Vietnam’s President Vo Van Thuong resigns amid anticorruption campaign | Politics News

Vietnam’s President Vo Van Thuong resigns amid anticorruption campaign | Politics News

Governing party says that Thuong’s ‘shortcomings’ had negatively affected the reputation of the party and the state. Vietnam President Vo Van Thuong has resigned after a little more than a year in office due to “violations” and “shortcomings”, the governing Communist Party has said. Thuong is the second president to…

Record number of people executed for drug offences in 2023 | Death Penalty News

Record number of people executed for drug offences in 2023 | Death Penalty News

In its annual report, Harm Reduction International says at least 467 drug-related executions took place last year. At least 467 people were executed for drug offences in 2023, a new record, according to Harm Reduction International (HRI), an NGO that has been tracking the use of the death penalty for…

Papua New Guinea floods, landslides leave at least 23 dead | Floods News

Papua New Guinea floods, landslides leave at least 23 dead | Floods News

Mountain and coastal provinces have been flooded, with one coastal village considering relocating due to rising sea levels. At least 23 people have been killed as torrential rain and king tides wash away roads, homes and food gardens in Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) highland and coastal regions. The dead, including…

In Indonesia and Malaysia, boycotts hammer McDonald’s, Starbucks | Israel War on Gaza

In Indonesia and Malaysia, boycotts hammer McDonald’s, Starbucks | Israel War on Gaza

Medan, Indonesia – Ordinarily during the holy month of Ramadan, entrepreneur Putra Kelana breaks fast with his family and friends at several different food outlets across his city in North Sumatra.  But this year, one outlet will not be on the menu: McDonald’s. Kelana has been boycotting the fast food…

North Korea claims progress in development of hypersonic missile | Weapons News

North Korea claims progress in development of hypersonic missile | Weapons News

The country is stepping up its development of more technologically-advanced weaponry capable of striking further afield. North Korea has successfully tested a solid-fuel engine for its new-type intermediate-range hypersonic missile. State media reported the development on Wednesday, suggesting progress in Pyongyang’s efforts to develop a more powerful, agile missile that…

UN ‘alarmed’ by reports of civilian casualties in Myanmar air attacks | Conflict News

UN ‘alarmed’ by reports of civilian casualties in Myanmar air attacks | Conflict News

Continuing air raids in the restive country’s Rakhine state are reported to have killed dozens. The United Nations chief has expressed “alarm” at reports that the Myanmar military is bombing civilian areas. Antonio Guterres called for calm late on Monday following reports that continuing air attacks on villages in the…

After success of BTS and Parasite, South Korea woos digital nomads | Technology

After success of BTS and Parasite, South Korea woos digital nomads | Technology

Seoul, South Korea – Riding the wave of enthusiasm for all things Korean, South Korea has in recent years become one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations. Now, the cultural juggernaut known for the K-pop band BTS, the movie Parasite and Korean BBQ and kimchi is setting its sights on…

North Korea fires ballistic missiles as Blinken visits Seoul | South China Sea News

North Korea fires ballistic missiles as Blinken visits Seoul | South China Sea News

Launches come days after South Korea and the US wrapped up military drills Pyongyang sees as an invasion rehearsal. North Korea fired short-range ballistic missiles towards its eastern waters as United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken prepared to open a democracy summit in neighbouring South Korea, officials have said….

Uber pays $178m to settle lawsuit with taxi drivers in Australia | Technology

Uber pays $178m to settle lawsuit with taxi drivers in Australia | Technology

Law firm behind class action says outcome among most successful legal actions ever taken against the ride-sharing giant. Uber has agreed to pay $178m to settle a lawsuit with taxi and hire car drivers in Australia who say they lost earnings to the ride-hailing app, a law firm has announced….

Climate change is killing quality coffee. Can Vietnam’s Robusta save it? | Food

Climate change is killing quality coffee. Can Vietnam’s Robusta save it? | Food

Buon Ma Thuot, Vietnam – The white-walled room in a house on the outskirts of Buon Ma Thuot, Vietnam’s coffee capital, is quiet. The only thing breaking the silence is the occasional beep of an electronic scale, or the sound of coffee being poured into a measuring glass. A handful…