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Tokyo Sees Unprecedented ¥4.5 Billion in Lost and Found Cash Returned to Authorities in 2024
Tokyo police reported a record 4.49 billion yen in lost cash in 2024, a 1.8 percent increase from the previous year, attributed to a surge in inbound tourists and lifted COVID-19 restrictions. The police received approximately 4.4 million items, including a significant amount of electronic equipment, with 3.2 billion yen returned to owners and 570 million yen given to finders, resulting in 660 million yen in metropolitan government revenue. Read the full story here
Russian Court Hands Down 19-Year Sentence to British National Who Fought for Ukraine
A British citizen, James Scott Rhys Anderson, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison in Russia on charges of terrorism and "mercenary activities". The 22-year-old was captured by Russian forces while fighting alongside the Ukrainian army and pleaded guilty in a closed-door trial, with the UK's Foreign Office condemning the sentencing as based on "false charges" and calling for Anderson to be treated as a prisoner of war. Read the full story here
Ottawa Stands Firm: Tariffs to Remain Until US Reciprocates with Total Lift
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will not lift retaliatory tariffs if US President Donald Trump leaves tariffs on Canada in place. A senior Canadian government official stated that Trudeau's government rejects a "middle ground" settlement in the trade war, where Canada would fully rescind its tariffs in return for a partial rollback of American tariffs. Read the full story here
Kiev Seeks Diplomatic Renewal with Washington Amid Intel Cooperation Halt
The United States has suspended intelligence sharing with Ukraine, dealing a blow to the country as it battles Russia's invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is working to contain the fallout from a tense meeting with US leader Donald Trump. Zelensky announced plans for new talks with the US, seeking security guarantees to deter future Russian invasions. The situation has sparked fears that Ukraine may be forced to accept a peace settlement favorable to Moscow, with…
Ukraine On Edge: Poland Sounds Alarm as Europe Faces Off Against Russia in Escalating Arms Race
American envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has spoken about the recent suspension of aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, stating it is a "push" to encourage diplomatic activities. Kellogg also mentioned that the US-Ukraine minerals deal would provide a "de facto security guarantee" and allow the US to receive a direct return on its investment in Ukraine, setting a foundation for a potential peace deal. Read the full story here
Middle East Divide: US and Israel Spurn Arab-Led Counterproposal for Gaza Revitalization
The US and Israel have rejected an Arab plan for the post-war reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, which aims to allow 2.1 million Palestinians to stay in place. The plan, endorsed by Arab leaders, proposes a temporary governance committee and international peacekeepers. The $53bn plan would rebuild Gaza over three phases, taking five years, and includes the construction of an airport, seaports, and an industrial zone, while also addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region.…
Beijing Boosts Military Spending with 7.2% Increase in 2023 Defense Allocation
China has announced a 7.2% increase in its defense budget, totaling approximately $245 billion, to support its military modernization efforts and assert its territorial claims in the region. The budget increase reflects China's ongoing efforts to expand its military capabilities, including the development of high-tech military technologies such as stealth fighters and aircraft carriers, as it seeks to challenge the U.S. defense lead in Asia and maintain control over Taiwan. Read the full story here
China Revolutionizes Quantum Computing with Unveiling of ‘Zuchongzhi 3.0’
China has launched quantum computing system, known as Zuchongzhi 3.0, setting a new benchmark in the field. The system boasts advanced computing capabilities and is expected to contribute significantly to the country's technological advancements. The Zuchongzhi 3.0 system has achieved a new level of quantum supremacy, demonstrating its potential to solve complex problems in various fields, including scientific research and data analysis. Read the full story here
Amidst Russian Onslaught, Trump Proposes ‘Beautiful’ Peace Plan to US Lawmakers
Russia launched a major missile and drone strike on Ukraine, with 181 drones and three missiles launched into the country. The Ukrainian air force shot down 115 drones and lost 55 without causing damage. The strike coincided with President Donald Trump's address to Congress, where he suggested a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine would be "beautiful." Ukrainian authorities reported damage to critical infrastructure, including a "massive" strike in the southern port city of…
Suicide Bombers Launch Deadly Assault on Pakistani Military Base, Claiming 12 Lives and Injuring Dozens
A suicide bombing attack occurred at a military base in northwestern Pakistan, resulting in at least 12 deaths and 30 injuries, according to local hospital officials. The attack, claimed by a group affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban, involved two suicide bombers breaching a wall at the base, followed by other attackers who were repelled, causing significant damage to nearby homes and a mosque. Read the full story here