During a meeting today with UN officials and foreign representatives, Afghan authorities stated that the decline in opium use is due to the ban on poppy cultivation imposed in 2023. However, a UN report highlights an increase in the use of methamphetamine and sedative drugs, especially among young men facing economic hardship.
Islamabad authorised its national team to take part in the Men's T20 World Cup, but not to the match against India on 15 February. The International Cricket Council has criticised the South Asian country of “selective participation” while Pakistan accuses the body of favouring India. The final is also at risk of being moved to a neutral venue.
Intercepted in international waters and searched on suspicion of drug trafficking. Two boats returned on 1 February with 12 fishermen, four of whom were injured. Family members are calling for a formal investigation, while Colombo's fisheries minister condemns the action.
The country is still embroiled in a civil war that has devastated the economy, displaced millions, and fragmented territorial control. Despite a show of strength in the recent elections, the military junta controls just 40 per cent of the territory. More than 20,000 opponents remain in prison, including Aung San Suu Kyi. Divisions among ethnic militias are rife. Disillusioned, the civilian population is paying the highest price.
In an already tense situation, a series of attacks claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has resulted in scores of deaths among civilians and security forces, while ethnic tensions rise again in Iran. The Taliban in Afghanistan backed the operation. The violence stems from tensions over mineral resources, while local hostility toward Islamabad has fuelled the escalation.
During this period of global instability, the precious metal has broken all records. But this surge is particularly pronounced in India, where women hold the largest share of this safe asset as a guarantee of financial security in marriage. Together, they hold an estimated 11 per cent of the world's gold. Rising jewellery prices, however, are also changing market habits.
