South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun revealed that North Korean soldiers are being used as "cannon fodder" by Russia in the war against Ukraine due to their lack of preparation for modern warfare, such as drone strikes. According to Lee, who was briefed by South Korea's spy agency, many North Korean soldiers have been wounded or killed on the battlefield. In some cases, they have even been ordered to commit suicide rather than be captured by enemy forces. For example, a North Korean soldier was reportedly killed after attempting to blow himself up with a grenade when he was in danger of being captured by Ukrainian forces. This trend is seen as a sign of the regime's emphasis on loyalty and self-sacrifice, particularly for soldiers who have families left behind at home.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1964127/north-koreas-suicide-squad-is-a-new-problem-for-ukraine-against-russiaThe price of petroleum products in the region is expected to surge due to rising international oil prices, which have increased to $81 per barrel, their highest level since August 2024. This hike is attributed to US sanctions on oil exports to China and India, as well as concerns over the impact of US shipping restrictions on Russian oil supplies. As a result, kerosene prices are likely to increase by Rs4.98 per litre, while light diesel oil (LDO) may rise by Rs6.20 per litre.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1272405-hike-in-petrol-price-by-rs3-53-litre-diesel-by-rs3-66-likelyJapan has appointed a new ambassador to the Mission of Japan to NATO in an effort to strengthen security ties between Japan and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as well as promote cooperation among the Indo-Pacific region, Europe and the Atlantic region. Osamu Izawa, who previously served as ambassador to Senegal, Cabo Verde and Gambia, has taken on the new role. This move follows the decision to end concurrent service by Japanese Ambassador to Belgium Masahiro Mikami in this position.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/01/16/japan/nato-japan-independence/The Spanish maritime rescue service received warnings from NGOs about a missing boat carrying migrants, but could not confirm if it was the same vessel that capsized off the coast of Morocco, resulting in the deaths of several Pakistani nationals. The Crisis Management Unit (CMU) at Pakistan's Foreign Ministry was activated to provide assistance to the affected individuals and their families. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed his condolences for the victims and directed relevant authorities to submit a detailed report on the incident. He also emphasized that strict action would be taken against those involved in human trafficking. The incident is part of a larger issue, as 10,457 migrants died attempting to reach Spain in 2024, with many attempting to cross the Atlantic route from West African countries such as Mauritania and Senegal to the Canary Islands.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40343075/at-least-44-pakistani-migrants-feared-dead-in-attempt-to-cross-to-spainAurangzeb, a representative from Pakistan, suggests that Pakistani companies could benefit from listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange through joint ventures with local firms. He notes that this would be a "win-win" for both Pakistan and Hong Kong, as it would attract investment back into Pakistan while also promoting outward investment. Aurangzeb highlights that Pakistani companies have traditionally listed on the London Stock Exchange due to a lack of awareness about Hong Kong's reputation for international capital raising.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1272418-aurangzeb-eyes-joint-ventures-with-hong-kongPunjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan met with Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shui Chi at the Governor's House on January 15, 2025, to discuss strengthening bilateral ties between Pakistan and Japan in areas such as agriculture, economy, and culture. The governor highlighted Pakistan's fertile land and favorable climate, which makes its fruits and vegetables renowned globally, and expressed interest in Japanese cooperation in agriculture. He also invited Japanese companies to explore economic opportunities in sectors like the automobile industry. Additionally, Khan emphasized the importance of exchanging business and cultural delegations between the two countries to expand bilateral relations. The ambassador noted that around 80 Japanese companies are operating in Pakistan and expressed a desire to promote people-to-people contacts and increase trade and cultural exchanges between Japan and Pakistan.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1272664-governor-japanese-envoy-discuss-bilateral-tiesPakistan's Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Japan's assistance in various areas including diplomacy, economy, and technology. He encouraged Japanese investors to consider investing in Pakistan, particularly in manufacturing and production sectors that could boost the country's export capabilities.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40343102/japan-envoy-calls-on-aurangzebPakistani warship PNS YAMAMA recently visited Turkiye to strengthen bilateral relations and reaffirm defence ties between the two countries. During the visit, a range of professional and social activities were conducted, including leadership engagements and visits to Turkish Naval facilities. The Deputy Commander of the Turkish Naval Fleet, Vice Admiral Ibrahim Ozden Kocer, also visited PNS YAMAMA to receive a briefing on its capabilities. Additionally, the ship participated in the Turkish Navy Exercise MAVI VATAN-2025.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1272330-newly-commissioned-pn-ship-yamama-visits-turkish-naval-basesPete Hegseth, a nominee for Secretary of Defense under President-elect Donald Trump, struggled with basic geopolitical questions during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) expressed her surprise and frustration when Hegseth was unable to answer a simple question about the number of countries in the Alliance of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which consists of 10 member states, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore.
https://www.rawstory.com/pete-hegseth-tammy-duckworth/