Author: Agence France-Presse,Reuters

A court in Bangladesh initiated a murder probe against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and six others for the police killing of a man during civil unrest. The case was filed by Amir Hamza and accepted by the court, marking the first legal action against Hasina after violent protests led to nearly 300 deaths. The accused include top figures from Hasina’s administration and senior police officials. Hamza alleged that grocer Abu Saeed was shot during a protest in Dhaka, blaming Hasina for the police firing. Despite fleeing to India, Hasina may have to face trial if found guilty. Meanwhile, student-led…

Kiribati, an island nation, is strengthening ties with China under President Taneti Maamau’s leadership, aiming to extend his decade-long rule. Recent reports of Chinese police presence raise concerns for the US, Kiribati’s neighbor. As China donates riot control gear and pledges collaboration, the move is seen as a strategic presence in the region. As the nation faces environmental challenges like rising sea levels, overpopulation, and health issues, the government’s shift towards China is controversial. President Maamau’s administration, accused of judicial interference, cut ties with Taiwan for Chinese support in 2019. Amidst these shifts, Kiribati’s general election this week will test…

President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr declared that the Philippines will not back down in territorial disputes, particularly with Beijing in the South China Sea. Despite ongoing tensions, Manila remains steadfast in defending its interests in the strategic waterway, crucial for global trade. While addressing Congress, Marcos emphasized the need to de-escalate conflicts without compromising the country’s principles. Recent agreements between the Philippines and China regarding resupply missions to troops at Second Thomas Shoal reflect efforts to prevent further clashes. In addition to maritime disputes, Marcos also took action against offshore gambling operations targeting foreign gamblers, including Chinese nationals. The ban aims…

Japan’s central Shizuoka region recently experienced record-breaking temperatures, with mercury hitting 40 degrees Celsius, far above the threshold for extreme heat. Local facilities are offering shelters with air conditioning as a respite from the scorching weather, a new initiative to protect people from heat-related illnesses. The intense heat during Japan’s rainy season is deemed rare by weather experts, attributed in part to a strong South Pacific high-pressure system. Authorities are issuing heatstroke warnings across the country, with Tokyo already reporting deaths linked to the extreme temperatures. The elderly, infants, and those without access to air conditioning are particularly vulnerable to…

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa marked the beginning of a new era with the formation of a coalition government during his swearing-in for a second full term. Following the general elections that produced no outright winner, Ramaphosa, 71, emphasized the significance of a government of national unity. During the oath-taking ceremony led by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, Ramaphosa pledged his faithfulness to South Africa, while lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to re-elect him for another term. Despite his promises of a new dawn, challenges remain, including economic struggles and high unemployment rates. The coalition with various parties, including the Democratic Alliance and…

As the G7 meetings in Italy approach, US Treasury chief Janet Yellen emphasized the importance of addressing China’s excess industrial capacity, which poses a threat to American and European firms. Yellen expressed concerns about China’s industrial policy leading to overproduction, cheap exports, and stifled growth in global markets. Yellen, along with US President Joe Biden, pledged to protect workers and companies from unfair Chinese economic competition. They seek to promote green technology sectors globally, not just in China, through innovative start-ups and green manufacturing facilities. The Biden administration recently imposed tariffs on various Chinese products, sparking tensions with Beijing. Yellen…