North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently inspected a factory manufacturing multiple rocket launchers and instructed officials to boost production of the weapons system, which is expected to form the core of the country's modernized long-range artillery, according to state media on Tuesday (Dec 30).

In the weeks leading up to the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party next year, Kim has conducted a series of visits to weapons manufacturing facilities, toured a nuclear-powered submarine, and supervised missile tests. The upcoming congress, which will outline major policy objectives, has not yet been scheduled, though analysts believe it could take place as early as January.

State news agency KCNA quoted Kim as emphasizing the need to further refine the factory’s production system to strengthen manufacturing capacity and ensure the successful achievement of munitions production targets to be announced at the party congress. Photographs released by state media showed Kim inspecting the facility, where large rocket launcher vehicles equipped with what appeared to be multiple rockets were arranged in rows.

Analysts suggest that Kim’s recent efforts to showcase advanced nuclear-capable weapons — including upgraded cruise missiles and artillery rockets — indicate he may use the party congress to announce plans to expand nuclear weapons production and introduce new weapons systems. According to Park Won-gon, a North Korea specialist at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, these military actions are also aimed at strengthening Kim’s negotiating position, particularly with the United States, as potential diplomatic talks may open next year.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has urged the provincial government to support military operations in the region, highlighting a sharp decline in security due to rising militancy, according to Dawn. Speaking at the National Press Club, he stressed that stability is essential for development, saying, "development projects cannot progress without stability."

He warned that insecurity negatively impacts the social and economic conditions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and emphasized that lasting peace is vital for business and investment. Kundi linked the rise in terrorism to Afghanistan, accusing Afghan nationals of participating in attacks in Pakistan, and stressed that undocumented foreigners, including Afghans, cannot legally remain in the country. He added that those wishing to work or study must follow proper legal channels.

The governor claimed Afghan nationals were involved in attacks in DI Khan and Cadet College Wana, asserting that Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghan authorities to prevent their territory from being used for attacks. He further alleged that terrorist groups are supporting the interests of India and Israel, while Pakistan has successfully countered India both militarily and diplomatically.

Kundi also highlighted growing international interest in defense cooperation and trade with Pakistan, reflected in frequent visits by foreign leaders. On domestic politics, he encouraged resolving disputes through reasoned debate rather than personal attacks, implicitly referring to inconsistent statements from PTI leadership regarding government negotiations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@fkkundi.

A South Korean investigation into the Jeju Air crash that killed 179 people is expected to miss its one-year deadline for releasing a progress report, according to two officials, as relatives of the victims continue to demand answers about the cause of the disaster. The country’s Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) will not be able to issue the interim report by Monday, December 29—the first anniversary of the deadliest aviation accident on South Korean soil, the officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter.

On December 29, 2024, a Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air made an emergency belly landing at Muan Airport. The aircraft overshot the runway, collided with a concrete embankment, and erupted into flames, killing 179 of the 181 people on board. The incident marked the worst plane crash in South Korea in recent history.

In a preliminary report issued in January, the government-led ARAIB revealed that both engines of the plane had suffered bird strikes. Investigators said in a July update—kept from public release after objections from victims’ families—that the pilots had shut down the less-damaged engine following the bird strike, a decision that likely contributed to the crash.

The families of the victims have expressed growing frustration with the pace and transparency of the investigation, questioning whether the ongoing probe can provide reliable answers about the circumstances leading to the crash. Authorities have faced increasing pressure to provide clarity and accountability as the anniversary approaches.

Despite repeated delays, the investigation remains ongoing, with officials citing the complexity of the case and sensitivity of the findings as reasons for the postponed interim report. With the one-year milestone passing without new updates, relatives continue to demand a detailed explanation of what caused the tragedy and how such accidents can be prevented in the future.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) organized a study programme for 19 officers from the Nepal Armed Police Force (APF). As Nepal’s only paramilitary force, the APF is tasked with internal security, VIP protection, and the safeguarding of vital installations, according to the CISF. Nepal holds a special position as a priority partner under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, and the relationship is reinforced through regular high-level exchanges. In August, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Nepal’s Chief of Army Staff, Suprabal Janasewashree Gen Ashok Raj Sigdel, at the Nepal Army headquarters in Kathmandu. During the ceremony, he handed over a set of defence and medical equipment, including Light Strike Vehicles, critical care medical equipment, and military animals, as part of India’s ongoing defence cooperation with Nepal.

The Indian Embassy highlighted that this transfer of equipment reflects the close ties between the two armies and underscores the long-standing trust and partnership that defines India-Nepal relations. Both countries maintain extensive and mutually beneficial defence and security cooperation, with their armies sharing a harmonious relationship built on trust and respect.

The Ministry of External Affairs also emphasized that the deep-rooted civilizational and cultural connections between India and Nepal are mirrored in strong people-to-people links. Initiatives such as these, including study programs, equipment transfers, and high-level visits, demonstrate India’s commitment to nurturing robust defence ties and maintaining strategic partnership with Nepal. This cooperation exemplifies the enduring friendship and collaborative spirit between the two nations, strengthening security, trust, and regional stability.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from CISF.

Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party has selected 46-year-old academic Yodchanan Wongsawat, a nephew of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as its leading candidate for the premiership in the February election. The move brings the influential Shinawatra family back into focus as Thailand grapples with deadly border clashes with Cambodia and internal challenges within the party. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the implications of his candidacy for party cohesion, border security, and the country’s political trajectory with Kevin Hewison, Emeritus Professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Starting 6 pm tomorrow (13 Dec 2025), train commuters can check a single webpage for updates on trip delays. Daniel Martin talks with Professor Raymond Ong, Transport Analyst and Deputy Head (Research) at NUS’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Across the globe, Gen Z is moving beyond online activism and taking to the streets — pushing back against existing systems, highlighting inequality, and demanding a future they can trust. Many young people feel increasingly shut out, with rising youth unemployment and shrinking economic opportunities adding to their frustration. We speak with CNA senior correspondent Wei Du, who followed a wave of Gen Z demonstrations in Asia for an Insight documentary, and Dr. Eugene Mark, Fellow and Co-coordinator of Thailand Studies at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, to understand the forces behind this new wave of youth-driven protests.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

A recent study reveals that maintaining a sense of control is crucial for ageing well. Seniors who retain independence and the ability to make their own decisions tend to be healthier and happier. Post-retirement, men often face more challenges, whereas women’s social networks help them stay resilient. The research underscores the significance of purpose, social connections, and dignity in later life. Andrea Heng and Genevieve Woo discuss the study with A/P Justina Tan, Vice President of Strategic Partnership and Engagement at SUSS.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.