The article recounts the personal experiences of K.K. Philip during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, as narrated by his daughter, Annie Philip. It details the initial chaos, the looting by Iraqi forces, and the subsequent evacuation of Indian nationals. The narrative highlights the significant role played by the Indian government and community leaders in organizing the evacuation. The article also touches on the broader geopolitical context, including the eventual liberation of Kuwait by coalition forces in 1991 and the long-term impact on expatriate families.

The article discusses the use of technology in tracking COVID-19 and the implications for privacy and government surveillance in India, Tunisia, and Peru. In India, the Aarogya Setu app, initially introduced for contact tracing, is being used for purposes beyond its original scope, such as bail conditions, raising concerns about its future use and the need for robust data protection laws. Tunisia's use of COVID-19 tech evokes memories of past surveillance practices, with the public showing mixed reactions to increased monitoring. In Peru, the government's poor track record with data management and transparency raises doubts about the responsible use of a national COVID-19 survey and related apps. The article highlights the tension between public health measures and individual privacy rights during the pandemic.

Belarusian journalist Hanna Liubakova discusses the challenges faced by journalists in Belarus following the contested re-election of President Aleksandr Lukashenko. Belarus ranks low on the World Press Freedom Index, with numerous journalists detained, beaten, or forced into hiding. The government has cracked down on foreign press accreditation and deported journalists. Liubakova, a freelance journalist and media trainer, has reported on the protests and police brutality, working with various media outlets. Despite the crackdown, independent media in Belarus have played a crucial role in providing factual information about the pandemic and protests, gaining public trust. Liubakova emphasizes the importance of keeping Belarus in the international news cycle and reports on the evolution of protests and civil society's response to the pandemic. She shares her experiences of reporting during these tumultuous times, highlighting the resilience and desire for change among the Belarusian people.

Refugee-led media initiatives like La Voz de Palong (VoP) in Bangladesh and Awaz-e-Dosti in Pakistan are empowering refugee communities to control their narratives and report on their own stories. Supported by organizations like DW Akademie and Fundación Power99, these programs are fostering constructive journalism and bridging gaps between refugees and host communities. Despite challenges such as legal restrictions and sustainability issues, these initiatives are building professional skills among refugee journalists and promoting social cohesion.

Marappa, a former bonded labourer, now leads Udyonmukha, an association in Karnataka that helps rehabilitate others like him. The group, formed in 2019, supports its members by organizing meetings, accessing government schemes, and addressing livelihood challenges. Marappa and his wife Purnima, also a former bonded labourer, have successfully transitioned to independent livelihoods. The article highlights the severe conditions faced by bonded labourers and the efforts of Udyonmukha and government bodies to address this issue. Despite government goals to reduce bonded labour, recent reports indicate that significant challenges remain.

The Malayalam film industry is experiencing a boom, with increased viewership on OTT platforms like Disney+Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and MX Player. Subtitling has played a crucial role in making these films accessible to non-Malayalam speaking audiences, both within and outside Kerala. Subtitlers like Vivek Ranjit and Rajeev Ramachandran face challenges in translating humor, idioms, and cultural references, but their work has been instrumental in expanding the reach of films such as 'CU Soon', 'Halal Love Story', 'Drishyam 2', 'The Priest', 'Joji', 'Pulimurugan', and 'Kumbalangi Nights'. SCube Films is also planning to add subtitles to older films on YouTube. The article highlights the technical craft of subtitling and its evolution from an artistic merit to a business proposition.

The Trolley Times newsletter, launched by a group of volunteers including Gurdeep Dhaliwal, Surmeet Maavi, and Ajaypal Natt, aims to provide reliable news for protesting farmers in India. The initiative addresses the perceived bias in mainstream media and focuses on individual stories and experiences from the protests. The newsletter, which publishes in Punjabi and Hindi, has gained significant traction and support both locally and internationally. Despite challenges such as government shutdowns and scrutiny from local authorities, the team continues to explore new avenues like a bi-lingual magazine and a podcast to further their cause.

Mark Sultan Gersava founded Bambuhay, a social enterprise in the Philippines, to combat the unsustainable slash-and-burn farming by promoting bamboo cultivation. Bambuhay produces eco-friendly bamboo products and supports rural livelihoods while addressing deforestation and plastic pollution. Bamboo also contributes to carbon capture, making it beneficial in the fight against climate change. The company was growing and supporting 350 families until the Covid-19 pandemic hit, causing economic downturns and reducing Bambuhay's expected 2020 sales revenue from US$700,000 to US$300,000, with support now for only 110 families.

The article discusses Tunisia's presidential election held on 15 September, followed by a runoff on 13 October, where the independent candidate Kais Saied won against Nabil Karoui. It highlights Tunisia's success in maintaining democracy post-Arab Spring, in contrast to other North African and West Asian countries. The article also focuses on the progress of press freedom in Tunisia, noting the improvement in the World Press Freedom Index and the repeal of restrictive press codes. New legislation has been introduced to further liberalize media laws and guarantee access to information, with Tunisia leading the Arab world in transparency and public institution accountability.