reporters without borders

Ekaterina Barabash, a veteran journalist, escaped house arrest in Moscow with the help of reporters without borders after facing a potential 10-year sentence for criticizing Russia's invasion of Ukraine on social media. She traveled through secret routes to reach France, expressing her views on the lack of journalism under totalitarianism. Many journalists remain imprisoned in Russia for expressing anti-war views.

reporters without borders (RSF) reports global press freedoms at a record low, particularly criticizing the US under Donald Trump for undermining independent media. The US fell to 57th place in the rankings. Europe enjoys the most press freedom, while China, North Korea, and Eritrea rank lowest. Germany also slipped due to hostility towards journalists.

Ekaterina Barabash, a pro-Ukrainian journalist, escaped house arrest in Russia with the help of reporters without borders (RSF) and fled to Paris. Facing up to 10 years in prison for criticizing the Russian army, Barabash denounced the lack of journalism and freedom of expression in Russia.

Recent armed clashes in Laos, potentially linked to drug smuggling within the Golden Triangle, have prompted Thailand to close the popular Phu Chi Fa viewpoint on the border. The US Embassy in Vientiane issued a security alert, advising Americans to reconsider travel to Bokeo province due to reported clashes between the Lao army and unidentified armed groups.

Following India's visa revocations after the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan announced it will keep the Wagah border open for its citizens stranded in India. The move comes after reports of Pakistani nationals, including children, being stranded at the Attari border. Pakistan's foreign office criticized India's decision, citing humanitarian challenges like disrupted medical treatments and family separations.

On World Press Freedom Day, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin criticized the BJP-led Union government for allegedly suppressing journalism and diminishing press freedom in India. He highlighted India's low ranking of 151 in the Global Press Freedom Index, accusing the BJP of silencing dissenting voices through raids and imprisonment of reporters.

Turkey faces criticism for limiting press freedom. The Journalists encounter imprisonment and judicial controls. Measures like house arrest and travel bans are common. These actions restrict reporting and create fear. Lawyer Veysel Ok highlights the misuse of judicial controls. Erol Onderoglu from reporters without borders condemns the harassment. The situation impacts the public's access to information.

Tensions escalate along the Line of Control as Pakistani troops initiated unprovoked firing in eight forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir, marking the 12th consecutive night of ceasefire violations. This follows the Pahalgam terror attack, prompting a strong response from Indian forces.

Intelligence officials at Lengpui airport near Aizawl detained an American couple, Walter Frederick Kuhn and Sahron Clodfelter Kuhn, upon arrival for not possessing the mandatory Protected Area Permit (PAP). They were subsequently deported to the US on Saturday.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu addressed a press conference for nearly 15 hours, his office said on Sunday, claiming it broke a previous record held by Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. In October 2019, Ukraine's National Records Agency claimed that Zelensky's 14-hour press conference had broken an earlier record of over seven hours held by Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko.

Pakistan's artillery ammunition reserves are critically low, potentially limiting its capacity to sustain a war with India to just four days, according to sources. Outdated production facilities and recent arms deals with Ukraine have exacerbated the shortage. This deficit significantly impacts Pakistan's military preparedness, raising concerns among military leadership about their ability to resist potential offensives.

Syrian state television has officially relaunched with a trial broadcast, marking a significant step after Bashar al-Assad's ouster five months prior. The broadcast faced delays due to sanctions and damaged infrastructure, but authorities aim for the channel to mediate between the state and society. Despite newfound press freedoms, journalists face challenges amid political instability and economic pressures.

Following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, Canada has updated its travel advisory for India. The advisory warns against travel to Jammu and Kashmir and border areas. Militants attacked tourists in Baisaran Valley on April 22, 2025. The group "Kashmir Resistance" claimed responsibility. Tourism in Kashmir is expected to decline. Travelers are urged to exercise caution across India.