Why Did Japan Cut Funding to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women? – The Diplomat

China has executed four Canadians over drug-related convictions, worsening tensions between the countries, according to Canada's foreign affairs minister Mélanie Joly. The executions were condemned by Canada, with efforts still ongoing to seek clemency for other Canadians facing similar situations. The move comes amid deteriorating relations between the two nations, further strained by previous arrests and diplomatic disputes. Full Article

The IOC is moving into the future with strong support for the new president, Kirsty Coventry, despite Sebastian Coe being seen as a disruptor candidate. Coe, a former Olympic champion, took his defeat gracefully, acknowledging the fair election process. The major challenge ahead for Coventry will be addressing the return of Russia to the Olympic fold after their athletes competed under a neutral banner in Paris due to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Full Article

Elle Bullen, Partner and Executive Creative Director at Bullfrog Australia, faced cancer during her successful career in 2019 but made a comeback in 2022, leading her team to a 60% increase in new business wins and initiating projects to support women-owned start-ups and challenge toxic wellness misconceptions. Bullen's part-time role at Bullfrog has promoted a more flexible and gender-balanced workplace, where 21% of the team works part-time, allowing more women to hold senior positions and...

We have selected five Trending in China stories from the past seven days that resonated with our readers. A 103-year-old woman in China passed away after waiting for her husband's return for over 80 years. A Chinese woman, who survived being pushed off a cliff by her husband, shared that her IVF newborn is battling congenital heart disease. Additionally, a fully automated noodle shop in China prepares orders in 48 seconds for just US$1.4, with...

Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis has secured a deal with Hanwha Ocean for two very large crude carriers, with deliveries scheduled for 2027. The agreement includes an option for an additional newbuild, costing approximately $125m each. Marinakis-controlled Capital also has six LNG dual-fuel VLCCs under construction at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co, with deliveries expected until 2028. Full Article

The Jakarta Composite Index experienced a sharp decline on March 18 due to rising state debt and economic policies by President Prabowo, prompting a 30-minute trading halt. Analysts attribute the market crisis to a combination of domestic issues eroding investor confidence, urging immediate recovery measures. Concerns over expensive government programs, debt in construction SOEs, and capital outflows have contributed to Indonesia's capital market instability, with the IHSG falling by 13% year-to-date in 2025. Full Article