Asia markets trade mixed as investors assess Tokyo CPI, China's industrial profit data

An Israeli settler, identified as Yinon Levy, fatally shot Palestinian teacher Odeh Hathaleen in Umm Al-Khair village during a confrontation involving a bulldozer from an Israeli settlement. Hathaleen, a co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, was known for his activism and was a father of three; Israeli police are investigating the incident, which has drawn international attention. Want More Context? 🔎

A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Russia's far east, triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific. Evacuations are underway in Japan's Hokkaido, with nearly two million people affected and waves expected to reach 10 feet, while Hawaii and China's eastern coast are also preparing for potential tsunami impacts. Want More Context? 🔎

The B.C. government faced backlash after rejecting a committee’s recommendation to cut funding for Brineura, a drug for a 10-year-old girl with Batten disease, prompting the resignation of 10 committee members. Premier David Eby acknowledged the need for a transparent review process to better serve patients and families, while Health Minister Josie Osborne reinstated the drug funding following public outcry. Want More Context? 🔎

Ghislaine Maxwell appealed to Congress for a pardon to testify about Jeffrey Epstein, stating she would invoke her Fifth Amendment right without immunity. Her attorney emphasized the need for a non-prison setting for truthful testimony, while the House Oversight Committee has ruled out granting her immunity for the testimony. Want More Context? 🔎

Joseph Lestrange, a former DHS official, explains that transnational gangs recruit straw buyers with clean records to purchase firearms legally, as seen in the case of Joly Germine of the 400 Mawozo gang, who orchestrated gun buys from jail to enhance his power in Haiti. Funded by kidnappings, Germine's operation involved sending $37,500 to the U.S. for gun purchases, leading to his extradition and guilty plea in 2024. Want More Context? 🔎

Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has publicly opposed the scheduled India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025, citing recent terrorist incidents as a key reason. His remarks come amidst heightened political tensions and military operations, questioning the appropriateness of hosting such a match while Operation Sindoor is ongoing, while Sourav Ganguly advocates for the continuation of sports despite the situation. Want More Context? 🔎