“It’s like Texas”: variations on informal gold mining in Central Kalimantan

North Korean authorities are confiscating winter coats lined with dog fur from civilians and giving them to soldiers due to shortages. The coats are considered a luxury item, symbolizing authority, but are popular with civilians for their warmth. The crackdown aims to provide warm gear for soldiers in need and prevent civilians from looking like they are wearing military uniforms. Full Article

Roman Catholics worldwide prayed for Pope Francis, who is hospitalized in critical condition with pneumonia in both lungs, following a recent respiratory crisis. The 88-year-old pontiff, leader of almost 1.4 billion Roman Catholics since 2013, received prayers during Masses globally, with well-wishers expressing concern and calling for his recovery. Vigils and prayers were held in various countries, including the Philippines and Australia, as believers hoped for the pope's healing and continued leadership. Full Article

Otago Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph praised Finn Hurley's performance in their 29-21 Super Rugby Pacific win over Auckland Blues, with the inexperienced full-back scoring two crucial tries. Hurley's standout display helped his injury-hit team secure victory, showcasing his potential and receiving praise for his balance and confidence on the field. Despite facing challenges like a red card and injuries, Joseph credited his team's physical conditioning and intelligence under pressure for their strong performance against the...

The pandemic in Singapore forced businesses to prioritize social media as a crucial outreach strategy, with over 4.7 million social media users in 2020. To increase organic reach, businesses should focus on key platforms, optimize their profiles, trendjack for relevant content, post evergreen material, and prioritize quality over quantity in their posts to engage effectively with their audience and navigate business growth successfully. Full Article

The Vatican announced on Saturday that Pope Francis' health had deteriorated in the past 24 hours, with his condition now described as critical due to double pneumonia and a respiratory crisis requiring supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions. The 88-year-old Pope, who remains alert but more unwell than the previous day, has been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli hospital since February 14. Doctors had to administer a "high flow" of oxygen and blood transfusions due to breathing...

A panel event in Jakarta discussed the current fundraising winter in the tech industry, highlighting challenges faced by startups in Southeast Asia due to slashed valuations and market conditions. VC investors are now more patient and focused on profitability, emphasizing balanced growth and solid fundamentals. Founders are advised to cut burn, focus on their best product-market fit, and prioritize survival over market share in the tough capital market, thinking like a camel rather than a...