What to know about the conclave to elect the next pope
Here are some things to know about the election of the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church, which has 1.4 billion faithful across the world.
WORTH A READ
Press freedom in South Asia faces steep decline
Between 2024 and 2025, at least 250 violations of media rights were recorded in the region. A total of 69 journalists were jailed or detained, while 20 lost their lives in the…
When YouTube replaces TV, news and politics: what South Korea learned the hard way in 20 years
More than just entertainment, YouTube has become the dominant stage for news, activism, disinformation and cultural exports, reshaping South Korea’s digital life more profoundly…
Manufacturing populism
Far from being a spontaneous uprising of the people, modern populism has evolved into a carefully curated performance that is produced, packaged and sold by the very elites it…
‘Kicked out in pajamas’: Women in Seoul’s fading red-light district protest evictions
Sex workers driven out for redevelopment of 'Miari Texas' demand housing support, drawing both sympathy and opposition from neighbours.
Kashmir’s 69-year-long history of deadly strife
The stunning mountain region has known little but conflict since 1947, when British rule of the subcontinent ended with the creation of India and Pakistan.
Fleeing Pakistan, Afghans rebuild from nothing
Many of them had lived in Pakistan for decades after fleeing successive wars and crises.
Social media helps fuel growing sex tourism in Japan
Money worries are among the issues pushing more and more women to become sex workers, an expert said.
How Malaysia’s looming fish trawling ban could affect your dining options
The looming ban on bottom trawling is the latest threat to Malaysia’s fishermen, who are also facing declining catch levels, a lack of interest from local youth in joining the…
Why was the Myanmar quake felt in Bangkok, and how safe is Singapore?
Singapore’s risk assessment area should be widened, noting that the Sumatran fault, similar to the Sagaing fault that caused the Myanmar earthquake, is only about 400km away…