标签： Asia

Multiple prominent academic institutions across the Philippines have announced suspensions of classes and administrative operations on February 25, 2026, to mark the 40th anniversary of the historic EDSA People Power Revolution. This significant milestone commemorates the 1986 non-violent uprising that led to the overthrow of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and the subsequent inauguration of Corazon Aquino as president.

Despite the official government designation of February 25 as a special working day, several universities have independently declared academic holidays to enable their communities to participate in anniversary events and reflect on this pivotal moment in Philippine history. The revolution, characterized by massive peaceful demonstrations along Epifano delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), fundamentally transformed the nation’s political landscape four decades ago.

Institutional participation includes Ateneo de Manila University, which has established a University Holiday to facilitate involvement in EDSA commemorative activities. Similarly, De La Salle Philippines has suspended classes and work across its member institutions to support mobilization efforts connected to the anniversary observance.

The University of Santo Tomas, University of the East (with suspensions at both Manila and Caloocan campuses), Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Mapúa University (affecting Intramuros, Makati, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay locations), and Adamson University have all implemented similar measures. These institutions have not only canceled academic sessions but also encouraged students, faculty, and staff to engage in reflection and activities honoring the revolution’s legacy of democratic change and peaceful protest.

The Emirate of Ajman is embarking on a transformative urban development strategy designed to fundamentally reshape daily life for its residents. Moving beyond traditional road expansion, the new Integrated Urban Plan places walkability, reduced commute times, and enhanced quality of life at the core of its long-term vision.

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman’s Municipality and Planning Department, recently reviewed the comprehensive framework. The strategy represents a significant shift from scattered outward development to a focused concentration of growth within defined neighborhood hubs. This approach aims to alleviate infrastructure strain and ensure residents have drastically improved access to essential services.

Dr. Eng Mohammed Ahmed bin Omair Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the Infrastructure Development Sector, articulated the plan’s primary objective: to create organized centers where schools, healthcare facilities, retail outlets, and public services are all accessible within a 15-minute walk. This model directly targets the emirate’s reliance on private vehicles, seeking to reduce travel distances and foster greater community vitality.

A key pillar of the initiative involves building a multi-modal, low-carbon transport network that prioritizes public transit, cycling, and pedestrian pathways. The plan will leverage data-driven systems and artificial intelligence to forecast traffic patterns and intelligently anticipate future infrastructure requirements, ensuring the system remains dynamic and responsive.

The framework also includes performance benchmarks to measure the success of containing new development within approved boundaries and tracking the number of residents living within walking distance of daily amenities. Furthermore, the plan addresses older districts developed over four decades ago, introducing updated redevelopment guidelines to modernize infrastructure and public spaces while preserving Ajman’s unique cultural identity.

As Ajman continues to attract new residents, this balanced approach seeks to harmonize expansion with sustainability, protecting green spaces and reducing unnecessary travel demand. If effectively implemented, the result will be shorter daily trips, safer pedestrian routes, and communities intentionally designed for people, not cars.

Jordan’s Hashemite royal family has commenced the holy month of Ramadan with a cherished family tradition, as evidenced by a recently shared intimate gathering. Queen Rania Al Abdullah, alongside King Abdullah II, hosted an exclusive iftar celebration marking the beginning of Ramadan 2026, bringing together multiple generations of the royal household.

The commencement of Ramadan in Jordan followed the official announcement several days prior, when the crescent moon signaling the start of the holy month remained unseen across 29 nations. Consequently, Jordan joined countries including Oman, India, and Bangladesh in observing the first day of Ramadan on Thursday, February 19.

Through her substantial social media platform reaching 10.9 million Instagram followers, Queen Rania disseminated heartfelt Ramadan greetings: “May this holy month fill our homes with the warmth of family and loved ones. Ramadan Mubarak to all.” The accompanying video footage provided glimpses into the royal family’s personal observance traditions.

The gathering showcased both regal elegance and familial warmth. Queen Rania, renowned as an Arab fashion icon, appeared radiant in a sophisticated crimson dress accentuated with a distinctive waist belt. Her daughter-in-law, Princess Rajwa, complemented the occasion in an exquisitely embroidered black ensemble. The attendance of Crown Prince Hussein, Princess Iman, and her spouse Jameel Alexander Thermiotis further emphasized the significance of family unity during this sacred period.

As the Maghrib prayer commenced, the ceremonial breaking of fast unfolded with traditional soup service while children contributed an atmosphere of joyful spontaneity. The evening progressed with a heartfelt birthday celebration for an elder family member, during which the entire assembly, including the monarchs, enthusiastically participated in Arabic birthday renditions.

Demonstrating thoughtful consideration for younger attendees, Queen Rania distributed prayer mats as Ramadan gifts, creating enduring memories for the children present. The viral video documentation of this royal iftar has generated substantial engagement across social platforms, accumulating thousands of comments and over 23,000 shares, with admirers worldwide expressing affection and extending Ramadan blessings to the Jordanian royal family.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Hundreds of Buddhist monks organized a peaceful demonstration in Sri Lanka’s capital on Friday, voicing concerns over perceived governmental disregard for their religious authority and the erosion of traditional consultation practices in state affairs.

The protest proceeded without incident or violence, highlighting the ongoing tension between religious institutions and political leadership in the predominantly Buddhist nation. Sri Lanka’s constitution explicitly recognizes Buddhism as the state religion while simultaneously guaranteeing freedom of religion for all citizens. The charter further mandates that the government must actively protect and nurture Buddhist traditions.

With Buddhism representing over 70% of the island’s 22 million inhabitants, the clergy maintains substantial influence across social, cultural, and political domains. The nation also hosts significant minority populations including Hindus, Muslims, and Christians.

During the Colombo gathering, religious leaders publicly recited a formal appeal intended for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The document emphasized the government’s constitutional responsibility to ground national values in Buddhist principles, which originated in ancient India during the 5th century B.C. It specifically asserted the clergy’s traditional right to provide counsel on matters of governance.

The monks’ demands included excluding non-Buddhists from holding highest governmental offices, integrating Buddhist values throughout educational curricula, and enhancing protection for archaeological sites connected to their religious heritage. This demonstration appears to represent a strategic effort by the Buddhist community to reinforce their influence on national policy direction.