Many residents prefer to move directly into private aesthetic medicine, which is more profitable and less risky. Known as “chokubi”, this phenomenon reflects difficulties and lack of investment in the public healthcare system, which risks matching South Korea's staffing shortages.
This year, the major pilgrimage to Makkah is set for 24-29 May. The desire to participate outweighs the fear of war, although concerns remain about rising prices, last-minute cancellations, and delayed return journeys. Saudi Arabia is using artificial intelligence to manage security and monitor pilgrims. Two million people are expected to participate.
Sudan Gurung is the second cabinet minister to leave within a month of the new government taking office. At the centre of the case are his holdings in insurance companies. The minister resigned to allow independent audits and avoid conflicts of interest. Prime Minister Balendra Shah is taking on the Home Affairs post until a new appointment is made, while the government emphasises its commitment to fighting corruption.
Almost €1.4 million was stolen from the accounts of the faithful of the parish of St Francis of Assisi in Aek Nabara. For weeks, the nun fought for the return of the money stolen by a former bank employee, who subsequently fled to Australia and was arrested. The bank’s senior management offered “sincere apologies” to the country’s Catholics.
The aim is to serve national strategies and train talent for the labour market. Humanities courses are being cut back whilst STEM subjects are being strengthened. The case of Sichuan University: over the last seven years, it has abolished 39 three-year degree courses. But online, doubts and criticism regarding the value of the reform – described as a “superficial adjustment” – are multiplying.
A regional summit on environmental policies is currently taking place in the capital of Kazakhstan, alongside a meeting of the countries participating in the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. With the Bishkek government aiming to link the issue of Kyrgyzstan’s melting glaciers to the delicate environmental balance of the whole of Central Asia.
