Japan
UN accused of enabling Hamas through Gaza aid mismanagement
There are also persistent claims that Hamas is systematically looting the aid that does make it into Gaza. Military officials estimate 80% of all assistance is intercepted either by Hamas members, its affiliates or civilians acting under its control.
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Hiroshima marks 80 years since atomic bombing with renewed calls for disarmament
Hiroshima’s mayor, Kazumi Matsui, delivered a pointed message to nuclear-armed states, asserting that despite geopolitical tensions, civil society must remain resolute in advocating for the complete elimination of nuclear arms.
Is AI making us less intelligent? The debate over declining cognitive skills in the age of ChatGPT and smartphones
Anecdotal evidence from educators paints a troubling picture. Teenagers across the world struggle to properly complete tasks in school, particularly those involving writing.
US DoE muddies the ClimateCrisis waters with report downplaying the emissions problem
As part of the Trump administration’s attempts to take the Climate Crisis off the agenda, the US Department of Energy has released a report downplaying the impact of fossil fuels on global warming.
Sinkholes on the rise across Asia: a growing danger beneath the surface
The dramatic rescue of a motorist from a sinkhole on a busy Singapore road has cast new light on an alarming trend across Asia – the increasing frequency and severity of sinkholes swallowing roads, vehicles, and in some cases entire buildings.
Bank of Japan holds interest rate as inflation projections rise
The Bank of Japan has decided to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 0.5%, a move that was largely anticipated by markets.
IMF corrects growth forecast upwards – Statista
Despite uncertain market conditions amid the Trump administration's tariff regime and major global conflicts, the International Monetary Fund has upped its global economic growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026 slightly, Statista reported on July 30.
The Asian take on recognition of a Palestinian State
Muslim-majority nations or those seeking to expand their influence in the Middle East will support or reaffirm recognition. Meanwhile, countries embedded in US frameworks or enjoying ties with Israel are are expected to remain cautious.
Papua New Guinea steps up renewable energy drive with global support
Currently, only around 13% of Papua New Guinea’s population has reliable access to electricity, with the majority of rural communities dependent on diesel generators or without power altogether.
Japan targets tech giants with new app market regulations
Japan’s Fair Trade Commission has released new guidelines under a law designed to address monopolistic practices in the smartphone app sector, primarily targeting Apple and Google.
The top three ‘megatrends’ set to transform the Asia Pacific region
The rapid development of technologies such as generative AI and the metaverse is already changing how people in Asia Pacific live, work, socialise and shop.
Kamchatka M8.8 quake; Asia region tsunami update
Southwest of Japan in Taiwan the Central Weather Administration issued a tsunami watch after the quake struck at around 7.25 a.m. Taiwan time: wave arrival was anticipated around 1.18 p.m., with possible wave heights of up to 1m.
Huge earthquake in Russia's Far East triggers Pacific-wide tsunami alerts
One of the most powerful earthquakes recorded this year struck Russia's Far East in the early hours of July 30, triggering tsunami warnings across the northern Pacific, including for Japan, Alaska, Hawaii and as far south as New Zealand.
Trump Administration's trade deals so far - Statista
On July 27, the United States and the European Union agreed on a trade deal that is lowering tariffs of 30% on European goods threatened by August to 15%, including on cars.
Recent floods across Asia kill hundreds, leave devastation in their wake
From South and Southeast Asia to Central and East Asia, communities have been grappling with flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outbursts as warming temperatures and shifting monsoon dynamics fuel increasingly erratic weather.
IPCC releases dire sixth climate update in run-up to COP30
“Any further delay in global action to slow climate change and adapt to its impacts will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all”.
ASIA BLOG: If the Thailand-Cambodia conflict escalates, Vietnam won’t stand idle – nor will the US and China
The current flare-up between Thailand and Cambodia feels different from previous disputes. What initially appeared to be a limited skirmish over disputed borderland and nationalist rhetoric now carries the faint, unmistakable whiff of escalation.
ICJ declares healthy environment is a human right in landmark climate ruling
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a historic advisory opinion recognising a clean and sustainable environment as a human right, declaring that states which fail to curb emissions may be in violation of international law.
Earth overshoot day is already long past – Statista
July 24 marks this year's Earth Overshoot Day, the day that humanity’s demand for ecological resources exceeds the resources Earth can regenerate within that year, Statista reports. That day has already long passed.
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Japan jolted by a ‘youthquake’ just before Trump announces ‘massive’ deal
The US’s ‘massive’ deal declaration is a statement the drowning Ishiba may now see as a straw at which to clutch to extend his own political tenure as PM, while throwing the Japanese agriculture sector under the bus driven by Donald Trump.