Asianet Newsable

US Warns Iran Of Bombs And Blockade As Peace Talks Hang In Balance

Asianet Newsable English — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:08:39 +0530

The United States has issued a strong warning to Iran, saying it may restart air strikes and continue a naval blockade if Tehran refuses to accept a peace deal. The warning comes during a fragile pause in fighting after weeks of conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that if Iran 'chooses poorly', it could face more attacks on key infrastructure, including power and energy systems. His remarks underline the serious pressure being placed on Iran to agree to a deal.

At the same time, US officials have said they remain hopeful about fresh talks. The White House indicated that negotiations could soon resume, possibly in Pakistan.

Pakistan steps in as mediator

Pakistan has taken on a key diplomatic role in trying to bring both sides back to the table. The country hosted earlier talks between the US and Iran, though those discussions ended without a final agreement.

Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, recently met Iranian officials in Tehran. He held talks with senior leaders, including Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who had led Iran’s side in earlier negotiations.

Pakistan has said its role as a mediator is ongoing. Officials confirmed that discussions are still happening behind the scenes, even though no date has been set for the next round of talks.

Naval blockade raises tensions

One of the most serious developments is the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. According to US military officials, the blockade applies to all ships going in or out of Iran, no matter which country they belong to.

General Dan Caine, a top US military officer, said force could be used against any vessel that does not follow the blockade rules. The US claims it has already stopped several ships from leaving Iranian ports.

This move has sharply increased tensions in the region. Iran has strongly criticised the blockade and warned it could respond with force if its trade routes are blocked.

Iran issues strong counter warnings

Iranian officials have responded with their own warnings. Senior military figures have said they would not allow trade in key waters like the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Red Sea if the blockade continues.

A military adviser to Iran’s supreme leadership even warned that American ships could be attacked if the US tries to control the shipping routes.

These statements show how serious the situation has become. Both sides are making strong threats, raising fears of further escalation if talks fail.

Peace deal still uncertain

Despite the tensions, both sides appear open to negotiations. The US has proposed what it calls a “grand bargain” to end the conflict. This deal aims to stop the war and also address long-standing concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme.

However, major differences remain. The US reportedly wants Iran to stop enriching uranium for 20 years. Iran, on the other hand, has suggested a shorter five-year pause.

Iran has also insisted that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. It says its right to enrich uranium cannot be taken away, though it may be open to limits on how much it enriches.

Israel adds pressure on Iran

Israel has also taken a strong position, warning Iran to accept the US proposal or face serious consequences. Israeli leaders said Iran is at a “historic crossroads”, with one path leading to peace and the other to more destruction.

This adds another layer of pressure on Iran, as it faces both military threats and diplomatic demands at the same time.

Global oil supply under threat

The conflict has had a major impact on global oil supply. The Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes, has been heavily affected.

Iranian actions in the region have disrupted shipping, while the US blockade has further reduced movement. This has created uncertainty in energy markets and pushed oil prices higher.

If the situation worsens, it could lead to even bigger disruptions in global trade and energy supply.

Stock markets show mixed signals

Despite the tensions, global stock markets have shown surprising strength. Investors seem hopeful that a peace deal will eventually be reached. Markets in the US, Europe and Asia have seen gains, with some reaching record highs. Analysts say this reflects growing confidence that the conflict may not last much longer.

Global stock markets moved higher on Thursday as investors grew hopeful that a ceasefire in the Middle East could soon ease tensions and stabilise energy supply. The possibility of oil and gas shipments resuming through the Strait of Hormuz lifted confidence, as traders expect inflation pressures to reduce if energy flows return to normal.

Markets in Asia led the rally, with Tokyo’s Nikkei hitting a record high, while Hong Kong and Shanghai also posted gains. In the US and Europe, major indexes such as the Dow Jones, FTSE 100 and DAX edged higher. Analysts said this rebound is one of the fastest in recent times, driven by optimism that peace talks between the US and Iran may lead to a broader agreement.

However, risks remain. Oil prices are still elevated, with Brent crude near $96 per barrel, reflecting ongoing uncertainty. At the same time, inflation in the eurozone has risen to 2.6 percent due to high energy costs. Still, strong economic data from China, including 5 percent growth, and booming demand in the AI sector, highlighted by TSMC’s record profits, have helped support global market sentiment.

However, risks remain. Rising oil prices and inflation are still major concerns, especially for countries that depend heavily on energy imports.

In the middle of global uncertainty, China’s economy has provided a positive signal. The country reported stronger-than-expected growth in the first quarter of the year.

This has helped support global markets and eased some fears about the wider economic impact of the conflict.

The coming days are likely to be critical. If talks resume and progress is made, tensions could ease quickly. But if negotiations fail, the situation could worsen, with the risk of fresh military action.

Both sides have made their positions clear. The US wants a strong deal that limits Iran’s nuclear programme, while Iran wants to protect its rights and reduce pressure on its economy.

For now, the world is watching closely, as the outcome will not only affect the Middle East but also the global economy.

(With AFP inputs)

Australian Arrested at Bangkok Airport Over Killing Teen Girl Found in Suitcase Near Pattaya

Divya Danu — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 21:19:51 +0530

Thai police have arrested Australian national Simon Carman, 46, over the suspected murder of a girl whose body was found inside a suitcase near Pattaya. CCTV showed the pair entering a condominium before the suspect later left dragging a suitcase.

Thai police have arrested a 46-year-old Australian man over the suspected murder of a 17-year-old girl whose body was found inside a suitcase near the resort city of Pattaya. The suspect, identified as Simon Carman, was detained on Friday evening at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport while preparing to board a flight to Perth, Australia. Immigration officers stopped him after Pattaya police alerted authorities during their investigation into the teenager's disappearance, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

هذه القضية المرعبة الاكثر تداولا في تايلاند الان:رجل استرالي يدعى سيمون (46 عام) سافر الى تايلاند وهناك التقى بفتاه تدعى نونغ (17 عام) وهنا وهم يد بيد يمشون للغرفه. بعد فتره استنكر اصدقائها اختفائها المفاجئ ابغلوا الشرطة وعند فحص كاميرات المراقبة وجدوها تدخل الغرفه ولا تخرج… pic.twitter.com/vB4qtIEsP7

— Saif (@diol2n) June 27, 2026

Two Kerala Men Held After Stabbing Retired BMTC Conductor in Electronic City

Police said the arrest followed a rapid investigation after the girl's friends reported her missing earlier on Friday.

According to investigators, security cameras showed the 17-year-old entering a condominium with the Australian man during the early hours of Thursday.

Police said there was no footage of the girl leaving the building.

Hours later, CCTV allegedly captured the suspect leaving the property while pulling a large black suitcase. Officers said he then loaded the suitcase onto a motorbike before riding away from the area.

Investigators later traced the suitcase to a location near a railway line, where the girl's body was discovered.

Police said the teenager's body was found inside the suitcase after an extensive search lasting around 15 hours.

Investigators reported that she had suffered serious facial injuries and that her body had been hidden inside the luggage before being abandoned.

Officers also searched the condominium room where the pair had last been seen together. They said the room showed signs of a struggle, and blood stains were found during the examination.

The evidence collected from the room is now being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police said the Australian man had visible scratches on his neck and arms when he was arrested.

Investigators believe the marks are consistent with signs of a struggle. However, when questioned in a video recorded after his detention, the suspect reportedly claimed the marks on his neck were caused by a spider.

The body of 17-year-old "Nong Cake" has been found after she was allegedly murdered and stuffed into a suitcase, which was then dumped in a wooded area beside a railway line.Police in Pattaya coordinated with Immigration Bureau officers to arrest an Australian man at the… https://t.co/UlbQs8hfP9 pic.twitter.com/FZ6iPRisga

— Pure Guava (@pureguava10300) June 27, 2026

According to multiple Thai police reports and media accounts from June 27, 2026, Simon Peter Carman (ages 45–46, from Ballarat, Victoria, Australia) confessed to killing a 17-year-old Thai girl, claiming it was in self-defense during a struggle.https://t.co/5Q0XjcghRI pic.twitter.com/eaIG3E7ab2

— T_CAS videos (@tecas2000) June 27, 2026

Police have not publicly commented on whether forensic testing has linked the injuries to the victim.

Authorities said the Australian national is being questioned on suspicion of murder, concealing a body and taking a minor for an indecent purpose.

Despite reports circulating on social media, police have stated that the suspect denies killing the teenager. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials are continuing to gather forensic evidence and witness statements before the case proceeds through Thailand's legal system.

Under Thai law, he remains a suspect until the court determines his guilt or innocence.

Case Sparks Public Anger

The case has drawn widespread attention across Thailand, with many expressing shock over the teenager's death.

The incident has also renewed discussion about crimes involving foreign nationals. It comes only weeks after Thai authorities reduced the length of visa-free stays for many visitors as part of wider efforts to tackle offences involving some foreign tourists, including alleged drug crimes, trafficking and illegal business activities.

‼️An #Australian man, 46-year-old Simon Peter Carman has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 17-year-old #Thailand girl (nicknamed "Cake"). The victim, identified as Thanchanok Donhomlao (nicknamed "Nong Cake"), was found dead inside a suitcase near railway tracks… pic.twitter.com/tWdj1ekYO4

— African champion (@membunnamdi1) June 27, 2026

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that it is providing consular assistance to the detained Australian citizen but said it could not comment further because of privacy obligations.

Thai police said the investigation is continuing, with further forensic examinations and witness interviews expected before prosecutors decide on the next legal steps.

The Ticking Clock: How Teesta's Cost Overruns Could Quietly Mortgage Bangladesh's Strategic Autonomy

Anish Kumar — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 21:03:19 +0530

For Bangladesh, the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project was never merely an infrastructure venture. It was a strategic gamble — premised on the assumption that Chinese financing could substitute for Indian cooperation stalled by domestic politics in New Delhi and Kolkata.

As the project remains in its pre-construction phase after nearly a decade of delays, and as loan negotiations with Beijing gather pace, Bangladesh is discovering an uncomfortable truth: in loan-backed infrastructure diplomacy, delays are never neutral. They are a slow transfer of leverage.

When Delays Become Debt Spirals

Large-scale river management projects are inherently complex. Engineering interventions across flood-prone basins, coordinating land acquisition, managing seasonal construction windows, and deploying specialised dredging and embankment technology all invite timeline overruns.

The Teesta project — first discussed under a 2016 MOU with POWERCHINA, formally revived with an MOU extension in January 2025, and still awaiting a finalised loan agreement — illustrates precisely this risk. The project has not yet broken ground, and already its cost estimates have been revised upward and its timelines repeatedly pushed back.

The pattern established by other Chinese-financed projects in Bangladesh offers a cautionary template. When loan agreements are delayed, as has happened repeatedly across Chinese-backed infrastructure in the country, costs escalate and the burden falls on the borrower. Interest accrual on disbursed tranches, commitment fees on undisbursed ones, and the costs of extended project preparation: these accumulate quietly but consistently. Bangladesh, navigating a post-2024 political transition and grappling with fiscal pressures flagged by the IMF — including weak tax revenues, banking sector vulnerabilities, and elevated inflation — would absorb any such escalation at a particularly difficult moment.

The original loan-to-benefit calculation, already subject to scrutiny by the Chinese side itself, could be revised upward on the liability side without a corresponding revision in projected returns.

Leverage Migrates Toward the Creditor

There is a structural logic to how cost escalation reshapes negotiating dynamics in sovereign infrastructure lending. Early in a project, the borrower retains meaningful leverage: disbursements are partial, exit remains theoretically possible, and alternative financing can be explored.

As construction advances and costs escalate, this leverage migrates. Sunk costs deepen commitment. Technical systems — embedded and partially operational — create switching costs that make exit prohibitively expensive. The creditor, by contrast, holds the refinancing card: the ability to restructure, extend, or re-price terms in exchange for continued project viability.

For Bangladesh, this dynamic is particularly consequential because the Teesta project is not a standalone road or port. It is foundational water infrastructure with direct implications for agricultural productivity, flood management, and the livelihoods of tens of millions of people in the northwest of the country.

Abandoning or restructuring midway would not be a purely fiscal decision. It would be a political one with immediate human costs. The structural asymmetry that results does not require overt coercion to shape outcomes; it operates quietly, orienting Dhaka's preferences and constraining what positions it can afford to take in broader diplomatic contexts.

Fiscal Compression and the Narrowing of Strategic Choice

The fiscal consequences extend beyond the Teesta balance sheet. Escalating repayment obligations consume budget space that Bangladesh might otherwise deploy toward negotiated cooperation with India, toward multilateral water governance frameworks, or toward building independent hydrological capacity. Fiscal compression is, in effect, strategic compression.

A government managing tightening debt-service obligations — Bangladesh's interest payments already consumed more than half of government revenue expenses in the first four months of fiscal year 2024-25 — has less room to absorb the short-term political costs of re-engaging with difficult partners, less flexibility to fund parallel infrastructure diplomacy, and reduced credibility in presenting itself as a sovereign actor with genuine optionality.

This is where the India dimension becomes critical. India possesses what no external creditor can replicate: shared basin geography, decades of hydrological data on the Teesta's flow patterns, and an intrinsic stake in the river's downstream management. Cooperation with India on Teesta, while politically complex, would not introduce a financial dependency spiral. It would not embed foreign technical systems into sovereign water infrastructure. And it would not gradually narrow the fiscal and diplomatic space Bangladesh needs to act as a genuinely autonomous regional player.

The Compounding Cost of Delay

The most significant risk is not that Bangladesh cannot complete the Teesta project. It is that by the time completion arrives, the cumulative weight of financial obligation, technical entrenchment, and compressed fiscal flexibility will have quietly restructured the terms on which Dhaka engages its neighbourhood. Infrastructure delays are recoverable. The erosion of strategic autonomy — mortgaged incrementally through each revised loan negotiation and each year of deepening technical dependency — is far harder to reclaim.

Viral Video of Woman Hurting Three-Month-Old Nephew Sparks Outrage, Family Members Detained

Divya Danu — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:17:22 +0530

Police in Bangladesh's Narsingdi district have launched an investigation after a disturbing video allegedly showed a woman trying to injure her three-month-old nephew during a family dispute. The incident reportedly took place in Chandgao village under Amdia union in Madhabdi upazila, according to a report by the Daily Star. The video spread widely on social media on Tuesday, triggering anger and calls for strict action.

What has happened to today's women? A woman broke the leg of a sleeping newborn baby. Do the same with that w!tch. Never have an iota of mercy for such mcs !!!! pic.twitter.com/rfCE7wOh9R

— Simpu Singh (@Simpu_SinghIND) July 15, 2026

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Bhartia (@thebhartia)

The authenticity of the viral footage has not been independently verified.

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Aunt accused of attacking infant

According to police, the accused is the child's 32-year-old aunt. Investigators said she allegedly twisted the baby's leg during a dispute within the family about five days before the video surfaced online.

The baby's mother is said to have recorded the incident on her mobile phone. The footage was first shared with relatives before eventually making its way onto social media.

Some online posts claimed the baby's leg had been broken. However, police said the child's parents told investigators that the baby's leg was not fractured, although they confirmed that the alleged assault had taken place.

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Three family members detained, woman absconding

Madhabdi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Kamal Hossain said officers are investigating both the alleged assault and how the video became public.

Police have detained the accused woman's husband, father-in-law and mother-in-law for questioning. Investigators have also seized a mobile phone as part of the probe.

The accused woman has reportedly fled the area and efforts are under way to trace her.

Although the baby's parents told police the matter had been settled within the family, neighbours reportedly demanded legal action after the video went viral.

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Video triggers strong reactions online

The disturbing viral video drew widespread reactions across social media, with many users expressing shock that an infant could allegedly be treated in such a manner.

Several people called for strict legal action against the accused, while others urged social media users not to circulate the video because of its distressing nature.

Some users also questioned why the incident had been recorded instead of being stopped immediately, while others appealed to authorities to ensure the child's safety and complete a fair investigation.

Police said they are continuing to examine the evidence and determine whether the baby sustained any injuries. Further action will depend on the outcome of the investigation.

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44 Killed, 257 Communal Violence Cases In Bangladesh In First Half Of 2026: Minority Council Raises Alarm

Divya Danu — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 18:21:53 +0530

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has claimed that 44 members of religious minority communities were killed in 40 separate incidents across the country during the first six months of 2026. The organisation released its findings at a press conference at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Monday, presenting data covering the period from January 1 to June 30. According to the council, it recorded a total of 257 incidents of communal violence during the six-month period.

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Council reports attacks on religious sites

The council said its findings included 62 incidents involving attacks on places of worship, desecration of idols, looting and arson. It also reported 15 cases involving the occupation or attempted occupation of land belonging to places of worship, according to a report by Daily Star.

The organisation claimed that religious sites and idols were among the targets of attacks during the period, along with homes and businesses belonging to members of minority communities.

47 incidents involved homes and businesses

The council said it recorded 47 incidents involving attacks, vandalism, looting and arson targeting homes and business establishments.

It also reported 21 cases involving the forcible seizure of land, homes and businesses.

The organisation further claimed that 42 incidents involved attacks, death threats or torture, while nine cases involved arrests and alleged torture based on what it described as false blasphemy allegations.

The council also listed six incidents under other forms of alleged communal violence.

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Women among those affected

The report also highlighted cases of violence against women.

According to the council, five incidents during the first six months of the year involved torture, rape or gang rape of women.

It separately reported 10 incidents involving allegations of abduction, extortion or torture.

The organisation said its data also covered other alleged forms of violence, including enforced disappearance, workplace discrimination and the forcible occupation of homes, land and businesses.

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Council compares 2026 figures with previous period

The organisation also presented a wider comparison covering 23 months.

This included the five-month period from August 5 to December 31, 2024, the full year of 2025 and the first six months of 2026.

According to the council's analysis, 2,963 incidents were recorded across the 23-month period. It claimed that 73.7 per cent of these incidents took place during the five months following August 5, 2024, which it described as a period of large-scale mass violence.

The council said 17.6 per cent of the total incidents were recorded during 2025, while 8.7 per cent occurred during the first six months of 2026.

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Council says violence has declined from 2024

While presenting the figures, the council said the overall pattern of violence recorded during the first half of 2026 remained broadly similar to that seen in 2025.

However, its comparative data suggested that the number of reported incidents was significantly lower than during the five-month period in 2024.

The organisation said the scale of violence in 2024 was nearly 4.2 times higher than in 2025.

It also claimed that almost 70 per cent of all incidents recorded during the 23-month period involved attacks on homes and business establishments, while about 10 per cent targeted religious places of worship.

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Minority council raises concerns over safety

The council said its findings showed that members of religious minority communities continued to face different forms of violence and pressure.

It said the alleged attacks were not limited to one type of incident, but included killings, threats, attacks on religious sites, damage to property, land disputes and violence against women.

According to the organisation's analysis, an average of one person was killed for every 21 reported incidents during the period covered by its data. It also said nearly one in every 10 incidents involved an attack on a religious structure.

The council's claims were presented as part of its ongoing monitoring of communal violence in Bangladesh. The figures released at the press conference reflect the organisation's own documentation and assessment of reported incidents.

(With ANI inputs)

Man Wearing Turban, Upside-Down Tricolour : Anti-Indian Taiwan Billboard Triggers Outrage (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Tue, 19 May 2026 14:42:51 +0530

A political billboard in Taiwan’s Kaohsiung city has sparked outrage after local candidate Lee Hung-yi appeared to campaign against Indians using imagery many called racist. The controversy comes amid debates over recruiting Indian migrant workers.

A controversial political billboard in Taiwan has triggered outrage online and raised concerns among Indian-origin residents after a local election candidate appeared to campaign against Indians using imagery many people described as racist and discriminatory.

The billboard was reportedly placed on Shanming Road in Kaohsiung’s Siaogang District and belongs to local council candidate Lee Hung-yi. The poster shows a crossed-out illustration of a brown-skinned man wearing a turban and facial hair, along with what appeared to be an upside-down Indian flag.

Lee Hung-yi, running for city council in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ran a “no” sign over a man with a turban and an Indian flag. Says he doesn’t like Indian labor.Indians are roaring, but Lee not backing down. No Indians! pic.twitter.com/NVrPo0nfkz

— Jared Taylor (@RealJarTaylor) May 14, 2026

Many social media users and residents interpreted the billboard as a direct message against Indians and migrant workers from India.

The incident has now become part of a wider debate in Taiwan over migrant labour, race, political campaigning and relations with India.

The visuals on the billboard shocked several members of Taiwan’s Indian community. Residents quoted in local reports said they felt uncomfortable, targeted and unwelcome after seeing the campaign material displayed publicly.

Some people described it as one of the most openly anti-Indian political displays they had ever seen in Taiwan.

The issue gained more attention after videos and pictures of the billboard went viral on social media platforms, where users from different countries shared sharply divided opinions.

Indians in Taiwan say racism is rising after a political candidate promised to BAN Indian workers from entering the country.One campaign poster reportedly showed a man in a turban alongside the Indian flag both crossed out with a giant ❌.As Taiwan faces labor shortages… pic.twitter.com/KzgAitqveX

— Sourabh (@vellasrv) May 19, 2026

While many condemned the billboard as racist and harmful, others defended the candidate’s right to oppose immigration policies.

The controversy quickly spread online, leading to thousands of comments and debates. Several users claimed the campaign reflected growing anti-Indian sentiment in parts of East Asia, while others argued it was linked more to local politics and labour concerns.

Some social media users alleged that the candidate was linked to pro-China politics and claimed the billboard was designed to favour Chinese migrants over Indian workers.

The Taiwanese are not particularly fond of Indians. One political candidate in Kaohsiung vows to ban Indians from immigrating. pic.twitter.com/bKrvIoXi0W

— Ian Miles Cheong (@ianmiles) May 18, 2026

Others accused political groups of using fear and stereotypes to win support before local elections.

A number of comments openly mocked Indians or used insulting language, which further increased criticism of the campaign. At the same time, some users defended India and pointed out the close connections between Indians and Taiwanese living abroad, especially in places like the United States.

Other users argued that Taiwan should decide its own immigration policies without outside pressure, while some criticised racism and hate-based political messaging.

The online debate also included comments connecting the issue to wider tensions involving China and Taiwan.

The billboard controversy comes during a larger political debate in Taiwan over plans to recruit workers from India to help solve labour shortages.

In 2024, India and Taiwan signed a labour mobility agreement aimed at helping Taiwanese industries facing worker shortages. The agreement focused on bringing Indian workers into sectors where labour demand remains high.

However, the move has faced resistance from sections of the opposition, especially members of the Kuomintang or KMT.

Some opposition leaders raised concerns that migrant workers could leave contracts illegally or create social and public safety problems.

Certain lawmakers reportedly cited crime statistics from India while arguing against large-scale recruitment of Indian workers. Critics of these arguments say such statements unfairly stereotype an entire nationality and create fear.

Ruling party pushes back against anti-Indian messaging

Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party or DPP strongly criticised messaging seen as targeting Indians.

Party leaders argued that Indian workers would follow the same laws and regulations that apply to all migrant workers in Taiwan.

DPP legislator Rosalia Wu reportedly warned that political leaders should not use populist campaigns to spread racial discrimination or fear against specific communities.

Supporters of the labour agreement also pointed out that Taiwan already employs workers from countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia in large numbers.

Some commentators argued that focusing only on Indian workers while ignoring workers from other nations raises questions about bias and selective targeting.

This is not the first time discussions around Indian workers have caused controversy in Taiwan.

Last year, comments by former labour minister Hsu Ming-chun created diplomatic discomfort after she reportedly suggested recruiting workers from India’s northeast because of “similar skin colour”.

The remarks triggered backlash both online and offline. Taiwan’s foreign ministry later apologised over the controversy.

The latest billboard dispute has once again brought attention to how migrant workers from India are being discussed in Taiwan’s political space.

No official response yet from India

So far, Ministry of External Affairs has not issued any official statement regarding the billboard controversy.

However, the issue has gained significant attention among Indian social media users, with many demanding that political leaders in Taiwan condemn the imagery and prevent racial targeting during election campaigns.

Some users also called for stronger diplomatic engagement between India and Taiwan to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Labour shortages remain a major issue in Taiwan

Taiwan continues to face labour shortages in several industries, especially manufacturing, healthcare and caregiving sectors.

Experts say migrant workers are important for supporting Taiwan’s economy and ageing population.

Supporters of the India-Taiwan labour agreement believe Indian workers can help meet labour demands while also improving economic ties between the two regions.

But critics fear that immigration changes could affect jobs, wages or public services, leading to political opposition.

The growing political fight over migrant workers has now expanded into a broader debate about race, identity and nationalism in Taiwan.

Ink Still Wet: How China's Seventeen-Point Agreement Changed Tibet After The 1950 PLA Entry

Anish Kumar — Fri, 22 May 2026 15:27:04 +0530

New Delhi: Communist China has long presented the 1951 Seventeen-Point Agreement as proof that Tibet's annexation was peaceful. Beijing’s official account holds that the agreement guaranteed Tibetan political autonomy, religious freedom, and a gradual, measured transition into the People’s Republic. The story China tells is one of liberation, not occupation.

The history of what actually happened tells a very different story.

Even before the agreement’s provisions could take root, the CCP and the PLA were already reshaping Tibetan society – through military pressure, political manipulation, and the slow dismantling of institutions that had defined Tibetan life for centuries. The promises were made. The violations followed almost immediately. The bad faith started before the ink was even dry.

To understand why, you have to look at the sequence of events that produced the agreement in the first place. The PLA had already conquered eastern Tibet by force in October 1950, months before anything was signed in Beijing in May 1951. The agreement did not come before the occupation. It came after and gave it a diplomatic face. When a PLA vanguard of around 3,000 troops marched into Lhasa in September 1951, they were entering a capital whose government had been coerced into signing under threat of further military force, with no real structures of shared governance anywhere in sight.

Instead of building institutions that gave Tibetan leaders a meaningful role, the PLA set about cementing its own dominance. Tibetan officials and military personnel were steadily pushed into ceremonial positions. The real decisions – the ones that mattered – were made by Chinese military commanders and Communist Party cadres. Tibetan leaders were consulted in name. In practice, they were sidelined.

A genuine transfer of authority conducted in good faith would have looked completely different. It would have meant negotiation between equals, with legal and administrative arrangements settled before any large military presence arrived.

In Tibet, the army came first. Political accommodation was supposed to follow. It never came.

From the very beginning, Tibetans had almost no leverage in their own affairs. What happened next made the hollowness of the agreement impossible to ignore.

In the Tibetan areas of Kham and Amdo, land reform and collectivisation campaigns were underway by late 1955 and 1956. Traditional landholding systems – the economic and social fabric of those communities – were dismantled. Monasteries lost their economic standing. Ordinary people faced escalating political pressure with no recourse and no protection.

These were not development programmes. They were ideological campaigns, enforced by a military power that had no intention of waiting for Tibetan consent. This was precisely what the agreement had promised would not happen.

Seventeen-Point Agreement gave an explicit assurance

Tibet's existing political and social systems would remain in place unless Tibetans themselves chose to change them. That assurance was broken within a few years.

People resisted. Armed uprisings broke out across Kham and Amdo from 1956, as communities fought back against the destruction of their way of life. The 1959 Lhasa uprising was not a sudden explosion. It was the result of years of broken promises, mounting grievances, and a people who had been told they were partners slowly realising they were subjects.

Religious and cultural life came under pressure too and earlier than Beijing has ever acknowledged. Monasteries, which sat at the centre of Tibetan spiritual and communal life, were placed under political surveillance not long after the troops settled in.

Senior monks were leaned on to demonstrate loyalty to the CCP. Religious authority was recast as feudal backwardness, an obstacle to the socialist future being built around and over Tibetan society. Culture was not protected. It was slowly subordinated.

None of this was accidental. The CCP never treated the Seventeen-Point Agreement as a genuine commitment. It was a tool, a way to dress up in diplomatic language a control that had already been seized by force.

The occupation came first. The paperwork followed. And the promises written into that paperwork were abandoned almost as soon as they were made.

The Seventeen-Point Agreement was not a negotiated peace. It was a cover for a conquest that had already happened and a society already being taken apart, piece by piece.

Why Japan Is On Edge Again After 7.7 Earthquake And Tsunami Warning

Divya Danu — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:30:28 +0530

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Japan, triggering tsunami waves and mass evacuations of over 182,000 people. Waves hit coastal areas, though no major damage or injuries were reported. Authorities warned of possible aftershocks.

A strong earthquake struck Japan on Monday, April 20, causing panic along its northeastern coast. The quake measured 7.7 in magnitude and hit off the coast of Iwate Prefecture.

The tremor occurred at a shallow depth of about 19 kilometres, making it more dangerous. It was powerful enough to shake buildings even in Tokyo, which is hundreds of kilometres away from the epicentre.

Soon after the quake, authorities issued a tsunami warning, raising fears across coastal areas.

After the earthquake, tsunami waves began hitting parts of the northeastern coastline. Around 40 minutes after the quake, a wave of about 80 centimetres reached a port in Kuji.

Later, waves measuring over 2.6 feet were recorded at Kuji Port.

First footage of tsunami waves hitting Japan's coastline following today's 7.4 magnitude earthquake. Waves measuring around half a meter are now threatening coastal areas.pic.twitter.com/REx8wFQ7vO https://t.co/f1MrP9Db0N

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 20, 2026

A tsunami hits Japan after a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake. The first waves are already hitting the Port of Hachinohe.... #Tsunami #Earthquake #Japan pic.twitter.com/Ct8eCIDz08

— Kashan Khan (@Kashansardar119) April 20, 2026

A tsunami is now striking north-eastern Japan after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake. pic.twitter.com/766pVViYIU

— Osint World (@OsiOsint1) April 20, 2026

#WATCH : Security camera footage has captured the moment a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the northern coast of Japan.#TsunamiWarning #Japan #Earthquake #Tsunami #JapanQuake #TsunamiAlert pic.twitter.com/KQnEMkCQhf

— upuknews (@upuknews1) April 20, 2026

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) had initially warned of waves up to 3 metres. By evening, the warning was slightly lowered, but an advisory remained in place for waves up to 1 metre.

So far, there have been no reports of serious injuries or major damage. However, officials are still checking the situation carefully.

Authorities moved quickly to protect people living near the coast. More than 182,000 residents were asked to evacuate to safer, higher areas.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency also confirmed that evacuation advisories were issued across several regions.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged people to leave low-lying areas and move to safety without delay.

Emergency teams were set up, and the government formed a crisis management group to monitor the situation.

Risk of another major earthquake

After the initial quake, the JMA issued a special advisory warning that the risk of another strong earthquake is now higher than usual.

Officials said that while the chances remain low, there is still a possibility of another major quake, possibly even stronger.

People in affected areas have been advised to stay alert, review safety plans and be ready for aftershocks.

Experts say aftershocks are most likely within the next two to three days but could continue for up to a week.

Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. It lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, where several tectonic plates meet.

These plates constantly move, which leads to frequent earthquakes. Japan experiences around 1,500 earthquakes every year.

It accounts for nearly 18 percent of all earthquakes worldwide.

This constant activity means Japan is always prepared, but also always at risk.

Many people imagine a tsunami as a single giant wave. But that is not correct.

A tsunami is more like a series of powerful water surges. It carries a huge amount of water and energy.

Tsunamis start deep under the ocean. When an earthquake shakes the seabed, it can push the ground up or down suddenly. This movement displaces a large amount of water above it.

That energy spreads out across the ocean in all directions.

In deep water, these waves may be very small, sometimes only 30 centimetres high, and can travel as fast as a jet plane.

But as they reach shallow coastal areas, they slow down and grow taller, becoming very dangerous.

Officials warned that even a wave as small as 30 centimetres can knock a person off their feet.

Tsunamis can carry debris like cars, trees and other objects, which can cause serious injury.

Another danger is the retreating water. When the wave pulls back into the sea, it can drag people and objects with it.

This makes tsunamis extremely risky, even if they do not look very large.

Japan’s coastline adds to the danger. Many parts of the coast have narrow bays and inlets.

These shapes can trap and focus the incoming water, making waves higher and stronger.

This effect can turn a moderate tsunami into a much more dangerous one.

It is one of the reasons why past disasters in Japan have been so severe.

Memories of the 2011 disaster

The current situation has brought back memories of the devastating 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami.

That disaster was caused by a massive 9.0-magnitude earthquake under the sea. It triggered a huge tsunami that killed or left missing around 18,500 people.

It also caused a major nuclear accident at Fukushima.

Because of this history, even smaller earthquakes and tsunamis create fear among people in Japan.

Megaquake concerns grow

Experts have also raised concerns about a possible 'megaquake' in the future.

One area of concern is the Nankai Trough, a long trench where tectonic plates meet.

In the past, large earthquakes in this region have caused major damage.

The government has warned that a megaquake here could kill up to 298,000 people and cause massive economic losses.

In recent years, special advisories have been issued warning about this risk, including one in 2024 and another in late 2025.

Current situation and safety measures

As of now, around 200 power outages have been reported in affected areas. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely.

Officials have asked people to stay away from coastal areas until all warnings are lifted.

Emergency services remain on high alert, and residents have been told to follow official instructions carefully.

What people should do during such events

Experts advise simple but important steps during earthquakes and tsunamis:

Move to higher ground immediately if near the coast
Stay away from the sea even after the first wave
Follow official alerts and warnings
Prepare emergency kits in advance

These steps can save lives during sudden disasters.

A tense wait ahead

For now, Japan remains on alert. While the worst fears have not come true, the risk is not over.

Aftershocks and possible new quakes mean people must stay cautious.

The situation is a reminder of how powerful nature can be and why preparation is so important in earthquake-prone regions.

What BNP's Stand Means For Bangladesh's Future Trade And Policy Freedom

Anish Kumar — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:42:21 +0530

New Delhi: Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s decision to withhold consent from the proposed U.S.-favoured trade agreement is best understood as a strategic act of sovereignty protection rather than a reflex of anti-Western sentiment. At a time when Washington has been seeking deeper access to Bangladesh’s market, data and strategic choices through reciprocal tariff and regulatory commitments, BNP has effectively asserted that commercial incentives cannot trump the country’s autonomous policy space.

Sovereignty at the heart of trade scrutiny

The agreement must be read against the broader history of U.S.-Bangladesh trade relations, where tools such as GSP eligibility, labour-linked conditionalities and tariff threats have often been used to steer Dhaka’s domestic reforms. Recent reciprocal trade proposals go well beyond tariffs, embedding provisions on data flows, digital trade, subsidies, procurement and even security alignment in ways that can structurally limit a developing country’s future policy options.

It is precisely these 'behind-the-border' clauses that BNP’s review treats as potential encroachments on sovereign decision-making authority, rather than as neutral technical disciplines.

Analyses of the Yunus-era reciprocal trade pact reveal commitments that would allow the United States to snap tariffs back to punitive levels if Bangladesh is deemed non-compliant, including in areas unrelated to pure trade such as agreements with so-called “non-market economies” or certain digital partners.

Such cross-linked conditionalities effectively give an external power continuing leverage over Bangladesh’s future choices on foreign policy, industrial strategy and digital regulation, justifying BNP’s insistence that sovereignty cannot be reduced to a negotiable side issue.

Drawing the line between partnership and dependency

BNP’s approach implicitly distinguishes between a cooperative economic partnership and a framework that entrenches structural dependency under the language of reciprocity.

A partnership, in this reading, would expand market access and investment while preserving Bangladesh’s freedom to recalibrate tariffs, subsidies, industrial policies and technology strategies as its development trajectory evolves. Structural dependency, by contrast, emerges when the legal architecture of a deal makes policy deviation prohibitively costly, for example, through automatic tariff snap-backs, mandatory notifications, binding timelines for reforms or security-linked economic conditions.

Critics of the existing reciprocal deal have already pointed out provisions that commit Bangladesh to broad sectoral openings, data transfer freedoms and significant tied imports, from energy and agriculture to aircraft, while U.S. concessions remain narrow and reversible.

Commentaries in the Bangladeshi press describe this as a “template for control”, noting that the agreement curbs Dhaka’s ability to write its own laws, manage its budget and choose its economic partners without the shadow of tariff retaliation. In rejecting a similar template for future engagements, BNP is asserting that partnership cannot mean locking Bangladesh into a subordinate position within another state’s strategic architecture.

Procurement and economic leverage as sovereignty issues

The party’s concern over mandatory or quasi-mandatory procurement clauses is particularly significant. Provisions that “endeavour” to increase purchases of U.S. military equipment, civilian aircraft or specific commodities may appear merely aspirational, but once folded into a binding trade framework, they gradually shift the centre of gravity of Bangladesh’s procurement choices.

Over time, such commitments not only affect foreign reserves and fiscal space, they also create entrenched corporate and bureaucratic interests that favour continuity over diversification, reducing room for strategic manoeuvre.

International commentary has already highlighted how the current deal architecture obliges Bangladesh to disclose extensive subsidy data at the WTO, open up procurement, and align parts of its economic and security policy with U.S. preferences. By refusing to sign on to a similar or deeper template, BNP’s review underscores that procurement is not a mere technical detail but a core sovereign instrument for nurturing domestic industry, preserving strategic autonomy and managing external dependence.

Sovereignty as a standing precondition for future deals

What distinguishes BNP’s stance is that sovereignty is treated as a threshold condition rather than a late-stage negotiating footnote. Instead of first locking in market-access concessions and only later seeking minor safeguards, the party appears to start by asking whether the architecture of any agreement protects Bangladesh’s right to design and sequence its own reforms, diversify its partners and revisit policy choices as circumstances change.

This approach aligns with a growing global scepticism, visible from Europe to the Global South, about trade and investment treaties that constrain domestic regulatory space long after their immediate commercial gains have been exhausted.

By foregrounding sovereignty in its review of the U.S.-favoured agreement, BNP effectively seeks to establish a doctrine for all future bilateral and multilateral economic engagements: Bangladesh will welcome trade preferences, investment and technology flows, but only within frameworks that do not mortgage its policy autonomy.

In practical terms, this means that any future deal, whether with the United States, regional partners or emerging economies, must be filtered through a sovereignty lens that asks not only what the country earns today, but also which strategic choices it retains for tomorrow.

If that doctrine becomes embedded in state practice and public debate, sovereignty protection will stand as a non-negotiable precondition for Bangladesh’s economic diplomacy, ensuring that no agreement is allowed to dilute its autonomous policy space in the name of short-term gains.

'Maa Kasam' To 'Mera Bharat Mahaan': German Tourist's Hindi Leaves Indians Amazed (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:19:25 +0530

A German tourist’s love for India has caught the internet’s attention after he surprised a group of Indian travellers by speaking fluent Hindi and even switching to Bhojpuri during a conversation. The man, identified as Rainer Krack, appeared in a video shared on Instagram by Shubham Jain. In the clip, a woman named Tanya can be seen speaking to Krack, who responded to her questions in Hindi despite being from Germany.

Four Consecutive Sundays, Four Snakebites Leave UP Family Terrified

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A post shared by Why Simplified | Shubham Jain (@why_simplified)

Krack spoke warmly about his connection with India and said he has travelled to the country around 150 times. He also used the phrase 'Maa kasam' while speaking, a moment that particularly amused the Indian viewers.

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German tourist's 'fluent' Hindi and Bhojpuri

The conversation became even more surprising when another woman nearby asked Krack if he could speak Marathi. Rather than responding in Marathi, he answered in Bhojpuri, leaving those around him visibly surprised.

Krack also spoke about his experiences travelling across India and his familiarity with the country’s languages and culture. He said he reads books in Hindi, suggesting that his interest in India goes well beyond visiting the country as a tourist.

According to information shared by the people who appeared in the video, Krack is a German national currently living in Bangkok, Thailand. He reportedly learnt several languages during his university years and has continued travelling frequently to India.

One detail that particularly stood out was Krack’s explanation of why he likes India. He said the country is especially appealing to him because of the wide range of vegetarian food available.

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‘Mera Bharat Mahaan’ wins hearts online

The interaction ended on a cheerful note when Krack enthusiastically said, 'Mera Bharat Mahaan', expressing his affection for the country.

The video quickly attracted attention on Instagram, with many viewers praising Krack’s command of Hindi and his willingness to learn and use Indian languages.

Several users jokingly said that his Hindi sounded better than that of many young Indians. Others focused on the warmth and enthusiasm he showed while talking about India.

One commenter wrote that the most striking part was not Krack being a foreigner, but “the loveliness and spark in his eyes” while he spoke about the country.

Another user joked that saying “Maa kasam” was enough to prove that Krack had become “Indian”. Others playfully asked for him to be given an Aadhaar card.

Krack’s unexpected Bhojpuri response, his use of “Maa kasam” and his final “Mera Bharat Mahaan” have turned an ordinary conversation into a widely shared celebration of his affection for India.

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'Fear Cannot Decide Duty': Sheikh Hasina Breaks Silence After 2 Years, Vows To Return To Bangladesh

Divya Danu — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:51:32 +0530

Ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina spoke for the first time in live conference in nearly two years, virtually, from India about the violent 2024 protests that ended her 15-year rule. Hasina said Muhammad Yunus’s remarks pointed to a planned campaign.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made her first live public media appearance in nearly two years on Wednesday, August 5, speaking virtually from India about the events that forced her to leave the country in August 2024. She vowed to return to the country despite expressing that she might be detained amid the multiple criminal cases against her. The ex-Bangladesh PM asserted that 'fear cannot decide her duty to people of Bangladesh'.

The virtual interaction was organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) South Asia in New Delhi. The appearance came on the second anniversary of Hasina’s departure from Dhaka after a student-led uprising brought an end to her 15-year rule.

#LISTEN | In a virtual interaction with the media in Delhi, former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina says, "...I speak as someone who has spent her life with the people of Bangladesh and was forced away from my country, but I was never separated from my people..."(Source:… pic.twitter.com/R3kL0mXKgB

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2026

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, speaking virtually to media in Delhi:“ I speak as someone who has spent her life with the people of Bangladesh. I was forced away from my country,…”Her voice broke as she became emotional and teared up.#SheikhHasina #Bangladesh #Delhi pic.twitter.com/enCVJFg0by

— Prashant Shekhar Mishra (@SrPsm007) August 5, 2026

Speaking about the protests, Hasina rejected the description of the movement as a peaceful student uprising. She said that organised groups had used student demands to create a wider political campaign against her government.

Hasina also referred to remarks made by Muhammad Yunus, who later became the head of Bangladesh’s interim government.

“His own words expose the truth,” Hasina said, referring to Yunus’s description of the movement as “meticulously designed”.

She claimed the protests were not simply spontaneous and alleged that there was no clear public leadership, with instructions being given secretly.

#LISTEN | In a virtual interaction with the media in Delhi, while speaking on 2 years of 2024 violent protest in the country - former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina says, "Muhammad Yunus himself said this was a meticulously designed movement, led by a mastermind. His own words… pic.twitter.com/b26cDRnExO

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2026

According to Hasina, the movement was organised and directed in a way that created a route to political power outside the ballot box.

She also defended her government’s response, saying authorities had initially tried to address the students’ demands through dialogue, legal procedures and patience.

Hasina spoke emotionally about Bangladesh and the changes she had witnessed since leaving the country.

“For the last two years, I watched my beloved Bangladesh suffer,” she said, adding that the country she sees today is not the Bangladesh she helped build.

She also referred to the 1971 Liberation War and the millions who, she said, sacrificed their lives for the country.

At another point, Hasina became visibly emotional and her voice broke as she spoke about being forced to leave Bangladesh.

“I speak as someone who has spent her life with the people of Bangladesh,” she said, adding that although she had been forced away from the country, she had never been separated from its people.

Bangladesh government had warned media

Hasina’s appearance came despite a warning issued by Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry on August 4.

The ministry urged television channels, newspapers, online news portals and social media platforms in Bangladesh not to broadcast or publish statements or press releases issued by Hasina.

It said there were legal obligations preventing such broadcasts and referred to an earlier order by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

According to the ministry, the ICT had instructed relevant authorities, including the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, the ICT Division and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, to prevent the broadcast of Hasina’s statements.

The National Cyber Security Agency had also cited legal provisions and asked media organisations to refrain from carrying her statements, the ministry said.

The government said the restrictions were linked to national security and called on media organisations to act responsibly.

Hasina has remained in India since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024 following the protests.

Her latest media appearance gives her an opportunity to directly address international journalists about the events that ended her long rule.

Her comments are likely to add to the continuing political debate over the 2024 protests, her government's response and the direction Bangladesh has taken since her departure.

'Free Tibet': Woman Shaves Her Head In Tribute To Lobga Rangzen, Viral Video Draws Emotional Reactions

Divya Danu — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:40:35 +0530

A video of a woman, Jampa Lhatso, shaving her head while chanting slogans for a free Tibet has gone viral on social media, drawing emotional reactions from viewers. In the video, the woman is seen removing her hair as she chants slogans including “Free Tibet”, “Tibet is not a part of China” and “We want freedom”. She also pays tribute to Tibetan activist Lobga Rangzen, wiping away tears during the emotional act, which reportedly took place in association with Students for a Free Tibet in France.

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A post shared by Tenzin Geaphel (@tenga_paris)

'Why Are You Following Me?': Woman Confronts Stalker In Bhilai, Video Shows Men Step In (WATCH)

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A post shared by Dakpa_Paris (@dakpa_paris_gorsgey)

The video has been shared with messages calling for freedom for Tibet and opposition to Chinese rule.

Why did the woman shave her head?

The head-shaving was presented as an act of solidarity with Lobga Rangzen and other Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Students for a Free Tibet - France (@sft_france)

The woman said in a social media post that it had been one month since Rangzen died after setting himself on fire outside the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Rangzen, also known as Lobsang Palden, was identified by Tibetan organisations as a Tibetan activist. He died on July 2 after suffering severe burns following the self-immolation. The incident took place outside the UN headquarters, where he was reportedly protesting over Tibet and calling for its independence.

The self-immolation happened one day after China's new Ethnic Unity Law came into effect. Human rights groups and Tibetan organisations have raised concerns about its impact on Tibetan identity, culture and rights, while Beijing maintains that Tibet is part of China.

Head-shaving used as a symbol of solidarity

According to the woman's post, the head-shaving ceremony was intended to honour Rangzen's sacrifice and show solidarity with the Tibetan community.

She said the Tibetan community in France would hold a peaceful memorial event involving remembrance, calls for justice and voluntary head-shaving.

The symbolism of giving up one's hair has also appeared in earlier Tibetan solidarity campaigns. In one such campaign in the US in 2008, Tibetan supporters shaved their heads to show solidarity with people who had sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause.

For the woman featured in the latest video, the act appears deeply personal. She is visibly emotional as her hair is shaved, and at one point she wipes tears from her face while continuing to chant.

‘Free Tibet’ slogans in viral video

The woman can be heard repeatedly raising slogans for Tibet.

Along with “Free Tibet”, she calls for freedom and says Tibet is not part of China. She also invokes Rangzen's name as she pays tribute to him.

The video has attracted attention because of the emotional way in which she expresses her support. Rather than simply holding a placard or sharing a message online, she takes part in a symbolic act that involves cutting off her hair.

Her post described the ceremony as a way of remembering Rangzen and calling for justice.

How people reacted to the video

The response online has largely been supportive and emotional. One user said watching the woman give up something as personal as her hair was deeply moving and praised her bravery.

Another commenter wrote that the Garo people stood with Tibet, while several others posted messages supporting the Free Tibet movement.

Comments included messages such as “Free Tibet”, hearts, folded-hands emojis and words of encouragement.

Some users called the woman brave and thanked her for showing solidarity. Others said they hoped Tibetans would one day achieve freedom.

One commenter described the act as a powerful sacrifice, while another wrote that the woman's emotions could be clearly felt through the video.

There were also comments calling for peace and justice rather than hatred.

Who was Lobga Rangzen?

Lobga Rangzen, also known as Lobsang Palden, was a Tibetan activist living in New York. According to the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, he was born in eastern Tibet in 1974 and had been involved in activism for the Tibetan cause.

On July 2, he reportedly carried a Tibetan flag outside the UN headquarters and set himself on fire. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital but later died from his injuries. Amnesty International said the incident highlighted concerns about the human rights situation in Tibet and called for greater international scrutiny, The Tibet Post report added.

His death led to vigils and protests among Tibetan communities in different places.

A wider campaign of remembrance

The head-shaving video comes amid a wider campaign by Tibetan activists to remember Rangzen and draw attention to their demands. According to the material shared by organisers, Tibetans gathered outside the UN headquarters in New York for a head-shaving event and raised slogans including “Justice for Lobga Rangzen” and “Free Tibet”.

The campaign has sought to keep attention on Rangzen's death and the wider Tibetan political struggle.

For those taking part, the act of shaving their heads is being used as a visible sign of mourning, respect and solidarity.

The woman in the viral video has brought that message to a much wider online audience, with thousands of reactions and comments focusing on her emotional tribute and the meaning behind her decision to shave her head.

Vietnamese Child Burns Feet on Sun-Heated Tiles as Heatwave Nears 40°C, Viral Video Raises Concerns

Divya Danu — Mon, 25 May 2026 12:59:05 +0530

A viral video from Vietnam shows a young girl crying in pain after stepping barefoot onto extremely hot yard tiles amid severe heatwave. With temperatures nearing 40°C, the child stood stuck and sat down, only to realise the ground was also burning.

A shocking viral video from Vietnam is drawing attention to the dangers of extreme heat after a young girl walked barefoot into her yard and became trapped on scorching hot tiles during the middle of the day.

The clip, widely shared on social media, shows the child sneaking out of her house alone while temperatures in several parts of Vietnam were reportedly nearing 40°C.

فتاة فيتنامية تسللت من المنزل الى الحوش في منتصف النهار من اجل اللعب بينما كانت درجة الجو تقترب من 40 وعلى الفور تجمدت في مكانها ولحسن الحظ والدها كان قريب منها وقام بالامساك بها واخذها الى المنزلانتبهوا لابنائكم في هذه الأيام من حرارة الجو pic.twitter.com/kvBfBfkutH

— مستر (@5_8fm) May 24, 2026

Within seconds, the heat from the ground appeared to overwhelm her.

The little girl is seen crying loudly and freezing in place, unable to understand what was happening to her feet. She first stands in pain and then sits down while crying, only to realise that the floor tiles were also burning hot against her legs.

Luckily, her father was nearby and quickly heard her screams.

The video shows the father immediately running outside after hearing the child crying. He quickly picks her up from the heated ground and carries her safely back inside the house.

Moments later, the child’s mother also comes outside to check the condition of the floor. In the video, she can be seen touching the tiles with her hand, seemingly trying to understand how hot the surface had become under the strong sun.

WATCH: a toddler sneaks into a sunny courtyard barefoot while the floor tiles were extremely hot under direct sunlight.Her father quickly runs out and carries her back inside. pic.twitter.com/7V7QjyKbOQ

— postman (@postman002) May 25, 2026

Many viewers said the incident was a reminder of how dangerous outdoor surfaces can become during intense summer heat, especially for children walking barefoot.

Several social media users pointed out that the problem was likely caused more by the heated tiles than by the air temperature itself.

One user wrote, “The floor was very hot and the barefoot girl must have burned her little feet.”

Another commented, “I think it’s because the floor is very hot, not because of the heat.”

A Vietnamese user also claimed that temperatures in the country are currently at the peak of a severe heatwave.

The clip quickly spread across different platforms and gathered thousands of reactions.

Many users expressed concern and sympathy for the child.

One comment read, “Poor baby, the ground was too hot.”

Another person wrote, “Thank God, he heard her screams.”

A Vietnamese girl slipped out of her house and into the yard in broad daylight to play.With the temperature nearing 40 degrees Celsius, she couldn't bear the heat and began to cry bitterly. Her father quickly rescued her. pic.twitter.com/NPwWERW8dk

— ‏Middle East News (@MiddleEast_Eng) May 25, 2026

Some viewers said the child was too young to understand the danger of stepping outside barefoot during extreme heat.

Others compared the burning tiles to “a frying pan” and said surfaces exposed to direct sunlight can become far hotter than the air temperature itself.

However, some reactions online also faced criticism after users made jokes or harsh comments about the incident.

Despite the mixed reactions, many parents used the moment to warn others about the risks children face during rising temperatures across several Asian countries.

The incident comes as many countries across Asia continue to face intense summer heat and heatwave conditions.

During extreme weather, concrete, metal and tiled surfaces can heat up very quickly under direct sunlight. Experts often warn that such surfaces can cause burns within seconds, especially to children, whose skin is more sensitive.

Parents are being advised to keep children indoors during the hottest parts of the day, make sure they wear footwear outside, and avoid leaving them alone near heated outdoor surfaces.

The viral video is a strong reminder of how dangerous rising temperatures can be, particularly for small children who may not fully understand the risks around them.

Cats Panic Moments Before Japan's 7.1 Earthquake, Viral Videos Leave Internet Stunned (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 20:59:28 +0530

Viral videos online show cats suddenly reacting and moving as powerful earthquake hit Japan's Kumamoto prefecture. The 7.1-magnitude quake killed at least one person, injured dozens, disrupted transport and left thousands of homes without power.

Viral videos showing cats reacting to what appears to be an earthquake have caught the attention of social media users after a powerful 7.1-magnitude tremor struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture.

The videos have sparked a wave of discussion online, with many people saying the animals appeared to sense something was wrong before the full force of the earthquake was felt.

In one clip being widely shared, a cat is resting on a bed inside a house when it suddenly becomes alert. The animal appears to react to the movement around it as objects begin shaking and falling.

The cat quickly becomes restless as the room starts to move. The sudden change in its behaviour has led viewers to wonder whether it sensed the tremors before the earthquake became obvious to the people around it.

the reaction of the cat when it experiences the earthquake pic.twitter.com/0r509BrmJq

— 水 น้องเค อเมริกาโน คั่วเข้ม ไม่หวาน 水 (@KKKevinz) July 28, 2026

Japonya'da kedilerin, 7.1 büyüklüğündeki depremi önceden hissettiği anlar kameraya yansıdı. pic.twitter.com/oGxTzxv8DQ

— SİYAH SANCAK (@siyahsancakx) July 28, 2026

VIRAL | Cat panics and runs away after 7.1 magnitude earthquake strikes southern Japan pic.twitter.com/RVShEXz51i

— The Tatva (@thetatvaindia) July 28, 2026

宮崎市内は震度４夫婦共仕事で自宅に居ませんでしたがその時の猫の様子地震直後から逃げ惑うラグドール達とそれを見て呆気にとられているメインクーンとノルウェージャン pic.twitter.com/9dXSFZqgX9

— 元Cat cafe 鮪 (@Catcafe97674664) July 28, 2026

Another video shows a group of around five or six cats reacting to their surroundings. The animals appear unsettled and begin moving around as the ground starts to shake.

Social media users have been quick to point out the timing of the animals' reactions.

"In every video, it's clear that the cats perceived something before the earthquake appears. Animals have an uncanny way of sensing danger," one user wrote.

Another said animals have a stronger instinct when it comes to detecting danger, while others claimed cats may be able to detect seismic activity before humans.

One post joked that Japan has one of the world's most advanced earthquake warning systems, yet "the cats still called it first".

As we all know, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Japan and its SUPER viral One of the most viral posts, shows these unbothered cats https://t.co/HziSzBKBUc900k views in 3 hours. This is on pace for crazy numbersThese are the Unbothered Cats

— Poolon (@Poolon12) July 28, 2026

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The videos have not established that the cats could predict the earthquake, but their sudden reactions have become one of the most widely discussed parts of the incident online.

The videos emerged as southern Japan was hit by a strong earthquake, with the Japan Meteorological Agency reporting a preliminary magnitude of 7.1.

The earthquake struck off the coast of Kumamoto in southern Japan, with the epicentre reportedly about 20 kilometres south of Kumamoto city. The quake began at a depth of around 10 kilometres, according to preliminary information.

A magnitude 7.1 quake struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, registering the highest intensity of 7 on the Japanese scale in some areas. A tsunami advisory has been issued for the coasts of the Ariake Sea and the Yatsushiro Sea.Visit https://t.co/bZpiKm94yl for more. pic.twitter.com/qjwJ9hP2S8

— NHK WORLD News (@NHKWORLD_News) July 28, 2026

WATCH: The moment an explosion occurred at Aeon Mall in Kumamoto, Japan, following a powerful earthquake. pic.twitter.com/mIA5x23sGc

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) July 28, 2026

Footage inside the Aeon Mall in Kumamoto, Japan right after today's 7.0 earthquake, and before its collapse. Things appear to be a bit chaotic, with mentioning of some strange ordor. pic.twitter.com/H9hmTjg51r

— anila watto (@a_nila123) July 28, 2026

The powerful tremor affected areas across Kyushu, Japan's third-largest island.

The earthquake caused widespread disruption, with reports of damaged buildings, fires and roads being affected. Emergency crews were seen responding to fires in parts of Kumamoto prefecture.

One person was reported killed after a house collapsed, according to Kyodo News.

Around 50 people were taken to hospital following the earthquake, while reports said some people were trapped inside a partially collapsed shopping complex.

The fire department in Kashima town also said that part of a shopping complex had collapsed, leaving several people trapped inside.

Aerial footage from the affected region showed the scale of the disruption following the earthquake.

Buildings were damaged and large flames could be seen rising from structures that had caught fire. Emergency workers were seen trying to control the fires and search affected areas.

Police also received a report of an explosion at an Aeon Mall outlet in the Kumamoto region. Authorities did not immediately provide details about the extent of damage or whether anyone was injured in connection with the reported explosion.

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Japan quake damage seen from the airKumamoto fire and police services are assessing damage from the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck southwestern Japan on July 28.Visit our website for updates: https://t.co/bZpiKm94yl pic.twitter.com/9SP7bw7znq

— NHK WORLD News (@NHKWORLD_News) July 28, 2026

#WATCH | Kumamoto, Japan: Aerial footage shows buildings on fire, overturned trains and major damage to a shopping mall in Kumamoto prefecture after an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck southern Japan. Emergency crews were seen trying to douse large flames… pic.twitter.com/SBqNyybEdu

— ANI (@ANI) July 28, 2026

The earthquake also damaged roads in some areas, making it harder for people to move around and for emergency teams to respond.

The full extent of the damage was still being assessed as authorities continued their rescue and relief work.

Tsunami warning issued and later lifted

The earthquake initially triggered a tsunami warning for parts of the affected region.

The warning was later lifted, but authorities urged people in coastal areas to remain careful and follow official instructions.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called on people to stay away from the coast in a message shared on X.

She said the government had created a task force to collect information about the situation, assess possible damage and prepare rescue operations if needed.

Authorities had issued warnings across several prefectures in Kyushu, including Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita and Miyazaki.

Around 150,000 people were reportedly urged to move to designated shelters as a precaution.

The earthquake also disrupted essential services across Kyushu.

Reports said around 48,000 households were left without electricity following the strong tremor.

SHOCKING | Powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake strikes southern Japan; triggers tsunami alert pic.twitter.com/L0fQyQv1ZD

— The Tatva (@thetatvaindia) July 28, 2026

Rail services were suspended in affected areas, while Shinkansen bullet train services were also halted.

The disruption added to the challenges faced by residents as emergency workers dealt with damaged buildings and roads.

The earthquake was also felt across the sea in South Korea, including in Busan, a major port city in the country's south-east.

Authorities continued to monitor the situation and assess the impact of the earthquake.

Nuclear plants reported no irregularities

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority said it had not detected any irregularities at three nuclear power plants located near the earthquake zone.

The update provided some reassurance as authorities continued checking critical infrastructure in the affected areas.

Japan is highly prepared for earthquakes because of its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for frequent seismic activity.

The country has strict building rules, emergency systems and public awareness programmes designed to reduce the impact of major earthquakes.

Even so, a strong earthquake can cause serious damage within seconds, as seen in the disruption across Kumamoto and other parts of Kyushu.

The latest earthquake has also brought back memories of a devastating series of earthquakes that struck Kumamoto around a decade ago.

The powerful earthquakes in 2016 caused widespread destruction across the region. According to reports, 275 people died, 2,739 were injured and tens of thousands of residents were left homeless.

The latest tremor has once again placed Kumamoto in the spotlight, with emergency teams working to assess damage and assist those affected.

As rescue and assessment efforts continue, the viral cat videos have added a different and unexpected dimension to the story.

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The clips have led thousands of social media users to discuss whether animals can sense changes in their surroundings before an earthquake strikes. While the videos show the cats becoming visibly unsettled around the time of the tremors, they do not prove that the animals can predict earthquakes.

The focus in Japan remains on the people affected by the powerful earthquake, with authorities continuing to check damaged areas, restore essential services and assess the full impact of the disaster.

(With inputs from agencies)

Has Balochistan Declared Independence from Pakistan? Here's What is Known So Far

Divya Danu — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:10:33 +0530

Claims that Balochistan has declared independence from Pakistan have spread rapidly across social media after a letter, issued in the name of the "Republic of Balochistan", went viral. The document claims that the region has broken away from Pakistan, established its own government and now controls most of its territory.

BREAKINGN NEWS ⚓️✈️The Republic of Balochistan's Defense and Security Forces Have Secured 85% of Balochistan's Territory13 July, 2026Balochistan has declared its independence, adopted its national anthem, “"Ma Chukain Balochani," introduced its national flag, established… pic.twitter.com/sCUm7rSlye

— Mir Yar Baloch (@miryar_baloch) July 13, 2026

However, there is currently no official confirmation from Pakistan, any recognised international organisation or any foreign government that Balochistan has formally declared independence. The claims made in the viral statement remain unverified.

The Republic of Balochistan's Defense and Security Forces Have Secured 85% of Balochistan's Territory#Balochistan has declared its independence, adopted its national anthem, “"Ma Chukain Balochani," introduced its national flag, established its own currency the “Balochi… pic.twitter.com/KM1ZsqhNXn

— Sajeda Akhtar (@Sajeda_Akhtar) July 14, 2026

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What does the viral letter claim?

The widely shared letter says that Balochistan has become an independent republic and now controls around 85 per cent of its territory. It further claims that the new administration has adopted a national flag, a national anthem called Ma Chukain Balochani, introduced a new currency named the Balochi Falus and established an independent administrative system.

The statement also claims that the new authorities have taken control of the region's major natural resources, including gold and copper mines, gas fields and coal mines. According to the document, the self-proclaimed republic has also created its own military, navy, air force and civil administration.

Another major claim made in the letter is that several members of Pakistan's security forces have resigned and joined the Baloch side. It also appeals to the international community to recognise Balochistan as an independent nation.

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No official verification so far

Despite the strong claims made in the viral letter, none of them have been independently verified.

Pakistan has not acknowledged that Balochistan has separated from the country. Likewise, no major international body, including the United Nations, has recognised Balochistan as an independent state.

As of now, there is also no publicly available evidence confirming that the region has established an internationally recognised government, currency or national administration as claimed in the viral statement.

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Baloch leader speaks on the situation

Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch told CNN-News18 that civilians across Balochistan are resisting Pakistan's military and claimed that the Pakistan Army is gradually losing control in several areas.

He said that resistance has expanded beyond armed groups and now includes civilians demanding that Pakistani forces leave the region. However, these remarks reflect his position and do not independently confirm that Balochistan has formally become an independent country.

Why is Balochistan important?

Balochistan is Pakistan's largest province by area and shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran. It is rich in natural resources, including natural gas, coal, gold and copper.

For decades, separatist groups have demanded either greater autonomy or complete independence, arguing that the region's resources are not fairly shared with local communities.

Pakistan has long accused separatist organisations, particularly the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), of carrying out attacks on security forces, infrastructure and development projects. The Pakistani military has responded with large-scale counterinsurgency operations across the province.

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Security tensions remain high

The province has witnessed repeated violence in recent months, with attacks targeting security personnel and government installations. Pakistan says separatist groups are responsible for many of these incidents, while it has also accused neighbouring countries of supporting militants—claims that have been rejected by those countries.

Although the security situation remains tense, there is no verified evidence at present that Balochistan has officially declared independence or that Pakistan has lost administrative control over most of the province.

The viral letter has generated significant attention online, but until verified by official sources, its claims should be treated with caution.

(With inputs from agencies)

'Zero Civic Sense': Travel Blogger's Flight Mess Video Sparks Debate On Passenger Behaviour, Travel Etiquette

Divya Danu — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:52:25 +0530

A travel blogger’s post about a messy flight from Bangkok to India has gone viral, starting a major discussion online about passenger behaviour and travel manners. Sandhya Majji, a travel vlogger with over 257,000 Instagram followers, shared a video showing the condition of the aircraft after landing. Her post quickly caught attention and divided opinions on social media.

What the blogger saw on the flight

In her post, Sandhya described being shocked by the state of the cabin. The video showed torn boarding passes, food waste and other rubbish scattered across seats and the floor.

She also spoke about an incident where a flight toilet was left in a very poor condition. According to her, urine was spread on the floor and wet tissues were thrown around. A flight attendant had to clean the mess by hand.

Sandhya said she felt sorry for the crew, who had to deal with such situations.

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Check out this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sandhya Majji | Travel Blogger (@pinkpebble)

Strong words on passenger behaviour

The blogger called the situation “shameful” and questioned the behaviour of passengers. She said it is the responsibility of parents to control their children or clean up after them.

However, she added that it was not just children creating the mess. She claimed that adults were also leaving garbage behind on flights.

While she did not target any one group directly, she mentioned that such scenes were often seen on flights with a large number of Indian passengers. She even compared the condition of one flight to a village government bus.

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Internet reacts with mixed views

The post led to a heated debate online. Many users agreed with Sandhya and said such behaviour is common. One comment said people often assume that someone else will clean up after them. Others blamed parents for ignoring their children’s behaviour during flights.

At the same time, many people criticised Sandhya’s comments. Some said it was unfair to judge an entire country based on the actions of a few individuals. One user pointed out that she herself is part of the same population she was criticising.

Bigger question on travel manners

The incident has once again raised questions about basic travel etiquette and respect for public spaces. It also highlights the challenges faced by airline staff.

As the debate continues, many people are calling for better awareness and responsibility among passengers to keep shared spaces clean.

Thai Weightlifter's 124kg Lift Goes Viral After Sassy Celebration Steals Show (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:25:14 +0530

A Thai weightlifter has become an unexpected social media star after completing a 124-kilogram clean and jerk at a student sports competition. The athlete competed in the men’s 71kg division at the Nakhon Si Khwae Games, held in Thailand in July. His impressive lift was enough to attract attention, but it was what happened immediately afterwards that made the video go viral. After successfully completing the lift and lowering the bar, the weightlifter appeared to loosen up and confidently walk away. His relaxed, playful movement quickly became the main talking point online.

eu não tava esperando esse final kjkkkkdiva pic.twitter.com/GrnX1U0v6j

— cleytu (@cleytu) July 28, 2026

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The celebration steals the show

The video shows the athlete maintaining focus while lifting the heavy bar. He then switches from a serious competition mode to a much more playful celebration.

That sudden change caught viewers off guard and gave the clip a funny ending. On social media, users praised his strength while also enjoying the confident way he celebrated the achievement.

The original post on X reportedly received more than 2.3 million views, with the clip spreading across other social media platforms.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NextShark (@nextshark)

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‘Diva’ reactions flood social media

Many viewers jokingly described the weightlifter as a “diva” and “queen”, with comments praising his confidence and style.

One person wrote that they knew a “diva” when they saw one, while another simply commented, “Clean and werk.” Others called him a “strong Queen” and praised him for showing personality after completing such a demanding lift.

Several users said they did not understand why the video was going viral at first, only to realise that the celebration was the reason.

Another viewer compared his movement to the “bend and snap”, while others joked about his unexpected change in mood.

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Strength behind the fun

Amid the jokes, viewers also pointed out the serious achievement behind the viral moment. Lifting 124kg is no small feat, especially during a competitive clean and jerk.

The Nakhon Si Khwae Games bring together student-athletes from across Thailand, giving young competitors an opportunity to compete in various sports.

While the weightlifter may have entered the competition focused on his performance, his memorable celebration has now given him a much wider audience.

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'Quiet, Under Stress': What We Know About Thailand's 14-Year-Old Shooter

Divya Danu — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 18:20:26 +0530

A 14-year-old Thai student, described by relatives as quiet and good at studies, has been identified as shooting suspect in Nonthaburi. He killed his grandparents at home before opening fire at his school, killing five staff members and later himself

Thailand is facing a fresh shock after a 14-year-old student allegedly carried out a shooting spree that began at his home and ended at his school in Nonthaburi province.

The teenager is accused of shooting dead his grandparents before travelling to Debsirin Nonthaburi School, where he opened fire on teachers and other staff. Five school staff members were killed, according to later official accounts. The teenager then shot himself and died.

8 killed in Thailand school shooting near BangkokA teenage student shot dead his grandparents at home before opening fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, killing three students and three teachersHe later died by suicide at the scene. The firearm is believed to have been taken… pic.twitter.com/T1bYHP924Y

— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) August 7, 2026

DEADLY SCHOOL SHOOTING IN THAILANDA 14-year-old student opened fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School near BangkokPolice say he killed his grandparents before entering the school & firing 26+ roundsAt least 8 people were killed#กราดยิง #This_And_That #ข่าวด่วน #ThepSirin pic.twitter.com/WdUgckEz8i

— GlobeUpdate (@Globupdate) August 7, 2026

TRAGEDY IN THAILANDA horrifying school shooting has left 8 people dead near Bangkok.A teenage student allegedly shot his own grandparents at home before storming Debsirin Nonthaburi School, where he opened fire, killing three students and three teachers.The attacker… pic.twitter.com/OqvdtGNVey

— Oxomiya Jiyori (@SouleFacts) August 7, 2026

The incident happened on Friday morning, August 7, in Nonthaburi, north-west of Bangkok. The sudden gunfire sent students and teachers into panic, with children hiding inside classrooms as police rushed to the school.

The teenager's profile has added another disturbing layer to the tragedy.

People who knew him described him as a generally quiet boy who was doing well in his studies. His family reportedly had no knowledge of any major dispute at home or school that could explain what happened.

However, the picture emerging from the investigation is not completely clear. The prime minister said the boy appeared to have been under stress linked to school, based partly on information from a close friend. Officials have also said the attack appeared to have been planned.

That does not establish why he carried out the attack. Police have not found a clear motive or suicide note, and investigators are looking into his school life, behaviour and other possible factors.

Police say the teenager first went to his home, where he allegedly shot his grandfather and grandmother.

When officers later went to the house after learning about the school shooting, they found the door locked from inside. Police forced their way in and found both elderly victims dead from gunshot wounds.

The weapon used in the attack was reportedly a handgun legally registered to the teenager's grandfather. Police said the suspect fired at least 26 rounds and that 34 additional rounds were found at the scene.

Teacher recalls hiding with students during shooting

According to the Guardian report, English teacher Prompong Namwong, the school day had started like any other. He was teaching his class when a frightened student from another classroom suddenly rushed through the door, desperately looking for somewhere to hide.

Confused by what was happening, Namwong stepped into the corridor. He then heard other teachers shouting that there was a mass shooting.

Realising the danger, he quickly told his students to hide underneath their tables. The teacher said he then saw the teenage attacker running past his classroom.

For the next 20 to 30 minutes, Namwong and his students remained inside the classroom in fear, unsure of what would happen next.

When someone eventually knocked on the classroom door, Namwong feared the worst. However, it was police officers who had arrived to rescue them.

Only after the students were brought to safety did he learn through the school's group chat that some of his fellow teachers had been killed.

Namwong described them as good teachers and said he struggled to find words to describe the shock of losing them.

He also said he had never imagined that a shooting could happen at his own school. Now, despite the trauma, he knows he has to continue with his life, but said the incident had left him deeply shaken.

The teenager then went to his school and began firing.

Students heard repeated gunshots coming from another building. Some rushed into classrooms and hid while teachers tried to keep them safe. Police later entered the school and helped evacuate the children.

The attack left dozens of people injured. Thailand's health authorities initially reported 22 injured people being treated at several hospitals, with nine in critical condition. Other updates put the number of injured at more than 30 as officials continued to assess the victims.

The school had around 3,100 students and 147 teachers in the 2025 academic year, according to district authorities.

That remains the biggest unanswered question.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the student appeared to have been under stress connected with school. But officials have not said that this was the definite reason for the shooting.

Investigators are now examining his behaviour, school records and other information to understand what may have led to the attack.

A 17-year-old student who knew the suspect told AFP that he believed the boy had been troubled and that some students said he had been bullied. However, these claims have not been established as the motive and should not be treated as confirmed.

The case has also renewed concern about access to firearms in Thailand.

The gun allegedly used in the attack belonged legally to the teenager's grandfather, raising questions about how the child was able to obtain it.

Thailand has one of the highest levels of civilian gun ownership in the region, and the country has faced several deadly shootings in recent years. In February, a 17-year-old allegedly stole a police firearm and opened fire at a school in southern Thailand, killing one person.

The latest attack has therefore raised concerns not only about school safety but also about young people's access to guns and the pressure they may face.

Investigators are still trying to answer the central question: how did a teenager described by people around him as quiet and good at studies reach the point where he allegedly carried out such a deadly attack?

Global Military Spending Explodes to $2.9 Trillion Amid Wars: What Is the World Preparing For?

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 11:01:11 +0530

Global military spending reached nearly $2.9 trillion in 2025, marking an 11th consecutive year of growth, researchers said Monday, as insecurity and rearmament fuelled defence budgets.

The three top spenders -- the United States, China and Russia -- spent a combined total of $1.48 trillion, just over half of global expenditure.

Spending rose by 2.9 percent compared with 2024, despite a reduction by the US, the world's biggest spender, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Researcher Lorenzo Scarazzato told AFP the decrease from the US was more than offset by increases in Europe and Asia, as the world marked "another year of wars and increased tensions".

Scarazzato said this was also reflected in the global "military burden" -- the share of worldwide GDP devoted to military spending -- which reached its highest level since 2009.

"Everything points to a world that feels less secure and is spending on its military to compensate for the global landscape," he said.

The US spent $954 billion, 7.5 percent less than in 2024, largely because no new financial military aid to Ukraine was approved. By contrast, Washinhton pledged a total of $127 billion to Kyiv over the previous three years.

But the decrease is expected to be short-lived as the US Congress has approved spending of over $1 trillion for 2026, which could rise to $1.5 trillion in 2027 if US President Donald Trump's budget proposal passes.

The main driver of the global increase was Europe -- including Russia and Ukraine -- where spending surged 14 percent to $864 billion.

"That is driven by two major factors. One is the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the other is the decreased US engagement with Europe," Scarazzato said.

He explained that the US is "pushing for Europe to take more care of its own defence".

Germany, the fourth-largest spender, raised expenditure by 24 percent in 2025 to $114 billion.

Spain also recorded a 50 percent jump to $40.2 billion, pushing military spending above two percent of GDP for the first time since 1994.

Middle East tensions

The ongoing war in Ukraine saw both Russia and Ukraine increase their military spending, with each recording the highest share of government spending allocated to the military.

Russia's spending rose 5.9 percent to $190 billion, equivalent to 7.5 percent of GDP.

Ukraine meanwhile boosted spending by 20 percent to $84.1 billion -- a staggering 40 percent of GDP.

Despite persistent tensions in the Middle East, expenditure in the region rose only marginally, by 0.1 percent, to $218 billion.

While most countries in the region increased spending, Israel and Iran actually recorded declines.

In Iran, it fell 5.6 percent to $7.4 billion, but this was mostly due to high annual inflation of 42 percent. In nominal terms, spending actually rose.

Israel's 4.9 percent drop to $48.3 billion reflected a reduced intensity in the Gaza war after a January 2025 ceasefire deal, the researchers explained, while noting Israeli spending was still 97 percent higher than in 2022.

In Asia and Oceania, spending reached $681 billion, an 8.5 percent increase from 2024 -- the region's largest annual increase since 2009.

Scarazzato said the "major player" in the region was China, which has been increasing spending every year for the past three decades, and spent an estimated $336 billion in 2025.

"But perhaps what's interesting is the reaction of some other states, such as South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, reacting to the threat perception," he said.

Japan raised military expenditure by 9.7 percent, to $62.2 billion in 2025, equivalent to 1.4 percent of GDP -- its highest share since 1958 -- while Taiwan increased its spending by 14 percent to $18.2 billion.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Nirmal Purja's Final Climb: Haunting Image Shows Team Moments Before Broad Peak Avalanche (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:28:20 +0530

Nirmal Purja was one of mountaineering’s biggest names. The Nepal-born ex-British Gurkha and Special Boat Service soldier climbed all 14 8-thousanders in 6 months and 6 days. An image of his team moments before tragedy on Broad Peak has surfaced.

A haunting image believed to be one of the last visuals of legendary mountaineer Nirmal Purja and his team before disaster struck Broad Peak has surfaced online, days after the Nepal-born climber was killed in a massive avalanche.

The photograph was shared by Pakistan-based tour operator Karakoram Vision along with footage of the avalanche. It reportedly shows Purja and nine other climbers moving up the 8,047-metre Broad Peak shortly before the snow slide swept across the mountain on July 30.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Karakoram Vision Pakistan (@karakoramvision)

In the caption, the Instagram account of the tour operation read, "Our team captured this footage on July 30, right before tragedy struck. We were watching from base camp and could clearly see the 10 international climbers, including world-famous mountaineer Nirmal 'Nims' Purja, pushing up the mountain. Suddenly, a massive avalanche triggered above them. After the snow cleared, we scanned the upper slopes with horror. No one was visible anymore. It's a big tragedy on Broad Peak."

Purja, widely known as 'Nims Dai', was 43.

His death was confirmed by his expedition company Elite Exped on Saturday.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Elite Exped (@eliteexped)

The company also said other members of the expedition did not survive. A Nepal News report said all 10 members of the expedition were killed in the avalanche.

The tragedy unfolded on July 30 as the 10-member expedition was climbing between Camp 2 and Camp 3 on Broad Peak.

The avalanche struck at an altitude of around 6,600 metres. Tracking devices carried by the climbers showed sudden and dramatic drops in altitude after the avalanche hit, suggesting that they were swept down the mountain. Purja’s tracker, in particular, showed a sharp fall before the signal stopped.

The avalanche was captured on video from lower down the mountain. The footage shows a huge wall of snow racing down the slope and covering the area where the climbers had been moving.

Broad Peak Avalanche Disaster Four bodies have reportedly been found after a massive avalanche swept through an international climbing team high on Broad Peak in northern Pakistan.Six climbers remain unaccounted for, including world-renowned mountaineer Nirmal “Nims Dai”… pic.twitter.com/lVwLNPhDfe

— Royal Adventure Club (@RoyalAdvClub) July 31, 2026

People watching from below can be heard reacting in shock as the snow comes down. The scale of the avalanche made an immediate rescue extremely difficult.

The weather was another major problem. Strong winds, unstable snow and the risk of further avalanches made it dangerous for rescuers to reach the affected area. Drones and helicopters were used during the search, while experienced climbers also joined ground efforts.

The photograph shared by Karakoram Vision has added a deeply disturbing detail to the tragedy.

The image was reportedly taken shortly before the avalanche. It shows Purja and the other climbers making their way up Broad Peak, apparently unaware that a huge wall of snow was about to come down the mountain.

Karakoram Vision said its team was watching the climbers from base camp when the avalanche suddenly broke loose above them.

The operator described the image as being captured “right before tragedy struck”.

After the avalanche passed, people watching from base camp could no longer see the climbers on the upper slopes.

The photograph has since become a painful reminder of how quickly conditions can change on an 8,000-metre mountain.

Kronologi Longsor Salju di Broad Peak (8.047 mdpl) Pakistan,30 Juli 2026 :Longsor Salju menerjang Tim Pendaki Internasional saat melakukan summit push di Broad Peak pada ketinggian ± 7.400 mdpl, sekitar pukul 07.30-08.30 waktu Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/FjHmGxIm1k

— NyxNara (@NaraSenyap) August 1, 2026

Broad Peak is the world’s 12th-highest mountain and stands at about 8,047 metres. It lies in the Karakoram range near K2, on the Pakistan-China border in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Although Broad Peak is often considered less technically difficult than K2, high-altitude weather, steep terrain and avalanches make it extremely dangerous.

Nirmal Purja was far more than a record-breaking climber. Born in Nepal, he first built a career in the military. He served as a British Gurkha before becoming the first Nepali to join the British Special Boat Service, an elite Royal Navy unit.

His military career lasted about 16 years, and his experience in extreme cold-weather conditions later became an important part of his mountaineering career. He was appointed an MBE in 2018 for his military service and achievements.

Purja's move into mountaineering came relatively late compared with many famous climbers.

In his last emotional post on X, he emphasised that every mountain is 'climbable'. Read the post below:

THE MISSION SHIFTS. THE COMPASS HOLDS.

This was never the plan. Initially, the plan was to climb just G2. But just before setting off for Pakistan, I ran the numbers on my 8000m summits. That’s when it hit me: if I tick off Broad Peak whilst I’m here , only one remains “Cho Oyu.” Then I become the FIRST person in history to climb all 14 eight-thousanders twice. Without oxygen.

This wasn’t planned. The Hattrick project was the focus because it carried a bigger mission. But opportunities don’t scream: they whisper to those already working in silence.

Here’s the secret I’ve carried through every expedition: I never competed with anyone else. My only battle was against the man I was yesterday. Every single day, pushing my own limits. Because the moment you look sideways: at what others are doing, saying, achieving: you drift off your compass. Your heading is YOURS. Guard it fiercely.

They criticized me when I climbed the 14 without O’s during Project Possible. If you haven’t seen what that took, watch 14 Peaks on Netflix. That film is the unfiltered truth. I was there doing multiple rescues of climbers left behind by other expeditions, raising the funds myself, leading from the front, fixing our own lines, dealing with the Shishapangma permit with China, being at hospitals for my mum’s operation and so much more. And now? Now I’m heading for the double without oxygen: triple in total. The noise hasn’t stopped. I just stopped listening.

To those who still doubt: I already climbed all 5 of Pakistan’s 8000ers in just 26 days. Leading. Guiding. Without oxygen. Breaking the records of those who broke mine with oxygen. The receipts are there.

Broad Peak, I ask for nothing but safe passage up and back down. I take zero mountains for granted. Not one. The moment my foot leaves basecamp, it’s 100%. Always has been. Always will be.

This one is dedicated to everyone who carried me here. Supporters. Critics. All of you. Without both sides, there is no fire. So thank you genuinely.

My purpose has never been about me. It’s about what I represent. It’s about showing YOU that your own mountains, whatever they are, are climbable."

THE MISSION SHIFTS. THE COMPASS HOLDS.This was never the plan. Initially, the plan was to climb just G2. But just before setting off for Pakistan, I ran the numbers on my 8000m summits. That’s when it hit me: if I tick off Broad Peak whilst I’m here , only one remains “Cho… pic.twitter.com/rovJzFcazP

— Nirmal Purja MBE (@nimsdai) July 27, 2026

A 2012 trek to Everest Base Camp changed his life. What began as a trek eventually pushed him towards high-altitude climbing and, within a few years, towards one of the biggest records in mountaineering.

Purja became a global name in 2019 through his “Project Possible” challenge. The goal was to climb all 14 mountains higher than 8,000 metres in seven months.

At the time, the existing record was more than seven years. Purja completed the challenge in just six months and six days.

Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja, who rose to fame through Netflix documentary 14 Peaks after his record-breaking climb of the world’s 14 highest mountains, has been confirmed dead after an avalanche struck his Broad Peak expedition in Pakistan.Rest in peace, Champ pic.twitter.com/Hhb3JazOm1

— ज़िद्दी नागरिक (@ZiddiNaagrik) August 2, 2026

Nirmal Purja, ( @nimsdai ) who made history over the years by climbing the world’s highest peaks, has been confirmed dead after Broad peak avalanche ! Rest in Heaven, Nims Dai with others beautiful souls . Video : Trek Nepal pic.twitter.com/LhZKiVMzmk

— Ananda Nepali (@anandanepali99) August 1, 2026

7月30日一支登山队在巴基斯坦攀登8000米的布洛阿特峰（Broad Peak）时遭遇严重雪崩，包括中国公民在内的10名登山者全部失踪，目前已找到4具遗体！2名遇难者身份已确认，失联中国公民疑为知名登山家王钟。… pic.twitter.com/ATzciofCyw

— Chong Wei 韦冲 (@weichonginsight) August 1, 2026

The 14 mountains are known as the world’s eight-thousanders. They include Mount Everest, K2, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Nanga Parbat, Annapurna, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, Broad Peak and Shishapangma.

His 2019 expedition took him across Nepal, Pakistan and Tibet. It included some remarkable climbs and rescue efforts. During the expedition, Purja also helped climbers in serious trouble at high altitude, including a rescue attempt on Annapurna.

His record-breaking journey was later turned into the Netflix documentary “14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible”, which introduced his story and Nepal’s climbing community to a much wider international audience.

Although his record for completing all 14 peaks was later broken, Purja remained one of the most recognisable names in modern mountaineering.

The first winter ascent of K2

Purja's achievements did not end with his 2019 record.

In January 2021, he was part of the all-Nepali team that made the first winter ascent of K2, the world's second-highest mountain.

K2 is known for its extreme difficulty and is often called one of the world's most dangerous major peaks. The winter climb was considered one of the last major milestones in Himalayan mountaineering.

Purja later co-founded Elite Exped and became an important voice for Nepali climbers and high-altitude workers.

He also established the Nimsdai Foundation, which worked on mountain conservation and the welfare of people working in high-altitude environments.

The Broad Peak expedition had a very specific goal for Purja. Just days before the tragedy, he revealed that Broad Peak had not originally been part of his plan.

His initial target was Gasherbrum II. But after looking at his record of 8,000-metre climbs, he realised that adding Broad Peak would leave him only one mountain short of becoming the first person to climb all 14 eight-thousanders twice without supplementary oxygen.

ब्रड पिक आरोहण गर्नु अघि निर्मल पुर्जाले लेखेका थिए - "यदि मैले यहाँ रहँदाहुँदै ब्रड पिक (Broad Peak) पनि सफलतापूर्वक आरोहण गर्न सकेँ भने, त्यसपछि केवल ‘चो ओयु (Cho Oyu)’ मात्र बाँकी रहनेछ। त्यसपछि म अक्सिजनको प्रयोग नगरी विश्वका सबै १४ वटा आठ हजार मिटरभन्दा अग्ला हिमाल दुई–दुई… pic.twitter.com/x3qYu05cA6

— Nirmal Prasai (@NirmalPrasai5) August 1, 2026

That final mountain would have been Cho Oyu.

Purja wrote that the opportunity to add Broad Peak had appeared unexpectedly. He also made it clear that he understood the danger involved.

In a final message before the climb, he wrote that he wanted “nothing but safe passage” up and back down Broad Peak and said he took no mountain for granted.

Those words have taken on a painful meaning after his death.

The search began after communication with the team was lost following the avalanche.

Initial reports said rescuers had found several bodies, with some identified as American climber Mallory Geis, Omani climber Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy and Nepali climber Pur Bahadur Gurung.

Press Release by Govt of #GilgitBaltistan on #BroadPeak Rescue Mission.On 29th June 2026, a 10-member international mountaineering expedition entered #Skardu District to attempt Broad Peak (8,047 meters) in District Shigar, Gilgit-Baltistan.The expedition was organized… pic.twitter.com/xazewfHmGY

— Gilgit-Baltistan Times (@gbtimes) July 31, 2026

Nirmal Purja is not among the six people whose bodies were found.A deadly avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak has claimed lives, with four bodies recovered so far as rescue operations continue.Renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja remains among those missing after the avalanche,… https://t.co/M8EJLiEKNe pic.twitter.com/0cyJFhllHS

— NYC News 24 ️ (@NYCNews24) August 2, 2026

The search for missing climbers on Broad Peak continues for the second day today. Helicopters are also being used in the rescue and search operation.@PakistanJannatt @GBTourism_ @Nature_is_home #broadpeakincident pic.twitter.com/Eg6lKfL0FJ

— K2 EXPRESS TV GB (@sadiqsidiqiGB_) August 1, 2026

newly surfaced video appears to show the broad peak avalanche that involved renowned mountaineer nims purja and an international team of 10 climbers while they were moving between camps 2 and 3.filmed from below, the continuous handheld footage captures a massive wall of snow… https://t.co/fEr5SBRYnp pic.twitter.com/tQLaWjRUUM

— Michael Rusch (@weeddude) July 31, 2026

Purja and other members of the team were later confirmed dead.

Recovery teams faced steep terrain, poor weather and the continuing risk of more avalanches. The bodies had to be moved carefully from the high slopes towards lower camps before helicopters could be used to transport them further.

The disaster brought climbers from across the region together for the recovery effort. Experienced Nepali and Pakistani mountaineers joined the search despite the risks involved.

Nirmal Purja spent his climbing career pushing what many people thought was possible.

He climbed all 14 eight-thousanders in record time, helped make history on K2 in winter, led expeditions, supported Nepali climbers and brought global attention to the risks and skills involved in high-altitude mountaineering.

His final expedition was meant to take him closer to another historic achievement.

Nepal PM Balendra Shah pays tribute to the climbers who lost their lives on Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram range. He expressed condolences to the families of the six Nepali and four foreign climbers, including world record holder Nirmal Purja. pic.twitter.com/DUI31lIgV7

— ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2026

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A post shared by Karakoram Vision Pakistan (@karakoramvision)

Instead, Broad Peak became the mountain where his remarkable journey ended.

The image of Purja and his team climbing towards the upper slopes, taken shortly before the avalanche, is now likely to be remembered as one of the final visual records of one of the most celebrated mountaineers of his generation.

For a climber who repeatedly spoke about challenging limits while respecting the mountains, his final words about taking no mountain for granted now stand out even more.