Tehran is looking at alternative transport routes from Pakistan to China. The exploitation of a rail corridor to China, especially valuable for oil transport, is under consideration. A fourth South Korean ship has successfully crossed the Red Sea. Energy is also a central issue at the ASEAN Summit in Cebu.
The killing of an aide to a prominent Bharatiya Janata Party leader has heightened tensions following the Hindu ultranationalist party's historic election victory. Accusations of irregularities have been levelled, while Hindutva supporters have targeted the activities of Muslims, whose vote was fragmented. In Assam, Muslims backed the Indian National Congress, fuelling polarisation.
At the Shrine of the Virgin of the Rosary, Leo XIV called for prayer to be put back at the centre. “The wars that are still being fought in many regions of the world require a renewed commitment that is not only economic and political, but also spiritual and religious." In his message on behalf of Indian Catholics, Cardinal Poola writes that, “Pope Leo XIV’s first year is a call to renewed fidelity: to be artisans of peace, builders of communion, and servants of the poor.”
Residents on Koh Romduol found the remains while planting banana trees near an old cemetery. Authorities expect to unearth more bones buried in surrounding farms. The remains will be preserved as historical evidence until they are moved to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
Malaysian activists criticise what they describe as the country’s “selective” approach to humanitarian issues. Support for Muslims in the Middle East is counterbalanced by silence regarding violations committed in Myanmar and by China. The call to maintain “moral consistency” in the fight for causes and freedoms.
ASEAN continues to keep its distance from Myanmar’s military junta: at the summit in Cebu, Philippines, regional leaders demanded access to Aung San Suu Kyi and refused to officially recognise the elections that brought Min Aung Hlaing to power. Meanwhile, however, the humanitarian crisis in the country is worsening: millions of displaced people, widespread hunger and new army offensives against civilians in the Mandalay region.
