INDIA – PAKISTAN
Tensions remain high as the military standoff between India and Pakistan continues, eliciting calls from the G7 and the United States for de-escalation. New Delhi and Islamabad have accused each other of striking military bases. The information released by the two countries continues to be contradictory. The Pakistani military, for example, says it has destroyed India’s S-400 defence systems, claims that India denies. Meanwhile, despite pressure from India, Pakistan has obtained a new loan from the International Monetary Fund.
BANGLADESH
Thousands of people gathered yesterday in front of the residence of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to demand the banning of the Awami League, the party of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country almost a year ago after widespread anti-government protests. Recently, another leader of the Awami League also left the country. Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser for the newly formed National Citizens' Party, said that the demonstrations would continue until their demands are met.
MYANMAR
For the first time since the 2021 coup, General Min Aung Hlaing, head of Myanmar's military junta, met yesterday with Chinese President Xi Jinping, in Moscow on the sidelines of Russia’s annual Victory Parade. According to Myanmar state media, Hlaing thanked China “for its support of Myanmar’s stance on regional and international fronts”.
INDONESIA
Jakarta civil servants must travel to work by public transit on Wednesdays, otherwise they risk not getting a promotion. The rule came into force on 30 April on the orders of Governor Pramono Anung, to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. “For anyone who violates this policy while I’m in charge for at least the next five years, don’t expect a promotion,” Pramono said yesterday. “We want this to become not just an order, but (also) a new lifestyle for employees. Public transportation is the future of Jakarta.”
JAPAN
The percentage of people who feel lonely in Japan has remained stable in recent years, at 39 per cent, a recent government survey shows. For the first time, the study analysed feelings of isolation with the use of smartphones. After the COVID-19 pandemic, a law was drafted – which came into force in April last year – that requires local governments to form regional groups made up of public and private sector organisations to promote measures to help those in need.
KAZAKHSTAN – UNITED STATES – PALESTINE
A group of Kazakh students in the US had their visas revoked for participating in pro-Palestine protests, and were put on the list of foreigners to be repatriated, but Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Akan Rakhmetullin urged them “not to panic; the situation is still being assessed.”
RUSSIA
According to the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russia has restricted Internet access across several regions for its 9 May Victory Day celebrations on the grounds of "information security" regarding banking services, taxis, couriers, and public transit. This is seen as a test for the possible closing of the Russian part of the Internet to external connections, to be replaced by the long-awaited Runet, the Russia-centred Internet which has so far proved ineffective.
