Humanitarian aid/Disaster relief

Democrat congressman questions use of USAID funds for Trump budget chief’s security

US President Donald Trump in 2025 ordered USAID’s closure, throwing US-funded global aid programs into turmoil. More than $19 million of its funds has since been used for Trump's budget chief Russell Vought's security.

Lawson opens 1st disaster-support convenience store ahead of Japan quake anniversary

People will be able to charge their phones and obtain disaster information as the store will distribute information on digital signage.

News analysis

Indonesia steps up in US-backed Gaza mission, and into a complex geopolitical gamble

Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto (front C) and Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (front R) attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, DC, on Feb 19, 2026. PHOTO: AFP

News analysis

Possible US attack on Iran could derail Trump’s Gaza plans announced at Board of Peace forum

President Donald Trump at the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington Feb 19, 2026. PHOTO: TIERNEY L. CROSS/NYTIMES

International aid convoy to arrive in Cuba in March: Organisers

A man pushes his cart past an empty gas station in Havana on Feb 19.

UN hopes AI tech can aid the starving as funding collapses

Drought in Kenya is creating food insecurity and water scarcity, highlighting an urgent need for more aid.

UN says Israeli actions raising ‘ethnic cleansing’ fears in West Bank and Gaza

Palestinian children sit atop the rubble of a mosque destroyed during the two-year Israeli offensives, in Gaza City on Feb 11.

Starmer, Trump discussed Russia-Ukraine, Iran after Geneva talks, Downing Street says

U.S. President Donald Trump meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Trump Turnberry golf course in Turnberry, Scotland, Britain, July 28, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo

Death in the Philippines, under a mountain of filth

epa12639781 A view of an affected area at the site of a waste landfill collapse in Binaliw village in Cebu City, central Philippines, 10 January 2026. At least three people were killed and 34 remain missing following a collapse at the landfill 08 January, as local emergency response units continue search operations. EPA/JUANITO ESPINOSA

Afghanistan aid system severely strained as 5 million people return, UN warns

Villagers living in tents in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, in December 2025.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.