Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering visiting India early next month to meet with her counterpart Narendra Modi to discuss cooperation on strengthening supply chains of critical goods given concerns about China’s economic coercion, government sources said on Thursday.
Takaichi aims to deepen bilateral collaboration in a wide range of fields covering defence, economic issues and cutting-edge technologies such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence, according to the…
Japan-Philippines maritime talks 2026
Citizen group to press for ‘transparency’ in Philippine VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial
A citizen watchdog has been launched in the Philippines to monitor Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment trial, as turmoil inside the Senate threatens to deepen public doubts over whether the politically explosive proceedings can be handled fairly and constitutionally.
Members of civil society launched the coalition, called Bantay Senado (Senate Watch), on Monday, saying it would “help ensure that the impeachment trial is conducted transparently, fairly and forthwith, in keeping with…
Indonesia arrests sacked head of free meal scheme
Indonesian officials arrested on Wednesday the former head of the country’s free school meals programme, blighted by mass food poisonings and corruption claims, a day after he was fired.
The much-hyped billion-dollar feeding scheme was the flagship policy of President Prabowo Subianto’s 2024 election campaign.
Prabowo fired Dadan Hindayana, an entomologist who had led the National Nutrition Agency since its inception in August 2024, along with two deputies on Tuesday. All three were taken into…
How the UK’s new single-sex space guidance will impact service providers
Official guidance on single-sex spaces in the wake of a UK Supreme Court decision could leave service providers with more questions than answers about how to practically implement it.
Employment law implications of Germany‘s new KRITIS Framework Act
Businesses should adopt a holistiic approach to Germany’s new critical infrastructure regulatory framework.
Bangladesh faces further measles risk due to lack of vaccinations, travel
The measles outbreak in Bangladesh is one of its deadliest health crises in decades, and experts are warning that the lack of measures to increase vaccinations and enhance immunisation across the country could lead to a further spike in cases.
There have been over 60,000 suspected cases of measles, and nearly 600 people have died from the disease since mid-March, according to media reports.
The outbreak has been particularly severe among malnourished children and communities with limited access…
Prabowo’s overseas visits spark debate in Indonesia over benefits for citizens
Indonesia’s deepening ties with France have given President Prabowo Subianto a chance to advance Jakarta’s defence modernisation, strengthen relations with Europe and expand its international footprint.
But analysts say the Paris visit has also fuelled a debate at home on whether deals and diplomatic goodwill arising from Prabowo’s frequent foreign trips can translate into benefits for ordinary Indonesians.
Prabowo, who has visited France four times as president, met his French counterpart…
End for ‘draconian’ sanctions as UK Treasury looks to revamp Consumer Credit Act
Sweeping changes to the UK’s outdated consumer credit laws will liberate lenders from ‘draconian’ sanctions while offering greater protection for consumers, according to experts.
Vietnam detains Australian man who trashed Da Nang cafe in late-night rampage
An Australian man has been detained in Vietnam’s coastal city of Da Nang after allegedly going on a shirtless late-night rampage through a cafe, causing extensive damage and forcing frightened customers to flee.
The incident unfolded at Ge Cafe on Le Hong Phong Street in central Da Nang shortly before midnight on Friday, according to a detailed account posted by the cafe on its social media account.
Local news outlet Tuoi Tre reported that ward police had identified the man as an Australian…