In London, the award for Best Children and Family Film went to a Manipuri-language production directed by Lakshmipriya Devi. Filming wrapped up before the outbreak of ethnic violence in 2023. The film touches upon timely topics such as migration and political tensions. In calling for peace, the filmmaker said that “forgiveness” is “humanity’s greatest strength”.
Hong Kong’s Correctional Services Department is boosting Project PATH to monitor former activists after their release from prison. More than half of those arrested in the crackdown against the 2019 protest movement were under the age of 25. Ostensibly “voluntary”, the project is designed to dispel misleading images of the motherland. But as Agnes Chow explained two years ago after she was forced to visit Shenzhen, such visits are just another way of indoctrinating people.
The junta’s leader is getting ready to formally step down from his military command to assume the presidency in the new government that will take office in April. The creation of a powerful consultative council could allow him to maintain control over the regime. Meanwhile, his deputy, General Soe Win, is emerging as a key figure in relations with China.
The Heal Foundation Pakistan financed the month-long renovation work at St Mary's Church in Malkhanwala. Local groups and individuals who had previously received support and aid from the Catholic NGO were also involved. Fr Rauf: the widows' offering has ‘spiritual value’ and is ‘an example for the whole community’.
After years of diplomatic isolation and restrictions on movement, 395,000 Jordanian citizens visited Syria in 2025. Families, young people and independent travellers cross the border for short stays, cultural visits or family reunions. The project to reactivate the historic Hegiaz railway within the year. A recovery that contrasts with the crisis in tourism in Amman, victim of regional crises.
Today's headlines: Yoon Suk-yeol has appealed against his life sentence for insurrection; A group of countries including Saudi Arabia, France and Spain oppose Israel's decision on the West Bank land registry, which will allow the expansion of illegal settlements; India has blocked a journalist's X account. Vietnam has shut down major illegal streaming sites.
