Khan Supporter Continue to Clash with Police in Pakistan

Supporters of Former Prime Minister Imran Khan persisted outside his home in the eastern city of Lahore and clashed with Pakistan's Police on Wednesday, a day after officers went to arrest him for failing to appear in court on graft charges.

The police operation triggered clashes between Khan's supporters and police in the country's major cities,  including Karachi, Islamabad, The Garrison City of Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta  , and Elsewhere in Pakistan.

For the past 18 hours, police were firing tear gas at the house, as the seventy year old opposition leader's supporters hurled rocks and bricks at the officers. The upscale area of zaman park where Khan lives was under siege since Tuesday.

The government was sending additional police to tackle the situation after hundreds of khan's supporters showed unexpected perseverance.

Early Wednesday, Khan emerged from his house to meet with his supporters, who faced tear gas and police baton the whole night, to save him from arrest, he said, he was ready to travel to Islamabad on March 18 under his arrest warrant, but police did not accept the offer.

Indonesians's Natural Disaster

Heavy rains that continue pouring in many locations across Indonesia have caused floods and landslides, including a landslide in Bogor, West Java after high-intensity rains poured from Tuesday night to morning hours on Wednesday.

500 Days Countdown to 2024 Paris Olympics

French President Emmanuel Macron, launched the 500-day countdown, to the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics on Tuesday. Bringing the public up to date, with his government’s hopes for the games.

Macron addressed hundreds of officials, in a speech of thanks at The Paris Police Headquarters.

In the speech and on Twitter, Macron thanked the 45,000 volunteers, mobilizing to make the games a success, and again trumpeted the 5,000 new sports grounds that are in the works.

Macron also made reference, to the ambitious 1.4 billion euro scheme, to clean the polluted waters of Paris’ main river artery.

Several events are to be held in the seine, including the 10-kilometer swimming marathon, in a mirror of The First Paris Olympics in 1900. The Paris games’ budget is at 4.4 billion euros, according to an Elysee official. 

Ticket sales are a substantial part of the revenues. More than three million tickets were sold, which has made Macron confident, that securing the funds for The Paris games is on track.

Global Market Analysis

Now let's take a look at the global stock markets, which saw some bounce back and recoveries, after sharp drops on Tuesday, following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. First, let's start in the Asia Pacific region.

Stock markets were mostly higher in Asia today, in Japan, the nikkei 225 was up by 0,03%, in Hong Kong, the hang seng index gained by 1,5%, and in South Korea, the Kospii ndex also gained by 1,3%.

Asian markets bounced back on Wednesday, as investors were optimistic that the contagion risk from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank could be contained. With that let's move on to The US, where markets also rebounded last night.

This is on Tuesday in The US, the dow jones index gained by 1% one percent, the s&p 500 was also up by 1,6%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq rose by 2,1%.

During pre-market trading, a slew of banking shares also rose, as investors are growing optimistic that the fallout from Silicon Valley Bank can be contained.

Earlier this week, The US Government took emergency measures to protect all the deposits at the bank, and ensure customers can have full access to their funds.

Now let's move on to Europe, where markets were trending lower, as banking stocks were still in negative territory.

Here are some of the market numbers in Europe as of 9:29 AM London time on Wednesday. At that time, The German setra dax was down by 0,6%, while The London FTSE 100, was also down by 0,9%.

Unlike The US and Asia, sentiment among banking shares was still low, on early Wednesday, banking stocks were trading 3% lower.

Trescon World Cybersecurity Summit

Series to Influence Future Talks on Climate Change

In our top entertainment news tonight, Apple tv+'s 'Extrapolations' will influence future conversations about climate change, while Lindsay Lohan announces pregnancy on Instagram. And at the ‘Boston Strangler’ premiere, Keira Knightley and Carrie Coon are delighted the film didn’t glorify the killer.

Bangkok Standoff

Thai Police on Wednesday, detained a senior police officer, who fired multiple gunshots from his home in Bangkok, ending a standoff of over 24 hours after his colleagues tried to take him, to be treated for mental illness. 

The Gunman, identified as kiti-karn sangbun, was taken to hospital on Wednesday for an injury after the ordeal. There is no detail on kitikarn's injury and how it was obtained but said no others were injured.

Superintendent of Sai Mai Police Station in Bangkok, Police Colonel Rangsan Sornsing said, that kitikarn’s crazed episode began on Tuesday morning. His superior officer was going to take him to be treated at a mental institute but the situation got out of hand.

Police evacuated and cordoned off the area surrounding kitikarn’s home as they tried several methods to apprehend him.

Indonesian Government Monitoring Fallout of Silicon Valley Bank Collapse

The collapse of the 16th largest bank in The US, Silicon Valley Bank, has rocked the global financial market and pushedgovernmentss to heighten caution. 

Indonesia's Minister of Finance said, that The Indonesian government will continue to monitor the situation, as she admitted that the SVB's collapse has raised fear levels in the markets and could have a contagion effect.

PPATK Clarifies Claim of IDR300 T Money Laundering at Finance Ministry

Earlier this week, The Indonesian coordinating Minister of Political Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD said, that Rp300 trillion of suspicious transactions in The Ministry of Finance, were potential acts of money laundering.

But now,  in a stunning turnaround, The Financial transaction reports and analysis center (PPATK) said that the Rp300 trillion had nothing to do with corruption or money laundering.

Walking hand in hand with The Minister of Finance, Indonesia's coordinating Minister of Political Legal and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, shocked the nation last Saturday. When he said that money laundering worth Rp300 trillion, potentially took place at the Indonesia Ministry of Finance.

But now, in a stunning turn of events, The Head of The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center, Ivan Yustiavanda, said that Rp300 trillion of suspicious transactions were not tied to corruption or money laundering.

Meanwhile, during the press conference held last Saturday, Indonesia's Finance Minister Sri Mulyani admitted that reports she received from The PPATK had no mention, of the Rp300 trillion, That minister Mahfud said potentially involved money laundering in The Finance Ministry.

Minister Mahfud MD, who is also head of the Indonesian Committee on Money Laundering, said he received 197 reports of suspicious transactions from 2009 to 2023, involving 467 Finance Ministry Employees, worth Rp300 trillion. According to Mahfud, since 2009, no action has been taken on those reports of suspicious transactions.

On the other hand, The Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani, said she received 266 reports of suspicious transactions, from 2007 to 2023, that involved 964 Finance Ministry Employees.

Sri Mulyani said, that action has already been taken, on all of those reports, including 126 audits and disciplinary actions against 352 employees.

But following the case of Rafael Alun, who was removed from his high ranking position at the tax directorate general office for tax evasion and suspicions of money laundering, perhaps only time and a more detailed investigation can truly reveal the truth behind the matter.

Series to Influence Future Talks on Climate Change

In our top entertainment news tonight, Apple tv+'s 'Extrapolations' will influence future conversations about climate change, while Lindsay Lohan announces pregnancy on Instagram. and at the ‘Boston Strangler’ premiere, Keira Knightley and Carrie Coon are delighted the film didn’t glorify the killer.

Indonesians's Natural Disaster

Heavy rains that continue pouring in many locations across Indonesia have caused floods and landlsides, including a landslide in Bogor, West Java after high intensity rains poured since Tuesday night to morning hours on Wednesday

Bangkok Standoff

Thai Police on Wednesday, detained a senior police officer, who fired multiple gunshots from his home in Bangkok, ending a standoff of over 24 hours after his colleagues tried to take him, to be treated for mental illness. 

The Gunman, identified as kiti-karn sangbun, was taken to hospital on Wednesday for an injury after the ordeal. There is no detail on kitikarn's injury and how it was obtained but said no others were injured.

Superintendent of Sai Mai Police Station in Bangkok, Police Colonel Rangsan Sornsing said, that kitikarn’s crazed episode began on Tuesday morning. His superior officer was going to take him to be treated at a mental institute but the situation got out of hand.

Police evacuated and cordoned off the area surrounding kitikarn’s home as they tried several methods to apprehend him.

Israel Releases Fuad Shubaki After 17 Years in Ashkelon Prison

83-year-old Fuad Shubaki, the oldest Palestinian prisoner in Israel's Ashkelon Jail, was released on Monday, after serving a 17-year sentence for arms smuggling. He then visited the tomb of late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat in Ramallah.

Young children waved the flag of The Fatah Movement, while women proudly sported t-shirts with the face of a young Shubaki printed on them

Among the crowd were Mahmoud Aloul Vice President of the Fatah movement, and Tawfiq Tirawi. These two figures were often described as possible successors to recent Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas. 

Shubaki is actually a senior member of the Fatah Movement. He was arrested by Palestinian security forces in 2002 at the height of the second intifada.  

He was accused of attempting to smuggle weapons from Iran to Gaza aboard the Karine a ship, which was seized by Israel in the red sea. The Israel Military claimed the ship was carrying 50 tonnes of weapons. 

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani visited the west bank and met with his Palestinian counterpart riad malki in Ramallah.

During a joint press conference, Palestinian Foreign Minister, Riad Malki Told Tajani about the violence committed by Israel settlers, by soldiers everywhere in the occupied Palestinian territory

While Tajani reiterated Italy is in favor of a two states solution. By underlining it as a fair and sustainable solution, that has to be negotiated by the parties.

Al Ittihad Eliminates Al Feiha in The Saudi King's Cup

Al Ittihad is through to the semi-finals of The Saudi King's Cup after eliminating defending champions, Al Feiha following a penalty shoot-out on Monday.

It was not too big a surprise, given that Nuno Espirito Santo's men in The Saudi League were 24 points ahead of 11th-placed Al Feiha. In a game of few clear chances, Haroune Camara gave Al Ittihad a 16th-minute lead. Ricardo Ryller leveled, five minutes into first half injury time. 

After Ahmed Bamasoud had made it 4-3 to Al Ittihad in the shootout, Marcelo Grohe proved the hero, saving Mohammed Al Baqawi's effort.

Papuan Criminal Armed Group's Terror

A criminal armed group allegedly burned a private elementary school, Metanoia Dekai, operated by Christian Educational Foundation (YPK) in Yahukimo Regency, Papua, Indonesia on Monday. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far due to the incident.

A spokesperson for Papua Police Senior Commissioner Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo said, police have been investigating the case to further.

From the crime scene, police found a brown chisel tool, a piece of blue fabric that has been burned, a bottle of drinking water containing fuel, a door latch, and a log in a charred state. A day earlier, a criminal armed group was firing on a light cargo plane, operated by Trigana Air, in the regency. No casualties have been reported from the incident.
   
According to Ignatius, the situation in the regency is still conducive, following the shooting and the burning incidents, adding that police continue to improve the security there.

Blackpink's Jakarta Concert

At least 130 thousand Blink, that's the way Blackpink's fans are called, flocked to  Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Saturday and Sunday to watch the Korean-pop girl band performance on their "Blackpink World Tour" concert.

Over one thousand security personnel were deployed to ensure the two-day concert went well.

Blink came from all over Indonesia to watch their idol. Blackpink in their concert in Jakarta consists of Lisa, Jisoo, Jeanie, and Rose and they performed together as a band or solo.

Blink who flocked to the Jakarta stadium sang and danced together with their idols with enthusiasm. Gelora bung karno stadium was pink.

Deadly Violences Continue in Myanmar

Human right situations and violence in Myanmar are getting worse in recent times, as more civilians killed. 

Myanmar's Military government has denied reports, that its troops carried out a mass killing of civilians, instead blaming pro-democracy resistance groups of being responsible for the deaths of over 20 people, including three Buddhist monks and a woman.

Members of armed resistance groups had said, that bodies of the victims were found in the compound of a Buddhist monastery late Saturday.

The military government's strict control of travel and information makes it difficult to verify such incidents. Exactly what happened Saturday morning is unclear, but the aftermath was documented in photos and video.

Papuan Criminal Armed Group's Terror

A criminal armed group allegedly burned a private elementary school, Metanoia Dekai, operated by Christian Educational Foundation (YPK)  in Yahukimo Regency, Papua, Indonesia on Monday. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far due to the incident.

A spokesperson for Papua Police Senior Commissioner Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo said police have been investigating the case to further.

From the crime scene, police have found a brown chisel tool, a piece of blue fabric that has been burned, a bottle of drinking water containing fuel, a door latch and a log in a charred state.

A day earlier, a criminal armed group was firing a light cargo plane, operated by Trigana Air, in the regency. No casualties have been reported from the incident.
   
According to Iganatius, the situation in the regency is still condusive, following the shooting and the burning incidents, adding that police continue to improve the security there.

Thousands of Citizens Rallied in Support of Ex-Pakistan P.M. Imran Khan

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, rallied thousands of supporters in Eastern Pakistan on Monday, as courts in the capital of Islamabad, issued two more arrest warrants for him for failing to appear before judges in graft and terrorism cases, officials said.

Monday's rally was taking place in the Eastern City of Lahore, where Khan now lives. Khan's supporters threw rose petals at a convoy carrying him to the Lahore rally, which swelled to more than 5,000.

Security was ramped up and hundreds of police were deployed to the city for Monday's Rally, which authorities permitted. Later, Khan from his bullet-proof vehicle addressed supporters, saying he will hold an election rally in the city's spacious public park on Sunday.

He denounced Wednesday's police crackdown against his planned rally in Lahore, saying he will never forget the killing of one of his supporters who died in police custody after being arrested.

Since his ouster last April in a no-confidence vote in parliament, Khan has routinely ignored arrest warrants and court summons in a string of cases against him, claiming they are a plot by the government of his successor, prime minister Shahbaz Sharif, to discredit his campaign.

Oscars Reactions in Indian

Students of an art school in Mumbai made paintings of "Naatu-naatu"’ and "’The Elephant Whisperers" to celebrate the win of two oscar awards.

M.m. Keeravani won best original song for his joyously energetic anthem "Naatu-naatu" from the film triple RRR. The music was composed by Keeravani and the lyrics were written by Chandrabose.

The dance anthem from the blockbuster Telugu-language action epic is the first from an Indian film to earn a nomination and win, and has dazzled audiences everywhere with its energetic tempo and choreography.

The three-hour maximalist action epic is one of India’s most expensive and top-grossing films of all time and pairs two of the country’s biggest stars: N.t. Rama Rao Jr. And Ram Charan.

It also quickly climbed u.s. Box-office charts. The massively popular song also won a golden globe award in January.

"The Elephant Whisperers" was also named best short documentary at Sunday night's ceremony in a first for an Indian production. The documentary follows the story of a couple in southern india who devote themselves to caring for an orphaned elephant and explores the bond between humans and animals.

Demonstrations Supporting Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, rallied thousands of supporters in Eastern Pakistan on Monday, as courts in the capital of Islamabad, issued two more arrest warrants for him for failing to appear before judges in graft and terrorism cases, officials said.

Monday's rally was taking place in the Eastern City of Lahore, where Khan now lives. Khan's supporters threw rose petals at a convoy carrying him to the Lahore rally, which swelled to more than 5,000.

Security was ramped up and hundreds of police were deployed to the city for Monday's Rally, which authorities permitted. Later, Khan from his bullet-proof vehicle addressed supporters, saying he will hold an election rally in the city's spacious public park on Sunday.

He denounced Wednesday's police crackdown against his planned rally in Lahore, saying he will never forget the killing of one of his supporters who died in police custody after being arrested.

Since his ouster last April in a no-confidence vote in parliament, Khan has routinely ignored arrest warrants and court summons in a string of cases against him, claiming they are a plot by the government of his successor, prime minister Shahbaz Sharif, to discredit his campaign.

Jill Biden Beri Penghargaan untuk Wanita Hebat dari Berbagai Negara

Istri Presiden Amerika Serikat, Jll Biden, memberikan apresiasi kepada sekelompok wanita di seluruh dunia, karena telah menunjukkan keberanian saat memperjuangkan hak-hak mereka. Jill Biden juga meminta para pria untuk bermitra dengan wanita dan mendukung mereka dalam perjuangannya.

Pada pertemuan yang diadakan dalam rangka hari perempuan internasional, Jill Biden dan Menteri Luar Negeri Amerika Serikat, Antony Blinken memberikan penghargaan ke 11 orang wanita.

Kesebelas wanita tersebut berasal dari berbagai negara di antaranya Afganistan, Argentina, Republik Afrika Tengah, Kosta Rika, Ethiopia, Yordania, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Polandia dan Ukraina.

Gelaran International Women of Courage Award telah diselenggarakan sejak 2007. Penghargaan ini diberikan pada perempuan yang menunjukkan keberanian, kekuatan dan kepemimpinan yang luar biasa dalam berbagai bidang. Lebih dari 180 wanita di 80 negara telah menerima penghargaan ini.

Pembatasan Dicabut, Shanghai Disney Resort Kembali Dibuka

Akun WeChat Shanghai Disney Resort mengumumkan pembukaan kembali salah satu resort terpopuler Disney tersebut secara bertahap pada 6 Maret 2023. 

Para pengunjung Shanghai Disney Resort kini bisa kembali melakukan interaksi jarak dekat dengan karakter-karakter Disney, mulai dari berfoto bersama, berjabat tangan, hingga berpelukan. 

Sementara, pembukaan kembali sesi tanda tangan dan pengalaman makan bersama karakter Disney masih menunggu pemberitahuan selanjutnya.

Atasi Ancaman Nuklir Korut, Korsel Perbaiki Hubungan dengan Jepang

Pemerintah Korea Selatan berencana mengumpulkan dana sipil lokal sebagai kompensasi bagi warga Korsel yang diperbudak selama Perang Dunia II.

Presiden Korsel Yoon Suk-yeol memutuskan bahwa hal ini dalam rangka memperbaiki hubungan dengan Jepang, serta memperkuat kerja sama keamanan trilateral Seoul-Tokyo-Washington untuk mengatasi ancaman nuklir Korut.

Rencana tersebut memicu ketidakpuasan di kalangan masyarakat Korea Selatan yang menilai bahwa Jepang adalah negara agresor dalam Perang dunia kedua dan telah membuat banyak rakyat Korsel menderita. 

Massa mendesak pemerintah untuk meminta kompensasi dari pemerintah atau perusahaan Jepang, dan mendistribusikannya kepada masyarakat Korsel.

Peluncuran Perdana Roket H3 Milik Jepang Gagal

Tanegashima Space Center Jepang melakukan peluncuran roket H3, Selasa (7/3/2023) pukul 10.37 waktu setempat. Awalnya peluncuran tersebut tampak sukses, pemisahan tahap pertama berjalan sesuai rencana, namun setelah itu muncul tanda-tanda masalah. 

Siaran langsung peluncuran sempat mengabarkan bahwa kecepatan roket yang meluncur mengalami penurunan, dan mereka tidak dapat mengkonfirmasi pengapian mesin tahap kedua. Pusat komando peluncuran roket pun memerintahkan perintah penghancuran roket H3, karena misi tidak mungkin terselesaikan. 

H3 adalah roket baru penerus H2A, dengan panjang sekitar 63 meter, dan dikembangkan oleh Badan Ruang Angkasa Jepang (JAXA) bersama Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 9 tahun silam dengan menelan biaya lebih dari 200 miliar yen, serta merupakan roket terbaru yang dikembangkan oleh Jepang dalam sekitar 30 tahun terakhir. 

Dukung Industri Otomotif Indonesia, Jepang Kucurkan Bantuan Rp882 Miliar

Indonesia menerima bantuan dari Jepang sebesar Rp882 miliar untuk pembangunan fasilitas uji kelayakan kendaraan. Fasilitas ini diperlukan untuk mengembangkan industri otomotif nasional, agar mampu bersaing di pasar global.

Indonesia melalui PT Indonesia International Automotive Proving Ground menerima bantuan dana dari Japan Bank for International Corporation (JBIC) sebesar Rp882 miliar. Penandatanganan loan agreement tersebut berlangsung di kantor JBIC di Tokyo, Jepang.

Penandatanganan tersebut disaksikan langsung Menteri Perhubungan Budi Karya Sumadi dan Wakil Ketua DPR RI sekaligus Ketua Perhimpunan Persahabatan Indonesia-Jepang Rachmat Gobel. 

PT Gobel Internasional dan Hutama Karya menjadi pemimpin konsorsium proyek pembangunan infrastruktur pendukung dan pembangunan fasilitas uji kelayakan kendaraan. Proyek ini diharapkan mampu menjadikan Indonesia sebagai produsen otomotif bertaraf internasional yang mampu bersaing di pasar global.

Kasus Influenza di Tiongkok Meningkat

Kasus influenza di Tiongkok mengalami peningkatan yang cukup masif. Di Beijing, terjadi peningkatan kasus influenza sebesar 78% dibanding pada 2019. Para ahli mengatakan kasus influenza meningkat pesat saat musim dingin dan musim semi. 

Pikat Wisatawan Indonesia, Taiwan Promosikan Sertifikasi Makanan dan Minuman Halal

Biro Wisata Taiwan ikut serta dalam pemeran Astindo Travel Fair yang digelar di Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) BSD.  Acara travel fair kali ini diikuti oleh 13 agen perjalanan dan maskapai asal Taiwan, yang menawarkan berbagai item pariwisata Taiwan. 

Untuk menarik kunjungan wisatawan Indonesia ke Taiwan, pada 11 November 2022 lalu Biro Pariwisata Taiwan telah memperbarui “Program Guan Hong” guna mempermudah prosedur pengajuan visa wisata ke Taiwan.

Selain itu, sejak perbatasan Taiwan kembali dibuka pada 13 Oktober 2022, jumlah wisatawan Indonesia yang berkunjung ke Taiwan pada 2022 telah mencapai 78.162 orang, atau 135,57?ri angka yang ditargetkan Biro Pariwisata Taiwan.

Indonesia merupakan negara dengan populasi muslim terbanyak di dunia, karena itu, Taiwan terus mempromosikan sertifikasi makanan dan minuman halal guna semakin menarik wisatawan muslim untuk merasakan sendiri keindahan Taiwan. Sejauh ini sudah ada lebih dari 300 rumah makan dan hotel di Taiwan yang telah memperoleh sertifikat halal. 

Badai Salju di Kroasia Mengganggu Arus Lalu Lintas

Ratusan orang di Kroasia menghabiskan malam di mobil atau di kafe dan pusat penampungan setelah badai salju sejak akhir pekan. Hal ini menyebabkan kemacetan lalu lintas dan membuat beberapa bagian negara terputus.

Perubahan cuaca secara tiba-tiba sejak akhir pekan lalu, mengganggu lalu lintas di negara tetangga Serbia dan Bosnia. Hal ini menyebabkan sebagian besar wilayah di Serbia barat tanpa listrik dan memutus lalu lintas kereta api ke negara tetangga Montenegro.
 
Pihak berwenang Kroasia mengatakan, ruas jalan di garis Pantai Laut Adriatik tetap ditutup karena salju dan angin kencang. Layanan Kedaruratan Penyelamatan mengatakan, satu orang tewas dan beberapa lainnya terluka ketika sebuah bus Albania terbalik dalam kondisi bersalju.

Sementara itu, situasi paling dramatis terjadi bukan hanya di Kroasia saja, masalah juga dilaporkan terjadi di Serbia barat dan wilayah yang lebih tinggi di Bosnia.

4 Tersangka Mutilasi Model Hongkong Abby Choi Jalani Persidangan

Empat tersangka pembunuhan disertai mutilasi terhadap seorang model asal Hong Kong, Abby Choi, menjalani persidangan. Keempat tersangka adalah mantan suami korban serta mertuanya.

Dalam persidangan, mantan suami, ayah mertua, dan kakak ipar Choi didakwa melakukan pembunuhan terhadap Abby Choi. Sementara ibu mertua Choi didakwa karena menghalangi penyelidikan.
 
Sebelumnya, potongan tubuh Abby Choi ditemukan di dalam panci berisi sup dan di dalam lemari es di salah satu rumah di Distrik Tao Pao pada 24 Februari lalu, setelah model itu dilaporkan hilang sejak dua hari sebelumnya. Kasus mutilasi ini membuat geger Hong Kong.
 
Sebelum tewas, Abby Choi sempat berselisih soal keuangan dengan mantan suami dan keluarganya.