Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi proposed to G7 leaders the coordination of critical mineral stockpiling, including rare earths, to counter China's supply chain dominance. This initiative, aimed at addressing supply chain vulnerabilities exacerbated by recent conflicts, is criticized for lacking vision and potentially increasing regional tensions and conflict.
Jiang Mingdian, a 77-year-old from Quanzhou, China, has written over 100,000 letters for families to relatives overseas in a career spanning 59 years. This tradition stems from Fujian's history of emigration, where letter writers bridged the communication gap for illiterate relatives.
A South Korean court found former Gyeonggi Vice Governor Lee Hwa-young guilty of perjury for falsely testifying about being offered alcohol and food during a prosecution interrogation. The ruling impacts the Democratic Party's efforts to dismiss a remittance case against President Lee Jae Myung.
US envoy Steve Witkoff heads to Switzerland for talks with Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi to secure a permanent truce, as a ceasefire in Lebanon appears threatened by Israeli strikes that killed five. VP JD Vance canceled his travel to the talks.
Analysts suggest Hong Kong can become a hub for international organizations and set global governance standards, following Beijing's release of a white paper on its global governance reform initiative.
PwC's global chairman, Mohamed Kande, stated at VivaTech that companies using AI at scale are hiring more people and seeing wage growth, contrary to "white-collar doom" narratives. However, entry-level roles exposed to AI are stagnating, and the bar for new hires is rising.
Hong Kong's welfare chief announced a review of the age threshold for elderly support services following the suicide of a 70-year-old man. The couple, both under 80, were not eligible for targeted social worker visits, highlighting a potential gap in care for vulnerable seniors.
Hong Kong's welfare chief Chris Sun pledged to review the age threshold for elderly welfare visits after a 70-year-old man, whose wife was found unconscious, died by suicide. The couple were not targeted for visits as they were under 80.
Donald Trump reportedly instructed Israel to accept a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon. This comes as US intelligence officials are reportedly concerned that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might undermine the US peace deal with Iran. Talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland were cancelled.
Vietnam faces a foreign policy test as the US increases pressure on Cuba. Hanoi must decide how to support its 60-year ally without jeopardizing its crucial partnership with Washington, especially after the fall of Venezuela's support for Cuba.
Spain's tourism minister, Jordi Hereu, is pushing to diversify the country's appeal beyond traditional "sun and sand" offerings as it anticipates a record 100 million foreign visitors. The strategy aims for "calm growth" to manage overtourism concerns and climate impacts, focusing on inland and cultural experiences.
Paris anticipates over 2 million attendees for the Fête de la Musique, with warnings of record temperatures and a zero-tolerance approach to last year's incidents of sexual violence and public disorder.
The 2026 World Cup in the USA is a tournament of stark contrasts, from the volume of matches and the quality of stadiums to the varying levels of local engagement with football amidst other popular sports. Despite logistical challenges and mixed public interest, the event showcases the scale and cultural diversity of the host nation.
London councils impose strict 11pm/midnight curfews on new bars and restaurants, "killing off nightlife" according to experts. Cities like Manchester and Birmingham thrive with more lenient licensing, allowing venues to open until 5am.
Paris anticipates over 2 million attendees for the Fête de la Musique, a free street festival. Authorities are implementing enhanced safety measures, including safe spaces and warnings about waterways, following incidents last year. The event coincides with a heatwave, with 1,400 water fountains available.
India's Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests in New Delhi demanding Education Minister Pradhan's resignation over exam irregularities. The Palestinian Embassy requests urgent medical aid for its collapsing healthcare sector. Manipur police arrest 10 for violence and looting.
Hong Kong and Shenzhen will pilot new measures this year to ease cross-border flows of data, materials, and capital within the Northern Metropolis development, focusing on the Hetao Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone. The initiative aims to foster collaboration and support Hong Kong's ambition to become an international I&T hub.
Hong Kong and Shenzhen are discussing implementation details for a pilot project to ease the cross-border flow of data, materials, and capital within the Hetao Innovation Zone. The initiative aims to foster collaboration and support Hong Kong's ambition to become a global innovation hub.
Hong Kong and Shenzhen will launch pilot initiatives this year to ease cross-border flows of data, materials, and capital within the Northern Metropolis development. The measures aim to foster collaboration and support Hong Kong's ambition to become an international I&T hub.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff heads to Switzerland to revive peace talks between Lebanon and Israel, following a ceasefire announcement by Hezbollah and Israel. Despite the truce, reports indicate ongoing Israeli airstrikes. Jared Kushner is also expected to attend.
Illustrator Stanley Chow discusses the creation and viral spread of his iconic drawing of Andy Burnham. Initially created during the pandemic, the image was adopted by Burnham, then widely memed, including by Reform UK, leading Chow to take legal action against them.
The European Commission is set to revise the EU's water protection law to expedite critical minerals mine development, despite analysis showing over half of planned "strategic" mines are in drying or water-stressed regions, raising environmental concerns.
A Swansea University study found that warnings about SUVs' increased danger to pedestrians and cyclists had a negligible effect on purchasing decisions. Researchers suggest financial penalties are needed to reduce the number of large vehicles on roads.
NC Dinos pitchers Shin Min-hyuk and Kim Young-gyu will both undergo surgery. Shin Min-hyuk will have elbow surgery on July 2nd, and Kim Young-gyu will have shoulder surgery on July 1st in Japan.
