We humans have named storms for centuries, absolutely ninja-starring random labels at them like 'Beryl' (more a polite British aunt), 'Koinu' (puppy in Japanese) and 'Hildebrand' (one of many Aussie politicians disliked by an early local meteorologist — legend).
Read this storyNEW ZEALAND
China has imposed a year-long visit ban on four Kiwi lawmakers, citing their recent trip to Taiwan. (ABC)
UNITED STATES
After three failed attempts, the House has now passed a resolution to curb President Trump’s war powers against Iran. Meanwhile, Israel and Lebanon have announced a ceasefire, contingent on Hezbollah ceasing its attacks on Israeli forces. (NYT $)
ARGENTINA
Argentina has formally submitted an application to join the landmark CPTPP trade pact, delivering the paperwork to New Zealand’s trade minister in Paris. (TotalNews)
INDIA
Modi’s cabinet is set to approve major tax cuts for foreign investors in India’s government bonds, potentially slashing the current withholding tax from ~20% to as low as 5% while removing caps on certain long-dated bonds. (TOI)
UNITED STATES
President Trump’s new AI executive order has finally dropped, asking top AI firms to voluntarily give DC 30 days to review frontier models for cybersecurity risks before public release. (The Hill)
EGYPT
Egypt has rejected Syria’s nominee for ambassador to Cairo, citing concerns over his Islamist background. He was agriculture minister in the earlier rebel-held turf administration led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, the ex-Al Qaeda affiliate who ended up toppling the Assad regime to now run Syria. (Syrian Observer)
KYRGYZSTAN
The world elected five new members to a two-year term on the UN’s powerful Security Council yesterday, including Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad & Tobago, and Zimbabwe. Notable upsets included China/Russia-backed Kyrgyzstan scoring its first-ever win (over the West-backed Philippines), and European powerhouse Germany losing to the Austrians and Portuguese above. (UN News)
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2 June
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