Thailand's Parliament elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra as their youngest Prime Minister, days after her father Thaksin Shinawatra was removed by a court order.
The 37-year-old Shinawatra received 319 votes, which is nearly two-thirds of the house. With this victory, she became the second female to hold the prime ministerial position after her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra.
In April 2023, she was formally nominated as one of the three prime minister candidates, along with Srettha Thavisin -the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand, and Chaikasem Nitisiri -the Minister of Justice in her aunt's cabinet. The brief political journey leaves Paetongtarn with limited to no administrative experience with an elected government position she has never held before. Previously she has been remarked to be inexperienced as she received backlash when she criticised the Bank of Thailand's independence as an "obstacle" to resolving economic problems.
Aug 16, 2024
Germany Joins United Nations Command in South Korea as 18th Member State
Germany's inclusion in the U.S.-led United Nations Command (UNC) in South Korea marked a significant expansion of the command's member states, now totalling 18 nations. This move underscores Berlin's commitment to global security, linking European stability to the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Established in 1950, the UNC was created to restore peace and enforce the Korean War armistice, serving as a communication channel with North Korea. The command, led by the U.S. military commander in South Korea, operates independently of the United Nations. The addition of Germany introduces new perspectives and resources, enhancing the command's expertise and capabilities.
China and North Korea, historical adversaries of the UNC, have criticized the command's role. North Korea has labelled the UNC as a U.S. tool for confrontation, while China has expressed concern over NATO's growing influence in Asia. Despite these tensions, Pistorius assured that Germany's involvement is committed to upholding a rules-based international order rather than provoking further unrest.
Aug 14, 2024
Japan Set for New PM as Kishida Bows Out as Party Leader
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will not seek re-election as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which he says needs a new start.
Kishida the LDP veteran is expected to step down as PM after the party elects a new leader in September.
Support for Kishida, who has been PM since 2021, has fallen in the wake of a corruption scandal involving his party, rising living costs and a slumping yen.
His approval ratings had plummeted to 15.5% last month - the lowest for a PM in more than a decade.
Aug 13, 2024
Two Deputy Governors of Bangladesh Bank Resign after Hasina's Exit
Days after the resignation of the Bangladesh Bank Governor, two Deputy Governors and the head of the Financial Intelligence Unit (BFUI) resigned following the directives from the interim government.
Additionally, an adviser to the central bank also submitted his resignation to the Governor.
Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder tendered his resignation, citing personal reasons.
Iran: Javad Zarif Resigns as Vice President
Iran's former Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, who played a pivotal role in negotiating the landmark 2015 nuclear deal, announced that he has resigned as the nation's Vice President for strategic affairs.
His resignation came less than two weeks after his appointment by Iran's newly elected reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Bangladesh's Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan tendered his resignation, five days after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's regime amid massive street protests and students marching towards the apex court demanding a revamp of the judiciary.
The judge revealed his decision after protesters of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement gathered at the apex court premises. The students had issued an ultimatum to him and the judges of the Appellate Division to resign.
Rwandan President Sworn in after 99% Election Win
Paul Kagame was sworn in for a fourth term as Rwanda's President after winning 99% of the vote in last month's election.
While some hail Mr. Kagame for bringing peace and stability to his country after the 1994 genocide, others accuse him of running a repressive regime in a country where ordinary people are afraid to openly criticise him.
Rights groups say the margin of his electoral victory is proof of the lack of democracy in Rwanda.
Only two candidates were allowed to stand against Mr. Kagame in the 15 July election.
In his four presidential elections, he has always gained at least 93% of the vote.
Several African heads of states were among the many thousands who attended the ceremony in the packed 45,000 capacity Amahoro National Stadium in the capital, Kigali.