agreement to strengthen food security. Dhaka sentences two police officers to death for the killing of the first protester during the 2024 anti-government riots.
Like all Eastern Churches, Christians in Armenia are preparing to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on Sunday 12th, reviving ancient customs such as holding eggs in their hands as they make their way to the Easter Vigil. Among the deeply meaningful rites is the Andastan, with the blessing of the four cardinal points to symbolise the rebuilding of a new world founded on faith and unity.
