Xia, Beijing's point man on Hong Kong affairs, calls on Hong Kong lawmakers to support the chief executive, enhance governance, boost local development, and address residents' concerns.
Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed 70 legislators to the new 210-member parliament, marking a step towards post-Assad governance. The parliament, set to convene Monday, will draft laws and prepare for future popular elections.
China's National People's Congress Standing Committee removed 13 legislators, including military commanders and former financial regulator Xiao Jie and ex-Xinjiang party chief Chen Quanguo. General Xu Xueqiang missed a key meeting, while Lt. Gen. Wang Kangping was passed over for promotion.
States are enacting laws to regulate Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) due to concerns over high drug costs. These PBMs, like CVS, manage prescription coverage and negotiate drug prices. Regulations aim to limit PBM compensation, set minimum pharmacist payments, and increase transparency, facing opposition and legal challenges from companies like CVS.
States are enacting laws to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) due to rising drug costs. These PBMs, which manage prescription coverage for insurers, are facing restrictions on their operations and compensation. CVS Health is actively fighting these regulations through lawsuits and advertising campaigns, while independent pharmacies argue they are being squeezed by PBMs' practices.
CPI(ML) Liberation and RJD denied cross-voting in Jharkhand Rajya Sabha elections, stating their MLAs voted for Congress. They blamed Congress's internal issues for the loss and warned against damaging the INDIA bloc by shifting blame.
Sexual abuse cases against children under 17 in Hong Kong surged 20% in 2025 to 797, up from 663 in 2024. Security Minister Chris Tang vowed to tighten laws by June to better protect victims, studying Law Reform Commission recommendations.
Hong Kong reported a 20% increase in sexual abuse cases against children under 17 in 2025, with 797 incidents compared to 663 the previous year. Security Minister Chris Tang pledged to strengthen laws by June to better protect victims, citing ongoing reviews of Law Reform Commission recommendations.
Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) has called a meeting of all MLAs and MLCs on June 22 amidst speculation that some MPs may defect to Eknath Shinde's faction. Shinde faction claims "Operation Tiger" is in final stages, while Thackeray faction dismisses these as BJP's attempts to break parties.
KMT legislators criticized the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) for using administrative means to restrict local government heads from attending the Cross-Strait Forum. They questioned the government's stance on democracy and cross-strait exchanges, demanding legal basis for the restrictions and accusing the MAC of political interference over public interest.
Taiwanese legislators and experts convened a hearing on Grab's proposed acquisition of foodpanda, raising concerns about market monopoly, national security risks due to alleged "red technology" ties, and the rights of delivery workers. They urged government bodies to carefully review the deal.
Taiwanese legislators debated proposed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, dubbed the "Ko Wen-je clauses," which aim to shorten pre-trial detention periods. The proposals, particularly Article 108, faced strong opposition, with concerns raised about potentially undermining criminal investigations and impacting major crime cases. The committee decided to postpone further review of Article 108 and other related amendments.
Congress shifts MLAs to Karnataka to prevent cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls, alleging BJP poaching attempts with 'bags of notes'
The US Congress faces a June 12 deadline to reauthorize Section 702 of the FISA, but negotiations are stalled. A 45-day extension was granted in April for reforms, but none have been made. A recent Senate vote (52-47) failed to pass a 3-year renewal due to Democratic opposition triggered by President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte, a businessman without security clearance, as acting Director of National Intelligence. Critics fear Trump's history of abusing surveillance powers and his suggestion to 'gut' the ODNI, potentially firing staff from previous administrations, complicates the reauthorization, especially without reforms like warrant requirements for US person queries.
Expelled TMC MLA Sandipan Saha revealed that post-election meeting instructions to applaud Abhishek Banerjee's leadership, rather than discuss defeat, was a breaking point for rebels. Dissent stems from perceived power concentration around Banerjee and 'humiliation' of senior leaders.
KMT legislators, alongside 18 civil servant groups, announced a draft bill to institutionalize pay raises for military, civil servants, and teachers. The proposal mandates raises when CPI grows 3% or every four years, with adjustments reflecting inflation, and calls for broader representation in review committees. They aim for passage this legislative session.
TMC dissolved all its committees and frontal organizations in West Bengal after rebel MLA Ritabrata Banerjee met the governor with support from nearly 60 MLAs, signaling a major party crisis. This move is seen as an attempt to prevent a vertical split following the party's electoral defeat.
Expelled TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee met the West Bengal assembly speaker claiming support of 58 legislators, potentially triggering a split. The crisis deepens amid forgery allegations and low turnout at Mamata Banerjee's protest, with comparisons drawn to the Maharashtra political crisis.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has expelled two of its MLAs, Sandipan Saha and Ritabrata Banerjee, from the party's primary membership due to alleged anti-party activities and actions prejudicial to the organization's interests. The party cited their repeated failure to attend meetings and their engagement in statements harmful to the AITC.
Hong Kong lawmakers are calling for government intervention in a case where an infant, Danny, is in legal limbo due to parents' refusal of DNA testing for a birth certificate on privacy and religious grounds. The parents are also involved in a custody dispute in Sweden over their daughter Lily.
The UK government is consulting on new online safety measures for children, with proposals including an Australia-style ban for under-16s or restrictions on addictive features. Parents of victims, MPs, and industry representatives have shared diverse views, with many favoring targeted regulations over a blanket ban.
Three AIADMK legislators resigned and are expected to join the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party after supporting the TVK government in a recent floor test. Five other AIADMK legislators have rejoined their party chief, altering the assembly's party strength.
Morena legislators have backed proposed electoral reforms to be discussed in an extraordinary session, including measures to vet candidates and address foreign intervention. PRI leaders criticized the reforms, arguing they are incomplete, centralized, and fail to tackle organized crime infiltration in elections.
Taiwanese legislators express concern over nuclear plant security following drone attacks on international facilities. They question the Nuclear Safety Commission about anti-terrorism drills and emergency response plans, especially with potential nuclear restarts and geopolitical risks.
