标签： Asia

Iran has been plunged into a new wave of civil unrest as citizens defy authorities despite a comprehensive internet blackout entering its third day. The demonstrations, which initially erupted over economic grievances and soaring living costs, have evolved into a direct challenge against the nation’s theocratic establishment that has governed since the 1979 revolution.

According to documentation by the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, the death toll has reached at least 116 individuals, including 37 security personnel. However, human rights organizations caution that the actual number of fatalities may be significantly higher due to severe information restrictions imposed by the government’s digital crackdown.

Netblocks, an internet monitoring organization, confirmed that Iran’s connectivity shutdown has surpassed 60 hours, describing the measure as a direct threat to citizen safety during this critical period. Despite these constraints, social media platforms have circulated videos showing substantial crowds mobilizing in Tehran, Mashhad, and other urban centers, with some footage depicting burning vehicles and confrontations with security forces.

The Center for Human Rights in Iran has received disturbing accounts indicating hundreds of additional casualties, overwhelmed medical facilities, and critical blood supply shortages. Particularly alarming are reports of security forces intentionally targeting protesters’ eyes with projectiles.

Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni characterized the events as acts of vandalism during a state television broadcast, asserting that the situation was being contained. Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s former monarch, has emerged as a vocal supporter of the demonstrations, urging continued resistance against the regime.

This uprising represents one of the most significant challenges to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s governance, occurring against the backdrop of regional tensions following Israel’s recent military engagement with Iran and ongoing international pressure.

Iran remains engulfed in a severe communications crisis as authorities continue to enforce a nationwide internet blackout that has now surpassed 60 consecutive hours. The digital shutdown coincides with escalating civil unrest that has resulted in a mounting death toll, with the US-based HRANA Rights Group reporting at least 116 fatalities linked to ongoing protests against governmental authorities.

Netblocks, an internet monitoring organization, has characterized the censorship measures as particularly dangerous during this critical period. ‘The censorship measure presents a direct threat to the safety and wellbeing of Iranians at a key moment for the country’s future,’ the monitor stated via social media platform X, emphasizing the prolonged duration of the connectivity restrictions.

The Iranian government has simultaneously declared three days of national mourning for what official sources describe as ‘martyrs,’ though state media has not provided specific casualty figures or detailed accounts of the circumstances surrounding these deaths. This official period of mourning stands in stark contrast to the ongoing suppression of digital communications that would typically allow for documentation and international awareness of the situation.

The extended internet blackout represents one of the most severe digital crackdowns in Iran’s recent history, effectively isolating the country’s population from global communication networks and hindering the flow of information both within and beyond its borders. Such comprehensive restrictions on digital connectivity have raised significant concerns among human rights organizations regarding transparency and accountability during periods of civil unrest.

India has embarked on an aggressive global trade expansion strategy, rapidly securing multiple international agreements as negotiations with the United States remain stalled following punitive tariff impositions. The diplomatic friction emerged in August when President Donald Trump escalated tariffs to 50%, significantly impacting India’s export ambitions and manufacturing growth prospects.

This economic pressure has catalyzed New Delhi’s most active trade negotiation period in years, resulting in four operationalized agreements throughout 2025, including a landmark pact with Britain. Current negotiations are advancing with the European Union, Eurasian Economic Union, Mexico, Chile, and the Mercosur trade bloc, potentially positioning India with comprehensive trade arrangements across nearly all major global economies.

Trade experts identify this diversification drive as a strategic response to reduce dependency on the US market. Ajay Srivastava of the Global Trade Research Initiative notes that 2025 marked exceptionally vigorous deal-making activity aimed at risk distribution rather than complete US market abandonment.

The tariff escalation originated from Washington’s objections to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil, which the US maintains finances Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine. This economic confrontation has compelled Indian exporters to seek alternative markets, with labor-intensive sectors particularly benefiting from new agreements.

The UK trade deal is projected to potentially double garment exports to Britain within three years, while a prospective EU agreement promises even greater economic benefits. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has characterized the potential EU-India pact as potentially ‘the largest deal of this kind anywhere in the world,’ with negotiations continuing despite missing the 2025 deadline over steel and auto export disagreements.

Smaller agreements demonstrate strategic value beyond immediate trade volumes. The Oman-India agreement, despite covering less than $11 billion in annual trade, provides access to Middle Eastern and African markets, while the New Zealand FTA secured substantial foreign investment and demonstrated India’s negotiation flexibility.

November 2025 witnessed a surprising 19% goods export surge, driven by electronics (still tariff-exempt) and marine products. While diversification has shown measurable success, exporters emphasize that alternative markets cannot fully replace the United States as India’s premier trading partner. The situation remains fluid, with reduced Russian oil imports in December potentially influencing future US-India relations.

A devastating New Year’s fire at the Constellation bar in the Swiss alpine resort of Crans-Montana, which claimed 40 lives and injured 116 others, has taken a serious legal turn as co-owner Jacques Moretti faces criminal charges. Judicial authorities have placed Moretti in custody while investigating allegations of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson.

According to investigative documents obtained by French and Swiss media outlets and confirmed by sources close to the case, Moretti disclosed to Valais public prosecutors that a critical service door had been locked from the interior during the catastrophic incident. The bar owner stated that upon arriving at the scene, he was forced to physically breach the obstructed exit.

The tragedy, which predominantly affected teenage victims, apparently originated when celebratory sparklers ignited soundproofing foam installed on the basement ceiling. Moretti, who personally purchased and installed the acoustic foam during 2015 renovations, maintained to investigators that he had conducted safety tests indicating the sparklers were insufficiently powerful to ignite the material.

Further scrutiny has emerged regarding the establishment’s compliance with safety protocols. Investigators are examining whether fire extinguishers were properly maintained and readily accessible, and if emergency exits met regulatory standards. Additionally, questions have surfaced about the presence of numerous underage patrons despite establishment policies prohibiting entry to those under 16 and requiring adult accompaniment for 16-18 year-olds.

Moretti acknowledged that while he provided these age restriction instructions to security staff, a ‘lapse in protocol’ might have occurred. His wife and co-owner Jessica, who was released following Friday’s hearing, noted that sparkler candles were routinely added to bottle service in the dining area.

The investigation continues as Swiss authorities work to determine the complete sequence of events and accountability for one of Switzerland’s deadliest nightlife disasters in recent history.