(2024-12-12). Fiji government accused over human rights violations, free speech curb. asiapacificreport.nz 
By Apenisa Waqairadovu in Suva Fiji's coalition government has come under scrutiny over allegations of human rights violations. Speaking at the commemoration of International Human Rights Day in Suva on Tuesday, the chair of the Coalition of NGOs, Shamima Ali, claimed that — like the previous FijiFirst administration — the coalition government has demonstrated a…
(2024-12-12). Asia's frustrated young men celebrate the return of Donald Trump. aljazeera.com Young men from China to South Korea are celebrating Trump's re-election as a victory against anti-male sentiment.
(2024-12-12). Asia's first professional cargo hub airport sees over 1.2 million metric tons throughput. ecns.cn The Ezhou Huahu International Airport, Asia's first professional all-cargo hub, saw its accumulated throughput exceeding 1.2 million metric tons on Wednesday evening.
(2024-12-12). Main tower of 26th Harbin Ice and Snow World topped off>. ecns.cn The main tower of the 26th Harbin Ice and Snow World, Love among Asia, was topped off on Wednesday and is under polishing and lighting effects debugging before meeting the public.
(2024-12-12). Pacific police chiefs open Australian base for regional rapid deployment force. asiapacificreport.nz By Stefan Armbruster of BenarNews Pacific police chiefs have formally opened the headquarters and training center for a new stand-by, mutual assistance force in Australia to support countries during civil unrest, natural disasters and major events. The Pacific Policing Initiative was declared operational just 17 months after chiefs agreed in 2023 on the need to…
(2024-12-12). Significance of Public Diplomacy in Ensuring Global and Eurasian Security. pressenza.com The School of Preventive Public Diplomacy, from November 30 to December 13, held panel discussions on "Preventive Public Diplomacy in Ensuring Global and Eurasian Security" at the Eurasian Network University. This program was organized by the Scientific and Educational Center "Globus XXI Century" of the Faculty of Global Processes of Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Foundation for Public Diplomacy, and the State University of Management. | At the start of the program on November 30, within the School's framework, the panel discussions included practical sessions where course participants worked on specific…
(2024-12-12). 'Our lives don't matter': Bangladeshi Hindus under attack after Hasina exit. aljazeera.com Bangladeshi Hindus – seen as allies of ousted PM Sheikh Hasina – face mounting threats, amid anti-India sentiments.
(2024-12-12). Is Bangladesh Living Up to Its Promise of Religious Harmony? pressenza.com Bangladesh is a compelling example of interfaith harmony in a world increasingly polarized by religious strife. The country, with its rich tapestry of diverse religious communities, has historically embraced coexistence among Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. This commitment to unity is not merely a cultural artifact; it is woven into the very fabric of the nation's identity and governance. | By Tanim Jasim | Recent events, however, have tested this harmony. The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a monk associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), has sparked significant unr…
(2024-12-12). BRICS Expansion a Boon for ASEAN. infobrics.org Indonesia's formal application to join BRICS, confirmed recently by Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Roy Soemirat, highlights the bloc's increasing appeal among emerging economies…
(2024-12-12). Hubei province launches cultural exchange camp for Chinese Indonesian youth. ecns.cn A group of teachers from Central China Normal University and Peking Opera theater of Hubei Province embarked on a journey of cultural exchanges to Indonesia on Wednesday evening.
(2024-12-12). Understanding Indonesia's Decision to Join BRICS. infobrics.org Indonesia has officially become a new BRICS partner, joining countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Türkiye, Nigeria, Cuba and Kazakhstan. Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono announced this shift at the most recent BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia…
(2024-12-12). Afghan refugees minister killed by suicide blast blamed on IS. newarab.com 
(2024-12-12). Hong Kong unearths 30 rocks of dinosaur bone fossils. ecns.cn About 30 rocks containing dinosaur bone fossils were unearthed at Port Island in Hong Kong, south China, according to the Development Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China (DEVB) on Wednesday.
(2024-12-12). China opens new mega cross-sea link in Greater Bay Area. ecns.cn The Huangmaohai Sea-Crossing Passage, a major project in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) connecting Zhuhai and Jiangmen, officially opened on Wednesday afternoon, shortening travel time between the two cities from over an hours to about 30 minutes.
(2024-12-12). China issues sixth tranche of yuan-denominated treasury bonds in HKSAR. ecns.cn China's Ministry of Finance (MOF) issued the sixth tranche of yuan-denominated treasury bonds of 2024 worth 6 billion yuan ($825.5 million) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Wednesday.
(2024-12-12). HK's IPO market to keep top 5 ranking in 2025. ecns.cn International accounting firm KPMG foresees improved investor confidence in Hong Kong's IPO market and expects it to maintain its position among the global top five in 2025, as its financial funding sector shows robust resilience.
(2024-12-12). Visa-Free Travel to Russia for Indian Travellers Expected by Spring 2025. infobrics.org Planning a trip to Russia? Well, it might be hassle free in the coming months. As per the latest news reports, Indian travellers will soon be able to enjoy visa-free travel to Russia, potentially as early as spring 2025…
(2024-12-12). SC takes suo moto cognizance of Justice Shekhar Yadav's anti-Muslim rants. ummid.com In an important move, the Supreme Court of India has taken suo moto cognizance of Allahabad High Court Judge Shekhar Yadav for his anti-Muslim rants at a VHP event.
(2024-12-12). India: Farmers Intensify Mobilization Despite Government Crackdown. popularresistance.org Scores of women held candlelight vigils in support of over a hundred farmer leaders arrested by the Uttar Pradesh police in India on Tuesday, December 10. The protesting women warned authorities against intimidating the families of the farmers and demanded the immediate release of all those detained. | The vigils took place in villages near New Delhi, where farmers have been agitating for months. Their demands include proper compensation for land acquired for the development of large townships, the return of 10% of developed lands to those affected, and adequate rehabilitation for families who have lost their onl…
(2024-12-12). Fukushima: Disaster Response is to Spread Radioactive Waste to the Commons. counterpunch.org 
Japan has doubled down on the nuclear industry's routine practice of spreading radioactive pollutants to public air space and to common waterways.[1] In addition to the pumping of tens of thousands of tons of radioactively contaminated cooling water to the Pacific Ocean from the Fukushima-Daiichi reactor complex, the government has announced its intention to spread
(2024-12-12). 10 Good News Stories for Kids in 2024. hrw.org Click to expand Image | Children at the Khone Phapheng Falls, Laos, December 3, 2019. | © 2019 Sergi Reboredo/VWPics via AP Photo | At the end of each year, Human Rights Watch likes to take stock of human rights progress for children around the globe. From strengthening children's access to education to better protecting kids during wartime, here are some of our favorite examples from 2024.Tajikistan and Laos banned all corporal punishment of children, joining 65 other countries with such bans. Five countries—Burundi, the Czech Republic, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, and Uganda—pledged to enact legi…
(2024-12-12). The Philippines repatriates over 30 Chinese offshore gamblers in joint operation. ecns.cn Chinese and Philippine authorities repatriated more than 30 Chinese nationals involved in offshore gambling operations in the Philippines on Thursday, according to the local Chinese Embassy.
(2024-12-12). South Korean president faces second impeachment vote. wsws.org The opposition Democrats have pledged to repeatedly reintroduce the impeachment motion to parliament, after the first was defeated on December 7, until President Yoon is forced from office.
(2024-12-12). South Korea's Yoon vows to 'fight to the end' over martial law fallout. aljazeera.com South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol pledged to fight "to the end" just days ahead of another impeachment vote.
(2024-12-12). South Korea's Yoon vows to 'fight to the end' as leadership hangs in limbo. aljazeera.com South Korean leader defends short-lived martial law decree as leader of his party throws support behind impeachment.
(2024-12-12). With martial law defeated, now is a decisive moment for change in South Korea. peoplesdispatch.org Following Yoon's failed attempt to impose martial law, the situation continues to unfold as each passing moment shakes the foundation of the current social order and further opens the horizon of possibility.
(2024-12-12). Ma Ying-jeou leads youth exchange visit. ecns.cn Ma Ying-jeou will lead a group of Taiwan youth to the Chinese provinces of Heilongjiang and Sichuan later this month to participate in an ice-themed major event and engage in other exchange activities…
(2024-12-12). Mainland dismisses DPP narratives. ecns.cn The Chinese mainland on Wednesday dismissed allegations by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party that it is using social media influencers from the island for "united front" tactics, calling the claims an attempt to manipulate public opinion and stoke cross-Strait tensions.
(2024-12-12). The High Price of Pretty Feet: Addressing the Plight of Nail Salon Workers. counterpunch.org 
Nail salons are often hailed by labor economists as an immigrant success story. Well over half of the 200,000 salons nationwide — up from just 50,000 in 2010 — are owned and operated by Vietnamese women. But there's a huge downside: the industry is rife with health and safety violations. Not only are American consumers — mostly women,
(2024-12-11). Indian government incentivises companies to produce environmentally friendly vehicles. tvbrics.com 
The finance ministry has reduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on electric mobility vehicles from 12 per cent to 5 per cent…
(2024-12-11). Indian government injects US$14.7 million into agri-startups for innovation in agriculture. tvbrics.com 
The programme offers up to US$6,000 for early-stage ideas and up to US$30,000 at the seed stage…
(2024-12-11). Russia's Sberbank Says India Business Booming Despite Western Sanctions. infobrics.org Bilateral trade with India booming as Russia pivots east…
(2024-12-11). Pentagon debunks its own propaganda about North Korean troops in Ukraine. infobrics.org Even though the Neo-Nazi junta frontman Volodymyr Zelensky "confirmed" that North Korean troops are allegedly in Ukraine, the Pentagon debunked such claims — twice in two weeks.
(2024-12-11). CovertAction Bulletin: South Korea Fights Back Martial Law. covertactionmagazine.com Calls for the resignation of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol have rung out from civil society and beyond after Yoon declared martial law on December 3rd. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) called for strikes until Yoon steps down, and groups under and beyond that organization are heeding the call…
A Contemplation by Sharmin Rahman Sumi 
Donald Trump, a man who never shied from bold declarations, has once again turned the global stage into a theater of economic brinkmanship. His target: the BRICS coalition, a bloc of emerging powers that includes China, Brazil, India, Russia, and South Africa (and now Iran, the UAE, Ethiopia, and Egypt as well). With more than 
I don't know if it was murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson or not, but I saw Taxi Driver again for the first time in years. Watching Robert De Niro's Travis Bickle, however, I was reminded more of 'lame duck' South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol and his declaration of martial law—an intensely straight line, in 
A week ago, Tuesday night, at 10: 25 PM on December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol unexpectedly appeared on television and declared martial law. That was the first time in 45 years of a modern country with a vibrant democracy and, it just sent a shock wave across the country and surprised the international community. | I have lived in Korea for the past 10 years where foreign residents have always been on the alert about what's to happen on the Korean peninsula where the two countries are technically at war and have constant tensions. A recent estimate indicates that over 2.5 million foreign nationa…