Local authorities alarmed by labour force shortages amid an aging population. This is the other side of the brutal repression against pro-democracy groups in 2019 that drove thousands of people out of the city.

Despite a proposal by legal experts, the Japanese government has ruled out setting up a commission to review capital punishment. The Cabinet Secretary cited public support for this penalty, but legal experts believe most Japanese are not adequately informed.

Caritas and diocesan representatives also joined the global march for climate justice in Quezon City. In the run-up to Cop29, the country hosting the board of the Fund to Support Countries Affected by Climate Change (FRLD) is preparing for the arrival of storm Man-yi, after the passage of Ofel. More than 250 casualties in 2024.

The National People's Power alliance won 159 seats out of 225. The Marxist-inspired leader, chosen in September's presidential election after decades of family dynasties in power, promised to seek ‘alternative means’ to support the nation's finances. The International Monetary Fund had demanded austerity measures in exchange for a bailout loan.

In India's current local election round, votes are also being cast in the state of which Ranchi is the capital. Prime Minister Modi's Hindu nationalists aim to win back the government by promising ‘equal rights’. But local ethnic groups fear that their identity and traditions will be erased.

Today's news: Pope meet's a group of former Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas in Gaza; Maharashtra against products bearing the effigy of gangstar Bishoi; Opposition leader sentenced to one year in prison in South Korea; Russian credit cards of the Mir circuit will work from 2025 in Iran.