Gerrymandering in India’s Assam Cuts Muslim Representation Before Vote
Muslim representation in Assam's 126 legislative constituencies has dropped from about 35 to 20 seats following a 2023 delimitation order, according to Al Jazeera.
Asia Pacific
India Begins World’s Largest Population Count
More than three million Indian officials have begun the world’s largest national population count, a yearlong process that could reshape welfare programs and political representation, according to Al Jazeera.
Australia PM Warns Iran War Economic Shocks Will Last Months
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned that the economic shocks from the Iran-related conflict will 'be with us for months', according to the BBC.
Iran Threatens Major Tech Firms, Warns of April 1 Attack
Iran has issued a warning that it may begin attacking major U.S. technology firms starting April 1, according to reports from WIRED and Japanese news outlets.
Australian’s ‘Succulent Chinese Meal’ Quote Preserved in National Film Archive
An iconic Australian quote from a 1991 arrest at a Chinese restaurant has been officially preserved in the National Film and Sound Archive, according to the BBC.
Oil Rises Above $115 as Asia Shares Slide in Fifth Week of Iran Conflict
Oil prices rose above $115 per barrel as Asia shares tumbled on Monday, marking the fifth week of the escalating conflict between the US-Israel and Iran, according to the BBC.
Bank Holidays in 2026: Regional Variations and Economic Impacts
Multiple reports indicate that 2026 will see significant variations in bank holiday observances across several regions, with India, Japan, and Ukraine among the countries affected by changes in public holidays and their economic implications.
Australia to Halve Fuel Tax as Global Energy Crisis Deepens
Multiple reports indicate that the Australian government has announced a three-month reduction in fuel excise, aiming to lower petrol prices and ease financial pressure on households amid a deepening global energy crisis.
Face the Nation: U.S. War in Iran Costs $18B, Diplomacy Push in Pakistan
Multiple reports indicate that the U.S. has spent $18 billion on military operations in Iran, while diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt are meeting in Pakistan to push for an end to the ongoing war.
Japan to Send Combat Units to Philippines for First Time Since WWII
Japan has announced it will send combat units to the Philippines for the first time since World War II to participate in the annual Balikatan military exercise with the U.S., marking a significant shift in its defense policy.
Australian States Offer Free Public Transport Amid Fuel Price Surge
Two Australian states have announced free public transport to reduce pressure on fuel prices amid the ongoing war in the Middle East, according to the BBC.
Pakistan hosts four-nation bid to encourage US, Iran towards diplomacy
Pakistan has hosted a four-nation diplomatic meeting involving Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia to encourage the United States and Iran to pursue de-escalation and diplomacy, according to Al Jazeera and NPR reports.
Pakistan’s Naseem Shah under fire after criticism of politician’s PSL visit
Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah is under fire after criticizing the presence of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz at the start of the Pakistan Super League in Lahore, according to Al Jazeera.
Kim vows to ‘irreversibly’ cement North Korea’s nuclear status, calls South ‘most hostile’
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to irreversibly cement his country’s nuclear status, calling South Korea the 'most hostile' nation, according to the Associated Press.
Nepal’s Ex-PM Arrested Over Fatal Protest Crackdown
Nepal's former prime minister KP Sharma Oli has been arrested over his alleged involvement in a deadly crackdown on protests last year, according to BBC.