Asia Pacific

China to Introduce VAT on Condoms and Contraceptives in Unprecedented Move In a significant shift, China is poised to implement a value-added tax (VAT) on condoms and other contraceptive methods for the first time in thirty years. This decision emerges as part of broader efforts aimed at boosting the nation’s declining birthrate and modernizing its […]

Myanmar’s Junta Pursues Charges Against Over 200 Ahead of Controversial Elections In a bold move, Myanmar’s military government announced on Wednesday that it is taking legal action against more than 200 individuals for purportedly undermining forthcoming elections. This approach falls under newly introduced regulations that penalize any criticism relating to the electoral process. Human rights

A Lucky Find: Friends Discover Life-Changing Diamond in Central India On a chilly winter morning in Panna, a diamond-rich region of central India, two childhood friends made a remarkable discovery that they believe could transform their lives. Satish Khatik and Sajid Mohammed stumbled upon a stunning rock on a land parcel they had leased just

The Resilience of Ruapehu: Struggles and Survival in New Zealand’s Heartland For decades, New Zealand’s central Ruapehu region has been shaped by two significant forces—the majestic mountains and the thriving mills. Mount Ruapehu, known as the country’s largest active volcano, attracted both adventure-seekers and workers to its snowy slopes. Meanwhile, the local mills, notably those