Despite the novelty of the contemporary art phenomena in Saudi Arabia, female artists are resilient and determined to break into the regional and global art scene. Through three interrelated narratives that challenge the realities of contemporary Saudi culture, Sarah Abu Abdallah, Sarah Mohanna Al-Abdali and Manal Al Dowayan use diverse styles to probe and reflect on questions of identity and freedom in Soft Power, which opened 13 October at Alaan Artspace’s inaugural exhibition.

Philippine dance and music made its way to Russia’s rich cultural environment as the country held, for the first time ever, “Days of Philippine Culture” in the Russian Federation. Through the talents of the Liceo Folkloric Dance Troupe, pianist Rudolf Golez and baritone John Pamintuan, Russians in Moscow and St. Petersburg were treated to three nights of Philippine dance and music and a slice of local color on October 8 to 10, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

Australia spent some $24 million directly and diverted hundreds of millions in foreign aid to gain the right to play in the same room with the five permanent members of the Security Council as a backward African nation with about half our population and a reputation for supporting a rebellion in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Since the Delhi International Arts Festival made its debut in December 2007, this multi-art multi-venue annual gala, conceived and organised by the Prasiddha Foundation, has become one of the most accessible, innovative and exciting cultural gatherings in the capital. Over the years, it has taken the shape of an umbrella festival for several short duration events as well. This year’s line-up has artists from all corners of the globe.

The latest weapon in this country’s ideological war with Iran arrived in an armada of jets from California, accompanied by a private security force, dazzling pyrotechnics and a wardrobe that consisted of sequins and not much else.

Japanese Foreign Minister Genba Koichiro set off to visit Britain, France and Germany on Oct. 15, 2012. It is said that he will elaborate on Japan's attitude and stance and seek "understanding" from the international community on the Diaoyu Islands issue during the visit since he believes that the three countries exert great influence on world opinions. This is merely a part of Japan's moves to launch public opinions against China on the Diaoyu Islands issue.

The visit by Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin to New Delhi last week rounded off the series of high-level consultations on the substantive issues of cooperation that are expected to figure at the summit. A week earlier, Russian defence minister Anatoly Serdyukov had visited Delhi to discuss the finalisation of multi-billion dollar worth new contracts for purchase of Russian weaponry by India.

Federal Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim said on Friday the government was trying for better market access for local businesses in international markets by concluding FTAs and PTAs with a number of countries through active trade diplomacy. He was speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday. Issues which came under discussion included: under-invoicing, duty on raw materials from India, decline in leather export ban on export of poultry to Afghanistan.