India's Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) held a bilateral technical meeting with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Rockville, Maryland, from August 6-8, to strengthen cooperation on nuclear safety and regulation as India aims to expand its nuclear power capacity. The meeting focused on regulating new and advanced reactors, codes and standards for advanced reactor technologies, and long-term operation strategies for nuclear power plants. Both sides identified potential areas for future collaboration, including the relaxation of rules allowing foreign entities to hold minority stakes in nuclear projects.
Australia and Vanuatu have agreed to a comprehensive deal that will bring significant trade benefits, including security cooperation and economic transformation, with a focus on labor mobility. The agreement was announced by Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, who described it as a "shared destiny" between the two nations. The deal will be formally signed by Vanuatu's Napat and Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the coming weeks. The agreement also includes funding for climate resilience following a devastating earthquake that hit Port Vila last December, which killed at least 14 people and injured hundreds.
The 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Bangladesh highlights significant human rights issues under the previous government, including arbitrary killings, disappearances, torture, and arbitrary arrests. The report notes widespread impunity for these abuses, with little to no action taken against officials or security force members responsible.
Britain has released a statement emphasizing that Ukraine needs clear security guarantees to defend its sovereignty, urging Russia not to impose restrictions on Ukraine's armed forces or cooperation with third countries. The statement comes ahead of a summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska, suggesting the "Coalition of the Willing" is prepared to deploy reinforcement forces after hostilities cease.
The UK government launched an inquiry into allegations of misconduct by British soldiers in Afghanistan after ITV aired a documentary exposing claims of widespread exploitation and abuse, including paying for sex with local women and raping girls as young as 13 at the Helmand Province's Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gamber. The investigation was prompted by the documentary "The Base: A British Army Scandal" which detailed the alleged misconduct by troops stationed in Afghanistan.
China's territorial claims in the South China Sea have sparked tensions with neighboring countries over exclusive economic zones, as Beijing asserts sovereignty over nearly 90% of the region despite competing claims from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The dispute escalated after a Chinese navy destroyer collided with a Philippine coastguard vessel during a high-speed chase, prompting criticism from the Philippines for 'reckless' behavior. An international tribunal ruled in 2016 that China's claims have no basis in international law, while the US-led 'freedom of navigation' operations challenge Chinese restrictions. The Scarborough Shoal, a key area of tension, handles $3 trillion in annual commerce, and China's actions have been met with calls for Beijing to respect international maritime rules.
A Chinese fighter jet flew extremely close to a Philippine surveillance plane over Scarborough, putting the lives of journalists on board at risk. The incident occurred after repeated warnings from authorities to stop dangerous maneuvers and adhere to anti-collision regulations. The Chinese jet performed aggressive tactics for 20 minutes, including flying as low as 200 feet above the small aircraft. The Australian Embassy in Manila expressed concern over the dangerous and unprofessional conduct of Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal, where a Philippine Coast Guard commodore warned that China's actions are a
The article highlights various successful examples of integrating social connection into development policies worldwide. In South Africa, peer-to-peer support programs have been implemented for low-income older adults. In contrast, the Republic of Korea uses "social prescribing" to recommend activities like music storytelling and gardening to older adults. Djibouti has integrated social connection into broader development policy, while Albania embeds it in ageing policies. Social connection is also embedded in mental health policy in Spain. Several countries, including Denmark, Germany, Japan, Finland, the Netherlands, and Sweden, have established dedicated national strategies for this purpose. Additionally, campaigns promoting small acts of kindness are underway in Australia, Great Britain, and the USA.
Dr. John Lenczowski emphasized the importance of moral clarity, inter-religious harmony, and truth in cultural diplomacy for achieving global peace. He stressed that public diplomacy should integrate functions beyond foreign policy to build trust with stakeholders. The "Harmony Beyond Borders" public lecture was part of the International Conference on Cultural Diplomacy 2025, which will take place in Depok, West Java, on November 18 and 19, 2025. Minister Zon expects the conference to enlighten people about cultural diplomacy's potential for peace and sustainable development.