The State of Society
South Korea has long been one of the major countries sending children abroad for adoption. Official data shows that since 1955, nearly 170,000 infants have been adopted from South Korea, with 65% of them heading to the United States. The investigation into potential human rights issues in this process was launched in 2022, triggered by a petition from 367 South Korean adoptees from 11 countries, including the United States. They alleged that they had been wrongly registered as orphans for the purpose of adoption.more
Asian Finance Chiefs Warn of Global Economic Rifts from Trade Barriers
The finance ministers and central bank governors of Asian countries have sounded the alarm over the potential for trade barriers to fracture the global economy in a joint statement following the 28th ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting. The meeting, held in Milan, Italy, addressed global and regional macroeconomic situations and financial cooperation within the region.more
Israeli Military Claims to Have Killed Hamas Member in Air Strike on Nasser Hospital
On May 13th, the Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) jointly announced that they had carried out a targeted killing operation against a senior Hamas member. In an air strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Hassan Abdul - Fattah Muhammad Aslih, an important Hamas member, was killed. The Israeli military stated that this person had participated in the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th, 2023, and had long - term engaged in related work by posing as a journalist, planning and carrying out terrorist activities against Israeli military and civilians.more
US - China Tariff Cut Agreement Expected to Drive Up Freight Rates
The recent agreement between the US and China to cut trade tariffs is anticipated to lead to a rise in freight rates. This is because businesses from both countries are competing to take advantage of the 90 - day grace period to ship goods across the Pacific. In recent weeks, the rapid escalation of tariffs has caused a significant decline in freight volume. Last month, China's exports to the US decreased by 21%, and imports fell by nearly 14%. Maersk, the container giant, estimated last week that the bilateral trade volume between China and the US in April dropped by 30% to 40%.more
Carney Leads New Canadian Cabinet in Inauguration
Local time on May 13th, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney led his new cabinet to be sworn in at the Government House in Ottawa. The new cabinet consists of 28 ministers, reducing the number of ministers from 39 in the Trudeau era to 28, aiming for a more efficient operation.more
Switzerland’s Unusual Sunday Rule: The Ban on Outdoor Clothes Drying
In Switzerland, a seemingly mundane activity like hanging laundry outdoors on a sunny Sunday can lead to unexpected encounters. The country has a strict regulation that prohibits residents from drying their clothes outside on Sundays, turning a common household chore into a potential legal infraction.more
Singapore: Beware of Chewing Gum
Singapore is known for its strict laws and regulations, and one particular rule that visitors and locals alike need to be cautious about is the ban on chewing gum. Since 1992, chewing gum has been largely prohibited in this island nation.more
British Farmers Required to Provide Toys for Their Pigs
In a rather unique regulation in the United Kingdom, farmers are now obligated to provide toys for their pigs. This new requirement is part of a series of animal welfare measures aimed at ensuring the well - being of livestock.more
Durian Consumption Banned in Some Public Spaces in Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia
Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, despite being significant producers of the much - loved "king of fruits" - the durian, have imposed bans on consuming this unique fruit in certain public areas.more
What You Only Realize About Italian Etiquette and Dress Code After Visiting Italy
Question: What are some aspects of Italian etiquette and dress code that one might only become aware of after going to Italy?more
Cutting Cacti in Arizona: A Serious Offense with Severe Penalties
In the state of Arizona, USA, there is a rather unique and strict law regarding the protection of cacti. Unlawfully cutting cacti can lead to significant legal consequences.more
Hungarians Don't Clink Glasses When Toasting: A Historical Tradition
When traveling in Hungary, one will notice an interesting cultural quirk: Hungarians don't clink glasses when they toast. This tradition has deep historical roots.more