Iran Unrest: Doctors Report Massive Civilian Toll

A report cited by The Sunday Times claims that Iran’s recent unrest has resulted in at least 16,500 deaths and around 330,000–360,000 injuries, based on information gathered by a covert network of doctors amid a near-total internet blackout. Medical professionals report widespread use of live ammunition and military-grade weapons, with severe injuries including gunshot wounds, [...]

China’s Influence Casts a Long Shadow on Myanmar’s Political Future

CHINA: China is emerging as a key external player shaping Myanmar’s planned elections and broader political transition. Beijing has maintained close engagement with Myanmar’s military leadership while also keeping channels open with ethnic groups. Analysts suggest China’s priority is regional stability and protection of its strategic and economic interests. Concerns remain that foreign influence could [...]

Digital Abuse and Deepfakes Fuel Safety Fears

Official police data show a sharp rise in reported sexual offence cases nationwide, increasing from 108 in 2022 to 152 in 2025. Thimphu has emerged as the most affected dzongkhag, recording 113 cases, the highest in the country. Other urban centres such as Gelephu and Samtse have also seen high numbers, while less populated [...]

MFDA Issues Strong Warning Against Illegal Weight-Loss Drug Sales

MALDIVES: The Medicines Authority (MFDA) has warned it may take legal action against individuals and businesses illegally selling weight-loss medicines. Authorities have expressed growing concerns about the marketing of unapproved products online and through unauthorized channels. These medicines pose serious health risks due to unknown ingredients, incorrect dosages, and lack of medical supervision. The MFDA [...]

Libya Appeals to Europe for Shared Responsibility on Migration Crisis

LIBYA: Libya has called on the European Union and Italy to strengthen cooperation in managing irregular migration across the Mediterranean. Libyan officials emphasized the heavy burden placed on the country as a key transit point for migrants heading to Europe. They urged for increased financial, technical, and logistical support to improve border control and migrant [...]

Over 64,000 Displaced Iraqis Return Home in Three Months

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that more than 64,000 internally displaced Iraqis have returned to their areas of origin over the past three months, signaling gradual progress in Iraq’s post-conflict recovery. While significant numbers of displaced people remain in governorates such as Nineveh, Duhok, Erbil, Kirkuk, and Baghdad, return movements have increased notably [...]

Bhutan’s Students with Disabilities Face Persistent Learning Gaps

The National Education Assessment (NEA) 2024 reveals that students with disabilities in Bhutan continue to perform below their peers, particularly in Mathematics, due to gaps in inclusive learning materials, limited teacher training, and inaccessible school infrastructure. Although 1,455 children with disabilities are enrolled nationwide, they scored 7–12 points lower on average across assessed subjects. Nearly [...]

Statement Claims 12,000 Dead Amid Information Blackout

Iran International’s Editorial Board has released a statement alleging a large-scale, coordinated crackdown in Iran during recent protests, claiming that at least 12,000 people were killed over two consecutive nights. According to the statement, the killings occurred amid an extensive communications blackout intended to conceal the scale of the violence. The outlet says its findings [...]

Safety Failures Persist Despite Change in Government

Bangladesh recorded a significant rise in road crashes and casualties in 2025, highlighting persistent road safety failures. According to Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity, at least 9,111 people were killed and 14,812 injured in 6,729 road accidents—an increase over 2024 figures. The organization blamed unchanged transport policies, rising traffic congestion, fare irregularities, and lack of reform [...]

Jihadist Attacks Ravage Western Mali’s Industrial Hub, Leaving Kayes Factories in Flames

MALI: On Sunday, January 11, several industrial sites in Mali's western Kayes region were attacked by suspected jihadists connected to al-Qaeda. These attackers shifted their focus from blocking fuel supplies to directly targeting economic structures. Reports released on Monday revealed that three factories—producing cement, lime, and plaster—owned by Malian and Indian entrepreneurs were hit in [...]

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