Asia

• Afghan Christian TV channel launched despite Taliban restrictions 29 October 2026
  Afghanistan's first dedicated Christian satellite television channel, Mozhda TV, has begun broadcasting, bringing the Gospel to millions despite severe restrictions under Taliban rule. The launch represents the fulfilment of decades of prayer and cooperation between Afghan Christian leaders and international mission organisations. Broadcasting initially in Dari and Pashto, with plans…
• Israel: election deadlock an indication of country’s deep divisions 29 October 2026
  The general election in Israel has produced an inconclusive result despite record voter turnout among Jewish and Arab citizens, leaving neither major political bloc with a parliamentary majority. Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party suffered losses but remains the largest party, while opposition groups led by Gadi Eisenkot failed to secure sufficient…
• Japan: new missile defence aims to deter aggressive neighbours 29 October 2026
  A new Type-25 surface-to-ship missile system has been unveiled in Japan for the first time, highlighting efforts to strengthen national defence amid increasing military activity by China, Russia, and North Korea. The missiles, capable of striking targets more than a thousand kilometres away, form part of Japan’s developing counterstrike capabilities.…
• China: families now supporting elderly more than children 29 October 2026
  A significant demographic milestone has been reached in China, with elderly people now outnumbering children among those classified as dependent on the working-age population. Official figures show that the elderly dependency ratio rose to 23% last year, compared with 22% for children. More than 223 million Chinese citizens are aged…
• Israel: Arab voters may hold the key to election result 23 October 2026
  Arab citizens of Israel, representing approximately one fifth of the population, are preparing for a closely- contested general election in which their political parties could play an important parliamentary role. Opinion polls suggest that neither Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing alliance nor the main opposition bloc will secure sufficient support for a…