By Andrew D. Thaler WASHINGTON, 22 DECEMBER 2025 (SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE) — Can you name a single geologic feature of the deep sea? Take a moment. Think about it. Did you pick the Mariana Trench? Odds are pretty good that you did. It is the deepest point on our planet and one of the few […]
Category: In Focus
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Taiwan’s Green Port Diplomacy: Wind, Shore Power, and Pacific Engagement
By Mohammed Afsal K H TAIPEI, 18 DECEMBER 2025 (GLOBAL TAIWAN) — Taiwan’s latest diplomatic push in the Pacific has come with developments in maritime infrastructure. Between 2024 and 2025, Taiwan pushed the number of high-voltage shore power systems at its ports to 11, relaunched a solar-powered research yacht for Palau, and helped finance Tuvalu’s […]
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When Leaving Is the Hardest, and Bravest, Choice
In many families, especially close-knit ones, there is a familiar line of advice given to women in toxic relationships: stay together for the kids. It is often followed by other well-meaning but heavy expectations. Be patient. Be his peace. He is sick. He is an addict. He needs you. What is rarely asked is a […]
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The Marshall Islands’ experiment with a universal basic income
By Monique Taylor The scheme tests whether microstates can sustain widespread cash transfers, with the Pacific watching on. MAJURO, 09 DECEMBER 2025 (THE INTERPRETER)—The Republic of the Marshall Islands is embarking on one of the world’s most ambitious experiments in universal basic income (UBI). Beginning on 26 November 2025, the government introduced a nationwide UBI […]
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Social media: Age-related bans won’t keep kids safe, UNICEF warns
NEW YORK/GENEVA, 11 DECEMBER 2025 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —A social media ban for children under 16 came into effect in Australia on Wednesday, marking a global first. After months of anticipation and debate over the government’s controversial move, under 16s woke up to find themselves locked out of popular platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and […]