- Japan’s Manufacturing Activity Shows Signs of Improvement: A survey by au Jibun Bank revealed that Japan’s manufacturing activity contracted but approached expansion in April. This suggests a potential improvement in Japan’s vital manufacturing sector after a period of stagnation.
- Australia’s Private Sector Sees Rapid Growth: S&P Global and Judo Bank reported that business activity in Australia’s private sector surged in April 2024, marking the fastest growth in two years. The manufacturing sector in the country also showed indications of nearing expansion.
- South Korea’s Producer Price Index Rises for Fourth Consecutive Month: The Bank of South Korea (BOK) released data indicating that South Korea’s Producer Price Index (PPI) increased for the fourth consecutive month in March, driven partly by rising prices of agricultural and industrial products.
- Meta Collaborates with Hardware Companies for Virtual Reality Glasses: Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced a collaboration with outside hardware firms, including Lenovo, Microsoft, and ASUS, to develop virtual reality glasses powered by the Meta Horizon operating system.
- Discovery of Mass Grave in Gaza: The Gaza Civil Defense Force revealed the discovery of a mass grave containing nearly 300 bodies at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, following Israel’s withdrawal from the area earlier this month.
- Helicopter Collision in Malaysia: The Royal Malaysian Navy reported a mid-air collision between two helicopters during a parade rehearsal at Lumut Naval Base in Perak state, resulting in 10 deaths.
- Japan to Address Volatile Forex Market: Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki announced measures to address the excessively volatile foreign exchange market, expressing readiness to use all available options as the yen continues to weaken.
- Clashes in Rakhine State, Myanmar: Fierce fighting erupted between the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar military forces in Rakhine State’s Thandwe District, near the popular tourist destination of Ngapali Beach.
- IEA Forecasts Strong Growth in EV Sales: The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts strong growth in electric vehicle (EV) sales in 2024, emphasizing affordability and charging infrastructure as crucial factors for market expansion.
- China Issues Rainstorm Warning: China issued its highest-level rainstorm warning for Guangdong Province in response to heavy rain and flooding, prompting the evacuation of over 100,000 people.
