ASIA TODAY Food crisis in North Korea, food rationed for the army

Other news of the day: Thai activists are suing their government over the use of spyware and surveillance media; more than 41,000 victims in the earthquake in Turkey and Syria; the National Library of Iran suspends a group of members for not wearing the hijab correctly; Colombo bans single-use plastic; mandatory weekly radio and television shows in Hong Kong to promote “Chinese identity”; Delhi freezes arms contracts with Moscow.

KOREA

The food crisis in North Korea. The confirmation comes from Seoul, after the Dong-A Ilbo newspaper reported that soldiers’ meals were rationed for the first time in more than 20 years. The Kim regime has called an “urgent” party meeting to discuss agriculture. The country is subject to international sanctions for its nuclear and missile programs.

TURKEY – SYRIA

The victims earthquake in Turkey and Syria have exceeded 41,000 and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan – facing the May elections – promises a rapid reconstruction. The first shipment of aids entered Syria through the rebel-held northwestern province of Idlib as the UN launches a campaign to raise at least 400 million euros in three months to help the population.

THAILAND

Activists in Thailand have sued the government for using technology spyware to monitor dissent. This is the first case in the country and the objective is to increase the awareness and freedom of citizens, subject to increasing surveillance. Among the means used by Bangkok to spy on citizens is the controversial Pegasus produced by the Israeli NSO Group.

IRAN

Several women enrolled in the National Library of Iran have been suspended for “improper” use of the hijab, in violation of the law that requires them to wear veils. The response, contained in a protest letter, defines the suspension as “gender apartheid” in Iran. For months the country has been the scene of protests over the death of Mahsa Amini.

SRI LANKA

Colombo ban single-use plastic, after an escalation of deaths of wild elephants and deer from ingesting this material mixed with food remains. Starting next June, the production or sale of plastic cutlery, cocktail shakers and artificial flowers will be prohibited. Non-biodegradable plastic bags were banned in 2017.

HONG KONG – CHINA

Hong Kong radio and television stations must broadcast weekly programs promoting “national identity” China and illustrate the (controversial) national security law imposed by Beijing. John Lee, former head of security and current chief executive, welcomed the new conditions and recommended them to the Telecommunications Authority, which is charged with overseeing the application.

RUSSIA – INDIA

India, Russia’s largest international arms buyer, has effectively frozen existing contracts with Moscow, which until now accounted for more than 20% of the turnover of the “Rosoboronexport” sector agency. Delhi suspended purchases of Ka-226T helicopters, despite favorable terms and Russian readiness to transfer the technology.

TAJIKISTAN

One of the rare representatives of world Zoroastrianism died in Tajikistan at the age of 92. Odinašokh Kurbonov, known as Odina Šoki, was a musical instrument preparation teacher by profession. He kept with his family the traditions of the ancient Persian religion, now transmitted to his only son.