Social media revamp by 92-year-old president struggles to woo young Cameroonians

In Thailand’s Chaiyaphum province, monks and locals are taking an unconventional approach to fighting deforestation: they’re "ordaining" trees as if they were monks. Wrapping sacred orange robes around towering trees, the ritual blends Buddhist tradition with environmental activism, symbolically granting the trees protection from logging and development. It’s a creative, spiritual twist on conservation—turning faith into a shield for nature.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a quirky ceremony—it’s a clever fusion of culture and activism. By tapping into deep-rooted religious respect for monks, communities are giving trees a kind of "untouchable" status. It shows how local traditions can be powerful tools in global fights, like saving forests, without relying on laws or confrontations. Plus, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best solutions are the ones that speak to people’s hearts, not just their wallets.

Taiwan's decision to donate to an Israeli settlement health project in the West Bank is raising eyebrows—and possibly risks. The move, announced by Taiwan’s representative to Israel during a visit to a council overseeing West Bank settlements, breaks with the usual international stance of avoiding direct support for Israel’s occupation. Experts warn this could strain Taiwan’s diplomatic relationships and global standing.

Editor’s Note: Taiwan’s donation might seem like a small gesture, but it steps into a geopolitical minefield. Most countries avoid funding projects in occupied territories to avoid legitimizing Israel’s settlements, which are widely considered illegal under international law. For Taiwan, which already faces diplomatic isolation, this could backfire by alienating allies who oppose the occupation. It’s a risky play at a time when Taiwan can’t afford to lose support.

A man has died in police custody in Victoria’s Gippsland region, sparking renewed scrutiny over law enforcement practices. Meanwhile, hopes are rising for a missing fisher off the NSW south coast as weather conditions improve. In unrelated but contentious news, controversial MP Mark Latham denies domestic violence allegations from a former partner, calling media reports "false and reckless."

Editor’s Note: Custody deaths and domestic violence allegations are deeply sensitive issues—they raise questions about accountability in institutions and personal conduct among public figures. The missing fisher story, while less politically charged, taps into broader anxieties about safety in remote areas. Together, these updates reflect a day of high-stakes human drama in Australia.

A tragic accident in Vietnam's scenic Ha Long Bay has left at least 37 people dead after a tourist boat capsized during rough weather. Five others are still missing, according to local reports. The bay, known for its stunning limestone cliffs and emerald waters, is a major draw for travelers—making this incident especially devastating for both victims and the tourism-dependent community.

Editor’s Note: Beyond the immediate human toll, this disaster raises tough questions about safety standards for tourist boats in extreme weather—especially in regions where regulations may be lax or enforcement spotty. For locals, it’s a grim reminder of how quickly a natural wonder can turn deadly, and for travelers, it underscores the importance of checking safety protocols before boarding excursions.

Violence between Bedouin and Druze groups in southern Syria’s Suweida region has escalated, with reports of hundreds killed. Syrian authorities are trying—and struggling—to regain control, but tensions remain high in an area already battered by years of conflict.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another flare-up—it’s a sign of how fragile Syria’s social fabric remains after years of war. The government’s inability to contain the fighting raises concerns about wider instability, especially in regions with deep-seated tribal and sectarian divides. For locals, it’s another layer of suffering in a country that’s seen far too much.