News-Asia
Japan Grapples with Devastating Earthquake: Prime Minister Orders Swift Response
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has issued urgent directives for Japanese ministries to mobilize resources and gather information in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck the country's central region. The earthquake, with a magnitude leading to widespread destruction, prompted Kishida to order the immediate dispatch of essential goods to support affected residents. Despite challenges posed by damaged roads hindering the deployment of Japan's Self-Defense Forces and other responders, Kishida emphasized the critical need for timely assistance.
Local authorities confirmed four fatalities in the early hours of Tuesday, and Kishida expressed difficulty in obtaining real-time information due to the earthquake occurring just before sunset. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported 19 tremors, with one registering a magnitude 7, the highest on the scale. Evacuations were ordered for over 97,000 people across nine prefectures. The scale of the disaster has complicated rescue efforts, with collapsed houses and disrupted infrastructure, including the closure of a major highway and suspension of several shinkansen train lines.
In a display of international solidarity, U.S. President Joe Biden expressed support for Japan, offering assistance and emphasizing the deep bond between the two nations. As Japan faces the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, the first 24 hours are deemed crucial in rescue operations, with authorities working tirelessly to provide aid to those affected and restore essential services.
IMF Raises Concerns Over India's Foreign Exchange Intervention, RBI Disagrees
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a cautionary note regarding what it perceives as a potential "excessive" intervention in the foreign exchange market by New Delhi to favor the Indian rupee. The IMF's executive board report, covering the period between December 2022 and September 2023, highlighted a narrow range in the Rupee-U.S. Dollar exchange rate, suggesting that the foreign exchange intervention (FXI) may have surpassed levels necessary to address disorderly market conditions. This stability prompted the IMF to reclassify India's exchange rate mechanism from a "floating" to a "stabilized arrangement," indicating intervention by monetary authorities.
However, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the country's central bank, swiftly rejected the IMF's assessment, deeming it "unjustified" and alleging selective use of data. The RBI argued that the IMF's evaluation was short-term, covering only the last 6-8 months, and lacked a proper rationale. According to the Indian monetary authority, a longer-term view of 2-5 years would reveal the inadequacy of the IMF's assessment. During the reviewed period, the Indian Rupee depreciated by less than four percent against the dollar, in contrast to the approximately 15 percent depreciation observed in the previous two years, as per data from the financial organization.
Despite the disagreement between the IMF and the RBI, India remains on course to be one of the world's fastest-growing major economies this year, according to the IMF's projections. The debate over foreign exchange intervention reflects the delicate balance between maintaining currency stability and fostering economic growth in emerging markets like India.
Dust Child": Vietnamese Author Nguyen Phan Que Mai Fills a Literary Void
Vietnamese author Nguyen Phan Que Mai has addressed a significant gap in literature with her latest novel, "Dust Child," released in March. The novel explores the untold stories of Amerasians in Vietnam, shedding light on the discrimination faced by the approximately 100,000 children born to Vietnamese mothers and U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War. Que Mai, drawing from her observations of mixed-race individuals facing stigma, weaves a narrative spanning over 50 years, vividly capturing the postwar struggles and triumphs of Amerasians and their families. By delving into the personal experiences of these individuals, the author challenges stereotypes and emphasizes the importance of Vietnamese stories being told by Vietnamese voices.
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Discrimination is a central theme in "Dust Child," a novel that Que Mai began crafting seven years ago during her creative writing course at Lancaster University. The book not only tackles the challenges faced by Amerasians but also delves into the complex relationships forged during and after the Vietnam War. Que Mai's commitment to portraying the multifaceted nature of Vietnamese families sets her work apart from typical Vietnam War narratives, which often stereotype characters, especially women. By offering a nuanced portrayal of the aftermath of the war, Que Mai's writing aims to humanize the experiences of individuals affected by the conflict, emphasizing the importance of authentic representation.
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Nguyen Phan Que Mai, now 50 and experiencing newfound fame, remains focused on her advocacy work and various causes. Her novels serve not only as literary achievements but also as vehicles for raising awareness about critical issues. Through "Dust Child," Que Mai endeavors to bring attention to Amerasians, encouraging a deeper understanding of their lives and struggles. Beyond her literary pursuits, Que Mai actively engages in charity work, supporting organizations such as PeaceTrees Vietnam and Room to Read. As she continues to juggle writing, advocacy, and family life, Que Mai remains committed to amplifying the voices of those whose stories are often overlooked, ultimately making her a notable figure not only in the literary world but also in the realm of social impact.
Chinese Property Giant Aoyuan Group Seeks Shelter in US Bankruptcy Court Amidst Industry Turmoil"
In a strategic move to shield itself from mounting litigation, prominent Chinese property developer Aoyuan Group has filed for Chapter 15 bankruptcy protection in a United States court, as reported by Nikkei Asia. Aoyuan's decision places it among a growing cohort of Chinese real estate giants, such as China Evergrande Group and Sunac China Holdings, seeking refuge in the US bankruptcy system. Chapter 15 proceedings provide foreign-domiciled companies like Aoyuan with a temporary shield against creditor lawsuits and asset seizures, offering a crucial breathing space as the company undertakes a comprehensive debt restructuring.
The Chapter 15 filing, submitted on a Wednesday local time, marks the initiation of a legal process that prevents creditors from pursuing legal action or seizing assets based in the United States. Aoyuan aims to leverage this protection to implement a proposed restructuring plan for its offshore debt, a move that garnered creditor approval on November 29. The restructuring program is poised to take effect, pending a crucial Hong Kong court ruling scheduled for January 8. Aoyuan's strategic maneuver underscores the complex challenges facing China's real estate sector, where major players grapple with financial crises and navigate global legal avenues to safeguard their interests and reposition for future growth.
Luxshare's Strategic Move: Set to Become World's Second-Largest iPhone Assembler
In a significant development within the iPhone manufacturing landscape, China's Luxshare is on the verge of securing its position as the world's second-largest iPhone assembler. This shift is propelled by Luxshare's move to acquire a majority stake in a Taiwanese peer's plant situated in Kunshan, China. Pegatron, a well-established iPhone assembler, announced a capital expansion of 2.1 billion yuan ($296 million) in the Kunshan plant, resulting in Luxshare becoming the second-largest assembler by capacity, trailing only Taiwan's Foxconn.
Pegatron, recognizing the dynamic market and industrial environment, is ceding control of the Kunshan facility, reducing its stake from 100% to 37.5%. The move aligns with Pegatron's strategic goal of reallocating resources effectively, enhancing regional manufacturing efficiency, and fostering stronger competitiveness. Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, this strategic partnership allows Pegatron to maintain operations in China while redirecting resources to expand into other global markets, ensuring the company's resilience in a rapidly changing landscape.
Luxshare's expanded role in iPhone manufacturing is not only a testament to its growing importance within Apple's supply chain but also signifies a deeper collaboration between Apple and Chinese suppliers. Despite speculations of a decoupling between the world's two largest economies, this move underscores the enduring ties between Apple and its Chinese manufacturing partners, reinforcing the country's significance in Apple's global production network.
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The collaboration between Luxshare and Pegatron highlights the enduring ties between Apple and its Chinese suppliers, contradicting speculations of a decoupling between the world's two largest economies. Luxshare's increasing importance within Apple's supply chain poses a potential challenge to Foxconn, Apple's biggest manufacturing partner. As more of Apple's suppliers are based in China, the strategic move by Luxshare further solidifies the country's significance in Apple's global production network.
Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen Advocates "Peaceful Coexistence" Amidst Tensions with China
In a significant address just days ahead of Taiwan's closely-watched election, President Tsai Ing-wen expressed her hopes for "long-term peaceful coexistence" between Taipei and Beijing. Tsai emphasized that the future of relations between Taiwan and China should be determined through democratic procedures, underlining Taiwan's commitment to its democratic values. Her remarks come against the backdrop of strained relations between the two entities, with Beijing claiming Taiwan as its territory and increasing pressure on multiple fronts.
As the election looms, President Tsai acknowledged the global challenges posed by conflicts between democracy, freedom, and authoritarianism. Despite her hopes for improved communication and stability with Beijing, Tsai asserted Taiwan's unwavering commitment to defending its democracy. She responded to Chinese President Xi Jinping's New Year's Eve speech, where he declared that Taiwan "will surely be reunified" with China, by emphasizing the importance of decisions being made through the common will of the Taiwanese people and democratic procedures.
With Tsai leaving office in May, her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has largely campaigned on a platform advocating sovereignty separate from China. The contrasting positions of the candidates, particularly Vice President Lai Ching-te's pragmatic approach to Taiwan's independence and the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party's pledge for friendlier ties with China, underscore the critical role the upcoming election will play in shaping the future of Taiwan's relations in the face of China's assertiveness.
Southeast Asian Nations Navigate Tax Hikes Amid Aging Populations and Fiscal Challenges
In the early months of 2024, several Southeast Asian nations, including Singapore and Malaysia, are set to implement consumption tax increases as part of broader financial strategies aimed at supporting their aging populations and addressing budgetary shortfalls. Singapore is scheduled to raise its goods and services tax (GST) from 8% to 9% on January 1, while Malaysia plans to hike its sales and services tax (SST) by two percentage points to 8%, effective March. Despite the potential for additional revenue, the move to broaden the tax base raises concerns about short-term impacts on domestic consumption, prompting neighboring countries like Vietnam to defer similar tax adjustments due to uncertainties surrounding inflation and economic conditions.
Singapore's decision to increase the GST, the second part of a two-tier increment, has been a focal point of parliamentary discussions, with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong emphasizing that delaying the GST increase would only exacerbate fiscal challenges. The move underscores Singapore's commitment to shoring up its revenue base, particularly in the face of escalating healthcare costs. In the 2023 budget, Singapore allocated a significantly increased budget of SGD 16.8 billion ($12 billion) for healthcare, triple the amount spent a decade earlier. The country's rising elderly population, constituting 19.1% as of June 2023, up from 11.7% a decade ago, further accentuates the urgency of securing additional funds.
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The economic headwinds and uncertain external demand have prompted some Southeast Asian nations to adopt divergent approaches. Vietnam, grappling with an export-oriented economy slowdown, recently extended a 2% reduction in value-added tax (VAT) for specific items until June 2024. This move contrasts with the tax hikes in Singapore and Malaysia and reflects Vietnam's focus on stimulating domestic consumption and production. As the region grapples with potential food supply disruptions and climate risks, the Asian Development Bank's increased 2024 inflation forecast highlights the complex economic landscape in Southeast Asia, where nations must balance fiscal responsibilities with the need to support economic growth.
South Korea and U.S. Strengthen Extended Deterrence Against North Korea's Nuclear Threats
In his New Year's Day address, President Yoon Suk Yeol announced that South Korea and the United States are set to complete a reinforced "extended deterrence" regime by mid-2024. The primary objective of this collaboration is to fortify defenses against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. President Yoon emphasized the need for a robust security framework, asserting that it would not only safeguard the nation but also support free economic activities, enabling citizens to lead their daily lives without fear. Under Yoon's administration, Seoul and Washington have intensified their coordination on nuclear planning and operations to effectively counter North Korea's evolving nuclear capabilities.
Beyond the realm of national security, President Yoon devoted a significant portion of his address to economic concerns. Acknowledging the challenges posed by high interest rates, inflation, and oil prices in the previous year, Yoon pledged to energize daily lives through economic revitalization. He outlined plans to increase urban housing supplies, expedite redevelopment projects, and support small housing units for one- or two-person households. Yoon also committed to ongoing deregulation efforts to stimulate business investment and foster innovation. Addressing social issues, he emphasized the urgency of tackling the country's low birth rate and expressed determination to combat corruption and implement reforms in labor, education, and pensions. President Yoon's comprehensive vision aims to create a resilient and prosperous South Korea in the face of multifaceted challenges.
"South Korea Faces Trade Deficit with China Amidst Shifting Global Dynamics"
In a surprising turn of events, South Korea has encountered a significant trade deficit of $18 billion with China in 2023, marking its first bilateral shortfall with the country in over three decades. Preliminary trade data released on Monday revealed a substantial 20% decline in South Korean exports to China, plummeting from $155.7 billion to $124.8 billion. This drop not only led to a trade imbalance with China but also shifted the overall trade balance with the world's second-largest economy from a surplus of $1.2 billion in the previous year to a deficit. This development underscores the challenges South Korea faces in its economic relationship with China.
On a more positive note, South Korea experienced a contrasting trend with a 5% increase in annual exports to the United States in 2023. Monthly shipments to the U.S. surpassed those to China for the first time in two decades, driven by robust sales of cars, auto parts, and automotive batteries. This positive shift aligns with President Yoon Suk Yeol's pro-U.S. stance, which has resonated with major South Korean conglomerates, leading to increased investments in the United States. Despite these positive developments, South Korea's overall trade picture in 2023 is marked by a decline, with total exports down 7% and imports falling 12%. As the nation navigates the complex global trade landscape, the evolving dynamics with China and the strengthening ties with the United States are poised to shape its economic trajectory in the coming years.
Baidu's $3.6 Billion JOYY Deal Falls Through, Highlighting Challenges in Diversification Efforts
In a significant setback to Baidu's strategic plans, the tech giant has officially terminated its proposed $3.6 billion acquisition of JOYY Inc's China live-streaming business. The decision, disclosed in a filing with the Hong Kong stock exchange on Monday, comes as a blow to Baidu's ambitions to diversify its revenue streams beyond its core search engine business. The targeted acquisition involved JOYY's video-based entertainment live streaming business in China, known as YY Live, and was first proposed by Baidu in 2020.
The termination was initiated by Baidu affiliate Moon SPV Ltd, citing unmet conditions specified in the share purchase agreement with JOYY. The primary hurdle was the failure to secure necessary regulatory approvals from governmental authorities by the end of 2023. This development raises concerns about the challenges faced by large tech companies in navigating regulatory landscapes, particularly in China, where authorities are keen on controlling big data and dismantling monopolistic practices. Notably, Reuters had reported in 2021 that China's antitrust regulator was unlikely to approve the deal, further signaling the increasing scrutiny faced by tech firms in the country.
JOYY, a prominent Chinese social live-streaming platform with a global footprint, has expanded its user base to 277 million monthly active users worldwide. The fallout from this failed deal prompts a reevaluation of Baidu's diversification strategy and underscores the complexities companies encounter as they seek to expand into new markets and business verticals.
"X Challenges Indian Court's Decision: Seeking Revocation"
Popular social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, is currently embroiled in a legal battle in India over its refusal to comply with the government's content removal orders. The conflict dates back to mid-2022 when the platform resisted the government's directives to take down certain content. However, in June 2023, the situation took a turn when an Indian court not only revoked the platform's request but also imposed a substantial fine of 5 million rupees ($60,560).
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In response to the court ruling, X has filed an appeal, expressing concerns that the decision could set a dangerous precedent and potentially lead to increased censorship by the Indian government. The platform argues that the lack of clear guidelines on when an entire account should be blocked instead of a specific post gives the government unchecked power to censor future content. This, they claim, could embolden New Delhi to issue more blocking orders that may infringe upon freedom of speech and violate the law.
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The appeal, submitted by the local law firm Poovayya & Co at the Karnataka High Court, highlights the necessity for "discernible parameters" to be established to govern content removal requests. X insists that such parameters are crucial to ensure that content moderation aligns with legal standards and doesn't impede on users' rights to express their opinions freely. As the case unfolds, all eyes are on the court's decision and its potential impact on the delicate balance between social media platforms and government oversight in India.
Typhoon Khanun Ravages Southern Japan, Global Warming Continues to Fuel Extreme Weather
In a devastating onslaught, Typhoon Khanun has unleashed its wrath on southern Japan, causing widespread evacuations and leaving one-third of homes on the Okinawa islands without power. As the third typhoon to hit East Asia in just a few weeks, Khanun poses a significant threat, exacerbating the worst rainfall Beijing has witnessed in over a century. Tragically, the deluge has already claimed the lives of at least 34 people in China. Climate experts have long warned that global warming would lead to more frequent and intense weather events, and this recent string of typhoons is a stark reminder of the consequences of climate change.
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As the world grapples with the aftermath of Typhoon Khanun, the urgency to address the effects of global warming grows more evident. With extreme weather events becoming increasingly frequent, experts have cautioned that we are witnessing the harbingers of a changing climate. The intensifying storms and heatwaves in various parts of Asia over the past month serve as alarming indicators of the challenges ahead. The need for collective action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change has never been more critical.
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While the people of Japan and China brace themselves for the aftermath of Typhoon Khanun and the unprecedented rains, it is essential to heed the warnings of climate scientists. The roulette-like nature of extreme weather events, as described by Professor Winston Chow, illustrates that the odds are increasingly stacked against us due to our actions. As we continue to emit greenhouse gases, the chances of experiencing such severe weather events increase. It is high time that nations unite to implement sustainable practices and climate-resilient policies to safeguard our planet and its inhabitants from the escalating effects of global warming.
Pride in The Philippines
For this year's pride month, Mcdonalds' has released an advertisement in the Philippines featuring two women with the caption “Love na babalik-balikan #Lovekoall” meaning, “Love that will come back again and again.”
The commercial begins with a woman on rollerskates going through the drive-thru line, ordering a cheeseburger, and skating forward. However, she rejoins the line multiple times to interact with the female employee at the window. In the end, the employee brings the girl an ice cream cone, before walking away hand in hand.
The ad was welcomed with mostly positive reviews with many happy to see lesbian representation in mainstream media, some claiming that this ad made them cry. While this is just one commercial, it signifies a beautiful message in a time of uncertainty, that love will come back again.
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Serving Crowds and Their Nation
South Korea has become a powerhouse for entertainment, from music to Korean Dramas, the world has recognized the small country’s immense power. This is mainly due to BTS, the biggest boy band on the planet featuring Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Nam-joon, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Garnering billions for the South Korean economy, they still participate in their duties as citizens, including their mandatory military service.
Over half of the members have begun their enlistment, including Jin, Suga, J-Hope, and Nam-joon, while the others have yet to announce their entrance date. Ironically, their dedicated fanbase has been dubbed ‘Army’ often followed by a purple heart emoji.
Thankfully, the boys have received mostly positive responses from fans and critics alike, praising them for their respect for their country. Leaving with positive messages for their audience, the young men seem happy to fulfill this civic duty despite their overwhelming success over the past 10 years. Plus, we know that post-service music is going to be amazing, so only time will tell whose music will come out next.
A Costly Joke
Li Haoshi, better known as House, was performing his stand-up comedy routine in Beijing, China, and made a, seemingly, harmless joke about his pets. In reference to his adopted dogs, he remarked, “...fought to win, forged exemplary conduct”, a phrase often used by Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader.
However, the humor was short-lived as some went on to criticize House’s act online, leading officials to detain the comic and fine his company, Xiaoguo, 15 million yuan. This converts to about 2.1 million dollars, a steep price to pay for a few harmless laughs.
The wavering levels of freedom of speech have worried those under Xi’s control, though the comedy scene has seemingly gotten away fairly unscathed until this incident. Hopefully, Haoshi is able to continue in his thriving career despite the setbacks, as well as other comedians in a similar position. Many young Chinese citizens want to see the future of comedy flourish, hoping for a future with more laughs and less censorship.
#MeToo Trambles Taiwanese President Tsai
Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has faced much scrutiny due to a flood of sexual assault allegations coming against senior members of her ruling party, the Democratic Progressive Party. So much so that Yan Chih-fa, the national policy advisor, relinquished his position after allegations were made against him.
One of the victims, a former DPP staffer named Chen Qian-rou, reported her sexual harassment by a director when the head of the women’s development department, Xi Jia-tian, pushed the blame onto her. The excuse made was that Chen was shamed for not avoiding her superior in the first place.
The blame placed on victims of assault and harassment is an ongoing issue globally, with most countries seeing a recent influx of accusations as more and more people feel comfortable coming forward. The Taiwanese president has had to apologize twice in one week for their current allegations, claiming via Facebook that, “Our society as a whole must educate ourselves again. People in sexual harassment incidents are victims.” (Tsai)
A conflagration at a gasoline storage facility in Indonesia claims at least 16 lives.
In Jakarta, Indonesia, a fire at a fuel holding facility claimed the lives of at least 16 individuals. The plant is run by Pertamina, a state-owned energy business in Indonesia. Social media videos showed a huge blaze rising while people were running away for safety. The Jakarta Fire Department has sent 52 units to the site and has evacuated some neighboring people. Five fishers perished in an oil spill in 2018 that was brought on by a breach in the underwater crude pipes of Pertamina. At the time, Indonesian officials proclaimed a "emergency reaction" because of the huge spill and environmental harm off the coast of the Southeast Asian nation.
Security troops from Indonesia are at odds with rebels keeping a New Zealand pilot captive.
Security forces from Indonesia claim to have encircled armed insurgents holding a New Zealand pilot captive in the volatile Papua region, but they won't take any action that might put his life in peril. According to New Zealand officials, no violence is to be used in the effort to liberate pilot Philip Mehrtens, according to security minister Mahfud MD. In Papua, the Indonesian military has a sizable and divisive presence. Merthens won't be freed until Jakarta recognizes Papuan independence and withdraws its forces from the area, which shares an island with Papua New Guinea, according to the TPNPB, a terrorist group that the Indonesian government has designated. In images made public by the TPNPB in February, Mehrtens could be seen standing next to armed combatants seemingly unhurt.
The prime minister of South Korea claims that it does not require nuclear weaponry to fight the North.
This Japanese community is on edge following a spate of horrifying cat murders.
South Korea's Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said his country doesn't need nuclear weapons to offset the threat from North Korea, despite a change in public opinion against them amid Asia's escalating arms race. The idea of South Korea developing its own nuclear weaponry, which was previously unfathomable but has become more common over the past ten years due to increasing hostilities on the Korean Peninsula, was supported by more than 1,300 respondents nationwide. Relations between North and South Korea worsened as Pyongyang stepped up its weapons development and launched a record number of missiles last year, including one that flew over Japan for the first time in five years and alarmed the international community. Additionally, North Korea appears to be planning for its first nuclear test under ground since 2017.
In Saitama, which recently jailed a cat murderer who tortured several animals and uploaded recordings of his actions online, cat murders in Japan have brought back unpleasant memories. The 1990s juvenile killings in Kobe City have also been mentioned. Furthermore, this is a bad moment for the local institutions. According to reports, a pupil stabbed an instructor at a junior high school in Toda earlier this week. In Japan, it is illegal to kill or harm animals, and offenders face fines of up to 5 million yen or jail sentences of up to five years. The clear link between animal abusers and those who perpetrate other, more violent offenses against humans is supported by empirical data,
Floods strike Malaysia, leaving 4 deceased and 40,000 homeless.
In some areas of Malaysia, rescue operations are under way after seasonal rains left at least four people dead and more than 40,000 people homeless. A guy who was trapped in a vehicle that was swept away by rising floodwaters was among the fatalities verified Saturday by state officials in Johor. One rescuer was seen transporting an infant to safety while using a pail. In other pictures, there were woods, inundated roadways, and submerged cars. Like many of its peers in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is susceptible to periodic floods. Singapore has been hit by strong downpours since February. In 2021, Malaysia witnessed the worst floods in decades, which led to 54 fatalities and the deployment of the troops. Eight states were ravaged by the widespread floods that year, which also overtaxed rescue services.
Experts predict that North Korea's food crisis is about to get much, much worse.
Numerous sources this week have suggested that fatalities from starvation are probable, which is raising concerns about the ongoing food scarcity in North Korea. The nation has reportedly reached its lowest point since the "Arduous March" famine of the 1990s, which resulted in mass starvation and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, according to some experts. Satellite images, assessments by the UN, and reports from South Korean authorities all indicate that the food supply has now "dipped below the amount needed to satisfy minimum human needs," and Seoul has recently declared that it believes that starvation deaths are occurring. Few experts contest that evaluation, despite the fact that gathering credible proof to support those assertions is challenging given the country's isolation.
Hong Kong model Abby Choi's ex-husband and family are accused of killing her after body pieces were discovered.
The Rohingya refugee settlement in Bangladesh is destroyed by fire, leaving thousands destitute.
After authorities reported finding what they believe to be pieces of the dismembered corpse of Hong Kong model Abby Choi, four members of the same family who have been charged in her grisly murder showed up in court on Monday. Choi's ex-husband Anthony Kwong, 31, Alex Kwong, 28, and their father Kwong Kau, 65, are accused of killing her. The mother of Alex Kwong, Jenny Li, has been accused of tampering with the process of justice; a plea has not yet been filed. Police claim that on Sunday, a big stainless steel soup pot contained the remnants of Choi, including a cranium, several vertebrae, and hair. Choi's limbs and torso, among other bodily pieces, are still missing. The case was postponed until May 8 so that officers could conduct additional inquiry.
In the Cox's Bazar region of southern Bangladesh, a Rohingya refugee settlement was severely damaged by fire on Sunday, leaving about 12,000 people homeless. There have been no reports of fatalities to date, but the cause of the fire is still being investigated. The fire, which raced through the Kutupalong refugee center in the late afternoon, burned nearly 2,000 houses before it was put out. Authorities are working with local and national humanitarian groups to provide sustenance and temporary shelters for people who have lost their houses. IOM (International Organization for Migration) Bangladesh posted on social media that "they are evaluating the needs of individuals to provide assistance."
