At least nine people, including a child, were killed and six injured in a hotel fire in Kolkata, West Bengal. Firefighters rescued trapped occupants as authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze.
Pakistan's ruling PML-N party has won 24 of 34 seats in the first two phases of legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, despite security concerns, monsoon rains, and a boycott campaign by the banned JAAC group.
South Korea's National Assembly, led by the Democratic Party, passed a bill revoking the prosecution's direct investigative powers, despite the main opposition People Power Party's (PPP) filibuster. The bill, part of broader prosecution reform, transfers investigative authority to judicial police. Acting Prosecutor General Koo Ja-hyeon offered his resignation in protest, while the PPP urged President Lee Jae Myung to veto the bill, citing concerns it could aid his own suspended criminal trials.
South Korea's ruling Democratic Party adopted a revision to the Criminal Procedure Act, making it official party line to strip the prosecution of its direct investigation rights, including supplementary investigations. The party also plans to establish a dedicated team within the serious crimes investigation agency for vulnerable victims, with the bill expected to be voted on next Thursday.
South Korea's ruling Democratic Party and government agreed to use additional tax revenue from the semiconductor boom to create a future response fund, investing in young generations, regional development, and 'three megaprojects' including semiconductors and AI under next year's budget plan.
South Korea's ruling Democratic Party and the government agreed to enhance support for large-scale chip cluster and AI investment projects, pledging swift legislative action. The initiative, involving a $3.16 trillion investment, aims to boost economic growth through semiconductor and AI advancements.
National Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk is stepping up pressure on the ruling party by attending rallies and meetings in Busan and Gwangju, criticizing the June 3rd election ballot shortage and demanding a special prosecutor and by-elections. He also clashed with floor leader Chung Jin-suk over the party's direction, advocating for a 'member-centric party' versus Chung's 'people-centric party'.
Greek police arrested three individuals in Thessaloniki and Crete in connection with recent attacks on ruling party politicians, including a fatal car explosion on July 1 that killed a woman. Two more people were later detained over a 2010 firebomb attack.
Amid concerns about excess rice and falling prices, factions within Japan's government and ruling Liberal Democratic Party are urging the early repurchase of reserve rice. However, officials at the Prime Minister's Office are reportedly hesitant, fearing it could contradict efforts to combat inflation.
South Korea's ruling Democratic Party introduced a bill to abolish the prosecution's right to conduct supplementary investigations, facing opposition from the People Power Party who boycotted the legislative meeting.
Reps. Song Young-gil and Ko Min-jung of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) announced their candidacies for the party's leadership election on Aug. 17, potentially setting up a four-way race. Song emphasized supporting President Lee Jae Myung's administration, while Ko vowed to uphold former President Moon Jae-in's legacy.
Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok announced his candidacy for leader of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) on Monday, vowing to reform the party for the success of the Lee Jae Myung administration. He aims to restore the DP as a "capable, strong and winning party" and warned of potential defeat in the next general elections without leadership change.
Xi Jinping stated that the Chinese Communist Party's achievements have reshaped global development, offering a new model for developing nations. He asserted that China is a "stabiliser of world peace" and a "contributor to global growth."
President Lee Jae Myung met with former President Moon Jae-in to discuss ruling Democratic Party (DP) unity amid factional tensions. Lee stressed internal strength and inclusive politics, while Moon called Lee the key to achieving DP unity and national unity ahead of the August party convention.
US government and tech news, including endangered species, Amazon data centers, and Trump administration policies
An opinion piece criticizes Ethiopian officials for portraying the country as a victim and using a diplomatic smoke screen to normalize hostility towards Eritrea. It argues that Ethiopia's internal crises stem from ethnic cleavages, not external actors, and accuses the government of aggressive military mobilizations and disinformation campaigns regarding maritime access.
Rep. Jung Chung-rae resigned as chairman of South Korea's ruling Democratic Party on Wednesday, a move widely interpreted as paving the way for his bid to win reelection at the party's national convention in August. Floor leader Han Byung-do will act as interim party leader.
Six Lok Sabha MPs from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) faction are set to officially join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Monday afternoon. This move will increase Shinde's party's strength in the Lok Sabha from seven to 13 members. The rebel MPs cite ideological differences and proximity to Congress as reasons for their defection.
West Bengal BJP leader Agnimitra Paul described recent egg-throwing incidents targeting TMC leaders as 'deemocracy,' reflecting public anger over alleged corruption and misgovernance. The incidents, including one outside Mamata Banerjee's residence, highlight growing resentment against the ruling party.
South Korea's government and ruling party will not tolerate illegal acts by protesters demanding a rerun of local elections due to ballot shortages, vowing a stern response while also seeking peaceful resolutions and electoral reform.
Senior Greek officials are considering an early election in the fall, rather than next year, due to falling support for Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's New Democracy party amid scandals and economic woes. While polls show New Democracy leading, the party is weighing whether to call a vote before the opposition can unite.
Armenia's ruling Civil Contract party, led by PM Nikol Pashinyan, has secured a constitutional majority with 64 out of 105 seats in snap parliamentary elections. This win allows them to form the government independently and pass constitutional laws, though not amend the constitution.
Ruling party leader Jang Dong-hyuk urged Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and opposition leader Chung Jin-suk to meet and discuss nationwide by-elections and a special counsel investigation into alleged ballot shortages and errors in the recent local elections. Jang criticized the National Election Commission's handling of the situation, citing numerous instances of tied votes and vote omissions.
South Korea dispatches 2 lawmakers to Mexico as special envoys before the FIFA World Cup, to congratulate Mexico on hosting the tournament for a third time, strengthen bilateral ties, and cheer on the South Korean team.
