(2024-12-26). Laos/Thailand: United Nations body petitioned over the enforced disappearance of Thai dissident. fidh.org On 20 December 2024, the International Federation for Human Rights and (FIDH) and Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) submitted a communication to the United Nations (UN) Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) concerning the enforced disappearance of exiled Thai political activist Surachai Danwattananusorn.
Bangkok, Paris, 23 December 2024. Surachai's enforced disappearance occurred in the context of efforts by Thai authorities to persecute dissidents who fled to (…) | – |
(2024-12-26). Cardinal David slams Israel, says Jesus would have been born in Gaza. asiapacificreport.nz By Victor Barreiro Jr in Manila Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, bishop of Kalookan, has condemned the state of Israel on Christmas Eve for its relentless attacks on Gaza that have killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. "I can't think of any other people in the world who live in darkness and are always in the…
(2024-12-26). Five journalists killed by Israeli air strike near hospital — media watchdogs condemn killings. asiapacificreport.nz Pacific Media Watch Five Palestinian journalists have been killed in a new Israeli strike near a hospital in central Gaza after four reporters were killed last week, reports Al Jazeera citing authorities and media in the besieged enclave. The journalists from the Al-Quds Today channel were covering events near al-Awda Hospital, located in the Nuseirat…
(2024-12-26). Memorials held across Asia to mark 20 years of devastating tsunami. aljazeera.com The 2004 tsunami caused devastation across 14 countries, killing 220,000. Asia holds memorials honouring the lives lost.
(2024-12-26). Jesting on the Environment: Australian Mining Gets a Present. asia-pacificresearch.com
(2024-12-26). (W.E. Talk) How China leads regional development against global economic headwind. ecns.cn In the latest W.E. Talk, Zhang Yansheng, researcher of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, pointed out that China's strategy to boost domestic demand, promote high-level opening-up, and accelerate the development of new quality productive forces will profoundly reshape its role and position in the world and the Asia-Pacific region.
(2024-12-26). Thailand embraces smart farming tech from China. ecns.cn As a major agricultural country in Southeast Asia and a global producer of natural rubber, Thailand is now seeking to transform its pillar sector with help from China's smart farming technology.
(2024-12-26). Thailand: ICRC and Thammasat University screen film, host discussion on IHL and South-East Asian history. icrc.org
(2024-12-26). Italy: Draft bill 1236 targeting peaceful environmental activism. fidh.org
(2024-12-26). Carpentier y la convergencia de literatura, música y folclore (+ Video). cubadebate.cu "La vida es un constante renacer de cenizas, una lucha perpetua contra la desesperación y el olvido", diría Alejo Carpentier en su novela El acoso (1956). A 120 años de su nacimiento, volver sobre la obra del destacado escritor sigue siendo un modo de rescatar lo mejor de la literatura y la idiosincrasia cubanas.
(2024-12-26). Bangladesh: Hopeful embrace ends eight years of despair as Mariam is reunited with her husband. icrc.org
(2024-12-26). Amazing but True: Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to wait 25 years for their turn. ummid.com If you are in Indonesia and wish to perform Hajj, you will have to wait for over 25 years, it comes to fore after a glance at the waiting list in the country.
(2024-12-26). Pakistani military conducts airstrikes on militant hideouts in eastern Afghanistan. presstv.ir The Pakistani military has conducted a series of airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, targeting hideouts of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant group.
(2024-12-26). Afghan Diaspora Celebrates Yalda in Defiance of Taliban Repression. themedialine.org 
(2024-12-26). Who is Pete Hegseth? aclu.org President-elect Donald Trump has nominated the Fox News Channel host Pete Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense (DOD). If confirmed, the military veteran will lead the nation's armed forces in what will be his first appointment to a political office. | Hegseth was commissioned as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard and he served in Afghanistan and Iraq after 9/11. Prior to his stint as a talk show host on Fox News, he led the nonprofits Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America. | The ACLU has spent more than 100 years holding power accountable. While as a matter of policy the ACLU doe…
(2024-12-26). How George Soros became 'Enemy Number 1' for India's Modi. aljazeera.com The BJP has accused the billionaire of funding initiatives critical of Modi, aimed at destabilising India.
(2024-12-26). Australia's batsmen take control against India on day one of fourth Test. aljazeera.com Teenager Sam Konstas captured plenty of attention with a superb batting debut on day one of fourth Test in Melbourne.
(2024-12-26). China, India maintain close communication on border situation: China's Defense Ministry. ecns.cn China and India maintain close communication on the border situation, making "important progress", China's Defense Ministry says…
(2024-12-26). Bringing Gaza Home. counterpunch.org 
In Ft. Wayne, Indiana, this September, I was arrested with a long-time activist friend, Cliff Kindy, for blocking the entrance to a Raytheon Corp. facility. We both requested jury trials and the dates were set for mid-December and early January. Prosecutors dropped the charges in each case and the trials did not happen. For my
(2024-12-26). India in BRICS: Eyeing New Alliances and Global Influence. infobrics.org As BRICS gets ready to welcome its new members, India is expected to strengthen its position within the bloc. With the inclusion of Argentina, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, the group is evolving from a coalition focused on development and trade to an organisation with potential geopolitical clout. In this shifting landscape, India's strategic positioning and economic significance make it a key player in steering the future direction of BRICS…
(2024-12-26). AISSEE 2025 Registration Starts, Apply Here. ummid.com Online registration and application form submission for All India Sainik School Entrance Exam 2025 (AISSEE 2025-26) has started on the NTA website aissee2025.ntaonline.in, parents who wish to admit their wards in Military Schools should note.
(2024-12-26). Contribution of Non-Muslim Journalists in Promotion of Urdu Journalism. ummid.com The book focusses on the role and contribution of non-Muslim i.e. Hindu, Sikh and Christian journalists in promoting Urdu journalism in India.
(2024-12-26). CA Final Nov 2024 Result: Where and How to Check. ummid.com The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) CA Final Novermber 2024 result can be checked on the official website 'icai.nic.in' following the steps given here.
(2024-12-26). SOS-defenders platform: Expose arbitrary detention of human rights defenders worldwide. fidh.org A collective of local, regional and international human rights organisations unveils SOS-Defenders, an action platform that exposes the alarming scale of arbitrary detention of human rights defenders worldwide.
Geneva, 13 December 2024. This information hub, which will progressively expand to cover more countries, has already documented 274 cases of arbitrarily detained human rights defenders across 17 countries (Bahrain, Belarus, Cambodia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Iran, Jordan, (…) | – |
(2024-12-26). Japan Airlines hit by cyber attack, delaying some flights. aljazeera.com JAL says it has suspended ticket sales for all services on Thursday following incident.
(2024-12-26). Nepal Quran Contest ends with record participation. ummid.com Holy Quran Memorization Competition 2024 ended in Nepal with the participation of over 750 contestants — both male and female, with a Prize Distribution Ceremony held on Monday December 23, 2024.
(2024-12-26). South Korea's opposition files motion to impeach acting president. aljazeera.com Opposition seeks to impeach Han Duck-soo for not appointing judges to the constitutional court.
(2024-12-26). South Korea considers piloting visa-free policy for Chinese group tours. ecns.cn The South Korean government announced on Thursday it is considering a pilot visa-free policy for Chinese tour groups.
(2024-12-26). Taiwan's presidential hopeful Ko charged with bribery, misusing donations. aljazeera.com Former major of Taipei Ko Wen-je has been indicted over property development and campaign finance scandals.
(2024-12-26). Thailand : Sixth conviction of pro-democracy activist Anon Nampa under "lèse-majesté" charges. fidh.org
(2024-12-26). BRICS Expands With Nine New Partner Countries. popularresistance.org With its nine members and nine partners, BRICS now makes up roughly half of the global population and more than 41% of world GDP (PPP). | The group is an economic powerhouse, including top producers of key commodities like oil, gas, grains, meat, and minerals. | At the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia in October 2024, 13 countries were invited to become BRICS partners, meaning they are on the path to full membership in the near future. | Nine of these 13 nations accepted the invitation. The remaining four did not give a formal response as of the end of 2024. These were Algeria, Nigeria, Türkiye, Vietnam.
(2024-12-26). Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra to perform Christmas charity concerts in Hanoi. tvbrics.com 
The programme will feature popular melodies and classical music…
(2024-12-26). Vietnam-Cuba ties moving forward, says Cuban ambassador. plenglish.com Hanoi, Dec 26 (Prensa Latina) Cuban ambassador Rogelio Polanco stated that the special and close relations between Vietnam and Cuba are moving towards a new stage marked by comprehensive, effective, sustainable, and substantive cooperation.
(2024-12-25). Gaza Christians pray for end of Israeli war's 'death and destruction'. asiapacificreport.nz 
Asia Pacific Report Silent Night is a well-known Christmas carol that tells of a peaceful and silent night in Bethlehem, referring to the first Christmas more than 2000 years ago. It is now 2024, and it was again a silent night in Bethlehem last night, reports Al Jazeera's Nisa Ibrahim. Not because of peace. But…
(2024-12-25). Thailand: ICRC and Thammasat University screen film, host discussion on IHL and South-East Asian history. icrc.org
(2024-12-25). Publisher tells of storytelling and its role in shaping Fiji's identity. asiapacificreport.nz 
By Cheerieann Wilson in Suva Veteran journalist and editor Stanley Simpson has spoken about the enduring power of storytelling and its role in shaping Fiji's identity. Reflecting on his journey at the launch of FijiNikua, a magazine launched by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on Christmas Eve, Simpson shared personal anecdotes of growing up in Savusavu,…
(2024-12-25). Pakistan, Bangladesh Relation and Memories of 1971 War. ummid.com After decades of hiatus, Bangladesh and Pakistan have made a major step toward a new era of regional cooperation in South Asia, riddled with suspicion, distrust, disrespect, and lack of neighbourliness among the eight countries.
(2024-12-25). Kia Syros Launch in India Confirmed – First Look. ummid.com South Asian automobile giant Kia has confirmed the launch of its compact SUV Syros in India next year.
(2024-12-25). A Journey of Humanism: My Experience with the 3rd World March for Peace and Non-Violence. pressenza.com 
by Maruf ul Alam
| Humanist Movement, Uttara Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh | I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the 3rd World March for Peace and Nonviolence for granting me the opportunity to partake in an experience so rare and transformative. This journey has left an indelible mark on my life, one that I carry with profound reverence and gratitude. | The Humanist Movement has become a vital thread in the fabric of my existence, influencing my thoughts and actions in ways words often fail to express. When I reflect on my daily life, I realize that many of my deeds embody values ‚&A…
(2024-12-25). Bangladesh: Hopeful embrace ends eight years of despair as Mariam is reunited with her husband. icrc.org
(2024-12-25). Israeli army forces patients out of north Gaza hospital, medics say. newarab.com 
Israeli troops forced The Indonesian Hospital is one of the Gaza Strip's few still partially functioning hospitals, on its northern edge, an area that has been under intense Israeli military siege for nearly…
(2024-12-25). Amazing but True: Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to wait 25 years for their turn. ummid.com If you are in Indonesia and wish to perform Hajj, you will have to wait for over 25 years, it comes to fore after a glance at the waiting list in the country.
(2024-12-25). The West, Gaza, and the Global Majority: A Relationship Reshaped by Genocide and the End of His-Story. counterpunch.org 
Since the beginning of this century, triggered by the US's illegal invasion of Iraq, its occupation of Afghanistan, and aided by the arrival of the turbo-charged digital age, there has been a significant growth in interest within those in the non-Western world around issues related to their colonial past. This quest has been shaped by seeking answers to fundamental questions linked to events in
(2024-12-25). Iran Pushing for Afghanistan's Stability: Araqchi. tn.ai TEHRAN (Tasnim) — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi voiced Tehran's support for the Afghan people in their bid to enjoy stability, sustainable security and development.
(2024-12-25). Pakistan air strikes in Afghanistan spark Taliban warning of retaliation. aljazeera.com The first cross-border strike inside Afghanistan since March came after a spate of attacks by the Pakistani Taliban.
(2024-12-25). Pakistani military conducts airstrikes on militant hideouts in eastern Afghanistan. presstv.ir The Pakistani military has conducted a series of airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, targeting hideouts of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant group.
(2024-12-25). Pakistan Launches Air Raids on TTP Sites in Eastern Afghanistan. themedialine.org 
(2024-12-25). India to test satellite docking technology. plenglish.com The launch vehicle will guide them to a circular orbit of 470 kilometers. After docking operations between the two satellites, they are expected to separate at a distance of about 10 to 20 km between them, the space agency said. | According to ISRO, Spadex is a mission to demonstrate cost-effective technology that enables docking actions in space using two small spacecraft. | It means it is essential to India's space ambitions, such as previous lunar missions, the return of samples from Earth's natural satellite, and the construction and operation of the space station. | Spadex consists of two satellites designe…
(2024-12-25). The Debate on Indian Constitution. ummid.com The Indian Parliament spent two days discussing the Indian Constitution.
(2024-12-25). Pakistan says its nuclear program is peaceful and for self-defense. plenglish.com Islamabad, Dec 25 (Prensa Latina) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan's nuclear program is peaceful, for self-defense and ruled out any concessions in this regard, local media reported.
(2024-12-25). US, UK, EU condemn Pakistan's convictions for civilians: Why it matters. aljazeera.com The EU has warned that Pakistan could be violating a trade deal. Without it, Pakistani exports could be hit 20 percent.
(2024-12-25). South Korea's Yoon defies second summons over martial law decree. aljazeera.com Embattled leader fails to appear for questioning over short-lived declaration of martial law for second time in a week.
(2024-12-25). Taiwan struggles to reconcile climate ambitions and chip manufacturing. aljazeera.com The island's semiconductor industry represents one-quarter of GDP but is a major source of carbon emissions.
(2024-12-25). China repudia venta de armamento de EEUU a Taiwán. radiohc.cu La Habana, 25 dic (RHC) El portavoz de la Oficina de Asuntos de Taiwán del Consejo de Estado de China, Chen Binhua, expresó hoy el firme rechazo de este Gobierno a la venta de armas de Estados Unidos a Taipei.
(2024-12-25). China repudiates U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan. plenglish.com Beijing, Dec 25 (Prensa Latina) The spokesman of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council of China, Chen Binhua, today expressed his government's firm rejection of the sale of U.S. arms to Taipei.
(2024-12-25). China slams U.S.' National Defense Authorization Act containing negative content related to Taiwan. ecns.cn In response to the U.S. signing into law of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, which contains negative content related to Taiwan, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office.
(2024-12-25). DPP depriving youth to learn Chinese culture and history. ecns.cn A Chinese mainland spokesman on Wednesday said Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party has deprived Taiwan youth of their rightful opportunity to learn about Chinese culture and history by introducing educational policies and curriculum distorting Chinese history.
(2024-12-25). Direct chartered flight launched between China's Harbin, Bangkok. ecns.cn The first chartered flight from Bangkok, Thailand to Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, successfully landed at Taiping International Airport on Wednesday.
Israeli forces targeted the third floor of al-Awda Hospital in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, Al Jazeera Arabic reported on Monday. | In nearby Beit Lahia, the Israeli army reportedly detonated remote-controlled explosives at the Kamal Adwan Hospital, leaving at least 20 patients and medical staff wounded. | In a statement, Gaza's Health Ministry said that Israeli soldiers are forcing patients, including the wounded and ill, to evacuate the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia. | This comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told lawmakers on Monday that "some progress" had been made in nego…
Against the backdrop of nearly 11 years of total war in Ukraine, Russia and North Korea are increasing military cooperation into a full military defense pact. Both Pyongyang and Moscow have signed a mutual defense obligation if either country is attacked. Currently, several thousand North Korean troops have been deployed to fight Ukrainian forces in