Iran: At least 10 dead in protests against high living costs
Today's news: South Korean President Lee visits Beijing amid China-Japan tensions over Taiwan. A health emergency is reported in the Indian city of Indore due to contaminated water. An elderly Philippine woman is facing deportation from the United States, where she has lived for 40 years. Russian bombings in Donbass killed a priest member of the pro-Moscow Church who wanted to stay close to his congregation.
IRAN
At least 10 people, including two members of the Basij paramilitary force, have been killed during protests that have spread across Iran. Tensions have risen as authorities warned demonstrators not to allow economic demands to degenerate into unrest. Deaths have been reported in several western provinces, where clashes between protesters and security forces have been most intense. The protests were triggered by soaring inflation, the collapse of the country’s currency, and the rising cost of living. On 1 January, President Masoud Pezeshkian promised to crack down on corruption and vested interests, while also calling for moderation and national unity.
SOUTH KOREA – CHINA
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will travel to Beijing on a state visit starting tomorrow, where he will meet with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. This will be the second meeting after Xi's visit to Gyeongju for the APEC summit two months ago, an unusually short interval that, according to analysts, indicates China's strong interest in intensifying relations. China is seeking to strengthen ties with South Korea amid growing tensions with Japan over Taiwan. Also on the table is the issue of relations with North Korea, with which the Lee administration would like to reopen dialogue.
INDIA
In the state of Madhya Pradesh, the city of Indore – often celebrated as India's cleanest city for its sanitation achievements—is facing a shocking public health emergency in early 2026. In Bhagirathpura neighbourhood, home to 15,000 people, poor water quality has triggered a wave of illnesses. The crisis quickly escalated with at least nine confirmed deaths and 200 patients hospitalised for treatment.
PHILIPPINES – UNITED STATES
An ailing 70-year-old Philippine grandmother, a green card holder, faces deportation after four decades in the United States. According to her family and the migrant rights Tanggol Migrante advocacy group, Rebecca Pinyerd suffers from severe kidney disease, thyroid problems, and uncontrolled blood pressure. She has been in detention for nine months and her health has deteriorated. Pinyerd's deportation was scheduled for 2 January, but activists managed to secure a victory by convincing United Airlines to cancel the flight, pending Pinyerd's medical clearance to board.
JAPAN
According to an estimate by the International Monetary Fund, Japan's economy is set to fall behind India's in 2026, dropping to fifth place globally. Government data show that the Japanese economy contracted for the first time in six quarters in the July-September period, partly due to weak exports, which were penalised by tariffs imposed by the United States under President Donald Trump. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development said the Japanese economy is expected to return to growth with 0.9 per cent this year, but will still face two major risk factors: the devaluation of the yen and diplomatic tensions with China.
RUSSIA – UKRAINE
Russian bombing in the disputed territories of Donbass has killed an Orthodox priest, protopriest (protoiereus) Vasily Kiyko, pastor at the Protection of the Mother of God Church in the village of Grishino in the Donetsk region, a member of the pro-Russian Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP). The village is on the front line, but Father Vasily remained close to his parishioners despite the dangers, "a man of great heart who prayed for peace.”
TAJIKISTAN – AFGHANISTAN
Tajikistan's border police services have reported an attempted armed attack on the southern border, resulting in the deaths of two guards. A group of Afghan terrorists crossed the border in Shamsiddin province and, after being discovered, opened fire, apparently planning an attack on one of the posts. Three were arrested in possession of numerous weapons.
.png)
