HONG KONG
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has announced that the city will open its universities to more international students facing “discriminatory and unfair treatment” by the United States, following the Trump administration’s decision—currently frozen by a federal judge—to ban Harvard from enrolling foreign nationals. Many of the affected Harvard students are Chinese citizens. Hong Kong already offers 30,000 places to foreign students, after the cap on international enrolment at its eight public universities was doubled to 40% in September.
GAZA–ISRAEL
Dozens more Palestinians were killed yesterday in Israeli air strikes across Gaza. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also issued harsh criticism of Israel, as conflicting reports continue to emerge about a possible deal—mediated by U.S. envoy Witkoff—for the release of hostages in exchange for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, in Jerusalem’s Old City, settlers assaulted Palestinians shouting “death to Arabs” during the annual march commemorating Israel’s capture of the city during the 1967 war.
SOUTH KOREA
Turnout among overseas voters for South Korea’s 3 June presidential election has reached a record high of 79.5%, according to the National Election Commission. The figure reflects the six-day overseas voting period that ended on Sunday and saw the participation of 205,268 voters—the highest turnout abroad since the country introduced postal voting for presidential and legislative elections in 2012.
INDIA
Four workers died from asphyxiation after being sent into the septic tank of a jewellery shop in Jaipur on Monday without protective equipment, according to police. They had been tasked with removing sludge to retrieve gold and silver particles lost during washing. Initially reluctant, the workers agreed after being offered extra pay, officials added.
JAPAN
A weakening yen has caused Japan to lose its position as the world’s largest creditor nation for the first time in 34 years, overtaken by Germany. According to figures from the Finance Ministry, Japan’s gross external assets still rose by 12.9% year-on-year, exceeding 533 trillion yen (US$3.7 trillion) at the end of last year. However, this total was lower than Germany’s, now amounting to 569 trillion yen. China ranks third with over 516 trillion yen in external claims.
RUSSIA
Russia now ranks fifth in the world for number of US dollar billionaires, with 164 in total, according to Forbes—an increase of 20 in the past year. The United States leads with 902 billionaires, followed by China with 450 (excluding Hong Kong), India with 205, and Germany with 171. The richest Russian is oligarch Vagit Alekperov, worth $28.7 billion, while many of the new ultra-wealthy remain unknown to the general public.
KYRGYZSTAN
The first support centre for mothers and children in Kyrgyzstan has been inaugurated in Bishkek. Named Ene Uju (“Mother’s Home”), the centre was established with backing from the Mothers Home International Foundation (MHIF). It offers temporary safe shelter, psychological and legal assistance, help with retrieving documents, and support for social reintegration and job seeking.
