Hundreds of aftershocks hit southern Philippines after magnitude 7.8 quake
Hundreds of aftershocks have shaken southern Philippines after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mindanao on Monday morning. Officials say the death toll stands at 37, with 487 people injured, and warn that the number could still rise as responders reach more affected areas. The quake has caused widespread damage across parts of the island, with buildings collapsing and roads cracked or blocked by landslides.Emergency teams are still working to reach coastal cities and towns, where the scale of destruction is becoming clearer. Bernardo Alejandro, an assistant secretary with the agency overseeing disaster response, said search and rescue remained the priority... [Continue Reading]
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Tehran teacher describes daily life under war as schools move online and prices rise
A teacher in Tehran has described how daily life has changed after the war between the United States and Israel and Iran disrupted schools, internet access and ordinary routines across the city. The account centres on Mehran, a 47-year-old teacher in central Tehran, who is now teaching students online from a cramped apartment while his family also tries to study and work remotely. The picture that emerges is of a capital city where normal activity continues in limited form, but under conditions shaped by weak connectivity, shortages and rising costs.According to the account, the conflict has forced universities, schools and... [Continue Reading]
India and Indonesia expand strategic talks ahead of likely Modi visit to Jakarta
India and Indonesia have held high-level talks in New Delhi focused on defence, maritime security, digital connectivity and infrastructure, as both sides look to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership. The discussions were co-chaired by India's external affairs minister and his Indonesian counterpart at the 8th India-Indonesia Joint Commission Meeting. The ministers also discussed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's likely visit to Jakarta next month.According to the confirmed details, the meeting covered a wide range of bilateral issues, including political and security cooperation, trade and investment, health, pharmaceuticals, fertiliser, critical minerals, tourism, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides also exchanged views... [Continue Reading]
Nepal says it is willing to resolve India boundary tensions through diplomacy
Nepal's foreign minister has said Kathmandu is willing to resolve border tensions with India through diplomacy and an "open-heart" dialogue, after talks in New Delhi with India's external affairs minister. Shishir Khanal said the two sides held detailed and productive discussions on 6 June, and that Nepal wants to build a mutually beneficial relationship for prosperity in both countries. His remarks came as he continued a three-day visit to the Indian capital aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.Khanal said the talks covered the full spectrum of the relationship, including trade, cross-border connectivity, energy partnership, water resources management and people-to-people ties. He... [Continue Reading]
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India pushes ahead with Great Nicobar strategic island project
Bulldozers are clearing forest on Great Nicobar Island as India moves ahead with a $12.5 billion project that is being framed by officials as strategically important for defence, trade and maritime connectivity. The island lies in the eastern Indian Ocean, about 40 nautical miles from the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's busiest shipping routes. The project is intended to create a major hub on an island that is also home to indigenous communities and sensitive ecosystems.The plan has been championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said last year that it was of "strategic, defence and national importance".... [Continue Reading]
EU backs Pashinyan ahead of Armenia's decisive elections
The European Commission has said it is standing firmly behind Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan days before Sunday's elections, in a public show of support that links the vote to Armenia's wider shift towards Europe. The statement comes as Brussels prepares a package of financial and trade measures aimed at easing pressure on Armenia's economy. The move also underlines the growing geopolitical tension around Armenia's direction and its relations with Russia.European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday that Moscow was "weaponising economic relations for political pressure" by extending export restrictions on Armenian products. She said the EU's... [Continue Reading]
The role of community policing in nurturing acceptance
In a highly polarized world and a highly volatile situation, many wars are perturbing the lives of many, forcing governments to take real measures to protect their citizens. Away from the geopolitical analysis and speculation, I would like to highlight one of many important aspects related to war preparation, which is the protocol of living in community shelters, historically comparable to the use of air raid shelters during major conflicts. During the war in Lebanon in the mid-eighties, I published an article about this protocol, and it seems very relevant to these days. 1- This is not your house: A... [Continue Reading]


