Raj Patel

Public access to officials' SALNs takes effect November 15

Starting November 15, the public, including media, can request copies of statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALNs) of government officials held by the Office of the Ombudsman. This stems from Memorandum Circular 3 issued by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, restoring public access to these documents. The circular was published on October 31 and takes effect 15 days later.

Japan to discuss foreign nationals policy next week

31 oktober 2025 Raj Patel

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who has prioritized issues related to foreign nationals since taking office, plans to hold a ministerial meeting early next week to discuss policies on foreigners. The agenda includes tightening rules on land acquisition, strengthening immigration controls, and preventing tax evasion. These measures aim to address public anxiety over illegal activities without excluding foreigners.

Japan government holds first ministerial meeting on bear attacks

1 november 2025 Raj Patel

Japan's government has upgraded its bear attack response meetings from working-level to ministerial due to rising human injuries. The first such meeting took place at the Prime Minister's Office on Thursday, where Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara pledged enhanced extraordinary measures. Police and Self-Defense Forces will bolster support to address local personnel shortages.

TMC sets up voter camps as EC trains BLOs for West Bengal SIR

31 oktober 2025 Raj Patel

The Election Commission began training booth level officers in West Bengal for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, while the Trinamool Congress launched a parallel assistance operation amid accusations of voter deletions. Abhishek Banerjee directed party agents to monitor BLOs closely and set up thousands of help camps starting November 4. The Calcutta High Court admitted a petition seeking court-monitored SIR on October 31.

South Korea's October exports rise 3.6 percent to $59.57 billion

31 oktober 2025 Raj Patel

South Korea's exports grew 3.6 percent in October, marking five straight months of gains, driven by robust semiconductor demand despite a dip in U.S. shipments. The country recorded a trade surplus of $6.06 billion as imports fell 1.5 percent. Government data highlights strong performances in chips and ships.

Lpa outside par becomes tropical depression as November begins

1 november 2025 Raj Patel

The low pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) developed into a tropical depression at 2 a.m. on November 1, 2025. PAGASA reported it located 1,430 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao as of 4 a.m., moving westward. It is projected to enter the PAR as tropical storm Tino by Sunday morning or afternoon, November 2.

Grab launches P2P carpool program

Ride-hailing company Grab Philippines has launched a new transport solution in Metro Manila called Sabay Sakay, emulating the point-to-point system of premium buses and shuttle vans. It partners with the Department of Transportation for commuters in the Pasig-Makati corridor. The service starts with a flat fare of P80 and operates during peak hours.

Hawks claim Japan Series title after five years

31 oktober 2025 Raj Patel

The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks defeated the Hanshin Tigers 3-2 in Game 5 of the Japan Series, clinching the title 4-1. Yuki Yanagita's tying two-run homer and Isami Nomura's walk-off solo shot highlighted the game, securing the Hawks' first championship in five years and 12th in franchise history. Hotaka Yamakawa was named series MVP.

Police confirm no Chinese nationals in illegal mining in Sekotong

31 oktober 2025 Raj Patel

Indonesia's National Police Criminal Investigation Agency confirms no Chinese nationals are involved in illegal gold mining in Sekotong, West Lombok, NTB. The Forestry Ministry has cracked down on local illegal mining in the forest area. The police investigation, ongoing since August 2024, receives full support.