The latest official demographic data show opposite trends in the two East Asian countries. Despite government measures and some tentative signs regarding fertility rates, Japan is failing to reverse the trend. South Korea is experiencing a rise in births among women over 30, but the country is still the most affected by the demographic winter.
A billion-dollar deal between Fincantieri and the Indonesian holding company Republikorp. A confirmation of President Prabowo's investments in defense and the army, which goes hand in hand with operations abroad such as sending soldiers to Gaza. The vessel will be used for rescue and emergency response operations, but it will also be able to carry armed drones.
Two days in Israel to strengthen cooperation between New Delhi and Tel Aviv. Meetings with migrants and Indian businesses, trade, and strategic agreements consolidate an increasingly close alliance between the two countries, voluntarily keeping the Palestinian question in the background. There are also ideological affinities between the BJP and the Israeli right. According to SIPRI data, India already accounts for 34% of Israeli arms exports.
An NGO denounced the false accusation against Sarwar Masih, meant to illegally seize his property, which his family has occupied for over 70 years. Islamic banners have been displayed to prevent any reconciliation. For Naveed Walter, president of Human Rights Focus Pakistan, this “reflects a disturbing pattern”. Impartial investigation and reforms against the abuse of blasphemy laws are called for.
Today's headlines: Jimmy Lai wins appeal against 2022 fraud conviction, but remains in prison for national security law conviction. Burmese rebels of the Arakan Army (AA): 17 civilians killed by army air strike in Rakhine. International Committee for the Protection of Journalists: Israeli army killed 84 journalists in 2025. OpenAI bans China-linked account for operations against Sanae Takaichi.
A new bill under consideration by the Duma seeks to limit the right to hold religious services in private buildings in order to ‘prevent the spread of hostile radical ideas.’ All religious denominations, including the Russian Orthodox Church, are opposed to the bill. Protestant communities would be the most affected, as they have been unable to obtain land to build their own churches since Soviet times.
