Indonesia has again reduced the budget for President Prabowo Subianto's signature free school meals program to 229 trillion rupiah, with further cuts possible. The program, a key election pledge, faces efficiency drives, logistical issues, food poisoning incidents, and corruption allegations, prompting a review to improve quality over beneficiary numbers.
Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a dedicated unit to investigate cybercrime and financial fraud linked to cryptocurrency. This initiative follows the creation of the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) in July 2025, which regulates digital assets, and a statement in December 2025 indicating Pakistan ranked as the world's third-largest crypto market by retail activity.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned senior officials, including ministers, deputy ministers, and members of agency boards, that they must resign from their positions if they intend to campaign for political parties, to prevent weaponizing their official roles against allies in his unity government.
A European Parliament delegation is on a three-day visit to China to manage strained ties amid escalating trade friction and geopolitical uncertainty. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged strengthening exchanges for a multi-dimensional perspective, while discussions will cover economic imbalances, the Russia-Ukraine war, and human rights.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a rare joint meeting of party, state, and military officials to publicly denounce former major general Pak Hui-chol for corruption. Pak is accused of a four-year scheme involving selling promotions, taking bribes, and embezzling state funds.
Christian Brothers properties have housed convicted child sexual abuse offenders, including one who preyed on orphans and another kept in teaching roles for decades. The order faces fury from survivors as it claims bankruptcy while continuing to support offenders, citing Gospel imperatives.
South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hae met with Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh in Seoul to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation and supporting Korean companies in the Indian state. Lokesh's visit aims to explore investment opportunities and strengthen ties.
The UK's ethics watchdog has recommended a radical overhaul of transparency laws, proposing a new register to publicly declare all government lobbying, including informal communications like WhatsApp chats and party conference meetings. The review, led by Doug Chalmers, aims to restore public trust by highlighting who is lobbying, what policies they seek to influence, and who they meet in government.
North Korea is urging officials and citizens to prepare for heavy monsoon rains expected this week, with forecasts of up to 200 millimeters of rainfall. The Rodong Sinmun newspaper called for maximum vigilance and proactive measures to prevent damage to lives and property.
Hong Kong's Education Minister Christine Choi Yuk-lin stated that students should not be banned from using technology in schools. She argued that the next generation must learn to navigate the digital era responsibly, emphasizing that technology should support, not replace, teachers and independent learning.
Hong Kong's Education Minister announced the first tender for a university town in the Northern Metropolis will launch in two months. A 22-hectare site in Hung Shui Kiu will be developed first, with land allocation based on university proposals.
A government minister and a senior Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) official face accusations of misleading MPs regarding plans to strip coastguard officers of their hourly pay, following a court ruling that confirmed their worker status. Coastguards are "deeply saddened" and call for negotiations.
Hong Kong's tech chief Sun Dong warns AI's impact will surpass previous industrial revolutions, affecting graduates and traditional sectors. The administration plans to accelerate training and develop new jobs, including proprietary LLMs and a HK$50 million education program.
Hong Kong officials discuss achievements and future plans, including cross-border data sharing with mainland China within the year and events for students to interact with the city's first astronaut.
US official Sarah B Rogers criticized the UK's justice system at a London conference, claiming "thousands of speech arrests" and echoing far-right memes. The UK government and MPs rejected her characterization, calling it an attempt to undermine democracy.
Iraq is experiencing an unusual wave of anti-corruption arrests targeting senior officials, leading to the seizure of approximately $86 million, 70 properties, and other assets. The new Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, has initiated probes and established a new council to combat systemic corruption.
Hong Kong's Health Minister Lo Chung-mau defended a proposal to allow doctors without permanent residency to work in the city, stating it aims to attract younger talent and will not harm local practitioners' careers. A bill is expected in two weeks.
Hong Kong is actively recruiting global talent to establish its own drug approval body, the Centre for Medical Products Regulation (CMPR), expected to launch by Q4. This initiative aims to accelerate access to advanced medicines and bolster the city's international biomedical hub ambitions, aligning with national policy.
A senior NPS official confirmed claims of vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, stating its liner was cut and fence posts thrown in, amid controversy over Trump's $14.2m renovation project. This follows an algae bloom, peeling blue coating, and an arrest, while calls for evidence grow.
Hong Kong's Security Chief Chris Tang revealed that arrested protesters from the 2019 unrest may have their cases reviewed if they show remorse and national identity. Investigations continue for over 7,000 uncharged individuals.
Hong Kong officials discuss achievements and future plans, focusing on national security and legal system improvements. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam emphasizes continuous work on subsidiary laws for clarity and certainty, stating appeals do not involve new evidence and classification as national security should not affect appeal prospects. New legislation clarifies national security offenses and vests certification power in the chief executive.
As Hong Kong marks 29 years since its return to China, officials discuss national security law achievements. Justice Secretary Paul Lam emphasizes continuous legal system improvement and clarifies appeal processes, stating national security classification won't hinder appeals. New legislation clarifies offenses and vests certification power in the chief executive.
Hong Kong's Secretary for Justice, Paul Lam Ting-kwok, discussed ongoing efforts to enhance the city's legal system, particularly concerning national security. He clarified that appeals in national security cases are not retrials and do not involve new evidence, aiming to provide clarity and certainty through subsidiary laws.
The EU and Hong Kong are discussing a financial services dialogue, with EU companies interested in opportunities within Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis. Ambassador Harvey Rouse highlighted potential cooperation in sustainable finance and the green transition.
