🌏 One general, total power

Over 1,000 people are dead from floods across Asia, including in my home country of Sri Lanka. Pakistan just gave one general total control through a constitutional coup. The US cut off 19 nations from its immigration system.

If 1,000 people died in Europe or North America, this would be the only story. Instead, it's barely making headlines. If you want to help flood victims, donate here.

Warm wishes,

Deepa

***

Pakistan's 'Constitutional Coup' Cements Military Rule: A new constitutional amendment in Pakistan grants unprecedented power to army chief Gen. Asim Munir, making him head of all armed forces and giving him lifelong immunity from prosecution. The move, rushed through parliament, is being called a "constitutional coup" by critics. Why it matters: The amendment effectively dismantles civilian oversight in the nuclear-armed nation, giving one general an unprecedented and extendable term. It formalizes the military's dominance over the state, with profound implications for regional stability and Pakistan's fragile democracy. (More)

Catastrophic Floods Kill Over 1,000 in Asia: A combination of tropical cyclones and heavy monsoon rains has caused devastating floods and landslides across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia, killing more than 1,000 people and affecting millions. Indonesia and Sri Lanka have deployed their militaries for rescue efforts as hundreds remain missing. Stunning stats: In Sri Lanka, the disaster is the worst since the 2004 tsunami, with over 1.3 million people affected. In Indonesia, the death toll has surpassed 500, making it the deadliest flood event there since a 2018 earthquake and tsunami. (More)

US Halts Immigration From 19 Nations: The Trump administration has ordered a "permanent pause" on migration from what it calls "all Third World Countries" and will re-examine all green cards held by citizens of 19 specific non-European nations. The move, which affects countries like Venezuela, Haiti, and Somalia, was announced after an attack in Washington, D.C., by an Afghan national. The bottom line: This sweeping policy shift weaponizes the US immigration system, creating profound uncertainty for millions and signaling a hardline stance that will have diplomatic and economic ripple effects across the Global South. (More)

Brazil's Bolsonaro Begins 27-Year Jail Term: Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been ordered to begin a 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup after his election loss. Brazil's Supreme Court ruled that the right-wing leader had exhausted all appeals and will be jailed at the federal police headquarters in Brasília. This is a landmark moment for Latin America's largest democracy, holding a former head of state accountable for attempts to subvert the democratic process. (More)

UAE Launches $1 Billion AI Fund for Africa: The UAE announced a $1 billion "AI for Development" fund to accelerate AI deployment across Africa, focusing on infrastructure, expertise, and applications in health, education, and climate adaptation. (More)

Pakistan Unlocks AI Potential with First Local Data Center: Telenor and Data Vault launched Pakistan's first locally hosted AI data center and sovereign AI cloud, providing Nvidia GPUs to boost AI adoption across sectors and strengthen cybersecurity and data sovereignty. (More)

Rwanda Pioneers AI-Powered Education Across Africa: ALX, Anthropic, and the Government of Rwanda launched "Chidi," an AI-powered learning companion built on Anthropic's Claude model, to revolutionize education across Africa, with a pilot in Rwanda's public education system. (More)

Argentina Secures Landmark LNG Export Deal with Europe: Argentina's Southern Energy has signed a framework agreement to supply Germany's SEFE with two million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually for eight years, a deal valued at over $7 billion that will boost Argentina's foreign currency earnings and enhance European energy security. (More)

Iraq Seeks US Firms to Replace Sanctioned Lukoil in Major Oil Field: Iraq has invited major American oil companies to bid for the management of the West Qurna 2 oil field, previously operated by sanctioned Russian firm Lukoil, aiming to maintain oil production and strengthen global market stability. (More)

China's Property Crisis Deepens as Major Developer Seeks Debt Extension: China Vanke, a leading property developer, is seeking to extend repayment on a 2 billion yuan bond, signaling a severe deterioration in its financial health and raising concerns about broader liquidity risks in China's real estate sector. (More)

North Africa on Brink of Historic Realignment: A potential reconciliation between Algeria and Morocco is reportedly underway following a UN Security Council resolution on Western Sahara, a move that could reshape regional geopolitics and unlock major economic projects. (More)

Iran, Russia, and China Formally Challenge West at UN: In a joint letter to the UN Security Council, Iran, Russia, and China have formally rejected the legal basis for the US and European "snapback" of sanctions, asserting that all restrictive provisions of Resolution 2231 regarding Iran's nuclear program expired on October 18, 2025. Why it matters: This move solidifies a diplomatic bloc challenging Western dominance over the Iran nuclear file and signals a deepening strategic alignment among the three powers on global governance issues. (More) 

Thailand Approves Landmark Climate Change Law: Thailand's cabinet has approved the country's first comprehensive Climate Change Act, establishing a legal framework to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and introducing carbon pricing tools including an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). (More)

Ghana Slashes Policy Rate by 350 Basis Points: The Bank of Ghana cut its monetary policy rate by 350 basis points to 18%, marking the third aggressive reduction this year as inflation fell to 8% in October and the cedi appreciated 32.2% against the US dollar. (More)

Japan's Yen Surges on Hawkish Rate Hike Hints: The Japanese Yen strengthened and government bond yields surged after Bank of Japan Governor Ueda indicated a December interest rate hike is under consideration, with markets now pricing a 62-85% chance of a hike. (More)

Cuba Allows Foreign Firms Direct Foreign Currency Operations: Cuba's government announced foreign companies can now operate directly in foreign currencies, a move towards partial dollarization aimed at attracting investment and addressing the peso's devaluation. Be smart: This policy aims to attract foreign capital and stabilize the economy amidst the peso's crisis, but could lead to a selective dollarization benefiting businesses over the general population. (More)

Morocco Seeks Contractors for 1,000km Ultra-High Voltage Power Line: Morocco's National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) has launched a pre-qualification call for contractors to build approximately 1,000 km of ultra-high voltage transmission lines between Boujdour and Tensift, with applications due by January 15, 2026. (More)

Argentina Plans Key State Asset Privatizations: The Argentine government plans to privatize Intercargo and Transener before 2026, and Aguas y Saneamientos Argentinos (AySA) by the first quarter of 2026, with Intercargo's 100% sale proceeding via public tender. (More)

US Halts Citizenship, Residency Processes for 19 Nations: The Trump administration has suspended all citizenship and residency applications for immigrants from 19 countries, including Cuba and Venezuela, citing a need for security review. This pause affects green card, naturalization, and asylum processes, leading to interview and ceremony cancellations. (More)

Travel Ban Halts Family Reunification Visas for Cubans: A US presidential proclamation (10949) has suspended the issuance of immigrant visas for most family preference categories for Cuban citizens, directly impacting family reunification. Why it matters: Only immediate relatives of US citizens (spouses, minor children, parents) are exempt, leaving thousands of other family petitions in limbo. (More)

Thailand Launches Digital Nomad Visa, Tightens Entry Rules: Thailand has introduced a new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for remote workers and long-stay visitors, alongside a mandatory Digital Arrival Card and expanded e-Visa system. Be smart: While offering new long-stay options, authorities are increasing enforcement against repeated "visa runs" and implementing new tax rules for long-term residents. (More)

New Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Drug Offers Game-Changing Protection: A new drug, lenacapavir, administered twice a year, has demonstrated over 99.9% effectiveness in reducing HIV transmission risk. Affordable generic versions anticipated by 2027. (More)

Common Plastics Chemicals Linked to Inflammatory Skin Condition often diagnosed in African-American women: A Johns Hopkins study suggests that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (bisphenols and phthalates) found in ultra-processed foods and single-use plastics may contribute to or worsen hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), an inflammatory skin disease often diagnosed in African American women. Reducing exposure to these chemicals could help alleviate symptoms. (More)

Creative Arts Therapies Boost PTSD Recovery in Non-Western Youth: A meta-analysis indicates that creative arts-based interventions, including visual arts, music, drama, and dance, effectively reduce PTSD symptoms in children and adolescents from Middle Eastern and West African backgrounds. These culturally sensitive approaches provide a valuable alternative for processing trauma, especially where traditional talk therapies may be less effective or culturally incongruent. (More)

📚 Read: Ils se sont tant aimés by Tahar Ben Jelloun. Moroccan literary giant Tahar Ben Jelloun's new novel, "Ils se sont tant aimés," published in March 2025. A tender, grave, and lucid exploration of love, aging, and second chances in modern Casablanca. This critically acclaimed work offers a profound look at Moroccan urban society through an intimate story. (More)

🎧 Listen: Ready Album by Wendy Shay. Ghanaian artist Wendy Shay's latest "Ready Album" is making waves, earning a special endorsement from former President John Dramani Mahama and generating buzz for the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards.(More)

📺 Watch: Fue solo un accidente by Jafar Panahi. This powerful Iranian film, which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes and is an Oscar contender, tells a gripping story of a former prisoner seeking justice. Directed by the acclaimed Jafar Panahi, who made the film clandestinely despite a ban. (More)

Pakistan's Paper Promises: A new investigation reveals a systemic failure to implement child rights laws, leaving millions of children without education, justice, or protection. (More) 

The Man Fixing Malaysia's Throwaway Culture: One man's mission to teach repair skills has sparked a nationwide movement, challenging overconsumption and rebuilding community connections. (More) 

Why Venezuelan Youth Believe in Conspiracies: New research explores why conspiracy theories feel like a rational survival tool for young Venezuelans and how classroom dialogue can build resilience. (More)