15 Killed in Building Fire as Inquiry Ordered in North India
An inquiry has been ordered after at least 15 people died in a fire that broke out in a building in the northern Indian city of Lucknow on Monday, according to BBC.
Asia Pacific
Dettol Apologizes After ‘Toxic Men’ Ad Sparks Controversy in China
British hygiene brand Dettol has issued an apology after a recent advertisement in China sparked backlash. The ad, which aimed to address sexism, instead faced criticism for objectifying women and has been removed.
Three dead in Philippines high school shooting over bullying ‘grudge’
Three people were killed and seven injured in a high school shooting in the Philippines on Monday, with authorities citing a bullying-related grudge as the motive, according to reports.
Japan quintuples visa fees in first price hike since 1978
Japan has quintupled visa fees for foreigners, marking the first increase in nearly 50 years, according to the BBC.
Australia’s Largest Ever Cocaine Bust: 2.7 Tonnes Seized
Australian police have made the country's largest ever cocaine bust, seizing 2.7 tonnes of the drug with a street value of A$816 million from an underground bunker in western Sydney, according to the BBC.
Indian Students Retake Medical Exam Amid Tight Security
Millions of Indian students are retaking a crucial medical exam under tight security after allegations of a paper leak, according to BBC News.
How is China using AI in the classroom?
China has begun teaching artificial intelligence to children as young as six, according to new guidelines from the Ministry of Education. The move is part of a broader push to integrate AI into all grade levels and align with national priorities under President Xi Jinping.
UK Actress Charged with Importing $296M in Meth into Australia
A British actress has been charged with attempting to import nearly A$300 million worth of methamphetamine into Australia, according to the BBC.
Women Tell Japanese Fans to Clean at Home Too After World Cup Efforts
Japanese football fans are receiving criticism at home for cleaning up stadiums after World Cup matches but not doing their share of chores at home, according to the BBC.
Taiwan Hopes $14B US Arms Sale Approved Soon
Taiwan’s president said he hopes the United States approves a $14bn arms sale 'as soon as possible,' according to Al Jazeera.
Japan ramping up defence is ‘critical’ to prevent war, Defence Minister Koizumi tells BBC
Japan must 'strengthen its defence capabilities' to prevent war, Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told the BBC. He emphasized the need to revisit the pacifist posture that has defined the country since World War Two.
Australian Shock Jock Wins A$12m Payout in Contract Dispute
Australian shock jock Kyle Sandilands has secured a A$12 million payout after a legal dispute with his former employer over a terminated contract, according to BBC.
Over 400 Cats Stolen for Food in Vietnam Rescued by Police
More than 400 cats destined for slaughter have been rescued in Vietnam after police dismantled an alleged feline theft ring, an animal welfare group said. Nine people were arrested in connection with the operation.
Trump Announces ‘Complete’ Deal with Iran, Pact to Be Signed June 19
U.S. President Donald Trump and the government of Iran announced a peace deal to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with the agreement set to be signed June 19 in Switzerland, according to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
China detains two leaders of influential underground church
China has detained two leaders of an influential underground Protestant church, according to a statement from the church.