ASIA

GUKESH DOMMARAJU: TEEN CHECKMATES CHESS HISTORY AT 18

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Indian prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju has officially turned the chessboard upside down, becoming the youngest world champion at the tender age of 18. While most 18-year-olds are worrying about college applications, Gukesh was busy outmaneuvering China's Ding Liren in a nerve-racking final. Talk about next-level multitasking!

UK AND US IMPOSE SANCTIONS ON KAMLESH PATTNI OVER GOLD SMUGGLING NETWORK

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The governments of the UK and US have imposed sanctions on Kamlesh Pattni, a British-Kenyan businessman, accused of involvement in a global illicit gold trade that fuels corruption, human rights abuses, and money laundering. In this crackdown, which freezes his assets and targets his business operations, implicate his wife, brother-in-law, and associates.

SOUTH KOREA'S PRESIDENT YOON SUK-YEOL VOWS TO FIGHT TO THE END FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AND UNITY

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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared he will "fight to the end" amid growing political turmoil following his controversial martial law declaration on December 3rd. The six-hour decree triggered massive protests and an impeachment process that continues to threaten his presidency.

CHINA'S LEADERS PLEDGE AN EASED 2025 MONETARY POLICY

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On Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other key leaders announced that they would take a more "relaxed" stance on monetary policy while discussing strategies to stimulate the economy in the coming year.

SOUTH KOREAN POLICE RAID PRESIDENT'S OFFICE

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Following President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt to impose martial law last week, South Korean police have done a raid on the presidential office in Seoul. While police have accessed the civil service offices, they are currently blocked from entering the main presidential building by security guards.

TOKYO TO INTRODUCE FOUR-DAY WORKWEEK FOR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AMID FALLING BIRTH RATES

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The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will implement a four-day workweek for its employees starting in April 2024, aiming to support working mothers and address Japan's record-low fertility rate. This initiative allows employees to enjoy three days off per week and reflects a broader push to improve work-life balance and encourage family growth.

SAUDI ARABIA SET TO HOST 2034 WORLD CUP

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Saudi Arabia has officially been named the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup following an uncontested bid. The announcement was made during an online FIFA Congress, marking the culmination of a swift 14-month process that saw the Gulf nation emerge as the sole candidate from the Asia and Oceania regions capable of hosting the expanded tournament, now featuring 104 matches.

SOUTH KOREA'S DEFENSE MINISTER RESIGNS AMID MARTIAL LAW CONTROVERSY

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South Korea is reeling from political turmoil as Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun steps down following backlash over his involvement in a short-lived declaration of martial law. President Yoon Suk Yeol accepted the resignation on Wednesday, nominating Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Choi Byung-hyuk as Kim's replacement.