North Korea Claims 1.4 Million Young People Joined the Army This Week
Channel News Asia,
North Korean state media reported that around 1.4 million young people, including students and youth league officials, enlisted or returned to the army this week. These enlistments come amid heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula, with the recruits determined to engage in a “sacred war” against the enemy. Pyongyang’s military activities, including blowing up inter-Korean roads and rail lines, have prompted clashes with South Korea. Analysts warn that the enlistment surge could worsen the food situation in North Korea as it draws labor from the agricultural sector.
Seven Stateless Children Under Age 12 in Singapore; No Automatic Citizenship Granted
Straits Times,
As of December 31, 2023, seven stateless children under the age of 12 and 13 between the ages of 12 and 18 are living in Singapore. These children, born to foreign parents in Singapore who failed to secure their citizenship, constitute 2.3% of the total stateless population. Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam emphasized that Singapore does not automatically grant citizenship to children born in the country. Stateless individuals are not entitled to subsidized healthcare, education, or housing.
Chinese Stocks Nearing Correction as Market Optimism Fades
Bloomberg News,
Chinese stocks are nearing a correction as market optimism fades due to delays in stimulus rollouts. The CSI 300 Index fell 0.6%, pushing its decline to almost 10% since its high in early October. Despite initial boosts from central bank measures in September, traders are growing skeptical about Beijing’s willingness to deploy more resources to stimulate the economy. Market volatility remains high, with shares fluctuating as investors weigh the government’s next moves.
Bitcoin Exchange Reserves Hit New Low, Positive Outlook for HODLers
CryptoQuant,
Bitcoin exchange reserves have dropped to their lowest level this year, signaling bullish sentiment in the market. BTC recently broke through the $65K resistance level, driven by long-term holders who are increasingly unwilling to sell. This accumulation trend suggests expectations of further price gains, as lower exchange reserves reduce the likelihood of selling pressure. Over 38 million Bitcoin addresses have held the asset for more than a year, supporting a higher price trajectory.
Indonesia Bans iPhone 16 Sales Over Apple’s Failure to Meet Investment Targets
South China Morning Post,
Indonesia has blocked the sale of Apple’s iPhone 16, citing the company’s failure to meet local content regulations. The tech giant has yet to fulfill its investment commitments and renew its domestic component license (TKDN). Apple invested $95 million in Indonesia, falling short of its $110 million commitment. The iPhone 16, launched globally in September, remains unavailable in Indonesia, leaving eager consumers frustrated.
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