Indonesia’s Health Ministry has alerted healthcare facilities of a Covid-19 surge in Asia, attributing the increase to a more transmissible yet less deadly Omicron sub-variant. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin and President Prabowo Subianto discussed the situation, emphasizing heightened surveillance.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei returned home after being discharged from a Malaysian hospital. He was hospitalized due to fatigue last week. The Sultan, along with his consort, met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim prior to departing.
Vietnam has eliminated its two-child policy, allowing families more autonomy in deciding their size. The move comes as the country grapples with a declining birth rate, with the fertility rate dropping below replacement level. This policy shift marks a significant change in Vietnam’s approach to family planning.
Liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung is forecasted to win South Korea’s presidential election according to joint exit polls by major TV stations. The polls show Lee with 51.7% of votes, surpassing conservative candidate Kim Moon Soo’s 39.3%. This election comes two months after former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s removal over martial law imposition.
China accuses the U.S. of violating a May trade truce amid escalating tensions. Following President Trump’s claims of breach, the dispute impacts global trade. Both nations remain at odds over tariffs and trade terms. The situation raises concerns about economic stability and market reactions worldwide.
Ukraine and Russia hold peace talks in Istanbul after mutual military escalations. High-stakes negotiations aim to de-escalate tensions following Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian bases and Russia’s targeted response.
Brazilian prosecutors have filed a lawsuit against Chinese electric car giant BYD and two contractors over allegations of human trafficking and slave labor conditions at a build site in Bahia. Authorities discovered 220 Chinese workers in degrading conditions at the under-construction plant. The legal proceedings aim to address labor violations and ensure justice for the affected workers.
Two Brazilian nuns went viral after a surprise beatboxing session on a Catholic TV show. Their unexpected performance gained widespread attention, highlighting the evolving dynamics of religious communities engaging with modern art forms.
The Australian War Memorial in Canberra removed a display wrongly labeling Chinese-style clothing as Korean traditional attire after protests from the Korean community. Professor Seo Kyung-duk announced the removal on Instagram, highlighting successful advocacy for Korean cultural representation.
Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi received the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for “It Was Just an Accident.” Despite a 15-year ban from leaving Iran, Panahi’s work gained international acclaim. Cate Blanchett presented the award, highlighting Panahi’s contributions to global cinema.