Information is vital to our social fabric; we shape much of our decision-making by the information we receive. For centuries, people relied on their elders and religious leaders to guide them in interpreting new information. They advised what was worth worrying about and what was trivial. In many nations during the 19th and 20th centuries, religion

In his final statement to the court, reported by the European Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Terebilov said: “I cannot understand what evil I have committed and to whom. How can I understand what is allowed and what is not? The authorities say that my religion is not banned, I can practice it if there is no extremism in my actions, and the

The first three months of 2025 have seen 36 people convicted of “continuing the activities” of banned Jehovah’s Witness organisations. Most recently, these have included Olga Feliksovna Kalinnikova (born 4 December 1976) and Larisa Valentinovna Potapova (born 21 March 1964), who were convicted under Criminal Code Article 282.2, Part 1.1 and P

As of this week, the proportion of Australian development assistance directed to Pacific work has reached its highest level ever. The Pacific under Labor now receives 42% of the overall aid budget, totalling US$1.37 billion for the 2025-26 year. Whilst the aid budget increased by 2.7% compared with last year, it remains flat in real terms. Under pr

Albeit, there continue to be fundamental differences in funding models, priorities and long-term strategies. The US typically employs a model that emphasises humanitarian aid with accountability and transparency measures. USAID’s funding often comes with conditions aimed at promoting democratic governance and human rights. In contrast, China’s