New York City Battles Severe Air Pollution as Canadian Wildfire Smoke Persists
On Wednesday (June 7), New York City experienced the world’s worst air pollution, as smoke from Canadian wildfires continued to blanket the area. The city was enveloped in orange smog for the second consecutive day, prompting some residents to wear masks when venturing outdoors.
TikTok’s ByteDance Aims to Expand Global E-commerce Operations
ByteDance, the parent company of popular social media platform TikTok, has set its sights on significantly expanding its global e-commerce operations. The company aims to achieve $20 billion in merchandise sales this year by focusing on expansion in Southeast Asia.
Ukrainian President Accuses Russian Forces of Obstructing Flood Relief Efforts
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian forces of targeting Ukrainian rescue workers who were providing assistance to flood victims. The floods were caused by the damaged Nova Dam in Kakhovka. Zelensky condemned the deliberate obstruction of relief efforts during this challenging time.
Terraform Labs Founder Faces Potential Lifetime Imprisonment
South Korean prosecutors have stated that Do Kwon, the founder of Terraform Labs, is likely to face a lifetime behind bars. Initially imprisoned in his hometown of South Korea, Kwon will also face incarceration in the United States.
Japan’s GDP Growth Exceeds Expectations
Japan’s Cabinet Office announced that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 2.7% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2023. This figure surpasses the initial estimates of a 1.6% growth and indicates a robust recovery driven by increased corporate spending, providing further evidence of a resurgence in domestic demand.
Reserve Bank of India Maintains Repo Rate at 6.5%
During its meeting today, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to keep its repo rate, the policy rate, unchanged at 6.5%. This decision aligns with market expectations and marks the second consecutive meeting without any adjustments to interest rates.
Mike Pence Criticizes Trump’s Role in Capitol Attack
Former US Vice President Mike Pence criticized Donald Trump during his Republican candidate campaign for the 2024 presidential election. Pence denounced Trump’s involvement in the mob attack on the US Capitol in 2021, expressing his disapproval of the events that unfolded.
US, Taiwan, and Japan to Share Maritime Patrol Drone Data
According to sources cited by the Financial Times, the United States, Taiwan, and Japan are planning to share real-time data obtained from maritime patrol drones. This move indicates an increasing desire for enhanced cooperation in response to potential Chinese aggression targeting Taiwan.
Indonesia’s President Urges Malaysia to Collaborate on Palm Oil Exports
President Joko Widodo of Indonesia called for increased cooperation with Malaysia to combat discrimination against palm oil products. This comes in response to a new European Union (EU) law that poses risks to both countries’ exports of palm oil products.
South Korea Stands Firm in Support of Chip Industry Amid US-China Tensions
South Korean President Yun Seok-Yeol affirmed the nation’s commitment to supporting its chip industry, characterizing the competition in this sector as a “full-scale war” amid escalating US-China tensions. South Korea aims to maintain its leadership in memory chips, promote systematic semiconductor development, and secure essential resources, equipment, and labor.