Xi Jinping Urges Respect for Sovereign Equality

CHINA: Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of sovereign equality while introducing the Global Governance Initiative. He stated, "We must uphold sovereign equality. Every country, no matter its size, power, or wealth, should be treated as an equal participant, decision-maker, and beneficiary in global governance." President Xi made these remarks during a main speech [...]

Algeria Appoints Chemist-Turned-Politician Ghrieb as New Prime Minister

ALGERIA: Algeria has a new prime minister. Ghrieb, who is 51 years old and trained as a chemist, became the Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production in November 2024. He earned his doctorate in physical chemistry of materials from Badji Mokhtar University in Annaba and has spent many years working in Algeria's industrial field. The [...]

Iraq and Oman Seal 24 MoUs to Boost Cooperation

Iraq and Oman signed two agreements and 24 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) during Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s visit to Oman. The accords cover a wide range of sectors, including taxation, visa waivers, legal and judicial cooperation, tourism, education, housing, media, banking, energy, oil, industry, ports, and logistics. They also include plans for joint projects [...]

Iran Faces Currency Crisis Amid Nuclear Deal Standoff

Iran’s government and central bank claim the steep currency decline is driven by political uncertainty rather than economic weakness. France, Germany, and the UK the remaining European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal have given Iran a one-month deadline to resume talks with the US, allow UN inspections, and account for enriched uranium stockpiles. These [...]

No Registered Churches Leaves Believers Vulnerable

In Bhutan, Christianity is not officially recognised, and all citizens are assumed to be Buddhists. Converting to Christianity is viewed with suspicion, and converts often face pressure to return to Buddhism. Since no churches are registered, Christians meet secretly in homes, but these gatherings are considered illegal and risk punishment. Believers also face discrimination from [...]

Fresh Clash Erupts at Chittagong University, Students Injured

Fresh violence erupted between Chittagong University (CU) students and local residents near Gate No. 2, following earlier clashes sparked by the alleged assault of a female student by a guard. The conflict escalated with brickbats, sticks, and stones, injuring many students and damaging nearby homes. Over 100 students were injured in the initial clash, with [...]

New Procurement Bill Criminalizes Political Interference

The newly passed Government Procurement Bill makes political interference in government contracts a criminal offence, punishable by up to RM500,000 in fines or five years in jail. PKR Youth defended the bill against criticisms from an anti-graft group, saying it ensures greater transparency and oversight. The law requires open tenders for mega projects, conflict-of-interest declarations, [...]

Cambodia Urges UNDP Support for Urgent Mine Clearance

Senior Minister Ly Thuch of Cambodia met with Enrico Gaveglia, the new UNDP Representative, to talk about the serious danger of unexploded bombs left in the country. These bombs are found in schools, health centers, and farmland, putting people’s lives at risk. Thuch asked UNDP to help find more resources for clearing the bombs and [...]

Iraq Launches First-Ever National Migration Plan (2025–2030)

Iraq has launched its first national migration plan (2025–2030), a five-year strategy to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration. The plan aims to create opportunities for work, education, and family reunification, while strengthening migration governance and supporting national stability and development. Around two million Iraqis live abroad, over 58,000 have returned in the past seven [...]

72% of Deaths in Bhutan Linked to Lifestyle Diseases

Globally, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) cause 41 million deaths yearly, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. In Bhutan, 72% of deaths are due to NCDs, with cardiovascular diseases alone causing 28%. Risk factors include tobacco use (31.4%), harmful alcohol consumption (40.2%), low fruit and vegetable intake (74.6%), physical inactivity (18.3%), high blood pressure (30.3%), and rising [...]

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