Amnesty International has criticised Pakistan’s decision to sentence leading Baloch activists Dr Mahrang Baloch and Sibghat Ullah Shah Jee to life imprisonment, calling the verdict a serious violation of fair trial principles. The rights organisation alleged that anti-terror laws were being misused to silence peaceful voices and target human rights defenders.

Amnesty International’s Acting Regional Director for South Asia, Isabelle Lassee, said the convictions undermined the right to a fair trial and reflected what the organisation described as the authorities’ improper use of counter-terrorism legislation against activists. The condemnation came after an anti-terrorism court in Quetta sentenced Mahrang Baloch and Sibghat Ullah Shah Jee to life terms over allegations related to a 2024 protest, during which a security official was killed.

Amnesty claimed that the proceedings were conducted through a rushed and closed-door trial inside a prison facility, raising concerns about transparency, due process and compliance with international legal standards. The organisation said no substantial evidence had been presented directly connecting the two activists to the killing.

The rights group also raised concerns over the prolonged detention of Mahrang Baloch, who was arrested in March 2025 after taking part in a peaceful demonstration. Amnesty stated that she was later named in more than 20 anti-terrorism cases across Pakistan, making it increasingly difficult for her defence team to prepare an effective legal response.

Amnesty International said the activists were being punished because of their work highlighting human rights issues and called for their immediate release and the removal of cases linked to their advocacy activities. Mahrang Baloch and Sibghat Ullah Shah Jee are senior figures in the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a rights movement that campaigns against enforced disappearances, alleged unlawful killings and social and economic challenges faced by communities in Balochistan. They have remained in custody since protests in March 2025, along with several other activists facing multiple legal cases.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from @MahrangBaloch_.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is likely to undertake her first official visit to India between July 1 and 3 next month, according to sources. However, due to logistical constraints, the trip is now expected to be centered in New Delhi. Officials indicated that while Guwahati was initially considered as a possible venue—and was even proposed to the Japanese side—the tight schedule and operational challenges of holding events outside the capital have made Delhi the more practical choice.

“Given PM Takaichi’s domestic commitments, the time window between her arrival and departure is quite limited. Considering this, along with additional logistical complexities associated with organising events outside Delhi, the visit is likely to be held in the capital,” sources said. The revised plan also allows both sides to include key engagement programmes aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had suggested that Guwahati could host the summit-level meeting between PM Takaichi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 1. He also mentioned the possibility publicly on social media, noting the proposed visit window from July 1 onward. Japanese media reports have also indicated that Takaichi may visit Assam in early July, accompanied by representatives from more than 50 Japanese companies and organisations, highlighting the economic dimension of the trip.

A report by NHK noted that during the upcoming discussions with PM Modi, both leaders are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in areas such as defence, trade, and investment, aligned with the Japan-India joint vision for the next decade announced during Modi’s earlier visit to Japan.

The two leaders had already discussed strengthening ties on the sidelines of the recent G7 summit in France, where PM Modi reaffirmed that India and Japan would continue expanding collaboration across multiple sectors, with a particular emphasis on economic growth. Sanae Takaichi, a close political associate of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is the first woman to hold the office of Japan’s Prime Minister. Interestingly, Abe was once scheduled to visit Guwahati in 2019 for talks with PM Modi, but that trip was postponed.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from @takaichi_sanae.

Three teenage students lost their lives and seven others were injured after two armed minors allegedly opened fire at a high school in the central Philippines on Monday morning, according to authorities cited by state media. Police confirmed that both suspects have been taken into custody. The shooting occurred at around 9 am local time at the government-run San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, located in Leyte province. Police said classes were in progress when the suspects reportedly entered the school campus and began firing.

Authorities from the Tacloban City Police Office said a Grade 9 student was arrested shortly after the attack, while another student of the same grade level was captured several hours later with help from residents in a nearby community. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a full investigation into the incident and called for authorities to ensure accountability. Security measures have been strengthened, while officials urged the public to remain calm as the investigation continues.

The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed deep concern over the violence and said it is coordinating with government agencies to provide emergency medical support and psychological assistance to affected students, teachers, and school staff. Presidential spokesperson Claire Castro said Marcos was deeply saddened by the incident, adding that such an attack would bring immense grief and fear, especially for the victims’ families. She said authorities were working on measures to improve safety in public areas, including educational institutions.

The incident has renewed discussions about security in schools across the Philippines. A similar shooting in 2022 at Ateneo de Manila University, where three people including a former mayor were killed before a graduation event, was later linked to personal motives, according to reports.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh organised a torchlight procession in Dhaka on Friday evening to protest against what they described as an insult to Lord Ram. The protest was triggered by reports that a group allegedly vandalised a statue of Lord Ram by placing a shoe on it, an act that sparked outrage among Hindus who viewed it as a serious violation of their religious sentiments.

Student representatives and community leaders gave authorities a 72-hour deadline to arrest those responsible. They stated that if no action was taken, they would submit a formal memorandum to the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Sunday. They also announced plans to seek meetings with senior government officials, including the Prime Minister, while continuing with rallies and awareness programmes. The march began at 5 PM from the Shahbagh area of Dhaka, with participation from several Hindu organisations and university students. Protesters moved towards the National Press Club carrying torches and raising slogans, including “Jai Shri Ram,” as they expressed solidarity and demanded justice.

The demonstration was connected to earlier unrest in Polash Bari of Gaibandha district, where construction work on a Ram temple was reportedly interrupted. The project involved an 81-foot statue of Lord Ram, which was allegedly targeted by extremist groups who threw shoes at the structure. Although a case was registered, the absence of arrests has increased frustration within the community.

Hindu leaders said they would continue their efforts and expressed their determination to establish Ram temples across all 64 districts of Bangladesh. They stressed that the incident represented a broader concern for the Hindu community rather than an isolated matter. Two additional protest programmes were held in Dhaka. One group organised a human chain outside the National Press Club, while another held a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity, both calling for action against those involved.

The National Committee for Puja Celebrations also announced a nationwide protest programme, indicating that the issue has gained wider attention among the Hindu community. The incident has intensified discussions around minority rights, religious respect, and the protection of faith communities in Bangladesh. Protesters have stated that further demonstrations could follow if authorities do not take action against those accused.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Newsonair.

Israel and Iran have carried out direct strikes against each other for the first time since an April ceasefire, increasing concerns that the situation could escalate into a wider regional conflict. The Israeli attacks appear to go against advice from Donald Trump, who reportedly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to respond militarily to Iran in order to protect ongoing peace negotiations from collapsing. Journalist Nosheen Iqbal discusses the developments with the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Julian Borger.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

In “Destination Anywhere,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews Julian Artopé, the founder and CEO of Zenyum, a company specializing in invisible braces and dental care products. He shares insights from his travels, beginning with Germany, his home country, and highlights Lake Ammersee near Munich as a must-visit destination. He then discusses his journey to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, where he experienced distinctive shrimp ramen and relaxed in a traditional onsen village.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

The 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and associated meetings in Cebu, scheduled from May 6 to 8, will bring together heads of state and senior officials from all ten ASEAN countries as well as Timor-Leste. The gathering takes place at a critical moment for the region, amid concerns that the Middle East conflict could disrupt global oil supplies, driving up fuel prices and increasing inflationary pressure on ASEAN economies. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the summit’s key issues in detail with Susannah Patton, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Lowy Institute.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Justin McCurry reports on Japan’s prime minister known for her interest in heavy metal music and her proposal to revise the nation’s pacifist constitution. His coverage highlights political and cultural dimensions of her leadership and the broader debate over Japan’s defense policies and constitutional reform efforts in modern times and its implications for regional security and international relations today globally.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.