The Israel-Hamas war persists. Lebanon's Hezbollah group says it will put more pressure on Israel. Antony Blinken back in Middle East trying to secure a cease-fire. wsj.com/livecoverage/i…

FATF report reveals that a "violent extremist organization" in India raised money through its organized networks. indianexpress.com/article/busine…

Yokota Air Base in Japan gets #MicrogridUpgrade by the US Airforce. It increases energy efficiency, boosts resilience, reduces need for external power supply. More security, less dependency. asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Inter…

Japanese defense experts conflicted over increased defense expenditure vs. focus on national security. Some want more spending, some say the money should be spent on social welfare. Differences in approach, but both are crucial. asia.nikkei.com/Business/Aeros…

Xi Jinping claims that Chinese Communist Party's control over rural areas is weak, as per a newly-published book. Contrasting to India, where rural party structure is a stronger mechanism to ensure control. scmp.com/news/china/pol…

"150 people have lost their lives in the terrible earthquake in remote western Nepal, as the world mourns this tragedy. We stand with Nepal as it tries to rebuild." "Indian Embassy: Indians in Nepal: Call Emergency Number: +977-9851316807" bbc.co.uk/news/world-asi…

"All-girl's cricket team in India breaking stereotypes and exceling with their talent and passion, proving they can thrive in a male-dominated sport." Samira Hussain bbc.com/news/world-asi…

"Double standards 🇨🇳 China shows peace at face, stokes disorder for own agenda in Gaza. Xi Jinping's two-faced approach to conflict resolution." theatlantic.com/international/…

The US is quietly arming Taiwan to the teeth!" Biden approves $80m in military aid to Taiwan over Chinese objections. Boost to weaponry risks raising tensions in Taiwan Strait. US sees it as crucial in countering China." bbc.com/news/world-asi…

"South Africa recalls diplomats from Israel: Is this a new independent foreign policy? Or bow to pressure from China and Islamic countries?" bbc.com/news/world-afr…

"Pakistan's anti-migrant crackdown forcing Afghans to flee. Camps lack shelter, food, water - people have nowhere to go. Their suffering cannot be ignored!" csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Sou…

"ISPR and Pakistan Air Force hiding losses - actual toll was 14 aircraft and 35 soldiers killed. Pakistan Army should concentrate on defense, stay out of politics." theprint.in/opinion/pakist…

Leaked Pentagon documents reveal Beijing secretly sending weapons to Moscow, disguising military items as "civilian goods." Russian special forces gutted by Ukraine war. WP cites int report 125 of 900 troops remain." theguardian.com/us-news/2023/a…

"Panda diplomacy in Australia! Xi called Tasmanian devils cute, discussed not all Pandas being cute (Thanks *Kung Fu Panda*). Both Xi and Albanese agreed that Pandas & Devils aren't as cute as each other. 😆 apnews.com/article/austra…

"In 1949, 9,000 Chinese PLA troops tried to land in Taiwan to defeat the Nationalist Chinese who had fled to Taiwan. But the Taiwanese soldiers displayed their courage and drove them away!" economist.com/special-report…