In September, Russia will go to the polls for parliamentary elections, and in the campaign that is now getting underway, the traditional allies of United Russia, Putin’s party, appear for the first time to be intent on distancing themselves in order to capitalise on popular discontent. Thus, to close ranks, the Kremlin is rallying the loyalist leaders of local administrations.
Kim Yong-beom, President Lee's chief of staff for policy, calls for sharing excess tax revenue from business giants like Samsung and SK hynix, generated by global chip demand. The proposal was inspired by Norway's sovereign wealth fund based on oil revenues. Kim warns that without it, inequality will worsen. After markets react negatively to the proposal, presidential office says Kim’s views are personal.
The Gaza Strip remains in limbo. While the war is not truly over, timid attempts to restore political normalcy have been made amid unresolved contradictions. Fatah held local elections in Deir el-Balah on 25 April, but Hamas maintains local networks. The Board's only funding came thus far from the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, invested on the future local police force. Meanwhile, 80 per cent of families still depend on water distributed by tankers.
The activist is currently held at a detention centre over her visa. The UNHCR office in the Thai capital had granted her protection status. Hong Kong authorities accuse her of "subversion" under the territory’s national security law. Her "crime" is membership in the Hong Kong Parliament group of exiles.
A 62-year-old man was found guilty of hurting religious feelings and harassing a woman. A Court ruled that attacks against places of worship threaten the city-state’s social and religious harmony. This is the latest in a series of cases prosecuted for offences against various communities.
Increasingly frequent heatwaves are reducing the income and increasing the expenses of millions of informal workers. To tackle this crisis, parametric insurance is becoming more widespread, offering automatic compensation when temperatures exceed certain pre-set thresholds.
