Readers are well aware of our special interest in calm and rational coverage of China. Often we focus on geopolitics, and the change in China’s position in a world of continual, swirling change is fascinating.

Social changes are less visible from this distance, but are no less important. This week’s piece from Ren Yan, on the deliberate and rapid change in the position of Chinese women, is well worth a read.

We have all been distressed to read evidence of torture, and other unspeakable brutality, evident on the bodies of Palestinian prisoners returned to their homes since the ceasefire. Also bringing home the extent of the destruction and rebuilding efforts facing the Palestinian people is today’s piece from Gwyn McClelland, contrasting the circumstances with Nagasaki in 1945. He notes that the number of dead is similar, but the extent of the destruction worse, with 61% of city structures damaged in Nagasaki, compared with 83% in Gaza.

Many of you have asked for further details about our new podcast Pearlcast featuring the terrific trio of John Menadue, Jenny Hocking, and Brian Toohey. We are adding finishing touches this week and will make sure you know exactly where to find it in the lead-up the 50th anniversary of the dismissal of the Whitlam Government on 11 November. Pearlcast will be accompanied by a solid array of new articles, from the nation’s best authors on the subject, casting new light on the most troubling event in Australia political history.

Next week I will come to you from the centre of one of the most exciting and crowded cities in the world, New Delhi, as a member of the advisory board for the Centre for Australia India Relations. I am very aware what a privilege it is to be able to visit two of the most fascinating and important nations in the world, India and China, in recent months. Frank, sensible and evidence-based relations with both nations are so important for us all as we reckon with our place in our region and the world. Make sure you catch Srujana Bodapati’s piece on India’s struggle to deal with huge tariffs  imposed by the US.

Renewable energy is just one area in which we can learn much from India and China. Make sure you catch the story we will feature tomorrow, about Rio Tinto being lengths ahead of our elected representatives on renewables. Surely this points to a breakdown in the proper functioning of a responsive democracy?

Until next time.