Worldwide

Japan: search for alternative rare earth sources to avoid reliance on China

16 Jan 2026
Japan has launched a bold effort to secure its future supply of critical minerals by sending a research vessel to mine rare earth elements from the deep seabed near Minamitori Island. The month-long mission marks the…

Thailand: at least 31 dead after crane collapses on train

16 Jan 2026
A devastating rail disaster in northeast Thailand has left at least 31 people dead after a construction crane collapsed onto a speeding passenger train, causing it to derail and burst into flames. The accident occurred as…

DRC: deadly landslide kills at least 22

16 Jan 2026
A deadly landslide has struck eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, killing at least 22 people and leaving dozens missing in a remote village in North Kivu. Triggered by hours of intense rainfall, the hillside collapsed…

China: police forces and heavy machinery surround church building

09 Jan 2026
Special police forces and heavy machinery have surrounded Yayang Church in Zhejiang province, raising fears the building could be damaged or its cross removed. Images shared online by Bob Fu of China Aid show scaffolding around…