Uprooted by a calamity beyond their control, families affected by the ‘Lapindo Mudflow’ are now divided by petty rivalries in the fight to gain legal ownership of their land.
Ukraine war: Kishida’s hopes of making Japan a global diplomatic and military player risk crucial ties
Foreign policy is one of the top priorities of the Kishida administration, as is increasing Japan’s military strength and ensuring regional stability. Efforts to make Japan a bigger player in Ukraine could damage ties with China and Russia, though, which would put Japan’s economy at greater risk.
Thai King’s fashion designer daughter – Princess Siri – appointed as army major general
King Maha Vajiralongkorn announced the military appointment of his 36-year-old daughter – Princess ‘Siri’ Sirivannavari – who is also a fashion designer.
Dutch chip giant ASML’s suppliers eye Southeast Asia amid US-China tech war
Tech company representatives will visit Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore next week as they consider building plants there to reduce exposure to China.
Indonesia not cutting China out in EV hub plan, minister Sandiaga Uno says
Sandiaga Uno says Indonesia will play ‘facilitator’ between the US and China, noting that Xi and Biden will attend the East Asia Summit held in Jakarta this year.
UK immigration rule changes to take effect on 12 April
The minimum salaries that can be paid to foreign workers employed under sponsorship in the UK are to rise from 12 April.
EU and UK action shows role for sanctions in tackling gender inequality
Action announced by the EU and UK highlights the role that sanctions can play in tackling gender inequality globally, an expert has said.
Midjourney decision intensifies questions over definition of ‘human authorship’
A recent decision by the US Copyright Office to cancel part of a copyright registration for artwork that was partially generated by an AI programme could have important implications for copyright protection.
ASFI recommends new classification structure for Australian sustainable finance disclosure
Representatives of Australia’s financial services industry have recommended standardising the way in which sustainable economic activities are categorised, including by better aligning the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) with international standards.
North Korea fired ballistic missile toward sea, says Seoul
US Indo-Pacific Command says launch does not pose an ‘immediate threat’, but highlights the destabilising impact of North Korea’s nuclear programme.